You might have heard alot about MP3, the new audio technology that terrified many in the record industry. Just what is it all about? Omitting all the technicalities of it, MP3 (MPEG 1, Audio Layer 3) is a technology that compresses high-quality sound file into digital audio format so that they can be downloaded quickly onto your PC hard drive. MP3 has become so popular amongst users, (especially students, who traditionally are big music consumers) for various reasons.

It is the latter that created a "conflict" between Record industry led by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and MP3 supporters mainly consumers like us, unknown musicians looking to make name for themselves online, as well as those companies whose bottom-line depends on it. Opponents says that MP3 encourage copyrights violation as individuals can readily produce MP3s from CD using some software.

These MP3 files can then be posted onto the Internet for everybody to download. While emailing attachment like images or text files is the norm, MP3 files can be easily be email when bandwidth becomes cheaper and faster. How can it be stop? I don't see a chance at the moment. Alot of illegal MP3s websites has been close down by record companies, at the same time new MP3 providers spring up.

However, more and more legal MP3s by big-name artists like Public Enemy, David Bowie, Beastie Boys, Prince etc. are becoming more common. I will not go further into (I know its too much already) those side issues.

If you are interested you can read all the news on MP3 at:  http://www.wired.com/news/news/mpthree/

I will get down straight to where you can find a MP3 player and some LEGAL MP3s to play your first digital music or noise. But don't sue me if it gets you into trouble.

First off, you need to download a player. There are many of them on the Internet. Some are freeware and some for sale. I will just list the best few.

1) FreeAmp

FreeAmp is an Open Source effort to build the best digital audio player available. It currently features the Xing MPEG Decoder, giving it the ability to handle Layer 1, 2, and 3 MPEG audio streams. Its modular application architecture allows for future extensions to its supported audio formats and output devices, and even allows for entirely new user interface plugins.   

2) Sonique

Sonique is a relatively new player, however it is arguably one of the most visually stunning. Sonique comes equipped with all the features users have grown to expect from a media player application. A full-featured playlist editor, 20-band graphic equalizer, and standard CD-Player-like controls are some of the audio features included.

3) Apollo V2.5

This feature-rich music player not only supports the popular MP3 audio file format, it also plays practically every sound format available. Other features includes a groovy spectrum analyzer and real-time oscilloscope, a terrific playlist that can be created or modified with drag-and-drop ease. What is more? It's FREE!

Shareware

1) WinAmp

Winamp is the current premier MPEG audio player for Windows. It plays all Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPEG audio streams and files, and combines core functionality found in most MPEG audio players with a good graphical user interface. This is the most popular and versatile. If you like to change the skin (the graphical face), of your WinAmp player you can download thousands of skins at this website.
2) MacAmp

Mac version of WinAmp http://www.macamp.com/download.shtml

For more of some of the BEST players go to

• http://www.mp3.com/software/

• http://www.filemine.com/showPack

There are thousands of songs available for FREE downloading all over the Internet.

MP3.com

MP3.com is considered by many as the hub of the MP3 community. It is an Ultimate source for FREE high quality music. Start browsing at their Top 40 Chart. It is also a great place to start your quest for MP3 info especially for beginners. They offered a detailed FAQ, links to software and hardware on MP3. You will quickly get acquainted with this audio technology at this site. To get some humor of your this site, try the Band name generator. I got names like "Pink Lighter", "Hideous Bamboo", "Whiskey Stone" and "Rerun

MP3Now.com
This is another one-stop solution to all your MP3 needs. Their directory is organized in a Yahoo! like fashion. They have a news section, music downloads, loads of links to MP3 software and hardware as well as links to more popular artists, eg. Public Enemy, Taylor Dayne, etc.

GoodNoise Corporation
GoodNoise is the premier website for sampling and purchasing music in MP3 format, through their relationships with artists and license agreements with leading independent record labels. Their website feature an expanding catalog of music and will provides you with a simple, convenient way to sample, purchase and download songs or albums. If you like singing or wish to share your music talents with the world and maybe earn some money, whynot record your songs with an online recording company and distribute your songs in MP3 format. I am sure there will be someone interested in your songs.  

Audio Diner
Here you can download CD-quality music from awesome artists for the bargain price of zero. If you prefer CDs, you can sample tunes from the albums then order the CD directly from the site. Most importantly. if you want to figure out what they are singing especially those heavy metal and "fast" song, lyrics for all the songs are available too.

WorldWideBands.com
Listen to Indie Bands and Artists at WorldWideBands.com. Rock, Alternative, Hip Hop, Metal, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Country Music and more! Also, you can download Free Mp3 and Real Audio Players here.

Auction Carnival

If you can't find the songs that you want from the above sites, try using a MP3 search engine. These MP3 search engines will scour the net and try to find the best "fit" for your keyword. Again, I need to warn you and to protect myself against any liability. Some of the search results will be linked to Illegal MP3 websites where you can download pirate copy of songs. Especially songs from big-name artists.

2Look4

MP3 Box

ScourNet

Audio Find - Browse for your favourite songs by artist, genre or search by keyword.

Download Abe's MP3 Finder -a Freeware for searching MP3 files on the Internet.

There are also newsgroups that you can find music in their specific category. The discussion topics on these sites are self-explanatory:

alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1950s
alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1960s
alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1970s
alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1980s
alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1990s
alt.binaries.country.mp3