Morecowbell.net – Five Year Anniversary Party Listing. 4/16 at the Turf Club.

By Rich Horton

I don’t think there really is a rivalry between the local websites/blogs, but speaking for my myself  I definitely get envious of some posts that I missed. So instead of going into a Jealous rage I decided when news came out about a local blog or website I would interview them and find out what makes them tick.

When I heard Morecowbell.net was celebrating it’s five year anniversary I thought it would be a good time to hear from Kyle Matteson the site’s founder and main guy. Besides it’s cool name, the site posts news on upcoming shows and other music related posts.

Rift: Is Morecowbell.net a website or a blog?

Kyle Matteson: It started as a website and I still consider it that, but in that time music blogs exploded and our format and layout has evolved as a reasult. So I’d imagine most of our readers call it a blog. I think it also stems from the fact that I hate the word blog and even worse, calling myself a blogger.

Rift: Why did you start the site and what keeps you going to keep it rolling?

KM: Initially it was just a place for me to post news on upcoming shows and events to keep track of what shows I wanted to see for myself, then my friends started finding it useful as well. It just kind of snowballed from there. As for what keeps it rolling, as long as I still have fun doing it, then I’ll always be involved in the site in some aspect. Once it feels like a job, then I think it’s time to put it to rest. It’s not like there’s not a half dozen or more good local music blogs these days, but I still feel like we have something unique to offer and are still pretty good at breaking news.

Rift: Do you have a Dayjob as well?

KM: I do have a full time gig, I work for the U of M doing IT. So between that full time job, a new house, and other various things, sometimes it’s hard to find the time to devote to the site as of late, but my friend Paul Hirte has taken over as the main writer the last 2 years or so and he’s much more in tune with the local scene than I am, so that’s been great. We’ve had some great contributors in the past as well too, many that have gone on to start their own sites.

Rift: What is the best part about doing Morecowbell.net?

KM: It’s allowed me to become a part of the local music community, which in turn has introduced me to so many amazing friends and interesting people, not to mention just meeting music lovers in general.

Rift: What is the worst part about doing the site?

KM: Trying to generate ad sales. I’ve definitely realized how tough people who do ad sales have it, especially for online only outlets.

Rift: The local music scene, how do you think things are going?

KM: I moved here 10 years ago this October and I’d say the local scene right now is as strong or stronger than it’s ever been in the time i’ve lived here. I think we’ve got a handful of acts who are on the verge of getting a lot more national attention in the coming year or two.

Rift: Do you have any web savvy advice for those out there thinking of starting a blog or website?

KM: While content is king and there’s no question about that, I’m still a web designer at heart, so I always enjoy sites/blogs that take the extra bit of time to focus on the design, colors, and layout of their site too.

www.morecowbell.net

Filed under: Misc.