Check out Tunecore.

In a nutshell, it is a service that allows musicians to upload their music for a low fee (under $10). Tunecore then puts the music on various online music stores, the most notable being Apples’ iTunes. All profits made go directly to the musician. That, my friends, is awesome.

As I was looking through the site, it occurred to me what a huge paradigm shift has occurred just in the last few years when it comes to unsigned musicians.

Nowadays, a musician can record an album in their bedroom using GarageBand, sell their album online using Tunecore, and promote their album online using MySpace. Local artists can now have a global audience. Whats more, they are able to spend less time with the tedium of recording, distributing, and promoting music, and spend more time actually making music.
Speaking of local musicians … check out these two guys when you get a chance.

Bob Schneider: I saw Bob play last night in Helotes, and it was awesome. Great blend of musical styles, an energetic show, and his (and his bands’) musicianship was phenominal. If you get a chance, check him out live.

Jason Stiles: If you like good, solid American music, check out Jason - either by himself, or as the frontman of either Za Panther or J.Stiles and the Cemetary Hips. You’ll like it.