More Artists Should Be Doing This

...or at least more things like this.

ZZ Ward is a relatively new and upcoming artist, already making a big name for herself in the few short years she's been on the scene. Now, she / her management are making an even smarter name for herself with her newest app.

The app, called "365 Days of ZZ Ward," launches when a fan opts to visit her website. The fan is prompted to connect with their Facebook account, and the app searches their Facebook timeline to find the first time they liked or discovered ZZ on Facebook. These findings are posted to a timeline featuring ZZ on her website. Fans are encouraged to finish a checklist of items that are considered contributions to their ZZ timeline. These various checkpoints are all items that help spread the word about ZZ (e.g. liking her on FB, following on Twitter, sharing videos, etc.).

Fans can also earn points by making contributions, which can be redeemed for rewards.

This app is not only a great way for fans to easily spread the word about ZZ, but it's also a fun way for fans to connect with ZZ and feel like they have a real relationship through supporting her. More artists might find themselves in happier situations with their fans if they were willing to work with a developer over something like this.

Pandora vs. ASCAP

Pandora's been struggling for a little while, and now they're going after ASCAP in an attempt to lower fines:

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/legal-and-management/pandora-sues-ascap-for-lower-rates-1008003232.story

I'm torn - What do you think? Fair? Uncalled for?

Soundcloud and Getty

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/digital-and-mobile/soundcloud-partners-with-getty-images-music-1007975102.story

That's pretty cool.

I think a lot of people struggle with licensing music and samples, simply because they don't know where to turn and how to do it. But with a click of a button that takes you right where you need to go, I think a lot more people will utilize this, and keep themselves from getting in trouble.

The "license" button doesn't appear to be available quite yet, but I hope it's as simple and easy to use as it needs to be.