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Australian Music Industry News

Australian Music Industry news is provided by our friends at AIR and IMMEDIA!
Click on the links below, or scroll down for the latest issues that affect the Australian
music community.

Christie Eliezer's weekly music business news
http://www.themusic.com.au/im_m/eliezer.php

TheMusic's Daily News Feed
http://www.themusic.com.au/daily_news/

Latest Australian Music Industry News from AIR

Latest News is supplied courtesy of The Association of Independent Record Labels (AIR).

WOMEX – the World Music Expo

WOMEX – the World Music Expo 28 October - 1 November 2009 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 In 14 years, WOMEX has grown from 200 to over 2,800 delegates, making it the most anticipated, productive and successful event of the world music year. WOMEX 09 will be in Copenhagen, Denmark, and is organised in cooperation with the World Music Fair Copenhagen, which includes Roskilde Festival and Copenhagen Jazzfestival among others. The site of WOMEX 09 days is Bella Center, located between the city centre and the airport. With its state-of-the-art facilities it will be home to all WOMEX daytime events: Conference, Trade Fair, Daycases and much more. The night time venue will be very close by in a magnificient venue to be announced shortly. For more info on the WOMEX programme please visit www.womex.com Register for WOMEX 09 The smart rate deadline for early bird registrations ends Friday, 19 June. An individual registration for the whole event costs 230,- Euro (approx. 410,- AUD), a company registration for 3 people costs 535,- Euro (approx. 950,- AUD) excluding VAT. A trade fair stand can be booked for 785,- Euro (approx. 1400,- AUD) + VAT. Register online: https://www.womex.com/registration/womex09/ Travel to WOMEX 09 From its humble origins as a fishing village to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire to its current position as one of the world\'s premier design capitals, the stories and characters of Copenhagen\'s history can be discovered in its sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. Copenhagen is well worth a visit, even in European autumn. The Star Alliance network offers discounted flights for WOMEX delegates and a great variety of hotels – from low-budget to luxury - are available within short distance to the venues. Book your trip: https://www.womex.com/realwomex/main.php?id_headings=87&id_realwomex=11&subheading=95 Sounds Australia @ WOMEX Come and discover the unique voices of Indigenous Australian musicians, learn more about the Australasian World Music Expo www.awme.com.au and meet the Australian Delegation at WOMEX 2009. Stands B2-028 and B2-029 For further information on the Sounds Australia stand please contact Simon Raynor, Terrasphere Productions E : tsphere@bigpond.com M : + 61 3 413 007 602 -------------------- Newsletter: WOMEX 09 – Smart rate deadline ends 19 June Register now for the most anticipated, productive and successful event of the world music year. WOMEX 09 features a bustling trade fair, 60 showcases, a conference and mentoring sessions and much more. This year’s 15th edition will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark from 28 October to 1 November. The smart rate deadline for early bird registrations ends Friday, 19 June. For more information and registration go to http://www.womex.com. The Sounds Australia stand will present the best of Indigenous Australian music at WOMEX 09. For further information on the Sounds Australia stand please contact Simon Raynor, Terrasphere Productions, tsphere@bigpond.com.

2009 MUSIC MATTERS – THE ASIA PACIFIC MUSIC FORUM GLOBAL MUSIC INDUSTRY LOOKS TO ASIA FOR PASSIONATE CONSUMERS, DIGITAL INNOVATORS AND THE NEXT GOOGLE MUSIC DEAL

