It's an increasingly mobile world out there, and a new service aims to help music bands large and small get in on the action. Specifically, Mobile Roadie lets artists quickly create their own iPhone applications to connect with fans on the go.

Bands simply register their basic account information and choose a name for their application; they are then assigned a unique URL for their app's dashboard. Mobile Roadie then creates their application, causing it to appear in Apple's App Store and on the iPhone or iPod Touch of any fan who downloads it. From then on, artists can use the application's content management system to share news, photos, videos and song notes, for example, and to stream music for fans to sample and then buy through a direct link to the iTunes Store. The customisable platform also allows bands to integrate their social networking profiles within the application, while a fan wall allows listeners to interact, participate and have their say. Mobile Roadie was created by Los Angeles-based agency Fluidesign. Pricing is USD 399 to set up the app and then USD 29 per month for up to 1,000 fans; each additional fan costs 1 cent per month.

There's no doubt mobile applications are increasingly the way to reach young, hip consumers. Make it easy and inexpensive for organizations of all kinds to do that—preferably with some niche customisation—and you'll soon be listening to the sweet tunes of success! ;-) (Related: Adidas creates free iPhone guide to Berlin's street art — Photographer launches iPhone-only style mag.)

Website: www.mobileroadie.com
Contact: help@mobileroadie.com

Spotted by: Miriam Brafman

We've seen several companies already that allow consumers to help sell the music of their favourite bands—with rewards each time they do—and now a new contender out of Australia is giving them a way to promote upcoming concerts as well.

Music fans begin by registering for free with Posse and choosing from among the list of gigs with tickets for sale. They add the ones they like to their personal store and then put the ads or links to those concerts on their MySpace or Facebook pages, in their email signature, or on Twitter or any other website. Each time someone clicks through one of their ads or links and buys a ticket (Ticketmaster handles all sales), the consumer earns a commission of 5 percent, payable 14 days after the event has taken place. Once they've reached a level of AUD 5 or more, they can get paid into their PayPal account.

Currently, Posse is open only to Australian consumers 14 and older, but we're pretty sure members of Generation C(ash) in all parts of the world will relish the opportunity to get paid for promoting the bands they already love. Still in beta, Posse says it aims to expand globally "very soon"—one to partner with in your neck of the music-loving woods? (Related: An online music store of one's own — Viral music sales through widgets — Payout time for SellaBand fans.)

Website: www.posse.com
Contact: info@posse.com

Just as Helen of Troy's face launched a thousand ships, so one might say Google Maps is inspiring the launch of a thousand new applications. Case in point: Tokyo Jogging, a new mashup of Wii technology and Google Maps that allows users to take a virtual jog through the streets of Tokyo.

Created by software engineer Ryo Katsuma, Tokyo Jogging functions much like Wii Sports Jogging. Users begin by downloading free server software from the site. They then connect their Wiimote to Google Maps' Street View, and hold the Wiimote while jogging in place in front of their computer. Google's Street View guides them along the streets of Tokyo, giving the impression of a brisk jog through the city. A video demonstrates the application in action.

There once was a day where online was on, offline was off, and never the twain did meet. Those days are gone! Today OFF=ON and ON=OFF, as our sister site likes to say, and riches await those who can make the most of the intersection. Read up, be inspired, and start some mashing up of your own! (Related: Online game focuses on real-world kindness.)

Website: www.tokyo-jogging.com
Contact: katsuma@gmail.com

Spotted by: Raymond Kollau

Two years ago Prince shook the music industry when he gave away free CDs to fans who purchased either the UK's Mail on Sunday newspaper or tickets to one of his shows. Picking up on that idea, American band No Doubt is doing something similar for those who buy top-tier tickets to one of the concerts in its summer tour.

Rather than just a single CD, however, No Doubt is giving away a free download of its entire digital audio catalogue, comprising more than 80 songs from the band's seven studio albums. Tickets for the tour, which kicks off May 2 in Atlantic City, went on sale earlier this month, and pricing varies with the venue. The free download offer applies only to top-ticket price levels, however—those priced higher than USD 42.50 before applicable ticketing-related fees. In addition to the band's past songs, the download will also include "Stand and Deliver," a brand-new song that will be performed for the first time in May.

There's no doubt the music industry is in transition, as it struggles to find a sustainable new model for the digital-music era. By zeroing in on premium-priced tickets, No Doubt takes Prince's model a notch higher and turns the music into a perk for top-paying fans. Free love is always good, but when it's reserved for your best customers, it can inspire brand love and come right back at you again! (Related: Travel company invites clients on planning trips — Hotel perks for Mercedes drivers — More luxury loos, now for members only — A layaway option for buying festival tickets.)

Website: www.nodoubt.com/news/default.aspx?nid=20646

Spotted by: Lieke Voermans

Although grabbing the set list from a favourite band's gig is like nabbing a trophy, not everyone can get their hands on that sweaty and smudged piece of paper. Which is why Setlist.fm was launched, a free wiki-site that allows users to upload and browse concert set lists.

The process is easy: users sign up, select an artist from the site's extensive database (or add in someone up-and-coming), input a venue, and then list the songs the artist played during that particular show. They're encouraged to add whatever they remember, relying on 'crowd memory' to fix errors and add missing songs. Once saved, a list is added to an archive of an artist's performances that also includes 'most played' statistics and links to live videos. Each user is given a personal page of the set lists they added or edited, as well as their comments and concert attendance statistics. Helping promote the site, a Setlist.fm widget is popular on music websites, and is also available for Facebook pages. Its pseudo-handwritten ink-on-paper format combines a sense of authenticity with the convenience of a digital database.

Launched in September 2008, Setlist.fm's current database consists mainly of recent concerts, although there's nothing to stop enthusiasts from listing shows dating back to Bruce Springsteen's glory days. Developed in tiny Liechtenstein (first time we've covered a Liechtenstein business), ad-supported Setlist.fm has potential, thanks to its niche focus, savvy execution and reliance on user participation. (Related: Video dictionary with a wiki touch.)

Website: www.setlist.fm
Contact: info@setlist.fm

Spotted by: Lea