thesixtywhat?

A road is a road, but sometimes it’s more. Sometimes a road sings.

Drive down Highway 61 and you’ll find music everywhere you turn.

Muddy Waters rode the 61. So did Bob Dylan, Ike Turner, and B.B. King. Elvis grew up in the housing projects along it.

Highway 61 was the road by which people left to find better opportunities. And by leaving they took their music to the world.

Come join us on thesixtyone.

You can find this on the “About” section of thesixtyone.com.  Does it tug on your heartstrings?  Absolutely.  But it definitely captures the laid-back  democratic spirit that sets this music networking site above the pack.

I’m gonna throw it out there, I think this website is fantastic and will only continue to grow.  It has been around for about a year and keeps gaining steam and influence.  The premise is simple.  Artists upload music and listeners vote on the music they like best; it is a full interactive experience with leveling up and new.  Cool, right?  9 times out of 10, if the band is unsigned they will allow you to download the track you are listening to from thesixtyone.com. Now, it does take a bit of effort to find artists worthwhile, but when you do they are often spectacular.

The website is open to everyone, but becoming a member allows you to contribute your taste to the website and join the competitive experience.  You earn points, level up your influence if other listeners like the songs you heart, and collect badges for different accomplishments–like hearting a song to the homepage.  For all you budding musicians out there, create an artist account, upload your music, and see what kind of reception you get from the sixtyone community.

I emailed the creator James Miao, a graduate from that school across town, to get some further insight on what we can expect in the future for the sixtyone:

We’re focused on enabling the “creative middle class.”  thesixtyone as it is today is an fun discovery layer for music that is otherwise overlooked by mainstream audiences.  the next step is actually helping musicians pay the rent — you’ll see what i mean in a few weeks.

And for all you last.fm devotees, thesixtyone.com supports scrobbling.  Yes, the power of two websites combined only serves to enhance the awesomeness.

I hope you enjoy the site as much as I do!  Get an account and add me!  Dancingnancies

Coming at you from The Backseat, Sundays 12-2 pm.

–Just “K”