Creating a unique Asian forum for the world’s creative and technology industries, Music Matters – The Asia Pacific Music Forum is attracting an exceptional high-level collaboration of global entertainment and technology business leaders to Hong Kong in June. And here is why:  Almost 40% of Asian youth are listening to even more music than they were a year ago (Source: Synovate Music Matters Survey*)  By the time Music Matters kicks off on June 2nd, there will be over 300 million broadband internet users in China – a 42% increase in only two years. (Source: China Internet Network Info Center)  There are over 350 million mobile subscribers in India. (Source: Business Monitor International) In 2008 China Mobile reported US.4 billion in revenue from mobile music downloads and ringtones alone (Source: JLM Pacific Epoch) *The Music Matters Survey is conducted by Synovate and explores the music consumption habits of 8,800 16-24 year olds in 12 Asian territories. Findings will be provided free of charge to all conference Delegates Music Matters participants will be showcasing, discussing and debating the latest innovations, trends and deals taking place in Asia Pacific whilst exploring the influence and impact they have on the global entertainment economy. “It is an incredibly vibrant market out there and there are huge business opportunities not to be missed” says Jasper Donat, co-founder of Branded & President of Music Matters. “China’s digital landscape is changing. Mobile opportunities, the introduction of 3G and the incredible success of online social networking services are all characteristics representing this exciting new playground for the music industry.” The global spotlight will also be on major transactions, such as the recent Google China/top100.cn collaboration, which will be at the forefront of discussions at Music Matters as the international music industry looks to realise the region’s potential. Joining the speaker lineup is Gary Chen, the man at the center of the Google China Music deal and a pioneer of the new digitally converged Asia: “200 million people are downloading music at one time and China is the second biggest advertiser in the whole world.” says Chen, Founder & CEO, Orca Digital Inc. (Top100.cn) “Last year (the industry in China) was worth US48 billion. Every company, including Chinese companies, is spending their advertising budget in China.” And it makes perfect sense, as Chen says “If you have 200 million people going to a site, lots of advertisers will advertise on a legit music platform, like Pepsi, Nokia, Armani, Ford, anybody!” Business opportunities in Japan will also take centre stage as Music Matters drills down into the world’s largest mobile music market (and second largest music market behind the USA). Kei Ishizaka, CEO & Chairman, Universal Music LLC Japan, and Chairman RIAJ, will be opening the conference with a keynote address followed by panel sessions in association with the MPAJ aimed at drilling down further into this trailblazing market. “We are delighted that Ishizaka-san has agreed to open Music Matters 2009.” says Donat. ”He is one of Asia’s most influential music men and respect for his vision and knowledge goes deep into the very fabric of the Asian entertainment business”. The industry is rallying support in the face of a global downturn. Over 250 companies have already registered with over 80 sponsors, trade associations and media partners onboard “We’re absolutely blown away by the attention, interest and support we are receiving from an industry who passionately regard Music Matters as their very own” said Donat. “Clearly music matters to an awful lot of people!” The theme of the Music Matters programme this year is From Content to Context and all that lies in between. “From all sectors of the industry we’re seeing a shift in focus from not just what people are listening to but how and where” says Donat. This shift is being examined by some of the music business’s most influential names and industry heavyweights with the conference speaker line up including: Major Record Labels:  Kei Ishizaka, CEO & Chairman, Universal Music LLC Japan, and Chairman RIAJ  Lachie Rutherford, President, Warner Music Asia Pacific, and Chairman of IFPI Asia Pacific Regional Board  Richard Sanders, President of International, President of Global Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Michael Nash, EVP, Digital Strategy & Business Development, Warner Music Group  Michael Paull, EVP, Global Digital Business, Sony Music Entertainment  Rob Wells, SVP, Digital Universal Music Group International  Sandy Monteiro, SVP (ASEAN), VP - Digital (SE Asia), Universal Music Group  Ken Cheung, VP, New Media & Business Development, APAC, Warner Music Asia Pacific  Kimitaka Kato, Managing Director, Universal International, Universal Music LLC  Nobu Nakatake, SVP International Labels, BMG Japan  Shridahr Subramaniam, Managing Director, Sony Music Entertainment India Independents:  Haji Taniguchi, Managing Director, International Strategy & IP Strategy, Avex Group Holdings Inc  Anthony Tse, CEO, Cosmedia Group  Norman Halim, President & Group CEO, KRU Studios  Simon Wheeler, Director of Digital, Beggars Group  Song Ke (Michael), CEO, Taihe Rye Music Co Ltd  Stuart Watson, CEO, SWAT Enterprises Pte Ltd Publishers/Collection Societies:  Ken Ohtake, President, Sony Music Publishing (Japan) Inc, and Director & Chairman of the International Commission, MPAJ  Susanna Ng, Regional Managing Director, EMI Music Publishing Asia  Bryan Lam, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, BIEM  