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[maxusy3k]

So I was going to post this in the Rock Band thread, but I'm not sure how close to Necromancy that'd be. If it needs to be moved, so be it, but anyway.

Harmonix today announced the Rock Band Network, a collection of tools available to recording artists and labels that will allow them to author their own songs for the Rock Band platform.

For technical reasons, tracks released on the platform will only hit the 360 at the moment, the delivery method apparently doesn't exist for the content to move to the other consoles without delay, but this is still pretty big news, I guess! Without abandoning the weekly DLC, there's the potential here for a daily trickle - or torrent - of new tracks for the game authored by the original content owners... it's already been touched on that without the need to share masters, previously 'unattainable' bands such as Zeppelin - however unlikely - may make their way to the platform as well.

Essentially, think of the GHTunes system only with actual songs, legal and licensed, meaning any and every band could potentially get their song into the game, even without the backing of a million rabid, petition-forming fans or a heavy label. An end to the "X band said they want to be on Rock Band but haven't been contacted by Harmonix" claims, too.

More information on the official sites here and here.

I'm pretty excited, you guys. What do you all think?

[Gemmwah]

This is a really exciting prospect, actually. Getting tunes from minor label or independent bands on Rock Band will be amazing! I can't wait to bug bands to get their stuff on Rock Band.

[maxusy3k]

I'm not sure how indie the project will get, which I suppose is one of the drawbacks. Creators have to subscribe to the XNA network at a cost of $100 per year / $50 per quarter which might be a bit of a stretch for an unknown band. Still, one would hope that strong enough content would allow an artist to recoup that membership cost, particularly when the publishing artist has control over the pricing of individual tracks.

Edit: Though I do agree! It'd be awesome to see completely unknown bands making their breaks this way instead of the 'traditional' stardom cycle. Particularly landing local bands and stuff on there would be a great way to market their tracks.

[Dimmukane]

Apparently Microsoft and Harmonix are still going to have the final word on whether or not a song gets released.  The way I see it, this means that Rock Band will never have Anal Cunt songs.

[evilbobthebob]

Sounds good, although if bands are making their own songs, the charts maybe end up rather varied in quality, unless they get people from Harmonix in.

[Christophe]

Apparently Microsoft and Harmonix are still going to have the final word on whether or not a song gets released.  The way I see it, this means that Rock Band will never have Anal Cunt songs.

[David_Dovey]

Quick straw poll: Who here would attempt to discover new music via the Rock Band Network?

[Ozymandias]

I would.

I've already discovered a few bands I enjoy via regular Rock Band DLC. I'd make the effort.

[Surgoshan]

[KvP]

I don't know either of those stick folks knows much about music.

[Hat]

yeah you sure have better tastes in music than that stick figure

[Hat]

make sure you tell the internet we need to know

[Johnny C]

in kvp's defense, stick figures raus

[Melodic]

The Postal Service you uncouth bastards.