Embracing Web-based Radio Stations

Recently, I was reading the most current issue of Paste Magazine, my music periodical of choice, and stumbled upon a blurb (underneath a piece with tips from John Fogerty on how to write effective protest songs) about new marketing techniques from record labels to help drive album sales.

I know this probably comes as no surprise to many of you, but there are ways to consume music without purchasing CDs in your local Borders, downloading 99 cent tracks on ITunes, or buying "ringles". Wolf Trap in particular, provides several independent forums through which the entire world can listen to the artists we book without shelling out a single cent. Wolf Trap Radio allows web-surfers to experience full-length, CD-quality tracks highlighting the current performance season at Wolf Trap as well as live recordings from the past and special programming, including interviews with performing artists and Wolf Trap staff.

Additionally, Wolf Trap has developed two comprehensive streaming playlists on Finetune, featuring similar content from our 2007 Filene Center schedule, and 2007-2008 Barns lineup. This is a great tool for you to see who's coming, who's been here, what you want to hear more of, and what to expect in years to come. Obviously, you will never "own" this content, and our playlists will change, but internet radio stations are a great place to start while you are considering a potential purchase. Once you have identified your need, the truly advanced play is probably to focus on more widespread internet radio stations like Pandora, or subscription services like Rhapsody.

Please come by and see Alejandro Escovedo tonight, and Chris Smither tomorrow, both at The Barns!

Graham