Abney ParkThe Internet's ability to eliminate the middleman is forcing the music industry to rethink its approach to music marketing and distribution. Web sites such as RollingStone.com, MP3.com, and Riffage.com provide unprecedented exposure for artists. Seattle-based gothic/industrial band Abney Park is one group using the Internet to its advantage.

With its complex yet subtle sound, Abney Park hasn't fallen into the trap of using repetitive rhythmic and lyrical devices-an all-too-common failing in the world of electronica. The band's strangely organic sound is quite irresistible to its growing legion of fans.

Abney Park credits a large part of its exposure and success to wide Internet distribution of its songs through its award-winning MP3.com Web page (www.mp3.com/abneypark)-the band counts more than 100,000 downloads of its music. Several Abney Park songs have hit number one on the MP3.com site. "The Only One," for example, recently enjoyed a two-week stretch as the top Pop/Rock song, beating out songs by well-known artists Ricky Martin, Alanis Morissette, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. "The Wake" spent more than two months in the number one slot on the Gothic music chart. Abney Park also reached number one with "The Change Cage" (Industrial Rock), "Black Day," (Darkwave), and "No Life" (Black Metal).

Abney Park founder and songwriter/composer Robert Brown points out the opportunities the Internet offers artists. "Many of the best artists in the world haven't been heard by anyone," says Brown. "Undiscovered artists' creative freedom becomes limitless when they can suddenly reach any audience."

Bassist Suzanne Sweeney agrees. "It's encouraging to see the broad range of music currently available through the Internet. Every genre, style, and taste is represented. Artists are now realizing that they hold the tools to produce their own vision." Brown adds, "With the Internet, anyone can be heard; the opportunities are growing exponentially."