New Updates to PLUGOLA
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under site news, technology, updates
Well, we’ve been working hard on a bunch of new updates for PLUGO.LA and we are finally finished; at least with this round of updates. This work went on WAY longer than scheduled, but we wanted to be sure that these new features were functioning correctly. There are still plenty more new features coming to the community, however, for now, let me show you what we have added. Get ready to be able to spread your music and be compensated like never before!
Single Tracks/Pages:
We’ve always had this feature, however we really spruced it up and made it much more useful. Before it was just a page with basic functions and one track sitting in a big, clunky media player. After a few months of really analyzing some of the more popular social media sites, we did a slight re-design of these pages and developed a new single-track media player. The pages have been completely optimized not only for the major search engines, but also for the major social networks (ie: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, FriendFeed, etc.) and bookmarking sites.
Our new, embeddable single-track media players were designed to easily fit into ANY blog or web site without taking too much room. We kept it plain and simple as to not distract from others’ designs and layouts. More advanced users will be able to edit the size and background color for a flawless fit.
Along the bottom you’ll notice clickable links that will either lead to this track’s page, where downloading/purchasing information is displayed; or a quick and easy way to share these tracks on other networks and web sites. The artist’s profile photo is thumbnailed and links directly to that artist’s profile page for additional music, videos and/or info. No more guess work for potential fans wondering where to find you and your music. Don’t forget, we’re also set-up for video distribution, as well:
The downside here is that we really haven’t figured a good way to present these single-track pages to you and the public. For now, they can be best accessed in the “Top 10″ section on the PLUGOLA’s front page, or from the “Audio” and/or “Video” pages, accessed by clicking from the top navigation.
Digital Store/ Media Player Overhaul:
There have been a lot of changes since we developed the original Plugola Player (media player/digital store widget). The design isn’t much different, but just about everything else is. Most importantly, we have developed and added a brand new shopping cart/e-commerce system. Any user can now select and save tracks from multiple albums/artists if they wish, and after a selection has been made, a notification will display indicating content is waiting in their cart. All content can be saved in the shopping cart if a user decides to return another day to continue their purchase. Before any purchases can be made, all payments details must be completed in members’ secure “Account” section.
On the front-end of the Plugola Player, we have rearranged it’s layout a bit to be less confusing and more user friendly. You may have noticed that we’ve put more emphasis on the individual tracks and the artist that it belongs to. We also have removed the “Plug” (or affiliate) option from the Player, since these options are more apparent in all members’ “Account” sections, and it won’t confuse anyone when it comes time to download their selection(s).
Sharing:
Now you can practically share just about everything from Plugola on all your favorite web sites and/or other profile(s). For this, we went to outside sources to ensure that any content sharing is completely user friendly and as easy as a mouse click or two. We chose two well-known and trustworthy sharing applications, where none of your personal login info will be saved. For profile sharing, we have added the Tell-A-Friend app. You can share your favorite profiles through any email service, bookmarking site(s) or any number of social communities. We applied the very popular Gigya app for all content sharing. Gigya has their own apps for all the main social media web sites, where any of our media players can easily be embedded with very little effort on the user’s part.
Purchase Options:
We have always accepted credit cards, but on this update we have also added the option of using PayPal instead. Artists outside of the U.S. have informed us that PayPal is the preferred method of online payments. Using PayPal instead of our e-commerce system will not allow the same luxury of our one-click purchasing, however we want to give you as many options and appeal as possible.
Other Changes:
There have been a few smaller changes we made that we also wanted to inform you about, too.
- All music and videos are now set to stream full-length clip by default, after upload. If artists decide to change their settings, they have the option of full or 30 second clip in your “Account” section.
- All mp3s and videos now have a minimum price artists must charge. Don’t worry, we kept it very low ($.20/mp3 and $.50/video) We had to do this in order to cover our own operating and processing costs, but we have also given our artists the tools to help promote themselves. This doesn’t mean that you do not have the option to give your music away for free. Again, in the artists’ “Account” section, artists may set any one of their songs to ‘Promo’ and grab their download codes in order to distribute them for free.
- Basic actions, email alerts have also been added. This feature is still in the rough stages, but basically you will get an email alerting you that another member has sent you message or has added you as a ‘friend’. We will also be adding ways to opt-out of this feature soon, so please bare with us if you are not a fan of this. However, it should not be a bother at all.
- We made a few functions optional that were not before. They are so minor I’m sure you will not even notice.
We’re also in production with some new instructional videos on how to get the best results from Plugola. So please be sure to check back soon!
SoundOps - Online Mastering
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under musicians, technology
A friend of ours, Greg Rollett, recently sent me an email explaining a new project he’s involved in called, SoundOps. It’s online audio mastering and it seems like a good opportunity for any musician going the DIY route. There’s a lot of competition out there and quality is more important than ever, so I thought I would share the press release with you in case this is a service you could use. ~ Erik
Digital music is not the future; it is the now, with record sales numbers for paid downloads and the continued rise of file sharing. Musicians have tools at their disposal to create music at their keyboards and make it available online in seconds for fans to stream, purchase or download for free. The quality of the music in digital downloads is more important than ever where files can lose audio properties even after being added to a media player playlist. Is your music prepared for this digital world?
SoundOps provides a solution for musicians looking to unveil their music and compete with major label artists at an indie budget through online audio mastering. When asked about their unique mastering services, SoundOps co-founder Will Duke said,
“You don’t need more cowbell - you need more control. Once you’re happy with your mix, send it to the team here at SoundOps. With our multiMASTERING, you actually get 3 different studio versions of each song that have been enhanced in different mastering environments so you can pick the one that fits your style. This is not an upgrade - it’s just the way we do it!”
The process is purely digital and secure, as artists upload their mixed .wav files into the Studio Gateway and are instantly connected to the SoundOps experience. In the Studio Gateway, you’ll get real-time updates while you and the other members of your band can chat independently with the mastering engineers to give pointers and receive feedback during the entire post production process. When you get your tracks back, you get to pick the version you use to release to the public and the other 2 are yours to keep if you ever change your mind.
“I have worked with SoundOps on several projects. Their attention to detail and production techniques have helped make my recordings something I am proud of.”
-Corey Crowder - Recording Artist, Tooth & Nail Records/EMI
Through strategic partnerships, SoundOps can also help deliver your newly mastered music to leading innovative outlets to get your songs heard by more fans faster and put some cash in your pocket to pay for gas to get from city to city to show the world your talent!
Grooveshark, a revolutionary music delivery service currently streaming millions of songs every week with their AutoPlay system, has given SoundOps clients direct access to Grooveshark Artists where their music can be played alongside the big boys (and girls). This direct-to-the-consumer approach of personalized radio is a great chance for indie artists to be heard on the same stage as the big boys (and girls).
Josh Bonnain from Grooveshark artists had this to say about the partnership,
“We set out to create Grooveshark Artists with the goal of providing the services artists require in order to have successful careers. Our partnership with SoundOps ensures that artists continue to have the tools they need at their disposal as well as the ability to produce the richest sounding music possible.”
SoundOps has also taken a step to get your music on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other leading digital distributors through an extensive partnership with WaTunes. WaTunes offers a free and seamless approach for bands to make money from digital distribution, and SoundOps customers will receive custom attention through their network.
“Creating new opportunities for musicians to expand their music careers has always been the cornerstone of WaTunes. With the power of SoundOps’ multiMASTERING technology, we’re now able to offer our customers a unique mastering service that will propel them to sell their music to their fans in higher quality. We’re very excited to be able to work with SoundOps and offer this unique service to our customers.” said Kevin Rivers, Founder and CEO of WaTunes.com.
About SoundOps
SoundOps isn’t just a new mastering studio; it’s a new kind of studio. Co-founders and friends, Will Duke and John Taylor bring a combination of major label connections and underground music wisdom to online mastering.
John, who also started Xadex Studios in 2002 and JTT Studios in 2005, oversees every SoundOps session as head engineer. Will entered the studio world from music marketing.
“Mastering is more than enhancing audio; it gives bands a better chance…makes their music (their hard work) more marketable.”
Both Will and John have said their experiences as recording artists are their greatest qualification to serve their fellow musicians.
