In the new music industry, artists look to more creative means to promote their craft. Rolling Stone explains that in the past, artists would sign with major labels. After signing with a major label, those artists would then receive large cash advances to complete a project. We fast forward now to an American economy and social culture where technology and knowledge rule. Barriers to entry in the music business could not be lower and more accessible. The downside, however, is that independent artists alike must now find a way to manage budgets and cut costs where they can. Indie Ambassador points out that artists waste money sending out press kits daily and distributing their own merchandise and music inefficiently. With technology comes the ability to cut costs for independent artists today.
One such new technology is the near field communication (NFC) technology. The near field communication takes a small microchip and delivers specialized, customizable, and up-to-date electronic information. Moo.com, a business card company, will be launching their NFC business card next month. With a NFC business card, one could share music, a location on a map, a contact card, an online portfolio, a coupon, and much more with the individuals that receive the business card. With this product, consumers can reset their business cards or update them at anytime with the "NFC by Moo" application on their smartphone. This product can cut costs for artists across the globe. Electronic press kits would be one tap away from a potential employer's reach. Special fan offers and links to social media accounts are located with ease. Artist albums or demos could be downloaded without ever having to search online. This product will eliminate the need of many tangible materials needed for artists to be independently successful. Paper, compact discs, plastic covers, and numerous other wasteful materials could virtually become even more obsolete with NFC technology. The most exciting aspect of this product is that this stage is only the beginning. Watch a brief video of how the NFC technology works above.