Are you leading a Second Life?

posted in: Features

My avatar in a Rock ‘n Roll dance club within Second Life

Sitting on the cutting age of the music industry is the strange entity we all call “the Internet”. While at this point, it is getting to be old news, it is still an invaluable tool when it comes to marketing yourself as an artist or musician.

I stepped back to try and find the most innovative way to market yourself online, and Second Life fits the bill. The concept is that you create your user profile (or in this case, a three-dimensional avatar), and walk around and participate in a fully interactive world: talking to others, building a virtual career and yes, even performing your music live. The kicker is, you do this all from the comfort of your desk.

Industry giants are already taking notice. Sony BMG recently invested money to have their very own “island” within this world to feature their artists, their brand, and their image. In fact, in late 2007, Ben Folds held a listening party to help spread the word about his latest releases. If “meeting” Ben Folds in Second Life isn’t enough, then perhaps the prospect of earning money as an artist may intrigue you. DJ Doubletown, a Second Life performer, was recently approached by Def Jam Records (Jay-Z, Kanye West) and signed to the label due to his success within Second Life. Even the smallest of artists (such as stay-at-home mom, Grace Buford), can make connections and earn money through live performances on Second Life.

Whether you’re a rising artist trying to be discovered, a company trying to market yourself, a hobby-driven songwriter, or just a fan trying to connect with artists in a new way, Second Life is an innovative option to succeed online. Visit the Second Life website, and start wielding the full power of the internet to make the connections that are so valuable in the music industry.