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"We use cookies in our programming so that users have a better online experience," says IdeaStar Software Developer Doug Hayes. "Cookies are especially important for consumer Web sites like health insurance and performing arts sites that IdeaStar develops. And they are vital to larger consumer and password protected sites."

The result has been a surge of music-based websites. These sites allow artists to create their own websites, upload MP3s and promote music free of cost. One website which has received much attention is iSOUND.COM.

A musician himself, D.J. Burdick’s purpose has been clear from beginning: create a website that allows unsigned artists to upload MP3s so they can share their music with world. Burdick, founder and creator of music-based website iSOUND.COM, began his career in 1999, shortly after graduating from high school. At first, main focus of iSOUND.COM was to give visitors more information about their favorite bands.

“I was looking for information about artists I liked, and I couldn’t find anything comprehensive on Internet,” says Burdick. “So, I decided to create my own website.”

He then spent one year developing and implementing iSOUND.COM. In 2000, Burdick relocated to Dallas, Texas to attend Southern Methodist University. In Dallas, Burdick realized that it was difficult to find gigs and get his music heard. That is when he had an idea.

“I decided to expand iSOUND.COM. I wanted to make it a music community where artists could share their music with world,” says Burdick.

While attending university, Burdick continued working on his website. In 2004, he graduated from SMU’s Cox School of Business. Along with a few college friends, he decided to make iSOUND.COM his full-time career.