The Modern Journalist

SXSW Music and Media Conference

I’m doing an abridged version of the SXSW Music and Media conference this year, which frankly bums me out. While this isn’t as important (to me) as the Interactive Conference, it’s always very enlightening for two reasons: entertainment commerce for mass consumption online signals new ways that people interact with media that are passionate about AND the folks who are using these tools are, by and large, not very techie.

In other words, I have the opportunity to see 25,000 people talking about new ways to use digital tools.

It’s quite great, really a must-see for anyone who is in the tech field. Sometimes, we get caught up in the “what’s new” phenomenon and forget there is a whole world of people just want “what works.”

When we talk about social media, there are so many tools available. Here are a few.

Today, I had the chance to moderate a panel on digital tools for musicians to use to market, promote and sell their work. There was a giant technology gap, which meant we really had to get down to brass tacks.

And you know what? There are some fairly mature sites and opportunities these days. Here was the all-star panel that I had (and big kudos to all of you. You were outstanding. We all could have listened to you for another few hours.

iLike: a service to help you organize your music, share your music tastes, and discover new music through your friends. iLike provides a buddy-list for your iPod - it helps you discover new artists based on what you’re already listening to, and it helps you browse your friends’ music libraries and share music suggestions with each other.

Bebo: is a social media network where friends share their lives and explore great entertainment.

YouTube: is a video hosting and distribution network.

Last.fm: Last.fm tracks what you listen to, learns what you like, gives you personal top charts and new music to discover. Do you make music? Get paid directly. Your listeners have probably started a page for you already! Join them, upload your music, and get it played right to the people who will love it.

Sonicbids: Sonicbids is an online matchmaking site for bands and people who book or license music. We count over 130,000 musicians and more than 10,000 promoters among our members, and they represent over 100 countries across the world. At any given time, we have more than 1,000 open gig listings for everything from festivals and club dates to songwriting contests and licensing opportunities.