Sponsors

88tc88 is an automated, web based service that helps bands, artists and labels to translate, approve, sell and promote their music in Greater China. 88 translates your lyrics and all meta-data and arranges official approval by the Chinese authorities for the material to be released. 88tc88 offers access and sales to over 950 million subscribers on China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom for digital and mobile release. Prices range from $49.99 for one album for one year to $399.99 for 5 albums for 5 years, You keep 90% of your net earnings, after Chinese telecoms and Chinese distributor commissions are deducted.
88tc88.com translates, approves, releases, promotes and sells your music to one billion Chinese people.

AirPlay Direct is a global digital music delivery system servicing radio and the entertainment industry with downloadable content from some of the biggest names in music, alongside rising independent artists. AirPlay Direct’s web-based artist marketing, promotion, education, and advocacy platform allows artists, record labels, and music publishers to securely deliver broadcast-quality music and digital press kits to industry professionals worldwide. Our system allows media programmers and film/TV music supervisors to connect to new music, create music calls, browse top downloaded artists, and immediately download music and related artist information. AirPlay Direct recently debuted their monthly digital/interactive publication, the Direct Buzz.

Launched on July 4th, 2005 to represent the needs of the independent music label community, this year A2IM celebrated its fourth anniversary as the sector’s pre-eminent advocacy group and trade organization. Currently, the organization counts over 225 music label members and 100 associate members (companies who don’t own masters but rely upon, provide services for, or otherwise support independent music labels). A2IM is a not-for-profit trade organization serving the independent music community as a unified voice representing a sector that comprises over 30% of the music industry’s market share in the United States (and 38% of SoundScan digital sales). The organization represents the Independents’ interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. A2IM is headquartered in New York City.

AIM is a not-for-profit trade body established in 1999 to represent the UK independent music industry. Now in its 10th year, AIM acts for over 90% of the independent market, with over 800 members from small start-ups to the largest and most respected independents in the world. AIM promotes this exciting and diverse sector globally, leveraging the sector’s power as a fifth major to enable its members to grow, grasp new opportunities and break into new markets. AIM oversees an independent sector whose artists have claimed four Mercury Music Prizes in a row (2003 – 2006) and earned two thirds of all nominations between 2005 and 2008. Artists signed to UK Independents also scooped a quarter of all available prizes at the 2008 Brit Awards, with an independent-signed act grabbing “Best British Group” for the fourth year running. This confirms the sector’s undoubted lead in A&R. The independent sector regularly accounts for 30% of all UK artist album awards (silver, gold, platinum/multi-platinum). In 2008, independent albums made up over half of the fifty “best albums of the year” according to the UK music press, and independents claimed five of the top ten releases. Artists signed to AIM member labels include: Adele, Amadou & Miriam, Arctic Monkeys, Basement Jaxx, Battles, Bjork, Bloc Party, Bon Iver, Coldcut, Enter Shikari, Franz Ferdinand, Infadels, Jack Penate, Jarvis Cocker, Jay Sean, Jose Gonzalez, Justice, Katie Melua, M.I.A., Maximo Park, Mr. Scruff, Nitin Sawnhey, Radiohead, Reverend And The Makers, Rogrigo Y Gabriela, Roots Manuva, Royksopp, Seasick Steve, Sufjan Stevens, Super Furry Animals, The Cribs, The Futureheads, The Prodigy, The Raconteurs, The Strokes, The White Stripes, Vampire Weekend and thousands of others.

Originally formed in 2007 as The Artist Development Group, The Alternate Root, LLC is a multi-media company dedicated to the development and advancement of American Roots music and the artists, composers and producers that comprise the format. By offering a comprehensive collection of services and expertise including radio promotion, marketing, consulting, film and television placement, video production and promotion and music publishing we are helping to define American Roots music and raise awareness of the music to the public sector. During our 5 years of operation we have developed The Alternate Root Magazine, Alternate Root TV, Americana Media Productions, ADC Film and Songs With Vision as vehicles to reach our company objectives. The Alternate Root, LLC is leading the way with innovation and creativity that is unrivaled in the world of American Roots music. We do not look at recent industry trends as opportunity but rather as rewards for groundwork we have done for the past 5 years. As dedicated fans of this music and music industry veterans we saw a problem and have dedicated ourselves to solving it.

