Mp3 release ideas

Okay this is a work in progress. It is A-List Records’ attempt to explore some new promotion ideas that are floating around the music industry. Well the idea is not a new one, but there is, certainly, a new focus on it. The idea is simple: giving away your music for free increases your “value” as an artist. Thanks Radiohead.

Just want to clarify, and will write another post on, my definition of value as a musician, cos I don’t mean $$$. Maybe down the line…when you clamber onto step three… but for us first/second crew… the value i speak of is your value to those around you. Creative people, opinion makers, fans, promoters, labels… i will go into this further, at a later point.

So giving up full, say 160kbps mp3s (320 if you’re keen), and letting them spread and multiply online is the first part of this. GET HEARD.

The second part of this project is to incorporate ALL and ANY additional digital content into the release package. Artist pics, gig pics, random pics, youtube videos that incorporate the music, live videos, videos you like, other music, links to pages/people. Anything. Anything that is you- the artist- expressing personality.

I usually use (Grammy winners) The Flight of the Concords to explain the benefits of this. Not necessarily to that extent, but I consider it a clear description of the benefits of defining and expressing personality as an artist. Don’t you find you like someones music much more if you know them.

Music has always been more than just music, wacky sentence I know, but there is another level of communication involved, whether you are communicating understanding, emotion, humour; however you define it; the key to the second step is defining your message and getting it to those how will appreciate it. GET LOVED.

So, I guess I’m kind of up to step 3 now. I should at this point state that this is my iteration of much smarter, more experienced people who share their knowledge. The main idea I’m referencing (kinda blatantly) is Hear/Like/Buy by Andrew Dubber. He’s an ex-pat kiwi music industry futurist, based in England; and most importantly he’s a really clear communicator. Check it out.

Yup, so thats my point, put it out first, quickly and easily online, so your audience can hear your music, display personality so that your audience can further understand your music. And then… then you can look to expect some sales.

Watch this space for a free, downloadable, cross format, release of original NZ music.

And expect another post when I have figured out how best to faciltate a multi-format release. Any ideas MORE than welcome.