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Australian Music Industry news is provided by our friends at AIR and IMMEDIA!
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Latest Australian Music Industry News from AIR
Latest News is supplied courtesy of The Association of Independent Record Labels (AIR).
AIR POCKET IS BACK FOR 08WAMi MUSIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE 22nd Feb : PERTH Digi 101 - Presentation by Nathan McLay from IODA Providing a complete overview of music in the digital space, including: understanding what you own and how to exploit it, the importance of accurate data and standardisation, working with digital distributors, aggregators and music services. This strand also covers new ways of branding and marketing music online, with a focus on the growth of user generated content sites and recommendation tools. Also includes hands on workshops on developing digital media such as electronic press kits. Indie Labels – The New Deal for Artists While everyone is touting the 360 deal as the new kid on the block, indie labels have in some form or another been developing out of the box deals for many years. What’s new is that there are now non-traditional music companies who have heavy media or infrastructure resources at their disposal who are also looking to sign the next big thing. www.wam.asn.au FUSE FESTIVAL 29th Feb : ADELAIDE DIGI 101 - Presentation by Nathan McLay from IODA Provides a complete overview of music in the digital space, including: understanding what you own and how to exploit it, the importance of accurate data and standardisation, working with digital distributors, aggregators and music services. This strand also covers new ways of branding and marketing music online, with a focus on the growth of user generated content sites and recommendation tools. Also includes hands on workshops on developing digital media such as electronic press kits. Online Audience Development - Stuart Buchanan from Mixed Industries As we head towards a digital world that doesn’t recognise national borders, new technologies and new revenue streams are emerging everyday. This session covers some of the key trends emerging for the music industry globally including: mobile music and its key growth markets, emerging trends in mobile, emerging services and technologies, and how copyright owners should prepare for advances in technology in the future. www.fusefestival.com AMPLIFIED 15th Mar : HOBART Recording your Product - Neal Hunt from Sure Shaker This strand tackles the nuts and bolts of getting your product ready for sale and distribution. It covers important areas such budgeting for a record release, pre-production and recording, selling into retail (and returns), and strategies to extend the self life of your product. Exploiting Your Digital Assets - Nathan McLay from IODA Australia Provides a complete overview of music in the digital space, including: understanding what you own and how to exploit it, the importance of accurate data and standardisation, working with digital distributors, aggregators and music services. This strand also covers new ways of branding and marketing music online, with a focus on the growth of user generated content sites and recommendation tools. Also includes hands on workshops on developing digital media such as electronic press kits. Music Technology & Innovation - Stuart Buchanan from Mixed Industries As we head towards a digital world that doesn’t recognise national borders, new technologies and new revenue streams are emerging everyday. Providing an extension to strand 5.0, this strand covers some of the key trends emerging for the music industry globally including: mobile music and its key growth markets, emerging trends in mobile, emerging services and technologies, and how copyright owners should prepare for advances in technology in the future. Show Me the Money - Serge Bolzonello from Banks Group This is an advanced level strand covering various mechanisms used to add value to music projects. This includes developing relationships with sponsors as part of a strategy, joint ventures, strategies for raising capital and getting money back via Export Market Development Grants. www.arts.tas.gov.au/flash.aspx?id=2066 Sessions are either free or discounted for AIR members. Please contact specific event.
Independents Day 2008! The PlanWhat it is
Independents Day will be staged throughout the world with the goal to make this one of the most powerful initiatives the independent community has ever endeavored to create.
Independents Day will be a highly coordinated worldwide event to celebrate independent music through an historic on-line auction. We will be looking to our labels to offer items, such as rare recordings, autographed paraphernalia, night out with the band, etc. to generate excitement and revenue.
During the weekend of July 4th, this multi-purpose fundraiser will raise money for WIN, the local trade organizations who host this event, as well as creating a fund for developing countries who need our support to create trade organizations in emerging new markets. In addition, through a highly coordinated media campaign, Independents Day will provide the independent sector with unprecedented media attention spotlighting their strength, unity and growing importance in the global landscape.
Independents Day will being on Friday 4th July and go through the weekend in all countries, starting first with NZ.
Stay Tuned for more on Independents Day 2008
WINNERS OF THE 2007 JAGERMEISTER AIR AWARDSThe Australian independent music industry’s night of nights, was held last night at Melbourne’s Toff In Town. Hundreds of invited media, musicians and industry guests witnessed the top Awards being snapped up by roots / blues act the John Butler Trio and popular dance / electronic group Sneaky Sound System! Perth blues and roots outfit the JOHN BUTLER TRIO was presented with the award for Best Performing Independent Album for their ‘Grand National’ release. From an incredible six nominations, SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM was presented with the awards for both Best Performing Independent single for ‘UFO’, and Best Independent Artist. The Best New Independent Artist Award went to Melbourne act, BRITISH INDIA.
