Unsigned bands flocking to Last.fm

Thousands of unsigned bands are taking the opportunity to promote themselves via internet radio service Last.fm.

The growth of the internet has provided those looking for a career in music with a great tool to build a following and reputation, with Lily Allen among the acts to credit the medium with playing a crucial role in their rise to stardom.

Last.fm offers unsigned acts the chance to reach a new audience and perhaps get paid for making music.

Performers are able to upload their songs to the site, which then recommends them to subscribers who like established acts from similar genres.

Matthew Ogle, Last.fm's head of web development, told CNET UK that unsigned bands are eligible to join the site's royalty programme.

"There are more than 100,000 artists using that. You upload your music, tick a few boxes and get a similar deal to the majors - every time a track is streamed, you earn royalties," he explained.

However, Mr Ogle warned new bands not to expect to make their fortunes from Last.fm alone, as they need to reach a certain threshold before royalties are paid out, with the final calculation based on the site's advertising revenue.

By Neil Hill