Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: John Kendall Royston @jkroyston

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

My name is John Kendall Royston and I’m a 10 year veteran of the music industry. I spent approximately 5 years traveling as the founder, creative director, chief songwriter, marketing manager, and performer in an indie rock band on Doghouse Records/Warner Music Group. I’ve since spent the last 5 years producing records for and co-writing with independent artists and consulting artists on branding, album release, and marketing strategies.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

I’m a lifelong musician. My Instagram account is mostly made up of photos from my studio during recording sessions with clients and photos from my years touring the world performing concerts. Music is my passion and my life’s work.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is simply my name. As a producer, the easiest way for people to find me on Instagram is by using my real name. I figured I would simplify the search process by using my own name as my Instagram account.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I use the built in Instagram editing features as well as the VSCO app. Occasionally I use my iPhone’s onboard editing tools or iPhoto for more advanced editing. For the most part, I try to keep my photos as naturally engaging as possible.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

Most of the Instagrammers that I follow most closely are musical artists or other producers. I love Ryan Adams and Butch Walker’s feeds, both of which are musicians/producers that I deeply admire. I also really enjoy The Producer Blog’s account which posts photos of some of the most beautiful recording studio setups in the world.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Be genuine. Like photos that you like or photos by Instragrammers that you want to build a relationship with. Don’t like photos just to like them. Comment on other people’s photos more often than you post your own to build relationships with like minded individuals. Don’t over edit your photos to the point where they no longer seem natural or appealing to the idea. Don’t purchase phantom followers – it’s pretty obvious when an account does. There’s nothing more powerful than having an organic reach through a social media platform. I think that’s really important.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

I’m not sure whether I am an influencer or not but if I am, I like pulling back the curtains on what the process of being a producer, making records, or being a touring artist on the road is actually like. I have a very unique background and a lot of my followers were drawn to my account based on the things I’ve accomplished in music. I love creating content that inspires them to create, pursue their own dreams, or reach out for advice regarding their own projects.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Identify the scope of your campaign and make sure that the content you create to service it fits that scope. I think that the most successful Instagram accounts have themes and for the most part, they stick to those themes. Those themes are what drew people to those accounts in the first place. Authenticity is surprisingly simple. Just be honest in the content that you post. Make sure that it’s an accurate representation of your brand identity and that it conveys a clear message to the viewer. Engage with the people who engage you. Create relationships using your campaign that allow users to feel connected to your brand. Engagement significantly increases brand loyalty.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Just be yourself and post about the things you’re passionate about. It’s really quite easy to tell the difference between a user that is posting content that they think will attract an audience and a user that is posting content that is meaningful to them. People are attracted to people that are passionate about something. Create high quality content, whatever that means for your individual brand or theme, and hold it to a high standard. Be honest and engaging in your pursuits and make sure that as much engagement as you receive on your own content, you’re giving out twice as much to content created by other people who share similar passions as you do.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

I like building mutually beneficial relationships with brands. While I was touring, my band had sponsorships from many reputable brands within the music and fashion industry. As much as I loved what those brands provided my band, I was more passionate about what we could provide for them. I think that the key to a great brand partnership is understanding each other’s needs and determining the best way that each party can bring value to the other’s pursuits.

Topics:

• Film, Music & Books
• Technology

Country:

United States of America