YouTube has recently announced that it will be launching a new feature called the Merch Store, a program that will allow artists to sell merchandise, music and concert tickets. Making music-related purchases accessible to “Youtubers” is just another reason why this video sharing website has become the best place for an aspiring musician to start a career. Artists are now able to create music and videos, reach a global audience, promote themselves and make money-all in one website.
Not only is YouTube a place for silly animal videos and sketch comedy, but also a great place for artists to post videos of themselves performing. Friends and family can see their performances, as well as anyone with an internet connection and interest in music. It’s no secret that talent scouts scour YouTube looking for new talent. Musicians such as Justin Bieber, Andy McKee and Greyson Chance thanks to their popular YouTube channels.
In 2001, guitarist Andy McKee was ranked highly in the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championships. He signed with Candyrat, an acoustic guitar label, and in 2006, they put a video of McKee playing his original song called Drifting on YouTube. The video has attracted over 37 million views, making it one of the “trending” music videos for days. Since then, Mckee has multiple songs on YouTube and has released 2 albums and been on tour.
Singer Arnel Pineda also made it big, thanks to YouTube. In 2007 videos of him performing were posted on the site and managed to attract the attention of the well-known rock band Journey. That same year he was named their lead singer.
With YouTubes new feature coming out, wannabe musicians may have a better chance to gain the same fame as Pineda and McKee. Additionally, record labels will be able to benefit from the program, encouraging them to continue looking for the next YouTube star.
YouTube says that the world’s four largest music labels: Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music and Group EMI Group, have all come to profit from the site. They state that by having content such as promotional videos on the site, the music industry as a whole is making hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Recently, YouTube announced a licensing deal with Merlin, the fifth largest record label and a chain of independent music labels that represents 14 000 artists. This deal allows musicians that Merlin represents to receive royalties every time a YouTube user publishes a video using all or parts of a song by that musician. YouTube also plans to make similar deals with Merge Records, which represents Arcade Fire, and Beggars Group who represents Adele.
YouTube is working hard to turn itself into the ideal music destination. The site is making a large profit, while still benefitting the music industry. Here at Earl Haig, our SOPSS Assemblies and other performances are posted on YouTube. Some of the videos from our fall assembly already have more than 200 views. Perhaps, an Earl Haig student will be discovered by a YouTube talent scout and become the next big sensation-you never know.
