Musicians are using the site to
expand their current audiences and to sell their
songs online, offering the rare opportunity to make
some cash from their art. In addition to this
service, Sounds2Buy.com includes a range of other
useful services for up-and-coming bands and artists,
including:
- Merchandising areas where users can design
their own t-shirts before selling them on the
site
- A review section that allows musicians and
listeners to leave feedback on each other's
music – potentially boosting their profile
through recommendation for a front-page feature
- A range of articles aimed at people in the
music business, offering guidance and advice on
making it as a commercial success
Although a huge number of firms
claim to offer the world to young musicians,
Sounds2Buy.com has a new slant in that it provides a
straightforward way for bands and musicians to
actually sell their music to paying and willing
audiences for cash.
The website prides itself on being
user-friendly and seems to be an effective way for
new musicians to enhance their public profile.
Interestingly, the site has a
partner radio station, Ore Stone Radio, which plays
submitted music from the site, providing another
route to notoriety for hopefuls.
The site's founder, Ben Rivaux
explains that there are three types of accounts open
to new users: "the first type of account is free and
lets users upload one video and as many as five of
their tracks for streaming, so artists can start
building a fan base straight away."
"The second is a Premium account
that costs £15 for 12 months and lets users sell up
to 12 tracks, and the third – also a Premium account
– costs £30 for 12 months and gives artists the
option of selling up to 24 tracks," he explains.
Devoted music fan Benoit says he
came up with the idea for the site after growing
frustrated with big companies making huge profits
from artists. He claims he is aiming to put song
royalties back where they belong: in the pockets of
the musicians who created them.