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In 2005, Bruce Chambers, a musician and Web designer, found a way to put Long Island bands on the map. While pursuing his own passion to become a DJ online, he tapped into the iPod/Nano revolution and created his own podcast network. A jazz artist himself, Chambers knew Long Island had many undiscovered musicians waiting to be heard and an audience anxious to listen. After spending roughly $70 on audio-editing software and $80 on a microphone, he transformed his basement into a podcasting studio.
LI Podcast Network (www.lipodcastnetwork.com) launched with “The Fresh Music Series,” designed to promote unsigned talent and yielding more than 750 subscribers in its first month. “We’ve podcasted over 250 musicians, and the bands really appreciate what we do for them,” says Chambers. In particular, The X’s from Hicksville saw a considerable jump in their Website traffic, and The Mondays from Hauppauge gained national coverage, with listeners buying their CDs as far west as Texas. Before long he added a repertoire of shows. With podcasts such as New York Giants (sports), Technogab (technology), The Shrink Is In (health), and Lunatic Radio (comedy), the network has grown to nearly 40 podcasts.
In July 2007, Chambers developed the LI Podcast Radio Affiliate Network (www.longislandonlineradio.com), where local Websites can add the radio player to their Web page for free and play local music and commercials. “Since the network evolved into a multi-podcast site, the online radio site helps keep our original idea of promoting musicians with local merchants—making it possible to spread ourselves through our affiliates,” says Chambers. They currently have 10 affiliates including www.LongIsland.com, www.LIHome411.com and www.LIEconomy.com. “We’ve received applications from more than 100 podcasters, but I try to keep a certain quality with the shows I choose.” With about 30,000 hits per day from 75,000 subscribers, Chambers has definitely found his niche.
John C, Monday, May 05, 2008 at 04:32 PMBruce is a great guy with tons of good ideas. Bruce has acted on some of these ideas and it show the lipodcast network is one of a kind and is a true blessing for undescovered talent good job bruce. Bruce has also let me speak at Pod camp city online last July 21st it was a blast. Bruce is one of the greatest minds of our times.
Pandadoll, Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 12:27 PMYep, Bruce is very energetic, indeed.
We are hoping to be able to podcst the Artmosphere Show with Bruce, LIVE from Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.....
