Vol 1 Issue 3/ June 22nd 2005

We welcome all you new subscribers to M. Sean Agnew's newsletter "The Blueprint". This publication is dedicated to those people achieving success in their career as an artist and a music related business.

Hi Friends,

I read alot during the summer(actually about the same year round) and have vowed in doing so to continually expand my mind and knowledge base(I'll let you know how that turned out later). In doing this I have come across a truly AMAZING fact. Want to know what it is? OK, you don't have to get so nasty!

Your brain has more than 100 billion cells, each connected to at least 20,000 other cells. The possible combinations are greater than the number of molecules in the known universe! Your possibilities are almost infinite just like your possible brain pattern combinations and this is precisely what keeps many people from "making it rain".

They realize they have so many possibilities to make something happen that they are succumbed by that dreaded affliction "Analysis Paralysis". That is where they take a large amount of time to think to contemplate to review over the "exact" way things should be that they end up doing nothing or being so late that it isn't even relevant anymore.

You have to be able to make the phone ring and the e-mail come to the inbox in this business and that takes a few simple but systematic things to accomplish. Let's talk about how you gain visibility.  

M. Sean Agnew



Sean with Grammy winner John Mayer and actress Jennifer Love Hewitt


 Elements of Visibility

There has never been a time in the history of the planet where more people have been exposed to creativity. This is truly amazing and truly challenging. Regardless of your talent (or lack of) one of the biggest challenges is to have someone notice what you're doing.

I'm trying not to mention that *&%*$#& four letter word while typing this but its awful tough. It is truly one of the industry's most overused and misunderstood words and quite frankly it makes me violently ill when I see, or hear it. Oh well I'm typing and running to the bathroom now-its BUZZ!

I have heard more people throw that out of there mouth and then when asked to explain it or, heaven forbid, how to acquire it they choke like they just ate the last hard kernel of popcorn from the bottom of the bucket. Let me give you a real definition.

Publicity guru Marcia Yudkin puts it in to a great formula that I have modified a bit.

Visibility + Credibility + Word of Mouth + Timing = Buzz

5 Hints for greater visibility

1. Visibility
"Abscence makes the heart grow fonder", what a romantic sentiment. Unfortunately in todays fast paced media saturated society its dead wrong!
 While you do have to balance your presence remember that absence makes you one thing...FORGOTTEN. You always want to be working on the next public "opportunity". That can be lots of things other than shows like a testimonial, a review, a critique, an endorsement, a letter to the editor etc...
 You want people talking, reading, or hearing about you and then have them want to come investigate what you have to offer.

2. Credibility
This comes down to one thing, your reputation. You must build a B.O.N.D with all those you interact with to have a strong foundation.
 Build on respect-you always earn respect and don't demand it.
 Offer appreciation & recognition- acknowledge the achievements of all those you work with and who support you.
 Never talk negative about anyone-tough to do but with continual practice you can build this muscle up in no time.
 Don't ever say you're doing something that you're not going to do.

3. Word of Mouth
You must have or create something unique or at the least worth discussing to obtain this.
 Now I'm not telling you all to go find the nearest nocturnal winged rodent and start chomping though Ozzy Osbourne definitely found something to do that was worth discussing for many years didn't he?

Your unique thing could be your:

Writing style(Eminem)
Performance(Polyphonic Spree)
Appearance(KISS)
Philosophy(Sinead O'Conner)
Lifestyle(50 Cent)
Sexual lifestyle(Boy George)
and so on. Just figure out what makes you unique and focus on letting everyone see that part of you.

4. Timing
You must be aware of whats going on in the world to maximize this.
 Now there is no way anyone (other than the hijackers and maybe the CIA) could have predicted the attack on 9/11 though there are many other things you can watch and monitor to assist in your endeavours. It may be a local story of a charity looking for entertainment, or a certain style of music catching on, or a certain time of year where certain seasonal events take place. Keep your eyes and ears open.

5. Buzz
 This is the culmination of all these elements meeting and overlapping each other with one added ingredient:LUCK.

Now my definition of luck is where hard work, preparation, and opportunity meet. Make sure you are continually making your own "luck" everyday.



Action item
The first step in getting what you want is taking action. Each issue we focus on another element and then we do what 90% of the planet won't do. We do something about it.

This week's action item

Raise your Visibility: Put your system in place.

1. Write down the elements that make you unique, try for at least 6. Then put them in order up to the most discussion worthy.

