Hi Rob,

The truth of the matter is that most listens for PO happen through the player posted on other sites, like their own music blog and forums around the Web. One of the most consistent bands month after month with listens and purchases is DNA6. They use the site's services very effectively. Recently I asked her why she was so successful - beyond the fact they produce great songs.

1. They are on every music site on the Web. They use the Opus Player on all of the sites even MySpace.
2. They post their new music in other site discussion forms via links and I believe the Solo Player.
3. Every e-mail and poster they send or post has a link to a site where the Opus Player is located.
4. Their business cards also have a link to a page where a user will find the Opus Player.
5. They update the poster feature of the Opus Player when they want to promote a song or event.

The manager for DNA 6 is Nova. She is crazy busy, but I've been after her to write a tips and suggestions for on-line marketing. I'll hit her up again. In general try and follow those people who are enjoying success. My friend, David Usher has some great advice, too. Although he recognizes that he has an established fan base already - so his path is not as relevant to someone just starting out. The same would go for Trent Reznor.

But some our research informs us that people listen to NEW music on the web when it is in context -
1. As part of a playlist or radio stream. (Get your music on some playlists. Make your own.)
2. Be a part of the broader music conversation happening on the Web. When appropriate post a link or the Opus Player Solo with a song you think is relevant to the conversation. Maybe it sounds similar to an artist being discussed. Maybe it's a lyric, style, or anything else that enhance the conversation. (be careful not to spam.) If someone is talking about the heat of summer, you can always say "here's something I hope will help you beat the heat"

Nova, has been kind enough to write up an article on how she promotes her bands online and how she uses the Opus Player in her efforts. Nova has been very successful in pulling in listens and sales with her techniques. She is a really sharp business woman and we appreciate her input.

Thanks, Nova.

Check out How to Promote Your Band and Music Online

Rethinking is the one habbit that every musician with commercial goals, should build into their psyche.
It's getting easier to make music with machines that do most of the repetitive note making. Musicians techniques are moving further towards programming machine task and moving away from programming the brain and finger moves. Competition in the marketplace is increasing faster than the price of oil.
Initially record companies all started as indies and quickly grew to become majors, then indies re-appeared as an alternative to the majors, now majors are struggling to keep afloat and indies are returning as the only game on the planet. Except for black marketeers with their bootlegs.
When has it ever been a stable and ethical playing field?

Rethinking is the only means of survival with capitalistic competition lurking in every shadow.