Untainted Love

Jonny Hall, Founder of Untainted

Times they are a –changing. And none more so than in the music industry. With the explosion of technology, broadband for all, downloads and uploads music has never been so accessible and available. That’s all good – and one in the eye for big record labels who have tended to control their artists’ output – but without their steer, plugs and marketing how do we find the next great band or singer without spending hours trawling through Myspace? Step in Jonny Hall, 26, and his new website Untainted – launched this week – which allows unsigned acts to upload and sell their music and merchandise and inter-act with fans. Loma-Ann Bonner caught up with him.

When did you get the idea for Untainted?
It’s something I’ve thought about for a long time. I’ve always been a fan of The X Factor, but  the whole concept of three or four individuals deciding whether somebody is talented or not is really flawed.

But that’s the case across all creative industries: at an acting audition two or three people decide who gets the part; an editor will either accept or reject a novel.
Yes, but it’s not always about talent. People have fallen by the wayside who don’t deserve to. On Untainted, everyone gets a chance.

Talk me through how it works
You can  sign up for free as a fan or a musician, both can build a profile and inter-act with each other. If you want a track you can put it on your playlist, and each one is 49p to download.

Why’s it any better than Myspace?
On Myspace musicians can’t make any money and fans can’t download tracks. Also, on Untainted musicians can email their whole fanbase, and we’ll be bringing in a features so that venues  can also have a profile and book musicians online.

How’s the site going?
800 bands have signed up already

What are the most popular genres?
It’s really varied : from Heavy Metal to poppy acoustic. People can search by genre, making it really easy to find the kind of stuff you like.

Are you a musician?
No! I definitely can’t sing. I tried to play the piano but gave up when I was 14. I guess I’m trying to do something for other people that I can’t do myself.

Do you think the mood is changing towards the music industry?
Yes. People are more interested in non-manufactured, independent music. The name Untainted comes from the fact that our musicians haven’t been tainted by the corporate machine.

Will you discover the Next Big Thing?
You never know!

www.untainted.com

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