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Do we really need another online music site trying to jimmy it’s way into the already tightly packed music arena? NPR think so. The key here is that they may actually have a few unique and interesting features that could set them apart from the pack. Either that or the big music bastards *cough* itunes *cough* will steal the ideas and pass them off as their own. Either way the service is worth a look even if you are not a yank or indeed a music lover as some of the ideas behind the tech are interesting.
Specific sections of the site are dedicated to rock/pop/folk, classical, jazz/blues, world and urban music. In each genre, program and subject area, users can explore NPR’s and the stations’ music news; intimate interviews and studio sessions with artists and bands; NPR’s and stations’ national and regional web concerts; reviews and news; original blogs from critics, experts and artists; and podcasts.
The site culls from NPR’s and the stations’ music archives to present thousands of features; at launch, the site’s Artist Index alone, an A to Z artist directory, offers content about more than 2000 performers. (Sunny: Yeah, but there is plenty of that in wikipedia right?) More than 200 new features will be added from NPR and the stations monthly, joining thousands of hours of archived concert, story, review and interview pieces.
NPR Music also offers a few original video and audio features. Along with the Artist Index, some of the new elements are:
“Project Song†– a video feature challenging songwriters to write and record an original song in two days at the NPR studios. The first participant is songwriter Stephin Merritt, to be followed by indie band Georgie James
“Studio Sessions†– in-studio video performances recorded at NPR and Member stations
“Discover Songs†– audio stories about, and recommendations for, individual songs
“Music Lists†– five-song listening sets curated by musicians and public radio music personalities
It’s those last few features which make things interesting. Though they may wreak of sounding like Last.fm they are actually trying to be a little original rather than launching another online song shop which will close in weeks.
For now we will give this a “meh” but if they make it work it could turn into a “moo”. What do you think?
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Marcus | Nov 6, 2007 | Reply
To be honest, I don’t really like it.
crashq7 | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
why not? i think that even if the music arena is full, there’s plenty of room for everyone else with a good idea and good marketing strategy!
theodore | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
crashq, I disagree with what you’re saying, think about this: there are already a lot of websites doing this and there’s a lot work to do until you get known by the internet users. Nowadays you can find info you need on wikipedia, like it says in the article.
UglyRabbit | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
Honestly I think the website will be a major success. Don’t forget that people just love anything that’s new, they might find it very useful and they will use it. So knows? I think that the best thing to do is wait and see. Am I right?
pedroo | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
I definitely agree with uglyrabbit why don’t just wait and see
joiner | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
The NPR.org is pretty promising. Hey, all websites have to start somewhere! Advertising and marketing is the key for any music website to make it big in the industry. If NPR has a pretty good internet mktg. strategy then it would probably be a big hit.
Plus, If I were a musician or a songwriter or whatever, I would appreciate it if there are this kind of start-up websites that are encouraging new and budding music artists to at least get their music heard even if their audience is just online users. All I can say is, well, good luck to the site!
Sam Radbond | May 9, 2008 | Reply
Oh! Perfect job!
Very interesting and useful post.
Thx, your blog in my Google reader now