Artist Underground

Artist Underground (formerly known as "American Idol Underground") is an online community and internet radio station where unsigned artists get their music heard. Artists submit their music to Idol Underground for a fee and receive feedback from listeners. Artists can create fan clubs and have their music played online through online stations. Listeners can rate the songs as they play and become members and get the chance to judge artists and win prizes. Artists can win prizes as well. [cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/30/arts/music/30ryzi.html?pagewanted=print|title=Pay (a Little) for Play |last=RYZIK|first=MELENA Z. |date=10/30/2005|work=New York Times|accessdate=2008-07-13]

It's founder, Justin Beckett was initially turned away by United States based investment groups when seeking initial funds to start the business. Beckett and Fluid Audio Networks found his funding from Canadian venture capitalists who were willing to invest in smaller companies. [cite news|url=http://www.canadianbusiness.com/after_hours/lifestyle_activities/article.jsp?content=20060213_74349_74349|title=Calling all crooners: American Idol Underground|last=Gray|first=John |date=February 13-26, 2006|publisher=Canadian Business|accessdate=2008-07-13]

Artists are featured in one of American Idol Underground's genre-specific music areas, which are also places for them to connect with their fans and they get the chance to win cash, equipment and other awards. The website features different music of all ages and genres such as: Rock, Rap, Country, R&B, Electronica, Jazz, Classical, World, Faith-Based and Comedy. The website includes record label executives, recording studios and celebrities such as Verdine White or Kimberly Caldwell who will help artists by giving them critiquing, services and information. Artists get charted, as to see how many spins they are receiving.

The website features frequent contests which divide cash prizes among artists in various genres. The site once reported over 1 million unique visitors each month and featured over 50,000 artists. [cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/01/AR2006080101519.html|title=Stealing the Underground Spotlight|last=Kunkle|first=Fredrick |date=August 2, 2006|publisher=Washington Post|accessdate=2008-07-13]

Featured Panelists

* Kimberly Caldwell
* Billy Zero
* Jay Gordon
* Speech
* XL
* Felton Pilate
* Isaac Hayes
* Collin Raye
* David Benoit
* Jeff Golub
* David Holt
* Denyce Graves
* Measha Brueggergosman
* Dan Cole
* Kate Miner

Notable artists of American Idol Underground

*IQ (Girl group; now signed to Bungalo Records, owned by Universal Music Group.)

References

External links

* [http://www.artistunderground.com official website]