Saturday, March 14, 2009

Download Free Music

The music industry was revolutionized by two major events, the first was the development of the MP3 format, and the second was the advent of P2P software like Napster. The easy availability of P2P software meant an internet user could easily download thousands of songs without having to spend a single dollar. Napster was just the beginning of the file sharing revolution (although Napster is now a legal music service), today there are P2P software available which allow users to download and share music files. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that P2P software like Kazaa and eDonkey are illegal and using P2P networks to share music is more often than not, a copyright infringement.
The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is a fierce opponent of music piracy, and is using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to find internet users that are using illegal P2P software. Every year, the RIAA settles thousands of copyright infringement lawsuits. However, there is software available which enables users to download MP3s legally without breaking any copyright laws. Here are a few tips to help you download free legal music.
The easiest way to find free music is by visiting an artist’s or music group’s website and downloading music from the ‘downloads’ section. Most artists and music groups allow visitors to download music and music videos from their website free of charge (you might have to become a member first). Another way to download free legal music is via online music stores; most music stores allow users to download popular music tracks as ‘samples’ for free. There is also specialized software available that allows users to search and share music that has been legally downloaded and is free to distribute. You can also use search engines like Google and Yahoo to find free MP3 files that are free to download.
There has been considerable criticism of P2P software but not all P2P software is illegal and there are paid services that charge a small fee to give users access to P2P networks. The legality of the software and websites mentioned above has been questioned, but software like the one available on unlimiteddownloadplace.com is still one of the most downloaded software on the internet. There is no law prohibiting the downloading of P2P software and this is why P2P software is perfectly legal and readily available online.
It is important to understand that as a user, you are obligated to respect the various copyright laws that apply in your country. In essence, the onus of using P2P software judiciously lies with you and not with the website that is offering the P2P software. If you are downloading P2P software, make sure you understand the legalities and copyright laws involved. Also remember, that not all websites claim they are allowing you to download free legal music. If you are not sure if the music you are downloading is legal, get in touch with the website that you downloaded the software from or better still go through the ‘read me’ file of the P2P software.
Websites and music stores that allow free downloading of music
The iTunes music store allows users to download free music tracks, every week the free music list is updated and a user can use the iTunes software to download music for free. In fact, iTunes is just one of the many online stores that allow free downloading of music. There are also websites like Amazon.com that allow users to download a music track as a sample from a music album. Unlike the iTunes music store, the quality of Amazon.com’s free music track is usually not as good as a high quality ‘rip’ from a music CD. In some cases, you are better off buying the CD or MP3 online, instead of downloading the ‘sample track’.

About the Author

Juan uflerbaumer is the author of this article on download free legal music.
Find more information about download music onlinehere.

Three Basics for Success in the Music Industry

The music industry is full of talent that may never find success. It is unfortunate that it may take years to get a record deal, even if you're awesome! And in the independent music world, it still takes hard work to succeed, even with the increased amount of opportunities for this group. The moral of the story is, "don't put all your eggs in one basket." Basically, you have to really know your stuff, network with music contacts and know your goals. You don't want to end blending in with the rest of the music industry hopefuls that don't succeed.

Let's be honest, we all know that too many demos and press kits end up in the trash. So, try stepping away from the idea of a record deal being your only way to success. The music industry is moving out of the traditional brick and mortar and into the digital realm. Independent music artists are finding more and more ways to get there music out of their sheds and into everyone's iPod. Up and coming artists looking for play time will get their name out there not by sending out hundreds of demos, but by getting their face and name on the web, getting their music played for the people who will listen, and building up a huge fan base.

When you have been at it for years or if you are just starting out, forget fame and fortune for a second, and get down the basics of the music industry:

1. Literally, you have got to know your stuff:
If you're truly devoted to making it in the music industry, then be committed to your music first. Practice and master your craft because we all know there is always room for improvement. This is the most practical yet significant recommendation you'll ever get. If you want to make a lasting impact and develop a steady, long term music industry career you should take the time to develop your own distinctive sound. Whether it's your voice or your piano, you should be unsurpassed at what you do. Only hard work and devotion will get you there.

2. Be Seen!

The key is to build a fan base and the only way to do that is to play live! Don't be a snob about it either. Play anywhere and everywhere you can. Broadcast your performance schedule on your website, in local papers or through your friends and family. Music contacts in the music industry are obtained at performances and gigs.

In addition to playing live, you have to get your music heard. The radio, Internet radio, on your website, MP3s, ringtones, podcasts and web videos are all usable outlets. Take advantage of all the options out there available to independent music artists.

3. Lastly, Be Available.

Four out of five times, the first thing people do when. Find a way to connect to your website visitors. Tell stories, blog, put up pictures, schedules, freebies and anything else you can think of. Talk about what your music means or where you derive inspiration.

The bottom line really whether or not you have talent and are marketable in the music industry. Next, you have to put the time and effort into actually marketing your independent music to fans, music contacts and to anyone else who will listen. Take the time and put in the extra effort and success will come your way!

About the Author

Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.TheIndustryYellowPages.com for more info on music contacts, music industry & independent music.