February 22, 2011

Jango Airplay Top 10

Here's the top 10 artists on Jango Airplay for the week ending February 20th. Again there's some great newcomers and a few familiar faces that Jango listeners just can't get enough of...future stars in the making ? It's to be seen.

Check the new top 10 below and show some love in the comments.

#1: Mariah Ver Hoef
A young singer-songwriter from Fairbanks, Alaska, Mariah writes about the isolation and shifting landscapes of growing up. 2010 will see the release of her third album in as many years.

Click to hear Mariah Ver Hoef:
Azure Sunshine
#2: Haight-Ashbury
This Glasgow trio (brother/sister, lifelong best friend) is built on a foundation of close harmonies complemented by grungy guitar riffs, throbbing bass and percussive flourish. Definitely worth a listen.

Click to hear Haight-Ashbury:
Favourite Song
#3: Toy Horses
Toy Horses are one of Wales' brightest indie gems. After airplay in the UK their music came to the attention of KCRW starmaker Nic Harcourt who put them on radio & stages in the States. Their debut album is expected in early 2011.

Click to hear Toy Horses:
And It Was You
#4: Rick Stack
Rick Stack's music is a distinctive, exciting blend of jazz, rock and funk. Mix in hypnotic grooves, world music influences and stylistic diversity, and you have a rich, rewarding experience.

Click to hear Rick Stack:
Perceptual Metaphysical
#5: Francesco Taskayali
Francesco Taskayali's first contact with the piano was a game - growing up it became a personal diary in which to write his story. Now, years later, he composes and performs with that same narrative passion.

Click to hear Francesco Taskayali:
E' Sera
#6: Jazz Box
Jazz Box is jazz act from Nevada. They play smoothing, soothing music with which to set a mood.

Click to hear Jazz Box:
Sounds Of The Heart
#7: Tony DIGGZ
Tony Diggz has been making beats since 15, with diverse influences but a heart beating hip-hop. Now his music is a melange of atmosphere & melody, equal parts space opera and retro/organic.

Click to hear Tony DIGGZ:
Summer Soul
#8: Riley Etheridge Jr.
Riley Etheridge Jr. is a New York City singer-songwriter with deep roots in musical Americana. He recently released the album "Things I Used To Know," described in the press as an "elegiac, contemplative collection of sad, funny, and ultimately redemptive alternative country."

Click to hear Riley Etheridge Jr.:
In This Moment
#9: Jonny Esco
Jonny Esco is a Memphis native who's been writing & producing for the past 6 years. He turns inspiration from the world into head-bobbing beats, catchy hooks and expressive lyrics.

Click to hear Jonny Esco:
It's On
#10: The Avant-Garde Metallic Orchestra
Minnesota's Avant-Garde Metallic Orchestra plays sophisticated metal instrumentals with a heavy symphony-orchestral backup. Their compositions are a fertile blend of building momentum and grand moments.

Click to hear The Avant-Garde Metallic Orchestra:
The Trooper

February 21, 2011

Cash for Cover Versions

This week we have an in depth guest blog post from our friends at Limelight. It's all about making money from releasing cover tunes and how to do it legitimately with all your necessary licenses in order. It's a good read so check it out below. Also, drop a line in the comments with any of your own success stories and tips around doing cover versions....

Cash for Covers: Three easy ways to make money from releasing cover songs on digital music stores

It’s no secret Justin Bieber’s ascension to pop superstardom started with a cover song (a version of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick”). Could he have achieved an “underdog to celebrity” rise without one? Maybe, but Bieber performed a new spin on a decades-old formula readily available to any recording artist looking to acquire new fans and make additional money from their recordings.

