Google strives for world domination with free music

Source: SMH

It may be surprising to most non-China based peeps to hear that Google doesn’t dominate search in China, Baidu does.

In a bid to increase their popularity, they are now offering music online – with free downloads of licenced songs.  Artists signed by the big four – EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal will have their music available on Google’s new music service.

China’s Music Piracy

Music piracy is a major concern in China and Google are hoping to attract users away from piracy, with far better quality music offerings.

IFPI said last year that more than 99 percent of all music files distributed in China are pirated, and the country’s total legitimate music market, at $US76 million ($112 million), accounts for less than 1 percent of global recorded music sales.

Less than 1% of global music sales.  That’s not an encouraging figure for artists, given China boasts the worlds lastest online user community.

Not for Aussies

Of course, this new music service won’t apply for us.  We’ll have to stick with iTunes

RSS feeds by music genre

Love a particular music genre?  Take advantage of the iTunes RSS feed to source the current Top 10 songs and albums.

Hip-Hop / Rap: “Top 10″ songs & artists

• Top 10 Hip-Hop songs
• Top 10 Hip-Hop albums
• New Releases Hip-Hop/Rap

(Sample feed)

On the RSS page you can select the artist you’re interested in and click through to their iTunes page, listen to a sample of their song or album, make a purchase.

Now you’ve got great music talent at your fingertips.

So why not check out the local artists first!

Where to find free music downloads

Downloading music from new, up & coming and independent artists for free is possible.  And by free, I don’t mean ripped off!  I mean free, legal and supporting the artists.

Free music downloads is mostly about building a fan base for the artists.  They can showcase their latest single in the hopes you might buy the entire album or go to see them live.   Either way, it’s getting their music out there.

And you get to check the artist or band out before outlaying any cash!

So, here’s three sites where you can find free MP3 downloads …

No 1: Triple J

Triple J offers many ways for you to enjoy their music, and it goes without saying that they love supporting artists any way they can.

Triple J MP3 downloads: How it works best for me is their offer of free MP3 downloads. A page where they highlight artists and new singles.  Songs are available for free download so not a bad way to build a great collection.  The MP3 download listing changes quite often, so you should keep it bookmarked in your favourites.  Speaking of favourites, at the moment they’re offering  Little Birdy’s song “Brother” for free download.  I just cannot get enough of that song right now!

You can also check out Triple J’s unearthed artists, subscribe to weekly podcasts, stream live recordings and music specials.

No 2: MP3.com.au

MP3.com.au not only lets you check out independent artists’ music and stream it through the free MP3 player online, but you can also download it to your desktop or MP3 player.  Search by genre, alphabetically, popular, featured.  MP3.com.au also has a gig guide, music charts, news and reviews.

No 3: iTunes

Whilst the iTunes store may not be your first thought for free music downloads, they do offer new singles for free download each week. Another way to slowly build your free music collection.

Non-Apple fans:  If you listen to your music on anything but an iPod or iPhone it doesn’t matter.  You can still create a free iTunes account, download the software and store the MP3s on your computer.

Now get downloading

Whilst the first two options are more about artists getting their music out there and gaining supportive fans, feel free to view the last option as us little guys taking something for nothing from the big guys…?! 

And of course, there’s so much other free stuff like games, applications and podcasts on iTunes to take advantage of.

xox

Bring on the Tunes!

Listening to music is one of my favourite past-times. When it’s coupled with catching up with friends, it becomes no 1 on the list!

To those who know me, it would come as no surprise that I’m always looking for sites online to listen to or download music.

That is, when I’m not trawling myspace to check out artists – or dragging friends along to new bands.

So now time to share with you … I came across a great “Top 15″ music sites list on Musicouch.

The author gives a brief overview of each site – and the sites provide a varied range in music genres, new artists, ability to create playlists and share with music communities.

Good work Musicouch!

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