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Ever go to a show and catch a real killer opening band? I’m sure you have — I’ve seen plenty. But after that show is over, that band could fall into oblivion. Such is the way the music industry is working nowadays. Pandora, one of the greatest sites ever invented, in my opinion, is teaming with Alltel to help promote and distribute these bands’ music. They’re working to create local music stations which feature “distinct, regional music styles and the local artists who play them.” This sounds like an excellent idea for the next step in music evolution. With the power of the Internet and services like Pandora, we don’t need the record companies anymore.

The process is simple. Pandora users in certain Alltel markets can log onto Pandora’s website and submit their favorite local artists. The only thing to do after that is, well, listen to them.

“This campaign is a great example of leveraging the strength of interactive media to deliver a new and rich customer experience. By tapping into the high affinity of Pandora’s listenership, Alltel Wireless can generate excitement and enthusiasm within their customer base about discovering and sharing local music styles and bands around the country, from salsa to reggae to the blues,” said Cheryl Lucanegro, vice president of advertising sales for Pandora.

“We’re excited about our relationship with Pandora and launching this innovative media campaign,” said Lisa Bryant, staff manager of interactive advertising for Alltel Wireless. “This campaign was designed through our inspired collaboration with our agency Ingenuity Media and gives our customers the ability to create their own music stations while at the same time supporting local bands in their communities.”

Now, you might be wondering what Alltel gets out of this. Simply, they get to advertise to these Pandora users. When you log into the service, you’ll see Alltel ads, which will promote its My Circle brand of phone plans. Hence this service being only available in certain Alltel markets.

Really, it’s a great development. I’m kind of disappointed that I can’t submit a band from my area, since you can’t get Alltel here. But it’s a start. I’d far rather listen to a group of local bands than the crap they play on the radio.

[MarketWire]

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