Given the hoopla encircling the feasibility of artists distributing their creations directly to listeners, one can surf the Net and find any number of sites offering MP3 tracks for downloading, programmable CD compilations, and other attempts to capitalize on the frenzy. But nobody’s really making any money. And the Net has yet to produce its first musical superstar.

The only time this technology has really had an impact on the marketing and distribution of music was back in the 80s, when, without a major label record deal or airplay, the Grateful Dead became a top grossing act. Their fans began to network by utilizing then new computer BBS systems and email. Dead concerts became community events. Until Jerry Garcia’s death, they had more engagements than days in the calendar.

Although the Web is new and exciting, for now, the same old system, big companies with big budgets and big distribution, still rules. It’s very easy to buy CDs on the Web. There’s an unlimited selection and outside the US, the prices can’t be beat. Even though many users fear credit card fraud, enough people have purchased CDs on the web so that online sales now account for twelve percent of all CD sales.

Sadly, I note that downloading MP3 files, etc., is beyond the comprehension of the critical mass necessary to provide significant income to musicians. That’s right, for most users, digital distribution is just too difficult. Yet there’s a growing number of people who are downloading tracks, even paying for them with their credit cards, and then using the Diamond Rio walkman-like players to listen to their new music. We call these people, the early adopters, those tech savvy folks who like to be on the cutting edge.

As everyday people become more comfortable with the medium, and new technology enables us to easily sample music, purchase and digitally download it, then the real empowerment will begin. That’s when a list of 10,000 email addresses becomes money in the bank. Forward thinking musicians are starting to gather email lists of their listeners. Tomorrow, the people on that list will buy their digital creations. Good bye middle man.

Today, musicians can use their websites as online press kits, and as an information vehicle for their listeners. Email is an important part of this communication, offering the opportunity to network directly with fans worldwide.

To get gigs, musicians and their representatives must constantly be sending out press kits to club owners and festival promoters all over this planet. Add a CD to the package and the cost of each mailing adds up rather quickly.

Instead, go to my website where you can read my bio and listen to soundclips of my most recent recording, at your convenience, anywhere in the world. This way, having the necessary information and soundclips online saves time and expense.

In performance, listeners who are touched by a musician and their music want to follow up, find out more about this remarkable creator. What’s the most recent album? When are you coming back to my town?

After announcing the band’s personnel, musicians need only say, visit my website and listen to my latest release and check out the band’s itinerary. Better yet, check my site and drop me a line via email. Let’s stay in touch! I know plenty of musicians who have websites. But how many really use them?