SoundCheck360 FAQ

How does SoundCheck360 work?

Local artists submit their full length MP3s and band photos, bios, and Web links to Austin360 and we add them to the SoundCheck360 player. In addition to listening to featured artists and staff-generated playlists, 360 visitors are able to browse our catalog of Austin artists through the player. They can search for music by genre or artist and stream (but not download) full length tracks. While an artist's song plays his/her photo will display. Visitors can read the artist's bio, find links to the artist's own Web pages, and rate the track while listening to the artist's song.

If I submit my music, where exactly will it show up?

All tracks you submit will be stored in the SoundCheck360 player. Visitors to the player will be able to access your music through an artist search or a search by genre. Playlists of our favorite tracks and artist features are featured prominently on the Austin360 Music page. From time to time we'll also profile our favorite artists in the Austin American-Statesman. We might also feature short clips of your music in radio or television ads (with your permission, and credited to you, of course).

Is it like MySpace?

Not really. Artists are not be able to actively control their own band profiles. However, our staff will work closely with artists to add tracks and keep profiles updated. You own your tracks, and are only giving us permission to play them. We will never sell or distribute any artist's material. If at any point an artist needs songs or their band's profile removed from the player they simply need email or telephone our staff and we'll promptly attend to the request. We'll also work directly with artists to schedule listening parties, and other special events.

Uh, our band cusses a lot, is that o.k.?

No. While we support your right to free artistic expression, we're applying standard FCC broadcast guidelines to all tracks in the player. That means no obscenity or indecency. Give us the clean versions of your tracks that you edit for the radio.

Can I check out the player?

Sure. Launch SoundCheck360.

I submitted tracks a few days ago, but they still haven't shown up, what gives?

Tracks submitted to SoundCheck360 do not automatically go into the player. Your submissions go into a queue and are then manually entered into the player by a member of our staff. Sometimes we get a little backed up. Please allow us a few working days before inquiring about the status of your tracks.

How do I schedule an online listening party for my upcoming release?

Email us at soundcheck@statesman.com, and a member of our staff will work with your band to determine whether or not we have available slots.

Is this really free?

Yes, indeed!

Sign me up!

To add your music to the SoundCheck360 player submit a picture of your band (no smaller than 250x250 pixels), a 100-500 word bio, links to your Web site and MySpace page and MP3s through our Web form.

More questions?

Email us at soundcheck@statesman.com and a member of our staff will get in touch with you promptly.