2. Check at least 5 information sources to see what might be in line with your top 3 most unique aspects. This can be on a local or national level though local is easier in some respects.

3. Contact at least 3 people every week to work on building a stronger B.O.N.D. Practice these skills so they will be very comfortable to you when you are in a "live" situation.


4. Let 5 sources know about your unique appeal.

The key to this is to create a system so you are doing these with regularity not just once in a while. You may want to enlist professional assistance at some time or you may just want to go it alone. You have a tremendous amount of resources to get the word out and if you stay in Stage ONE, working consistently to promote and sell your artistry, then all other issues are minor indeed.
Announcements

FREE TELECONFERENCE CALL!
With Blue Metallic Entertainment Group's
 - M. Sean Agnew
JUNE 28th at 7pm CST for "Music Conferences-How to promote yourself at a music conference"
This will be an informative hour on how to get the most exposure out of your experience at a music conference.
*Topics covered like, with 97 acts, how do you get noticed and how do you get the most out of the
 conference?

*Ways to promote yourself at a music conference, including bands who aren't showcasing, What about Me?

*We're not playing, why is it worth my time?

With Sara Qazi hosting, our guests will include;
M. Sean Agnew-CEO Blue Metallic Entertainment Group
Peter Torres-Director of A&R, Thrive Records
David Codr - The Music Phone Book
Madalyn Sklar - GoGirlsMusic.com
Plus either Angie DeVore or Tom Green, maybe even both!

If you want to participate in this call send an e-mail to adevore@dfest.com with "Teleconference" and your name and state in the subject line. We have a limited number of lines so don't wait to register for this teleconference as they always fill up quickly. A couple days before the call, we will send you the dial-in information to get on the call.

If you have any questions, email adevore@dfest.com


 

Upcoming Calls-

June 30th Special ENN members only teleconference!
Special announcements to come on this call.


Thanks for your attention and until next time I'm so glad I can be yours in music, money and motivation.
M.Sean Agnew

 Celebration offer: free 30 minute consultation

 

M. Sean Agnew  was recently nominated for Man of the Year from the SMI (Sales and Marketing Institute).In order to celebrate this honor M. Sean Agnew is offering to schedule up to twenty 30 minute free consultations for potential clients ranging from artists to the largest companies. In order to schedule a slot before they are all gone please send your name, contact information and available dates and times to Suzanne Muscari at info@bluemetallic.com with " Consultation" in the subject line. Don't wait to schedule as this may not happen again.

 

VitalSigns: The Industry Beat
Agency, Management, Label, Tour Promoting Company & Public Relation Firm Signings

Signings for the week of June 16, 2005.

AGENCY SIGNINGS:

  • The Agency Group Ltd.
    America Is Waiting have signed with Corrie Christopher for exclusive representation.
    Lisbeth Scott has signed with Linda Kordek for exclusive live-performance representation.
    New Year's Day have signed with Corrie Christopher for exclusive representation.
    Shots Fired have signed with Corrie Christopher for exclusive representation.

  • American Famous Talent Inc.
    Batch has signed with Ric Bracamontes for exclusive representation.

  • The Billions Corporation
    Antony and the Johnsons has signed with David (Boche) Viecelli for exclusive representation.

  • BMA / Blue Mountain Artists
    Fareed Haque Group have signed with Hugh Southard & Page Stallings for exclusive representation.
    Garaj Mahal have signed with Hugh Southard & Page Stallings for exclusive representation.
    Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience have signed with Hugh Southard & Page Stallings for exclusive representation.

  • Degy Booking International
    Ben Arthur has signed with Ari Nisman for exclusive college representation.
    Bottle of Justus have signed with Ari Nisman for exclusive college representation.
    July For Kings have signed with Ari Nisman for exclusive college representation.
    Nick Motil has signed with Ari Nisman for exclusive college representation.
    Old Union have signed with Scott Bruce for exclusive representation.
    Reverend Tor Band have signed with Scott Bruce for exclusive representation.

  • Eclipse Booking
    Alasdair Roberts has signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Birchville Cat Motel have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Blood on the Wall have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Boris have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Circle have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Dead Meadow have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Earth have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Electrelane have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Ghost have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Growing have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    The Howling Hex (feat. Neil Michael Hagerty) have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Jackie-O Motherfucker have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Jack Rose has signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Josephine Foster has signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Khanate have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Marissa Nadler has signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Nissenenmondai have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Om have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Sightings have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Six Organs of Admittance have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Sunburned Hand Of The Man have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    SUNN 0))) have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Tracy & The Plastics have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    Trad Gras Och Stenar have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.
    White Magic have signed with Angela (Angeldeath) Means for exclusive representation.

