Musician Finds a Following Online // By SHELLY BANJO and KELLY K. SPORS
In late 2006, Justin Vernon, a musician in Eau Claire, Wis., recorded nine songs while staying at his parents' hunting cabin in northern Wisconsin after a breakup with a girlfriend and his long-time band. He used just a desktop computer with recording software, a three-piece drum set and a guitar.
A few months later, Mr. Vernon posted the songs on his MySpace page, hoping to get some listeners and feedback. He also printed 500 copies of a CD with those songs to sell to friends and fans and send to music bloggers for review.
He got that and much more.
Interesting story about Bon Iver's success being driven by the blog world as well as shifting trends within the music industry. The article concludes:
"The Internet has been like the French Revolution for the music business," says Panos Panay, founder and CEO of Sonicbids. The aristocracy "has faded" as the "cost of distribution, production and even getting connected has come down." Now, he adds, anyone with "a niche and devoted fans can make a living."
I would guess that For Emma, Forever Ago has gotten more play in our house than anything else this year and will definitely be in the top, if not at the top, of my 2008 "Best of" list (coming tomorrow).
Do yourself a favor if you haven't already-- take some of the money that grandma gave you DOWNLOAD For Emma, Forever Ago right this minute! (it can even be on your "best of 2008" list!)
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