Customer Spotlight: Splatter Music

Congratulations on Splattermusic.com winning DreamHost Site of the Month in the content, design and overall categories! Tell me about Splatter Music?

Jim: Thanks! I launched splatterMUSIC.com in February 2011 as a video site that focused on more serious, user-generated content such as new music videos and album reviews. I quickly realized the comedic content of the site was getting the most attention and it’s what I really enjoyed the most too. In July, I shifted splatterMUSIC to focus completely on the comedic video and music content, and the rest is history. Our slogan is — “All Music. All Video. All Funny.” — because we are the only comedic music site and feature only hilarious, quality, video content.

And aside from being a website with a lot of crazy FAIL, music video parodies and barfing drummer videos, we’re increasingly known as a powerful place for bands to get unique exposure. When there is a stage mishap caught on video, for example, you have a cool way for you to reach new fans and that’s where we come in. Just this week actually, we launched a short clip from a local LA band called “Raw Geronimo” to be funny, while also giving them some cool publicity and new fans.

Who designed your site?

Jim: I did. I am not very technical, but I had built some previous websites with WordPress and can usually figure out how to do what is needed. A huge amount of time went, and still goes, into the site’s design. It’s meant to be simple, clean, LOUD and fun.

What is your web traffic like?

Jim: Well, our busiest day last month had over 282,000 video views. I’m working hard to make every day that awesome. An average day isn’t too far below that though. Most of all, we have a really active audience that hang out and watch a few videos at a time, which is awesome. I even created a fake user name that I use when I comment and talk to people on the site.

Which Splatter Music landing page has the most traffic?

Jim: Our viewers usually come to the site from a link to a particular video that was shared with them. So the most popular videos are the most popular pages. A lot of people then stick around and cruise the homepage for more videos, which makes me super happy.

What are your favorite videos?

Jim: All of them are really my favorites since I approve the final content of the site. I am the Hugh Hefner of splatterMUSIC. I think two of my favorites today are “Top 5 Worst Guitar Solos Ever” and “Orchestra Fail.” Those rip me every time.

What videos got the most action on your site?

Jim: The most popular video ever is “Notorious B.I.G. Calms Crying Baby.” When we posted that video ahead of the curve, the discovery engines and social networks got hold of it and it exploded.

 How long have you been using DreamHost?

Jim: When I decided to create the site, I went with DreamHost. I also use DreamHost for my late father’s website, which holds many of his books, lectures and writings. That site is RonMillersWorld.org. He was a highly-regarded expert, so anyone with an intellect in theology and spirituality should check it out.

How did you find DreamHost?

Jim: I used Google search and carefully researched the companies that were recommended for web hosting. I called each of them and the person I spoke to at DreamHost was really down to earth and helpful. I didn’t feel like he was trying to sell me. It’s been a perfect marriage ever since.

Any parts of the DreamHost Panel you use?

Jim: Yeah, I use the DreamHost Panel all the time: 1-click Installs, site status, support questions, renewals and registrations, WebFTP, etc. There might even be some new additions coming to the “splatter” family later this year.

What’s next for splatterMUSIC?

Jim: Right now we are testing original splatterMUSIC videos, and also teaming up with celebrity musicians to shift into becoming a production entity as well as a distribution channel. One example is a video by Mat Devine of Kill Hannah called “MAT DEVINE READS: “Damn It Feels Good To Be a Gangster.” We’re high school friends from back in Chicago and it is hilarious. So the short-term will increasingly see a lot more of these partnerships, as well as a lot of crazy original splatterMUSIC productions.

Where else can we find you online?

Jim: We are all over that information highway, but Facebook and Twitter are our primary social networking hubs.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/splatterMUSIC

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/splatterMUSICco

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  November

The winner in the Overall, DESIGN, STRUCTURE and ORIGINALITY categories is: Portfolio of Daniel Hritzkiv

“Daniel Hritzkiv is a web-centric graphic designer always looking to create great new things.”

The winner in the CONTENT category is: My After Sex Buddy

The After Sex Buddy is the world’s first after sex cuddling doll.

Stay tuned for December 2011 DreamHost Sites of the month!   

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  October

The winner in the DESIGN and STRUCTURE categories is: The Modern Nomad

“A blog tracking my transformation from office worker to world-wandering nomad. I focus on text quality and design. The content is a mix between personal experiences and information useful to anyone interested in a nomadic lifestyle. The theme was re-written from scratch.”