ARTFOX is a next generation social job platform for the Arts and Entertainment industry where professionals, companies and employers can connect, communicate and easily exchange opportunities. Showcasing work and finding professional opportunities is just the tip of the iceberg. More than just a job bank, Artfox stimulates interdisciplinary connections, collaborations, and networking on a global scale. Connecting people in meaningful and innovative ways, Artfox serves as a bridge for everyone in the arts.

Create your account for free today!

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association fosters and increasing marketplace for Australian Independent Labels and self-released artists through collective bargaining, professional development, networking opportunities, marketing and publicity for the sector. AIR has 120 Label members and relationships with all key Australian music industry bodies. AIR also produces the Jagermeister Australian Independent Music Awards and published the Jagermeister Australian Independent Music Charts.

If you are looking to do business within/with the vibrant Australian independent music scene then AIR is the place to start. We can help your business grow and find valuable partnerships within the Australian Market.

It’s a difficult time to make it as a musician, and Band Letter is all about helping you to navigate these challenging waters and achieve your goals. From designing a great-looking newsletter to helping you come up with content that will keep your fans engaged and excited, we’re here to help you cultivate your fan base.

Bandzoogle s the most effective platform for musicians to build their website and manage their direct-to-fan marketing and sales. Independent and DIY musicians can create a pro and fully functional website without having to code anything or hire expensive designers. They can add features like mailing list management and e-mail blasts, centralized Facebook/Twitter/Myspace updates, blogging and detailed fan analytics. With Bandzoogle, artists can also quickly build an online store to sell their digital and physical goods, at no commission. Bandzoogle is free to try, and offers affordable monthly subscriptions plans, with the best support in the industry.

Berkleemusic, the online extension school of Berklee College of Music, has the largest collection of forward-thinking online music courses available anywhere in the world. Study online with Berklee’s renowned faculty in areas including Music Business, Music Production, Guitar, Bass, Voice, Music Theory, Harmony & Ear Training, Songwriting, and more. Over 150 accredited courses and certificate programs are enrolling now.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 475,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for 70 years. The U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.

bureauexport is a French non-profit organization and network created in 1993, that helps French and international music professionals work together to develop French-produced music around the world and to promote professional exchange between France and other territories. For 15 years, bureauexport has been assisting the French music industry to develop its artists internationally, in all musical genres. bureauexport offers a wide range of services in collaboration with professionals of the export industry including consulting services, strategic marketing assistance, event creation and coordination, and many other resources and services for French Artists and record labels. In addition to the consulting, prospecting and development assistance missions in five strategic market territories around the world, The bureauexport also offers financial assistance to both French Artists and record labels.

bureauexport www.french-music.org

bureauexport USA – New York www.francerocks.net

Go center stage with CanadianMusicians.com, the new n’ hot dot com spot for bands and artists to get noticed, get gigs and get info that is not available anywhere else! Their objective is to open doors for musicians from coast to coast to coast. CanadianMusicians.com is the next step in the evolution of the Canadian music scene and will create opportunities for individuals and bands with musical talent to get connected, get noticed, and get a genuine shot at making their dreams come true. The number one place to find tomorrow’s stars for tonight’s show!

CCM Indie, in conjunction with CCM Magazine, is the leading resource for helping independent Christian musicians, songwriters and performers enhance their music, business and faith. CCM Indie provides helpful tools and resources through a monthly email newsletter, social media and a specially-branded section of CCM digital magazine.

“We’re here to stand in the gap for artists — because we have the unique situation of being a part of CCM Magazine, we are able to offer unparalleled resources and information directly from our music biz contacts to our artists”, says CCM Indie’s Lindsey Kirkendall. “We also offer incredible opportunities to help artists increase their exposure through marketing, showcases and our Create Songwriting and Artist contests.”

To find out more about what we can do for you, sign up for the newsletter at: www.TodaysChristianMusic.com/CCM-Indie and connect with us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CCMIndie and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CCMIndie.

