| Like many musicians, waiting for a record label to find | | | | local gigs and events. Radio stations and other |
| you can take a long time and even then, it may not be | | | | broadcasters need CDs in order to play them on the |
| worth it. Instead, musicians are taking matters into their | | | | air. |
| own hands and selling music by promoting it on | | | | When looking for web sites to package and distribute |
| MySpace. Since MySpace reaches millions of viewers | | | | your CD, find ones that are popular or ask advice from |
| each day, chances are you will be able to sell your | | | | other musicians who have gone the same route. You |
| music, make a profit, and create a fan base without | | | | may have to raise money for these costs by playing |
| needing to sign a recording contract. | | | | extra gigs, or selling downloads first, but it will be worth |
| Being your own boss | | | | it. Use MySpace as a way to generate interest, get |
| Without a recording contract, you will be able to | | | | advice, and find out more information. There are many |
| choose the songs for your CD, the order of those | | | | forums that can help answer any questions you have. |
| songs, and when you want to record them. You will | | | | Creating a band web site |
| also be able to design cover art, inside pages, and | | | | While MySpace is currently working on building a |
| other merchandise you may want to sell in conjunction | | | | storefront where musicians can sell their merchandise |
| with the CD or music downloads. | | | | directly on the site, you may have to create your own |
| You will also be able to choose if you want to strictly | | | | web site and sell your CD there until this new feature |
| sell songs that can be downloaded or if you want to | | | | is up and running. But that doesn't mean you cant |
| record an actual CD. | | | | advertise on MySpace, work with other musicians to |
| You can choose to sell your music in different ways | | | | cross-sell music, or find other ways to promote your |
| by creating a web site where people can download | | | | sound. |
| songs, or working with third-party distribution web sites | | | | A band web site should be an extension of your |
| that will take of packaging and shipping. Promoting your | | | | MySpace profile page. Include your web site on your |
| CD or downloadable songs on MySpace is a great | | | | profile page so fans will know where to go when they |
| way to generate interest. Make sure you include the | | | | want to buy a CD, see additional photos, or find out |
| URL of the site that is selling your music so fans will | | | | where you will be playing next. |
| know where to go. | | | | MySpace is a great way to promote your music and |
| Cost of releasing your music | | | | help your CD or downloadable songs sell even faster. |
| The cost of selling your music is much less expensive | | | | The internet is a large landscape, but with a little help |
| than it used to be. While you don't have to produce a | | | | from MySpace, you will be able to let fans know |
| CD, many musicians do anyway as a way to show | | | | where they can buy your music and learn more about |
| their professionalism and so they can sell the CD at | | | | your sound. |