Brandon Bakshi, Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, Europe & Asia, BMI Artists/Managers/Agents/Promoters:  Jamie Cullum, Singer/Songwriter/Pianist  Chris Dalston, CAA  Scarlett Li, CEO & Co-Founder, Zebra Media  Terry McBride, CEO, Nettwerk Music Group  Tim Clark, Joint Managing Director, ie:music ltd, and Manager, Robbie Williams  Jonathan Daniel, Partner, Crush Management  Patrick Lee, CEO, alivenotdead.com  Wei Ming, EVP, Beijing Gehua Live Nation Entertainment & Sports Co. Ltd  Michael Hosking, Group Managing Director, Midas Promotions  V.G. Jairam, Partner, Oranjuice Entertainment  M.C. Jin, Artist  Carl Choi, CEO, Catch Music Group, & Executive Producer, Plan C Group Advertisers/Agencies:  Mateo Eaton, Partner, Invention, Mindshare  Umut Özaydinli, Global Music Marketing Manager, Coca Cola Company  Robert Campbell, Managing Partner/Creative Brand Strategist, Sunshine/M&C Saatchi  Cheryl Calegari, Senior Marketing Director, Asia Pacific, Converse Media/Technology:  Bin Lin, Engineering Director, Google China  Gary Chen, Founder & CEO, Orca Digital Inc. (top100.cn)  Allen Guo, CEO, Yobo.com  Elizabeth Schimel, Global Head of Music Services, Nokia  Janice Lee, EVP, TV & New Media, PCCW Ltd  Jay Kim, VP, Head of APAC Business, RealNetworks Asia Pacific  Martin Blomkvist, Global Head of Content Acquisition & Management, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB  Ralph Simon, Chairman Emeritus & Founder, Mobile Entertainment Forum – Americas, & CEO of The Mobilium Advisory Group  Rob Lewis, CEO, Omnifone Group  Ruuben van den Heuvel, Head of APAC, Digital Music Retail, Nokia  CheeK, EVP, Chinese Language Programming, Satellite Television Asian Region Ltd (STAR)  William Bao Bean, Partner, SoftBank China & India Holdings  Alvin Liu, Chairman, CEO, Executive Director, A8 Digital Music Holdings Ltd  Marcel Fenez, Global Entertainment & Media Practice Leader, PwC  Paul Smith, Head of Label Relationships, Nokia  Paul Abfalter, General Counsel, CSL  Ian Stewart, Head of Asia, Friendster  Ayrton Zhu, General Manager, Digital Multimedia Department, Tencent  Abigail Wong, Head of Music, Product Development & Infotainment, Maxis Communications Berhad  Sissel Henriette Larsen, Director, Broadband, Internet & Services, Business Development & Research, Telenor Group  Aenil Premji, Chief Marketing Officer, CSL Limited  Antonio Park, CEO, Mnet Media Corp.  Stefan Rust, Director, EXICON & Chairman Emeritus, MEF  Neeraj Roy, Managing Director & CEO, Hungama Mobile, and MEF Asia Chair  Yoshiaki Kudo, Founder & CEO, Digz, Inc. Group Others:  Kelly Cha, TV/Radio Host/Artist, Zha Zha Club  John McLellan, Partner, Haldanes  Susanna Lam, Research Director, Synovate  Leonard Apcar, Deputy Managing Editor & Chief Editor for Asia, The International Herald Tribune  Normandy Madden, Asia Editor, Advertising Age  Gabriela Kennedy, Partner, Hong Kong, Lovells  Kristie Nickolson, Of Counsel, Shanghai, Lovells LLP ABOUT MUSIC MATTERS Attended by an abundance of industry heavyweights from Asia and around the world, Music Matters is the only conference of its kind in Asia, offering delegates the chance to connect, forge business partnerships and create new business opportunities. In addition to the forum there are three parties showcasing up-and-coming acts from around the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its fourth year, Music Matters is a forum created with, by and for the Asian music industry and has become a permanent, must-attend fixture on the global music industry calendar. It is solutions driven, featuring face-to-face sessions, keynote presentations and discussion panels with some of the most innovative and successful companies and individuals in the businesses of music, entertainment and technology. Previous speakers include: Paul McGuinness (Manager, U2), Edgar Bronfman Jr. (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Group), Edison Chen (Artist), Sam Duann (President, Rock Records Co. Ltd), Terry McBride (CEO, Nettwerk Music Group and Manager Avril Lavigne), the IFPI’s John Kennedy, Charles Huang (Co-inventor of Guitar Hero), Globally renowned concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith, Haji Taniguchi (Managing Director, Avex Group Holdings Inc), Tero Ojanperä (EVP, Head of Entertainment, Nokia) and many others sharing the stage with a wealth of other local Asian and international music business leaders. Created, managed and promoted by Hong Kong based entertainment marketing company, Branded Limited, the Music Matters programme is customised with the assistance of an advisory board comprising of senior representatives from across the entertainment value chain including major record companies, independents, promoters, digital retail, lawyers, financiers, mobile and media owners. The ongoing success of Music Matters clearly reflects the deserved attention that the Asia Pacific is receiving from the rest of the world and demonstrates that the business of Music… Matters! Plug into Asia! Music Matters Event Information: www.musicmattersasia.com June 2nd – 4th, 2009 (Forum on June 3rd and 4th) Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong Contact Information: Media & Press Registration and Enquiries Delegate & Registration Information Jessica Hyams Amy Laing jessica.hyams@brandedasia.com amy.laing@brandedasia.com T (852) 2167 8040 T (852) 2167 8040 Sponsorship & Media Partnership Information Event Production Konstancija (Stan) Ruza Tracy Tan stan@brandedasia.com tracy.tan@brandedasia.com T (852) 2167 8040 T (852) 2167 8040

