Music Emissions

Music Emissions, is a Calgary, Alberta based internet publication with a focus on ensuring the DIY method of independent musicianship and artistry. The site's motto, "Rate, Recommend, Review" is geared more towards readership. While they do review bigger name artists, more times than not artists of unsigned or small label status are the key
component.
History
The site, established with just reviews in 1999, slowly it worked its way up, performing interviews, posting bios and even a forum at one time. There have been many faces and logo's over the years. Though, its first two years live were designed with green or black, the basic colors have been orange and black for the majority of its service. In 2007 the site made a jump from a strictly editorial review site to a social network site that allowed for user interaction and feedback via user reviews, comments and getting personalized recommendations.
Focus
This indie site concentrates on reviews and music news. Also published on a weekly basis are podcasts, celebrity artist recommendations, user ratings, comments, interviews and other editorial specialties including news and a weekly tribute to past indie gems. In addition to User Review contests, where one user a year becomes a staff writer, they also hold a two month long Indie of the Year contest, where the top vote-getter receives resources for independent artist survival. Every year since 2006, each member of the staff counts down their favorite top ten releases of the year.
Editorial & user reviews
Since its first review published, the Editorial Staff has been a chance for journalism students and freelancers alike to make a name for themselves. Some writers having since moved onto various industries of journalism. Though most writers are considered for a reviewer position after 25 user reviews, over the years the process for becoming a Music Emissions writer has varied. Starting in 2007, and again in 2008, User Review contest winners find themselves on staff.
It's common for new users to get confused over the difference between a user review and an editorial review. Besides the actual location of the review on each album page, they are very similar in format. Members of the editorial staff can both write editorial reviews, as well as user reviews and/or comments. All users have the ability to rate albums on a 'star' scale from 1-10. Editorial reviewers manage to make some money for their efforts as well.
Music Emissions writers and alumni have since moved onto various publishers of journalism.
Indie of the Year
Every September 1 til October 31, the users and staff name an Indie of the Year. The artist has to be unsigned or at least on a very small label. The bands tend to be mostly from Canada or United States but any band throughout the world is welcome to participate. Prizes like; performing at the New Music Festival in Ohio, sessions on Jamnow.com, gear from IK Multimedia, PR help, hats, t-shirts, and digital music distribution deals have been offered in past years.
In August 2009, Music Emissions announced its third annual Indie of the Year Some of 2009's IOTY sponsors were IK Multimedia, Sam Ash, Future Perfect Radio, Sonoma Wire Works, BroadJam and Playback Clothing amongst others confirmed as sponsors. Music Emissions also teamed up with online radio station Future Perfect Radio in order to establish an Indie Of The Year radio station with past and present contestant's music.
On November 1, 2009, Long Island's Fortune & Spirits was named the third annual Indie of the Year.
Previous winners
* 2007 Amplexus
* 2008 Safety Word Orange

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu