Frequently Asked Questions


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FAQ: Home Category: Downloading/Streaming Files
  1. Q:   What are these music files - what should I use to listen to them?

    A:   The music files on our site are in the Mp3 format. You may use many different kinds of media players to listen to our songs. If you are trying to stream the music, and listen to it right away, you'll need to have an Mp3 player installed and you'll need to have your system and connection running well enough and fast enough to stream the music. If you are connect to the Internet with a 56k modem, then you won't be able to stream the music - it just won't work.

    If you are having problems downloading, try right clicking on the download button fo the song you want - and selecting Save this file as or Save Target As - then save the file to your computer.

  2. Q:   I was looking at a track and saw that the time lenght was (00:00). What happened?

    A:   If you see this on our site, it is because the artist who uploaded the track did not input that information. We do not extract that info from the tracks - it must be entered by hand on the "Add a Track" form in the Tracks Tool in the Admin.

  3. Q:   I use Windows, and I do not understand how to download my favorite tracks and keep them so that I can burn them to disc.

    A:   That is not an easy one to answer, since it all depends on what you are using software wise. I presume you are having some problem when you click on the Download buttons - which are the blue ones with the down arrows. What happens when you do that?

    If it starts to play - they the problem is probably something like Windows Media Player is set to handle the 'mp3' file extension - if that is the case - it's a bit difficult to explain how to fix things - you basically need to have your browser ask you what you want to do w/ the file instead of automatically 'playing' it - at some point, you were asked this question w/ a pop-up window - then answered that you wanted the browser to always play open the file - so now that is set in your settings somewhere.

    The easiest way to fix things, is to install WinAmp - it's what most people use.

    Or - just go to the blue download buttons - and right click on them - and select - "save target as" - then save the file to some location on your drive.

    Once you have the files - you would need an app that would take mp3 files and convert them 'on the fly' into WAV files and burn them to CD. There's dozens of apps out there to do that. I think if you pay for the newest version of WinAmp - you get more features including fast burning, etc. Otherwise, try going to Download.com - or ask people on our bboard what they use.

  4. Q:   I am new to the site and whenever i am trying to download a track it goes to windows media player. Is there software i need to download first.

    A:   You'll need to change the file type setting for MP3 on your computer. You may have to delete it - then have the browser ask you what you want to do w/ the file - then resetup your mp3 player.

    OR even better - install WinAmp - which should set up your file types properly.

    To edit your file types, close your Web browsers, and open a Windows Explorer (win key+E) and click on Tools, then Folder Options - then click on the File Types Tab.

    Locate the mp3 entry - and if you want, view it, and copy down the settings. Then delete it. I'm not sure if you'll need to reboot, but hey - why not. Now, go to our site, and click on an mp3 download link, your browser should now ask you what to do with it - then select to save the file.
FAQ: Home Category: My Account Area/ Tools
  1. Q:   I can't seem to figure out how to add song icons ... I didn't give either of my tracks images, and now I want to.

    A:   Add them via the Media Tool (where ALL images are uploaded), then when you are back in the Tracks Tool - click on "E" for Edit under "Info" for the track info you want to edit - you will now see your images in a drop down menu by name in the form down below - just select the one you want - then click on the submit button - you now have track icons. Note: Track icons MUST be Jpg, and you should resize them down to 60x60, if you use larger images, it slows the site down.

  2. Q:   The file I want to upload isn't listed in the "Media Tool," How can I upload this file?

    A:   You can make a request to support for the addition of your file type but before you email us, please give us info on the file type and the types of applications that use this file type - AND, why you need it added.

    We will never allow the upload of EXE, .CFM, .PL, .PHP or .ASP files.

  3. Q:   Hey, I placed some HTML into one of the tools but when I submit the form, my HTML is gone!

    A:   Most of the Admin tools do not allow you to enter HTML. If a form does allow HTML, it will be stated in small text next to the form. Even in these cases, we do not allow the use of some HTML tags lik DIV, EMBED, OBJECT and SCRIPT.

  4. Q:   How do I link to my music files? What are the URLs to my music files?

    A:   If your music files have been approved and you have the downloading and/or streaming options turned on, AND have the publishing setting on 'Public' - you may then link to your music file. There is a distinct format for the links, here is an example:

    http://media.artistserver.com/tracks/9/1/1/1/1/ArtistName_TrackNameNoSpaces.mp3

    http://media.electronicscene.com/tracks/9/1/1/1/1/ArtistName_TrackNameNoSpaces.mp3

    This breaks down into information about your music file and how you want it delivered. After the directory "tracks/" we get the following information:

    UserID / TrackID / FileType / Version / Delivery / TrackName.FileExtension

    1. UserID = the ID of the artist who uploaded the track
    2. TrackID = the ID of the music file you wish to link to
    3. FileType = at this point we are only supporting the mp3 format (so it will always be 1 until we add other formats), but at a later date this option will become more useful as we support other formats, even video.
    4. Version = this relates to the HiFi or LoFi versions of your music file. LoFi = 0 and HiFi = 1
    5. Delivery = refers to either downloading the music file or streaming it. Download = 0 and Stream = 1
    6. TrackName = we dynamically create the track names by taking your artist name and the track name and combining them together with an 'underscore.' All non URL compliant characters and spaces will be stripped. See example above for a look at a file name.
    7. FileExtension - based on the file's type, we will output the correct file extension (usually .mp3)

    This system allows us to expand our services at anytime while keeping a consistent linking scheme. This will ensure the integrity of the links to your music files. Note: if you change the status of a track and make it 'not public' which removes it from your site, this will also make any links to your music files cease to work. If someone were to click on one of these old links, they wouldl then be sent to your artist profile on the site. This allows you to control your music and secure it's delivery and storage.
FAQ: Home Category: Creating/Uploading Mp3 Files
  1. Q:   How do I make a 'LoFi' Mp3 for each of my tracks?

    A:   Preparing a Single Track for LoFi Streaming This tutorial walks you through the steps in preparing your tracks for LoFi Streaming on ArtistServer.com or ElectronicScene.com. The article's focus is on the PC platform, although the concepts are the same.

    These directions use Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge, but the process explained may be possible in CoolEdit and other audio editors. Then again, I believe SoundForge took the batch processor out of later versions, so maybe a sharware/freeware app will do it! :)

    1. Launch Sound Forge
    2. Open your Stereo WAV file
    3. Convert the WAV From Stereo to Mono
      1. From the Menu bar click on: Process > Channel Converter
      2. From the Channel Converter's presets, select "Stereo to Mono - 50% (no faders)"
      3. Click on "OK"
      4. From the Menu bar, click on: File > Save As, then save your track as: Trackname_mono.wav
    4. Now you'll make your mp3 - I use "Scmpx" ( http://www.din.or.jp/~ch3/scmpx_e.html )
      1. Launch your mp3 converter
      2. Select your Mono Track
      3. Use the following Settings: 32 Kbps / Mono / 44100 Sample Rate
      4. Save your new mp3 as TrackName_32kbps.mp3
    How to run a batch process on all your tracks with SoundForge
    1. Launch Sound Forge
    2. From the Menu bar, click on: Tools > Batch Converter
    3. From the Batch Converter Window, click on the "Destination" button which is located on the far right.
      1. Set the directory of where you want these new Mono WAVs
      2. Check the box next to "Add to source base name:
      3. the text box to the right of this will have a "_" inside, change this to "_mono"
      4. click on "OK"
    4. From the Batch Converter Window's Menu bar, click on: Options > Conversion Settings
      1. In the Name Field, type "Stereo To Mono"
      2. Check the box next to File Format, and select WAV
      3. For Data format, select PCM
      4. Check the box next to Use Plug-Ins
      5. Under Class, select "Process"
      6. Under Function, select "Channel Converter"
      7. Then under Preset, select "Stereo to Mono - 50% (no faders)"
      8. Then click on the "+" button to add this function to the batch script
      9. Finally, click on "Save As" so you can use these settings again
    5. Now, Drag and Drop your tracks into the Batch Converter, or use the menu options to add your tracks under the File Menu.
    6. After your tracks are loaded, from the menu bar, click on Convert > Run Current Script
    Be sure you have enough drive space for these new files.

  2. Q:   How do I add songs to this site? What do I need? [simple/intro]

    A:   1. You need an Artist Account 2. You need at least 1 song upload available 3. You need to login to the site 4. You need your muisic on your computer as a properly encoded mp3 5. You need some sort of image editing program, so you can add a song icons/image The Music Manager allows you to upload and manage your tracks on the site. The number of songss you can upload is defined by the package you signed up for.

    Each track includes a HiFi and Lofi version: * HiFi Tracks need to be: 44100 sample rate - Stereo [bit rate is dependent on the account type you select] * LoFi tracks need to be: 44100 sample rate - Mono 32kbps.

    Song Icons can only be JPG files and are 60x60 pixels in size - you must first upload all icons/images with the Media Tool located in the Tools menu. Once you have uploaded your icon, it will become available here.

    You are ultimately responsible for all content you place on the site. If your track contains illegal samples it will be put on hold and possibly removed from the site.

