Article: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/#052506diy
DIY Digital Marketplace Continues to Expand
Any band can create a MySpace profile or dedicated webpage, but a number of do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions are allowing artists to elevate their game online. Most recently, Madison, WI-based Broadjam unveiled a stepped-up DIY solution for groups that have more sophisticated skills. Called Web Hosting 2.0, the solution offers a Linux platform, scripting support, email accounts, mailing lists, MySQL Databases, and a shopping cart. The 2.0 solution builds upon a more novice solution, and all Broadjam members can position downloads for 99-cents each. "This technology empowers artists to take full advantage of the Internet to promote themselves and expose their music to a broader audience, while accommodating unique styles and graphics."
Broadjam is entering a competitive arena. Existing players include Santa Monica, CA-based Musicane, which also offers a comprehensive hosting and e-commerce service for artists. The company has been pushing its weight around at music-focused events like SXSW, where artists are hungry to learn about navigating the digital waters. And just recently, London-based 7 Digital unveiled indiestore.com, a service that also caters to the DIY artist. 7 is already well-established in the UK, and hosts sites for heavyweights Coldplay, Oasis, and Gorillaz. All three services are pushing maximum flexibility, and allow artists to capture a far greater percentage of sales than they would from label-based distribution agreements.