In 2017, we introduced you to Joe Vella. The Milwaukee improvisor-turned-streamer has built and sustained a following as one of Twitch’s longest-running character streamers with BizSnes, a charismatic puppet he made out of an old Super Nintendo. In the years since that conversation, Vella (and his trusty BizSnes) spent years living, working, and learning in Seattle. And thanks to things like Seattle Online Broadcasting Association’s recurring Twitch Meet-Up events, he also connected with fellow streamers in a variety of ways during his time in the Emerald City.
Now that he’s been back in his hometown for the better part of a year, Vella decided to try to help streamers and content creators by starting Milwaukee Online Broadcasting Association. Prior to MKE OBA’s first Milwaukee Meet-Up at Enlightened Brewing on Saturday, September 14, Milwaukee Record asked Vella to fill us in on the last few years of BizSnes, talk about ways Milwaukee’s streaming community can continue to grow, what type of events people can expect from his new Online Broadcast Association, and more.
Milwaukee Record: It’s been seven years since our last interview. Can you catch us up on what you—and you under the BizSnes moniker—have been up to since then?
Joe Vella: The last seven years have been interesting to say the least. I love Milwaukee, but I think it’s good for people to leave so you realize what you really love about it—and there is a lot to love. BizSnes has stayed busy. We shot a pilot for a TV show about game collecting. Like most pilots, we came quite close to getting picked up but didn’t make the cut. We also help run a convention called MGS CON, which is a convention dedicated to the Metal Gear Solid games. We just had our second year and it was sold out in person. We’ve been back in Milwaukee for about nine months now and we are finally getting ready to relaunch regular streams now that life has settled down a little bit. Later this month, we’re actually going to Twitch Con in San Diego to teach an improv class for the convention.
MR: What are some ways the streamer community in Seattle differs from that of Milwaukee and Wisconsin in general? Did you come back with any lessons you learned from living and working out there?
JV: I feel like Batman. I went away, got some training, and now I’m back to help in my hometown. Coming back, I was honestly surprised there wasn’t already a meet-up going. The two cities could honestly not be more different. There is so much tech in Seattle—Nintendo, Microsoft, Valve, and even Twitch has offices there. We don’t have anything like that here, but we do have fans of all those things and that passion can go a long way. We might not have the same opportunities that Seattle has, but I think we can attract those opportunities.
MR: What led you to wanting to start Milwaukee Online Broadcasting Association? And can you tell us more about it and what you hope to do with this group?
JV: I watched the meet-up in Seattle go from four people at a coffee table to an amazing organization to help streamers. Kenley Cheung started the Seattle Online Broadcasting Association and made this plan to make it more than a Meet-Up and it worked really well. I helped with the streamer interviews during Meet-Ups, taught improv classes, and helped with charity events. SOBA helped connect streamers and teach streamers, which led to some amazing opportunities. I truly believe a rising tide raises all boats. So if I can help create a community here in Milwaukee where we can learn together and play together, it’s going to make it better for everyone involved.
Photo: Kenley Cheung
MR: Can you talk about how the Milwaukee Meet-Up idea came about? Did you approach Twitch and get their blessing or did they contact you about doing something?
JV: Any city can start a Meet-Up, and as your Meet-Up grows, Twitch will help it. A few times a year, Twitch does open a window where you can become a “Powered by Twitch” event. A few months after I moved home, the window opened. I applied and because of my work with SOBA, the program was accepted right away. Seven years ago, I wanted to do this at the 42 Lounge, so this is a long time coming. I actually helped start the Milwaukee Smash Brothers tournament known as “The Construct.” I’m excited to do it again with a wider nerd spectrum.
MR: How did you land on Enlightened for the first Milwaukee Meet-Up site? Are you hoping it’s a recurring home or are you planning to bounce around to different types of locations in different neighborhoods?
JV: One of the best things I’ve done since I’ve been back is getting connected with the Midwest Gaming Classic. Dan Loosen, the co-founder, has been nothing short of supportive and loves the idea of a Meet-Up for Milwaukee. Running a convention is not an easy thing, so they also take care of arcade and pinball machines in bars all over Milwaukee. Enlightened is one of the bars with their games in it. When I was looking for a space, Dan and Chris from MGC suggested the brewery. I met with Tommy, James, and Steph from Enlightened and we were all clearly on the same page. Once they asked If I knew how to hook up an N64 in the bar I knew it was going to be a good time. As they want us, this will be home, but I would love to do events all over Milwaukee at games stores, bars, venues, anywhere that makes Milwaukee special.
MR: What can people expect at this first Meet-Up?
JV: Anyone who comes will get a free Twitch bag thanks to the event being powered by Twitch. We will have some game consoles set up with classic games running. It’s going to be pretty chill and just a great chance to meet other streamers. It’s hard streaming alone. These Meet-Ups are all about connecting with other streamers. Streaming becomes so much easier when you have friends to stream with. I’m working hard to secure capture cards and other prizes for future Meet-Ups. Wii Bowling is also in the works.
MR: Anything else you’d like to say about Milwaukee’s streamer community, the first Milwaukee Meet-Up, or anything else?
JV: It’s one of my favorite phrases and I’ve already said it once: A rising tide raises all boats. We are so much stronger together than apart. I’ve always loved teaching improv and I love teaching people about streaming. If I have the chance to make someone else’s content better, I want to help. People sleep on Milwaukee all the time, so I want to help show off all the amazing talent we have in the city. There is a reason I came back. I love this city and love the art that comes out of it. If I can help show the world that art, I will be a happy person.
