Chicago, Illinois (December 26, 2006) – A new independent music ratings website is turning the music promotions model on its head in a way that both fans and recording artists can appreciate.

“We’re not just helping music fans find new music,” says Yoseph Kalman, founder of RateThisTune.com. “We’re helping recording artists find success.”

RateThisTune.com enables independent bands and recording artists to increase their fan base exponentially. Unsigned bands and recording artists can create a profile, upload their music and share their talent with the world – all for free. Artists of all genres of music are welcome on the site.

What makes RateThisTune.com different from other music discovery websites? Simply put, it’s in the name. Visitors to RateThisTune.com are encouraged to rate what they hear and the ratings are then used to calculate an artist’s spot on RateThisTune.com’s Top Ten list – both overall and in their respective genre.

The recording artists with the ten best ratings are featured on the homepage and showcased to site visitors.

Having a favorable rating will help a recording artist grow in popularity. As more people discover the site’s most popular recording artists, their fan base will grow. However, visitors are free to browse through the site and search for music at their leisure, giving other undiscovered bands a chance to connect with potential fans. Site visitors can listen to tracks and post comments on what they hear. This type of feedback lets the recording artists get a feel for their fan base and the true quality of their music through the ears of the people who matter.

Many of the songs are downloadable for free. The site also enables bands and recording artists to upload music videos. Artists may also sell their tracks and videos to earn royalties through the site.

“We’re giving independent artists a means to promote themselves and connect with new fans all over the world,” says Kalman. “Whether that fan is a college student looking to discover something fresh or a music industry artist looking for the next best thing, RateThisTune.com is the right medium to help make a musical connection.” To discover all the useful features that help music fans connect with undiscovered bands and recording artists, visit www.RateThisTune.com.

There's a new independent music Web site out there that's attempting to turn the typical musical promotions model upside down.

RateThisTune.com is about enabling independent recording artists to increase their fan base in ways only the Internet can provide. Which is why all musicians owe a huge debt of gratitude to Al Gore for inventing the thing to begin with.

Unsigned bands can go to the site, create a profile, upload their music and share it with ... the world. Including Al Gore.

What's different about this compared to all the other similar sites, you may ask. Well ... not much. But it does sound like organizers are pushing it hard and getting the word out better than those behind similar sites, which means more people have access the music. (Hint: When you're in a band, it's good to have a lot of people hearing your music. Unless, of course, you really stink.)

Users rate the music (duh -- RateThisTune.com) and help calculate the site's Top Ten list -- both overall and within a specific genre. And all genres are welcome, for you acid-punk-accordion bands with a true vision. Visitors also provide feedback. Most of the songs are free, and the site also enables artists to upload videos. Artists may also sell tracks and videos.

(Tony Hicks is the Times pop culture and music critic. Reach him at thicks@cctimes.com.)