Can a Music Blog Break a Band?

Here's an encouraging story for those who believe in the power of the Internet to level the playing field. This is how an article on MTV.com explains it:

The Hysterics aren't signed to a major label. They haven't groomed a following through a string of indie records. In fact, they haven't even released an official CD yet. So how did the Brooklyn, New York, foursome end up as one of MTV News' picks for You Hear It First? They have their science teacher to thank for that.

That's right, the Hysterics are only teenagers, still enrolled in high school. It was a demo song by the group's lead singer, 15-year-old Oliver Ignatius, that landed in the hands of J.P. Connolly, a science teacher at St. Ann's School in Brooklyn, and started the young group's journey toward semi-fame.

Connolly -- the hip educator that he is -- is also involved in a blog called Music for Robots. After posting a Hysterics demo track called "Mostly Untitled," the response from music fans was instantly strong. I'll let this New York Times article pick up the story from here:

That's where Joseph Patel, an MTV News producer and regular reader of the blog, heard the song. He also loved it, and decided to put the Hysterics on the air, despite the fact that they had done little more than practice in drummer Geoff Turbeville's parents' bedroom.

This exposure has done wonders for both the Hysterics (who are now courting offers from record labels) and the Music for Robots blog.

Lesson: Take advantage of new technologies and creative ways to reach new fans. You never know who might be listening. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a really cool science teacher to help you along the way.