Jango isn’t some vanity press where they press your CD so you can pretend you’re on a label. They are upfront about what paying them means–guaranteed plays–which means guaranteed exposure. After that, it’s up to my music to convince people it’s worth buying. Just like iTunes completely changed the landscape by allowing independent artists to sell their music alongside established stars, Jango is allowing independent artists to be played (and as a result–listened to) alongside establish music stars.

You also hear the argument that the radio station should be paying the artist and the artists should not pay them. The thing is, if you are an unknown artist, why would a radio station play you? You can’t attract listeners by playing unknown, unproven artists. No listeners == no advertisers == no MONEY.

I’m just starting experimenting with Jango, too–trying to see what combination of things works the best. I don’t care about the popscore. What I’m looking at is my iTunes report a couple of months from now to see if sales spike. Because that’s the ultimate test–if someone who listens to your song likes it enough to want to buy it.

@melodymitch you’re doing pretty darn good! keep it up

@Mariah Ver Hoef you’re probably write about the fans not opening or responding to the messages… i’ve gotten one reply with all the emails I sent… there are still some nuances that i need to work out with the way i use the site

@Randy… wow… i’m kinda the same way… i do music because i love it… a lot of my music is personal and when i share it w/ people i know i really enjoy the reaction i get… that why i continue

@LeiRey … Agreed!

@Chris i’m still experimenting w/ jango… i need to find the most optimal solution for me… when i find it, i’ll write about it
(ps i got that watch as a gift, i have no taste lol)

That being said – I still like Jango and think it’s a great way to gain exposure.

I just released one that that will make some people sad, some people mad, and some people do something about the way they feel. I remember one of the songs that affected me the most in my life was a top-40s release back in the mid-70s that threw a life-shattering experience back in my face every time I heard it. To the other people involved in the situation, it meant something completely different. It depended on who you were, what you did, and how it made you feel. When two people riding in the same car hear the same song and one of them gets angry while the other one cries, that’s a powerful thing.

I don’t care if you buy my recordings. I do care if you like my songs. The rest will take care of itself.

I paid for 1200 plays, got 1225 total so far, and have over 100 positive responses from all over the world and all but a few of the United States. Knowing that all these people cared enough to click “like” or “become a fan” is plenty of justification for me to keep at it.

One song (of three I’ve released so far) has been played on broadcast radio one time. Once. Think about that. How many people out there will never have a song they wrote played on the radio?

I may never make my living from music, but music has always been a part of my life. I do it because it makes ME happy, and that’s a lot more than I can say about the job that pays my bills.