WTFAQs for artists.

“What the ...?” Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you only accept unreleased songs?

Would you search the city for a song you could easily find online from the comfort of your housecoat?

Why is the band anonymous for up to two weeks?

We like the idea of a blind taste test. Anonymity allows the song to stand up on it’s own. This also gives you unbiased feedback on your music. You will see which regions your music is most popular in, and vice versa. This information can be helpful when planning a tour. Get what we’re saying? It’s good business, baby. The more you know.

When can I release my song after I have been added to the game?

We need your song to remain unreleased for at least two weeks of game play. The two week countdown will begin the moment your first digital Cassettes have been released by Hidden Bands.

Nobody is finding our Cassettes, can I promote that we are in Hidden Bands?

No. And yes. Can you tell people you released a brand new track on Hidden Bands, go find it? Fuck yes! Can you say which Cassette it is to look for? FUCK NO! Boo! Promote the shit out of the fact you are using Hidden Bands to release a new single but let the players figure out the rest. Trust us, it won’t be that hard for them to figure it out on their own. The people searching for Cassettes are hunters searching the streets for your music. Don’t give them a trophy head that’s already been mounted for them.

My music isn’t rock, but it’s rock/something else-hybrid, can I submit a song anyway?

Sure. You might fit. But we’ll be the judge of that. Rock music comes in a huge range of sounds. But if your song is not accepted it doesn’t mean you suck (necessarily). Could just be you really aren’t at all rock in our opinion. Here’s Wikipedia’s list of rock subgenres.

Who judges the music submitted to Hidden Bands?

We do. The few of us who run Hidden Bands. For now that is. Our vision is, in time, to give that responsibility to the Hidden Bands community to decide. Because we’re lazy. Also because we have always thought that Hidden Bands should be run by the music fans. Not the music industry, or even us as the creators. This will take us some time. But it will happen. Stay tuned.

What happens to my song after it’s revealed?

Once you’re revealed, your Artist’s Profile will become live in the app and on www.HiddenBands.com/artists. Hidden Bands will reveal your identity to the public through a push notification within the app, social media posts and an article in our newsletter. At this time you’ll also be able to download an email list of fans collected through your Cassettes via our app and your dashboard. Then you can reach out to your new fans directly. Players will be able to purchase your music through your own outbound links on your Artist Profile. Maybe you have a special email offer for them… it’s up to you.

What happens to my song after my time has ended in Hidden Bands?

After your time in Hidden Bands has passed (up to four weeks) your song will no longer be in the game. But your Artist’s Profile will remain on www.HiddenBands.com. You’ll also remain in My History in the apps of players who have discovered you. But it doesn’t have to end. Why not submit another unreleased track and start over again?

Where should I hide my analog Cassettes if I get them?

It is best to hide an analog Cassette in a place that is protected from the outside elements. Leaving it on a park bench is not a good spot for example. Cassette cases were not intended to support the weight of a human butt. When you start to look around in the outside world you will notice there are tons of great places to stash a Cassette that aren’t impossible to find (with the help of a Hint or two), and keeps the Cassette protected from rain, wind, butts, piss and snow. More about hiding analog Cassettes here.

Can you recall the analog Cassettes with my song on them?

Nope. Your Cassettes will exist in the game for as long as players are finding and hiding them.  

Is my music protected?

That is a very great question. Your music is not protected 100%. As you know, these days it never is. Hidden Bands doesn’t give players a downloadable version of the artist’s song. People who find your digital Cassettes can only stream the music, either in their account, or in the capture wizard when they first find the Cassette. Analog Cassettes do contain an actual recording of your song, which can be duplicated (e.g. on a dual cassette deck found at a thrift store for under $10 CDN these days). We have no control over this.

Submitting your song to Hidden Bands is like going on tour. People will hear your music. If they like it and don’t want to pay for it, they will find a way to keep it. Some will buy an album, some will capture you on a mobile phone. All we can do is lock the door to keep the honest people out.

What if I record my own song over the Hidden Bands song on an analog Cassette?

Then you recorded your own song over the Hidden Bands song. Sure. Whatever. Make it a great song if you do.

Can I submit more than one song?

Absolutely! Want to do a split test to see which song will make a better single? You’ll need to contact us so we can set this up for you. You can also submit a second song to run through Hidden Bands after the first one has launched.

How much time should I allow if I want to get analog cassettes?

Analog cassettes take about 4 weeks to get manufactured so you need to keep this in mind. You’ll need to factor in this extra time for your launch on Hidden Bands and to make sure it aligns with your album or single’s release date. Math. It’s a thing. But trust us, analog cassettes are the bomb. An instantly collectable, limited numbered single your fans are really going to appreciate. We have a great relationship with www.duplication.ca, they sell cassettes directly to you at a discounted price. We don’t add any extra fees and the shipping is free. You can also add a second song for the B-side as a bonus. Talk to us [email protected] and let’s work it out.