Exploring and Comparing Music Artists' Websites

Understanding the layout, features and stereotypical characteristics of music-centred websites, whether for a band or solo artist, is vital for the A2 Media Portfolio. Consequently, we were instructed to explore and compare two music artists' websites of our choosing; I decided to compare indie pop band The XX's with solo artist Birdy's.

The point of a website for musicians is to introduce and educate people about their image or songs, and keep them up to date with information regarding what they are currently getting up to, as well as their tour dates. 

Here are a few screenshots of Birdy's site:

 And here are a few from the XX's site:

QUICK ANALYSIS OF THE WEBSITES:

• On Birdy's website, a short video snippet of her new album plays on loop in the background.
• The whole theme and vibe to the website reflects that of her music's: very chic and indie.
• On the XX's website, the signature X symbol is interactive, sending tie-dye ripples when scrolled over.
• Equally, the whole theme and vibe to the website reflects that of their music's: indie, alternative, seemingly dark (or 'depressing') but with happy, colourful undertones.
• Both sites are very professionally made, easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing.
• The XX has a contact page, denoting the fact that they are a small band with less of a star quality (according to Dyer's theory) than the likes of Birdy [for example].
• On both sites, other media platforms are advertised.
• The inclusion of a lyrics page on the XX's website highlights the importance of the meaning that their songs have.
• Birdy's website has been much more recently updated than that of the XX's, denoting her higher relevance in the public eye and more frequent activity.

A quick breakdown of the ideologies presented by the artists from having explored their websites: