If you’re a musician or fronting a band getting lost in the endless abyss of generic domain names, adding “music” at the end of your website's URL, or fighting domain resellers to the death, there is a new solution: the .MUSIC domain. It’s not just another dot com; it’s a new digital badge meant exclusively for musicians and music industry pros. And unlike your average web domain, this one’s not for sale to anyone with an internet connection and a few bucks.
The Basics: What is a .Music Domain?
The .MUSIC domain is an industry-vetted top-level domain (TLD) designed for verified artists, labels, publishers, and other music-related professionals. If you’re thinking, “So what? It’s just a domain,” remember that over 100,000 songs get uploaded to Spotify daily, so even the smallest verification that you are an actual musician or band can matter.
Constantine Roussos, the guy behind this idea, has been fighting for years to bring the .MUSIC domain to life, beating out tech giants like Amazon and Google. His goal? He says it is to create a space where musicians can protect their brand, fend off piracy, and avoid being mistaken for AI. In other words, he is trying to give musicians something that is theirs in this digital hellscape that has forced musicians not only to write and perform music but also be the marketing manager, booking agent, merchandiser, content creator, producer, engineer, and so much more.
Why the .MUSIC Domain Exists
Maybe we are naive, but we feel pretty confident that this isn’t just another cash grab. The.MUSIC domain seems to have an altruistic intent to build trust in an industry that has been fighting copyright battles since Napster was a thing and to give artists a sliver of an advantage over music tech companies. With AI creating soundalikes and voice clones, this domain can help fans know they’re interacting with a real artist. Plus, it helps artists protect their work from unauthorized use and piracy.
The .MUSIC domain attempts to address the mess of unverified music on the web. Right now, if someone uploads your track on some shady site, there is little recourse. But if you’re on a .MUSIC domain, a verified seal of authenticity, it could maybe help you get it taken down. We think it is kind of like a “blue check” for the music world without dealing with the mess Elon Musk made of Twitter, or rather “X."
The Pros of a .MUSIC domain
Only verified musicians and music pros can get these domains. That means fans know they’re getting the real thing, not some AI-generated clone, spammer, or someone parked on the URL.
While it won’t stop piracy entirely, it makes it a hell of a lot harder to pass off counterfeit tracks.
A .MUSIC domain lets people know you’re serious about your craft. It’s like rolling up to a gig in a tour van instead of the rapid ride. No shade to public transit, we're big fans, and we can even help you get free or reduced fares as a SMASH Member.
The Cons of a .MUSIC domain
You can’t just scoop up a .MUSIC domain; you’ve got to prove your credentials, and even then, premium domains will cost you more than your .net or .co. So, if you don't have proof you make music, forget it.
We’re much more lax about verification; we accept a wide variety of ways to showcase your musical talent, so if you aren’t a SMASH member but you make music, you should join. Not a musician? Become a supporter.
How to get a .MUSIC domain
Want to claim your .MUSIC slice of the internet? First, you’ve got to search, make sure it is available, and then purchase. After that, you have to go through the verification process. We hear it is not the easiest thing in the world; we wouldn't know because apparently someone already bought SMASH.MUSIC...
But enough about us, whether you’re an established artist or just beginning your career, the .MUSIC domain could offer an opportunity to build a more secure and professional online presence. With this new digital real estate, musicians can protect their brand, connect with fans authentically, and focus on their craft without worrying about online impersonation. As we dive further into the digital age, the .MUSIC domain could be an essential asset for artists committed to protecting their art and legacy.
Together, We Can Build a Healthier Future for Music
Seattle’s musicians give so much to our community—now it’s our turn to give back. Your donation to SMASH provides local artists access to affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and vital support services, helping them thrive both on and off the stage. Together, we can ensure the music never stops.
When you make a tax-deductible gift to SMASH, you directly impact our capacity to serve current members, expand programs and services, and support even more musicians in our area.
CHOOSE YOUR DONATION TYPE: