Many of you have noticed some bugs around the site lately and this interface update is our effort to resolve (squash) them. You can always join the fight or help us find something we missed by contacting us here.

Later tonight we will be rolling out significant changes to the Audimated interface which effect both artists and fans. You may notice some features missing and notice other features have been added or moved. We apologize for any inconvenience/confusion this may cause you, but we assure you we only make changes based on user activity data. We remove components that are not being used (or need to be improved) and add components which users have requested. This is an ongoing process to improve the experience for the most important part of the Audimated website: our artists and fans.

A short list of changes:

• Album uploading has been temporarily removed. Once this module has been improved (and integrated more closely with other features) we will bring it back for artists interested in uploading albums. For now, every upload is considered an individual song or a “single.” In a short time you will be able to group singles together into albums. This is a more efficient and logical approach to the creation of albums than we had previously. If you need to edit current albums please visit this link: http://www.audimated.com/home-store-album.php
• Featured Artists on the homepage are now displayed more equitably. This is mainly a back end improvement. If you would like more information on feature profiles please visit: http://www.audimated.com/services-featuredartist.php
• Home Page Alerts: Alerts on the homepage will now cycle automatically. If you would like to see your alerts show up on the homepage, simply update your profile frequently here: http://www.audimated.com/home.php
• Contact Importing Improved: Bring your friends/fans to Audimated and earn a dollar ($1) every time four (4) sign up. Simply visit your homepage and click on the blue box under “Your Friends” on the right hand side.
• YouTube Integration: Syncing your videos with Youtube has never been easier. Accounts with videos are shown higher in search results. http://www.audimated.com/edit-videos.php
• Featured Products: This has been removed. Profiles now show all products in your store.
• Sales Percentage has been removed in favor of simplicity. The commission percentage remains in tact. The amount you set as your commission percentage is the amount that you pay your fans when they bring you a sale. Confused? Watch the video on the homepage or contact us here.
• A new services tab for artists (fans wont be able to see this) found here. This is where you can add Audimated services to your Audimated account to help drive sales, views and traffic. We are working on some cool new icons for this space so pardon the design.
• A brand new social media music marketing service. A great way to get new music fans.
• A partnership with Tunecore to get your music on iTunes. There is not a better way to distribute your music digitally period. Tunecore is the industry leader and we offer their service at discounted prices for our artists as a result of our partnership.
• Some cool new icons throughout the site.
• Back end improvements to Radio, Charts and Browse. These pages all load faster and display more relevant results.
• And more.

A living breathing music network will always require updates, changes and maintenance. The changes launched tonight are the first of many to come over the next several months. Do not be afraid as change is a good sign. It means more fans, more artists, more music downloads and more exposure for independent music.

If you are reading this for the first time and not sure what all the hype is about, then create an account. If you are already on board, we would love to connect with you on both Facebook and Twitter so we can keep you in the loop.

Did we miss something? Have a feature or comment you would like to share? Post it below, email nick [at] audimated.com or contact us.

Due to over complexity and a confusing interface, we decided to remove several features from Audimated. They have only been removed temporarily. Once we get them perfected we will bring them back one by one.

For now, we are focused on the upload of new music to the site and the sharing of that music by our fans.

Audimated Exclusive Interview | SlimKid3 of Pharcyde from Audimated on Vimeo.

Audimated interviews SlimKid3 of Pharcyde at Bardot in Miami, FL. We spoke with SlimKid3 about the current state of the music industry and he offers advice to independent artists on how to manage their careers more effectively. He speaks on a young, struggling Will.I.Am, conversations with Quincy Jones and his thoughts on Lady Gaga’s individuality. For the fans, he lets us know what’s next for himself and Pharcyde.

Look out for more Audimated exclusive interviews to help independent artists take their careers to the next level!

An interesting look at Pharrell Williams’ outlook on the music industry, internet, independent music and up and coming artists.

1) Get opinions, then promote

Your own opinion doesn’t count because more then likely you love your own
music. You need to get unbiased opinions and seek feedback from friends, family, artists, and if possible industry professionals. It is needed to get at least 30 different opinions, but to get a stronger indication to where your music stands, you should get around 60 different opinions. If the majority loves your music, then the next step is to go out and promote. However, if the majority dislikes your music, then you should get back in the studio and figure out how you can make your music better.

2) Stay current with music industry news

You need to stay current, what was successful 10 years ago is not successful now. Any new artist should keep a close eye on the music business, learning about the current trends in record deals and promotion and more importantly how newly established artists have maintained their popularity. It’s hard to obtain and preserve mass market exposure in this constantly changing music industry, therefore staying current will give you the best chance for success.

