About Chartjackers
In September 2009 four Youtube vloggers were challenged to write, record and release a pop genre song in a ten week period. The four vloggers who responded to this challenge were John Haggert, Alex Day, Jimmy Hill and Charlie McDonnell. These aspiring music singers who became known as Chartjackers were to use the crowds of Youtube and other internet fans to gain ideas and styles for their musical endeavor. At the end ten week period the pop song they produced needed to release and sell about 25,000 singles which would help to place their song at the number one spot in music charts.
In this reality show version the group asked fans and other supporters via the internet to help them by posting one line comments which could be used in the music video. The second week of their challenge Chartjackers the lyrics for the song were chosen and set. To help make the song which was given the title “I’ve Got Nothing” more depth the group then asked their fans for a suitable melody style. To this request their fans provided Chartjackers with 51 possible selections. In order to make sure they choose the best possible musical tone the group asked a professional producer for some help.
From this help the Chartjackers were able to look at the video auditions that would provide the group with the musical style they wanted. While the group was deciding on the best way of releasing their new song, they also chose the singers who would “perform” for Chartjackers official release of “I’ve Got Nothing”. In week 6 of their challenge the song was recorded for the first time. However at this time there was no airplay or playlisting for their song. This meant the next step in releasing the song was to get some airplay time.
After some initial disappointment Chartjackers were able to perform their single in front of a live band. After this performance the song was released via the iTunes Store. Fans were encouraged to buy this single. In the tenth week the song was officially released and gained airplay time. After some time the song reached the number 1 position on the UK Indie Chart. The sales which were generated from the single were donated to the Children in Need foundation.
While many singers use the internet to promote their songs, this is one example of where the hopes and dreams of aspiring musicians can be made a reality with some hard work, perseverance and the help of their numerous fans.