Indent launches new website

Indent, the hub for all ages entertainment in NSW has today launched their brand new website. Indent.net.au may hold the same domain but its raunchy new looks and usable interface means information on the all ages music scene is easier to get, and easier to get your stuff heard. Ideas of user generated content surround the new Indent website design and while that means the Indent HQ team wont be slacking off in brining you the most up to date information, issues and bands the website is built to welcome feedback, opinions and general ticks and tacks from all ages delegates, wannabes’ and fans. Get heard, and maybe we can work together to get more all ages entertainment, more all ages opportunities and chance to say hey, you don’t have to turn 18 to be allowed to have a good time. So please, take this as an official invitation to explore our new website it’s open to you for you. The Indent Network mail out is still happening, sign up to receive all the latest info on the all ages music scene in NSW straight to your inbox! www.indent.net.au/register Hot topics on the site now, Save the Loft, Come Together, Modular’s The Groop, Get your song on Channel V and an opportunity to get your short movie aired… For all Media Enquiries please contact Meg Williams | Communications meg@musicnsw.com | 02 9699 9706

The Jagermeister AIR Charts Have A New Home

Presenting www.aircharts.com.auThe Australian Independent Record Labels Associations (AIRs) commitment to building the profile of the Australian Independent Music sector has seen large changes to the organisations two flagship public projects the [Jagermeister] AIR Awards and the [Jagermeister] AIR Charts. After the riotously successful AIR Awards held in November 2008 its now time to shift the focus to the Australian Independent Charts. Historically, the charts have been published as a weekly top 20 from sales data gathered from ARIA but in recent years weve expanded our charts survey to include monthly independent genre charts for Hard Rock/Punk, Blues and Roots, Dance/Electronica, Jazz, Country and Urban/Hip Hop.Independent music in Australia has always thrived despite relative apathy from commercial radio and relentless competition from major labels. This said, there needs to be an opportunity for independent artists to shine publicly amongst their peers and thats what the AIR charts aim to achieve.The team at AIR has been working away on a new home for the Australian Independent Charts and the end result is a website that is interactive, user friendly, informative and promotes Australian Independent musicians and labels.The Jagermeister AIR charts Mover Of The Week will be awarded to the most impressive charting debut release while the Monthly Feature Label will make for entertaining reading from some of our resourceful and innovative independent labels. Each month the spotlight will be shone on an up and coming act in the Sonicbids Feature Artist section. There are also plans to include a D-Star powered radio chart. The radio chart will ne Australias first independent focussed radio chart and will without doubt provide an interesting counterpart to the sales sales rankings of our regular charts.So without any more further ado AIR would like to present the brand new dedicated website for the Jagermeister AIR Charts: www.aircharts.com.au

