Music Dish's blog

17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition Deadline Looms

Deadline is fast approaching for the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, a competition open to all songwriters worldwide. Winning songs of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program “Acoustic Café” as well as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve.

Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and music gear from sponsors such as Sony, D’Addario Strings, Ableton, Audio-Technica, Presonus, IK Multimedia, and more, making this the largest prize package for any annual songwriting competition. Other sponsors include: New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Onboard Research, Acoustica, Livewire Musician, Sonoma Wireworks. Intellitouch Tuners, Reverbnation, Broadjam, Sirius XM Radio, Sonicbids and Soundcloud.

Nenna Yvonne, songwriter from Los Angeles, is the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition's Overall Grand Prize winner was featured in Japan's Cure Magazine. Nenna Yvonne premiered her winning song "Go Around," on CBS’s hit TV show "The Mentalist" and currentlly signed to Interscope Records.

Also from Los Angeles, Alexander Cardinale (see pictured, performing at USA Songwriting Competition's Songwriters Showcase during SXSW Week), 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition's First Prize winner (Pop Category and Overall Second Prize Winner had his winning song "Traffic Lights" on the new "90210" TV program on CW network, aired on March 6, 2012. He was also on Music Connections Magazine's HOT 100 Unsigned Artists list of the year 2011. Alexander has worked as an actor in Films and TV . Most recently he shot a small, but featured principal role in David Fincher's hit movie The Social Network, written by Aaron Sorkin. Also soon to be released, he can be seen starring in Chad Peter's dark comedy, "Apocalypse, CA."

Molly Hunt won the 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition First Prize, Country category and Overall Third Prize winner made passed the Hollywood round and Las Vegas round of the Top 60 of American Idol TV show. She is the youngest first prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition at just 15 years old. Molly will be singing the National Anthem at the Official Detroit Red Wings game two months ago. USA Songwriting Competition winners came from all over the world: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Denmark, etc.

USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. 2005 First Prize Winner Kate Voegele went on to get signed by Interscope records after her win. Kate shot to Pop stardom and her winning song "Only Fooling Myself" hit Top 40 on the Billboard Charts. Her second album hit top 10 on the Billboard 200 Charts. She also stars on the Hit TV show "One Tree Hill". 

USA Songwriting Competition winner Christopher Tin won two Grammy Awards at the recent 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. This marks a grand historic win, making Christopher the only USA Songwriting Competition winner to win two Grammy Awards in the same year. Christopher Tin won an honorable mention award at the 15th Annual USA Songwriting Competition with the same song "Baba Yetu" that won two Grammy awards.Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music. Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2012.
For more information, visit:
http://www.songwriting.net

Email: info@songwriting.net

Adult Contemporary Band WORLD5 To Be Distributed In China

Having recently seen chart positions in the top 5 on a variety of internet based radio outlets, the band WORLD5, which has their debut album titled "Global Experience" being officially released in the United States on May 1st, now has the approval of the Chinese government to have their music distributed in their country, which also includes Hong Kong and Taiwan. The official release date will be determined at a later time after the official release in the west.

"The Chinese government keeps tight control of the music industry through ownership of their broadcast media, the screening of lyrics for commercial music and direct control of performing sites" explains Raimund Breitfeld, songwriter and drummer of World5. "All lyrics, the bio and everything about the band were translated into Chinese and screened. Most of the songs heard on Chinese radio these days are uplifting ballads and gentle love songs. The music of WORLD5 is a blend of adult contemporary pop rock and ballads; the lyrics are definitely never offensive."

In addition, the band has also agreed to terms for distribution in Japan which will be made available soon after the May 1st release date. Breitfeld notices a vast difference in how music is treated in the two countries. "There is a long tradition for western bands in Japan and many have become big in Japan. They are far ahead with music downloads on mobile devices, while China discovers new music visually through music videos and other media. The Chinese listen to music extremely with their hearts, while listeners from the west are also more technically minded" Breitfeld explains.

The Chinese and Hong Kong music industry can draw a potential of audience of 1.4 billion from citizens in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Chinese communities in large cities around the world. Japan has a buying population of 126.5 million, making it the 11th most populous nation. Over 140 million mobile singles were sold in Japan in 2008, an increase of 26 per cent on the prior year (RIAJ) and is currently the World's second largest music market for downloads.
"We love the way people listen to music in Far East, and with 'Global Experience' we will certainly be accepted by most of the listeners" Bretifeld states.

