i suspect basic track analytics on t61 would create a lot of value for artists -- this is why we're hiring.
I posted some songs to thesixtyone (http://www.thesixtyone.com/#/nihilocrat/) and wasn't happy with the experience. I'm guessing it's my own fault for sucking, but I do have to fault the site for having a "winner take all" attitude towards artists.
You're in a bad situation if the public doesn't like the tracks you post when you post them. You're practically invisible if you don't get lots of votes immediately, appealing specifically to thesixtyone's community tastes. I don't mean to whine, but I don't see hardly any downtempo/triphop with lots of bumps and thus there's not much encouragement for someone producing such tracks to post on thesixtyone.
To the victors, the spoils, but it's even more humiliating when you're unnoticed and forever stuck at Level 1. thesixtyone is definitely a listener's site (duh) because it doesn't encourage you to post partial songs you are working on and practically no one gives you technical criticism, merely things like "I like it when the song gets heavier in the middle". No one seems to be iterating on their tracks but instead submit only complete ones. Please excuse me if my anecdotal observations here don't match up with any metrics you've put together, maybe I have tunnel vision because I listen almost exclusively to the "dance" and "electronica" portions of the site.
About the Level 1 ghetto, is it meant to encourage us to just start over again with completely new tracks or is that just a side effect?
Even with these reservations, I think thesixtyone is a great music site with a great community.
Second, t61 changed the song upload rules a few weeks ago. You can upload one new song a day regardless of your level.
I think the best way to increase your listener and heart count is to be as engaged as possible.
- Create a listener account.
- Join a group. The Electro Freaks would appreciate what you are offering http://www.thesixtyone.com/group/Electro+Freaks/
- Add constructive comments on lots of songs.
Would love to get your feedback on the site. Please use the contact form (link in footer).
PS: I love t61 as a listener .. esp the fact that music keeps playing no matter what you do .. great interaction design there!
I'm going to get everyone I can hooked on it! :)
Funny you brought up the Bankai tour. I'm planning on driving to Vancouver myself to see it.
A little background on the tour. Bankai is an electronic artist from Australia. He puts out some awesome music. A bunch of people from the t61 group Electro Freaks live in or around the Vancouver area and they decided to put together a series of shows featuring Bankai and other t61 artists. Bankai is crowdsourcing his trip to Canada. So far he has raised $1450.
Check out his progress here: http://www.bankai.fm/vancouver/
It's all been trial and error for me. Youtube has actually been very helpful in learning FL Studio. There are a lot of great howto videos out there. I also try to imitate parts of songs I really like. A drum loop, a melody, or a particular effect.
I also think one of the biggest factors is thesixtyone.com itself. The people on there are so helpful and encouraging you can't help but make better music.