TootingBizarre.org :: Free Netlabel

Tooting Bizarre is a non-profit co-operative of gigging musicians in South London.
We release much of our music for free, and you can get it all here!

We are a group of amateur musicians and skilled enthusiasts in various groups, bands and
occupations, all with a common goal: getting the music out there (and having a blast!).

What is a netlabel?

"A netlabel is a record label that distributes its music primarily through digital audio formats (mainly MP3 or Ogg Vorbis) over the Internet. While similar to traditional record labels in many respects, netlabels typically emphasize free distribution online, often under licenses that encourage works to be shared (e.g., Creative Commons licenses), and artists usually retain copyright. Most employ guerrilla marketing to promote their work; few netlabels earn money for participants." - Wikipedia

All music on this site is protected by a Creative Commons Licence, meaning that you are free to download, copy, distribute and exhibit the music. You may not edit, sample, claim as you own, or in any way make money from the music. That's the deal. Please credit the original artists wherever possible, and don't forget to link back to the site if you post the music anywhere else.

How does it work?

In short, TootingBizarre.org provides an online catelogue which collects great free music, organises it in an attract way and points to externally hosted MP3 files. TootingBizarre.org do not host audio files, but we do have a Netlabel collection over at Archive.org which we have unlimited hosting space for Tooting Bizarre audio files - and you're welcome to some! Other sites, such as Last.FM, allow you to upload files and link directly to them (although judicious use of "copy link location" is often needed).

How can I get in on this?

Tooting Bizarre is a DIY thing, and run by a group of mates. If you want to get you music up on the site, email us. If we like what you're doing, will send you instructions about how to get your music up.

Isn't that a little... cliquey?

Yep. We don't make any money out of this. We don't like certain kinds of music. If we think your band stinks, you don't get on the site.

What to we do?

We share gig contacts, venue information and hook similar bands up with each other. We have to date released two compilation CDs, recorded a �live sessions� album with seven of our bands, and organised and promoted over 70 gigs in the last eighteen months, including acoustic nights, full band shows and charity events.

We design and print our own posters, flyers and album covers. We maintain a myspace for up to date gig information, maintain a mailing list, and have a busy forum for the community. Our number includes graphic designers, live sound engineers, recording engineers, video editors, VJs and more.

What do we want?

We want you to listen to our music. For free. That's all. If you like what you hear, and you live in London, come to one of the many shows we put on, mostly for free.

Why are we non-profit?

Amateur musicians in London must spend hundreds of pounds a year on promoting their own music. All our members have found the idea of making money from their music, however hard they work, utterly unrealistic. Instead, we choose to pool our resources, and make the money we would have spent anyway go a little further. Our ultimate goal is the promotion of a �Tooting scene� that will create interest for all the bands involved, and encourage a listener interested in one to take a risk on some others.