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Garageband.com - Benefits for musicians and membersMar 10 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Give garageband.com a try. Not only can artists compete for a large recording contract, but are also allowing themselves to be heard by others.
I would be overstating my abilities to express myself as being as musically talented as a frog. At least a frog can croak in tune. However, I know what I like when I hear it, and have recently been introduced to a site that allows members to discover new bands and new music. The site, www.garageband.com, allows bands and solo artists to compete for a $250,000 ($US) recording contract, while allowing members to earn free CD’s by simply listening to and rating the music at the site. Although I will be writing this review from the perspective of a member who listens to music, it is my intention that readers will be made aware of the potential for bands and solo artists to gain recognition from this site. Site Overview: Bands and solo artists are able to load a piece of music to be submitted for the competition. There are a number of genres where their music can be added, for example, “rock/pop”, “pop”, “folk/country”, “rap/hip hop”, “heavy metal”. Artists are competing for a $250,000 recording contract. Each competition lasts for approximately two months. In this time, other members of the site are able to listen to, and review the band’s submissions. The reviews contribute to the band’s standings. Towards the end of the competition time frame, the highest rated songs are clumped together, and members rate these. One winner is found from a combination of all genres, not one winner per music category. Members listen to real audio versions of the songs, and are asked to listen to at least 90 seconds of each song before reviewing it. Artists are also able to include information about their band at the site. This information includes their location, their name, a band picture, and any gigs the band may be performing. This allows members to view the band in concert if they live within that area and like the music style. The other members of the site, listen to two pieces of music from different bands. They complete short (very short) surveys aimed at determining which song the member enjoyed more, whether they would listen to the songs again and whether they would purchase the song if possible. There is also room for members to leave comments about the band, though this is optional. These reviews determine the overall ranking of each band. Each band is given equal opportunity to earn ratings. For every review comparison completed by a member, they earn a ticket on their card. They are able to complete 5 reviews a day that are credited (they can complete more if desired - they are not credited however). Upon completing 20 review pairs within a one month period, the member earns a free CD. Here in Canada, I will be receiving a $25 gift certificate (via e-mail) which I can spend at HMV online. Other Features Of The Site: Members are able to download an MP3 version of songs that they particularly like. They are also able to add up to 50 songs to a play list which can be accessed at the garageband site. The site also lists gigs, allowing users to search specific areas to see who is playing where and when. Users are able to join the site from all over the world. I have recommended this site to friends and family members in Australia, and they have told me that they are also able to receive rewards for completing the surveys, as am I here in Canada. I have also been introduced to music from bands all over the world. Benefits For Musicians: The obvious benefit would be in winning the recording contract. However, with a site that has only one winner every two months, thousands of artists miss out. With that said, there are many other benefits for competing in this competition: 1. Receive constructive criticism: Members are able to leave comments about the bands, comments that are read by band members themselves. This helps bands learn what other think of their music, and how they can improve. 2. Being heard: Even though there is only one winner, other bands are being heard also, and may be heard by those in the music industry that are able to give their careers a boost. In submitting a song at this site, bands are being heard by a larger audience than if they were only to play local gigs. This again shows the benefit of the comments section, which allows for members to praise the artists as well as giving constructive criticism. Conclusion: I hope this review has shown the benefits of this site, not only for members who receive a free CD each month for simply listening to music and reviewing it, but also for bands hoping to gain recognition. It is a great site, and well worth checking out.  |
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