The act followed up their win with an amazing live performance to close the event’s formal proceedings. C.W STONEKING was awarded the Best Independent Blues and Roots Release for ‘King Hokum’.
The Best Independent Dance / Electronic Release was awarded to MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS for ‘Dystopia’, while the Best Independent Country Release went to GINA JEFFREYS’ album, ‘Walks Of Life’. After taking out the award for Best Independent Jazz Release, The BEN WINKELMAN TRIO performed for the packed crowd. In attendance was the cream of the crop of Australian independent artists, including Hilltop Hoods, Gotye, Ricki-Lee, Birds Of Tokyo, Muph & Plutonic, Blue King Brown, British India, Urthboy, Greg Meyer, Paul Costa, FourPlay, and many more of Australia’s finest independent artists, over a variety of genres. The 2007 JAGERMEISTER AIR AWARDS also featured live performances by Blue King Brown, and Urthboy! The Awards represent the hard work and sheer passion needed to make it as an independent artist. This year’s nominees reflect the width and breadth of independent Australia music, from some of the biggest names in music today (John Butler Trio, Hilltop Hoods and Sneaky Sound System), to the next crop of artists who will shape the industry in the coming years (Wolf & Cub, The Cops, British India), who came together to celebrate the work of the most innovative and hard working record labels in the business. The winners of the 2007 Jagermesiter AIR Awards are: Best Performing Independent Album
Grand National –The John Butler Trio (Jarrah Records / MGM) Best Performing Independent Single /EP
UFO – Sneaky Sound System (Whack Records / MGM) Best Independent Artist
Sneaky Sound System (Whack Records / MGM) Best New Independent Artist
British India (Flashpoint / Shock) Best Independent Blues & Roots Release
King Hokum! – C.W. Stoneking (Low Transit Industries / Inertia Music) Best Independent Dance / Electronic Release
Midnight Juggernauts – Dystopia (Siberia / Inertia Music) Best Independent Country Release
Walks of Life – Gina Jeffreys (Independent / MGM) Best Independent Jazz Release
The Spanish Tinge – Ben Winkelman Trio (Jazzhead / MGM)
www.air.org.au/awards
JAGERMEISTER to support Australian independent music at the annual AIR AwardsAIR (The Australian Independent Record Labels Association) is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Australian Independent Music Awards, The AIR Awards, will be sponsored by leading alcohol brand JAGERMEISTER . To be held next month in Melbourne , the AIR Awards are Australia ’s only national awards designed to bring special attention to, and honour the outstanding achievements of 100% Australian independent artists – specifically focusing on those artists who are released through an Australian owned independent record label. “We are very excited and proud to have JAGERMEISTER involved in this growing national event”, AIR Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Watters said. “The JAGERMEISTER AIR Awards reflect the richness and diversity of our thriving local music industry, and ensure that independent artists are honored appropriately and in recognition of real outcomes achieved within the last year.” “JAGERMEISTER is proud to be the major sponsor of the AIR Awards”, Jonathan Howells, Australian brand manager for Jagermeister said. "JAGERMEISTER is all about expressing your self and living loud, and we feel that an ice cold shot of Jager and Australian independent music is a great combination." Nominees for the AIR awards are based on statistics collated by AIR each week via the “V AIR Independent Chart”, Australia ’s only weekly charts dedicated to profiling top selling Australian independent artists. They profile record sales by Australian Independent artists and bring attention to some of the most interesting new music produced in Australia today. The V AIR Independent Charts are compiled by AIR from sales rankings supplied by the Australian Recording Industry Association ( ARIA ) on a weekly basis. They differ from ARIA charts because they focus on 100% Australian artists represented by Australian independent labels, giving important profile to our thriving local music industry. In 2006 the awards were held in an intimate ceremony of a rooftop in central Sydney , where winners included Hilltop Hoods, Gotye, and Blue King Brown. The 2007 awards will be held in Melbourne , and further details will be announced next week.
