Mid-Week Intermission Friend Edition: Matt Ott, Co-Founder of Sonic Guild
On January 18th, hundreds of music lovers will gather in Dell Hall for the 11th Annual Sonic Guild Ball, held for the very first time at the Long Center. An organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting artists in Austin’s music community, Sonic Guild will award $150,000 in grants to some of the best up-and-coming acts in Austin – who will show us what they’ve got with live performances at the event.
In this Mid-Week Intermission, we caught up with Sonic Guild Co-Founder Matt Ott (and LC’s new Director of Sales!) to hear more about the organization’s mission and what we can expect to see at Saturday night’s Ball.
Meet Matt Ott, Co-Founder of Sonic Guild
Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview – anything come to mind?
Matt Ott: “With a Little Help From My Friends”
Sonic Guild’s mission is to build community to support the creation and performance of new music. Austin’s music scene is the beating heart of our city. We believe that music is art and deserves the support of the community just as the opera, theater, and symphony have been supported for decades.
LC: So Sonic Guild – can you tell us what the organization does and what you do there?
Matt Ott: We are a member-based organization where people and sponsoring businesses come together to support Austin’s music economy and the musicians who play here. We identify the best-up-and coming musicians and provide them with performance opportunities, advisory services, and financial support to help them advance their careers and create & perform extraordinary music. Over the past decade we have distributed over six million dollars to support Austin’s music scene.
LC: How did it all start and how has it grown over the years?
Matt Ott: In 2013 we looked at our music scene and saw how hard it had become for our musicians to survive, let alone thrive. Imagine being a doctor and after training for eight years, when you started practicing medicine you realized that you had to get another job or two to make ends meet. Our musicians practice for years and then pour their hearts and souls into creating the music that fuels our souls, but they struggle to live on poverty wages. Everyone we talked to wanted to help change that but didn’t know how.
So, we built Sonic Guild (formerly known as Black Fret) to allow people to join as members and provide direct financial support to Austin’s musicians and music businesses. Over the years we have grown to hundreds of members and have gathered advisors from the music industry to help Austin’s best creative talent thrive.
LC: We’re so excited to be hosting the Sonic Guild Ball in Dell Hall in just a couple weeks. What is this event all about?
Matt Ott: The Sonic Guild Ball is the culmination of our annual season. It is where we are introduced to the next class of Sonic Guild artists. These musicians have been recognized by our members, advisors, and prior year Sonic Guild Artists for extraordinary talent and potential. At the ball we will distribute $150,000 in grants to these 20 Sonic Guild artists and ten of them will perform on the Long Center’s iconic stage. In between bands, we will hear stories of how past grant winners have used the funds to supercharge their careers by recording albums, going on tour, buying instruments, etc… It’s a great party. It’s an incredible night of music. And it’s a chance to recognize and give back to a community that does so much to drive the culture and economy of Austin.
LC: Anything different about this year’s Ball that you’re excited about?
Matt Ott: This year’s Sonic Guild Ball has the potential to be our best one yet. This year we are holding it at the Long Center for the first time and cannot wait to see these incredible local bands perform in such an inspiring setting. We will also be showcasing videos and live testimonials about all the ways Sonic Guild has supported the Austin Music Scene. Everyone is aware that Sonic Guild provides grants, but at the Ball you will hear about many of our other programs like sponsoring writing and recording sessions, lining up corporate gigs, artist advising sessions, music producer support, and others.
LC: Of course, we live in a city that lives and breathes local music, but what does it mean to be able to open up this celebratory event to the broader Austin public? Anyone can buy a ticket, right?
Matt Ott: We are thrilled to be opening the Sonic Guild Ball up to the public for the first time. In the past it was a private event for our members, advisors, and sponsors. But this year we are excited to share this incredible experience with Austin’s music fans and supporters. Anyone can buy a ticket. We encourage people to gather up their group of music-loving friends and join us for an exciting and inspiring evening.
LC: Any teasers about what to expect or nuggets about the lineup you can share?
Matt Ott: At the Sonic Guild Ball, we will give away $150,000 in grants to 20 bands who have been selected as this year’s class of Sonic Guild Artists by our members, advisors and previous Sonic Guild artists. We will feature performances from ten of those bands including a number of KUTX artists of the month. We want to keep most of the line-up a surprise, but I can share a sneak preview. If you come to the Ball on January 18th, you will see performances from 10 great bands including West 22nd, The Point, Parker Woodland, and Geto Gala.
LC: How can folks get involved and continue to advocate for music and musicians on their own?
Matt Ott: The best way to get involved is to join Sonic Guild. For less than what most of us spend on coffee each month, you can become a member and get to attend public and private concerts throughout the year, vote for your favorite musicians, and know you are providing the financial and advisory support to fuel the Austin Music Scene. Go to Sonic Guild’s website to learn more about membership options, and don’t forget to buy your tickets for the Ball on January 18th.
Thanks, Matt!
Get your tickets for the Sonic Guild Ball on January 18 and support Austin’s music scene and the artists that make it special.
