Frequently Asked Questions
-What is Music Nation?
Music Nation is an online music community. Learn more at our ”About Us”
page.
-How long are the competitions?
They vary from one to the next. For specifics you’ll have to look at each individual competition’s page. As for how it works, we’ve recently changed the system. The new plan looks like this:
Each week during the initial phase two artists are selected to move into the quarterfinals. One is chosen by you, the Nation, based solely on votes. The other is selected by someone on our team, “an industry nerd,” with loads of experience working with artists at a major label (we’ll tell you exactly who they are and what qualifies them on the competition page). Our celebrity judges (a group, again, that changes from one competition to the next) will comment each week on both the Nation’s choice and our “nerd’s” pick, as well as several other competitors that have yet to make it to the next round.
Eventually, after several weeks, all of those chosen will go to judges to narrow the field and eventually pick a winner. At that point, it’s all up to them as far as who walks off with the top honors. In the meantime, click around to see what it is the judges are saying and about whom. Maybe it’ll inform your vote, or help you discover new music.
Think of the whole thing as a competition between the old way of signing talent (putting all the power in some A&R guy’s hands) and a new, more democratic method. Or don’t. We just hope you’ll think it’s fun, and, that if you’ve just come to the site for the competition, you’ll stay for the rest. There’s a lot of other fun stuff going on you know…
-How do I enter the competition?
It's easy. Simply go to your genre of choice, or one of the competitions listed on the home page, and click the "enter now" tab.
-What can I win?
Tons of stuff. It’s different every time. Each competition has its own prizes, but they’re listed right there on the copetition’s page. In the past though, we’ve offered record contracts, equipment, and big-time gigs on big-time festivals.
-If I don't have a video, is an MP3 eligible to compete?
Yes. To enter the contest, all you need is an artist profile and at least one MP3 or video. However, to be seriously considered, you should probably upload as much material as you can.
-What happens to the media after the competition?
It will remain on your artist profile. You may then enter future contests. Better yet, use it to connect with fans.
-Will the judges see my video or hear my MP3s?
If you enter the contest, the judges MIGHT see what you’ve made. The only way to guarantee it though is to make it to the semifinals. And to get there, you’re going to need votes, or be selected by our “geek” (who, it should be noted, WILL see every video).
-How does the voting/rating system work?
Fans vote on the competition's head-to-head player and rate their music on the launch pad. Voting determines who makes it to the semifinals as the “nation’s pick”. Rating determines certain placement aspects on the site. You may rate any media on the site, but you can only vote on those entered into a competition.
Technical Help
-How do I join Music Nation?
Click the "Register" button and we'll walk you through the process. If you’re having problems email support@musicnation.com .
-How do I upload my music video?
After registering on Music Nation, click on 'submit' at the top of your browser next to the search bar. You could also click “Upload Media” from the “quick links” on the right side of your screen when you’re logged in.
-Where will my video appear?
Your video will appear on your Artist Page. Once approved, it will also be visible under the Newest Videos tab and elsewhere on the Music Nation site.
-Why do I need to have username to upload a video?
How else can we tell you that you won? You wouldn't want to miss out on a contract because we couldn't find you. And we don't want that either.
-Can I post my video elsewhere on the Web?
Absolutely. You can post your video anywhere on the Web: on blogs, in forums or on myspace. We encourage it. Click on the videos title and you'll see the embed code listed on the right.
-What video formats will be accepted?
Videos will be accepted in AVI (Audio Video Interleave), MOV (QuickTime), DV (Digital Videos), MPG (MPEG-2), ASF/WMV (Windows Media Video) and/or MP4 (MPEG-4) formats. The video can be no larger than 100MB and must have a resolution of 320 x 240.
-How long can my video be?
Videos can be no longer than 10 minutes.
-How will I know if my video uploaded properly?
You should get a message from us letting you know. It’ll also appear in your profile (though it can take several minutes for it to code itself and be ready to play). If you don't see it, make sure your video conforms to our requirements and try uploading it again.
-My video was not accepted, why?
There are a number of reasons why your video may not have been accepted. If for any reason your video isn't approved, we'll send you a message through your Music Nation account you know what the problem is.
-My video did not upload correctly. What's the problem and how do I fix it?
First, make sure your video conforms to our format, size and length specifications. Try uploading again and make sure your connection isn't being interrupted. If it appears that you did everything right and you're still having a problem, contact us at support@musicnation.com.
-Do I need to register in order to vote?
Non-members can text in their votes, the code is on each individual artists homepage assuming, of course, they are entered in a competition. Other than that, only Music Nation members will be able to vote, leave comments, make playlists and take advantage of our site's other features.
-How many photographs may I upload?
You may upload as many photographs as you wish.
-I have another question, how do I get help?
E-mail support@musicnation.com for help with any other problems.