Cover songs (a.k.a. “remakes”) provide an easy path to building audiences. Releasing one is similar to getting introduced to a new person by way of mutual friend (the song) rather than through a chance encounter (an original tune found on a Bandcamp / MySpace page). A positive introduction is more likely when there is immediate common ground. Cover songs also provide a unique way of tapping into alternate revenue streams for only modest expense (i.e. money spent securing the required mechanical license and paying royalties via Limelight, time spent learning the song, etc.). So why is this an effective way of promoting your music? Let’s explore…

Recording Cover Songs to Meet Demand for Incomplete Catalog:
Digital music services offer instant access for consumers to a 24-hour music warehouse that never runs out of stock. The downside? Two words: incomplete catalog. Not every track you have (or want) in your vinyl or CD collection is available to buy in digital format for any number of reasons (including licensing issues, artist reluctance, wrong brand of dijon mustard at deal signing, etc.). Just as one person gathers what another spills – “incomplete catalog” represents a simply supply and demand market opportunity for savvy artists and labels.


If an artist’s music isn’t available via an online store, other recording artists can take advantage by recording and releasing their own cover versions to meet market demand.

For example, if you search for Kid Rock’s music on iTunes (one of several mainstream artist catalogues that aren’t available), you’ll notice an early 1990 release, a live recording of “Bawitdaba” from Woodstock ’99, and surprise, surprise, several tribute records. Why? iTunes search focuses on track popularity related to song title, artist name, album name and a variety of keywords. Since the majority of Kid Rock’s catalogue is unavailable, the closest matches are tribute recordings and cover versions of his repertoire. In fact, two separate cover recordings of Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” charted on the Billboard Top 100 in 2008 (The Hit Masters, The Rock Heroes) based primarily off digital sales alone. The same principle applies for AC/DC, Garth Brooks, and several other marquee artists whose catalogues have not seen digital release.

Recording Cover Songs to Compete with Album Only Tracks:
From a consumer viewpoint, a digital release’s major advantage over its physical counterpart is the ability to purchase individual tracks without spending money on unwanted tracks. While the majority of online releases allow for a la carte downloading, many online retailers give record labels the option to carve out certain releases as “album-only” — the motivation being to increase full-album sales at the expense of individual song downloads (though sometimes done for rights clearance purposes). Needless to say, “album-only” tracks deny consumers the opportunity to download individual tracks without purchasing the entire record.

Once again, obstacles presented by some labels represent a chance for entrepreneurial-minded artists and labels in releasing cover versions. Since digital versions of television and movie soundtracks (such as
Twilight and The Hangover) are routinely offered out as “Album Only”, recording cover versions of those songs in particular can present another opportunity in capitalizing on simple supply and demand. If titled via an easy search terms comparable to the soundtrack, the cover versions will appear in search results alongside the original soundtrack.

Selling Cover Songs (and Originals) By Association:
Physical retailers are limited – staff on hand, hours in a day, and especially by the product real estate available to them. While Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and other brick-and-mortar shops can only shelve music via singular genre / artist name fashion, digital music stores offer sophisticated search mechanisms, including track title, album name, release year, and even lyric focus.

While many artists may already be familiar with the term “search engine optimization” for purposes of their websites, less have extended that thinking to online music stores.

In the digital age, cover songs provide simple, effective music search engine optimization, especially for covering artists who don’t currently appear on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, etc.

The sophisticated search mechanisms afforded by online stores over their brick-and-mortar counterparts grant artists an easy tool to sell more music. In instances where an artist’s repertoire (such as Journey, Beyonce, Katy Perry) is available via digital music stores, cover songs can benefit by way of song title searches. While common song titles are unlikely to provide any benefit in enhancing search results, cover versions of songs with distinct titles can eclipse the original recordings in search results. For example searching for “99 Problems” (Jay-Z) on iTunes actually results in a unique cover rendition by the artist Hugo ahead of the original. Users who listen to and enjoy Hugo’s cover version are also likely to check out Hugo’s additional repertoire (including originals).


Next Step: Clear the Rights and Sell!

Before recording and releasing cover songs, you’ll need to secure a mechanical license (also known as a DPD license for digital downloads distributed via iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, etc.), which provides permission to legally record and distribute the song. For artists looking to record video versions of their cover songs for purposes of YouTube, Vimeo, and other user-generated content sites, a separate synchronization license is required.