International Songwriting Contest Now Open!The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries for the 2007 competition, and looking for GREAT Australian songwriters! Offering better exposure, bigger prizes (0,000 - including ,000 cash - US) and the best judges for any songwriting competition in the world, ISC is open to all bands, duos, solo performers and songwriters in general. This is your chance to have some of the most respected people in the music industry listen to your songs! This year's judges include: Recording Artist Judges Include: Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Ray Davies (The Kinks); Julian Casablancas (The Strokes); Nelly Furtado; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Ornette Coleman; Youssou N'Dour; Sean Paul; Jerry Lee Lewis; "Weird Al" Yankovic; Frank Black (Pixies); Robert Smith (The Cure); Cassandra Wilson; David Cross; Cheech Marin (Cheech & Chong); Craig Morgan; John Mayall; Joe Satriani; Toby Mac; Michael W. Smith; John Scofield; Hinder; Chris Hillman; Amy Ray (Indigo Girls); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Macy Gray; Peter Hook (New Order); Paulina Rubio; Tiesto; and more to be announced. Music Industry Judges Include: Charlie Walk (President, Epic Records); Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Mona Scott-Young (President, Violator Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Peter Gabriel, and more); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami, pioneer of Latin radio); Angel Carrasco (President, 605 Discos and Sr. VP A&R, Sony BMG Latin America); Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People); Nancy Wolpert (VP Home Entertainment and Nick Records, Nickelodeon/BMG); Paul Majors (CEO/Founder, Majors Music); and more to be announced. For more information on ISC, please visite website - http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/
Independents support National Music ExpoIn November 2007 independent music artists and the smaller companies within the music industry will be showcasing their services & talents to the Australian public at I’m with the Band, Australian Independent Music Expo. I’m with the Band, the first of its kind to give voice to our up and coming music industry talent and service providers is supported by the likes of Julie Kosky – Brighton Boulevard, Marshall Cullen – Foghorn Records, Craig New – Out with the New and Mark Bulgin – MySpace. "It’s an incredible time to be working in independent music,” enthused Julia Kosky. “The future of our industry relies on us embracing concepts of flexibility, innovation and collaboration. I’m with the Band Independent Music Expo has come along at the right time. We need to get together to share our knowledge and experience, so that we can take full advantage of the amazing possibilities within an industry that is no longer controlled by a few major players or limited technology can offer." I’m with the Band are currently enlisting as many people as they can to be involved, including exhibitors (instruments, equipment, labels, agencies, technology, publications, studios etc), panelists, workshop instructors and bands. Created by three mates Adam Mumford, Simon Luke and Sean Brandtman who came together at Festival of the Sun, a festival dedicated to promoting independent artists, saw the need for an event to bring together like minded people within the industry. “If you are an independent band or are a boutique operator it is hard to find a platform, other than the internet, to promote what you are doing and network with others who are in the same boat,” said Expo Director Adam Mumford. “We met many people from around Australia through Festival of the Sun who felt the need for a national event to do just that.” “A three day Expo seemed to be the most effective method to bring us all together in an exciting, affordable way - industry and public alike. None of us have big promotional budgets like the majors and this is an avenue for the little guy to get in touch with their target audience.” As a finale to each day are 3 huge shows, featuring bands and artists from some of Australia’s strongest music genres – Rock, Blues & Roots & Hip Hop. I’m with the Band, Australian Independent Music Expo will be an environment where musicians, industry personnel and the general public can share their love for everything music and learn from one another. Log onto www.imwiththeband.net.au or call 02 9232 1756 to be involved. November 23rd to 25th, the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney.
SxSW Artist Showcase Submissions now openSouth by Southwest Music Festival & Conference is now accepting registrations & showcase submissions for to be held in its 22nd year March 12-16 in Austin. Below are details on these and travel, hotel and marketing at SxSW.
ARTIST SUBMISSIONS TO SHOWCASE Applications to Showcase are now online for bands to submit at deadline October 26.
The deadline and fee (US for early submissions, US for applications submitted after October 5, 2007) are the same either way.
REGISTRATIONS AT LOWEST RATES
The Early Bird lowest registration rates are now in effect to September 28. All rates and dates are online at http://2008.sxsw.com/register_to_attend/ with Frequently Asked Questions about Registration. Music Festival Registration is currently US0 (A5 or NZ0 approximately at exchange rates as of August 6. The Platinum Badge (Music Film & Interactive) is US5 (A0 or NZ25)
Registration for SXSW allows you access to all daytime events at the Austin Convention Center, entry into official SXSW day parties, and priority access into all SXSW nighttime showcases. In addition, registration will allow you to access the 2008 Online Registrants Directory, a great tool to aid in planning your SXSW meetings. And of course you get the mammoth showbag full of schwag as well as the SxSW print version of the Attendees Guide and Registrants Directory.
HOTELS AT SXSW--ADVANCE RESERVATIONS TO REGISTRANTS ONLY
but can ONLY be booked from the website after registration & payment is made. You can see see the complete list along with rates, a hotel map, and printable amenities pages for each property.
