How the Internet makes it easier to get started in the music business

Millions dream of musical success - the chance to jet-set around the world playing exotic locations, and earning a fortune for the privilege.

But for the vast majority, life on the stage is just a fantasy - a near-impossible ambition, never likely to be achieved.

We take a look at how the Internet has made it easier to make it to global stardom.

The industry is changing

Things are not as cut and dry as in the past, when performers may have had to play hundreds of gigs before anyone took notice.

With the digital revolution picking up speed, and the internet turning the world on its head, a new fast-track to fame has opened up for performers of all styles and backgrounds.

In the age of the instant celebrity, the A&R man no longer holds all the cards. The public has the opportunity to make and break stars, before the record labels even get involved.

If you can’t bag a deal playing the pubs and clubs, getting online might be a more productive venture.






Using the internet to make an impression

The web is proving to be an incredible tool for potential stars looking to enter the big time.

By using online video, audio and social media to their advantage, obscure and unknown talents can become household names overnight.

They can do so quickly, with the minimum of effort, and without even having to leave their bedrooms.

Simply by recording a few songs and uploading a video online it's possible to gain thousands or even millions of followers around the world.

Once you've got your tunes hosted on the web, you simply need to draw attention to them.

This means posting on Facebook, Twitter and other networking websites, adding links in blogs, and generally doing all you can to spread the word.

Talent is still required

Ultimately, artists are still being judged on the quality of their work - this isn't a total free for all.

 If you just can’t sing, or your guitar is out of tune, there'll be no shortage of keyboard warriors ready to tell you just that, and they won't mince their words either.

But on the other hand, should you be inundated with 'likes' and other positive feedback, this can really get the ball rolling.

Your songs could go viral, attracting the interest of listeners all around the world and ultimately the record companies.

Securing a record deal

Whenever a label signs a new artist, there is always an element of risk. The performer may have the right image, the right sound and some great tunes - but this is still no guarantee their album will sell.

There can be all sorts of reasons for failure - poor timing, ineffective advertising and a lack of radio support included.

But by signing up the latest internet sensation and putting them in a recording studio, much of the risk element is removed. The public has already passed judgement on the performer on the web, giving a string indication as to whether they would buy their record.

The original online fans - eager to take credit for the discovery of an exciting new talent - will no doubt be at the front of the queue when the album is eventually released.

If their friends also download the album, or buy it in a record shop, new artists can gain a large amount of momentum very quickly.



Who has made it big on the internet?

Teenage megastar Justin Bieber is perhaps the biggest name to have cut his teeth online, after his mother starting posting videos of his performances in 2007.

They were designed to be watched by his extended family, but word quickly spread of the talented 12-year-old singer. Before long, 'The Bieb' had a management contract and the rest, they say, is history.

Back in 2006, Andy McKee used YouTube to kick-start his career - and 100 million views later he is proving to be a huge success story.

Over in Asia, Kim Yeo-Hee - known on YouTube as Apple Girl - also found fame through the site, playing cover versions on an iPhone.

After these videos went viral, record labels from China, the UK and her native South Korea competed for her signature.

Other online sensations include Mia Rose, Cody Simpson, Ria Ritchie and Terra Naomi - all young, talented and backed by enthusiastic online fanbases.

Not all of them have years of gigging experience to call upon, but the artists have a great amount of ability - and the thing most difficult to acquire - a willing audience.