11 new examples of musicians using social media in 2009

I got the idea for 'new examples in 2009' from Kate who wrote '5 new examples of branded entertainment'. Well here goes;

1. AC/DC created a 7 part online documentary series, Fannation about the band getting back together. Amazing use of Facebook, Youtube/Vimeo and Twitter.


2. DJ Paul Van Dyk created an iPhone App to help out DJs, check out the tutorial with the man himself here.


3. A Twitter application for Trav$dJam which allowed you to download his latest single if you retweeted about the launch of the deal.

4. DJ Tiga created a satirical interview about the launch of his new c.d


5.A really cool video clip where you control who plays by Cold War Kids

6. There are a number of good bands/artist using Twitter; some of the standouts are MC Hammer, Snob Scrilla, John Van Der Slice, Timmy Trumpet, Eminem (which got a write up in Ad Age)

7. Shoot The Player films musicians playing in interesting locations around Sydney. The idea has been around for awhile, here is the latest video starring Reggie Watts.

Reggie Watts: Sasquatch (for Shoot The Player) from shoottheplayer.com on Vimeo.

8. Kickstart gives bands the chance to get micro-financed for music ventures. At the moment the band The Rural Alberta Advantage are trying to get $3,000 to create a limited run 7" record.

9. Kitsune are giving people the chance to feature on the cover of their new compilation. All you have to do is email your self potrait sketch in and one lucky artist will go on the cover.

10. Possible the best Australian band using social media Short Stack have been amazing with growing their band through Myspace and Youtube. They have a channel on Youtube where they have over 20 episodes from the band.


Other notable artist using vlogs effectively include Imogen Heap, Souljah Boy, and 50 Cent.

11. Short Stack also held a flash mob concert in Pitt St Mall earlier in the year.


12. Short Stack have just announced their SMS pre order deal where you will not only get a copy of the new single but if you are in the first 1,000 they will give you a personal phone call.


12. Mike Skinner released 3 songs through Twitter for the hell of it. (via Sam)

13. Music video clip for ArcadeFire 'Black Fire' where you control what happens similar to the Cold War Kids idea (via Sam)

14. Wilco organised car pools via Facebook to their show, this is an awesome idea. (via Sam)

Thanks to everyone on Twitter who gave suggestions and if you have any other great uses of social media by musicians please share in comments and I will add to the list.