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ABOUT WORLD5: The band WORLD5 consists of five close friends: Raimund Breitfeld (Gothenburg, Sweden), Don Bruner (San Diego, CA), Stephan Goessl (Munich, Germany), Steffen Goeres (Wellington, New Zealand), and Roland Childs (San Francisco, CA) who all have performed live together over the years but later found homes in separate countries. Having great chemistry and the advantage of the internet, the band is able to collaborate and create musically while communicating via Skype. The band's debut album "Global Experience" was produced by 16-time nominated and 4-time Grammy winning producer Randy Miller (Burt Bacarach, Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland)

Email: maelstrompr@gmail.com.

Aurovine - New Online Music Platform Promises Better Deal For Artists

Band to Fan music startup Aurovine.com has announced an innovative launch day initiative called download store day. Bands are being asked to give away a studio track, rare demo or live song to 'liberate' them from the bootleg community. The bands can give it away free or sell it on a pay what you want basis with proceeds going to a nominated charity.

Many bands have been bootlegged over the years either with or without the band's consent. In many cases this has extended the fan base and increased interest in the bands work. The only downside of course is that the band did not see any financial returns. Aurovine's idea is for artists to liberate these recordings officially and take some control over them.

The website has some radical ideas for the way music is distributed. They aim to promote bands through syndicated genre charts and promote ethical transactions by asking bands to put minimal basic prices on their work and letting fans pay what they think the material is worth.

This seems to be a far fairer approach than services such as Spotify. Aurovine's system sees bands rewarded fairly whilst fans get to set the price paid. The Founders of Aurovine believe that fan empowerment is the most powerful solution to online piracy. They believe the large majority of genuine music lovers want to pay for their music and they want to set and pay a fair price.

"We've already had some well known artists contact us with reference to our download day idea and fans can look forward to some rare music surfacing on Aurovine during our launch period." said Director Ken Foster.

A large majority of fans approached during Aurovine's market research period said they felt alienated by the major labels dictating prices and not moving with the times in terms of technology and the digital domain.

On the face of it, Aurovine's philosophy makes sound business sense and it will be interesting to see if a company with an independent ethos can take on the digital heavyweights with established business models.

Bands and fans can register at aurovine.com to find out more.

Download store day will take place on May 11th 2012. The nominated charity is still to be announced.

DJs United Conference

DJs, Artists and professionals from around the nation set sights on The DJs United Conference hosted at the Radisson Hotel, 2500 High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, April 20, 2012 through Sunday, April 22, 2012. Doors open at 10:00 AM. This event is presented by: Blok Club DJs, Conglomerate DJs, Crowd Rocka DJs, Derrty DJs, Dis SPINsters DJs, Drum Squad DJs, Heatspinners DJs, Hittmenn Midwest DJs, Hub City DJs, KYMP Kamp DJs, Nerve DJs, O-State DJs, Slip and Slide DJs, Sniper Squad DJs, TraKCbanga DJs, and XSquad DJs.

With the industry becoming more “DIY” – Do it Yourself friendly, the concept of DJs United was formed by various Midwest DJ Coalitions in the region to support the future of the industry. As the conference began to grow and the brand awareness spread, more coalitions wanted to participate. What started out as a Midwest conference, has turned into a national conference. Retail is dwindling, downloads are up, and sales are not as robust as before: the artists must create and maintain a relationship with those who have direct contact with consumers and fans… The DJ.

We are proud to announce the following sponsors who are participating in DJ United Conference: E 1 Music, Rap-A-Lot Records, Platinum Hip Hop Trading Cards, Tweetmysong.com, Intro, Selecto Hits, Russell Law, Hype Magazine, Twenty4Seven Magazine, Hip Hop Union, Strapped Condoms, Eye-see Enterprises, M.E.C.A.P., Royal Blunts, Nerve DJs, DJ A&R, Stopbeefinradio.com, Brightwood Entertainment, Midwestmixtapes.com, and many up-and-coming artists.

