TheBiz

When mp3.com began their NMA program, a number of artists decided to take advantage of the wealth of talent and create their own virtual labels. One such musician, Pedro Costa had a clear vision of what he'd like to create and soon became a top NMA earner with his site music-star.com. Now representing over 100 artists, the site boasts a top roster including Aura "The Source of Trance", an act which is approaching the 3 million listen mark at mp3.com. I chatted with Pedro about his site and what has made his success...

Mb: Hi Pedro.
Pedro: Hello
Mb: Contact has been made.
Pedro: My monitor is freaking out.
Mb: Do you need to reboot?
Pedro: No, it's the monitor I think it is dying on me.
Mb: Bummer... Do you like technology?
Pedro: I'm supposed to, as it is my career. But I like it better when things don't break.
Mb: What do you do for a living?
Pedro: I'm an IT consultant now working in the library field.
Mb: Tell me about musicstar.com
Pedro: Is this the interview now?
Mb: lol... yep
Pedro: Hmmm...a broken monitor might not be interview material worthy of publishing hehehe
Mb: lol… So Music-Star.com…
Pedro: OK Where should I begin?
Mb: At the beginning I suppose. What is it?
Pedro: Nearly 3 years ago I came across MP3.com and uploaded some of my own original music to the site. Months later I came across the site again and remembered that I had uploaded some music. I realized that it had actually received plays without any promotion. This to me meant that some people actually enjoyed some of my music. So I got involved in the promotion. Then I became involved with a program called the NMA program which was meant to have artists help other artists online. Since I already had experience on MP3.com I thought it would be a great idea. Artists started to join my roster and word got around. Within a year we became the #1 artist roster. www.music-star.com is the portal for the artists on my roster. Our roster has artists on every genre. And from all over the world.
Mb: I see that. Did you design the site?
Pedro: Yes and No. The original portal had been designed by me. But in January of 2001 we were doing so well that I decided to expand and hire some part time help. I hired another Mp3.com artist by the name of Johnny Vibe and we came up with the ideas for the interface that you see today. He did all the coding and graphics.
Mb: Is very pro and easy to navigate, congrats to both of you. I see that you rep some big online artists,...Aura and Nina for instance.
Pedro: Yes I do. Nina joined our roster only a month ago or so. But Aura "The Source of Trance" were with me since their debut. I am very pleased with their recent signing with Linus Entertainment. They are releasing a new album under that label to be out in stores in the next few months with a tour planned for Canada as a starting point. They are a great bunch of guys with great music and it has been an honor to be there with them every step of the way.
Mb: So what's the secret to your success?
Pedro: I can safely say that what has made me and Music Star a success has been my honesty with artists. I have never promised them the moon. But I know that by working hard and setting attainable goals they can all find success in one form or another.
Mb: And without giving away company secrets, what do you suggest artists do to get their music heard online?
Pedro: Many strategies can be used. It depends on the goals of the artist. But MP3.com is still a very good place to start. They offer free technology to make your music available online. Combining that with good online marketing plans can then get you noticed. But I am a true believer that you have to combine you efforts with a good off-line strategy. Live performances are a great way to make new fans and get them to come visit you online.
Mb: What do you see the future of online music being? Another one of those massive questions…
Pedro: Yes, I was just going to say: "Another tough question". Well it's hard to predict how the lawmakers will shape its future. But I am a true believer that the Internet will flourish again someday and that advertising revenues might be a way to bring money back to the artist. But whatever happens, one thing is certain, record companies will need to rethink the way they conduct business as the indie artist becomes more empowered by technology.
Mb: And what of your music Pedro? What makes it work for you?
Pedro: Well my music is just a hobby. A long time ago I had dreams of being a Rock Star like all musicians do. I am happy that Mp3.com and the Internet made it possible for people from all over the world to listen to all those old recordings of mine. It has also made me get back into the mood of writing. I hope to release some new original material this year and possibly a new CD by next spring.