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Why Independent Artists and Musicians Should Podcast
by S. 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.
Contact Vox Novus Media today to let us help you create your
podcast!
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