image by Matthew Simantov
The newly launched site, The Banded, is basically a way to upload and share music with fans. The site’s goal is for fans to vote on songs they like and help undiscovered bands (bands on major labels are not allowed) make money and get exposure. The site is clean and easy to use for fans, and even allows for Facebook Connect, so no one has to learn a new password.
For bands there are several ways to make money, or gets discounts, but the biggest potential is “The Band 2.” This is an award for the two most popular songs each month. According to the site , “Each month, artists behind the top 2 most highly voted songs get a percentage of our site revenue (for life!) and ownership in The Banded in the form of stock options.” So if the site makes money, you do too.
The site is still in beta mode, so there is little chance of making money from the start, and the site is not yet set up to sell merch.
Still, the first “band 2″ has started for December, so this might be a great time to get your band’s foot in the door.
Brett Lohmeyer is an editor for detone8.com and an online producer for the Globe-Democrat. Brett has worked in different aspects of the media industry for several years including The Montage, The St. Louis Beacon, The Webster-Kirkwood Times and SLPS Channel 20 in St. Louis, Mo. 
