6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Kicks Off

6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) Kicks Off

6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries. Past winners include: The Refugees, Charlie Dore (UK), Fertitta and McClintock (USA), Jen Foster USA), Mistin’ (Australia), David Francey (Canada).

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Billboard Publicity Wire) — The 6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries. IAMA promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D’Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Superdups, Broadjam.com, Inustry Mastering, Kari Estrin Management, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter and best off all entrants do not have to stand in line for hours or days in order to audition. Entrants need to mail in an entry form along with a CD recording or enter online on IAMA’s website.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Therefore, winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-ups will also be featured on IAMA’s compilation CD.

Last year’s winner went to acoustic folk group “The Refugees”, fronted by hit singer-songwriter Wendy Waldman, who wrote Vanessa Williams’ #1 hit song “Save the Best for Last”.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Other past winners include: UK singer-songwriter Charlie Dore (2008 winner). Charlie Dore is most famous in the United States for her 1980 pop single, “Pilot of the Airwaves,” which hit Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts and shot to international worldwide fame. Fertitta and McClintock (USA), Jen Foster (USA), Mistin’ (Australia), David Francey (Juno award winner from Canada), April Verch (Canada) and Millish (USA).

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. Deadline to enter is November 9 ‘09.

http://www.inacoustic.com

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publicity Wire.

North Carolina Rockers THE FIFTH Combine Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll for Upcoming EMG/Universal Debut

North Carolina Rockers THE FIFTH Combine Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll for Upcoming EMG/Universal Debut

The Fifth has signed with EMG/Universal and will release their debut album Confessions of Man on July 28, 2009. The band has also signed an exclusive long-term management agreement with partners Ricky B. Rogers & Ray Ware of Nashville-based Fused Management.

Nashville, Tennessee (Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWeb) June 30, 2009 — North Carolina rock band The Fifth has signed with EMG/Universal and will release their debut album Confessions of Man on July 28, 2009. The band has also signed an exclusive long-term management agreement with partners Ricky B. Rogers & Ray Ware of Nashville-based Fused Management, home to all-girl rock band Atomic Blonde, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Bob Carlisle and more.

“I am impressed with this band’s commitment to their fans,” states Ware. “They instinctively understand how to give their audience what they want.” Rogers adds, “This band is poised to erupt nationally because they understand that rock n roll should remain first and foremost about fun.”

The Fifth may be new to the national scene, but since 2001, the full-throttled foursome has tore up the North Carolina club circuit in support of two full-length independent CDs, plus a pair of EPs. And it was no surprise to their loyal fans when they started to appear in the national spotlight.

Millions of television viewers have heard the group’s song “Even To This Day” on a recent “Grey’s Anatomy” commercial, as well as two separate Dodge Ram commercials in which the band was featured. Add in a Monster Energy band partnership and opening slots for the likes of Nickelback, Hinder, Staind, Poison’s CC DeVille, Crossfade, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Sevendust, Puddle of Mudd, Filter, Saliva, Hoobastank, Rev Theory and many more, and The Fifth is well on its way to being a household name.

“The culture of the band is what’s special,” injects front man Roy Cathey, who first found fame as leader of MCA act Cold Sweat. “Our hometown of Fayetteville is a military town, which means people come see us and then spread the word all over the country. We’ve worked our asses off for the past seven and a half years and we’re damn lucky so many soldiers take our music with them wherever they go.”

Adds bassist B-Man, “We’ve actually heard from guys who’ve gone over to Baghdad and spray painted The Fifth’s logo over pictures of Saddam Hussein. They write and say how our music helped them get through the week, which is why we make sure when they come back to see a show, we give them the biggest bang we can.”

Like the good old days of Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses and KISS, The Fifth is committed to an incendiary live show that thrives on the personalities of all the players. While so many of today’s bands have become faceless and generic, this foursome packs plenty of charisma into an unrelenting electric upheaval.

“We pride ourselves as being a modern rock band, but we love the big shows of yesterday,” confirms drummer Marc Anthony. “We have the sound of today, but with the connection of an old school rock show. Everyone lets themselves shine through on stage and you can tell we’re all having a blast letting our identities come through.”

Despite the larger than life personas, the guys’ first priority when they hang up their instruments for the night is to meet their fans. Not only is The Fifth comprised of the most approachable guys in the music business, but they’re committed to providing a sense of enjoyment and empowerment to everyone along the way.

“Everybody loves a good rock show,” affirms Roy. “We write songs people identity with and that can help put a smile on someone’s face, plus we throw a little sex, drugs, rock n’ roll and any other bit of debauchery in for some extra fun.”

