After the launch of Google+ this month, it seems like there's been a flood of new Social Media, crowdsourcing and music sites overtaking the internet airways. I have a few favorite sites that I've been trolling through and I like what I see. I'll be reviewing Turntable.FM, Spotify, GoRankEm' and Klout as a 4 part series. First UP...
Turntable.FM
I'm always looking for new music and like-minded people. I didn't know what to expect to be honest. I wasn't aware of Turntable.FM's development and had no clue of the functions it would offer. I first heard about it on Twitter where I follow a lot of musicians, on-air talent, and social media resources so it was inevitable that the topic would run across my timeline. I was instantly intrigued upon hearing about it, just the name alone sounded exciting so I went in blind and found myself, confused, alone, clueless. It felt like I walked into a club in Philly that was dark and empty with very loud house music playing. My first reaction was "get me out of here!" I was not a fan but after reading about the various attributes it had to offer I decided to have a second look and now I'm addicted.
Turntable.FM is a music source that allows their visitors to play DJ. At the current moment it is in BETA format and only offering access to the site through "invite only". If you have a friend on Facebook who is using Turntable.FM then you can join as well. There are "rooms" that people can create or visit. The participants are called DJ and the general idea is to share music and make friends. The site has a ranking system created by using points and you earn points when you DJ. In your profile settings you can pick an avatar to use. The more points you have more access to better avatars which is just one of many benefits to point system.
Rooms can be created by anyone. Once you create a room, you become the moderator of the room and also a DJ. You can easily add songs from the feature on the sidebar. You have the choice of uploading your own MP3 or searching the Turntable.FM library for any songs you want. In order to get people to visit your room you need to send out DJ invites. This is when you invite a DJ from different rooms to come and share the DJing responsibilities. The more popular the DJ the more people you will attract. I created a room called "where women rock" and have yet to find a following. I plan on holding on and do what I can to get people to find the room.
Most rooms follow a genre of music so the choices are endless. Once you are in the room, you can either just listen to the music choices or listen and engage in conversation through the chat feature. Whenever a new song comes on the song and DJ will display in chat. You can also "Fan" someone who is the same concept as Facebook's and Twitter's "Friend" concept. By clicking on the person's name in Chat, it will allow you to identify where the person is among all the avatars. Once you find the person you are looking for, just click on the icon and select "Fan".
Turntable.FM is a very well thought out concept for music lovers but it is still new and in the beta stage. Some improvements they should consider is a List or Save choice where you can save your favorite rooms and have quick access without having to keep going back onto Room List. A private chat feature similar to DM's on Twitter would be nice since lets face it, you aren't always going to like everyone in the room.
If you are a music fan and are into sharing music or have a secret fantasy of being a DJ then this is the place for you. Any genre is welcomed and you will meet like-minded people who you will no doubt make long-lasting friendships. My next room will be dedicated to Philadelphia musicians so stay tuned!
Be sure to friend me on Turntable.FM @Iahemingway
Visit my empty room and help me DJ in the 'Where Women Rock', room.
I'll fan everyone who fans me.
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