3) Experienced production

It’s hard to choose/find the right producers since there are so many out there right now. But to narrow down that list, you should find and use the most experienced producers, engineers and songwriters. Money spent on an experienced producer will go further then money spent on promotion. The producer you chose should also share the same vision and direction for your music as you do. Quality production is a must; it is the sound of your music we are talking about here.

4) Don’t be a loner- promote and collaborate with other artists

Do you think any of the successful artists now made it on their own or did they get help along the way? The answer is the latter; therefore it’s a waste of time to think you can make it alone. You should consider collaborating and promoting with other artists. Collaborating with also further your artistry and it will gain you recognition in another fan base. With many other artists out there looking for some help, it shouldn’t be hard to find someone to team up with and further develop both of your products. Collaborating with also further your artistry and it will gain you recognition in another fan base.

5) Expansion

This is a crucial step; you need to have someone that can handle the social media, video production and software development, as it is one of the best ways to promote your product. First, try to see if someone within your band can handle any or all of these duties, it would save you from opening up your wallet. However, if members can’t handle it for any reason, then you need to find someone that can, most likely a manager. Expanding your brand can separate you from the rest of the artists.

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

“Rob: Been listening to music for as long as I know, Michael Jackson and Elvis were the first, I think that started off the whole frontman thing haha! I’ve been playing with bands since I was 14, 15 years old. Rehearsing with different bands/musicians trying to find that connection, musically and personally. It took a long time but now I’ve got it.”

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

“I made a decisicon when I was young that this is what I want to do, I didn’t want to work 9-5 for the rest of my life and die. I wanted to be onstage, I wanted to make music and I wanted people to come to our shows and enjoy themselves. I’m achieving that one day at a time. Music is very personal to me, it’s what gets me up in the morning and its what sings me to sleep at night. If someone heard Lets Play God’s music and felt just a little of the way I feel about music, I can sleep at night. ”

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

“Thats a good question. Every artist is different aren’t they? I think each band should do what’s best for them, some bands are happy just to make music maybe do a few gigs, some bands think of it as a business. Not every band can be Metallica, but I’ve seen bands on independent labels tour the world.”

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

“Absolutely, through creating/releasing music or even just playing local gigs, even if it is just beer! Seriously though, if a band is looking to have a career in music, making money from it is so important. Working a normal job sometimes just isn’t enough, that’ll pay your bills yeah, but not what your passion calls for. You have to be smart and stand up for what you feel you deserve.”

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

Promotion/Getting noticed.

Why:

“Everyones in a band now. Thats a good thing, and bad thing. Theres so much music out there, in the clubs, venues, and the internet. Why should anyone come see my band? That can be a little difficult. Chris, our bass player, he’s excellent at the promotion side of things, especially the internet, I kind of tag along, learning what I can, but I’m more of an old school guy, once I’m on the stage, I’ll give ‘em their moneys worth. ”

Solution:

“Just keep at it, honestly. Use everything that you can at your disposal, Audimated.com, thats free, upload your music there, promote that on Facebook, people will read it, people will listen, you just have to maybe remind them a few times! A lot of young musicians might read this and be horrified haha, it sounds quite negative, and there are a lot of obstacles, but there are many, many more moments where its all worth it!”

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

When you look at say, Pantera, Slipknot, those bands have had number one albums, and they’re as heavy as it gets, that’s really inspiring, its light at the end of the tunnel. Bands like Machine Head, who have just released quality music over the years, and are still going, touring with Metallica, Slayer it can be done!

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

“The industry seems to just want the ‘big hit’ single, not just in pop music, but in metal/rock as well nowadays. I miss the days of when albums were albums y’know? Led Zeppelin, my god, I don’t even watch their videos, anything, I love listening to their albums, start to finish. They made it that way, and thats how it should be listened to.”

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

We’re still trying to break out of the Glasgow scene, but as far as Glasgow goes, I’ve always had the best experiences at Glasgow Cathouse, it’s just a great venue, great atmosphere, and it draws the kind of crowd that, if the audience don’t like you, you’ll know it!

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

Word of mouth is so powerful. You can promote your band relentlessly, but if people come to see you, hear your cd, and they enjoy it, word spreads fast. Fans will happily pay a few pounds to buy your cd, for a ticket to your show, because they enjoy it. You times that by say a 100 capacity venue and thats a good start. Take care of your fans.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

“Can say nothing but thank you!

