ContentSphere - Music & Media in an Online Culture

Just a hint to another article this time. Referring to my last posting on ContentSphere, I wrote an article for Music Think Tank, “Mobile Connect-with-Fans for DIY Artists - Why, and How?”. Please feel free to comment there.

After having posted on some forums, googling around etc., I finally was able to find services of the kind I was in search for - offering artists apps which they can share with their fans to directly connect. Also, one the companies (Songpier) commented on my article. Other ones are listed in my article on Music Think Tank.

Now, if you needed any further confirmation - please immediately go visit Midem’s website. The Midem blog features an article on “Music mobile apps and music streaming services”, including an excellent study compiled by Nielsen for MidemNet Lab MIDEM (link to download form).

Actually, it’s the result of a survey of well beyond 25.000 online consumers in more than 50 markets worldwide. Do yourself a favour, fill-in the form, and download the study. If you had any doubt about my article - read it.

Sometimes, things simply happen. There are a few coincidental moments which start a whole chain of terrific encounters. Now, if this leads to discovering new music, it gets a full-fledged Mike-Masnick-“connect with fans” experience. Somewhat surreal, yet very real.

It’s been about two weeks ago when I received a tweet from netlabel Rec72. They recommended an artist to me, Zoe.LeelA - in particular because of ContentSphere’s Creative Commons focus.

To be honest, I get a LOT of recommendations, links, or artist followers via Twitter. And I really like that. I follow each and every person back who’s in the music business. That’s the premise. But I don’t have the time to check back all music (which is a shame).

Luckily, I did this time.

Zoe.LeelA’s EP “Queendom Come” went straight into my playlist. Sure the guy (or girl) from Rec72 doesn’t know my likes and dislikes… but he aimed into the blue and hit exactly.

It’s electronic music, spiced up with a grain of hip-hop, and a good deal of soul. Let me put it that way. Where Sarah Fimm tends to be more percussive, Zoe.LeelA’s tunes have that melodic hook that keeps stuck in your head. It’s one of that rare occasions you are glad they do.

Apart from Sarah Fimm, it is (at times) that Ladytron comes to mind, or Charlotte Martin’s “Stromata”. Or even Massive Attack’s “Mezzanine”.
Continue reading "Zoe.LeelA - Lush Electronic Soul From Berlin" »

Today’s act I’m going to introduce to you is no band. Neither it’s a solo artist. You might call it a project. And it sure has developed in a way not expected.

Ambient Circle is a collective of various participants located in Germany’s North-Rhine area. Every now and then, they get together to play electronic music sessions. They are entirely focused on electronic ambient music, and it’s just twelve sessions they did so far. This includes public and private sessions.
Continue reading "Recommended Music: "Ambient Circle"..." »