uPlaya Music

With my ear to the ground in the music world, I'm constantly looking for new artists and songs for my own personal enjoyment as well as to brag about finding to my friends. With a passion for music and an understanding of how difficult it is to break into the musical marketplace, I have become an advocate for finding new talent and spreading the word. Whether you too hold a strong interest in music and discovering new talent or are simply looking for new songs to download, follow me in my efforts to democratize the music industry! var sc_project=6515715; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_security="9b4f45a0";

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You know that mobile apps are great for marketing your music, but should you build an iPhone or Android App? Check out these stats!

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Why YOU Should "Fan" uPlaya on Facebook!

                We had such a terrific response during Fan Appreciation Week that we decided to extend it! Become a fan on uPlaya's Facebook Page, get a free upload, and join the conversation in our vastly growing music community (full of indie artists, bands, record labels, music service and more)! As a fan, you can stay up-to-date on uPlaya's latest contests (free and paid,) special promotions, offers, opportunities, debates, discussions and conversations. 

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uPlaya's Best Live Performance Contest!

          It's that time of the month again... for uPlaya's second Facebook contest! In case you don't already know, uPlaya recently decided to launch 2 contests on the uPlaya Facebook Page each month (every other Tuesday). This time we're looking for the artist or band with the best live performance. Click here to learn more about the contest and submit your most rocking show!

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Lollapalooza 2011 Lineup

Some of the headlining acts at Lollapalooza this year include: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, My Morning Jacket, Ween, Cage the Elephant, Tinie Tempah, Noah and the Whale, and the Cold War Kids. 

Click here to catch the full lineup!

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uPlaya Opportunities for Independent Artists 4/25/11

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Getting me through Monday... Dr. Dog's "Shadow People!"

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Free Upload for uPlaya Facebook Fans!

                                  At uPlaya, our fans mean everything. That's why we're showing our fans on Facebook some love! We're giving everyone who become a fan by tomorrow (Tuesday 26th,) a free song upload to say thanks for being awesome! 

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The Importance of Music Videos in the Digital Age

Ever since 1964 with the production of the Beatles music video for their song "Hard Day's Night," music videos have evolved to be an intergal part of an artist's career as well as the music biz. People love music and people love videos. The combination of the two has helped launch the careers of many well-known artists, giving them a platform for branding and establishing a unique, stand-out image. I mean, take Lady Gaga for example. She relied heavily on music videos to project her unique persona across the globe!

Even more so now, in the digital age, music videos can help artists break away from the crowd and is great promotional food for getting noticed. The best part about creating music videos today is that there are loads of free video making tools and resources out there on the web, making it extremely cheap to do- if it costs anything at all! Even YouTube has a free video editing feature now! 

The hardest part about creating music videos today is making something truly original and creative. There are loads of tips out there for you to check out. Check out this one in particular. It covers some great tips from some of your favorite music artists! Need more inspiration to get you going? Watch the winning music video from uPlaya's 'Search for the Best Music Video' Contest!

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Julie Ciero Heats Up Miami Music Scene

       Like two of her biggest inspirations, Britney Spears and JLo, Julie Ciero knows how to put an edge on pop music and make it into something fierce. Living in Miami, FL, Julie has connected with top DJs and music industry professionals that will help take her career to a mainstream level as she prepares for the release of her debut album.

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Reverend Bastien: Winner of uPlaya's 'Search for the Best Press Kit' Contest

uPlaya recently held a contest on Facebook to find the best UPK, and we found just what we were looking for in Reverend Bastien’s press kit. In addition to his savvy ability to build an excellent and powerful UPK, the Reverend also has a lot of wisdom and life lessons to share that draw on his journeys on the road with nothing but the guitar on his back. His music blends varieties of Jazz & Ska Punk into American Roots Music to create a heartland rock sound reminiscent of his influences like Tom Petty, Warren Zevon, and Leonard Cohen.

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uPlaya's Search for the Best Press Kit

                                                Today's the last day you can submit your band press kit to uPlaya's free contest on Facebook. It ends at midnight tonight! To enter the contest, create a free press kit on uPlaya and submit the link to the contest on the uPlaya Facebook Page. The artist or band with the best press kit will receive a Nady microphone, a 15 Song Pack, and promotion! If you need help entering the contest, check out the uPlaya blog here! 

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2 Free Music Contests for Unsigned Artists Ending Soon!

   Unsigned Artists- You have only 1 week left to enter WeLoveYourSongs 2 FREE MUSIC COMPETITIONS for "Best New Artist" and "Best New Song!"  

The winners of both contests will be determined through fan voting, and will receive $800, a Premium uPlaya Subscription, and promotion throughout uPlaya’s music community!  

So what are you waiting for!? Get online and submit your music! And don't forget to send a shout-out to your fans to ask them for their vote and to start making your way to the top!  

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uPlaya's Zoe Matthews and Karizma Muzik

                   Founder of Karizma Muzik, John Rushton is a songwriter and publisher of electronic dance and pop music groups. Well known throughout the USA, UK, and Belgium, he has worked with a variety of artists and celebrities including Stuart Wolfenden of Coronation Street and Paul Redmond of the UK TV show, “Stars In Your Eyes.” 

                    More recently, Rushton has been in the studio producing demos with Up & Coming UK pop sensation, Zoe Matthews. In her young career, Zoe has already claimed the title of 2007 Young Contemporary Musician of the Year, and is now getting ready for her US Promo Tour this Fall.  Check out the demo recording of her newest single,  ‘So Close To Heaven’!  

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How Do You Use Videos to Get More Fans?

                Creating videos is one of the newest and most effective ways for independent artists to get exposure for their music and grow their fan base on the web. Over the last couple years, more and more artists have started experimenting with the various ways they can use videos to pull back the curtains on their music career in such a way that brings their fans along for the ride. From fun, behind the scenes documentary to interviews to low budget music videos, music artists are always thinking of new, creative ways to use videos to further their career. And best of all- it works!

What types of videos have you created to promote your music, show off your unique personality, and build your fan base? Please share your ideas, even better, your videos with us on uPlaya’s new YouTube channel- uPlaya Music Universe!

Need some ideas to get you started with video? Check out how Panic at the Disco uses video to get in with their fans!

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uPlayas' Kigity K Steps Up to the Big Leagues!

                      uPlaya’s Kigity K and this week’s Up & Coming Artist on Facebook has made it to the big leagues! He’s already gained street credit in the underground hip-hop scene as a freestylin machine, and now he hopes to bring his music to the surface to introduce it to the world. And what better way to do it than opening for Juvenile at a Super Bowl after party for the Green Bay Packers! Even cooler, Kigity has been asked to create the theme song for the team if they win! 

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Subscribe to uPlayaMusic on YouTube!

uPlaya has a brand spanking new channel on YouTube and we want to feature YOUR MUSIC VIDEO on our “Up &Coming” Playlist! That is, if it’s legit! The channel will also be used to promote music discovery for both indie artists as well your favorite big name artists. Our mission is to make sure you hear it first, that is, to make sure you know about the hottest songs long before any of your friends do. So whether you’re an indie artist looking to be the next big YouTube sensation, or a music fan who aims to to know about new songs well before their radio release, uPlaya's new music channel will be your new destination for discovering and listening to new music on the web!