entertainment
VEVO Launch Tonight—Do You Viva or Veto?
The major labels’ new video site Vevo is due to launch tonight. A potential upside is that Vevo’s backend is powered by Google and YouTube technology, which may make it easier to integrate social features. It might also fuse somehow with the Google music search. The potential downside is that it could be fueled by greed more than music.
Music Consumption in a 180°—Terry McBride Interviews.
The interviews below featuring Terry McBride—CEO of Nettwerk—offer terrific insight to the digital era of music. Terry points out that the ways in which we consume music are changing rapidly—largely due to smartphones—and that the “emotional glue” between fans and musicians is the essence of music business.
Musicians—Money Is Not Motivation
Musicians (artists) are driven by a fundamental need to create. Music is their art and their expression. Even in a world without money there would be music, and arguably there would be even more music (and other art) than there is today. In his 2009 TED talk, Daniel Pink makes a strong case relating the science of motivation to creativity and business.
Musicians, Brands, Endorsements, and Partnerships (Part 2)
The internet has leveled the playing field. It has proven that content is king, and that those who work hard at delivering content can build a following. Artists have channels with live streaming video content and direct connection with their fans through mobile applications. The same opportunities exist for everyone, and they’re almost all free. You may think that endorsements and partnerships are only for megastars—but I don’t.
Music Dopeness and Bands as Brands (Part 1)
So you consider music as your profession? Then whether you like it or not, your band is your brand. You may think you are defined by your style and sound, but nowadays your are ultimately defined by your fans and their perception of you. When you look in the social-media mirror your public face should be a reflection of your private face.
Rock Band Network: Get Your Music In The Game
Musicians will soon be able to submit their original tracks into Rock Band via the Rock Band Network. This looks to be a promising virtual platform allowing indie artists—creators—to contribute songs to the game in a democratic fashion—each new track is reviewed and voted on by peers in the community before being accepted into the game. This is great news for players and indie musicians alike.
Connect with the Buzz in your Music Scene
Fans want to connect with musicians. Musicians want to connect with fans. Fans want to connect with fans. How are they all connecting in 2009? Social platforms such as Twitter, Ustream, and Facebook allow artists to communicate and interact directly with their fans. Direct communication bridges the abyss dug by decades of record label domination.
Remix The Planet: Punk to Dub
Open remixing will put more diverse and imaginative music into scene than ever before. Alkaline Trio—the punk-rock band that inspired me to start my music career—recently held an open remix contest via Indaba Music. Audio remixes give songs alternate lives, they break barriers, and they transcend genres.
