AMP3’s resident social networking site, RipLounge.com, recently hosted a contest via SonicBids to find new music to add to its roster. With three distinct rooms in which 3-D avatars and mix and mingle, winners from three different genres—Top 40 and Rock, Hip Hop and R&B, and Techno/Electronica—were selected from a slew of entrants.
We wanted to take a bit of time to get to know the winners, get their thoughts on what an opportunity like RipLounge.com offers them, and what else they’ve got planned in the future.
Top 40 winner Stealing Jane is an 8-man band based in Long Island, NY that defies genres by combining rock, pop, funk, and soul into their sound. We were able to chat with three of the guys, Bunce, Bryce, and Andrew, to pick their brains.
Here’s what they had to say:
AMP3: How did you hear about the “Rock at RipLounge – VIP Playlist 2009” Contest?
BUNCE: A friend who is also in a band and told us to check it out the contest and referred it to me, and it turned out to be a great opportunity.
AMP3: What do you think about the social networking site, RipLounge?
BRYCE: It’s really cool; I like that the avatar creation is so personalized.
BUNCE: Yeah, definitely the most appealing 3-D social networking site. The graphics are great and it’s really easy to use and navigate through, unlike some other sites.
AMP3: What other ways do you go about promoting your music? Which do you find to be most effective?
ANDREW: Well since we’re a band of 8 people, we have the option of going to different concerts and handing out CD samplers and fliers to people who we think would really dig us.
BRYCE: We try to be in all places at once. It’s tough, but we have eight guys to keep up with it. We also try to keep an active presence on YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Purevolume, Virb, and a whole bunch of other social media sites. I find that some are better for finding new fans, such as Purevolume and YouTube, and others are better for keeping in touch with the fans we have like MySpace and Facebook.
BUNCE: We also have an amazing Street Team that helps us with pretty much all of this. We really wouldn’t be where we are without them.
AMP3: If you could describe your music in just a few words, what would they be?
BUNCE: Powerful, passionate alternative rock with a horn section.
AMP3: What are you working on now?
BUNCE: Right now, we’re continuing the writing process while the songs we previously recorded get their final touches in the mixing stage. We are also booking short tours around the north east to keep stirring up the fan base and spreading the live show magic.
AMP3: What’s next?
BRYCE: We’re making a shift from focusing on writing to getting back on the road. We know that the best way to stay in touch with the fans and to make new ones is to play, so we’re really looking to get out with our new songs and show ‘em off!
You can check out Stealing Jane at stealingjane.com.
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Techno/Electronica winner ellee ven has been on the scene for years, with her “Groovetronics” music spreading via DJ play and word of mouth. Hailing from LA, she’s know for her tracks that get people up and moving.
Here’s what ellee ven had to say:
AMP3: How did you hear about the “Rock at RipLounge – VIP Playlist 2009” Contest?
EV: Through SonicBids.
AMP3: What do you think about the social networking site, RipLounge?
EV: I think it’s super fun. I wish more of my friends were on it, but I’m sure that’ll change soon enough!
AMP3: What other ways do you go about promoting your music? Which do you find to be most effective?
EV: Well I’m on lots of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. I also throw free/artsy events. I like to give my audience as much of an experience as possible. I also have some great, cheap promotional items that keep me on a would-be fan’s mind; things like pencils, notepads, magnets, bottle openers… Stickers and things like that are good for branding but people are more likely to keep the thing they can use.
AMP3: If you could describe your music in just a few words, what would they be?
EV: I describe it as GROOVETONICS: it makes you move and lifts the mood.
AMP3: What are you working on now?
EV: Getting my songs heard! I am always writing and have a couple of good ones in the works, but I have no new album release date.
AMP3: What’s next?
EV: Touring and creating some videos for my album DANGEROUS DIVERSION. Then probably another album.
You can check out more from ellee ven at www.elleeven.com.
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Hip Hop and R&B winner DANNA also hails Long Island, NY, but showcases her Hip Hop and R&B vocals in her self-written songs. Coming from a family of musicians, singing has always been DANNA’s passion, and with her five-octave vocal range, she’s sure to make you feel it.
Here’s what DANNA had to say:
AMP3: How did you hear about the “Rock at RipLounge – VIP Playlist 2009” Contest?
DANNA: I heard of “Rock at RipLounge – VIP Playlist 2009” contest through Sonicbids.com.
AMP3: What do you think about the social networking site, RipLounge?
DANNA: I think the site is an excellent way to meet new people that you have something in common with; since RipLounge has such a big focus on music, it’s a great place to exchange ideas about the music business, to network, and to possibly form collaborations.
AMP3: What other ways do you go about promoting your music? Which do you find to be most effective?
DANNA: Aside from promoting on SonicBids.com/danna, I also promote my music on myspace.com/dannamusic88, showcaseyourmusic.com/danna as well as playing live gigs. I think promoting yourself online as well as doing live shows are both effective ways of letting the general public know who you are.
AMP3: If you could describe your music in just a few words, what would they be?
DANNA: A description of my music would be: R&B/Pop with a trippy, soulful edge: just like my reality! I’m working on a concept album so the songs on the site are just a little taste of what’s to come.
AMP3: What are you working on now?
DANNA: At the moment, I’m writing a song called “Jealous.”
AMP3: What’s next?
DANNA: I’m in the process of signing with a great personal manager. Next, I will finish recording my album and my manager will shop it and get me signed to a great label!
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To hear any of the winning artists, visit RipLounge.com or their sites listed above.
Jackie for AMP3pr.com
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