The CCMA is a non profit trade association dedicated to the growth and development of Canadian country music. For over 30 years the CCMA has marked each September with Country Music Week, a four day conference and celebration culminating in the broadcast CCMA Awards (established 1983). Country Music Week is one of the largest music events in Canada with a combination of activities for both community and industry including showcase opportunities for newcomers, educational seminars and an all day FanFest that delivers Canada’s stars to the community. www.ccma.org

CD Baby is the largest online music distribution company for independent music. We offer a host of artist services including physical and digital distribution, warehousing and shipping of CDs, DVDs, and vinyl, affordable web-hosting and design, a credit card swiper to increase your live sales, download cards, disc duplication, and more. www.cdbaby.com

CelebrityAccess is the ultimate resource for entertainment professionals and the largest provider of news and information to the live performance entertainment industry for over 10 years. Providing profiles on over 40,000 celebrities including direct and detailed contact information and bios for celebrity managers and agents, promoters, venues, talent buyers and sellers, also tour dates, box office scores, performance fee ranges and more, keeping you up to date and on top of the fast changing industry. Enroll for a FREE Trial and subscribe to Encore, their weekly newsletter reaching out to over 10,000 industry professionals. Visit them at www.celebrityaccess.com.

The Creative Musicians Coalition (CMC), established in 1984, is an international membership association dedicated to the advancement of new music and the success of independent musicians. CMC represents artists and labels worldwide. CMC distributes its members’ music and videos through its sister organization the Music Discovery Network. CMC offers networking opportunities and educational materials. CMC empowers and encourages fans to support their favorite artists through the Fans and Friends network. A CMC public membership is free on Facebook, and a professional membership is offered through its website at CreativeMusiciansCoalition.com. Membership is open to any individual or organization that supports independent music.

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival, one of the world’s most important platforms for the discovery of new music and cutting-edge films, will take over New York City from October 18 – 22, 2011. For five nonstop days and nights, over 1,300 live performances from over 40 countries will perform in more than 80 of New York City’s greatest venues and theatres. In addition to hundreds of showcase performances, cutting-edge films and informative panels, CMJ 2011 will present over 80 panels including featured speakers, a music business law seminar, exclusive parties, an exhibitor loft and lounges, mentoring sessions, networking parties, and other special events. Visit www.cmj.com/marathon to learn more.

Need CD or DVD manufacturing? Disc Makers has set the standard for over 62 years. Our manufacturing services provide the DIY musician retail-ready CDs in a matter of days. And with our Short Run website, you can make the exact number of discs you want, delivered in as few as 72 hours. On top of that, our Design Studio, SoundLab, and Authoring House can help make your product look, sound, and function better than you could have dreamed. We also offer custom-printed merchandise, web distribution packages, and a whole line of disc duplicators, blanks, and supplies if you’re looking to bring manufacturing capabilities in house. Special Offer: Get our Complete Recording Guide, FREE! Click here to request yours today.

Dropcards makes custom music download cards for independent bands and musicians. We’re really, really good at it.

eMusic is the world’s leading digital retailer of independent music, second only to iTunes in number of downloads sold. The eMusic Web site offers a global catalogue of more than 1.8 million tracks from established and emerging artists in every genre from the world’s leading independent labels. Created by music experts for music fans, it features award-winning editorial content, a vibrant online community and unrivaled music discovery tools. A subscription-based service that offers 25 free downloads at sign-up, eMusic gives consumers an inexpensive, low-risk way to explore great new music they wouldn’t find otherwise, and unlike other download services, its universally compatible MP3 files play on any device including the iPod®.

Headliner.fm is about Artists Helping Artists

Technology has made creating, sharing and selling music simple and easy. Thanks to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Tunecore, Protools, CDBaby, Bandcamp, TopSpin and Soundcloud artists can do more than they ever could before faster and for less. But all of this new technology fails to answer one simple question: how can artists reach new fans?

There are millions of bands and hundreds of millions of music fans on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Youtube. Imagine a world where artists could connect and work together to each new fans IN UNDER A MINUTE. We did. This is the idea behind Headliner.fm. We built Headliner to help artists and bands of all sizes connect with new artists and reach new fans.

