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Free Website Content
Musicians Podcast
Why Musicians Should Podcast
By Sharon Housley
Independent artists have long struggled
to gain recognition and attract an audience. Without
the backing of a major label it can be very difficult
for independent artists to obtain radio play time, that
is, until now. Podcasting a revolutionary new medium,
has opened new distribution channels for independent
artists. Podcasting is the process of distributing audio
files using the RSS format and has become very popular
with the younger generations.
With the use of technology, independent
artists have a unique opportunity available, using technology
they can significantly expand the exposure of their
music.
Why should a musician podcast?
1. Distribution Channel
The power of distribution is no more evident then when
looking at the iTunes Music Store, with independent
podcasts garnering millions of downloads. Notoriety
has been gained and celebrities have been made. Independent
artists who produce podcasts should include iTunes tags
in their podcast feed and list their podcast in the
iTunes Music Store. A listing in the iTunes Music Sore
will significantly increase a podcaster's exposure.
2. Gain Interest and Fans
Independent artists can attract listeners by creating
a podcast with a music sampling.
3. Send Demos
Indies always searching for the brass ring or wanting
to be signed by a big label can use podcasts for their
commercial demos. Artists can promote their podcast
and direct agents and labels to the demos as an inexpensive
means to get signed.
4. Get Gigs
Night clubs looking for entertainment will listen to
podcasts to find bands or artists who target their demographic.
Clubs will have an idea of what to expect from the artist.
Musicians might find themselves with additional booking
as their podcast becomes a marketing tool.
5. Promote Gigs at Establishments
Establishments will be more willing to sign artists
who will bring new listeners to their club. Musician
can use their podcast to provide additional promotion
for any booked events. The additional publicity might
be the deciding factor, if the club management is torn
between booking two artists.
6. Build a Community
Developing a community is critical to an artist's success.
Podcasting and consistent communication with loyal listeners
will help encourage and strengthen a musician's fan
base.
7. Sell CDs
Shareware has long been a staple in the software community,
adopted as a marketing method, to allow users the opportunity
to sample software prior to making a purchase decision.
Independent artists can use podcasting to sell their
CDs. Sample music files or single songs that are given
freely will encourage listeners to purchase a CD with
additional songs.
8. Reinforce Listener Loyalty
Loyal listeners or "groupies" who listen to podcasts
will share the podcasts with friends and extend the
bands reach.
9. Announcements
Podcasting can be used as an additional vehicle to announce
new songs, albums, interviews or other information relevant
to the independent artists performances.
10. Cross Promo Opportunities
Bands who have a similar genre can exchange adverts
in their podcasts and increase both of their fan bases.
Quid pro quo promotion that costs little but can result
in huge returns.
Independent artists have a unique opportunity
available to them. Podcasting is a fairly new medium
that has far reaching distribution opportunities. Independent
artists were once restricted by geography, playing at
local clubs to increase their base. Podcasting has no
borders.
Producing a podcast can mean the difference
between success and failure for an independent artist.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource
box is included and the links are active. A courtesy
copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would
be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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