Music websites and free MP3 downloads

Here's a selection of sites where you can find legal free MP3s and free music downloads, as well as some places where you can buy digital music.

University of Death: A hilarious satire of the music industry

My novel 'University of Death' satirises the music industry and predicts its potential meltdown. The book is named after the band at the centre of the action and takes a slice through the music industry: from the boardroom to the stage; from the studio to the record fair. It explores how fans relate to their favourite bands, how businesses use technology to manipulate consumers, and what would happen if the music industry disappeared overnight.

Although the novel includes fictionalised cameos from some well-known pop stars, the story focuses on those who are at the bottom of the industry and trying to claw their way up.

• Read the first two chapters for FREE now
• Visit the University of Death homepage
• Order the book at Lulu.com (380 pages, 6x9" Royal format and priced at £9.99).

Online music stores

• Amazon.co.uk Hot 100 CDs
• Amazon.com music downloads
• Big Noise Music - music download site with 10% donated to Oxfam
• War Child Music

Some of my favourite musicmakers (official sites)

Independent musicians

Any descriptions come from the bands themselves...

• David Beard Music - Film Music Composer & Sound Design - award winning TV and film music composer creating music and sound design for film and television
• thebluemask - Film and production music from composer Simon Wilkinson
• The Escorts / The Do's & The Don'ts - 50's & 60's Rock 'N' Roll from Iowa.
• Sonic Hospital - Eclectic, guitar-based one-man-band from Northampton UK
• Enam - Celtic new age music
• Starcrost - simple, danceable, melodic rock/pop music
• The Neurons - Dance. World Fusion and Groove.
• Neuadd Sibly - Original rock and pop from Wales via Germany
• Awkwardguy - animated and theatrical folk-jazz and piano-pop
• Nicola Boschetti - Italian musician, composer and arranger
• AndIf.com - Explore JazzRock, Rock/Pop, Progressive Rock, and more.
• Bendy Monsters - unsigned rock/pop/punk band from Sheffield
• Finn Arild - Pop/Rock with progressive roots
• Eamon Alger's Flying Dreams- all original tracks, a blend of rock and blues
• Uncle Lucius - Country rock band based in Austin Texas
• wave7musicals - songs, musicals, backing tracks and CD recording services for schools.
• Olegy - influenced by Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, Tricky, Air and HIM.
• Dodgie Williams - Robbie Williams tribute band in the UK

Resources for music fans and musicians

• My Dad Rocks - indie music fan site
• Guitar Friendly - Easy-to-follow, step-by-step guitar lessons for beginners with detailed explanations, pictures, diagrams, videos, and more
• EIL - collectable records and memorabilia
• KR Tip Sheet - music licensing and television/film music placement service.
• Taxi - independent A&R company helping unsigned bands, artists and songwriters get record deals and publishing deals.
• Get it all - Guitar and bass licks, riffs, rhythms and lessons for all playing levels.
• Harmony Central - Excellent resource for music news and links
• Kelly Industries - develops surround sound plug-ins for DirectX, VST, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe Audition
• Whistleanddrum.com - your source for Irish Tin Whistles, Irish Flutes, Penny Whistles and Bodhráns.
• Guitar chords
• Wimpy Player - software for embedding music in webpages
• Radio Blog - another program to put a flash music player in your website
• Flash MP3 Player - an easy-to-use Flash music player for your website
• Zooloops - Free fruity loop files and beats
• Motile - UK record label combining improvisation and experimentation
• ABC Learn Guitar - Free guitar lessons, plus tips and resources on buying a guitar, songwriting, recording and creating a music career
• Shithotrecords - Free Music Downloads from a wide range of Independent UK Music artists
• Home Recording Connection - online community of artists helping each other