It’s no surprise that social media has changed the way we listen, share and interact with music. Sites like Groove Shark, Last.fm, hypem, and YouTube make it easy to search, organize and listen to your favourite tunes. Furthermore, Facebook, twitter, and blogs allow people to exchange new music, building a natural library for everyone to explore.
The twitter hashtag #MusicMonday is incredibly popular, sparking new and exciting opportunity for both mainstream and up-and-coming artists.
But probably the most wonderful and interesting uses of social media and music is during live music performances. With mass crowds, flashing cameras, and television screens galore, it’s the jackpot for online social engagement.
Here’s one example still available for your enjoyment: On June 27, Paul McCartney streamed a concert live over Youtube in support of BornHivFree, an appeal for funding to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. A prominent link was placed on the Youtube homepage. A Twitter feed was established for the event. Viewers were invited to sign the petition and add their comments. You can still see the concert and sign the petition on the BornHIVFree Youtube channel: or on Sir Paul’s Youtube channel.
Fame Tweets
Now that artists have joined the twittersphere fans can peer backstage and attend all the “pre-show” happenings. Whether it’s commenting on an artist’s twitpic or joining the conversation saturated with hashtags, twitter has the ability to enhance a live show. Even if you’re on the other side of the globe, you can tune into the conservation streams and/or photos of what’s happening with a particular artist or band.
Fans Check-in
Checking in on FourSquare has never been more fun, especially when there is live entertainment involved. Checking in at a location with the masses – think at a concerts, theatre, conference, etc – almost guarantees an abundance of tips, fellow-fans, twitter followers, and even badges such as the “swarm” or “super-swarm” badge.
Social Media Changing the Landscape
Once again social media invades a space – in this case, music – and enhances the user experience. Now, if you cannot attend a concert or if you miss your favourite TV show, you can simply tune into twitter and follow the streams of real-time conversation and photos.
Make your ears happy by listening to Grooveshark’s smart popular playlist or building your very own library. Last fm allows you to listen to music by genre such as folk and pop, while the Hype Machine allows you to browse blogs and download music for yes, free.
