The choice is usually somewhat easy, unless you’re provided with options; just about everyone has a MySpace account and if you’re a student, Facebook probably is a staple. If you’re the artsy type, Virb might be something you frequent. If you’re in a band or like to follow bands’ updates online, you probably use MySpace, Purevolume, Virb, and now even Facebook. Those are the “popular” social networking sites, however there are countless others that are gaining a lot of users and therefore providing us with more options.

From a music industry marketing and promotions standpoint, these sites are priceless. Interactivity that was previously impossible, is now very much accessible. Fans can integrate their favorite music into their online presence. Part of my job right now is just that… to utilize these sites to provide both the band and the fans a unique and beneficial experience. Fans have access to previews of content before it’s released to retail. We have access to (in most cases) up-to-the-minute tour dates filled with information. Bands are offered an insight into their fans that previously only could be achieved by meet and greets and such.

If you’re at all familiar with the social networking “scene,” Purevolume just revamped their site, and Virb is currently working on some exciting ideas. Facebook is constantly adding great features; MySpace is trying as hard as possible to keep up.