PledgeMusic Acquires NoiseTrade

PledgeMusic has announced that it has officially acquired NoiseTrade. As part of the deal, the company will retain Derek Webb as their PledgeMusic Nashville GM.

PledgeMusic is a platform that enables crowdfunding of musicians. NoiseTrade, which Derek Webb co-founded in 2008, is a platform where artists can give their music away to fans in exchange for information and an optional tip. With both companies revolutionizing the way artists and fans interact, the pairing makes sense.

"The integration of NoiseTrade into PledgeMusic is igniting a real powder keg in Nashville. I'm thrilled to be the boots on the ground as the new GM," Webb told Music Week. "We feel there are several real growth opportunities for us here, and as a 15+ year resident, I don't think there's ever been a better moment than now to invest into the community of musicians and their teams here in Music City."

You can find out more in the full story here.

Jars of Clay Giving Away Song to Help the Philippines

Jars of Clay is giving away the song, "Fall Asleep," from its album, Inland, through a special NoiseTrade offering to raise money for relief efforts in the Philippines. All of the proceeds from the single will be used to support The Red Cross in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, claimed to be the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in recorded history.

The official music video for "Fall Asleep," which premiered on USAToday.com and is now being promoted in various video channels, was created in Manila and stars Filipino supermodel/actress, Rhian Ramos.

"The video was done for us entirely for free, as a gift," says Jars of Clay lead vocalist, Dan Haseltine. "We are so grateful for the gift of such a stunningly beautiful music video. By using the video and the song as a means to raise funds to help in the clean up and restoration efforts currently taking place in the Philippines, we felt it would be a wonderful way to respond in kind."

People are encouraged to watch the video and download "Fall Asleep," leaving a tip for the relief efforts.

"I incorporated the sun and stars from the Filipino flag, as well as the skyline of Manila," says Haseltine of the artwork created for the single. "We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help serve the amazing people of the Philippines and will be working with The Red Cross to insure the funds are used properly and efficiently."

Is There a Future for NoiseTrade?

Nice article on why Noisetrade co-founder Derek Webb thinks his 6-year-old music site still beats the streaming services and has survived despite the increase in piracy.