For more information, contact: Brian Mayes at Nashville Publicity Group, (615) 771-2040

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publicity Wire.

R&B Group, Ju-Taun, Announces Release of Debut Album, Love Changes Things, Out June 30th, 2009

R&B Group, Ju-Taun, Announces Release of Debut Album, Love Changes Things, Out June 30th, 2009

Ju-Taun, most notable for their exuberant, richly orchestrated, fusion of vintage soul and contemporary R&B/Pop, have announced the release of their highly-anticipated debut album, Love Changes Things, available June 30th worldwide.

New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) June 30, 2009 — Ju-Taun, most notable for their exuberant, richly orchestrated, fusion of vintage soul and contemporary R&B/Pop, have announced the release of their highly-anticipated debut album, Love Changes Things, available June 30th worldwide. The high-energy dance track “Get @ Me,” will be the lead single. The album is being distributed by BFM Digital (http://www.bfmdigital.com), a leading digital music aggregator and distributor of independent music.

Ju-Taun are known well for performing live along with Chris Brown, Ashanti, Avant, Life Jennings, Jagged Edge, Mary Mary, 112, Tyrese, Carl Thomas and fellow New Jersey native, Jaheim. They have also been noted as “#1 MTV’s Top Pop Group Personality” by lamonmtv.com and listed as the “Top 10 new R&B artist” by Billboard.com.

The tracks off of Love Changes Things, combine powerful, story-centric lyrics that have captured the hearts of fans and the praise of critics. “If nothing else, our desire is that those who listen to this album will truly feel the love that flows from it,” says Jamie of Ju-Taun. Possessing a repertoire of lyrical and musical talent far beyond their years, Ju-Taun has toured with the likes of noteworthy musical icons such as Bloodstone, Enchantment, Atlantic Star, Instant Funk, Rose Royce, SOS Band, and the world renowned Temptations.

For more information on Ju-Taun, please see: www.myspace.com/jutaun

About BFM Digital, Inc.

BFM Digital is a global digital music company committed to serving the independent music community and delivering quality music, spoken word and video content to leading online retailers worldwide. Representing a diverse catalog of indie labels, artists and publishers, BFM distributes to all of the major music services including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic, Napster, Walmart, Nokia and many more. With an unparalleled commitment to personalized service, BFM works closely with their content providers from around the world to ensure maximum exposure of their catalog by customizing marketing efforts and building strong relationships with BFM’s digital store partners.

About Climax Entertainment

Climax Entertainment is an independent record label focused on delivering quality music to the world by empowering artists through disciplined development methods. With a professionally trained in-house staff of writers, producers, and musicians, Climax works with each artist individually to maximize their full potential. Staffing a strong research and marketing team, Climax ensures that artists are promoted to the public in new and innovative ways whether physically or virtually.

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publicity Wire.

Bandwidth Music | Technology Conference 2009 Announces Conversation with Cory Ondrejka, Executive VP, Digital Marketing, EMI Music

Bandwidth Music | Technology Conference 2009 Announces Conversation with Cory Ondrejka, Executive VP, Digital Marketing, EMI Music

The Bandwidth Conference gathers music, technology, digital music, and media professionals to explore the ever-evolving music experience. Bandwidth 2009 takes place on August 27 and 28 in San Francisco.

San Francisco, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) June 30, 2009 — The Bandwidth Music | Technology Conference, an annual gathering of music/media executives and digital music professionals, takes place on August 27 and 28, 2009 in San Francisco. Bandwidth explores the evolving musical experience — how people discover, purchase, interact with, and are exposed to new music — with a focus on marketing, fan behavior, current trends, and future forecasts.

Featured at this year’s conference will be a conversation with Cory Ondrejka, Executive Vice President, Digital Marketing for EMI. In this role, Ondrejka is advancing the company’s digital marketing capabilities, developing new consumer and market insight resources and leading EMI’s experimentation with new digital marketing and product models in order to provide the best service to its artists and their fans.

Ondrejka was formerly EMI’s Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy. Since joining the company in 2008, he has helped create and implement a new digital strategy including assembling a world-class engineering team to build a solid infrastructure in San Francisco, instituting agile, forward-thinking software tools and development practices to transform EMI’s approach to analytics.

Prior to EMI, Ondrejka was the co-founder of Linden Lab, where he led the development of the virtual world Second Life. In addition to developing the core code and building the company from 4 to 250 people, Ondrejka drove multiple initiatives that generated enormous value from user participation, creation, and collaboration. The ecosystems he helped create led directly to the success of Second Life, as well as the ongoing use of Second Life as a platform for music, education, and business. Before Linden Lab, Ondrejka travelled an eclectic path from the U.S. Naval Academy and nuclear power to defense contracting and video game development.

