However, there are alternatives.

Derek Turner, for instance, has done the traditional band scene, having played in several Sutherland Shire bands over the years, including Cronulla's Throwdown.

The guitarist/songwriter from Gymea is still heavily involved in the music scene, but these days the delivery is somewhat different.

Turner, 40, recently wrote and recorded a song entitled Helpless Heart and then he produced a video to go with it.

This was all done in his home studio and backyard, saving himself hundreds of dollars.

During the past few weeks, the video has been getting regular television airplay on Channel V's Channel U program, where viewer votes determine the show's daily playlist. The audience must really like it because Helpless Heart has appeared regularly in the show's top ten, peaking at number three.

The song and video feature impressive performances from Rachael Woodlands of Lilli Pilli, a highly sought-after session vocalist.

Aside from his own music, Turner has also spent the last five years establishing a record label with the goal of promoting shire bands and artists.

Quarterpipe Records is a "new school'' label, selling music via the internet.

Music fans can download single songs from www.quarterpiperecords.com directly to their MP3 players for $1.50.

"The advantage here for young bands is that they no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars on CD manufacturing,'' Turner said.

One of Quarterpipe Records' success stories is pianist and vocalist Stef, from Oyster Bay, who has recorded four songs that have proved to be high sellers.

Stef recently began performing live in the city.

Also, shire band Freetown is selling its music to fans in the US, thanks to the diversity of the internet.

Available as well on Quarterpipe Records is music from Giraffe's Casino, Ninth Pillar and Newstone all from the shire and St George.

Turner is keen to hear from bands and artists who would like to be included in the catalogue: 0412 218 789.