With the help of a recently launched Internet site, one can now compile and order a CD with tracks from one’s favourite up-and-coming local acts at a very reasonable price. The site, to be found at www.thenextbigthing.co.za, provides a handy outlet for bands and musicians to make a profit from single tracks instead of recording or selling a complete CD. This is different to sites like www.oneworld.co.za, which sells complete local CDs only.
When first visiting the site (it did not work on my Mac with InternetExplorer 5, so rather try it on a PC), one sets up a profile by assigning numeric values to an extended list of music genres (too bad about the typos:”reggea”, “progessive” and “stylee” do not impress). The site then uses this information to provide a range of songs in order of preference. One can listen to bits of the songs and rate them. From these tracks one makes a selection, puts in an order and then one receives a CD containing your mix-and-match tunes.
The site also features band news and interviews (not much there yet), a calendar that reminds one by e-mail when one’s favourite bands are playing, venue reviews and much more. The range of music (already on the site are tracks fromQZoo, Plank, Brixton Moord en Roof Orkes, Slugs of War’s fun Rabobi and others) is still a bit limited, but artists from all over the musical spectrum are invited to submit tracks.
It’s an initiative with great potential that should improve as it grows to really become the next big thing.