iPodcast... Do You?

by Nate Tower

It's becoming more and more unusual to see someone walking down the street without those distinctive white iPod earbud wires dangling from their ears. As we continue to clip more digital devices on to our belts, new and improved technologies surface daily, and as a culture the expediency of these technologies are changing the way we consume our media. Within the last year, Podcasting -- commonly described as the audio version of a weblog -- has taken off and Podcasters everywhere are speaking their minds on their own clock to a tech-savvy audience.

After former MTV VJ Adam Curry (the "Podfather") created a social underground buzz, Podcasting has surfaced everywhere from major networks to college radio stations to musicians promoting their own music. Curry has been a key component in the development and innovation of Podcasting and helped open the doors for many a digital soapbox.

The beautiful thing about the Podcast is that it gives the listener the choice of when and where they want to indulge, like an audio version of TiVo. Not only are people downloading others' Podcasts, but more importantly, they're creating their own. It's actually simpler than you think. ThereÕs no formula for creating the audio content so, your "shows" can sound any way you want them to sound. Software such as GarageBand, Audacity, CastBlaster, iPodcast Producer, and Mixcraft are just a few programs people are using to record their own Podcasts.

Before you dive into your own Podcast project, you may want to listen to others and heed some of the different formats out there. To download a Podcast you're interested in, connect your iPod (or any MP3 player) to your computer and subscribe to feeds you find interesting. The audio is then moved to an "aggregator" and then to the subscriber. An aggregator, or Podcatcher, is software that allows you to subscribe to an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) or XML (eXtensible Mark-up Language) feed. The feed then automatically downloads the files, or 'casts, and inserts them into your iTunes or Windows Media Player. After the Podcasts have been added to your music library, the next time you dock your MP3 player they will be updated, transferred, and ready to aid in the ignoring of surrounding subway pragmatism. However, some Podcasts do not require a subscription and some Podcasters may simply leave their 'cast as MP3 files on their personal site. This way they can be directly downloaded from a website. How does all of this affect you and your music? Well, signed and unsigned musicians are using this technique to promote their music directly from their record labelÕs website or their own website. After you've got a good idea of the way you want your Podcast to sound, it's time to record and mix your own. This is a great opportunity to get your music out there and present yourself how you want; you never know who could be listening.

Ten Ways To Promote Your Music With Podcasting:

Podcasting can be an amazing promotional tool for a musician. Radio broadcasting is thin air, but, with the convenience of Podcasting, listeners can choose when they want to listen. This is a great way to make sure that your fans don't miss out on valuable info about your band. Performer suggests the following ten ways to promote your music using Podcasting.

1) Take control of your publicity!
What's the point in waiting around until someone wants to interview you or your band? Interview yourself! Separate your band from everyone else who may play the guitar; talk about your songs and their significance.

2) Promote your upcoming shows or reflect on past shows.
Discuss setlists and venues you've played at.

3) Create an audio tour journal or a road report.
Podcasting your tour log keeps fans up to date on your band's travels on the road. For a great example of this check out: http://www.razorandtie.com/label/podcasting

4) Create playlists of your bandÕs music and discuss recording techniques.
Talk about your sound -- this could be an interesting way to separate your noise from that of others.

5) Be humble or cocky, but use your Podcast to praise your band.
Promote your buzz; discuss your musical mission and animate your musical persona. Let fans get to know the members of your band.

6) Document studio sessions.
This might even help your band remember how you achieved a certain sound or effect.

7) Reward your diehard fans.
Leak new demos, release rehearsal cuts, let your fans be the first to hear your new music, remixes and latest album ideas.

8) Record your live shows.
For fans that can't make it to your show in Wadsworth, Ohio, Podcast your music in its raw-unedited element.

9) Mention bands you've played or toured with.
Most likely they will return the favor.

10) Most importantly, play your music.
After all, that's what you're trying to endorse. As much as you love to listen to your own voice, Podcasting is for your fans. Make your music the main objective of your band's Podcasts.

The Future of Podcasting...

It doesn't take a crystal ball to predict the legalities soon to come as Podcasting enters the dangerous waters of copyrighted material. Regardless of whether a Podcast is actually promoting a band or musician, music is commonly used as space filler. However, due to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, bands, labels, and publishing companies must give permission to anyone interested in Podcasting any copyrighted material.
This doesn't mean unsigned and signed independent musicians can't host their own Podcasts. While many independent bands and musicians have their own website offering free or streaming MP3s, it's becoming more common to see a band offering its own Podcast. The idea of promotion through Podcasting is not being overlooked, and websites such as tablesturned.com are creating legal ways to make this possible for even signed bands to promote their music via Podcast. This would also allow other Podcasters to create playlists of their favorite music and ultimately promote certain bands or music that they are interested in.
Podcasting is creating many positive opportunities for musicians and music fans alike. Don't be afraid to experiment; make your voice or music heard, and use this fresh technology to your advantage.