How Do Indie Music Blogs, Radio Survive? The Harsh Reality

In the current music economy, many of the independent blogs and radio stations which launch have a difficult time staying afloat, but such small outfits are critical to the success of small artists when it comes to getting their music out in the world. __________________________ In this new post on…

ASCAP, BMI Issue Joint Open Letter On Consent Decree Reform [Full Text and Analysis]

The rules that govern how ASCAP and BMI collect fees for songwriters and music publishers date back to a deal the pair made with the US Department of Justice in 1941. The DoJ recently said that it is reviewing those consent decrees and may end them. Today, the two PROs…

Magic Records: Copyright Free Music For Mixing, Monetizing

For those weary of the same tired royalty free music, Magic Records offers an excitingly large catalog of copyright free music in the techno/electronic vein, and is available for use by producers, artists, and mixers. Here we look at how this resource can be utilized. ________________________________ Guest post by Bo…

Did Technology Bring About The Death Of Good Music?

After new research was released suggesting that millennials prefer golden oldies to contemporary pop, Stephen Carlisle did some digging to determine if this was in fact accurate and, if so, what role technology may have played in the "decline" of music’s quality. _____________________________ Guest post by Stephen Carlisle of NOVA…

Behind The Curtain Of The New Balance X BEGINNERS Campaign (Part I)

Synch licensing can be one of the greatest ways for artists to gain exposure to a wider, fresh audience. Once a privilege largely reserved for already successful artists, more developing band are getting these exciting opportunities, as evidenced in a recent collaboration between New Balance Shoes and up-and-coming AWAL artist…

Are YOU A Male Ally To Women In The Music Business?

As more allegations of predatory behavior by men in the music business continue to emerge, Chris Robley shares a recent open letter from Joe Crookston to the Arts and Music Community, encouraging men in the music industry to make a commitment to act as true allies to women in the…

5 Lessons Learned From Shep Gordon

Talent manager, producer, and film agent Shep Gordon recently released a book titled The Call Me Supermensch, which uses a backstage pass to his life as a framing device for some important lessons about the music and entertainment industry. Here we look at five key takeaways. _______________________________ Guest post by…

ASCAP Sues 13 Venues For Playing Music Without Paying

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 13 music venues for “unauthorized public performance of its members’ copyrighted musical works.” The PRO represents 700,000 independent songwriters, composers and music publishers and “ensures its members can earn a living from their art by licensing…

Spotify Launches In India Without WMG Deal, Premium Costs $1.67 Monthly

Spotify ramped up its battle with Warner Music Group on Tuesday, launching in India without a signed deal with the Warner/Chappell music publishing arm of the world’s third largest music group. WMG had failed on Monday to get a court injunction to stop the launch. Spotify Premium will cost 119…

Teen Musician Rejects $3M Deal: No Need For Label Thanks To Internet

Billboard magazine recently released a profile of teenaged musician/rapper NLE Choppa, who handily turned down a $3 million label deal, opting instead to partner with a distribution company, UnitedMasters, and maintain all rights to his work. Kids these days! ______________________________ Guest post by Mike Masnick of Techdirt There’s a pretty…