12 tips to get your music really heard at i-bands

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 2:16 pm

1. Get the best sound you possibly can!: Before you convert your song into an MP3 file, make sure you've squeezed every drop of juice (we're talking audio quality here, of course!) out of whatever gear you're using to process your music! Leave a short pause (2 or 3 secs) at the start and at the end to accommodate some of the quirkier MP3 players. And try to be as professional as possible with fade-ins and fade-outs. (Important note: Before you upload your MP3 file, listen to it on headphones and make sure it's free of crackle, hiss, hum and other kinds of non-musical noise.)

2. Go for the highest bitrate!: Opt for the maximum MP3 bitrate allowed (128kbps at i-bands) to ensure that the sound quality is not too shabby. And use the Lofi Creator to make a 24kbps file available for those poor folk still on dial-up.

3. Offer downloads!: Unless you're a big-name star or plan on releasing a world-conquering album, allow listeners the option of downloading your songs. Even one or two out of a bunch is better than none. Be aware that many established artists now offer free full downloads at sites like Download.com (check out their listing of Malaysian artists here )) and Amazon.com! If you're thinking of promoting an indie album, create a well-sequenced collage of clips for a smooth sampling experience.

4. Think up catchy song titles!: When choosing a title for a song, whether in English or Malay, make sure it's grammatically correct and free of literals. Think of a really catchy and clever title, and choose the most accurate category for your music as, chances are, listeners who stray to the site for the first time haven't got a clue what you sound like. Avoid swear words, meaningless phrases or language that's offensive.

5. Rotate songs!: Keep rotating songs, and if you feel you can get better mixes, go ahead and do it! A remix can do wonders for a song. If it's a catchy one, chances are listeners would be curious to check out the new version. Also, keep updating your pages regularly, especially the message section. Tell people what you're working on and politely invite constructive criticism and suggestions from them.

6. Avoid covers!: Unless you're totally bankrupt of original ideas or are genetically unable to compose your own tunes, avoid covers (IMPORTANT NOTE: Covers that don't have the original artists' written consent will NOT be allowed at i-bands from November 1, 2005 to avoid future copyright complications!). Even if you've drastically rearranged one and honestly feel your interpretation has surpassed the original, it will never travel as well as a good original.

7. Full songs please!: Try to upload full songs rather than clips. Listeners are not going to be too impressed by a guitar solo after a while if that's ALL you have to offer! And try to avoid gear demos as in the end you're the one who's losing... nobody's paying you to promote their product!

8. Use tasteful images!: When choosing the artist/band image for your page, show some taste! Be arty and radical but don't be rude! Porn-like images and anything that'll disgust most people will only turn off prospective visitors to your site! Also, try to create appropriate song images to brighten up your music page! [Here's a good example.]

9. Make your band/artist bio interesting!: Spend some time making your band/artist info as interesting as possible. Be humble! Don't brag that you're the best band in the world if you can't live up to the bill!

10. Choose a unique name!: Never underestimate the pulling power of a unique band name! English names are fine but make sure they're not similar to bands that already exist. Better yet, uniquely Malaysian names will make your band stand apart from the slagheap of conformity!

11. Hype your music!: Once you've uploaded your songs, post links to them in the Song Reviews forum and politely ask i-banders to comment on them. You should also promote them at other forums you frequent. And try to accept criticism in the right spirit.

12. Tell your family & friends!: Don't forget to email family members and buddies about your songs. Provide links to the music page, and while you're at it, tell them what a fab site i-bands.net is!

RS / synthdude

undefined · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:48 pm Post subject: bernas..

good article! hope it will keep reminding myself... Smile

andax · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:39 am Post subject: nice!

yerp nice articles