Hello Music provides independent artists with career opportunities and deals on products and services. Musicians join for free at www.hellomusic.com to gain access to exclusive Daily Deals and to take advantage of services like studio time with renowned producers and one-on-one lessons with music legends. Recognized by Billboard Magazine as a Top 10 Best Digital Music Start-up and by Fast Company as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Music, Hello Music was created by Wilshire Media Group and launched in January of 2010.

Independent Music Exporters South Africa (IMEXSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to develop South African-produced music around the world, provide assistance, create export awareness, facilitating export development and create opportunities for emerging music companies in South Africa to be internationally successful and to promote professional exchange between South Africa and other countries while contributing significantly to the growth of the South African economy.

Independent Musicians Radio (IMRadio) will become a revenue-share internet radio station, revolutionizing the age old royalty based model of traditional radio stations. Instead of paying royalties on the original songs that it airs, IMRadio will put money directly into the musicians’ pockets. At absolutely no cost, any artist in the world can upload their original songs for airplay, as well as creating their own online store for their merchandise. With IMRadio, every artist, singer, songwriter, band, poet and comedian gets free airplay.

Jango.com is a top-10 music site where 7 million listeners create custom radio stations that play the artists they select plus similar artists Jango recommends.

Jango ‘Airplay’ is a promotional service for bands and artists to get their music promoted on Jango radio stations, to people who like similar kind of music. Jango.com has millions of listeners who want to discover new music just like yours.

“Im in Love with Jango” – Usa Today
“Straight Forward and Easy ” – Wall Street Journal
“Makes It Fun to Discover New Music” – Pc World
“Extremely Social Streaming Radio” – Wired
“Refreshingly Simply Online Radio” – Cnet

The Knoxville Songwriters’ Association was established by Sarah Williams in 1983 as a non-profit organization to serve the songwriting community of Knoxville, TN and surrounding areas. The Association presently has over 50 members and meets every Tuesday evening at the Fountain City Branch of the Knox County Library on Essary Road just east of Broadway. Meeting time is 6:00 till 8:00 p.m.

The main purpose of the Association is to bring together aspiring songwriters who are seeking information and education on the craft of songwriting. Various workshops and seminars are offered to members during the year at little or no additional cost to the member. Some of these workshops are on the craft of songwriting, while others may cover the music business or how best to market a song. Our seminar instructors are professionals who earn their living working full time in the music business, either as songwriters, artists, publishing/producing, or authors of instructional materials such as how-to books.

Additional information on how to become a member can be obtained from the KSA Website at www.knoxvillesongwritersassociation.org or by sending your name and address to: Membership Director, KSA, P.O. Box 603, Knoxville, TN 37901.

Limelight is a simple way for artists, bands, and record labels to obtain licenses and clear any cover song for digital download, physical CD, ringtone, and interactive streaming release. The service allows users to secure a mechanical license and pay 100% of the mechanical royalties owed to the songwriter and publisher. The service, which is powered by RightsFlow, offers several key features, including licenses that don’t expire, competitive fees, coverage of 100% of the publishing market, and the ability for users to clear any song that has been released in the USA. The service has extensive affiliate network including ASCAP, CD Baby, Disc Makers, and Musicnotes among others, along with global adoption with users in all 50 states and over 96 countries.

The Lehigh Valley Music Awards is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization. We strive to honor, promote & reward the musicians of The Valley and beyond. We are in our 12th year, and will be pleased to bring the community our award ceremony and show on Dec. 5th at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Allentown, PA. Throughout the year, we are involved in many concerts, shows and festivals. Our website is lehighvalleymusicawards.org. We are proud to have many of our musicians go on to work in commercials, and open and perform with national acts. We also have musicians who went on to American Idol, and do work for Walt Disney and many well known companies.

Lifebeat is a nonprofit that uses the power of music and the music industry to help educate young people about HIV/AIDS prevention. For more than seventeen years, Lifebeat has helped to mobilize the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and funds, and to provide support to the HIV-positive community.

