SXSW To Change Contract After 50+ "Outraged" Artists Send Open Letter Of Protest

Amid growing protest to change its official contract, which threatens to notify immigration authorities if an artist plays official or unofficial showcases without proper visas or otherwise break festival rules, SXSW has pledged to reword the document next year. _____________________________________ Adding fuel to a growing protest over a clause that…

Musicians React To SXSW Contract That Threatens To Inform Immigration Authorities, Festival Responds

SXSW has been dragged kicking and screaming into the immigration debate thanks to its official contract which threatens to notify U.S. immigration authorities if an artist plays official or unofficial showcases without the proper work visas. ___________________________________ In a series of tweet this week, Felix Walworth of indie band Told…

Spotify Launches #SXSW Fan Hub, Curated Playlists

Spotify has teamed with SXSW to share the festival’s music experience with those unable to travel to Austin. Users can access Spotify SXSW genre-specific curated playlists on the SXSW 2017 hub on Spotify and within the SXSW GO app. For those able to experience live some of the 2,200 artists…

Oscar Performances Boost Song Sales 200% On Average

Nielsen Music tracked the seven songs performed during Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony, and they received a collective 200+% sales boost. Here is the breakdown: Total Performed Songs +206% Sunday vs. Saturday +20K units Sunday vs. Saturday Highlights (all highlights compare Sunday sales to Saturday sales) Justin Timberlake kicked off the…

39 Music Tech Events At SXSW

Given the scope and scale of SXSW, it can often be overwhelming to try and narrow down which events to attend. Here the the good people at MusicTectonics and rock paper scissors have assembled a list of 39 tech related meetups and sessions for those interested in that facet of…

La La Land Lands Both Of Oscars’ Music Awards, Streams Soar

UPDATED: Last night’s Oscars celebrated the best in film; and since most great films are anchored by music two awards were given that honored music. La La Land one them both against some stiff competition. Best score Jackie WINNER: La La Land Lion Moonlight Passengers Best song Audition (La La…

Fast Company Names 10 Most Innovative Music Companies 2017

Fast Company has named its Most Innovative Companies of 2017 and 10 made Music ‘s Most Innovative list. They include only one music streamer, one record label, one that has very little to do with music and a heavy emphasis on companies that empower musicians. _________________________ 10 Most Innovative Music…

Brit Award Winners 2017 – The Full List From David Bowie To Beyonce

David Bowie was the only 2X winner at last night’s Brit Awards, the biggest show on the UK music calendar. As usual, the evening was filled with surprises. Here are all the nominees and 2017 Brit Award Winners: ________________________ British male solo artist Craig David David Bowie – WINNER Kano…

Tom Petty’s MusiCares Speech: "I joined the conspiracy to put black music on the popular white radio."

On the 10th of February, Tom Petty of Heartbreaker fame was honored as MusiCares® Person of the Year, owing to both his accomplishments as an artist and for his long history of significant charity work and efforts defending artists’ rights. Here we look at a transcript of his speech following…

The Grammys Boost: Who Saw The Biggest Uptick On Pandora?

Regardless of who went home with an award on the night of the 2017 Grammys (Adele) it’s important to consider for whom it had the best effect streaming-wise. Here we break down which artists saw the biggest post-Grammys bump. __________________________________ Guest post by Emily Blake of Pandora’s Next Big Sound…