DFTBA Records
From DFTBA
DFTBA redirects here. For the song by Hank Green, see DFTBA (song).
DFTBA Records is an independent record label based in Manhattan, IL, founded and managed by Alan Lastufka and Hank Green. The name of the label is an acronym meaning "Don't Forget To Be Awesome", a phrase made popular by Green and his brother, New York Times bestselling author John Green, on their YouTube channel "vlogbrothers".
Contents |
History
Formation
In fall 2008, Alan Lastufka signed YouTube musicians Chameleon Circuit and Dave Days to his new production start-up which, at the time, was called Blue Tape Media. A few weeks later, Lastufka shared his plans for the project with Hank Green, who offered to financially back the project in exchange for a share of the company, and a name change to DFTBA Records. A deal was made and on November 24, 2008, DFTBA Records was announced via YouTube videos by both Green on the vlogbrothers channel[1] and Lastufka on the fiveawesomeguys channel[2].
The first physical CD was shipped out from Lastufka's house on January 8th, 2009. A live, streaming online video broadcast allowed hundreds of eager fans to join in on the "packing party" as Lastufka and close friend, Monica Carr, packaged and mailed hundreds of pre-ordered copies of Hank Green's So Jokes.
Lastufka runs the daily operations of DFTBA Records in addition to signing and developing new bands for the label. Green runs the majority of the label's promotion on and off of YouTube.
YouTube
DFTBA Records signs YouTube musicians exclusively. In 2008, Lastufka noticed numerous talented artists on YouTube with no means to easily distribute their music. Lastufka, having previously run an independent publishing and distribution project in Chicago, IL, began laying the ground work for DFTBA's distribution network. Having worked with dozens of YouTube's most popular channels in the past, Lastufka and Green were in a unique position to reach out to various musical YouTube stars, and build upon a relationship that already existed.
Press and Media Attention
On June 1, 2009, Chameleon Circuit's self-titled debut album began shipping. Over 1,000 units were sold and shipped the first week of release, making it DFTBA's biggest album launch to date. Over the following two weeks, Chameleon Circuit were interviewed for numerous blogs and online publications, before receiving a full-page interview and review in the official Doctor Who Magazine.
On June 28, 2009, Driftless Pony Club's singing to DFTBA Records made news in this NewCity Magazine article.
List of artists who have worked with DFTBA Records
The following artists have either been signed to DFTBA Records or had material released through them:
- Alan Lastufka
- Alex Day
- ALL CAPS
- Blue Skies
- Chameleon Circuit
- Charlie McDonnell
- Dave Days
- Dr. Noise
- Driftless Pony Club
- Fortunes Fall
- Hank Green
- Julia Nunes
- Kristina Horner
- Luke Conard
- Michael Aranda
- Molly Lewis
- The Oceanic Six
- Raven Zoë
- Rhett & Link
- Tom Milsom
- Venetian Princess
Discography
Bibliography
| Author | Title | Publication Date |
| Kristina Horner | TBD | Spring 2010 |
Charting Releases
| Artist | Title | Billboard Charts | iTunes Album | iTunes Singles | AmazonMP3 |
| Hank Green | So Jokes | #22 | - | - | - |
| Chameleon Circuit | Chameleon Circuit | - | #37 | #92 | - |
| Venetian Princess | Video Girl | - | #46 | - | - |
Other projects
Free Downloads Vault
- Main article: Free Downloads Vault
The DFTBA Records Free Downloads Vault is a webpage (located here) which collects all of the tracks, EPs and other media that DFTBA Records has made available for free download in partnership with their artists.
DFTBA Radio Hour
- Main article: DFTBA Radio Hour
The DFTBA Radio Hour is a weekly podcast hosted by Todd Williams and Caitlin Sky. The podcast plays DFTBA Records artists exclusively, in addition to the hosts reporting and commentating on nerdy or interesting news stories, answering an advice column known as Nerds In Need and other short segments. The podcast is played live every Wednesday evening at 9pm EST on blogtv, after which it is available for free download from the iTunes store.
Street Team
- Main article: DFTBA Records Street Team
In May 2009, Alan Lastufka organized and announced the DFTBA Records Street Team. Street Team members are asked to recruit others, promote DFTBA Records' artists and releases, and various other "missions" in exchange for prizes related to DFTBA Records. Past prizes have included iPods pre-loaded with DFTBA Records artists and custom-printed Converse Chuck Taylors. As of June 21, 2009, the Street Team had 2,094 active members.