    Suggested MP3 Encoders
    • SCMPX (which uses the LAME codec)
    • Audacity (which uses the LAME codec)
    • cdex
    • cooledit pro 2.0
    • Media Jukebox
    • Nero
    • Wavelab
    • iTunes
    Mp3 Encoders to Avoid
    • Nero
    • Wavelab
    • iTunes
    Yes, Nero, Wavelab and iTunes are in both lists, and the reason, is because our site users provided us with this list. Which means some people had issues or problems with those encoders, while others did not. Most likely, this translates to older and newer versions of the software. If you have any problems uploading songs encoded with these encoders, simply try another from the suggested list. There are many free mp3 encoders - try a search for "Mp3 encoder" or "Mp3 LAME encoder."

  3. Q:   How do I make an MP3 ringtone for my song? What should I consider when making an MP3 ringtone?

    A:   Tips On Creating Your Own MP3 Ringtones
    • mono - phones do not need stereo ringers, it's best to make your ringtone MONO
    • less than 25sec - try to make your ringtones 15sec. in length or less, and no more than 25sec
    • select clear sections - ringtones are most effective if they are clear and do not have a lot of sounds in the background
    • selecting the loop - try selecting the chorus section or the intro of your song if you are not sure of what to use
    • cut the low end - phones do not reproduce bass well, a good ringtone has more treble and percussion
    • normalized - if you normalize your ringtone, you'll ensure that it will be loud enough, just don't fry the signal
    • loud - again, make sure your ringtone is LOUD - not distorting, but very loud and clear
    • fades - consider doing a fade at the end of your ringtone - phones may not 'loop' the ringtone, but have a pause at the end
    • test it - please, test your ringtone on a mobile phone if you can
FAQ: Home Category: Creating/Uploading Image Files
  1. Q:   What are the sizes for all the images an artist should use for their artist pages? And what image types are ok to use?

    A:  
    • Artist Image: 270px X 270px [gif, jpg]
    • Artist Icon: 25px X 25px [jpg]
    • Max Width for top Free Text area: 770px [gif, jpg, png]
    • Track Icon: 60px X 60px [jpg]
    • Max Width for Blog Images: 490px (suggest using 400px) [gif, jpg, png]



FAQ: Home Category: Customizing Aritst Page
  1. Q:   Can I add HTML to my Profile Page?

    A:   You do get an area on your Music page where you can input either text or HTML. We do block the use of some HTML tags like DIV, EMBED, OBJECT, and SCRIPT.

    We do not use an HTML validator on your code, so if you do enter HTML, please make sure it is correct. If you input your HTML incorrectly, you may make your site unviewable.

    To add HTML and text to this area, enter the Admin, select the User you wish to work on, then from the tools menu, select "User Profile." On this page you will find the "Free Text Area" - please note the size limit.

  2. Q:   Can I use advanced HTML tags like Script, Embed, Iframe and Object on this site?

    A:   No. Using tags like these in a high traffic / high content site is not a good idea. It also allows users to greatly alter their sites and potentially misrepresent the site by redirecting the user or altering the interface.

  3. Q:   What HTML tags can I use on my artist page?

    A:   The only HTML tags which are being stripped out are: EMBED, OBJECT, IFRAME and SCRIPT.
FAQ: Home Category: Membership
  1. Q:   Why would an artist have to pay to be on the site?

    A:   Take a look at the state of the online music industry - name all the sites you know of that have gone out of business - or sued due to their business practices. If you've been at this for the last few years, you would have a list of at least 5-10 companies.

    ArtistServer and ElectronicScene are not those kinds of these sites, and at this time, the only way we can stay afloat and grow, is if there is steady income and growth. There are many ways a site can generate income, but many of those methods result in bad deals for the artists. This isn't in your best interest, so it isn't in ours. We are looking into ways to generate income and this may come in the shape of corporate sponsorship - Fortunately, the only companies we are looking at are releated to electronic music, and computer technology. Until we can secure some investments or sponsorships, we must rely on the community to help support the site.

    As we grow, we will offer more sevices and provide an even better service to our users. If you've followed our progress, you would konw that new features are added every other month, and there's always an open ear for the members. Get involved - support the site, give your opinion, become a manager - help support the site!

    The point is, we are working hard and need your help in order to survive. Without you, the site doesn't exist.

  2. Q:   Will you offer a payback system for music plays and downloads?

    A:   There currently aren't any plans - as things stand, we profit in no way from the site. All fees collected by members go towards out bandwidth, and we haven't any other revenue streams. The site admin, who is also the site developer/owner, etc works for free - and also covers the costs for the hardware and software. So as you can see, we are simply in the service to help you promote yourself through our site and services.

  3. Q:   The Website URL I wanted doesn't seem to be in use, yet I can't sign up for it. Is something wrong?

    A:   We have a collection of 'reserved words' in our database. All requests for Website URLs are run though this collection, if there is a match, the request is denighed. Why? because some words we don't want on the site and others are reserved for the site to use. If you feel we have made a mistake, please contact support.

