Have you had visions of cutting an album? Many, many years ago I worked at McDonald's and they kept me working on the grill because had I worked the counter I might have sung the orders - I see a microphone and feel the need to Sing! "Special orders don't upset us." No, wait, that was Burger King. ANYWAY.

My fantasy has always been to jam with Carly Simon. But now, Audacity makes it possible for me to "cut my own album!"

Audacity is a free download software that will allow you to record directly into your computer and then manipulate the file. As I was learning to use it this weekend, I quickly learned that my small laptop could play the role of a studio mixer in that I could harmonize with myself, cut, edit, add additional background music - it is my newest toy.

So how can I use this? Well, currently I'm making an accompanying MP3 file for a business workbook I've written, but you can also make an audio welcome message for your website, podcast, or make a demo tape to send to Carly!!!

Check it out. It's super easy to use.

Are there other music downloads that you've used? How have you used them to promote your business?

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Professional Writer, Closet Singer
AllWrite Ink