NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A U.S. research firm has found musicians are using the Internet to boost their fan base and sell more music, the BBC reported Monday.
Pew Internet's survey of 2,755 musicians, songwriters and music publishers found that nearly all of them use the Internet for ideas and inspiration, with nine out of 10 going online to promote, advertise and post their music.
More than 80 percent offered free samples online, while two-thirds sold their music via the Internet.
Independent musicians, in particular, saw the Internet as a way to get around the need to land a record contract and reach fans directly.
"Musicians are embracing the internet enthusiastically," said a spokeswoman for Pew. "They are using the internet to gain inspiration, sell it online, tracking royalties, learning about copyright."
