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Soundcheck

Wednesday, August 15, 2007
  • When Music Meets Web 2.0

    User-generated content is the buzz phrase of our time, behind Web sites like YouTube, MySpace, and now Midomi.com, a site that recognizes songs as you sing them. Today, we look at the ups and downs of democratically produced content in the age of Web 2.0. Also: South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela performs live. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.

Sing it to me baby

A Web site called Midomi.com gives you a whole new avenue for showing off your vocal prowess. All you need is a computer, a microphone and a song that you can sing or hum a few bars of. The site is designed to recognize that song and cross-reference it with a library of songs that includes versions by other members. We give the service a spin and talk with Midomi's VP of Business Development, Amir Arbabi, about how it works.

Midomi.com

Wide Web of Exhibitionists

So-called Web 2.0 sites like YouTube, MySpace and Midomi are shaking up the music industry. But is all this democracy such a good thing? Jeff Howe, contributing editor at WIRED, weighs in on the upsides, and downsides, of outsourcing to the crowd.

Jeff Howe's Blog

Vusi Mahlasela

Singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela was one of the big voices of South African music during Apartheid. His latest album is called "Guiding Star" and he performs live in the Soundcheck Studio.

Vusi Mahlasela's website

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

Soundcheck

Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

Soundcheck