Whether you play music, listen to music or promote music, the web and progress in tech has changed the way we enjoy, learn and share our music.

We scan the web regularly for new and exciting websites, trends and developments – this week we’ve discovered some cool music related websites.  These are just a few we’ve featured, there are plenty of cool music tools online. Best of all - if you’re a poor aspiring artist all these sites are free to use.


Setlist.fm



How often do you attend a concert and a few weeks later can’t remember what the set list was?

Setlist.fm is a free wiki-site that allows users to upload and browse concert set lists. After signing up you select an artist from the database (or add in a new artist or band), input a venue, and then list the songs the artist played during that particular show. You should put in everything you remember and in the spirit of ‘crowdsourcing‘ you can then rely on ‘crowd memory’ to fix errors and add missing songs.

The pseudo-handwritten ink-on-paper format makes the setlists look pretty cool and authentic. There is some South African specific content - most recently there is a setlist of Oasis’ performance at CCZF in Jhb. I reckon this is a useful, free promo tool for local bands also adding to the ways they can market online.


Songsterr



If you’re an aspiring Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton (or perhaps just a Guitar hero pro) Songsterr makes learning guitar tabs easier.

Free to use, online based Songsterr turns standard guitar tabs into flash-playing note sheets which show the duration of each note as well as the position on the fretboard.  The app supports various tunings and playing at half at full speed.

There is a big library of songs and guitar effects, to choose from.


Get Tuned

I know this site name sounds a bit Boksburg - unless you want to appear amateur tuning your instrument properly is obviously pretty important.

Get-Tuned.com is an online string instrument tuning service where amateur musicians can tune and learn how to tune their musical instrument such as Guitar, Banjo, Bass Guitar, Cello, Ukulele, Violin, Mandolin and Viola.

They offer as many methods on how to tune your instrument as possible and also try to have online instrument tuners for the various types of instruments. You just need to select your specific instrument and then check out the different methods.


JamStudio



JamStudio is an online music factory that puts songwriting in reach of everyone.  A musical sandbox means that you can try out ideas and variations in a range of styles.

It’s also pretty cool to practice your instrument while playing along with the provided drum and bass tracks. It’s free to signup and use.


YourSpins



Just for fun – an online remixing tool that allows you to choose your favourite tune, remix it and then share it.