ReverbNation is movin’ and a shakin’ as they have just launched their own Electronic Press Kits (EPK).
As most of you know Sonicbids has something of a monopoly over the world of EPKs. But with the recent grumblings from not only consumers, but from some Sonicbids employees (allegedly), there appears to be room in the world for another press kit platform.
Here’s what ReverbNation offers:
- Private Songs
- High Quality Media Photos
- Free Setup
- Detailed Tracking
- Fully Customizable kits
- Unlimited Versions
So your basic press kit plus some much needed accountability (tracking) and the interesting ability to send unique versions of your press kit to specific people.
Check out the value, for the $5.95/per month you get more features then the most expensive Sonicbids version.
BUT, I ask you this my friends; does any of that even matter?
If Sonicbids has a monopoly over all the festivals, conferences, showcases and other sweet gig opportunities, is there a point to paying for a ReverbNation EPK? In theory your getting a better service, but you have no one to shop it to.
How are you going to apply for CMJ, SXSW, WCMA, PoP Montreal, etc, when they all have exclusive contracts with Sonicbids? You’re not. That fact needs to change if ReverbNation wants to get into the EPK game. But if you were looking for a Sonicbids alternative (that wasn’t MySpace) you now have one.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMwpVF58c2c]Take Control of Your Music
Voyno
5 Comments
Can you document your assertions, Mike B? You’re saying a lot with nothing to back you up.
Reverbnation offers plenty of opportunities outside the festivals that Sonicbids has partnered with, that actually do nothing for the artists but give them bragging rights. I’ve been using reverb since they developed and what they offer are legitimate opportunites based on your band equity and how much you put into yourself. Sonicbids however simply takes money from hopeful underdeveloped artists on a weekly and monthly basis, offering little if nothing valuable in return. Sonicbids is totally cool with taking your money though and so many of the opportunites they are offer are on a pre-selection status. Promoters use the service to build hype on an already chosen platform and make money off submissions from other artists. The point is, that Reverbnation is not in comeptition with Sonicbids, because reverbnation approaches artists with opportunities catered to the success level of each artist.
Just to let y’all know. i believe gig doggy works for the sonic bids company. signed a neutral observer.
NRP and @gigdoggy,
We couldn’t agree with you more wrg to sonicbids monopoly on event submissions. Certainly that would make the RPK a more compelling product for Artists if it were a requirement for consideration at festivals. Your point is spot on.
As for the best data about ReverbNation.com and the ReverbNation Network (widgets, facebook app, etc), try these two links:
http://www.quantcast.com/reverbnation.com#traffic
http://www.quantcast.com/p-05—xoNhTXVc#traffic
They are the most accurate available.
Thanks for covering the launch of the product and the free trial!
-Jed Carslon
Co-Founder, COO, ReverbNation.com
Interesting question.
Reverbnation have always been all over the place trying to innovate and correlate tons of features. Their main aim it seems is really to a one stop shop for everything bands need, but as you pointed out maybe they are wasting their time in some respects.
I have a hard time judging how popular reverbnation really is actually..
I am also having a very hard time determining if Sonicbids is doing ok too.
Many bands are criticizing them on the basis that they aren’t getting their money’s worth.
Maybe RN wants to be there for the rebound.