“…we knew what we wanted…and it wasn’t available. What would happen if a studio was run by guys who knew what it was like to be a musician on the other side of the sound board? We wanted a better studio, and we believed better music could come out of it – so we designed SoundOps around that idea.”
Contact information
Site: http://www.soundops.com
Blog: http://mastering.soundops.com
Email: studio@soundops.com
Phone: (888) 290-9663
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIY1gnU6akA
How Plugola’s Download Codes Work
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under marketing, site news, technology
In the last post, I mentioned how we’re trying a new promotional idea using Twitter, and that any PLUGOLA artists using our free promo feature should supply us with their download codes (obtained in your secure ‘Account’ section after you set your selected tracks to ‘promo’). In the comments section one of our members/musicians, Pal Sheldon, asked if using his download code would enable him to collect email addresses from fans who choose the free method. The answer to that is, not yet (coming soon though). But let me explain a bit how our ‘codes’ feature operates.
Once you have set a song or two(or however many you choose) available for ‘promo’ (or free download) in your “Account”, there will be a link to click to obtain your personal code. If you do not see it, try refreshing the page. More info about setting your songs for ‘promo’ can be found on this earlier blog post. We actually have them set-up in a printable coupon fashion. Although it’s not the prettiest at the moment, you will see what we’re going for. You don’t have to use the coupons, though. You can use your code any way you would like (ie: print, promo material, online, etc.) In order for a fan to download your free music, they will have to register with the site (it’s quick & completely free) using your code. Once they have confirmed their registration (as all members do), they will get an automatic message with instructions to your free music, and they will have free access to your “promo” album. How does this free download process benefit you, as an artist? The fans that take you up on your offer are not just freeloaders.
The idea behind our download codes is to drive fans to YOUR profile, where you’re selling your music and communicating with your audience. Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall for any takers, we designed PLUGOLA to help artists filter-out the noise and cater to their true fans; the fans that purchase your music and attend live performances. So, at this point and time, you do not get an email adress out of it, but you do get genuinely interested or true fans downloading your music.
Your Free-Download Codes on Twitter
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under marketing, technology
We’re trying something new on Twitter (new for us) to help promote PLUGOLA artists. You don’t even have to be a member at Twitter to participate. You just have to be willing to try something new.
First, as a Plugola artist, you should be aware that we have a feature where you can allow the song(s) of your choice available for free download for your fans. I know, I know; we don’t have a very good explanation of how this works yet, but we ARE working on some tutorial videos. For the time being, I did a blog post a while back explaining how to set your songs for free download and how to obtain your personal download/coupon code you can freely share with potential fans. It’s a great alternative to passing-out CDs at shows (and cheaper too!) and it also gives you an advantage when marketing your digital music online. This is where Twitter comes in.
Now, I’m not going to go into a detailed explanation of what Twitter is and why you should join if you’re unaware, but it’s basically a very powerful social publishing online platform. In Layman’s terms, think of a cross between; chat, blogging and texting rolled into one and the messages are broadcasted to any number of interested “followers”. It’s quickly becoming the social network of choice among music industry types, as well as the general public; your potential ‘music fans’. It’s not just hype, though. Twitter is the real deal.
Plugola started a Twitter profile called, Music Codes. The idea is to build a follower-base of people interested in discovering fresh, new music. By Plugola artists providing us with their download codes, we can broadcast your offer to a growing number followers. As we all know, everyone likes free music. So if you’re willing to give-up a song or two for free and try a new approach to spreading your music, please send us your code(s).
Include this info:
- Artist Name
- Number of free songs
- Download/Coupon code
…and send to: support[AT]plugo.la or you can message me on the site. My PLUGOLA profile is located here: eRock
Combining Both Plugola Blogs
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under site news
Just a quick note — In case you were unaware, Plugola had both a site (Plugo.la) blog and a corporate blog. For some reason, I put the site blog on the Blogger platform, while this one was on our own servers. So, instead of going back forth to post, I decided to combine them both into one blog. The one you are currently reading. I will no longer be updating the Blogger.com version, so please update your bookmarks and/or RSS subscription.
