I just read an article over at ArtistsHouse about how artists are reaching out to their fans via iPhone applications.

The question I have is this: are these applications used only by existing fans, or do they actually reach out to new listeners?  I think it depends on the application. Artists like Lady Gaga have their apps instantly featured in the iTunes application store, and as a result sail right to the top of the most downloaded list. This portrays the image that their music must be good. A consumer does not even need to download the application. Just by seeing the artist on the list of most downloaded applications, they will remember their name.

Apple has always been quick to promote musicians like this, but what if you’re not as popular as Lady Gaga or The Jonas Brothers? In this case, its less likely that your app will take off. Without being promoted by Apple or having a fan base that will immediately go download your application, there is not much chance of growing your audience from the app store. Most features included in these applications are bonus content that fans want, such as interviews, new tracks, exclusive music videos, etc.  Consumers simply will not want to pay money for these things unless they are already fans.  For this reason, in my opinion, the app store cannot help grow your fame, unless you already have a reasonable amount of following, or are featured by Apple themselves.