CASTING CALL
Sep 1, 2005 12:00 PM, Ryan Wilkins
Although Apple's most recent update to the iTunes software (version 4.9) carries many enhancements — from improved auto sync between iTunes and your iPod to the ability to stream music through a wireless AirPort Base Station — the most notable addition comes in the form of Podcasting: a mode of technology that has hit the tipping point in 2005 and is about to explode in a big way. Seamlessly integrated into Apple's music player, Podcasting not only enables end users to download some of their favorite audio programs on a time schedule but also allows independent producers to “create self-published, syndicated ‘radio shows’ and gives broadcast radio programs a new distribution method” (thanks, Wikipedia). Translation: Artists who are short on a marketing budget but long on talent can now reach millions of iTunes users, on Mac and PC alike, around the world with just one click. It's RSS technology for audio — and it's free!
Artists such as Her Space Holiday are already getting hip to Podcasting (www.takemoneymakemoney.com), as are countless other would-be broadcasters around the world. If you want to get in on the action, www.garageband.com (the artist hub, not the software) offers Podcast Studio, where you can create and host your Podcast for free. Or if you'd rather just enjoy others' 'casts, check out www.podcast.net for a directory of hundreds of current hip-hop and electronic Podcasts. It's the marketplace of ideas compressed into tidy AAC form.
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