Late Registration
Publication Type:
Magazine ArticleSource:
Billboard, Volume 8, p.4/10 (2010)Call Number:
AprilURL:
billboard.bizFull Text:
Despite Facebook becoming the top social networking site, MySpace is still considered the primary vessel to discover and launch new artists. Myspace has the advantage of a large number or bands and indie artists that direct fans to the website. The company has been able to distinguish itself from Facebook by embracing this and partnering with labels to creating a further draw with its streaming service. Despite the clout Myspace has with artists and fans Facebook has repeatedly stated it has no intention to launch its own music service. However reality may be that Facebook does not need a music service in order to compete with Myspace as a promotional platform for music. Unknown Boston rapper Sam Adams was able to reach the top of iTunes hip-hop album chart with his debut EP due to his ability to exploit the potential of Facebook. At the time of his CD release the rapper had 800 friends on Myspace. This insignificant following lead to rumors that he had bought large quantities of his own EP in order to place himself on the charts. The fact that he had over 20,000 Facebook fans was not initially considered. Sam Adams’ manager used Facebook since the platform did not have as much competition as Myspace. Promotional efforts were also entirely focused on college students. College networks are strongly based around Facebook, while High School students tend to be the primary users of Myspace. Labels need to realize the potential behind Facebook as a vehicle to reach college students and that Myspace is no longer the only network out there with the ability to start an artist’s career.
Plays Well With Others
Publication Type:
Magazine ArticleSource:
Billboard, Volume 9, p.2/27 (2010)Call Number:
FebruaryURL:
billboard.comFull Text:
Facebook has once again denied rumors of its intention to launch a music service. This leaves record labels and artists struggling to figure out how to take advantage of the world's most popular social network. Despite the absence of an official music service there is still opportunity for those capable of thinking out of the box. Facebook reported that it has nearly half a million apps, used by 70% of its users on a monthly basis. Games are the most popular category and users have shown a willingness to pay for associated content. With this in mind record labels should view Facebook as important a platform for music applications as the iPhone. U.K based theBizmo is the first company to attempt to capitalize with their music related game "Hit or Not". Players set up a virtual record company and rate and recommend real songs by real artists. Those who are able to predict the tracks that become popular are compensated with points and virtual cash. There is no reason individual labels cannot create a similar type of A&R game for their acts. Additionally games based on individual artists similar to the successful "I Am T-Pain app for iPhone could prove to be lucrative in the future.
