It goes without saying that the pandemic has put a lot of the music industry in a weird spot. Streams are up, but concerts, one of the main forms of income for musicians, are nonexistent (unless you’re Trapt, of course).
So, how can musicians make up for this? Enter Featured X, the brainchild of Jeff Menig.
On this site sits dozens upon dozens of exceptionally talented musicians from the scene. Names like Levi Benton, Andy Cizek, Shane Told (Silverstein), Mike Garrow (Savage Hands), and so many more just scratch the surface of those that have opted in to the platform.
Almost daily, new artists will enter the fold. Not just vocalists, every instrument is available within the roster. But here’s the best part – Featured X treats them equally in promotion. You’ll see the same amount of enthusiasm for Kellin Quinn as you will for any small artist on the platform in their announcements. There’s always a play on words pertaining to that musician’s lyrics/song titles that make for some delightful humor.
The user-friendliness of the site is tantamount to the experience for the artists. Users won’t get charged until the collaboration is approved, and they can get an expected turnaround before inquiring.
Getting a feature on a track might sound expensive, with prices varying from a few hundred dollars to the thousands, but it’s an unparalleled form of promotion when prospective listeners see a name they recognize saddled with a band they’re deciding if they want to listen to. It could very well be the catalyst to a more successful music career – I used to search my favorite vocalists on iTunes and found great bands in the process.
Overall, I’m quite impressed with how professional and well-executed Featured X has become in its few months of existence. You’re bound to know some of these featured artists if you’re a metal fan, with a collection of some of the best of the best. This is surely a no-brainer if you’re in need of some star power for your band, and I’m thrilled to see these musicians have a new, mutually-beneficial form of income!
