New business models are springing up all over the Web to help independent musicians get revenue from their music. The Future of Music Coalition recently highlighted some of these in its “Music 2.0” series at the 2009 FMC Policy Summit:

* Internet radio. Internet radio, which is seeing an increase in listenership, plays more artists in more niche genres than traditional radio would ever be able to. Last.fm and Pandora both stream independent music and pay royalties to performers and songwriters.

* Fan sponsorship and patronage. New online services such as ArtistShare and Kickstarter help artists raise money to fund projects and underwrite some of their expenses. Fans can donate money to their favorite artist through these sites and get access to part of the recording process, such as a songwriting session. Depending on the amount donated, incentives for fans can include everything from a free download to getting executive producer credit on a CD.

* Corporate sponsorship. Recently Gap, Coke, Burger King, Converse, Jeep and Jansport have all posted listings on Sonicbids looking for independent bands and artists to sponsor. The site’s founder, Panos Panay, thinks this is because brands realize today’s young consumers are more skeptical when it comes to traditional advertising and seem to connect most with the authenticity associated with independent artists.

New business models are springing up all over the Web to help independent musicians get revenue from their music. The Future of Music Coalition recently highlighted some of these in its “Music 2.0” series at the 2009 FMC Policy Summit:

• Internet radio. Internet radio, which is seeing an increase in listenership, plays more artists in more niche genres than traditional radio would ever be able to. Last.fm and Pandora both stream independent music and pay royalties to performers and songwriters.

• Fan sponsorship and patronage. New online services such as ArtistShare and Kickstarter help artists raise money to fund projects and underwrite some of their expenses. Fans can donate money to their favorite artist through these sites and get access to part of the recording process, such as a songwriting session. Depending on the amount donated, incentives for fans can include everything from a free download to getting executive producer credit on a CD.

• Corporate sponsorship. Recently Gap, Coke, Burger King, Converse, Jeep and Jansport have all posted listings on Sonicbids looking for independent bands and artists to sponsor. The site’s founder, Panos Panay, thinks this is because brands realize today’s young consumers are more skeptical when it comes to traditional advertising and seem to connect most with the authenticity associated with independent artists.