New Sites Help Indie Musicians Find Audiences on the Web

By: Chris Robertson

It wasn't all that long ago that musicians and bands had to pound the pavement with their biographies and demos in hand, trying to get the ear of a music industry scout. If they lucked out, the band would sign a recording contract and - hopefully - get the promotional power of the record label to find an audience. Indie musicians have always been a breed apart, sometimes because they have chosen to create their music outside of the mainstream and other times because they have not had access to the movers and shakers in the music world.

Today, of course, indie musicians have a much more direct link with their potential audiences: the Internet. In order to succeed, they're no longer dependent entirely on word-of-mouth and the patronage of like-minded people. Instead, they can easily reach those who want to buy indie bands' music. They do, of course, have to record their music, but technology has leveled the playing field there as well. Today's digital music software allows indie musicians to record their music inexpensively, without the backing of major labels.

Many indie musicians have used social networking as one aspect of their Internet marketing efforts. Most bands, for example, have MySpace or Facebook pages. Those who have created videos might also place them on YouTube. This kind of viral marketing is completely aligned with the traditional, word-of-mouth promotion that indie bands have used for decades.

The major departure from the past, however, is the advent of websites dedicated to promoting indie music. Typically, these sites enable musicians, bands, signers, songwriters, DJs, and MCs to sign up for one of three types of accounts. Usually, a free artist account gives musicians the opportunity to upload their music, write blogs, post upcoming gigs, and become part of the site's review and rating system. A standard account gives them the opportunity to sell digital content under one umbrella. For example, indie musicians are able to sell MP3s, videos, and photographs, and receive 70 percent of all sales. A professional account often enables musicians to use their own payment gateway (like PayPal) and retain 100 percent of all sales.

Typically, the site does the marketing, advertising, and promotion that draw those who wish to buy indie bands' MP3 recordings. But indie fans are really the fuel that drives the engines of these kinds of sites. Listeners can stream MP3 and video from their favorite indie musicians, as well as discover new bands. Often, visitors can search the site by artist name, artist's influences, and artist blog entries. They can also search by genre, such as a cappella, alternative, electronic, slow rock, and so forth.

These kinds of sites are breathing new life into the indie scene. They complement the "go your own way" thinking of indie musicians, while allowing them to leverage new technology and become part of a collective that promotes the common good. At the end of the day, both musicians and fans come out winners.

Article Source: EZINEPRIME - FREE WEB CONTENT and ARTICLES

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: indie musicians
Visit Majon's Music directory.

Add this article to your favorite Social Bookmarkers.

Print This Article

Post Comment

Add To Favorites

Email to Friends

Ezine Ready

More Related Articles on Music Players

Revisit Music of the Past with Cover Bands Like Me and My Shadows - By : Chris Robertson
Online Resources Help Find the Best Guitar Lessons - By : Chris Robertson
Royalty Free Music Makes Licensing Much Easier - By : Arthor Pens
The Benefits Of Using Royalty Free Music - By : Arthor Pens
How To Judge The Sound Quality Of A Speaker - By : Ken Wilson
Acoustic And Electric Guitars - By : Ken Wilson
Very Useful Tips About High Tech Music Gear - By : David T.
How To Judge The Sound Quality Of A Speaker - By : Chris Robertson
Microphone Techniques And Drums - By : Andorra
Acoustic And Electric Guitars - By : Jimmy Wild

Click here for more ARTICLE CATEGORIES

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

**tla**

Premium Web Directory
PrimeScrolls
MykleidoscopeWorld
Cultured Shock
FlippTripp
MadTomatoe
Love Text Quotes
Pinoy Jokes
Hot Funny Videos
Top MySpace Layouts
Top Friendster Layouts
Top Music Videos
SEO Blog

RSS Feeds:

To subscribe to individual top categories, click here

Email Subscription:

Subscribe to receive email
with our newest content.

FRUITY LINKS:

	EzinePrime © 2006-2007 HubPrime.com Notice: We collect personal information on this site. To learn more about how we use your information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Home \| About\| Contact Us \| PrimeLinks\| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Service \| RSS
by HubPrime™