A music website that was considered ahead of its time prior to its demise in 2001 has returned to cyberspace today with a look and feel that will appeal to the YouTube and MySpace generation.
Muse.ie was part of the Rondomondo division of Eircom that folded in 2001. The new site, which is owned by south Dublin web consultancy Comado and another firm called Media Space, has been put together by a team of editors and writers led by ex-NME Ireland editor and long-time Hot Press contributor Steve Cummins.
“I’m amazed that it’s taken this long for Ireland to have its first real, dedicated, free-to-use music content website,” says Cummins. “Muse.ie is going to be a one-stop shop for music nuts.
“Music lovers who visit Muse.ie will get all the relevant Irish and international music news first and on a daily basis. Not only that but we hope to bring Irish music fans the best reviews, comment and features they can find on the internet. I’m really excited about it,” Cummins said
The new site will feature a breaking news service, regular features, event reviews, listings and blogs.
The site will also allow for user-generated content insofar as website users can contribute their own music, DVD and gig reviews as well as add their favourite gig listings to the site.
Users will also be able to upload unlimited videos to the site and a photo gallery facility will emerge in the coming months.
“This relaunch is the culmination of five months’ intensive development and investment, and we will be announcing site enhancements and partnerships on a fortnightly basis,” said Mediaspace director Hugh Durkin.
“Our breaking news service will ensure music fans across Ireland and beyond will be provided with an unrivalled service, as well as innovative networking features to help emerging acts promote and sell their music online. We’re helping bands, music lovers and venues to interact in a fresh, fun and exciting way – it’s looking good.”
To fuel the relaunch of Muse.ie, the site’s owners have struck a number of partnerships to ensure the site is relevant in the eyes of the YouTube generation.
It has partnered with London-based 7Digital to power its “indiestore” facility that empowers independent artists and labels to sell their music online.
The site has also partnered with San Francisco-based Videoegg to allow users to upload and share videos online from their computer, video camera, webcam or mobile phone.
By John Kennedy
