In Internet terminology, sideload is a process involving transfer of data between two devices over a USB connection. While Sideload.com functions on a similar principle, it’s more accurate to say that the website is a kind of music search engine.
Sideload.com primarily works in tandem with MP3Tunes, a music-storage service. So while the website’s main beneficiaries are users of MP3Tunes, regular users can also benefit from this website.
In simple terms, Sideload is like a log book. Whenever a user ‘sideloads’ an mp3 to his locker, Sideload.com records it and makes the same file available on its website. An important thing to remember is that the website captures the original source of the mp3 and is not connected to the MP3Tunes user at all.
Once you find the song you’re looking for on Sideload.com, you have 2 options: you can either listen to the song or download it to your hard drive. If you’re an MP3Tunes user, you have the additional option of transferring the file to your Music Locker. All of this is completely free.
You can find all kinds of music on Sideload, right from what’s currently burning up the charts to indie artists. You can either search for something specific or take the plunge and listen to something new. What’s nice is the ‘popular tracks’ and ‘featured artists’ sections on the site that lets you discover new music you might not otherwise have the opportunity to listen to.
While the website does have links to copyrighted content, it is still relatively safe because Sideload itself does not host any files. It just links to files that are available elsewhere. Yes, I know that’s not much of an argument but what else can I say? What do you think of Sideload? Do you know of any similar services? Let me know.