The winner in the CONTENT, ORIGINALITY, and OVERALL categories is:splatterMUSIC
“There are enough sources that feature, cover, regurgitate and promote the very best of music. And so I’m here to promote the very WORST! splatterMUSIC is the first and only comedic music site and features only video content. I hope you enjoy… or at least laugh.”

This month we’d also like to recognize an incredible piece of Facebook appery from one of our customers. It went viral in the weeks leading up to Halloween and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. I won’t ruin the surprise for you, but be sure to check it out at…

http://www.takethislollipop.com/

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  September

The winner in the DESIGN and ORIGINALITY categories is: Max Parr

“Max Parr is a Filmmaker and Photographer. These are his selected works.”

The winner in the STRUCTURE, CONTENT, and OVERALL categories is:  Boulomma
“Branding, Logos, Brochures, Websites, and Mobile applications”

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  August

The winner in the DESIGN and STRUCTURE categories is:  One Long House

“We are a cooperative of designers, writers, photographers, programmers, and creatives alike. Our common bond is embracing curiosity and loving to create.”

The winner in the OVERALL, CONTENT, and ORIGINALITY categories is:  Tampa Changing Re-Photography
“Re-photographing historic buildings in Tampa, Florida.”

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  July

The winner in the ORIGINALITY category is:  I’m Shaun

“Original WordPress theme portfolio site”

The winner in the CONTENT category is:  Association for Tarot Studies

The winner in the STRUCTURE category is: The winner in the STRUCTURE category is: Backyard Nature Center

“Home of Backyard Nature Center. Connecting children and adults with the wonders of nature!”

The winner in the OVERALL and DESIGN categories is:  iCodeLabs

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  June

The winner in the DESIGN category is:  DamienDalli.com — Art Direction & Design by day, Super Awesome Sleeper by night.

“[A fun] Coming 2011ish page for my online portfolio. Enjoy! (If you like ‘liking’ things and/or [hopefully] actually enjoy the site, feel free to click that like button ~ it wont hurt, I swear.)”

The winner in the CONTENT category is:  People’s Press
“People’s Press is a Colorado Community Publisher, helping great stories and images from Colorado to see the light of day.”

The winner in the OVERALL, STRUCTURE, and ORIGINALITY categories is:  Impeccable Petunia
“Follow Petunia the backyard hen, in a weekly web-series, through a hazardous world as she discovers hidden talents, meets a mischievous cat named Macy, and encounters all things feathered and furious.”

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  May

The winner in the CONTENT and ORIGINALITY categories is:  The Adventures of Joe D. Zyner

“A Web comic illustrating the struggles of three in-house designers.”

The winner in the DESIGN category is: The winner in the DESIGN category is: O DesignStudios
“Interactive design and museum exhibit media design services”

The winner in the OVERALL and STRUCTURE categories is:  FutureNoir Design Studio
“FutureNoir is a small web and graphic design studio with more than 15 years experience in internet media. We provide distinctive web, identity, and print solutions for businesses and individuals (and monsters too). Although we occasionally provide services to large corporations, our focus is on small and medium sized businesses with a passion for creative innovation, music, writing, and the arts.”

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  April

The winner in the CONTENT and DESIGN categories is:  Guy Meachin

“Guy Meachin is a photographer and filmmaker based in the UK. This site includes self-initiated documentary photography from around the world and the basis for long-term projects.”

Every month DreamHost customers have had the opportunity to submit their site for voting on their account control panel, and other DreamHosters can then vote on them for a chance to be named a DHSOTM (DreamHost Site of the Month)!

DreamHost Sites of the Month –  March

The winner in the OVERALL category is:  AtlasOmega

“AtlasOmega is an online magazine that features strikingly rich photography and exclusive narratives from global explorers, from beneath the sea to the highest peaks, and everything in between. The magazine also offers a wide variety of high-quality stories related to adventure travel, photography and reviews of products that make life on the road safe and comfortable.”

The winner in the STRUCTURE category is:  ThinkTutorial.com
“Think Tutorial is a database of simple, easy to follow tutorials covering all aspects of popular computing. We currently have +1000 tutorials and add or translate 200 tutorials weekly. Technology is fantastic, but it can be difficult to keep up with at times. Think Tutorial’s strength resides in its very intuitive approach and design and determination to provide you with free knowledge.”

The winner in the DESIGN and ORIGINALITY categories is:  Lightbulb Creative
“The portfolio of Mike Etheridge – a very talented digital designer based in Manchester. Built in HTML5 with some clever jQuery interface enhancements.”