As the guy running ArtistData, I hear a lot of new music. About two months ago, I heard a track that stuck out by a band that I won't name. I listened to more on MySpace and was really impressed. They seemed to have a good following, a bunch of upcoming shows, and thoughtful branding (by that I mean it looked like they cared about their CD artwork, site design, etc...).

After listening on and off for a few weeks, I decided to do something I rarely do: I emailed friends at labels and agencies recommending the band. It isn't often that I hear an artist that I'd promote to my network, but this band stuck out. So I tried to help.

Before I emailed my network, I asked them for permission to pass along their music, as well as confirm they wanted to build a team. Their email response: "We're actually looking for an agent number one, possibly a manager. Our main goal right now is just playing more shows ... so an agent would really help."

So I sent out the music. I also asked the band to send me MP3s of the album in case anyone was interested in hearing more. They never did. After a few weeks, an agent friend at Creative Artists Agency asked to hear more. Since I didn't have more music, I emailed the band, telling them CAA wanted the album and gave them the address and contact to send it to. I also asked them again to send me MP3s to pass along to the agent (at his request this time).

Silence.

Six days later, I emailed them again, confirming they got the email. They responded immediately, blaming phone troubles on the lack of response from a few days before. Not a big deal, but instead of responding with the digital files, which I had asked for twice now, they said they'd put a package in the mail and asked me if he'd want digital files too. I responded saying (or I should say repeating) it would be great if they could send me the MP3s.

Since then, I haven't heard from them. And neither has he. They never sent the package!

Speaking with him today, he said "Well, it's better to know that they are that type of band sooner than later." I couldn't agree more.

Now, it is my opinion that the correct response for a band who, a few weeks after handing out their music to strangers at SXSW had a agent from CAA personally requesting their album, should have been this:

1. Celebrate
2. Overnight multiple CDs immediately with a handwritten "thank you for listening" note
3. Realize that whatever happens next, just impressing an agent at that level is an accomplishment worthy of a celebratory beer

You have to follow through.

Not only did this band waste my time, but also came off looking unreliable. They're a great band, and I bet they'll succeed. But I wouldn't work with them, and I'd tell that to anyone who asked. So would the agent.

You have to follow through.

The best part of this experience for me was spreading unheard music to interested people. I enjoyed trying to help and would like to do it more. Since I used to be a label/mgmt guy, and also spent time at an agency, I have a pretty vast network of people who are looking to sign bands of all different genres. So I'm going to start making my ear available for any ArtistData user.

If you would like, send me your best song. I guarantee I'll give it a listen and if I like it, will follow up with you. If know some people who might be looking for your type of music, I'll pass your music along and hopefully connect you if they're into it.

I'll get this set up a bit more and post a separate blog about it soon, but for now, you can send music to my SoundCloud dropbox here.