  • Flowerbooking, LLP
    Criteria have signed with Tim Edwards for exclusive representation.

  • International Creative Management
    Taylor Lautner has signed with Chris Hart for exclusive representation.

  • IMN / International Music Network
    McCoy Tyner has signed with Scott Southard for exclusive worlwide representation.
    McCoy Tyner & Bobby Hutcherson has signed with Scott Southard for exclusive worlwide representation.
    McCoy Tyner Big Band have signed with Scott Southard for exclusive worlwide representation.
    McCoy Tyner Trio have signed with Scott Southard for exclusive worlwide representation.

  • K2 Agency
    "Zappa Plays Zappa - Tour De Frank" have signed with John Jackson for exclusive UK & European representation.

  • Kork Agency
    13 & God have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    An Albatross have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Aqui have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Breather Resist have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Crown City Rockers have signed with BKZ for non-exclusive representation.
    Fannypack have signed with BKZ for exclusive representation.
    Felt have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Kinski have signed with Ryan Craven for exclusive representation.
    Oh No have signed with BKZ for exclusive representation.
    Octopus Project have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Phosphorescent have signed with Ryan Craven for exclusive representation.
    Thunderbirds Are Now! have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Ume have signed with Jonathan Frye for exclusive representation.
    We Are Wolves have signed with Christian Bernhardt for exclusive representation.
    Xiu Xiu have signed with Ryan Craven for exclusive representation.

  • Leave Home Booking
    Mercy Killers have signed with Stormy Shepherd for exclusive representation.
    Time Again have signed with Stormy Shepherd for exclusive representation.

  • Madison House Incorporated
    Bad Fathers have signed with Jake Schneider for exclusive representation.
    The Crest have signed with Jake Schneider for exclusive representation.
    DJ Mike Relm has signed with Jake Schneider for exclusive representation.
    Lotushave signed with Jake Schneider for exclusive representation.
    MC Longshot has signed with Jake Schneider for exclusive representation.
    Scott Law has signed with Jake Schneider for exclusive representation.

  • Mark Sonder Productions, Inc.
    Micki Free has signed with Mark Sonder for exclusive representation.

  • Metro Talent Group Inc.
    Jim Boggia has signed with Cass Scripps for exclusive representation.
    Sam Thacker has signed with Cass Scripps for exclusive representation.

  • MPA / Monterey Peninsula Artists/Paradigm - Nashville
    George Canyon has signed with James Yelich for exclusive US representation.
    Marty Stuart has signed with James Yelich for exclusive representation.

  • New Frontier Touring
    Cowan, Scott & Flynn featuring John Cowan, Darrell Scott & Pat Flynn have signed with Paul Lohr for exclusive representation.
    Darrell Scott has signed with Paul Lohr for exclusive representation.
    The John Cowan Band have signed with Paul Lohr for exclusive representation.
    The Moscow Circus has signed with Paul Lohr for exclusive North American representation.

  • Performing Artists International
    Between Home and Serenity have signed with Josh Hartloper for non-exclusive representation.

  • PTI / Primary Talent International
    Waking Ashland have signed with Dave Chumbley for exclusive UK, European & International representation.

  • Q Productions
    Sesi has signed with Abraham Quintanilla Jr. for exclusive representation.

  • Red Ryder Agency
    Darren Hanlon has signed with Matt Spinner for exclusive North American representation.
    Great Lake Swimmers have signed with Matt Spinner for exclusive North American representation.
    The Spinto Band have signed with Matt Spinner for exclusive North American representation.
    Steel Train have signed with Erik Selz for exclusive North American representation.

  • Rockport Agency
    The Eyeliners have signed with Amy O'Malley for exclusive representation.
    The Letters Organize have signed with Amy O'Malley for exclusive representation.
    No Trigger have signed with Amy O'Malley for exclusive representation.

  • Skyline Music LLC
    The Musical Box (Tribute to Genesis) have signed with Bruce Houghton for exclusive US representation.

  • TKA / Ted Kurland Associates
    Steve Tyrell has signed with Ted Kurland for exclusive worldwide representation.

