Some pretty good music on the site for download

http://www.gijams.com/web/

http://www.gijams.com/web/poprevolution

Industry insiders start site to help launch military music careers


By Matt Schild
When a pair of seasoned songwriters decided to show their appreciation for the military, they skipped the care packages and anony­mous holiday gifts and focused on what they knew best: navi­gating the music industry.

Denny Randell, who wrote the Four Tops’ “Working My Way Back to You,” and singer/song­writer Biddy Schippers put their industry connections to work for musically inclined troops on their social net­working Web site, GIJams.com . Musi­cians can show off their tunes, sell their songs, network with like-minded vets and promote them­selves.

The site also offers a service that’s rare in the music business: Artists keep 100 percent of the revenues.

“The military [has] made so many sacrifices, and one of them is finan­cial,” Schippers said. “Some of these men and women who maybe had as­pirations to pursue their musical tal­ent put their dreams on hold to do something for all of us.” The duo wants to use its connec­tions to broker placement and licens­ing deals for GI Jams artists, includ­ing potential album releases.

The professional connections shouldn’t deter amateurs from up­loading their own bedroom record­ings, however, as GI Jams’ focus is still firmly rooted in nurturing career aspirations.

“We want [service members] who have musical talent to feel like they have a platform to put their artistry forward,” Randell said.

Visit www.gijams.com for more details.