Podcasting can be a wondrous and exciting avenue for your voice to be heard. Those who choose to take up the craft often find themselves liberated and unrestrained by conventional guidelines. (I.E. No Federal Communications Commission breathing down your neck telling you what you can or can't say.) So what's the catch?
You may have the freedom of speech, but the freedom to play whoever you want musically speaking is a mere myth. You don't need the guys at Myth Busters to test this one; instead, a big fat fine or jail time because you used someone's song illegally is your proof. Veteran podcasters take this kind of thing seriously. Case in point, the folks at ESPN use music that has been deemed podsafe in order to cover their asses more or less. Podsafe is a term that states that a musical work is legally allowed to be played on a podcast with the podcaster not having to pay a royalty fee. The list of services that provide such music is a small one, and granted, the quality of music is often suspect. You may find a shiny gem that catches your ear, or you may find something that sounds far from polished. In such a hit or miss hunt for music, it is easy to see why some people can become frustrated and start playing more mainstreamed acts. But there is hope.
Enter Ariel Publicity, one of the relevant places where you as a podcaster can be given choices, but there is more under the hood when you delve into what they have to offer. Started as a traditional firm that promoted bands and artists via newspapers, radio, magazines, and television, it transformed itself in 2006 to a totally digital format thanks to a decrease in mainstream coverage and an increase in exposure from online sources. This background translates to quality over quantity which is something other podsafe music outlets can't say.
Unlike Mevio (who ESPN uses), you are treated to more of a radio-station type feel. Sure, you can browse through the many different artists and use the songs they provide on your podcast just like Mevio's Music Alley. What sets Ariel apart is the chance to have merchandise sent to wherever you choose. You can write up a review for a band's CD or give it away in a contest. You can request interviews, station IDs etc. This allows podcasters and aspiring radio DJs the chance to experience what your local radio stations do on a daily basis at no cost. You also can leave feedback to the bands and artists themselves; thereby letting them know what you think of their work. In return, Ariel Publicity gives you free publicity by publishing your website in one of their newsletters.
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