Google music has finally launched, but they are delaying the launch of the music store. The company is waiting for major labels to sign on. Why can’t Google launch the store with only independent artists that have signed on?
There are plenty of unsigned and indie artists who are worthy of their service, but mainstream is still the money-maker for any new service. Here’s why…
“I’ll quit my job, we’ll head out west” are lyrics Howard Jennings wrote in his song “Around the World.” These lyrics are actually taken quite literally by Howard, who took the chance of a lifetime and entered the music industry.
I normally don’t feel short at concerts, but standing next to a red-headed giant of a man, Howard sure made me feel four feet tall. I was at IOTA in Arlington, VA – outside of Washington D.C., to see the Damnwells on tour to promote their new album. I was checking out shirts at the merch table in the back, when I noticed Howard who seemed nervous, but anxious and was setting up merchandise for himself and the other artists he was touring with.
Dylan For Virgins is a regular DIY music podcast which reviews the works of independent artists. Each episode we feature one song of the independent artist reviewed and provide helpful tips and tricks of the music industry that work for all performers in all genres. Aside from the music business, we also tell stories that have helped us as musicians in performances all around North America, and fascinating musical stories from great musical legends; from Bob Dylan, to Jimi Hendrix.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into music, as well as the other creative hobbies you have?
Independent music community, Supernova.com, is teaming up with 102.1 the Edge, 99.3 The Fox and Power97 to find the “Indie Online Band of the Month.” Indie Bands have the opportunity to free promotion and a variety of benefits for their projects via the contest.
The contest will begin in February of 2011. Bands will be able to submit their band by creating a profile. Fans will be able to vote for their favorite independent artist or band. Indie Online will pick the winner from the top 10 bands voted by the fans.
As the “Indie Online Band of the Month,” winners will receive:
Reports are a brewin’ about a new “social network” called Google Me after a tweet was posted by Digg’s Kevin Rose. That’s right, Facebook, you allegedly have a competitor being released into the social media realm soon.
It brings me to ask questions about the upcoming social network…
Will it be artist friendly? Is there going to be a music player for bands and artists? Are they going to take aspects of Myspace to help the cause?
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has qualified for the Pepsi Refresh Project. During the month of June they will be competing for one of ten $50,000 grants with the winners being determined by number of votes.
You can help by visiting the Pepsi Refresh Project website and vote to help preserve one of the few resources that a professional musician can turn to for support when there is no place else to go. Participants can vote once per day until June 30th.
Twitter is a great tool for musicians to market their music, but many musicians are unsure how it can be helpful to them. The typical musician spends much of their time being musically creative, but many musicians who should be using Twitter to market their music aren’t sure where to start or how to use it to its full potential.
Luckily, Twitter is simple and easy. The only work that really needs putting in is a little thought and some time on a regular basis, and I’d like to share a few ways that this popular social network can supercharge your music career:
Find New Fans of Your Music
Many people are on Twitter these days – and many of them are music fans that live in your town, and the cities you visit. With Twitter’s search function, you can find local music lovers who enjoy the style of music that you play. Twitter also allows for two-way communication via replies and direct messages, so you have the opportunity to make true connections.
Featured Blog:
Urban Music Daily
http://urbanmusicdaily.net/
At UrbanMusicDaily.Net, we strive to be a distinct leader in the pursuit of excellence. With dedicated staff around the clock to provide everyone with fresh sounds each day, we at UMD believe the sky is the limit. While we cover a variety of music including R&B, Hip-Hop , DanceHall/Reggae, we proudly specialize in urban sounds.
Featured Podcast:
The Justin Wayne Show
http://thejustinwayneshow.com