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Digital Rocker

By Sarah Quelland

With new technological breakthroughs from companies like MP3, music is now everywhere on the web. While mp3.com may be the site for downloadable music, the selection is overwhelming, and getting discovered there is about as likely as being struck by lightning.

Unknown bands will get much further affiliating themselves with a smaller, more selective site. One of the best is Southern California-based online label SpinRecords.com, a division of Solutions Media Inc. SpinRecords.com is a well-composed, easy-to-navigate site restricted to independent artists.

It's not hard to apply for consideration: just download the artist agreement form from the site and follow the instructions. Unlike the blood-sucking contracts coming from some online labels, musicians do not sign away their lives or offer up their firstborn to get a shot at the big time. Accepted artists get their own page on the label's site, which can include a photo of the band, a scanned image of the CD, digital samples of the music, digital video footage, press clips and other goodies. Bands can also sell merchandise and music online.

Spin Records bands like Stunt Monkey, Alien Ant Farm, Implant, Left Out Lamont, Chuck McCabe, the Color Red, the Slow Poisoners, the Gun and Doll Show and Miles Hunt have performed locally. And the label is beginning to conduct showcases in South Bay venues like the Cactus Club and the Quarter Note.

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Streamlined Living: Pare down and live simply.

Put Up Yer Dukes: Don't get mad, get even.

Cruising: Transit made simple.

Soul Relief: Free your inner self.
    Make Your Own Blockbuster
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    Non-Profiteer
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Get in on the Gold Rush: Grab a fistful of cash and join the party.

Domestic Bliss: Make your house into a home.

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From the March 16-22, 2000 issue of Metro, Silicon Valley's Weekly Newspaper.

Copyright © 2000 Metro Publishing Inc. Metroactive is affiliated with the Boulevards Network.

For more information about the San Jose/Silicon Valley area, visit sanjose.com.