What if you want to listen to music somewhere besides the web site’s flash player? The answer is to listen at sites like Magnatune and Jamendo. I’ve been frequenting Jamendo more, so I will focus on it right now. The site allows you to listen to music that ha been licensed with the Creative Commons license, allowing the artist to share their art in any way that they wish. Read the license (it IS a bit legalese, but worth reading) and see why freedom might be a good thing for you.
The thing that I like about these sites is that they offer you an easy way to download the music that the artists want you to have and if you like it, you can send them some money. Unlike the model where the recording companies take all of the money for a very long time, and if the album does EXTREMELY well, the artist might see a small slice of it, most, if not all, of the money you “pay” goes to the artist. This is a much better model.
So, go listen. Create an account. Donate to the artists that you like, if you can. if you can’t donate,spread the word about what you found, so that others can.
My first recommendation is Josh Woodward – The Simple Life. This is an excellent album with good playing and excellent songwriting. It’s tagged:pop,rock,indie,accoustic,lyrical
Yep, I’ll have a listen
Always looking for good music.
On a similar note, I got Oasis’ album over the weekend. Wow, great stuff.
I like Magnatune as well and recommend that people go there and listen to as much early Baroque music and compositions penned by the genius of Bach as humanly possible!
Hey, I have started listening to Josh Woodwards album and he has talent! Nothing like sticking it to the mainstream big label artists who truly aren’t any better from an artistic point of view but have won in the commercial arena. We need to spend more time appreciating the beauty and talent around us so I thank you Corey for giving this glimpse to an alternative world! My recommendation is Jaime Heras Piano Concertos which is a one man orchestral show performed on a synthesizer. Reminds me of the Final Fantasy Game compositions and Mr. Heras obviously has talent, so go check it out at:
http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/30939
But I confess, I haven’t found anything which yet tops Mr. Woodwards album but I will keep on looking!
Cool site. I found an artist there that seems noteworthy. Ruth Theodore.
http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/17052
Both great finds, guys. Anybody have trouble with the way the widget looks in this post? Its all messed up in IE6 at work (but, IE6 IS messed up).
I’m starting to get a taste for indie rock lately. I like that song in the widget.
Click the ffwd arrow. There are about 20 songs on the album. That’s a good one and it just gets better. Check out Drew’s find, if you are warming up. She’s got a neat style
The widget works well for me in Mozilla 2.0.0.11! Can you put one for Drews link to because I am lazy! hahah Well not really but I just think it would be neat and oh so convenient!
@MacBros,
Indie music is the only way to go nowadays. There’s way too many good artists out there that are unknown, that produce and create great creative music because they love music, not record deals.
The one thing I do love about Indie bands is like the ones on this site, they’re willing to give their music away for free or make most of their albums available for download. Music to me is kind of like drug addicts, give them a little taste for free to start with and they’ll come back as users, willing to pay for it.
After listening to Ruth Theodore several times while at work, I’m already planning on buying her album even though I just downloaded her whole album.
It’s like Radiohead’s latest album and the name you’re own price. I downloaded it for free to hear it. I liked it so much that I bought the limited edition set that included two vinyl records and both cd’s as well which ended up being well over 80 dollars. It also feels good knowing the money went straight to the band and not some label that’s got more money than they already have or need.
@drew –
Hey drew and friends
Happy you are liking Miss Theodore – Ruth is a rare talent indeed.
I play double bass and mandolin on Ruth’s album, co-wrote ‘Ugly Faces’ and mucked in with engineering and arranging some of the songs.
Inspired by Ruth’s lead, my debut album is also available on Jamendo and features Miss Theodore on the odd backing vocal.
You can lend your ears to it here if you fancy – http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/30315
Best wishes from Hackney
Robin Grey
http://www.robingrey.com/
Hi,
Looking for Creative Commons Music for my Partner dance videos on youtube.
I’m averaging 1 good song per 4 to 5 hours of listening on Jamendo and Magnatune.
Anyone know some Artists/Tracks to speed this up?
ie. Angel de Luz, Boot Hill, Songo 21 etc.
Thanks,
Brett
I think I might do this with my old stuff to get rid of it.