Cory Ondrejka joins previously announced keynote speakers Livia Tortella, GM/Executive VP of Marketing and Creative Media at Atlantic Records, and Jeff Price, founder and CEO of TuneCore.

Bandwidth Conference 2009 will feature prominent trailblazers from various segments of the music industry. Each speaker will provide a unique perspective on the current state of the industry and identify the key opportunities and challenges for today’s music, media, and tech professionals.

More speakers will be announced shortly. Visit the Bandwidth Conference website for registration and further details at http://www.bandwidthconference.com

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publicity Wire.

Music Video Premiere: Various Artists Michael Jackson Tribute - Better On The Other Side

Music Video Premiere: Various Artists Michael Jackson Tribute - Better On The Other Side

Here’s the brand new video for “Better On The Other Side”, a tribute song to the late Michael Jackson, which features The Game, Chris Brown, Polow Da Don, Boyz II Men, Usher, Mario Winans and Diddy. I can’t stand the song to be honest, but check it out below…

Interview: Trey Songz, Estelle, Ginuwine, Letoya Luckett & Ray J React To Michael Jackson’s Passing

Interview: Trey Songz, Estelle, Ginuwine, Letoya Luckett & Ray J React To Michael Jackson’s Passing

R’n'B singers Trey Songz, Estelle, Ginuwine, Letoya Luckett & Ray J gave their thoughts on the recent passing of Michael Jackson at an event this weekend. Watch it via DimeWars below…

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND DADA STRENGTHEN THEIR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND DADA STRENGTHEN THEIR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

SONY MUSIC ACQUIRES A MINORITY STAKE IN DADA.NET IN EXCHANGE FOR ITS HOLDING IN DADA ENTERTAINMENT
SONY MUSIC AND DADA SIGN A STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

New York, Florence – June 25, 2009 – Sony Music Entertainment and Dada, a leading international provider of web and mobile community and entertainment services, today announced that they have entered into a new strategic agreement which further strengthens their partnership.

Sony Music is acquiring an equity interest in Dada.net S.p.A., the mobile music operation of Dada S.p.A. in exchange for its stake in Dada Entertainment LLC, the US-based mobile entertainment joint venture between the two companies.

In addition Sony Music and Dada have entered into a broadened international content distribution agreement that enables Dada to offer a wider selection of products and services featuring content from Sony Music artists in a greater number of territories around the world.

“We are pleased to be expanding our relationship with Dada to continue to build the market for mobile and web entertainment in the U.S. and around the world,” commented Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business, U.S. Sales and Corporate Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our new content distribution agreement will give more consumers greater flexibility in how they consume music, and enable the development of innovative new products, and off-deck and on-deck mobile services featuring the highest quality content from Sony Music artists.”

“Two years from the launch of the Joint Venture with Sony Music, with whom we have successfully collaborated in the development of an innovative digital entertainment offer in the United States and Canada, we have decided to further consolidate our strategic partnership,” commented Paolo Barberis, founder and Chairman of Dada. “The strengthening of relations with a major partner such as Sony Music once again demonstrates the potential of Dada Music: a musical ‘open platform’ increasingly central to a network which is implementing rapid changes and registers growing user number records.”

***

About Dada S.p.A.

Dada S.p.A.(dada.dada.net) is an international leader in Community and Entertainment services via web and mobile, as well as in Domain, Hosting and advanced online Advertising solutions.

The company is organized into 2 business areas: Dada.net (www.dada.it, services focused on digital music) and Dada.pro (www.dada.pro, professional services and online advertising solutions). Dada is listed on the MTA market of Borsa Italiana (DA.MI) in the STAR segment.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

SONY COMMENTS ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL JACKSON

SONY COMMENTS ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL JACKSON

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.”

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed.  We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time.  Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

American Idol’s react to The King Of Pop’s untimely death

American Idol’s react to The King Of Pop’s untimely death

Kris Allen - This is one of those moments in time you will never forget

Adam Lambert - RIP MJ

Kelly Clarkson - Someone pinch me! RIP Michael. My thoughts and wishes go out to his family. We’ll always love you Michael! <3

Jordin Sparks - Omg I’m bawling right now. Michael…. My heart hurts.

Chris Daughtry - Holy crap!!! Michael Jackson is dead…2 icons in one day. Very sad for his family

David Archuleta - Ah, I can’t get over MJ. I know everyone’s talking about it but he deserves the respect. I hope people will appreciate what he’s done.

