Trevor Young - 20th June 2010

What brands can learn from the John Butler Trio

The business world could learn a lot from successful Australian music act John Butler Trio.

Sure, they’re passionate about their music but then so are a lot of bands (let’s face it, without passion a career in music is pretty difficult to sustain).

But JBT goes several steps further and also channels its passion into numerous causes dear to its heart (as well as the hearts of the band’s constantly growing fan base).

‘The Seed’ Arts Grant Fund

In addition to a number of social issues it supports, the band also gives back to the Australian music community at a grassroots level.

Led by guitarist/songwriter John Butler, JBT is the patron of a well-established arts grant fund program called The Seed.

According to the project’s website:

The Seed aims to help Australian artists from any background, creating art and music across any genre, to establish themselves as self-sustained, professional artists.

The grant, now in its fifth year, is well supported by the music industry and continues to help Australian artists grow and develop their professional careers.

Independent streak

JBT runs its own record label (Jarrah Records) along with folk-rock band The Waifs.

This enables the band to retain its vision and independence, free of interference from a major recording label (which are not noted for their vision nor their passion).

Socially savvy

JBT has always had a strong connection with its fan base but the intensity of this connection continues to deepen thanks to the band’s active involvement across a variety of social media channels, including:

Walk the talk

The John Butler Trio walks the talk and its brand is all the stronger for it.

What about your brand – does it back up words with deeds?

Okay, lesson over – now it’s time to soak up some JBT awesomeness! Here are two videos for your viewing pleasure – “Come On Now” performed recently on the Jay Leno Show, plus a personal favorite of mine, an early JBT hit called “Zebra”. Enjoy!

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