MARKETING, STANDS, BAG INSERTS, ADVERTISING Plug September 28, 2007 into your calendar as an important deadline for saving 20% when booking your SXSW 2008 Trade Show Stand, securing space inside the SXSW Registrant Conference Big Bag, or advertising in the SXSW Program Directory. This date is also the deadline for reserving space in the November edition of the official magazine of the SXSW Conferences,/ SXSWorld/ Get your copy of the SXSW 2008 Marketing Brochure at: Got a question? Go ahead and email Phil Tripp, your SxSW rep for Australia & New Zealand at tripp@sxsw.com
Register now for Australian Stand at Popkomm!Australian companies - dont miss your chance to be part of the Australian Stand at Pokomm next month. If you're heading to Germany fo this event, The Australian Stand, organised by Austrade will supply all of the support services you'll need to make the most of your time at the event. Company registration starts at 00, and includes full access to the trade fair, conferences, showcases and events. Plus you'll have experienced local staff on hand to assist you. Popkomm is the fastest growing tradeshow in the music industry in Europe and attracts key people from businesses both big and small across most genres from European markets and even further a field. Each September, 15,000 music professionals from around the world and from all sectors including recording, publishing, live, sync, digital and mobile, meet at Popkomm to network, learn, and discover new talent. "Australia @ POPKOMM" will mark a new stage in Australia’s presence at this fair, with a stand design of strong and contemporary Australian branding. Key figures from the last year’s event are: �� Participants: 15,311 �� Exhibiting companies: 817 �� Countries: 55 �� 72% of exhibitors and 41% of trade visitors reported dealsand signed contracts during their stay Check out the Popkomm website here: www.popkomm.com Why should you attend? �� Half of the Australian stand participants in 2006 made sales as a result of their participation at European Music Tradeshows. �� As a result of Popkomm, Australian companies are doing deals in the US, Japan, Canada, the rest of Asia and even at home.
�� According to the Popkomm organisers, this event provides the right balance between tradeshow and showcasing.
See www.australianmusicoffice.com for details or call Matthew Proft at Austrade on 02 9390 2084
Some important changes are taking place at AIRAIR is pleased to announce a number of changes to its operations. AIR is the not for profit, non-government peak body for Australian owned record labels currently representing the interests of some 350 Australian record labels, which in turn represents approximately 5,000 Australian acts. AIR’s activities support, inform and empower independent record labels to create commercially sustainable businesses. Our yearly program includes a range of projects which assist labels and independent artists develop audiences, and access markets in Australia and abroad. To ensure that we remain vibrant and integral to the Australian music industry, AIR is happy to inform you that the following changes will come into effect. Relocation to Melbourne AIR is relocating to Melbourne to take advantage of the vibrant independent music culture and industry based there. The new office will open September 3rd at the Open AIR office space established in 2005 with assistance from the City of Melbourne. The new address details are: 437 Spencer St West Melbourne Vic 3003 Tel: 03 8554 4330. Please note that Stuart Watters, Chief Executive Officer and Dominic Fagan, Charts Manager, will be based in the Melbourne premises while both Raynee Dewar and Stephen Foster will continue to engage directly with AIR as contracted consultants. All emails will remain the same. Renewed focus on Advocacy AIR will be investing in further resources and capacity to represent the interests of the Australian independent recording sector. This includes: a) Lobbying and negotiating with government legislators, industry associations and commercial outlets that profit from the use of independent recording copyrights b) Ongoing participation in WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), the global lobby group for the independent recording sector, and; c) Ongoing consultation with members and industry with regard to key industry issues Australian Independent Music Chart (100% Indie Chart) AIR is pleased to announce a renewal of the partnership with V Energy in the development and delivery of the AIR Charts to the industry and wider public. AIR will continue to seek out new media opportunities for Australia’s only independent music chart, the 100% Indie Chart, and the independent artists who feature therein. More information about our charts can be found at www.air.org.au/charts The AIR Awards will be continued in 2007. Negotiations are currently in place with a range of commercial sponsors for the AIR Awards with announcements to occur later this year. See www.air.org.au/chartsawards Other Programs The AIR Pocket program, currently funded by AusIndustry and with support from Arts Queensland, will continue through until March 2008. www.air.org.au/airpocket
The Australian Independent Label Summit, held in conjunction with the BIG SOUND Industry Summit and Artist Showcase (October 3-5), is due to be held on October 5 in Brisbane as part of the overall AIR Pocket programming.
Relationships with MIDEM, Canadian Music Week and Popkomm remain strong and AIR continues to work closely with Austrade (Australian Trade Commission) to create new business and showcase opportunities for the independent sector in the international environment.
