Global Rockstar: Get Your Share in a Hit Song!

We talked to Christof Straub, CEO & Founder of Global Rockstar about their focus on the digital streaming platform and here is what he said about it.

First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times? 

Christof Straub: We’re doing pretty good, thank you! We focus on the great time following this Covid crisis and visualize the fun we’ll have when restaurants, bars and terraces open again.

Tell us about you, your career, how you founded Global Rockstar.

Christof Straub: I come from the music business as artist, songwriter and producer. I started my career 30 years ago and was signed to different major labels over the years. That’s why I know how it feels from an artist’s point of view to work in the traditional music industry. I felt that it was time to change this industry to an artist-friendly model. I founded my first startup Teenage Rockstar 12 years ago, followed by the founding of Global Rockstar in 2014.

How does Global Rockstar innovate? 

Christof Straub: With Global Rockstar, we were the first ones to offer royalty shares of future hits to music lovers. Users of globalrockstar.com invest in new tracks of up-and-coming artists and participate in royalties from all streams, radio plays, sync rights. The users’ investments are used to distribute and market the tracks worldwide, with a focus on digital streaming platforms.

How the coronavirus pandemic affects your business, and how are you coping?

Christof Straub: Fortunately, as a company operating in a digital business, we weren’t really affected. Some concerts and testimonial deals of our artists had to be cancelled or postponed, but our focus is anyway online.

Did you have to make difficult choices, and what are the lessons learned?

Christof Straub: At the beginning of lockdowns, I had some difficulties getting used to home-office for the whole team. I like it when the team comes together to talk during coffee breaks etc. Over time, we got used to it and we see some advantages of working remote sharing screens etc. Also, a power nap is easier in home-office 🙂 and can be helpful to keep up your energy.

What specific tools, software and management skills are you using to navigate this crisis?

Christof Straub: As communication tools, we’re using Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, Slack, Whatsapp and of course, telephones and Email. We meet every morning at 9:00 in a morning call with the whole team where we discuss the priorities of the day, share stats, take decisions and plan upcoming meetings in smaller groups.

Also, our whole accounting is digitalized/paperless, and we use Google Drive to share folders and documents between team members. Every document or file that someone from the team might need must be found in seconds. A conscientious order saves a lot of time.

Who are your competitors? And how do you plan to stay in the game?

Christof Straub: Some copycats of our model started their business not long ago. We are constantly extending our first-mover advantage with speed, creativity and by continuing to invest.

Your final thoughts?

Christof Straub: There are no problems, only solutions.

Your website?

globalrockstar.com