  • Triangle Talent Inc.
    Kentucky Sisters has signed with David Snowden for exclusive representation.

  • UTA / United Talent Agency
    Abandoned Pools have signed with Steve Seidel for exclusive representation.
    CMJ Music Tour has signed with Nikki Wheeler for exclusive representation.
    Graham Coxon has signed with Nikki Wheeler for exclusive representation.
    Julia Fordham has signed with Nikki Wheeler for exclusive representation.
    Julieta Venegas has signed with Rob Prinz for exclusive representation.
    Patti LaBelle has signed with Mark Winkler for exclusive representation.
    Roselyn Sanchez has signed with Rob Prinz for exclusive representation.
    Shiny Toy Guns have signed with Nikki Wheeler for exclusive representation.
    The Veronicas has signed with Nikki Wheeler for exclusive representation.

  • William Morris Agency
    Antigone Rising have signed with John Marx & Brian Edelman for exclusive representation.
    Brooke Valentine has signed with Cara Lewis for non-exclusive representation.
    Fatty Koo have signed with Cara Lewis for exclusive North American representation.

  • William Morris Agency - Miami
    Olga Tanon has signed with Michel Vega for exclusive representation.

  • William Morris Agency - Nashville
    Erika Jo has signed with Lane Wilson for exclusive representation.
    Van Zant have signed with Greg Oswald for exclusive representation.

  • The Windish Agency
    Seu Jorge has signed with Tom Windish for exclusive representation.


MANAGEMENT SIGNINGS:

  • 226 Music Group Inc.
    Damageplan have signed with Paul Bassman.
    Drowning Pool have signed with Paul Bassman.
    Everylasthing have signed with Paul Bassman.
    LOSA have signed with Paul Bassman.
    One Up have signed with Paul Bassman.

  • Allen Farst Management
    Solace For Now have signed with Allen Farst.

  • Boo Management
    Shifter have signed with Leslie Gerard and Andre Recke.

  • Contemporary Productions
    Maynard Ferguson has signed with Steve Schankman.

  • DAS Communications
    Fatty Koo have signed with Anthony Demby.

  • Edge Management
    Tommy Tutone has signed with Jake Hooker.

  • High Stakes Entertainment
    The Gitt It Boyz have signed with JD Fields.
    J.T. Money / JT Money has signed with JD Fields.

  • L.A. Personal Development
    Lisbeth Scott has signed with Mike Gormley.

  • Lehman & Lehman
    Gregg Allman and Friends have signed with Michael Lehman.

  • Sanctuary Artist Management
    "Zappa Plays Zappa - Tour De Frank" have signed with Danny Heap.

  • Satellite Artist Management
    Bauhaus have signed with Pete Riedling.

  • Shoot To Kill Music
    Andre Legacy has signed with Kevin Wolff.
    Dirt Nasty has signed with Kevin Wolff.
    The Dyslexic Speedreaders have signed with Kevin Wolff.
    Mickey Avalon has signed with Kevin Wolff.

  • Strategic Artist Management
    Anastacia has signed with Simon Renshaw.
    Clay Aiken has signed with Simon Renshaw.
    Dixie Chicks have signed with Simon Renshaw.
    Miranda Lambert has signed with Simon Renshaw.
    Tears for Fears have signed with Simon Renshaw & JoAnn Burnside.

  • The Suchin Company
    Debbie Reynolds has signed with Milton Suchin.

  • Vector Management
    Van Zant have signed with Ken Levitan & Ross Schilling.

  • Worldwide Entertainment Group
    The Amazing Kreskin has signed with Dave Lory.
    Andrzej Liguz has signed with Dave Lory for North American representation.
    Harry has signed with Dave Lory.


LABEL SIGNINGS:

  • Boss Entertainment
    Public Announcement

  • Columbia Records
    Fatty Koo

  • Integrity Label Group
    Martha Munizzi

  • Rounder Records Group
    Alana Levandoski

  • Universal Music Group
    Pras


PUBLIC RELATION FIRM SIGNINGS:

  • Mark Pucci Media
    Al Kooper has signed with Mark Pucci.
    Dave's True Story have signed with Mark Pucci.
    Jude Johnstone have signed with Mark Pucci.
    Maria Muldaur have signed with Mark Pucci.
    Nick Moss & The Flip Tops have signed with Mark Pucci.

  • SpinLab
    Maroon5 have signed with John Vlautin.

    VENUE NEWS: Double Door Avoids Closing Doors

    CHICAGO (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) -- The operators of the Double Door rock club in Chicago avoided being forced out to allow higher paying tenants to take over their building by reaching an agreement with the landlords to stay open another nine years.

    The announcement from club co-owner Sean Mulroney came before a courtroom packed with about 40 pierced and tattooed musicians and music lovers, who cheered the good news.

    "I'm very happy the city is not going to become the strip mall they keep trying to turn it into," Herb Rosen, bass player and vocalist for local band Beer Nuts, told the Chicago Sun-Times.

    Mulroney, along with co-owner Joseph Shanahan, were set to begin trial, when the presiding judge called both sides into his chambers to remind them they would be happier with a compromise they reached themselves than one he imposed on them. Many think the presence of the fans helped move the compromise along.

    "When they saw the support, I think it made a big difference," Mulroney told the paper.

    "Who wants to be the bad guy, say 'I closed the club?'" agreed Shanahan.

    The Double Door had become a victim of its own success, opening in the one-seedy Wicker Park area before gentrification drove rents through the roof. The landlords had pressured the rock club out of its lease to make way for chains like Banana Republic. Possible rents have reached marks as high as $38 per square foot, while the club pays only $9 per square foot.

    Mulroney and Shanahan heaped praise on landlord Brian Strauss after the compromise had been set, with Shanahan even calling him a "hero" in front of the crowd. Mulroney asked fans to applaud him as he left the room. Neither side would reveal the exact dollar figure they settled on. --by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers


 
 
Quote of the week:
"Things may come to those
who wait, but only the things
left by those who hustle."
-Abraham Lincoln

Brisbane Australia


2005 Conferences and Getaways
featuring M. Sean Agnew



July 5-9th
Big Sound Music Conference
Brisbane, Australia

July 8-10th
Dfest
Tulsa Oklahoma

July 20-24th
Midwest Music Summit/NAMM
Indianapolis Indiana

August 10-13th
Atlantis
Atlanta Georgia

September 8-10th
South Park Music Festival
South Park Colorado


Check back for more announced events

  Cast of the Canadian hit show
 "15 Love"
"Got good music?"
M. Sean Agnew has been contacted to consult with Galafilms producers in Canada to source music for the soundtrack of their hit show "15 Love". Now in its third season it has taken Canada and France by the eyes and ears and is looking to do the same in the U.S.A.

You must be the owner of all rights, title,and interest to the songs and agree to allow varied non exclusive sync rights then you can submit your CD(yes cd's only folks) to the following.

Send music to:
Matt MacLennan
C/O Galafilm Productions (IV) INC.
5463 Clark St. #300
Montreal, Quebec
H2T 2V5

 

 

 Our interns get valuable experience, contacts, and coaching.
ENN Live event and conference intern positions
We have recently started to allow interns to accompany and assist the staff and M. Sean Agnew during his seminars and conference appearances. We have gotten a great response we wanted to open the opportunity to this list as well.

If you are planning to be at any of the listed events above or are within close proximity to the host city and can follow instruction and want to learn more about the music business and business in general, we welcome you to apply.
For consideration please e-mail your brief background, and contact information (You must be at least 18 years of age) to
 Suzanne Muscari at suzanne@bluemetallic.com

Alanis Morissette

STAR POWER
 
Starbucks has just set a chain-wide record for one-week sales as they deliver 61k units the first week on Alanis Morissette. The highly controversial exclusive, not being
made available to other retailers for six
weeks, debuted #14 on the HITS
 Album chart.  Where will it be on the Billboard chart?
 
Live 8 Canada

Bryan Adams, Barenaked Ladies, Simple Plan, The Tragically Hip, Jann Arden, and Gordon Lightfoot are among the artists confirmed to perform Canada's Live 8 concert.
The July 2 event at Park Place (formerly Molson Park) on Barrie, Ontario, will feature more than 20 acts, but so far, The Rolling Stones are not on the list.
Concert promoter Michael Cohl, who is handling the Stones' upcoming tour and is organizing the Canadian event, said more artists will be added to the bill but did not go as far as to say the Stones would join the lineup.
The band is rehearsing for the tour in Toronto, as they have done for their past several road trips.
Canadian comedians Dan Aykroyd and Tom Green will host the event, which will also feature a performance by Celine Dion live by satellite from Las Vegas.
Free tickets - limited to two per person - will be available to the public at 10 a.m. June 23, and can be attained in Canada and the U.S. online from Ticketmaster's website only (www.ticketmaster.ca).
According to Cohl, there will be a catch to obtaining tickets. "We want people to understand why they're attending the concert, so anyone looking for tickets will have to answer a skill-testing question about Live 8."
In order to secure tickets, concert-goers will be required to answer this question: According to Live 8 and Make Poverty History, what can the G8 leaders do to help make poverty history?
Other July 2 Live 8 events will take place in London, Edinburgh, Berlin, Philadelphia, Washington, Paris, Tokyo and Rome. The public is encouraged to visit www.live8live.com to learn what they can do to support Live 8 - whether they attend a concert, watch on TV or listen on the radio.

photo 


K-OS Sweeps MuchMusic Video Awards


Toronto hip hopper K-OS (real name: Kevin Brereton) was the big winner last night (June 19) at the 2005 MuchMusic Video Awards, held at the CHUM Ltd. headquarters in downtown Toronto.

The EMI Music Canada rapper racked up four wins, including top rap video for "I Used To Be," top cinematography (for Adam Marsden) and top direction (K-OS with Micah J. Meisner). The rapper's "Crabbuckit" clip got the nod for top pop video.
Among the highlights of the evening were spirited performances by K-OS, the Killers, the Arcade Fire, and the Black Eyed Peas, who practically stole the night.

Warner Music group Billy Talent and newcomers Death From Above 1979 each won two awards. Billy Talent's video for "River Below" was named top rock video and top video. Death From Above 1979 won a post=production award for "Romantic Rights" and the VideoFACT Award for "Blood on Our Hands."

Simple Plan took home the fan-voted People's Choice award for top Canadian group, while Green Day was named top international band, Gwen Stefani was named top international artist and Kalan Porter was named top Canadian artist.

Billboard, Knitting Factory Form 'Underground' Pact



In an effort to uncover new talent, Billboard and the Knitting Factory have established a series of unsigned artist showcases for top tier industry tastemakers. The Billboard Underground, which has recently showcased Lourds, Tina Sugandh, Roadside Graves, Geoff Byrd and Bandcamp, has lined up a July 26 New York showcase for Australian-bred hard-rock act Doomfoxx.

"The goal is to get good music exposed to the people who can take a musician to the next level," says Billboard co-executive editor Tamara Conniff. "We're thrilled to lend our resources to this valuable endeavor." 

Showcasing artists are selected by Billboard's editorial staff and Conniff for performances at Knitting Factory clubs in New York and Los Angeles.

Starting in the fall, graduate students interested in the music business will be invited to attend the Billboard Underground, Live at the Knitting Factory concert series for a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry.

"We are thrilled to have Billboard as a partner in the creation of this fantastic platform for nurturing up and coming talent," says Jared Hoffman, president of Knitting Factory Entertainment. "As the monitor of the American recording industry, Billboard's voice carries great weight. We welcome their commitment to stepping out and standing behind the best in emerging talent."

TECHNOLOGY NEWS: Clear Channel's Instant Live Enters Into HFA's Express Live CD And DPD







(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) -- The Harry Fox Agency, Inc (HFA) and Clear Channel's Instant Live service have entered into HFA's "Express Live" mechanical licensing arrangement for CDs and permanent digital downloads (DPDs). The HFA Express Live license accommodates the special needs of Instant Live type recordings, making the format's quick turnaround possible.

HFA began to offer Express Live mechanical licensing in December 2004. This license arrangement is targeted at companies that enable music fans to purchase recordings or downloads of concerts almost immediately after the last note is played, either at the venue or from a web site after the concert.

"HFA's Express Live licensing program is a significant milestone in the development of the Instant Live business," said Stephen Prendergast, general manager, Instant Live, LLC. "HFA has proven that it can create a different, flexible licensing program that accommodates the immediacy of our live concert product that is also practical and easy for a licensee to use."

"We're pleased that Instant Live has signed on to use HFA's Express Live mechanical licensing agreement," said Michael Simon, senior vice president of Licensing and the chief of Strategic Development and Marketing for HFA. "It was a challenge to create a licensing scheme that answered the distinct needs of this new kind of recording, and we're pleased to see that is being adopted by the market leaders for this new recorded concert product."

There are several differences between an Express Live and a standard mechanical license. For a standard license, the licensee must obtain a separate mechanical license for each individual recording of the song by the same recording artist.

Distinct from the standard mechanical license, Express Live licenses are limited to product recorded at live concerns and sold to consumers either at the concert venue or through mail delivery (if the licensee also wishes to distribute Express Live CDs or DPDs via a regular third-party retail channel, it must obtain a standard mechanical license before distribution). The license is "reusable," in that one license will cover all recordings of the same song by a particular artist in the Express Live context, though the individual recordings will be differentiated when the licensee submits its regular quarterly licensing reports and payments.

Express Live licenses are offered at the same statutory royalty rate as a standard compulsory mechanical license, which is currently 8.5cents for recordings five minutes or less, or 1.65cents per minute of playing time for songs over five minutes, rounded up to the nearest minute. First use, reduced rate, and other song restrictions will require publisher approval prior to the issuance of licenses by HFA. Others who have entered into HFA Express Live licensing agreements include Gov't Mule, Hyburn, Encore Distribution and Widespread Records. --Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen

Sprint, Sirius Unveil Wireless Music Deal









OVERLAND PARK, KS (AP) -- Sprint Corp. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. have announced a deal that will allow some Sprint customers to receive satellite radio over their cell phones, possibly sometime this summer.

The agreement, announced Tuesday, is the first between a satellite radio company and a wireless company and expands Sprint's wireless entertainment package. The Overland Park-based company already offers some radio channels, live TV, games and TV clips.

Its current radio offerings include channels from MSpot and Music Choice, each of which costs $5.95 a month.

New York-based Sirius charges $12.95 a month for more than 120 channels, and the service requires a special radio and an exterior antenna.

Sprint and Sirius still are working on pricing and other details. Sprint is considering adding channels ranging from Broadway show tunes to rock and hip-hop, Sirius said, but there's no word on whether shock-jock Howard Stern will be available through the service once he joins Sirius.

 






Everfine Festival Moves To Chicago On August 20

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) -- Everfine Records, in association with House of Blues Concerts and Clear Channel Music Group, will kick it up with the fourth annual Feeling Better Than Everfine Festival on August 20 at Lakefront Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago, IL. After three successful years at Cleveland, Ohio's Tower City Amphitheater, the event will be heading west. O.A.R., who will headline the festival with a full set of music, will be joined by emerging artists, including Pepper, Michael Tolcher, The Southland, State Radio, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, As Fast As, Ludo and Small Town Workers. Tickets are $29.50.

Everfine Records created the Feeling Better Than Everfine Festival to provide an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to showcase their music in a unique outlet. According to Everfine Records president Dave Roberge, 'We feel it is important that these artists, who typically haven't received much exposure from traditional media outlets, have a forum to expose their talents," says Dave Roberge, Everefine Recors president. "It's the music that is currently flying under the radar that we like to bring to our audience before it hits the masses."

Artists who have performed at the festival Maroon 5, Howie Day, Marc Broussard, Ari Hest, Matt Nathanson, Ingram Hill and Antigone Rising among others.

The festival has stayed true to its roots of putting on an event with both the musicians and the true music fan in mind. To ensure that attendees are able to catch each and every performance at the all day event, the schedule is arranged so that no two sets overlap. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to get to know and interact with their favorite performers at the artist-signing booth.

'"I've never been to a music festival where there was such a strong feeling of camaraderie between bands," says O.A.R.s lead guitarist Richard On. "Year after year bands come and go, yet that feeling still remains the same."

The 2005 Feeling Better Than Everfine Festival lineup (additional Sonic Bids selected artist to be added) includes O.A.R. (Rockville, MD), Pepper (Kailua Kona, HI), Michael Tolcher (Atlanta, GA), The Southland (Los Angeles, CA), State Radio (Cambridge, MA), Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (Northampton, MA), As Fast As (Portland, ME), Ludo (St. Louis, MO) and Small Town Workers (Charlottesville, VA).


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M. Sean Agnew, CEO and founder of BMEG and ElevatioNatioNetwork/ENN, an artist development organization, is an in demand marketing/promotions/development consultant and resource for labels and artist alike. Sean has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 19 years as an artist, as an executive and consultant. Sean has toured and worked with legends such as Public Enemy, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, 2PAC, De La Soul, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ted Danson, Christopher Reeves, Louie Anderson and many more.

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