Established in 1986, Los Angeles Women in Music (LAWiM) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering equal opportunity for women and men in the music industry and to promoting the advancement of women through empowerment, support, education, encouragement and recognition of their achievements. The goals and activities of LAWiM are founded on the belief that women and men working together in mutual respect, sharing abilities and expertise, will strengthen the music business and the music that is at its heart. At the same time, we recognize the unique and valuable contributions of women and advocate a musical world where these contributions are acknowledged and talents are nurtured. We provide forums and opportunities for emerging talents; pay tribute to women who have made distinctive and/or significant contributions to our musical culture; recognize those who have contributed to the betterment of women in music; provide educational programs and events at large; and give rise to social and civic issues in our local community through musical endeavors.

Mully Radio provides a platform for advanced music discovery, while providing numerous free resources and tools for Artist success. We broadcast the music of independent artists, and provide those artists who receive the most positive feedback with additional exposure opportunities. Artist will find a plethora of ways to earn an income with their craft, build a large fanbase, and can create a store-front for the sale of their merchandise, music, and event tickets.

In addition, listeners are rewarded for their feedback with credits that can be used for downloading any digital music files across Mully Radio.

The Muse’s Muse Songwriting Resource has been providing songwriters and independent musicians with writing and promotion tips since 1995. It features regular columnists on all sorts of relevant topics for anyone creatively and musically inclined, plus CD reviews, Artist Spotlights, a huge directory of music-related links, a store specifically for songwriters with products and services at discounted rates, a very active message board and a free monthly newsletter that goes out to over 12,000 subscribers around the world.

To get involved, no matter what stage you’re at in your songwriting craft and/or career, visit http://www.musesmuse.com/?ima.

Music Clout hit the scene early in 2011 creating a safe and musician friendly platform of opportunities that cater to the needs of musicians and artists of all genres. Music Clout’s artists can create their own epk’s, receive unlimited monthly submissions, and be part of Music Clout’s ever growing online social media communities. Working with record labels to managers, distributors to genre specific blogs, submitting your music to Music Clout’s opportunities could be just the stepping stone you need to reach your music career goals.

Bridging the gap between “the street and the elite” –– and commonly referred to as “the musicians bible” –– MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE is the leading music-trade publication for career-minded musicians. MC has been educating, informing and connecting musicians since 1977. A MONTHLY publication distributed to every major city in America, MC caters to both the seasoned veteran and the fl edgling musician, and to the top executive as well as those trying to break into the business. MC’s broad appeal encompasses the songwriter, producer, studio manager, agent, attorney, publicist, label executive and more. Whether offering survival tactics or insights that can contribute to breakthrough success, Music Connection has a sterling reputation as a cutting-edge resource for anyone who is steeped in the realities of making music TODAY.

The world’s first jukebox promotional application for emerging artists! Your music for play on as many as 20,000 commercial, broadband connected digital jukeboxes, the same as major label artists. Create a profile, upload your album cover & music tracks and we do the rest. MUSICATI is a proud partner of the Independent Music Awards

Music In Hand, IncT., is a multifaceted independent A&R company focused on “Artist Branding”: Setting you apart from the mass within the music and the media industry. “Awareness Development”: shouting your name and music across all platform making sure the “I didn’t know fans” hear about all that makes YOU and your MUSIC special. “A&R”: when ready – we shop your music to our industry partners for record deal and licensing considerations.

A spoonful of new music is just the right amount. Let’s face it, there’s too much music and information out there for you to keep up with, which is why we’ve kept things very simple. mySpoonful doles out just the right amount of new music and info – a spoonful – for each artist we feature. Each spoonful profiles a single new independent music artist, and contains a free MP3 song download, an artist photo, and a bio from our team of expert writers. Love the artist and want more? Drill down and get a video, info on other bands you may like, links to buy more music, and more.

NARM is a not-for-profit trade association that since 1958 has served the music and entertainment content delivery community, providing its members with a forum for diverse meeting and networking opportunities, information, and education to support their businesses, as well as advocating for their common interests. NARM’s core membership consists of music wholesalers and retailers, including brick-and-mortar, online and mobile music delivery companies. More than that, members also comprise distributors, record labels, multimedia suppliers, technology companies, and suppliers of related products and services. Individual professionals ,educators and students in the field of music are also members. As the membership expands to encompass all aspects of the music and media business, NARM no longer simply advances the business of music, we are the music business association.

