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www.ozjam.com.au : Creating Dynamic New Music Connections
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Countless aspiring musicians have wistfully pictured themselves in the world’s greatest rock band, belting out a smash-hit in front of 60,000 adoring fans at Wembley Stadium.
But then, alas, reality bites. They face the fact they are not only without a band, but are at a loss as to where to turn to form one, or where to find that missing virtuoso lead guitarist, drummer, saxophonist or singer.
Well, in Australia at least, help is finally at hand. Enter Ozjam.
Ozjam.com.au was created by Perth-based Chris “Crispy” Wilks principally to bring together Australian musicians, no matter what instrument or genre of music they play.
Having been in and around the Australian music scene for a number of years, Chris could clearly see there was a pressing need to link up musicians as a networking community, and start them off on professional and creative collaborations.
The internet was the obvious mechanism for achieving this novel, nationwide musical matrix.
His upbeat, comprehensive website offers a plethora of information about the Australian music scene and what to do to move ahead within it. What’s more, basic membership is free of charge. The approach is simple and straight forward, as the Ozjam website introduction points out: “If you want to join a band, form a band, find a new member for your band, get more exposure, or just jam, then Ozjam is for you. “Whatever instrument or style of music you play, we can connect you with other talented, like-minded musicians who are looking to jam, gig, and even tour the world!” Chris says his innovative site is already generating excitement and interest among musicians across the country and he is linking up instrumentalists and vocalists who would never have found each other otherwise. “At Ozjam we believe we can provide musicians with the tools to help unleash their talent and bring them to the forefront of the Australian music industry,” he said.
“By using the site there is no more playing alone or searching the classifieds for band members or replacements. There’s also no need to use multiple websites to fulfil your music needs. We are literally a one-stop-shop, and the only one in Australia.
“We thought it was about time Australian musicians had their own way to search, connect, share ideas, get noticed and create more of what they love most –awesome music!” he said.
Ozjam.com.au was launched in November last year following 12 months of research and development, where Chris worked closely with a diverse group of Australian musicians, key industry sectors, agents and recording companies.
During this time he determining what was needed to aid the Australian musician’s journey to recognition and ultimately fame and fortune. Without doubt the resultant Ozjam website caters to these needs better than any other in the country.
It features detailed member profiles with audio & video clips; intelligent search capabilities so musicians can find other musicians and bands; member interviews; a gig guide; auditions and For Sale noticeboards; useful ‘How To’ articles; musicians forum; plusa monthly prize giveaway and a unique band name creation service.
Ozjam Review Gets the Music in Front of the Right People
Another new service launched last month on the Ozjam site is the Ozjam Review, which allows bands and musicians the chance to have their music assessed by the experts.
“Say you’ve formed a band, developed a great sound, got an awesome band name, lined up some gigs, but what next?” said Chris.
“Our new service enables musicians to have their music reviewed by some of the leading names in the Australian music industry. It’s a chance to get expert advice to determine if they have what it takes and where to take it next.”
Artists register on the Ozjam site as a VIP member at a cost of $9.95 per month, and upload the audio and video clips to their profile that they would like reviewed. Ozjam then sends their music to three industry reviewers who give the music an “Ozjam Jar” rating plus additional tips, comments and advice.
“The Review service is an opportunity for every Australian musician and band to have feedback from the people who know what sells as well as the difference between a one hit wonder and the next Australian music sensation!” said Chris.
To date the Ozjam site has proved a boon for the industry. Chris supplied the following example of how the site is working which he received on the site from the new Geelong band Under the Influence.
“Hi, we are Under the Influence, Geelong's newest rock ‘n’ roll/blues band. We’re all 18 and 19 years of age and live in Geelong and are really easy going people. We are after a keyboard player, male or female to join the band. Under the Influence front man (singer) Daniel Wilson is the brother of Mark Wilson from the famous band Jet."
Then there was the recent sign-up of original AC/DC front man Dave Evans, one of the final six contestants from Australian Idol, and July’s featured artist British India. It seems the word is getting out like a catchy tune. But dreams of fame and fortune aside, the service is also the country’s best on-line platform for pulling together musicians who otherwise would have played alone or could not find the right band mates for jamming.
Ozjam has started a major new networking movement within the ever-dynamic Australian music scene….and that can only be great news for musos everywhere.
Comments (2)
1. Written by Anonymous, on 15-02-2010 13:54 It's interesting that this article seems to be written by the same person who developed the website, lots of self promotion going on...
2. Written by ADMIN, on 15-02-2010 14:03 This is not an "article" published by Rave Magazine. It is a user submitted press release.
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