Better Than The Van To Host SXSW Panel, Give Away Van

This SXSW, Better Than The Van has quite the bonanza in store for one lucky band. The local entity, which connects touring artists with city residents offering a place to stay, is giving a van full of goodies from a whole slew of companies (Epiphone, Zildjian, Taye Drums, Ernie Balls, and D’Addario, to name a few) on March 20th at a yet to be disclosed spot. Check out the complete list of swag and sign up at on the BTTV website. And follow BTTV on Twitter to find out where exactly you need to be to take home this mega prize.

BTTV is also heading up an official SXSW panel, Friendbase to Fanbase: Why You Must Tour Now, on March 18th at the Austin Convention Center. We caught up with BBTV founder Todd Hansen recently to learn more about this impending discussion. Veritable all-stars like Marc Allan (Red Light Management), Matt Hickey (High Road Touring), Seth Hubbard (Polyvinyl Record Co.), and Tom Windish (Windish Agency) will be joining Hansen for the debate.

Tell us about the origins of Better Than The Van.

Scott's from Detroit and I'm from Minneapolis. We moved down here a few years back and met each other through mutual friends. I started BTTV about two years ago as something to do. I'd been touring about eight years and running a record label out of Minneapolis for about five years. I'd stayed with a lot of great people on tour and was always amazed by the hospitality. I wanted to open that up and see how big of a need there really was for it. As it turns out, there’s a big need and people are really into it. About a year ago I asked Scott if he wanted to help out. He's a drummer and had done time touring as well. He was into it and decided to come along for the ride.

Scott Miller and Todd Hansen

The music business has undergone so many changes in the last couple of decades -- what do you think will be some new developments in this decade?

Technology and music will continual to evolve in a way that makes itpossible for bands to be self-sufficient and create loyal fanbases at a fraction of the cost. Tools like TopSpin, Bandize, and Bandmetric make it possible for bands to know their audience and reach them with music, merch, and touring in a smart way. I don't think labels will go away, but bands will have to work extra hard to get their attention because there is so much more a band can do for themselves. Unless they are lucky and get swooped up and taken on a great ride by XL or like label. On the whole though, most bands will have to balance both their business and their art.

At this point in time, in your opinion what is/are the best avenue(s) for success for an emerging band?

Write a lot of good songs. Get them out to as many people as possible. Pay special attention to the fans that care most about what you do. Give those fans something extra for their loyalty. Repeat.

Image provided by Better Than The Van

What are some topics that we might see discussed at the Friendbase to Fanbase SXSW panel?

We are going to be talking through a few band scenarios (from DIY all ages bands up to buzz bands on the rise) and what would be the best strategies for touring. We’ll talk about management as well. The combined experience on the panel is huge not only on the booking side but also promotion, management, and legal. Everyone on the panel really wants to make it as informative as possible so it’s going to be solid.

When did you come up with the idea to give away a van containing tons of awesome gear?

I had this idea last year but it was too late to make it happen. So this year we went all out, got ourselves a bunch of extremely generous sponsors and filled up a van with stuff from Epiphone, Zildjian, Taye Drums, Visual Sound, Pro-Mark, D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Substream, and Woodshed. Basically if you want to start a band and have no gear or van, this prize will set you up. Guitar, Bass, Drum Kit, Guitar Pedals, Cymbals, Sticks, Straps, Strings, Tuners....it's all in there. Plus you get a van! We'll be driving it around SXSW, parking it outside of parties, and we'll pick a winner on Saturday, March 20th. We hope to do this at more festivals throughout the year and make it a routine thing.

All the best and thank you for speaking with Austinist.

[Better Than The Van]
[SXSW]
[Friendbase to Fanbase SXSW Panel]

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.