We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I met my co-founder, Robert Menendez, at a startup he co-founded called SURKUS. He knew that I managed Stone Temple Pilots and about my background in the music industry and we discussed some of the inefficiencies of the business and what some potential solutions might be. The main issue was artists not being able to convert fan engagement into currency, when resources might be limited. We looked at the music publishing model and thought there might be value in adding passionate fans into the equation. It was all about getting creators paid for their work in a meaningful way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Vezt is the first blockchain-based music IP marketplace, where fans can participate in the royalties of their favorite songs, YouTube channels and podcasts. Artists, labels, publishers, YouTube and podcast creators can now monetize their work directly from their fans and the public. We’re very excited about empowering creators on a global basis, even if you have a label or publishing deal. The idea of the public participating in royalties is new, and many people aren’t familiar with royalties, and how they are structured. We’re working to let people know how the process works, and what exciting opportunities exist. We’ve learned that many artists and creators aren’t well-versed on their own royalties. We hope that our app makes it easier for all creators to access the power of their royalties and the ability to share them with their fans and supporters. When you empower your fans, they share with their social networks, resulting in more streams/views/listens and everyone benefits! www.vezt.co

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Southern California is rich with a variety of natural and cultural treasures. Some of my favorites are: La Super-Rica in Santa Barbara, Venice Beach, Santee Alley, Runyon Canyon, Newport Harbor, and the zoo and museums at Balboa Park in San Diego.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the artists and creators out there who inspire others on a daily basis, though they may be experiencing personal and professional struggles in their lives. Their music, stories and art bring us warmth, humor, and above all, a sense of connection with others on this planet that reminds us our experiences are shared at the deepest levels.

Website: www.vezt.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vezt/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vezt/?viewAsMember=true
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VeztInc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Veztapp
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00bG-P1mv0E

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.