  4. Q:   I'm trying to upload some files and the site is telling me that I need to upgrade my account. The problem is that I didn't upload any mp3s file yet. What do I do?

    A:   The "Freeware" accounts only come with 3 song uplaods. You may have an old account that did not have the songs allocated to it. If that is the case, contact us and we can investigate your account and set you up with your 3 songs.

    Our sites are artist supported, if members don't upgrade their accounts, we can't cover the costs of bandwidth or any of the planned upgrades. Support the sites and we'll keep building and pushing forward.

    Upgrade information can be found in the My Account area, under "My Account" and "ArtistServer.com" from the main menu.

  5. Q:   I run a small 'virtual' label, can I set up an account with you.

    A:   Sure, you just need to make sure that each artist has their own membership with the site.

    An account will allow you to create multiple artists on the site, but these are for your own projects/music. So if you have multiple people on your label, just have each of them sign up on their own.

    You should see a join button at the top of the site - just follow the directions and you'll be able to start uploading w/in 15minutes of approval. The site accepts monthly CC payments - or if you are in the US, you can also pay through your checking account.

    Let me know if you have any further questions - and welcome!

  6. Q:   How do I cancel my 'upgraded' account?

    A:   New information will be posted after the site relaunch. But you'd most likely need to click on Account Profile in the menu of you MyAccount area.
FAQ: Home Category: Site Info / Features / Artist Pages
  1. Q:   How do you get featured on the site?

    A:   The main feature you see on the homepage is hand picked by either the site admin, or one of our managers. Feel free to suggest a track to be featured by using our contact form. Please do not suggest your own music.

  2. Q:   I had some items (tracks) on my Quicklist, but now they are gone. What happened?

    A:   If one of the items you had added to your quicklist is no longer there, it is because the owner of that item has changed the properties on that item and has possibly made it not available to the public. If it was a track, you may want to contact the artist who owns the track and see if you can get a copy.
FAQ: Home Category: Sampling Issues
  1. Q:   How does ArtistServer handle or deal with samples used in tracks?

    A:   We suggest you do not sample illegally - and no, just because you are not selling the recording doesn't mean that you wouldn't be breaking US copyright laws. Copyright laws cover the use and distribution - not profit of items/ideas. Tracks found to have illegal samples in them can and will be suspended from the site. If an outside party contacts ElectronicScene declaring a copyright violation, we will ask the outside party to provide proof and legal documentation. If the sampling is proven to be a violation, your track will be removed and your account will have the incident stored in our user database. If you violate copyright laws more than 2 times, your account will be closed due to violating our artist agreement. Obvious copyright violations found by ElectronicScene will aslo be suspended without notification from an outside party. The artist in question will be notified of the suspected violation, and will have the opportunity to plead their case. No cover songs or remixes are allowed unless you have been given rights to do the cover or remix. If you do have the rights for a cover/remix, you must provide this to the site before you upload the rercording - otherwise your track maybe get suspended. Contact us via our contact form to make arrangements for sending in a legal copy of your documentation which grants you the rights to record/distribute your cover/remix. As you can see, we are strict about this issue. We are interested in the survival of this site and community, not battling copyright laws.
FAQ: Home Category: News, Links, Articles and Reviews
  1. Q:   I need to edit or delete a review that I posted to the site, is that possible?

    A:   Yes, just login to the Member's area, and at the top of the menu, you'll see 'reviews' linked. Click on this, and you will see a listing of all the reviews you've posted to the site. Now locate the review you wish to edit or delete, and click on the appropriate button.

  2. Q:   How do I publish news in the news area on the site?

    A:   If you have a Member account that can create Artists: enter the Member's area, select your Artist, then from the Tools Menu, select "Articles."

    Once this page has loaded, you will see a form on the left. Enter your News/Press Release into this form. Under "Document Type" you'll find "News Release" - select this type. Then simply submit the form once you have completed it.

    If you are a Member and do not have artists: enter the Member's area, click on Articles from the gray menu - Once this page has loaded, you will see a form on the left. Enter your News/Press Release into this form. Under "Document Type" you'll find "News Release" - select this type. Then simply submit the form once you have completed it.

    To Add links to our search engine - just go to our links page and click on the link to add, from there you will be show a form. Simply fill it out and submit. Any sites posted which do not releate to this site will be removed.


FAQ: Home Category: Chart Systems
  1. Q:   What do the "Points on the charts mean?

    A:   Our chart system is very simple right now - and is based on a total number of points each track gets within the last 7 days (including the current day). A Download = 3 points, a HiFi Stream = 2 points, and both a download and stream of a preview = 1. These are then totaled up then sorted to provide the chart order. At a later time, we will also integrate a voting system so you can also see what people actually thought about the music. Charts based on 'consumption' only are nearly useless.





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