Our fanbase is growning daily, especially at gigs, we have fans come to every gig, and until they’d seen us, they’d never be seen dead at a Heavy Metal gig haha! People don’t need to be into the heavier side of music to appreciate our sound it seems, and that can only be good for music. So check us out on our radio on Audimated, Facebook, Reverbnation, Youtube, its all there!

Also thanks to Audimated for the interview and the exposure, beers are on us!”

www.youtube.com/letsplaygodband

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

E23: Actually music kind of caught my attention as a child probably about the age of 5, through hearing it on the radio and listening to my parents records. My parents had very eclectic music taste from classic rock to jazz, blues and R&B.

Radio Riot!: For me typical story my uncle was in a band and I used to be around when he played piano and I got hooked through watching him rehearse.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

E23: Well we believe there’s a lot of power in music. We’ve seen its influence both good and bad on so many ppl. U2 came here to Chicago a couple of years ago and the masses of people that came to see one band perform was incredible. When it was over everyone was on a musical high. That speaks volumes of the power in music. We love to see people unite and just have a good time so to be able to create music and the challenge that comes from trying to make a good song is a thrill to us. We are new to creating music we’ve got a looong way to go before we get some respect for our work but hopefully we’ll get there.

Radio Riot!: That’s the condensed answer by the way we can stay on that question for hours.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

Radio Riot!: I think it depends on what the artists are looking for. Record deals are cool in terms of getting promotional tools, getting quicker exposure and let’s not forget the money it takes to make that happen. If u fresh out ya mamma’s house with just a dream and a couple of dolla’s in your pocket a record deal can be very beneficial to you. Being independent usually means you have to take on the MASSIVE task of breaking into the business on your own, if you have the means to take on that task with no help from anyone then independent is always better.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

Radio Riot!: If you want to make a career at it then the obvious answer is money. There are some artists that just make music for a hobby so they might not be to concerned about compensation. We know its difficult in the era of free downloads to make a buck, but it’s only right that people should been given something for their time and effort. Now we can debate on how much they should receive but that’s another topic.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

“E23: PROMOTION WITH LITTLE TO NO MONEY!!!

Why:

Radio Riot!: Yeah getting heard or noticed. Technology has made it so much easier to get heard we can make a track here in Chicago and post it on Audimated and the whole world can hear it, but the down side is there’s millions of others with their hands up saying “hey check me out to”. So its easier for us to be accessible but the trade off is there’s more competition. That’s why a service like Audimated is so valuable to people like us with a non-existing budget, so props to you guys for this service. If we ever make it big we’ll be sure an give something back to you.

Solution:

Radio Riot!: Just to keep at it, E is more so into the social web sites than me he gets the Twitter, Facebook and Audimated accounts. I more old school when it comes to this stuff so I just follow his lead on that one.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

E23: We have so many for time sake I think Riot and I can both agree on any major hip hop producers in the 90′s Teddy Riley, Timbaland who’s under rated by the way look what he did for Justin Timberlake gave him one of the biggest hits of the decade. We both are big fans of Pharrell cause of the passion he has for music. I mean we can tell for him its music 1st any everything else is secondary. Somebody asked Pharrell who he would like to work with he didn’t give the name of a Pop artist he said Carly Simon. Now how many brothers today even heard of Carly Simon.

Radio Riot!: The N.E.R.D. stuff is hot also

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

E23:That they all say independent is better, but thats only after they’ve made millions of dollars worldwide. Once they go independent they don’t have the same hurdles that people without a name would have.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

“E23: I’d rather go with the $50,000 cause isn’t advance just a nicer way to say loan?
Radio Riot!: Yeah I thought I heard the advance money has to be paid back? I think I would go for which ever is the least amount of headache in the end. I got this peeve about debt, I’ve seen some drastic things being done just so people can try and get out of debt so to make a choice that can possibly put you in a situation where you owe, might not be to smart.
E23: Trying to pay back $300,000 with this economy and gas being what it is…
Radio Riot!: But that’s only if we had the choice the reality is a lot of times you don’t have that choice, so let’s be clear if all you got is that advance, take it and just be wise with the decisions made on how you use the money.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

E23: I would like to see the industry focus more on artist longevity instead of 1 or 2 albums and your gone. Also not build so much hype on gimmicks, hot abs, and overall controversy. That’s good for the entertainment aspect but that should take a backseat to the music.
Radio Riot!: Yeah and to E’s point we just saw this thing about Chris Brown and Rihanna thing being brought up again. Come on now those things are distractions that overshadow the art. So what you will get is a new generation of artist who will focus more on getting a career surrounding hype and BS instead of music which takes away from the quality.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

E23: One of the things Riot! and I talk about is how important fans are. With no fans your pretty much making music for your ears only. When I was in H.S. that’s how we heard about a lot of new stuff through word of mouth. We also talk about the consolidation of radio stations across the country and how hard it to get your music heard if your not on the major players playlist, well this is where the fans come in. With their support they can promote you better than the radio stations.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry?

