What is Social Media and what does it have to do with musicians?

• Social Media web sites like the ones above are online places where users of similar interests can share and comment upon information and media and where they can create and share mutual content.

• These sites are also used to spread discoveries made by members, including bands and songs, across the net, often very rapidly. They also enable musicians to build relationships with fans and grow their fan base, which can lead to more sales.

• To explain the full import of this for bands, artists and musicians it is necessary to give some background information. This will be covered in the following slides.

• First, let's look at the old music business and then the new music business...