How Musicians Can Use
Podcasts to Publicize Their Music
As a musician, one of the best ways to start
becoming successful in the music business is to build up a fan base. You need to
get your music out there so people can start listening to it and enjoying it.
Publicizing your music is extremely important, and while ten years ago it may
have been a difficult task, technology has afforded you some very simples ways
to get started. One new way that you can start getting your music out there is
by using a podcast. Podcasts are excellent ways that you can inexpensively and
quickly get your music out there to the public, which is extremely important to
your success as a musician.
What Exactly is a Podcast?
First of all, you may be wondering what exactly a
podcast is. Basically, a podcast is a type of audio file that is usually created
in a mp3 format, and after the file is created it can be uploaded to a server by
way of Really Simple Syndication (RSS). You can put anything you want on this
type of audio file, whether it is a type of radio show, or even clips of you
performing your music. Once a podcast is uploaded onto the internet, it then
allows people to use their computers with specialized software to download the
file so they can listen to it on their own. They may be able to listen to it on
their computer, an mp3 player, or even on their iPod as well. Even though the
terms sound a bit technical, the process is an easy one that gives you a great
new way to get your music out there to others.
How to Create a Podcast
Believe it or not, creating your own podcast is
really quite simple. The following are five simple steps that can help you
easily create your own music podcast.
1. Create the Content - The first thing you need to do is to create the audio
content for your podcast. It really does not matter what type of platform you
use when creating your audio content; however, it is important that you save it
in the maximum quality possible so you have a great copy of what you have
created. This is especially important when you are dealing with music.
2. Convert to MP3 - Once you have created your audio content for the podcast,
you will need to convert the files to mp3 files, since they are the most used
type of files for podcasting. When converting your audio files to mp3 files, you
will probably want to use 128 stereo bit rate in order to get the best sound,
since you are dealing with music, then save it as an mp3 file.
3. Upload the MP3 - After you have created your mp3 file, then you are ready
to upload the file to the server. Once they are uploaded, be sure to test them
to be sure that they are working.
4. Create the RSS File - Next you will need to create an RSS file, which will
describe your pod cast and serve as the link to your mp3 file. You can use a
text editor to create this file, and usually it is best to include the title of
the file, the link, and a brief description of the file as well.
5. Publish the File - Once you have the RSS file created, just transfer it to
your web server, and be sure to validate it using an RSS validator, which you
can find online. If it works right, then you are ready to publish the RSS file.
Equipment You Will Need
In order to be able to do a pod cast, you will need
to have the right equipment available. First of all you will need to have the
right equipment available to suitably record your music. You may be able to
purchase software for your computer to do this, or you may want to use a mixing
board with a CD burner to do so. You can use computer software to edit your
music and to change the levels to make sure that your music tracks sound the
best as well. Also, you will need a program to help you convert your music into
mp3 files, such a MusicMatch. More than likely, you will also need software that
will help you upload your mp3 and RSS files as well.
Where You Can Send Your Completed
Podcast
If you do not have your own place to put your
podcasts, you can actually find free hosts that will allow you to upload your
podcasts to their servers as well. Once you have finished your podcast and you
have it online, there are a variety of directories that you can send it to in
order to get some exposure. There are many available free directories that will
help you with publicity so you can get your podcasts out there. Soon people will
be listening to your music, and before you know it you may have a broad fan base
all across the world due to using podcasting to publicize your music.
