Blogs Bringing Harmony to the Music Industry
By Alex Gallagher
Every musician’s biggest challenge is their own promotion and discovery. Chained down by radio play and record deals, many worthy artists frequently go unnoticed. In today’s market, blogs have become the perfect venue for these emerging artists. Millions are writing them and even more are reading them; blogs are everywhere. As blogs gain more attention and credibility they are beginning to transform industries in their own image, fast and convenient. The music industry, for example is no different. Over the last decade, issues such as illegal downloading have cast a negative shadow on the internet’s influence on music, although what many do not realize is the credible accomplishments and benefits blogs have contributed to the ever expanding industry.
What most beginning musicians lack is a stage on which to showcase their talent. With the recent boom in internet music blogging, however, the days of recording demos, or stalking prominent record executives have ended. Take for example Chiddy Bang, a hip-hop duo originally from the Philadelphia college scene. As a group they credited much of their early success to a wide spread music blog titled Pretty Much Amazing. In addition to free-streaming their latest music, the site would advertise upcoming shows as well as review past performances. In terms of tangible success Chiddy Bang has gone from entertaining basement frat parties, to staging international tours, all in a time frame that many music officials would have deemed impossible several years earlier. Aside from their obvious talent, it is clear that Pretty Much Amazing has been an integral part of their success.
The ability to nourish new music is a major strength that blogs possess, however, they also act as a credible Arts & Entertainment section for their readers. Reviewing concerts and albums, or conducting interviews and posting pictures is just a handful of uses blogs like The Pistola Press, a local alternative Philly blog are known for. In many cases readers use music blogs to stay updated on breaking news in the industry, as well as shop for the latest releases. Purely focused on all things relevant to the writer’s favorite music, blog writers cover all of the issues that the average viewer is interested in.
Similar to television music channel blogs also act as broadcasting network for many musicians. Posting music videos or backstage interviews has become very common allowing blogs to be an all access venue that viewers cannot find on most TV channels. The vast amount of content ranging from videos, to albums, to mp3’s makes many blogs into a credible library of today’s music scene. In the same light, due to its accessibility, the internet is relentlessly flooded by files and posts from non-musicians caught up in the fad of mashing and remixing. While the opportunity for many is a blessing it could also be argued this flooding is diluting the already vast pool of good music.
With the rapid advances made on the internet, musicians are also feeling the pressure of the ‘everything’s free’ mentality their listeners and readers are used to. Artists, particularly in the hip-hop industry, are constantly releasing free mix-tapes and singles in an attempt to keep their ever changing audience appeased. Blogs like Good Music All Day, or 2dopeboyz, or I Hope Your Ears Bleed are now often the first interface between musicians and their audience. Without addressing the heated debate of free music and the failing finances of artists and record companies, what shines through is the vitality of music blogs in today’s music market. Quickly becoming both the performers and the consumer’s best friend, blogs capabilities and strengths are undeniable, and will continue to allow them to thrive.
