POLICY SUMMIT IN DC: THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

On Oct. 4-6, Georgetown University in Washington, DC, will host a summit to examine the music ecosystem and where it will take us. With keynote speakers from all sides of the realm, including politicians, musicians and employees throughout the industry, this will be an event worth attending. For additional details, go to Music Policy Summit.

NEW NOISE SANTA BARBARA MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL

The first ever New Noise Santa Barbara Music Conference and Festival will take over the streets of the American Riviera for three nights and two days, October 8-10, 2009. Promising live music during the evening and stimulating discussion about the convergence of music and technology during the day, New Noise is expected to draw hundreds of locals and out-of-towners alike. See www.newnoisesb.com. For more info, contact Jeffrey Theimer, president, New Noise Santa Barbara, 805-979-9673. Email: info@newnoisesb.com

KNITTING FACTORY HOLLYWOOD TO SHUT ITS DOORS

The Knitting Factory Hollywood is closing its Hollywood location when the noted music venue’s 10-year lease runs out in October. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the company’s CEO Morgan Margolis said the all-ages venue is opting not to renew its lease at its current location. The Knitting Factory’s Bruce Duff says, “When we get more info — when exactly we’re closing, what our last show will be, and, most importantly, when and if we’re reopening in another location, we will of course let you know. Thanks, and to be sure, the ride isn’t over yet.” Contact Duff, 323-463-0204 x121, Duffkfla@aol.com. Visit http://la.knittingfactory.com for updates.

A Interview with Ivan Gospich of Management Company Mandatory Music Group

Here at the Rock and Roll Report we feel it important to not only highlight amazing bands and labels but also people involved in all aspects of the music biz. Whether it be management or promotional companies, club owners, web 2.0 pioneers or media people, we hope these features give musicians the benefit of some free advice by people in the rock biz trenches.

Today we speak to Ivan Gospich of management firm Mandatory Music Group about music management, artist development and when a band should start considering hiring management.

RRR: How long has the Mandatory Music Group been in the business?

Mandatory Music Group officially launched in October 2008.

RRR: Where are you located?

San Jose, CA (USA)

RRR: What are some of the services you offer through the company?

Artist development, production/recording, marketing and management.

RRR: How are you different from other management companies out there?

We focus on nurturing the talents of the musicians we choose to represent, instead of trying to mold them into something we think the main stream will like and buy. When all is said and done, it truly is all about the music, not personalities.

RRR: Are there specific people you are looking for that can use your services? (Do you only accept certain people? Or if they can pay, you’ll take anyone on as a client?)

Our mission is to help great original rock artists who exhibit musicianship and meaningful messages in their music, get heard! We accept music submissions and only take on artists that we believe in.

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Battle of the Bands 2.0 – Vancouver Seeds 2009 and Supernova.Com

The whole concept of a Battle of the Bands, where a number of unsigned bands compete against each other to win the grand prize which is often a recording contract, touring commitment or equipment and studio time has dated back to rock and roll’s roots. While the idea remains the same in 2009, the way they are being run has evolved to embrace the social media tools of this Web 2.0 world.

One such Battle of the Bands contest is Corus Radio’s 99.3 The Fox Vancouver Seeds, billed as Canada’s #1 Independent Talent Competition. With a history spanning 30 years and past winners including Bif Naked, Nickleback, Default and Matt Good amongst others, Vancouver Seeds has embraced Web 2.0 technology with the help of Toronto-based new music social network and concert production company Supernova.com.  Corina Newby from Supernova explained to me what they are doing with Vancouver Seeds:

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WEB RADIO MAY CONTRIBUTE TO RISE OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC

(Via RAIN) A2IM has found that independent music is increasing in popularity, thanks in part to the “wealth of new platforms” on which music can now be heard, including Internet radio. The organization found that 40% of all music played at non-traditional web radio is independent, while over half of the music aired on Pandora is independent. Independent labels also accounted for 32% of aggregate album sales in 2008 and picked up 56 awards at this year’s Grammys, according to A2IM. “When traditional gatekeepers and obstacles to reaching fans are removed, indies thrive,” the release states. Find it here.

SECOND ANNUAL METAL INSIDER SUMMIT IS COMING SOON

New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, Crimson Management and The Syndicate have announced the Second Annual Metal Insider Summit on April 17, 2009. The Metal Insider Summit is an interactive, educational conference consisting of two panels where fans and the metal music industry can engage, share ideas and help further the scene. The Metal Insider Summit will give fans an opportunity to meet key members in the business and gain valuable insight on how to start their own careers. Visit www.metalandhardcorefestival.com.

In Homewood’s Head – The Promise of Internet Radio

Every once in awhile Mark, the owner and head honcho of this fine, fine site will forward me an interesting music business article to read as he knows that as a former magazine owner, editor, music TV producer, musician, manager PR agent etc. I have just as much a curiosity and an interest in the business side of the music business as I do in the artistic side. As the major labels implode, the radio stations increasingly rely on the same twelve songs by the same mediocre artists, people quit buying music, the CD disintegrates as a viable format for music purchases – I sit and wonder at the craziness of it all and how simple it would be to right the problems. This particular article is mostly about the future of Internet radio.

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It’s the Mecca of all Mecca’s, SXSW the candy store of Music – Asher’s SXSW round up

(The Rock and Roll Report was stoked when Montreal music publicist Asher from Asher Media Relations agreed to give us a taste of his recent first time foray to SXSW. Hopefully next year we will expand our coverage of this amazing booze-fueled, music soaked event!)

Seeing how this was my first SXSW, I wasn’t sure what to be prepared for, but I will say this, the amount of talent I saw was purely amazing. I spent 5 days and 5 nights checking out wicked amounts of music as I was at SXSW filming episodes for a tv show I work on for an artist I do pr with Empire ISIS.

When arriving in Austin be prepared for overcrowded streets and music blazing out every bar, street corner and outdoor stage that is setup in the downtown core. I spent some of my days walking around hitting various tents that offered free booze, food and cigarettes. I was quite overwhelmed everywhere I went.

In my opinion, SXSW is the Mecca of all Music conferences and festivals, where music enthusiasts, industry and artists gather for one week of enjoying music and networking 24/7.

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UNCONVENTION BELFAST – A NEW MUSIC CONFERENCE FOR THE NEW MUSIC ECONOMY

On Friday 6th & Saturday 7th February, Belfast will play host to a ground-breaking ‘unconference’ for musicians and music industry professionals. With its innovative format of participant-led panels, workshops, speed mentoring, open-floor presentations and informal networking, coupled with a showcase of some of our best musical talent, Unconvention will be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

“In the music world, doing it yourself is essential at the moment, and so I’m looking forward to seeing what will be discussed.” – Huw Stephens

UnConvention is completely free to attend. However, SPACES ARE LIMITED – REGISTER NOW AT http://unconventionbelfast.com/

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