The Planetary Group is an artist development firm that specializes in radio
promotion and publicity. Headquartered in Boston with a satellite office in
Manhattan, Planetary has its finger on the pulse of the current scene. For
nine years, Planetary has worked with a variety of musicians from all
genres, both signed and unsigned. The radio department structures a
campaign that targets college radio, AAA, non-commercial and
commercial-specialty shows. In addition to generating airplay, the company
pursues radio interviews and in-studio performances in touring and other
markets. Planetary’s radio and tour support can provide the necessary
groundwork to ensure advance exposure in upcoming tour markets. In additionto radio promotion, Planetary conducts hardhitting publicity, street team
marketing and special event marketing.

Founded in 1974 as a hand-stapled newsletter for Grateful Dead fans and tape traders, Relix magazine has evolved over the last 36-years into the leading source for fans of live music. These days the brand, which also includes, Relix.com and Jambands.com, offers readers rare insight and exclusive coverage on some of the world’s leading artists. Recent features include profiles on Keith Richards, The Clash, Neil Young, Black Crowes, Gogol Bordello, Beastie Boys, Miles Davis, Conor Oberst and Ryan Adams and many others. As noted industry critic Bob Lefestz noted, Relix is “more Rolling Stone than Rolling Stone.”

Revolver Underground will be a vast internet music network, initially specializing in the independent, Top 40 market and, existing as an outlet for independent artists to bring their work to the world. Through the process of natural evolution, the initially capitalized independent segment will progress until virtually all musical genres are included and distributed globally via a multi channel internet radio experience.
The bottom line: We will help the independent artist succeed while still being independent. We don’t want their rights to the music. We don’t want to control their band. We just want to make them better. Period.

RightsFlow is a leading licensing and royalty service provider for artists, record labels, distributors, and online music companies. RightsFlow specializes in obtaining physical, DPD, and ringtone licenses including streaming, tethered, and limited download rights. Our proprietary “FLOW” licensing technology and 30-million song database allow us to serve over 16,000 clients obtaining licenses from publishers and songwriters all over the world – including major, independent and artist controlled works. RightsFlow also powers Limelight, its online mechanical licensing utility for musicians clearing cover songs, and MySpark Copyright, a simple online copyright registration utility for content owners and creators.

Rmusic is an online music store and music site which aids in the discovery of new and established artists, while allowing for the sale of music to fans and customers alike. With a solid foundation of unsigned musicians on board, Rmusic has a goal of assisting musicians through comprehensive profile offerings and advertising, and through an ever growing network of social links as provided for by the musicians on the site.

With these benefits, the process of discovery and of music sales can then be afforded a realistic chance of success in rewarding the talents and hard work by all musicians on the site.

Rmusic prides itself on its contributions to worthwhile humanitarian organizations, as well as
being an integral part of the path which might better musicians careers.

www.rmusic.com

Rock the Vote’s mission is to engage and build the political power of young people in order to achieve progressive change in our country. Rock the Vote uses music, popular culture and new technologies to engage and incite young people to register and vote in every election. And we give young people the tools to identify, learn about, and take action on the issues that affect their lives, and leverage their power in the political process. www.RockTheVote.com.

SESAC is one of three Performing Rights Organizations in the United States representing songwriters and music publishers to make sure they are are paid performance royalties whenever their songs are played in public, on radio, television, restaurants or clubs. And, unlike any other PRO, SESAC pays bands live performance royalties when they go on tour, regardless of how big or small the venues. The SESAC roster includes some of the most progressive names in music including Bob Dylan, RUSH, Coheed & Cambria, The Faint, Killswitch Engage, Mates Of State, Voxtrot, MGMT, Flobots, Bryan-Michael Cox and Nate “Danja” Hills, just to name a few.

Songkick is the home for live music on the web. Track your favorite bands and receive email alerts when they come to your town, so you never miss a show again.

SONGSINC is an online space that connects artists all over the globe through a platform of new tools, services and assets. It can generate new sources of income for master owners, and also provide an unprecedented opportunity for songwriters to write with established music industry pros via PROTracks, the company’s library of instrumental tracks from major industry master owners.

