GarageBand.com
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
GarageBand.com is a large online community of independent musicians and music fans. Founded in 1999, the site is used by musicians who seek greater exposure and critical insight provided by an audience of their peers. The site is also used by music fans to discover new independent artists in the site's vast collection. Some is Creative Commons-licensed music content.[citation needed]
After the demise of the original MP3.com in 2003, Trusonic acquired licenses for 250,000 artists representing 1.7 million songs. They partnered with GarageBand.com to revive these artist accounts. Most of the technology and infrastructure developed at MP3.com was retained.
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[edit] Main Features
In addition to free MP3 hosting, GarageBand.com offers independent bands the chance to enter into a contest in which they compete for a top spot on the GarageBand.com music charts for their particular musical genre (e.g. 'Rock', 'Avant Garde'). One of the rewards for hitting the top of the charts is inclusion in Clear Channel's "NEW! Discover Music" program, which gives top GarageBand.com members exposure across over 400 of the company's FM radio station websites. Entrance in the contest can be either earned through reviewing the music of other members, or by paying a $19.99 per song submission fee.
The site uses a sophisticated rating system to generate popularity rankings for each artist, and maintains charts of these rankings. This makes the large music catalog easier to browse for fans. The music industry also uses these charts to find new talent. Several GarageBand.com members who have charted well found subsequent music career success in the form of label deals, licensing and promotional opportunities. Examples include 10 Years (signed to Universal Records) and American Idol finalist Bo Bice.
[edit] Other Features
GarageBand.com also runs Gcast, a podcasting platform which integrates the GarageBand.com digital music library. Gcast is also used by celebrities such as Dane Cook and Jason Mraz to deliver their podcasts.
In 2006, the company launched iLike, a social music discovery website and iTunes sidebar application that tracks the music you listen to and recommends new music. Recommendations also include links to free downloads from GarageBand.com artists.
[edit] Winners of GarageBand.com's Old Contest, "The Final Countdown" (1999-2001)
The band's listed below were the winners of GarageBand.com's recurring but short-lived contest for a $250,000 recording contract.
- November 1999: boondogs
- February 2000: Monovox
- April 2000: Headboard
- June 2000: Ultraphonic
- August 2000: MichelleCross
- October 2000: Mercy River
- December 2000: Sunfall Festival ("I Walked Away")
- March 2001: Brilliant
- June 2001: Caser ("Don't Mind")
- August 2001: the Szuters ("Antichrist Theme")
[edit] Reviewers' Picks awards
Winning Reviewers' Picks awards requires growth on the Independent Music Charts in your genre, high review ratings and maintaining an active profile. This is a major accomplishment for an independent recording artist. Artist are reviewed and awarded weekly in the following categories (under their genre):
- Best Male Vocals
- Best Female Vocals
- Best Guitars
- Best Drums
- Best Bass
- Best Keyboards
- Best Programming
- Best Production
- Best Lyrics
- Best Melody
- Best Beat
- Best Mood
- Most Original
- Feel Good Track
- Rocking Track
- Best Love Song
- Bitter Breakup Song
- Grooviest Rhythm
- Best Dance Track
- Chill-Out Track
- Potential Soundtrack
- Best Elevator Song
- Stupidest Song
[edit] External and related links
- GarageBand.com
- iLike
- GCast
- Video of Ali Partovi - Founder of garageband.com
- Stolen Mix Tape - Official website
- PureVolume - Official website
- MySpace - Official website
- MySongCast - Official website
- BandSpace - Official website