E23: I like my ipod so I might be biased but I haven’t noticed any negatives that they’ve brought to the industry. They’ve definitely changed the game a bit but I can’t say its been negative.

Radio Riot!: I agree the music industry’s problem ain’t Apple somebody was asleep at the wheel and the internet came in a caught the industry off guard and instead of embracing the technology they tried to fight it and it didn’t work. Apple is doing what the music industry should have been doing 15 or 20yrs ago. You got the old guys in suits not being innovative or creative enough to know how to keep their heads above water. E also mentioned the radio consolidation earlier thats got a part in this as well. I can go on for hours about this subject, but no I don’t think Apple has had a negative effect on the industry.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

E23: Our fanbase is just getting established but the ones we have just stay with us we’re still learning and we got a long way to go. Please know that any beats we put out it’s from the heart its not a gimmick, its passion and we really are trying to get better we are our biggest critics. We can’t sing or rap otherwise we’d give you some vocals. Anybody that would like to use our beats please hit us up at Audimated.

Radio Riot!: Let me add if your looking for the same sound that’s on the radio we might not suit you to well. I mean we don’t sound all that innovative but there’s a certain sound to our stuff.

E23: Yeah Sounds 4 Da Masses. Also Thanks again to Audimated for giving us nobody’s a hand in promotion and a voice. Mad Props to Lucas Sommer!!!

Practice

You’ve heard it before, “practice makes perfect.”

-You should practice at least one hour per day.
-Play the same piece over and over again, even until you get blue in the face.
-To learn new songs, you should try not to figure it out by ear, it should be from the tabs and chords charts.

Performances

Your make or break, you wont want to mess this up.

-Never challenge yourself live, instead just play it the same way every time so you don’t make any mistakes.
-Book four shows a month, if possible at the same club/venue.
-Don’t take a gig for just playing covers, you will be stuck as an average artist.
-Don’t listen to other artists on stage, focus on yourself and the songs you will be playing later that night.

Fans & Social Media

The more people you get to your gigs, the more successful you can be

-Make sure you get your friends and family out to your performances, even if it’s the third performance they’ve seen this month.
-Use social media to promote your next performance or product, you need to keep your fans up to date.
-On the day of the show, make sure to update your friends and fans via facebook, twitter, etc.

The Studio and Recording

Do your research

-When selecting a studio to record your music, try not to select the cheapest one unless you have to… it is your sound we are talking about.
-Rehearse plenty of times before stepping into the studio to record, you are paying by the hour so you will want to get it done on your first couple of takes.
-Be open, if a producer suggests to take the song in a different direction, then you should listen.

Never settle on being that typical artist. Setting yourself apart from other artists will eventually gain you the attention you deserve.

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

“From About The Age Of 6, I Started Listening To Music. Among My Early Influences Were A Lot Of My Moms Records. Marvin Gaye And Curtis Mayfield Were Always On Heavy Rotation On Car Journeys, While Artists Like Isaac Hayes, Barry White And Luther Vandross Got Sessioned On The Family Stereo.

Bitten By The Mosquito, I Went On To Get A Drum Machine. A Local Radio Station Allowed Me To Play My Records And My Own Interpretation Of Hip Hop Beats. This Was The First Proper Exposure To Hip-Hop And Proved To Be A Real Influence. The Way The Beats Were Made From Other Samples Grabbed My Attention.

Inspired By These Albums And Pete Rock’s “”Mecca and the Soul Brother / Soul Survivor”", I Went On To Get My First Set Of Decks. Nothing Special By A Long Shot A Couple Of Sketchy Belt Drives With No Height Adjust, Rubbish Pitch Sliders, A Mixer With The Stiffest Fader And Real Thick Carpet Like Slipmats! Finally I Could Manipulate And Contort Sounds To A Degree Although Any Scratching And Beat Making Was Almost Totally Impossible Due To The Platters Being Like See-Saws.”

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

I Love Music So Much, Thats Why I’m Still Producing.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

Both Could Be A Good Idea, So It Depends On How Your Goals Look Like. I’m More On The Independent Way, But I Also Know Artists Who Got Record Deals And They Still Do What They Want To Do.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

Right Now, Planing To Go The States And Do My Best For The Red Bull Big Tune Beat-Battles And The Project With Smiffn Wessun.

