“Hey check out my mixtape.”
It is the favorite joke of those trolls who find the sound of their own voices to be the most appealing thing to hear. The irony of it is that the online music sharing service SoundCloud makes it happen.
Not quite a streaming service but not quite public domain, SoundCloud is a global online audio distribution platform that enables users to upload, view and stream music. Designated for original music and mixes, this new age open mic allows users to show off their talents and discover new ones all in one easy location.
Artists may create a profile and share their music. The site tracks how many times a song is played, how many followers one has and where they rank on the charts.
In addition to this social platform available through a website, there is a free app available on android and iPhone. The app does come with ads but is one of the cleanest and most organized music streaming apps available. With a modern color scheme and sweet moving cover art, the app is attractive to the eye and easy to use.
This sleek style reflects the primary artist content of SoundCloud. Most of the tracks found on this site are either from the EDM, rap or mixed genre. These artists prefer to use SoundCloud for its availability to the public and well-known nature in these music circles.
With streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora along with good old-fashioned iTunes, SoundCloud gets lost in the shuffle because of the narrow focus of its artists and services. SoundCloud is run off of the basis of artists sharing and collaborating new sounds rather than playing old tracks. The unknown nature of the artist is what can make things exciting when stumbling upon a new song.
The site isn’t only for the unknown though as there are many well established and famous artists with accounts. One of the most noticeable of these well-tenured performers is rap artist Drake. His account “octobersveryown” has 1.96 million followers and is one of the most heavily trafficked profiles.
Drake famously used SoundCloud at this time last year to drop his newest mixtape “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” for a limited time. The containing tracks were available for a limited time on SoundCloud before he took them off to be put out for paid distribution.
This tactic worked out marvelously for Drake and his new album. He saw record numbers of online sales and track loops most likely due to the preview that he put out on SoundCloud.
SoundCloud has successfully created a music culture that does not rely completely upon big name artists and songs with a friendly and modern atmosphere. The music found on SoundCloud is completely driven by personal profiles, and by using the social side of the site, trending music can easily be seen at the top.
All in all the music sharing platform is well off as it is. But with SoundCloud making it more personable and social, it shows that there are always new ways to integrate people into our most private passions.
Also, don’t forget to check out my mixtape.