DIY approaches to publicity, promotion and marketing, and much more. AirPlay Direct offers many different ways for artists and labels to expose AND track the downloads of their music: •
Our DPK (digital press kit) provides a valuable promotional tool where photos, bio, music, video and related content can be serviced to radio programmers via e-mail. And, with our “permission-based” option, the DPK may be targeted to media, advertisers and other industry professionals who are allowed to download the music.
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Banner advertising on the AirPlay Direct web site, and in the Direct Buzz, to directly target radio and the music industry.
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Download tracking system which allows the user to see who has downloaded music and the ability to interact directly with them.
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Through our “Music Call” opportunities, songs can be pitched to media programmers, film and television music supervisors, advertisers, and a host of other targets.
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AirPlay Direct’s “All Things Digital” contests which have included “County/Alt. Country,” “Alt. Rock/ College/Indie Rock,” “Americana/ Folk/Bluegrass,” “Girls Rock, Girls Rule,” “Hard Rock/Heavy Metal,” “Electronic/Synth-Based,” “Reggae/World” and “Jazz/Latin Jazz/ World” campaigns. To date, we have given away over $500,000 in prize packages that have included free studio time, publicity and radio campaigns, pro music equipment and instruments, video packages, and other artist-related services and goods.
The Times They Are a-Changin’ goes the line from the famous Bob Dylan song. And it is so true.
In the “old guard” way of doing business, music was filtered and controlled by a small group of gatekeepers. It was based on who you knew and how much money you had. At AirPlay Direct, we empower the artist by allowing them to deliver their music “unfiltered” to broadcasting programmers, and the music rises or falls on its own merit, in a totally transparent manner. By harnessing the power of the Internet, AirPlay Direct is leveling the playing field. No longer just a possibility in the distant future - with AirPlay Direct - the future is HERE and NOW.
Who We Are AirPlay Direct is a global presence of nearly 25,000 artist/label members and 4,800 radio stations representing almost every country in the world. We are an artistic community representing all genres of music; a place where creators of Country, Rock, Gospel, Americana, Christian, Rap, Hip-Hop, Pop, New Age, Jazz, and ANY other style of music come together to share their music with media and broadcasters. They define who we are. Our core management team and advisory board members are among the best and brightest in the business; several are pioneers in the digital music revolution. In this “Behind the Desk” edition we proudly introduce our team: Robert Weingartz is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AirPlay Direct, and is the creative force behind the c o m p a n y. Weingartz has driven initial concept, corporate setup, brand development, technology and site development and has led the management team of AirPlay Direct to attain
its current marketplace position. He is also the Founder and Publisher of the Direct Buzz. At the heart of the company it is his single-minded vision and passion which propels us forward. “AirPlay Direct was birthed out of necessity,” states Weingartz. “I had been promoting Clay DuBose, an independent artist on my label, and the cost of CD mailings to radio stations around the world was getting out-ofhand. I knew there had to be a better way.” In the spring of 2005, Weingartz took action. Working with a small group of like-minded artists who supported his idea, he used his own money and funds from private investors and began building the company – one artist, and one radio station at a time. Weingartz is originally from Long Beach, California and lived in Atlanta for many years prior to re-locating to Nashville in late-2009. He is widely recognized in the music industry as a visionary, and was chosen as one of Music Connection Magazine’s Top 50 “Innovators, Iconoclasts, Groundbreakers & Guiding Lights of 2008” for bringing AirPlay Direct to market. He brings a unique perspective and understanding of the artistic process to the equation with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including management and development of musical artists, record label start-ups, Internet radio stations, recording/video production studios and the marketing and operations of music-focused restaurants, night clubs and mega-themed entertainment venues. “I am like a proud father!” exclaims Weingartz. “We are here to empower, educate and support the newly emerging global, digital music community. Our team that comprises AirPlay Direct is what differentiates us from the other services. We are all artist ambassadors and advocates for artists, and that is what is really missing in the industry. AirPlay Direct has a heart, a soul, and a conscience. We are in a relationship business, it is not just about the technology - those are just the tools. It’s about the people. I believe that 2010 is