An analysis of existing artist/band websites and the conclusions drawn from the research

1. WEBSITE ANALYSIS
I am going to look at existing websites from artists and bands from a similar genre as Sean
Bones to determine common features on a music website, and also to gain inspiration for my
own website.

2. 1. MUMFORD AND SONS
www.mumfordandsons.com

3. 8 pages
Audio symbol
Clear rectangular structure to make
distinction between each section
Options for audience to
connect with band
Understated, vintage feel to
the template and choice of
colours – fitting with the band

4. Using a blog linked to the website creates a personal touch – a way for the audience/fans to find
out what the band are doing, where they are etc.
Large, high quality image
Clear menu bar to navigate

5. Posts written by the band, information
about them, quotes
Lots of images to scroll
through from live
performances

6. Slideshow of YouTube videos to navigate through with arrows

7. Album artwork
Short description of album –
important for new fans
Tracklist
Links to purchase music

8. 2. BEN HOWARD
www.benhowardmusic.co.uk

9. 9 pages
Music player
Links to social network within
easy access
A clip from one of Ben Howard’s music videos
which plays on repeat in the background (not an
image)
Sticks to black, white and
yellow for text – simplistic and
looks professional

10. Album artwork that links to
iTunes, shows on every page of
the website - promotion
Social network
‘share buttons’

11. Album artwork that links to
iTunes, shows on every page of
the website - promotion
Option to change location
Search bar –
user friendly
Basket – easy instant access
to tickets
Relevant information presented
clearly in a table format

12. Album artwork that links to
iTunes, shows on every page of
the website - promotion
Tracklist
Links to purchase
album, quick and easy

13. Slideshow of images to click through with arrows, nothing else on the page
Use of bold, black lines to act as dividers – makes the website clear
and easy to follow

14. Currency option – global aspect
Special offers and
promotions to encourage
purchases
Medium sized thumbnails which
can be enlarged once clicked on

15. 3. BASTILLE
www.bastillebastille.com

16. Blank page with Bastille logo and ‘enter website’ button – certainly attracts attention and
stands out from other artist/band websites
Importance of social
networking

17. 13 pages
Very simplistic homepage – background
image and logo. Unconventional
Quick links to social
networking sites

18. Promoting the album -
direct link to purchase
Filmstrip background with video clips
layered over it, scroll left and right when
cursor is placed over it

19. Store opens up on a new window - different background,
colour scheme, but same logo and fonts
Merchandise organised
by type of product
Medium thumbnails with relevant
information, basket at bottom of
page

20. Links to purchase product, with prices
Background same as before, fits corporate identity Tracklist

21. • A consistent theme running throughout, which also matches the music videos and
album artwork - in terms of colour, images, fonts and logos
• Plenty of high quality images, either used as backgrounds, album covers or featured in
the ‘gallery’ section
• Between 8-11 different pages, clearly presented on the navigation bar
• Consistent promotion of the album, with direct links to iTunes and other sources
• Use of logo on each page, reinforcing corporate identity of the artist/brand
• Slideshows of images and videos, incorporating lots of mixed media to the website
includingYouTube, Soundcloud etc
• Social networking logos, feeds and share buttons
• Methods to contact and connect with the artist/band - through social networks, email
dropbox, forums, blogs, newsletters
• Clear dividers (usually bold, black lines) to ensure that the website is easy to follow
and clearly laid out
• Opportunities to purchase tickets for live dates directly from the website
• Short description of artist/band to attract new fans
Common features of an artist/band website: