Tampa Calling

Thursday, March 19: Day 2 began well. I was refreshed and ready to go to some sessions. SXSW is not only a music showcase, but it is also a conference and has a trade show floor. The sessions were geared towards music business professionals, offering panel discussions on topics from songwriting, using the Web to promote music, bands and brands and how to survive in the current economic climate. Every panelist was an accomplished professional with an impressive resume.

The first session I went to featured Todd and Jeff Brabec, twin brothers that have some helpful advice about how to make money through music publishing and songwriting. Jeff works in publishing for Chrysalis and Todd is a VP at ASCAP, so these guys know what they are talking about.

(Bad photo… I know…)

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This just showed up in my e-mail inbox:

PickTheBand.com, the world’s first online record label where the fans run the label has partnered with ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, to present the first Pick The Band national competition to pick the best unsigned rock band in America. Registration has already begun on the PickTheBand.com website and will continue through Feb. 22. The contest itself will begin on March 2 and voting will run through March 31, with a featured performance at the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo in April in Los Angeles as the top prize.

“Of the new models for finding talent we believe Pick The Band has a great formula and we are excited to have them involved with the ASCAP Expo,” said Randy Grimmett, ASCAP Sr. VP, Domestic Membership. “”The EXPO is the first and only national conference 100 percent dedicated to songwriting and composing. With a focus on connecting aspiring music creators, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase Pick The Band’s winner.”

The contest has been designed to showcase bands in a variety of ways, not just through their music, to get the fans to know as much as possible about them. Registration is easy. Go to PickTheBand.com for info. You must submit the following:
•    An original music video (set to a good quality original song)
•    2 original songs in MP3 format
•    A video of a live performance (with good audio quality)
•    10-15 band photos