Music + Technology Briefs: Amanda Palmer, Twitter, more

[Photo cred: oliver.peel]

There was quite a lot of news last week relating to music and technology, and a lot of it had to do with Twitter. So, first, a word about Amanda Palmer. Now, the music of Palmer and The Dresden Dolls isn't really my cup of tea. That being said, I have to admire the way Palmer uses the internet and social networking services to promote herself and connect with her fans. Recently, Palmer raised $19k on Twitter in 10 hours. She notes:

TOTAL MADE THIS MONTH USING TWITTER = $19,000
TOTAL MADE FROM 30,000 RECORD SALES = ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

+ Not everyone can raise $19k so easily, but Soundcloud is making it possible for you to post music to Twitter. This is especially helpful considering the fact that people on Twitter actually buy music.

According to NPD’s consumer tracking, 33% of Twitter users reported buying a CD in the prior 3 months, and 34% said they had purchased a digital download. That compares positively to overall web users at 23% and 16% respectively. When Twitter users purchased music, they also spent 77% more money on digital downloads than did their non-Twitter counterparts.

+ Sirius XM will be raising its price due to the increase in artist royalty rates.

+ If you're in a band looking to build a website on the cheap and easy, ReverbNation has teamed up with Bandzoogle to create Site Builder.

"It’s critical for artists to have their own ‘home’ where they can develop fan relationships, grow their brand, and conduct business directly with their fans," says ReverbNation Co-Founder Lou Plaia.

"Site Builder is another step in creating a true, turnkey solution for the DIY artist. Soon we will be adding a comprehensive direct-to-fan store that will allow Artists to sell merchandise, music, ringtones, and tickets to their fans through all of their fan touch points online."

[Via BeatCrave]