Music Stars by Way of YouTube -- a Means of Finding New Talent?
(NewsUSA) - When YouTube first made its Internet debut in
2005, no one could have predicted the global affect it would have for musicians or record
labels.
Fast-forward to present day, and wannabe recording artists are exploiting the
dot.com site to broadcast their music to the world and to get noticed by record
companies.
One case in point is Euro dance artist Abie Flinstone, a 19-year-old wunderkind
from Lommel, Belgium, who has been likened to an Asian female Eminem and has used YouTube to her
advantage.
For her efforts and marketing acumen, Flinstone's reward is that she has been
signed by New York-based Big Jake Music, an indie record label and part of Seven
Arts Music. Recently, parent company Seven Arts Entertainment announced that it will start
marketing Flinstone's single "Get Outta My Way," featuring Kaliq Scott, a song she
recorded in her bedroom. The song has reached no. 2 on Belgium's dance charts and will be available
later this month in the U.S.
Like Flinstone, another up-and-coming artist who has enjoyed
virtual success via YouTube, is Natassia Zolot, or Kreayshawn as she's known by her stage name -- a
22-year-old white rapper from East Oakland, Calif.
Last year, Kreayshawn recorded her
now-famous "Gucci Gucci," a catchy ode to independence from designer labels, then used
YouTube to premier her video. By Internet standards, it became an overnight sensation, garnering 11
million hits by August 2011. She has since pocketed a seven-figure record deal, and shows no signs
of slowing down. Not bad for a girl who admits that she thought she was "still going to be
struggling to pay rent."
"I believe YouTube is changing everything for music
artists," said Jake Shapiro, founder of Big Jake Music.
"Because of YouTube,
small, independent record labels are now able to choose from the best of the best," he
added.
With the backing of Big Jake Music, Flinstone finds herself in good
company.
For more information, visit www.bigjakemusic.com or www.7artspictures.com.