“How do you sell your CD to three million people?” …This is the latest question on 22-year-old Brad Skistimas’ mind. The Dallas native (recently Austin-based) singer/ songwriter fronts the music project FIVE TIMES AUGUST, an idea he started in 2001 at 18 years old. Closing in on his 4th year with the project, Skistimas has turned Five Times August into a widely popular independent music act for today’s college market, selling over 10,000 CD’s across the United States. The latest album, Fry Street, features five tunes used on MTV’s newest reality phenomenon Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. With three million viewers tuning into the show every Monday night, Skistimas’ newest goal is to reach as many of those people as possible.
“As an independent artist, I don’t have millions of dollars to put into promotion for the new album,” Skistimas admits. But lacking major label marketing funds doesn’t bother him, as he promotes his album using peer-to-peer interaction with his listeners.
“One thing I love about Five Times August is that I know exactly what’s going on. I don’t have a bunch of suits putting their hands into the project.”
When he’s not waiting at the local post office to mail out CD orders on a daily basis, Brad spends his time online, using the Internet as his main medium of promotion. Averaging over 20,000 listens a day on websites Myspace.com and iSound.com, Skistimas realizes the unbelievable potential the Internet has in promoting the indie artists of today. Answering fan e-mails is top priority to Skistimas, as well as providing the listener with as much information about his music as possible.
“I think one reason I’ve been so successful so far is the fact that I take time to listen to the listeners. They’re the ones buying my music, and I found out a long time ago that once you write a song and perform it for somebody, it’s no longer just yours anymore. It’s important to connect with the fans because they’re the ones telling their friends. I don’t have any reason not to write them back; I’m a very accessible person and I don’t have any right to make myself bigger than I am. Every time I respond to a fan e-mail, or hang out with them after a show, it’s just a confirmation letting them know why they listen to my songs, and it’s because I’m just as real as they are.” Most often compared to artists like Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews Band, Five Times August’s musical repertoire actually models after Skistimas’ biggest influence, Sir Paul McCartney. While it may not be evident in the music itself, keeping the lyrics clean and tasteful is a tip Brad credits to the former Beatle. “I think in today’s music industry there are only a handful of artists that grown-ups can share the same enthusiasm about with their kids. It’s a nice feeling to see a child that’s 6 or 7 years old dancing to my music alongside their older brother or sister that’s in high school, who just happens to be jamming out next to their 40-something-year-old parents.”
…And Brad has had plenty of opportunities to play for all those demographics. In April 2005 he performed as the opening act in front of a 30,000+ crowd at the annual Arbor Daze Festival held in Euless, Texas. Making a bigger name for himself, he then performed at the Kaboom Town Festival in Addison, Texas later that July. As the supporting act for long-time Texas duo Jackopierce, another crowd of 30,000+ had the opportunity to see the newly labeled “local pop-rock sensation” as quoted by the Dallas Guide. Quickly becoming a local favorite, Five Times August has performed as the supporting act for Texas Music veteran Monte Montgomery, and Lenny Kravitz’ side-project Dan Dyer, two of Austin’s biggest acts.
Whether writing a song, maintaining the website, answering e-mails, or designing merchandise, Skistimas’ talents have definitely placed Five Times August as a well-respected independent act in today’s music industry. As the #1 consignment artist at Virgin Megastore Dallas, #1 chart topper at online music store Awarestore.com, #1 downloaded artist at iSound.com, and with five songs featured on one of MTV’s most popular shows, it’s safe to assume word is spreading about the music of Five Times August. Skistimas may not have sold his album to three million people yet, but he’s off to a good start.
Source: http://www.lyricsmania.com/biography/five_times_august_biography_9682.html
