All of the techno-mumbo-jumbo aside, Wahwah.fm is an app that turns your phone into an internet radio station. It scans your phone for music and then you’re able to choose what you’d like to broadcast. Click “play” and presto – you’re live for all to hear, Duranie or otherwise. What a great way to share what you’re listening to, and quite honestly – it’s yet another excellent way to reach fans and connect. Not that you’re horrible at that, but this is another way of talking without really “talking”. Not a bad plan for a man on the go. What fan wouldn’t want to hear what their favorite member of Duran Duran has playing?
Of course, it’s not just artists that can use wahwah. Anybody can download the app and use it, and another thing that I really like – you can get off a plane, step out of a car, turn on the app and know relatively quickly what other users are around you (and listening to based on a real-time live feed), and amazingly – you get a snapshot of what the local music scene is like. How cool is that? It also appears that privacy settings can be used so that you are able to manipulate what can and cannot be seen (such as your location) by other area users. I like that as well.
My opinion? This app may end up being a huge step forward in the music industry. While at one time we had to call radio stations and request songs – now we can broadcast them ourselves, and users around the world can see what we’re broadcasting and choose to listen.
The “small” downside is that at least for the moment, you need an iphone…so John, that Blackberry has got to go. (yeah, yeah – I know all about how the Blackberry keyboard is better. I had to get over that too, and I still curse at my husband for the autocorrect. No, he’s not responsible for that, but the touch chip?? Yep.) However, my guess is that an Android app will likely be forthcoming – there’s just too large of an audience out there to ignore in favor of only using iPhone.
That nasty licensing stuff? Royalties?? I don’t know. I’d imagine the suits are going to be busy playing tug-o-war with this one for a while. In the meantime – I think I’m in the group that says promotion is promotion, and if “everyone” is getting music for free anyway – why not be the one who is broadcasting?
-R
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R-
I'm feeling more and more pressure to re-join Facebook and being on Twitter again so that I can keep up with DD and especially what JT is thinking/doing. I have my own reasons for not being connected 24/7, but I do wonder how much I lose out on from not.
I have what I call a “stupid phone” (vs. a smart phone), and don't want the thing chiming every darn minute someone tweets or posts. I am not about to search how to change this as I only text and call. My computer does all of the rest. I do have an ipad2 now and have the app for the combined FB/Twitter, but have been hesitant to try it out just yet.
Your thoughts are appreciated!
D-
I think I can help you with Facebook settings so it doesn't tweet. If you decide to rejoin, you can go into settings on Facebook and set it up so you're NEVER notified of anything (that's what I've done). Although I do have an iPhone (I'm a reformed Blackberry addict, although I use the term “reformed” pretty loosely…), I hate getting constant notifications. I'm already addicted to Facebook (although blogging and writing sort of require that type of thing these days), I don't need to be freaking out of what could possibly be going on when I'm chained to my car in the afternoons, driving children around. 😉
I am fairly certain there is a settings section for Twitter as well – go in there and uncheck yourself from being notified. You can do the same with your iPad – I have mine set so that it tells me (via a smallish banner at the top of the screen) that I have notifications, but no pinging sounds. That would drive me nuts.
On the app front, I don't use the combo apps for Twitter and Facebook. I've tried them, but to be honest – I like seeing each account individually, and I really like the platform for the original versions of both (although I like them best on my laptop). I've got two FB and two Twitter accounts though, so for me – it's about keeping all of my “lives” a bit more separate. 😀 So, I downloaded the regular Facebook and Twitter apps for my iPad. (I've got the original iPad, my husband and Amanda both have the iPad2) The beautiful thing about any of the Facebook & Twitter type apps – they are typically free. So, you can try out a few – find the one you like, and then delete the rest. My other suggestion is that if your computer is available, it's easier to change privacy settings on there rather than through the iPad. (that might just be me…)
As far as what you might be missing out on, I think that just depends. Sure, there is a lot to be gained by being online, but it depends on what you're looking for. I mean, John does tweet from time to time, as does Simon, and even Andy Taylor!, and for me it's much easier to keep up on news. I don't know what I'd do without the computer and Facebook. I've made friends that I keep in touch with 99% of the time just online – the world just feels a lot smaller being involved on Twitter and Facebook. That said, you can't really allow yourself to be a slave to any of it. That's easier said than done though, and even I have to remind myself of balance every now and then – which is why I try to stay away from the computer over the weekend. Try is the operative word. -R
As you stated you want to learn more about new music. I would like to share my brothers label with you. You may recognize it(David Bowie's Tribute/ “Boy's Keep Swinging”)well I hope you do anyway. John tweeted about it last summer and showcased some of the music as well. Here are a couple of links. I will post here, then if you decide to post them here or on Facebook that can be your choice. Thank you for all you do!:)
http://manimalvinyl.com/
http://mp3.com/2012/3/14/label-of-the-week-manimal-vinyl/
Thanks so much on the tips. I will definitely give it another try and play with the settings on my laptop before going to the ipad2. But I know about how it can be a big “time suck” as I call it, so balance and moderation is key.
I appreciate your detailed reply. I am so glad I subscribe to your blog. I look forward to the book, too!
D.
I hope it works for you, good luck!! You are right, it can be a HUGE time suck. Balance and moderation are not words that I am fond of in most cases, but I do find, especially in more recent times, that I actually have to be a grown up and manage my time. Speaking of which…I must get going on dinner! 😀 -R
Hi Shelly, I just wanted you to know I did see this, and while I haven't gotten to them yet – I am going to take the time tomorrow to check them out!! Thanks for sharing them!! -R