Blake Lewis - I don’t think I have ever cried this much. I just played P.Y.T on repeat for about 30mins. I can’t believe this. So sad. MJ’s music will live on through all of us! We are all blessed to have been and be apart of it.

Danny Noriega - RIP KING OF POP MUSIC<3 MICHAEL JACKSON =(  Life is something people take for granted.. realize.. u are lucky to be alive..

Anoop Desai - Michael Jackson was one of my first musical influences, and I am reeling from his loss. The man epitomized pop music

Chikezie Eze - Tender love and care… MJ, the vultures did NOT win, you will live on. R.I.P.

Kimberly Caldwell - I’m in an airport right now and it’s so sad to see everybody that loved mj gathered around the tv. This is devastating. Say prayers

Chris Richardson - Timeless music doesn’t come around often. When it does you remember…Fan or Not. RIP MJ

Michael Sarver - This is like a bad dream. The news of Michael Jackson has sucked the life out of the idol rehearsals. I am shocked and stunned. What a sad day in the world of music. MJ was a huge influence in my musical life as he was for many others. Unbelievabe. RIP MJ.

Brandon Rogers - Totally devastated. RIP Michael Jackson. The best performer the world has ever seen. One of my musical idols. He’ll be missed. I can plot the musical journey of my life to his career. I’m still having a difficult time wrapping my head around the fact that he is gone

Carly Smithson - Ive never felt this way about a celebrity death . I feel like ive lost someone i knew . His talent was a part of all our lives . Wow

LaKisha Jones - my prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Jackson family. We have lost a true ledgend! God bless

Melinda Doolittle - I don’t even have words right now…what in the world?!?!

Chris Sligh - Wow Michael Jackson is dead. Pray for his family, as cheesy as that sounds. Someone so famous for so long.

Matt Giraud - I’m sending out my prayers and thoughts to my biggest musical influence, Michael Jackson. A true inspiration

Scott MacIntyre - My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Jackson family. Words cannot express.

Syesha Mercado - Still at UCLA Medical Center.hundreds gathered singing, dancing, holding signs & lighting candles.

Danny Gokey - Please pray for Michael Jackson!!!!

Ramiele Malubay - I still don’t really believe mjs dead. One of my major idols you will be missed MJ

Mandisa - happens in 3’s: Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, Michael Jackson. Prayng 4 their famlies…& 4 God 2 use this 2 show us our time here is short.

USA Songwriting Competition Winner Kate Voegele Hits Top 10 On Billboard 200 Albums Chart

USA Songwriting Competition Winner Kate Voegele Hits Top 10 On Billboard 200 Albums Chart

Kate Voegele went from unknown to her star status, started her claim to fame by winning first prize in the 2005 USA Songwriting Competition with her song “Only Fooling Myself” in the Pop category. Her new ablum finally hit Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Billboard Publicity Wire) June 25, 2009 — Kate Voegele’s new album with Interscope Records was released on May 2009 and it hit Top 10 on the Billboard charts on last week of June 15, 2009.

Kate is also an actress on “One Tree Hill”. She has appeared on “Good Morning America” and her new single “99 Times” is climbing the Billboard charts and has been receiving heavy airplay throughout United States.

Kate Voegele went from unknown to her star status, started her claim to fame by winning first prize in the 2005 USA Songwriting Competition with her song “Only Fooling Myself” in the Pop category. She became the youngest winner at just 18 years old at that time. After winning the USA Songwriting Competition, she went on to perform at USA Songwriting Competition’s showcase at SXSW on March 2006 (see picture link below). Her stunning performance and her win lead her to be signed to Interscope records shortly after. Her winning song “Only Fooling Myself” was featured in her debut album with Intercsope records and it peaked at #37 on Billboard Charts (Adult Top 40). Her debut album peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts.

Many USA Songwriting Competition winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. 2006 First Prize Winner and 2008 Overall Grand Prize Winner Jordan Zevon was signed to New West Records and appeared on TV program “Late Night With David Letterman”. 2007 Overall Grand Prize Winner Ari Gold had his winning song “Where The Music Takes You” hit #10 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Darrell Scott, winner of the country category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition had his winning song “Good Ol USA” cut by award winning country singer Faith Hill and the song was renamed “We’ve Got Nothing But Love to Prove.” Also, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (Kensington, MD), winners of the Children’s’ music category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition won a Grammy award in the Best Children’s music album in the 2006 after winning the USA Songwriting Competition. Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music. To view photo of Kate Voegele, go to:

http://www.songwriting.net/Portals/60523/images//KateVoegeleAtSXSW.jpg

For more information on the 14th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, visit:

http://www.songwriting.net

Press Release Taken With Permission From Billboard Publicity Wire.

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