As the RIAA continues its battle to prevent, well, pretty much everyone from Internet downloading, Los Angeles-based garage quartet Killola is finding success by doing just the opposite.
The band’s Internet presence began with a heavily trafficked MySpace page which scored 1.5 million plays from more than 80,000 friends.
The next step was signing with True Anthem, a new digital distribution company specializing in free downloadable albums through sponsorships.
In the two months since Killola’s latest release, I Am The Messer, went up online, the album has been downloaded 30,000 times.
The group’s live show is also winning over fans with self-booked swings through the U.K and the States earlier this year and early 2009 dates lined up.
Upcoming shows include Jan. 17 at Bar Pink in San Diego, Jan. 24 at Sue Ellen’s in Dallas and Jan. 31 at Beauty Bar in Las Vegas.
In March, Killola will join Semi Precious Weapons and Von Iva for the “Hell on Heels Tour,” with stops scheduled in Las Vegas; San Diego; Hollywood, Calif.; San Francisco; San Jose, Calif., and Citrus Heights, Calif.
To get some idea of what’s inspiring loyal fans to show up at Killola gigs with the band’s logo tattooed on themselves, check out this pair of free tracks (right click, then select "save target/link as").
Download “Cracks In The Armor”
Download “This Is How The World Ends”