Eddy Current Suppression Ring wins The Amp 2008

Melbourne outfit Eddy Current Suppression Ring has taken out the Australian Music Prize for their 2008 album Primary Colours. The announcement was made in Sydney on 20th March in front of a packed room of artists, media and music industry.Eddy Current beat eight other Shortlisted artists to take home Australia's most prestigous music prize. The Amp congratulates the band on its well-deserved victory. And The Red Bull Award goes to... This year's Red Bull Award recipient - In Recognition of Outstanding Potential - is Sydney artist Jack Ladder. Jack Ladder took home ,000 prize money for his 2008 album Love Is Gone. Red Bull gives this award to one artist it deems has a bright future both in Australia and overseas. The Shortlist for The Amp 2008 is as follows:- Apocalypso – The Presets Beaches – Beaches Havilah – The Drones In Ghost Colours – Cut Copy Jungle Blues – CW Stoneking Love Is Gone – Jack Ladder Presque Vu – Tom Cooney Primary Colours – Eddy Current Suppression Ring Sympathy For the New World – Ross McLennan

WORLDWIDE INDEPENDENT NETWORK APPOINTS CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRS

The Board meeting of the international independent music association WIN (www.worldwideindependentnetwork.com) at Midem this year marked the completion of Alison Wenham’s two-years of inaugural Presidency, which has seen this grouping extend its membership to labels and independent music trade associations in 25 countries across all continents, while providing collective impetus for the formation of Merlin (www.merlinnetwork.org) to work with the independent sector in commercial exploitation of their copyrights. The WIN Board unanimously requested Wenham to continue to lead the organisation for the next two years. In line with firmer constitutional proposals relating to structure and funding of WIN, which were also agreed, the organisation reserved the Presidency as a titular position for a possible future appointment and Wenham was voted Chairman. The widening business and geographical focus of WIN was recognised with the appointment of four Vice Chairmen: David Vodicka, Chairman of Australian Independent Records (AIR); Mark Chung, Chairman of German independents trade body VUT; Portia Sabin, representing the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM); and Duncan McKie, President and CEO Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA). The WIN Board Agenda at Midem included review of the broadly successful first Independents Day in 2008, and noted that an increased number of territories intend to build on this promotional event in ID09; an IFPI presentation of research on the effectiveness of collecting societies – with particular reference to income for independent labels; and an update on the development of the digital data exchange DDEX. About WIN WIN was founded in July 2006 and is the first body created to exclusively represent the rights and interests of the global independent music community. The formation of WIN was a natural result of the rapidly growing network of independent trade bodies and home label members. Wherever companies are based, they tend to face the same issues of market concentration, massive technological change and little individual resource to respond. WIN's first priorities were therefore defined by the global membership, and included the creation of Merlin, the world's first global new media rights licensing agency. Both WIN and Merlin's very existence is punctuated by their mission to empower global strength through collective resources. As each draw upon the worldwide independent music community, both organizations will work together to help each others directives wherever possible for the best possible results for our members.

Merlin Cautions Members On Last.fm Program

Merlin, the global rights body for independent music, has alerted its 12,000-plus members to Last.fm's newly launched artist royalty program, warning some of its license terms and conditions appear "ambiguous" and "open to legal interpretation." The London-based trade association made clear its concerns in a bulletin to its membership, in which it highlights a number of reservations in relation to Last.fm's initiative.Merlin, the global rights body for independent music, has alerted its 12,000-plus members to Last.fm's newly launched artist royalty program, warning some of its license terms and conditions appear "ambiguous" and "open to legal interpretation."

The London-based trade association made clear its concerns in a bulletin to its membership, in which it highlights a number of reservations in relation to Last.fm's initiative.

"The Program announced today does not appear to offer any compensation for any past illegal use of repertoire," reads the Merlin memo. "It is unclear to us whether or not the terms and conditions of the Program are intended to prevent master owners pursuing such compensation."

Last.fm's artist royalty program claims to pay unsigned and independent artists for each time their music is played on the free streaming music service. Since it was unveiled in January, more than 450,000 tracks have been uploaded by participating bands.

