What exactly is the RCRD LBL? (and yes, the vowel keys on my computer still work, it’s just their clever name.)

RCRD LBL launched in November of 2007 and was founded by Peter Rojas, who happens to be the same guy behind Gizmodo and Engadget, and Josh Deutsch from Downtown Records.

The site, which is something like a music blog, offers free MP3 downloads.

That’s right, I did say that the music is free and legit. No gimmicks attached.

Here’s how it works: The downloads are all ad sponsored, by companies like Puma, Nikon and Virgin Air. So, they’re yours to keep, as long as it’s for personal use.

RCRD LBL also has teamed up with other lables, such as Warp, Modular, Dim Mak, Kompakt, Ghostly, Dirtybird, Drowned in Sound, Seen, and Turntable Lab, to provide a great rooster of up and coming acts to established ones.

Some of these you artists you may have already heard of like, Bloc Party, Cold War Kids, The Black Keys, Dinosaur Jr., Kaki King, Moby, Sigur Ros and Spoon. While most of these acts will probably continue to release music in tradition means, since they have other contracts, you can expect to hear rarities, remixes or live cuts on RCRD LBL. They also have up to date widgets with artist info, photos, tours, etc. Which is very cool.

Now, here’s the part that applies to you.

If you’re an emerging act, all you have to do is simply drop a link to one of your songs, not a full MP3, to aandr@rcrdlbl.com, and if they dig it, well then, you’re on your way.

And before you ask, artists do get paid for their music. A lesser known act will get $500, while established acts get $5,000. RCRD LBL well also split profits from licensing, like commercials, with the artists.

RCRD LBL is still in it’s infancy, but it looks like it’s on a good track. They have over 1,400 fans on Facebook and are included on a number of streaming music players, aka widgets, with their sponsors, which also includes BMW, besides the ones already mentioned. Also, RCRD LBL has already popped up on music sites like Pandora, PureVolume, Pitchfork, Songza and Hype Machine.

If you’re looking to get some more exposure, than defiantly check out RCRD LBL. It may not mean instant success, but something has to come out this in our digital friendly world with their clever marketing.