
My name is Ben Spear and I am 21 years old.
I own and operate Smartpunk.com, one of the leading music and merchandise websites for the Indie, Alternative, Rock, Emo, Metal and Hardcore genres. Smartpunk.com is known for our vast collection of unsigned music and helping people discover their new favorite band, while also helping bands get their name and music out to the world. Smartpunk.com is one of the primary sponsors and has one of the leading stages, showcases emerging artists, on the Vans Warped Tour. This year will mark our 6th year of involvement with the Vans Warped Tour.
With these resources, we have helped launch the careers of many successful artists today such as Saosin, From First to Last, Chiodos, Underoath, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, and Set Your Goals. As of August 2009, Smartpunk.com will be partnering with Downloadpunk.com to bring together the best in physical and digital music retail for signed and unsigned bands. I am also a drummer, who has played in successful unsigned bands such as Parade the Day and Brighten.
I have learned a lot about the music industry in the short time I have owned Smartpunk.com and combining that with my insight into touring and band development with successful unsigned bands has allowed me to be a helpful name and resource for many unsigned acts.