Several entities exist to help artists and labels clear mechanical licenses and ensure songwriters get paid, including Limelight - a simple, one-stop shop to clear any cover song and secure mechanical licenses for digital downloads, interactive streaming, ringtones, and physical albums. Artists, bands and other musical groups can clear any cover song and ensure 100% of royalties are paid to the appropriate publishers and songwriters via Limelight.

Jango Airplay artists get 10% off on their first order:

Just use promo code LLJANGO

February 16, 2011

SXSW - Are You Going ?















South By Southwest is one month away and we want to know what Jango Airplayers are going to be playing one of the hundreds of showcases happening that week. Also drop a line if you're going down just for fun, the beer or the BBQ...It's Austin Time !!!

February 15, 2011

Jango Airplay Top 10

Here's this week's Jango Airplay top 10 . There's some great music, as always, so check them out below and drop a note in the comments. For more on PopScore and how the top 10 are selected check out this blog post HERE.

#1: SIDS
New Mexico's SIDS, short for "Same Image Different Soul," is an emcee & producer making modern music with a traditional purpose, to spread the Gospel.

Click to hear SIDS:
Victory
#2: Amyst
Amyst are an experimental rock quintet from Phildelphia whose music blends genres including ambient, screamo and hardcore. They recently released their second EP, "Chapters In Her Diary."

Click to hear Amyst:
Letters To Grace
#3: MetraJ
MetraJ is an alternative rock band from Turkey. Started six years ago, the band is now performing regularly in clubs, bars and festivals, and expect to release their first album in 2011.

Click to hear Metra J:
Bak Neler Oldu
#4: Miss Krystle
Miss Krystle music is an alternative electronic artist, feeding on a love of music, fashion and artistic installation. She released her first album in 2009 with 100% of the proceeds going to charity, and plans to follow with a second release this summer.

Click to hear Miss Krystle:
Run
#5: The BC Trees
The BC Trees play hip-hop with simple, cold beats featuring live instrumentation and highlighting a socially-concious flow. They recently released their debut album, "Imperfect Paradise."

Click to hear The BC Trees:
Favourite Song
#6: 27
27 is comprised of sisters Maria Christopher (vocals/guitars) and Terri Christopher (drums), and Ayal Naor (baritone guitar/samplers). They have toured a good deal both internationally and across the U.S.

Click to hear 27:
3
#7: Haight-Ashbury
This Glasgow trio (brother/sister, lifelong best friend) is built on a foundation of close harmonies complemented by grungy guitar riffs, throbbing bass and percussive flourish. Definitely worth a listen.

Click to hear Haight-Ashbury:
Favourite Song
#8: Sarah Solovay
Sarah Solovay is a 16 year old singer-songwriter who strikes just the right note between organic catchy rock & vibrant pop. Her music has reached massive audiences via television placement and superstar opening slots, but it's all merely preface to the release of her forthcoming debut.

Click to hear Sarah Solovay:
Hearts Collide
#9: Michael Silverman
Michael Silverman's music consists of relaxing, impressionist piano pieces and beautiful renditions of classical favorites. One of the most popular pianinsts on iTunes, he has logged 13 number one albums and more than 3 million downloads.

Click to hear Michael Silverman:
Bella's Lullaby
#10: Riley Etheridge Jr.
Riley Etheridge Jr. is a New York City singer-songwriter with deep roots in musical Americana. He recently released the album "Things I Used To Know," described in the press as an "elegiac, contemplative collection of sad, funny, and ultimately redemptive alternative country."

Click to hear Riley Etheridge Jr.:
In This Moment

February 14, 2011

Feature Reminder - Pacing

As we mentioned before we are going to do a monthly 'Feature Reminder' since we have so many new artists joining Jango Airplay all the time. This week we have a quick refresher on 'Pacing'.

The 'Pacing' UI is in the 'Songs Tab' of your artist dashboard. It's there where you can choose the pace of your Airplay.














The first option is 'Normal Pace', where we try to pace your plays as best we can to match your subscription package. Basically - a band that is on a $10/month package will see their plays happen slower than a band on a $100/month package.

Next is 'Faster Pace' where we edge up the amount of plays your get above your current package.