Instrumental track owners can connect with songwriters and earn royalties when those tracks are used to create new songs. All top-rated songs created with PROTracks will be heard by the vested track owners.
Lyricists looking for a melody can choose from Songsinc’s MelodyTracks. You can listen until you find a melody that inspires you, then create a song.

The Songsinc concept was hatched by founder Andrea Standley (a music industry veteran and a songwriter herself) as a reaction to years of being inside the business. Standley felt that it shouldn’t matter if it’s made in a garage with a guitar and a tiny amp or in a 24-track recording studio … music is for everyone and everyone should be able to do it.

Songtrust is the first online rights management solution that empowers independent songwriters and artists to manage their music publishing and related rights. Songtrust streamlines what has historically been a complex process of protecting song copyrights, collecting royalties, and maximizing creative licensing opportunities through one easy-to-use dashboard.

Cutting through the red tape, Songtrust offers the most writer-friendly music publishing service agreement ever developed: our members keep 100% of their rights, get paid 100% of their royalties and can opt out at anytime.

SoundExchange is a non-profit performance rights organization that collects statutory royalties from satellite radio (such as SIRIUS XM), Internet radio, cable TV music channels and similar platforms for streaming sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board, which was created by Congress, has entrusted SoundExchange as the sole entity in the United States to collect and distribute these digital performance royalties on behalf of featured and non-featured recording artists, master rights owners (usually record labels), and independent artists who record and own their masters.

SoundExchange represents both signed and unsigned recording artists; small, medium and large independent record companies; and major label groups and artist-owned labels. Since its creation in 2003, SoundExchange has paid out more than $470 million in royalties. Register to get your share for FREE at www.soundexchange.com.

Sound On Sound is the most influential hi-tech recording magazine in the world today and is essential reading for anyone involved in music production and recording technology. With regional editions in Europe, the USA and Brazil, the publication has built its reputation over 25 years on in-depth, unbiased, independent product tests that really tell it like it is, written by recording engineers, not journalists. These are accompanied by must-read practical workshops and the best technical interviews out there. Performance technology is now also included with a new Live Sound section for the gigging musician. All this is backed up by a massive mine of news, forums and back-issue content at soundonsound.com which gets 1.3 Million visits a month worldwide.

Information & subscriptions:
http://www.soundonsound.com

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. Grant recipients include recording artists, club and session musicians, composers & songwriters from across the country. We have aided people suffering from a wide range of conditions including: Cancer, spinal cord injury, hearing impairments, strokes and head injuries, diabetes, kidney failure, mental illness and psychological disorders, cystitis, heart defects, Hepatitis and many more.

Long respected for its woman-centric coverage of indie music, the newly redesigned Venus Zine is a must-buy for anyone who loves music, fashion, and culture from books to film to DIY. Venus Zine helps young women decide what to listen to, what to read, what to watch, and what to wear. We like to tell stories that inspire readers to live life creatively. We publish online daily, biweekly on e-mail, and quarterly in print. www.venuszine.com

WAMA is a non-profit tax exempt organization of music industry professionals committed to raising the profile of the region’s diverse music community. WAMA’s main goal is to promote Washington area music in general and to achieve national recognition of the region as an important center for live and recorded music. Just as the nation’s capital is comprised of a rich cross section of cultures, WAMA’s membership embraces all musical styles from classical, bluegrass, go-go, R&B, and reggae, to rock, jazz and folk.

WOMEX – the World Music Expo / Copenhagen, Denmark / 26 – 30 Oct 2011
WOMEX is “The most important international professional market of world music of every kind. This international fair brings together professionals from the worlds of folk, roots, ethnic and traditional music and also includes concerts, conferences and documentary films. It contributes to networking as an effective means of promoting music and culture of all kinds across frontiers.”
-UNESCO Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity

Made in Berlin and travelling in Europe: The 16th edition of WOMEX in Copenhagen, Denmark in October 2010 saw over 2,440 delegates from more than 90 countries, 650 exhibitors, a full conference programme and a showcase festival presenting 59 acts on 6 stages.
See www.womex.com for details on WOMEX 11 in Copenhagen.