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Getting A Record Deal Through Second Life?
from the connecting-with-fans dept
Ben writes in to point out an article from Wired News about a blues musician, Von Johin, who performs concerts in Second Life each week, which just helped him get a record deal. It's an interesting story -- and I have to admit that the gimmickyness of the story makes me wonder if the record label is being totally upfront about how they found and signed Johin. It's almost too good a story, especially given how many news stories we've seen over the years that simply played off Second Life as a hook. However, even if the story itself is a bit contrived, it does point to yet another way that musicians can better connect with true fans. These days, any way to better connect with fans is an important part of a business model, and while it's certainly not for everyone, holding concerts in Second Life is certainly one way to attract an audience.
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Nope, its all true
This time if it sounds too good to be true, it actually is. :) This is how they found me, I weighed the benefits of signing with a label vs. putting my music on iTunes all by myself, and the label deal won hands down. Now wish me luck as I make this record. Oh, and thanks for the mention! :)
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Good luck Von
However people get discovered, good luck to them (and you Von). The major label way of discovery creates overall pretty boring factory-produced music. "Hey, this band is hot, let's sign or create something just like them".
My wife got discovered by fans on sellaband.com and produced an album with Van Morrison's producer. You can hear it on her website and download the free songs from the label.
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zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Congrats (and a mini story)
Not sure if I've met Von but I believe the story, the music scene is alive and well in SL. I've attended several concerts in SL and really enjoy being able to find good, live music.
Way to go!
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Way to use that branded community to generate an audience! Just hope your concert doesn't get crashed by flying penis monsters...
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Weird...
I didn't know that, aside from this musician, the only other person in the world actively using Second Life was someone that could hand out record deals.
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So what's the point of this story? Bottom line is the artist still signed with an evil major label, and will probably get screwed out of any, and/or all royalties and end up a bitter, crushed artist.
Artists have been discovered in "interesting" places for years. Whether it's the woolworth lunch counter, or second life, who really gives a rip? Just goes to prove the record companies aren't as technologically ignorant as they let on.
We always hear these stories of all these innovative things artists are doing to attract fans, but the end all/beat all goal still seems to be to sign with a label.
Wake me up when signing with a label is out of the ordinary, not the norm.
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Excellent
If you have ever been to a concert in Second Life -- and especially those by Von Johin.. WOW.... it is simply amazing.
To crank up the speakers on your computer, to hear live music right in your living room with your jammies on.
To talk back and forth with the artist..
To feel the emotion of the concert -- nothing is better !!
I can't believe the range of talent, and Mr Von Johin is right up there with the best I have heard.
I am so excited and pleased for him.. this bridging of real and second lives..
Way to go VON.... EXCELLENT
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Wow lucky?
That is a great story and well done to him for having that idea.
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