Businesses and artists have used Facebook as a promotional platform, and we all have depended on Facebook more and more. Even multimillion start ups are using Facebook to fuel their fanbase.  As the addiction grows, so do the rules that can effect artists.

“VEVO just latched its entire registration system to ‘the social network,’ and Spotify isn’t far behind.  Investors are boosting startups like RootMusic that completely revolve around Facebook, while bands think Facebook likes are three times as important as email signups.” Digital Music News

Facebook has been extremely helpful but it also makes the rules that can change your business over night for better or worse.  Facebook is now making a major modification that will effect your business.

Digital Music says this:

This is all part of a major layout overhaul that revolves around Timeline, and the changes could have a dramatic impact on artists and Facebook-centric businesses.

Bands can no longer make there app page their default page:

The biggest of the changes seems to be this: as part of the shift, bands can no longer make their app page their default landing page (for example, RootMusic’s BandPage).  Instead, all visitors will be sent to the Timeline-loaded front page, with apps relegated to a tab (though bands can direct-link).  Which means far less control for artists, and a potentially monstrous setback for businesses like RootMusic (and to a lesser extent, FanBridge, ReverbNation, and others).

Facebook will limit how you market:

But wait! There are more game-changing shifts being splashed in your face, most likely with little-or-no advanced warning. That includes certain limitations on your gigantically-revamped, 815×320 masthead photo.  For example, a band cannot incorporate any marketing language, special offers, Like buttons, or any calls-to-action into this showcase pic.

March 31st is the transition day:

Actually, RootMusic has created a quick-and-comprehensive guide to the changes.  It’s a great primer – and remember: transitions are mandatory by March 31st.

Buzz Track: Counting On You

Kings favorite Mikey Wax will perform in Austin Thursday March 15th at Darwin’s Pub as part of RedGorilla Music Festival at 1:00pm. He will showcase in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall – Stage Two on Tuesday March 20th at 7pm. Several publishers and labels will be in attendance. His self released song ‘Counting On You is currently #46 on the HOT AC chart which quickly garnered 100,000 YouTube views and 30,000 Twitter followers. KSL who listed Mikey as one of the top 5 artists ready to make it big says this “Mikey has some very genuine and organic music that is a fresh take on a tired pop music genre.”

Contact: jonathan@4x4artistmanagement.com

The UK is taking an aggressive step to curtail illegal downloading. Britian’s organized crime police shut down the popular file sharing site RnBxclusive.com that received 70,000 hits a day and 250,000 Facebook subscribers.

Recently, the British Government signed a bill titled ACTA that allows them to prosecute illegal downloaders that comes with a 10 year jail sentence.

“The Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) in Britain normally tackles crimes “that affect the UK and its citizens.” Now simply downloading illegal content from a file-sharing website has been put on a par with “Class A drugs, people smuggling and human trafficking, major gun crime, fraud and money laundering.”

Although this type of sentence seems extreme, it’s welcomed by the music industry that’s been hijacked by theft.

Update/News: The band won an award for Best Indie Rock Band at the Artists Indie Music Awards in Los Angeles. The band interviewed with Screamer Magazine which can be viewed here.

Buzz Track: Neurogenesis

This indie band has been gigging heavily for the last 2 years and have played at some of the most respected venues in Sydney including the The Metro and Factory Theatres. They were also nominated for 2 awards – Best Rock and Best Indie Rock Band at the All Indie Music Awards in Los Angeles – Feb10, 2012.

Contact: monksofmellonwah@live.com

Update/News: Ducky performed on NBC’s “The Voice” last week and has garnered a good amount of press.  Click here for the performance.  He is taping a segment for “Last Call with Carson Daly” which will air later this month.  He also had mentions last week on Rollingstone.com, MTV.com, and Entertainment Weekly’s site, among others.

Buzz Track: Days Of The Walking Dead

Ryan who goes under the moniker Ducky and The Vintage is fairly new to the Harrisburg scene. “My music is basically a rock ‘n roll, bluesy country, soulful vibe with some pop infused,” explains frontman/songwriter Matt ‘Ducky Duke’ Ryan. Has shared the stage with Goo Goo Dolls and other national acts.

Contact: todd@moremusicgroup.com