Why:

We All Need Competition, It’s A Good Way To Learn And Improve Your Skills About Your Equipment And Music.

Solution:

Hard Work Pays Off!

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

Definitely J Dilla, Pete Rock And Marvin Gaye. I Like The Souly Vibe They Have And Had In Their Music That Influenced Me Alot. Thats Why Im Still Digging Records And Trying To Chop Those Old Black Vinyls Into Gold.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

Being Independent Is My Solution, I Still Have My Hands On My Music And No Manager Or Label Boss. And Of Course My Music Is Free And I Can Go In Every Direction, Without Looking To Market I Should Fit In.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

Thanks To All Supporters, Music Lovers And Especially MC Hollow, Brice, Kwoda, Epsilon Project And Smiffn Wessun.

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com

How Did You Get Your Start In Music?

When I was 9, a cute Japanese girl lived next door. I used to go over to her house and play quite often. Her father owned what I think was an Atari ST and a crappy Casio keyboard hooked up via MIDI. We used to write ridiculous songs on that set up… I don’t think I ever stopped.

What Makes You Continue To Make Music?

Music defines me. I’ve never imagined myself not writing and producing.

Do You Think That Artists Should Stay Independent or Try To Get A Record Deal?

It really depends on the artist. I think with the industry having changed so much in the past 10 years, it’s become a whole new playground for indie artists. It’s exciting for us at the same time because with the recent technological advancements, we can finally afford to produce decent quality music on a relatively low budget. The challenge is getting your music out after it’s done…and I feel that audimated will play a critical role to help achieve that for many artists. At the end of the day, it’s all about getting your music out to the fans.

How Do You Think Artists Should Be Compensated For Their Music?

Fortune and fame is always good, but I don’t think artists are looking for that (maybe it’s just me?). I love making music. All I would like is to be self-sustaining with my music – basically, to be able to cover for costs. If my fans enjoy my work enough to keep me going, I really can’t ask for anything more.

What Is A Challenge You Have Faced As An Independent Musician?

I think the biggest thing is getting the word out that your music is out there.

Why:

I had zero responses for 2 weeks on my first album: überwunder. When the first sale happened after that, I was overjoyed. The thing is, I spent a lot of time and effort (and resources) to promote my work.

Solution:

I took various approaches, including the obvious like writing to music blogs, leveraging friends, and utilizing social networks. The less obvious methods included asking local video game stores to play my music..and sweet talking a local coffee shop owner to have my work on display in her store.

What Are Some Artists Have Influenced You And Why?

BT, Imogen Heap, Trifonic…because of their amazing work and the way they reach out to their fans. It’s all about the connection. It’s very personal and heartfelt.

What Have You Learned From Major Label Artists That Have Gone Independent?

Well, for me it’s like they’ve earned their independence. Good for them..but then, as the artists grow, they’ll probably be starting labels of their own. It’s a cycle.. and a fact of life.

Would You Rather Earn $300,000 Once As A Record Deal Advance or $50,000 Per Year Selling Your Music Independently? And Why?

The latter. Again, it’s about music being part of who I am. I would like to have enough resources and incentives to keep producing new work. A lump sum is good if money is your goal, but compensation for your music that can be put towards future projects sounds perfect.

How Do You Think The Music Industry Can Improve?

I think the industry’s taken it’s medicine and is in the process of getting better, albeit a tiny bit at a time. Good music will always be valued by the listeners. We just need to keep our integrity as artists and produce quality work.

What Are Your Favorite Venues To Play?

Pirate radio stations, webcasts, fashion shows.

How Do You Think Fans Influence The Distribution And Sales Of Music?

The fans’ influence is HUGE. Audimated’s model allows for fans to be influential “prosumers” that can directly impact the indie artist. Some artists will benefit a lot from this…and some won’t. I hope the niche will thrive on Audimated as well.

Is Apple A Positive Or A Negative Force Within The Music Industry?

I feel that Apple is a positive influence because they introduced a highly disruptive model (digital distribution) and was successful with it, changing the opinions of many in the industry.

Shout Out To Your Most Beloved Fans:

“Thanks to all of you, I know my music has a global reach and I am very thankful that so many of you have listened to my work from all over the world. I wish I could speak all your languages to say Thank You!

I’ll always be writing and producing so please check in with me on twitter @uberlab and facebook.

Love & Respect,

~ Leo”

If you would like to be featured on the Audimated Blog, please contact support@audimated.com