Some of today's biggest bands and artists launched their careers through social media networks like
MySpace. From the UK's
Arctic Monkeys to indie pop princess,
Kate Nash, it seems you don't need a record label to get your music out there.
ROCKING ONLINE
Many bands use MySpace as a platform not only to get their music out there, but to expand their fan bases, premiere new videos and release new songs. British indie rockers, Arctic Monkeys were hailed as one of the first bands to use the network to promote their music. Since then, some of the now, biggest names in the rock and indie realm have emerged through social media.
Pop punk band,
My Chemical Romance, who have received well over 44 million hits, began their career by releasing free downloads of their songs.
Weezer made their much-needed comeback after making their new album available on MySpace before it could be purchased in stores. The same goes for alternative rockers
White Lies and US super group
Queens of the Stone Age, who both launched their albums on the site. Whether you're looking for the new
30 Seconds To Mars video or
Beck's latest single, you're likely to find it on MySpace first.
POPPING ONLINE
It might have taken London starlet
Lily Allen a lot longer to get her music out there had it not been for social media. As with many young musicians, she created a profile and uploaded a few demo recordings. Thousands of clicks later and Miss Allen landed a record deal. In an interview with a Seattle radio station, Allen said, 'I never set up the MySpace with the intention of millions of people listening to my music. Everyone was going on MySpace… and I realised you could actually put your music up there, so I did. Four months into it, and people were saying, "You've got a million people listening to your songs".'
'Beautiful Girl' rapper,
Sean Kingston was discovered via his profile, as was American pop star,
Colbie Caillat, after her friends suggested she give MySpace a go. Pop princess,
Taylor Swift and 'Pumpkin Soup' singer Kate Nash contribute their popularity and success to MySpace; and together, these pop princesses have over 117 million profile views.
Speaking to Yahoo's OMG! Celebrities, Swift praises the site as a great way to hear what her fans think of her music: 'MySpace has been so imperative to my career. Putting my music on MySpace let me get comments back from people. You'll put up a new song and you get instant feedback directly from the fans. As an artist, I think it's just so exciting.'
While MySpace has certainly launched careers, it has also proved to be the perfect platform for recognised artists, such as
Madonna and
The Black Eyed Peas. The Queen of Pop's 2005 multi-platinum album,
Confessions On A Dance Floor was first launched on the site, while Will.I.Am's crew used their profile to reconnect with their fans and re-establish their name.
From unsigned indie bands to the latest superstar rapper, MySpace has become the place to discover, listen to, and download music. With over 125 million active users a month, someone's bound to hear your sound.