Indie Artists Should Podcast

By S. Housley

Independent artists have long struggled to gain recognition and attract an audience. Without the backing of a major label it can be very difficult for independent artists to obtain radio play time, that is, until now. Podcasting a revolutionary new medium, has opened new distribution channels for independent artists. Podcasting is the process of distributing audio files using the RSS format and has become very popular with the younger generations.

With the use of technology, independent artists have a unique opportunity available, using technology they can significantly expand the exposure of their music.

Why should a musician podcast?

1. Distribution Channel
The power of distribution is no more evident then when looking at the iTunes Music Store, with independent podcasts garnering millions of downloads. Notoriety has been gained and celebrities have been made. Independent artists who produce podcasts should include iTunes tags in their podcast feed and list their podcast in the iTunes Music Store. A listing in the iTunes Music Sore will significantly increase a podcaster's exposure.

2. Gain Interest and Fans
Independent artists can attract listeners by creating a podcast with a music sampling.

3. Send Demos
Indies always searching for the brass ring or wanting to be signed by a big label can use podcasts for their commercial demos. Artists can promote their podcast and direct agents and labels to the demos as an inexpensive means to get signed.

4. Get Gigs
Night clubs looking for entertainment will listen to podcasts to find bands or artists who target their demographic. Clubs will have an idea of what to expect from the artist. Musicians might find themselves with additional booking as their podcast becomes a marketing tool.

5. Promote Gigs at Establishments
Establishments will be more willing to sign artists who will bring new listeners to their club. Musician can use their podcast to provide additional promotion for any booked events. The additional publicity might be the deciding factor, if the club management is torn between booking two artists.

6. Build a Community
Developing a community is critical to an artist's success. Podcasting and consistent communication with loyal listeners will help encourage and strengthen a musician's fan base.

7. Sell CDs
Shareware has long been a staple in the software community, adopted as a marketing method, to allow users the opportunity to sample software prior to making a purchase decision. Independent artists can use podcasting to sell their CDs. Sample music files or single songs that are given freely will encourage listeners to purchase a CD with additional songs.

8. Reinforce Listener Loyalty
Loyal listeners or "groupies" who listen to podcasts will share the podcasts with friends and extend the bands reach.

9. Announcements
Podcasting can be used as an additional vehicle to announce new songs, albums, interviews or other information relevant to the independent artists performances.

10. Cross Promo Opportunities
Bands who have a similar genre can exchange adverts in their podcasts and increase both of their fan bases. Quid pro quo promotion that costs little but can result in huge returns.

Independent artists have a unique opportunity available to them. Podcasting is a fairly new medium that has far reaching distribution opportunities. Independent artists were once restricted by geography, playing at local clubs to increase their base. Podcasting has no borders.

Producing a podcast can mean the difference between success and failure for an independent artist.

About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.