Yahoo & AOL Boost Artist Careers

The net is increasingly become a place to break artists according to Digital Music News "…Yahoo Music touted some recent artist success stories from its "What’s Next?" series, which allows visitors to vote for their favorite new artists. That is having a big impact for some emerging talent, including the latest winner Relient K. The group, inked to Capitol, has enjoyed a 135 percent sales increase after receiving heavy exposure through the series."

"Previous winners are now becoming more established artists, including Mike Jones and My Chemical Romance. Also jumping into the action is Saturn, with the carmaker positioning itself well in front of a music-focused crowd."

"…AOL Music is also boosting careers, including that of Coldplay. The site recently dipped outside of its "walled garden," making it a very enticing spot to showcase new and existing artists. For Coldplay, AOL kicked things off with a pre-release listening party, then webcast a packed performance from the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan…"

"AOL Music has also spun listening parties for a long list of other artists, including Kelly Osbourne, Black Eyed Peas, and the White Stripes."