Google hubs with artists
As part of its Google Music launch, Google is aiming to do its bit for artists with the rollout of its online Artist Hubs, says Mark Terry. These digital destinations allow musicians to create their own artist pages to which they can upload tracks. They can also set prices and sell content directly to fans from these Android Market stores. Artists have to pay a single $25 set-up charge, and sales revenues are split 70/30 in favour of the musician.
“Every artist or band has a page within Android Market to help Google Music users find out more about you,” says Google. “The artist page includes your bio, photo, links and the original music you have available for sale.”
Google Music is also working with Google-owned YouTube to get artists selling their music on YouTube pages.
“Our integration with YouTube helps you sell your songs with a buy link in your music videos. If you are a YouTube partner, your store link can be promoted next to your video content so that fans can buy the song and add it to their Google Music libraries automatically.”
In addition, when a fan purchases a song or album from Android Market they are able to share a free play with friends in their Google+ Circles.
