Music sharing

With music sharing becoming popularized by services such as Napter and Kazaa in the 90’s, how music is discovered has changed radically.
Personally, the music I listen to are all EDM (Electronic Dance Music) that are not played on the radio or anywhere for that matter. Despite so, these DJs sell out shows and have a huge following. Some of the biggest music festivals in the US are EDM festivals, with events such as Ultra Music Festival in Miami bringing in 150,000 people every night for three-nights.
So how are these artists becoming recognized? It’s all through online music sharing along with the help of social networking. It’s just crazy to realize the power of social networking. So, Facebook started as a site to connect with friends. Today, it is used to connect with celebrities, artists, companies and businesses… Virtually anything someone can be interested in can be “Liked” on Facebook. So, I “Like” a DJ on Facebook and get informed of their upcoming shows and tour dates. I learn about other artists and DJs by associations of the DJs I like, as well as similar artists my friends “Like”. Youtube facilitates this as finding songs happen with just a few clicks. Then recommendations follow as one song ends. There’s an interesting notion of “Liking” something online that has become popularized today.
Music discovery is often done through Youtube and sharing links with friends. Then downloads take place through iTunes or illegally through torrenting. Radio and media are outlets for mainstream music. And the rest of “underground” artists are discovered through the internet. Mmmm, power of internet :)