Merlin, which itself launched for business during the Midem trade fair in January, has revealed it had been negotiating with Last.fm over the last few months on a non-exclusive blanket license and a settlement agreement on behalf of its members. "Unfortunately, these negotiations have stalled," Merlin explains, "in particular due to Last.fm's unwillingness to properly address its illegal infringing activity."

Merlin concludes in its bulletin: "Several provisions of the licence terms and conditions of the Program appear ambiguous and open to legal interpretation. We note that this would tend to lead to uncertainty as to the "true" meaning of the licence. The licence points out that if you are unsure about any of it - 'You are advised to obtain independent legal advice'. We would endorse that view."

Merlin is close to striking content deals with a host of key online music services, and is negotiating with the likes of MySpace Music, XM Satellite Radio and YouTube.

AIR APPOINTS TRESSCOX AS LEGAL REP

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has appointed TressCox as its legal representative following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) favourable ruling on collective licensing earlier this year. AIR CEO Stuart Watters says the appointment of TressCox will play a key role in enabling the organisation to adequately represent its members at a commercial level whilst affording them adequate protection by adhering to the legislation. “TressCox are considered to be leaders in the field with respect to entertainment and media representation so we are very excited to be working them in assisting the independent sector to realise its commercial value in the domestic market,” Mr Watters said. “Further, it is exciting to have such an established firm working with AIR on what is an historical development for the local sector and for also for AIR as it grows and evolves.” In January this year, the ACCC ruled that AIR, on behalf of 61 of its participating members was able to obtain immunity under the Trade Practices Act 1974 to collectively bargain with respect to the broadcast rights of their music videos. Key members included in the collective bargaining agreement include the largest of the independent labels in Australia including Shock Records, Inertia, MGM, Stomp as well as many smaller labels. The targets AIR have identified range from MTV as a music channel to Foxtel and Austar as broadcasters. Australia's independent record labels are significant contributors to the Australian music scene, with hugely successful artists including The Presets, John Butler, Sneaky Sound System, The Living End and The Waifs. Yet despite this level of success there are still a number of commercial licensors of independent product that either do not pay, or pay sub-standard rates for the use of local copyrights. Mark Bamford from TressCox has been appointed to represent AIR and the labels in this landmark negotiation and carries with him many years of experience. ABOUT AIR The Australian Independent Record Labels Association Ltd (AIR) is the peak body for Australian owned record labels. AIR pro-actively serves and represents the interests and development of hundreds of Australian independent recording labels across Australia and internationally. There is no other membership organisation in Australia that represents the interests of independent recording labels, which represents around 85% of all Australian recorded music released in any given year. AIR's primary purpose is to foster an ever increasing marketplace for Australian independent music and assist in the long-term development, growth and success of Australia's independent recording industry both in Australia and overseas. ABOUT TressCox TressCox has established a reputation as having one of the largest and leading media and entertainment law practices in Australia, providing commercially informed, specialised legal advice to its national and international clients. The firm has received accolades for many years from a variety of sources in the area of Entertainment and Media law.

MySpace Music Launches Without Worlds Leading Independent Labels And Artists

Said Charles Caldas CEO Merlin, Global Rights Body For Independent Sector. "It is incredibly disappointing that MySpace will launch their new service without having finalised a deal with the worlds most important independent labels and artists. It certainly makes Chris DeWolfe's public statements, that the indie bands are really the heart of MySpace, ring extremely hollow." What is absolutely clear, however, is that any independent deal struck without an equity component, (as was done with the majors), will see independent labels face a situation whereby their major competitors will profit from the use of their repertoire without an appropriate upside opportunity being extended to them by MySpace Music and its Major Label equity partners Whilst Merlin continues our negotiations, we remain extremely concerned that with MySpace Music the major record labels are acting not only as competitors, but through their equity stakes in the venture, as the clients/end user as well. Without an equitable participation by independents, that creates a situation that is both unhealthy and dangerous.

Independents Day 2008! The Plan

What it isIndependents 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 AWARDS

The 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 Awards

AIR (The Australian Independent Record Labels Association) is pleased to announce that the 2^nd 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.