Blog
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Why Bands Need Their Own Website…
The recent purchase of imeem.com by MySpace left users out in the cold. I personally had grown to enjoy imeem's features, my playlists, and the recommendations that imeem gave. Though the web content and functionality was great, the mobile application certainly lacked some of the features (for the iphone anyway), and the library wasn't quite complete. In spite of these shortcomings, the service was one of the better ones of this type.
So, while users may have been left in the cold, the treatment of indie bands is straight-up disgraceful. A recent article in hypebot.com noted that imeem's obligations to 110,000 indie bands would not be carried over to MySpace. The original article notes that since imeem was purchased in a foreclosure process (similar to a bankruptcy),this allowed MySpace to ignore certain of imeem’s obligations after purchase. In this case, MySpace is ignoring the unpaid obligations of Snocap – the digital storefront used by some indie bands sites within imeem (Note: Bands can also sell through Snocap within MySpace). It is likely that most of these bands were owed less than $20 but it highlights the need for bands to have their own website- their own URL rather than a profile page.
At DigABand we plan to offer both: bands can use a URL of their choosing, while we also plan to offer a digital storefront where bands will be able to sell albums or individual tracks, while also setting prices for these offerings. We plan to use Paypal to handle the commercial end of the transactions. If a music fan purchases songs from a band using a DigABand website, the money will be deposited directly into the band's Paypal account. Independent musicians have been taken for a ride and it has to stop. We are doing everything we can to stem the tide.Labels: band websites, DigABand, imeem, myspace, paypal
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
Private Beta Launched!
On October 23rd we launched the Private Beta of DigABand. In the 3 weeks since this huge milestone, we have had 100's of requests to join the program and try out the software. We are working diligently through the requests so, if you applied and have not heard from us, we promise to get to you shortly.
If you haven't signed up yet, CLICK HERE to do so now.
We spent the last year getting input from 100's of independent artists. It has been a year of intense learning. Our goal was to create a platform that would allow artists just starting out to easily focus their efforts on building up their fan base. We learned that in order to do so, an artist need to have their own branded presence online, they needed to get out and play more shows, and they needed to build a deep personal connection with their fans.
We assert that there are a few universal truths to the new music business:
1. It is all about the art. Technology has eviscerated the old model where distribution was the key to the kingdom.
2. Consumers of music are spoiled for choice. 20 years ago it would have been hard to imagine the average person having access to the entire history of recorded music for just a few dollars a month. But services are popping up every day that allow them to do this. This means that it is now more important than ever to build a deep and meaningful connection with your fans in order to cut through the noise.
3. There is a renaissance underway that will allow the best artists to rise to the top. As an artist, you are no longer beholden to a single tastemaker or disgruntled A&R rep.
4. Change is constant. Artists need a platform that will grow with them, learn with them, and lead for them and with them. We are here to help.
DigABand is a game changer. Working with other musicians, our platform allows you to proactively build your fan base by working with the bands that can help you, and that you can help. By providing your fans with a home base on line, and by letting you build your brand to your specifications without spending a fortune and without needing to be a web designer, MBA and marketer as well as a great musician.
In the coming weeks, through the beta program we are going to be adding some great functionality as a response to our users comments. Our goal is to rapidly release the most crucial features as soon as we get them done and tested.
We already have a few great ones coming out soon. Look for connections to automatically update Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more direct-to-fan interaction. Expect an elegant and easy to use interface, and enjoy having more time to focus on your music!
We are privileged to work in such an exciting and evolving space, with incredible users who will continue to help us focus on what is most important and most valuable. Thank you for the privilege of serving you. And please, keep the feedback coming.Labels: band websites, DigABand, fan management, get gigs, new features, private beta, sign up
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