Music Promotion by Networking

Newsweek: Independent music groups are taking a leaf from the networking industry and staging "listening parties" for new albums similar to Tupperware parties. "Managers supply the host with promotional materials as well as order forms or directions on how to preorder from the band's Web site. The hosts not only get an advance look at the album, but for their trouble, "we swag them out," says David Derring, a manager for the Graham Colton Band (as heard on the WB's "Everwood"!). "We give them free CDs, T shirts, free tickets to concerts, that kind of thing. The kids love it." So the big difference is the hosts don't make any money off the parties, just receive promotional items.

It's a good way for bands to spread the word about their music in an age where the traditional promotional channels are being overrun by the record labels promoting formulaic bands. "If a hard-core fan will spread the word to their community of friends, that's better than radio or MTV or anything." (via Ringtonia.com)