NME launches new music-based social network

NME has launched a new social network in a bid to connect bands and music fans.

NME Breakthrough, which has been created by the social publishing company Webjam, allows groups and individual artists to upload their own content to a customised profile, which other artists and fans can see.

The new site will be fully integrated with NME’s editorial, with the magazine’s new music editor Jaimie Hodgson using the network as a way to find new talent and recommend music to readers.

David Moynihan, editor of NME.com, said: “NME Breakthrough is a step for us in providing a channel for artists and our users to connect with each other.  Our website and magazine play a key role in keeping our audience informed with the latest news and expert reviews, and this new social networking platform is giving our users direct interaction with bands.

“It also acts as an important medium for bands to listen to what their fans want, through a simple rating feature. In addition, we are going to offer amazing opportunities on the site; the rewarded artists will perform at an NME Radar event as well as a key festival this summer.”

The NME Breakthrough site, which has been sponsored by Blackberry, will be supported by the publication’s website, NME newsletters, Twitter and Facebook.