Go-Backstage.com - Changing the Face of Music Promos

Radiohead did it. Most recently, NIN jumped on the bandwagon too. Both bands distributed their latest CD’s online for free, (or practically so in Radiohead’s case), making waves in the industry. BackStage, a new music distribution outlet, thinks the strategy could work for independent artists too. Yes, the old school music system need some retooling, so Stage is offering new artists an easy way to connect with and gather new fans simply by giving away their music. Of course, the theory is that unless you’re a broke, morally ambiguous student, you’ll pay for the album if you like it. Artists can create their own pages to promote their music for $12, $24 or $36, depending on their desired download limits. BackStage gives them DRM-free high quality files in AAC or MP3. To scoop up a track/tracks, listeners will have to supply some personal info, including an email address, where they’ll be sent updates and news about the site’s artists.

“We help bands give away their music to fans, new & old, in a way that allows them to stay in touch with the people who love their music.
Try it out.
Giving away your music is proof that you understand how the new music industry works. It allows an infinite number of people to distribute your music to the people who want it most.”

BackStage is an interesting foray into a new model of music distribution. The internet has made it increasingly difficult for artists to keep a hold on their music, that’s on the one hand. On the other end of the spectrum, the internet acts as a potentially huge promotion machine. It’s how artists get made. BackStage allows independent musicians to promote their music for a small fee; the end result is more fans, more buzz, and hopefully, more sales.

Will this actually work? Is BackStage going to offer musicians a means to sell their music on the site or via cards? Will bands/artists feel it necessary to pay the fees when they could easily distribute their music for free via other means?