After careful consideration, AIR has chosen to discontinue the AIR Play project. Resources will be directed into promotion of Australian artists via the AIR Charts strategy.
Industry & Members Survey In order to continue to evolve our membership services and support to recording copyright owners at all levels of the industry, AIR will be conducting a national industry survey in September. Details of the survey will be distributed via email. As the representative industry organisation for Australian independent record labels, AIR encourages feedback and input on the yearly program, so that we can ensure it continues to reflect the needs of the rapidly changing, dynamic, and challenging world that is independent music in Australia. To discuss any of the changes taking place at AIR please contact Stuart Watters on info@air.org.au
Merlin: Global Licensing Agency UpdateMerlin, the independent rights licensing agency representing the world's independent record sector has released an official newsletter providing an update on recent operations. In the form of an open letter from Merlin CEO Charles Caldas, the update advises that Merlins primary focus to date has included: finalising the formal incorporation of Merlin, defining key areas of operation, the scope of future activity, membership eligibility, the integration of the distribution community into Merlin and the setting of a practical plan for the future of the organization. For a full update please read the latest newsletter http://www.air.org.au/pdf/Newsletter2Merlin%20Update.pdf
Indie Label Summit confirmed for OctoberAIR is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual national Independent Label Summit will be held on Friday 5 October as part of the Big Sound Music Industry Conference and Showcase. Attracting over 400 participants in a day of keynote presentations in 2006, this year\'s event will once again focus on digital music, with discussions designed to bring label managers up to speed on strategies to build business in the digital realm. Local and international experts will provide guidance on trends for online music distribution, strategies for creating buzz in the digital realm, and how technology is moulding the ways in which consumers buy, discover and interact with music. Watch this space for details. For more on Big Sound check out www.bigsound.org.au
Merlin Appoints Interim Board To Set Up World’s First Global Music Licensing AgencyCharles Caldas, former CEO of Shock Records, has recently relocated to London to head Merlin, the world’s first global music new media licensing agency, representing the world’s independent record sector (artists including The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Tom Waits, De La Soul and Cat Power), has appointed Merlin’s Interim board.
Its remit is to fast-track the incorporation and creation of a fully-functioning agency; non profit-making, democratic, transparent and owned and controlled by the independent label community worldwide.
Merlin has recently appointed an Interim board to oversee the establishment of a constitution, appointment of core staff and initial operations. Once these are in place, they will elect a full sitting Board - likely be larger in size, providing an opportunity for broader inclusion and representation. The Interim board will disband once the main Board commences its activities.
The Interim board members were nominated by international trade bodies the World Independent Network (WIN), American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), and European Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA). Each is highly respected within their respective region, and brings a wealth of experience during this important set-up period. The Interim board members are:
USA
Tom Silverman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tommy Boy Records (USA), Board member A2IM
Glen A. Barros, President & CEO, Concord Music Group Inc. (USA)
Europe
Martin Mills, Chairman, Beggars Group (UK), Chairman, IMPALA
Michel Lambot, Co-President, PIAS (Belgium)
Horst Weidenmüller, CEO, !K7 Records (Germany), Vice-President, IMPALA
Rest of World
Takashi Kamide, Senior Adviser, MS Entertainment (Japan)
Mark Kneebone, Tardus Music (New Zealand), Chairman, IMNZ (Independent Music Trade Body, New Zealand)
Non-Regional
Alison Wenham, President, WIN, Chairman & CEO, AIM (Association of Independent Music, UK)
Charles Caldas, CEO, Merlin (formerly CEO Shock Entertainment Group, Australia)
Merlin will initially be based in London, with Charles Caldas relocating from Australia to commence full time from 23rd April.
The agency will act as a single point-of-contact for those wishing to license from the independent sector’s vast global output, replacing the need for countless individually brokered deals and empowering independents to compete on a level playing field with majors.
Said Charles Caldas \"We have here a great group of experienced professionals from a broad range of territories, whose collective dedication will ensure Merlin is incorporated and fully operational in the shortest time possible.
“This heralds a new chapter for independents around the world. We are on a unique journey to license collectively the individually unlicensable - and together we are bigger than the largest major.”
The creation of Merlin was first mooted at Popkomm ‘05, where representatives of leading independents from around the world elected to build a business case for a new global rights licensing organisation. At Popkomm ‘06 a steering committee was elected to ascertain the best structure and operational model for such an agency.
The consultation process revealed a genuine global desire for such an agency, and after 18 months of development work the boards of WIN and Impala ratified the plan to build Merlin.
More on WIN and Merlin at http://www.air.org.au/index.php?apply=&webpage=default&cID=&PHPSESSID=&menuID=550
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