The last option is 'Fastest Possible' which means we will play your songs as much as we possibly can.

And again, as a reminder, Some of your pacing is still determined by your quantity and choice of artist targets, similars, as well as how many other Airplay Artists have chosen those same targets.

Enjoy the feature, we hope this helps your airplay experience. Looking forward to your feedback in the comments.

The Jango Juggler

Facebook 'Pages' Updated

Just another quick Facebook update. Facebook has now updated their artist 'Pages'. What they have done, which is exciting, is that they have made 'Pages' act more like people. All the navigation is the same as it is on personal profiles and you can 'Use Facebook as 'Page Name'', which let's you leave comments on the walls of, and interact with, other pages in just the same way as regular users do. There are other new features as well, all made to help you get your band, brand, out there a little further.

And don't forget to check out the Jango Airplay Facebook page as well.

February 8, 2011

Jango Airplay on Facebook

Check it out, we just set up the Jango Airplay Facebook page.
Head on over that way and click the 'Like' button to join the
conversation.



Jango Airplay Top 10

The Top 10 Jango Airplayers are here for the week of 1/31-2/6. There's some fresh faces and some solid holdovers. Have a listen to their tracks and drop a line in the comments. As a quick reminder on how PopScore is measured check out this recent blog post HERE

#1: Toy Horses
Toy Horses are one of Wales' brightest indie gems. After airplay in the UK their music came to the attention of KCRW starmaker Nic Harcourt who put them on radio & stages in the States. Their debut album is expected in early 2011.

Click to hear Toy Horses:
And It Was You
#2: Nelson Braxton
Nelson Braxton is a bassist/producer who's toured with artists like Goapele, Lyrics Born, Jaguar Wright and Lina. Now he's working on his own brand of polished R&B that blends classic melodies and modern aesthetics.

Click to hear Nelson Braxton:
What Would I Do
#3: Amyst
Amyst are an experimental rock quintet from Phildelphia whose music blends genres including ambient, screamo and hardcore. They recently released their second EP, "Chapters In Her Diary."

Click to hear Amyst:
Letters To Grace
#4: Ealeon
Ealeon is a Dutch quintet forged in the fire of breakups, depression and, ultimately, redemption. Now, three years after forming, they are ready to release their debut, a blend of the symphonic & soulful, gothic & pop.

Click to hear Ealeon:
The Change
#5: Haight-Ashbury
This Glasgow trio (brother/sister, lifelong best friend) is built on a foundation of close harmonies complemented by grungy guitar riffs, throbbing bass and percussive flourish. Definitely worth a listen.

Click to hear Haight-Ashbury:
Favourite Song
#6: Morning And The Melting Sunrise
Morning And The Melting Sunrise is a lo-fi folk act from the United Kingdom. Their music is a stark blend of dreamy guitar and near-whisper vocals.

Click to hear Morning And The Melting Sunrise:
3
#7: JC.B
Swiss electronica artist JC.B blurs pop, dance and new age into a fine, swirling mass. Sonics appear & disappear with practiced skill, neatly moving the listener forward and contributing ambience.

Click to hear JC.B:
Hey Hey
#8: Left Step Band
Left Step Band is a London based four piece comprising of Emcee, DJ, Drums and Bass. Their eclectic wildstyle is a stampede of hip-hop, funk, ska, dub and biggabeat... The 21st century digital blues is here people.

Click to hear Left Step Band:
Rebels Of The Frontline
#9: Keyz
Filthy South to Cali - Shreveport, Louisiana emcee Keyz is holding it down with a heady mix of hustle, flow and unshakeable confidence. His music touches on struggle, but never loses its belief in the future.

Click to hear Keyz:
Guarntee
#10: Riley Etheridge Jr.
Riley Etheridge Jr. is a New York City singer-songwriter with deep roots in musical Americana. He recently released the album "Things I Used To Know," described in the press as an "elegiac, contemplative collection of sad, funny, and ultimately redemptive alternative country."

Click to hear Riley Etheridge Jr.:
In This Moment