DJs United also has a great line up of panelists for the weekend. With industry professionals and executives from around the country, DJs, artists and labels will be able to expand their knowledge on topics such a Publishing, Digital Marketing, Management, Legal aspects of the business, and developing relationships between the DJ and artist. Education, Networking and breaking new music is the focus of the conference. Panelist for the weekend will include representatives from: Epic, E1, Mizzay Ent., WHHH, EMI, Universal, Atlantic, Selecto Hits, Platinum Hip Hop Trading Cards, Star Quality Firm, MECAP, J Jones Ent, Hip Hop Union, Gracie Productions, KD Staffing, Jus Promotions, Industry Works, and more to be added.

DJs United will not be short on artists either, with E1 introducing their latest artists Driicky Graham and Friday 4 Eva at the Welcome to Indy Party with Fonzworth Bentley, Huey, Enertia and Miltickit at Cloud 9 (5150 W 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46254). Then on Saturday Rap-a-lot recording artist Hurricane Chris, Papa Reu, Tim Ned, and Nu Breed will perform at our Official After Party and will be hosted by Flipmodes' own, Rampage. This will be a great night at Don Victor’s (3730 Georgetown Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254.)

DJs United Conference will change things up from just the regular new artist showcase. Saturday night’s Official DJs United Showcase will be hosted by Comedian Mike Samp and will include a prize package to the winner who will be chosen by the DJ Coalitions. They will have the opportunity to win the following package: Distribution (Selecto Hits), digital marketing package (Tweet My Song and MP3Waxx.com), Mixing and Mastering for a single, graphics (Eyesee Enterprises), Conference call with each of the participating DJ Coalitions, write up in Twenty4seven magazine, H.Y.P.E. magazine, and an admin package from Industry Works, Soundcheckny.com (internet radio station 150 spins)... more to come!

For more information, registration, schedule, and questions please visit www.djsunitedconference.com.

Pre-registration ($99) is open until April 19, 2012 at 5pm

DPulse/Sony Germany Signs Sylencer For Star Studded European Release

dPulse Recordings / Ovrtone Music Group, Inc., and distribution partners NEO MCC GmbH/ Sony Music Entertainment Germany are pleased to announce the addition of Sylencer to our growing family of artists for the European market.

Featuring guests performances by Rob Caggiano (Anthrax); Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater); Brendon Small (Dethklok); Gene Hoglan (Fear Factory) and a roll call of many other top names in metal, prog and thrash. The yet un-named Sylencer debut is the conceptual brainchild of founding members Markus Johansson (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar) and Johnny Rox (Bass Guitar).

Scheduled for release in Europe early Summer 2012, the album is currently in post-production at legendary Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood, CA.

The much-anticipated LP is produced by Christian Olde Wolbers (Arkaea, Fear Factory); Orlando Villasenor and mastered by Maor Applebaum (Halford; Yngwie Malmsteen).

A North American release of the debut album from Sylencer is also expected later in 2012 and an aggressive 2012-13 tour schedule is in the planning.

Founded in 2003, dPulse Recordings is a US-based independent label and part of the Ovrtone Music Group. The label releases music across all genres, and recently celebrated its 500th catalog release. dPulse Recordings Europe was founded in 2009, and is based in the United Kingdom. Sylencer is represented by Denver-based Fervent Management

Also Featuring:
Larry Tarnowski - Lead Guitar (Iced Earth)
Kevin Talley - Drums (Six Feet Under, Dååth)

With Guest Appearances:
Gene Hoglan - Drums (Fear Factory, Dethklok, Strapping Young Lad, Death)
Brendon Small - Lead Guitar (Dethklok)
Andy LaRocque - Lead Guitar (King Diamond, Death)
Michael Angelo Batio - Lead Guitar (MAB, Nitro)
Roland Grapow - Lead Guitar (Helloween, Masterplan)
The Heathen - Vocals (Zimmers Hole)
Emil Werstler - Lead Guitar (Dååth, Chimaira, Levi/Werstler)
Rob Caggiano - Lead Guitar (Anthrax, The Damned Things)
Metal Mike Chlasciak - Lead Guitar (Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach, Painmuseum)
Steve DiGiorgio - Bass Guitar (Sadus, Death, Testament, Iced Earth)
Eyal Levi - Lead Guitar (Dååth, Levi/Werstler)
Sean Reinert - Drums (Cynic, Death)
Jordan Rudess - Keyboards (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment)
Steve Smyth - Lead Guitar (Forbidden, Testament, Nevermore)
Christian Lasegue - Lead Guitar (Jag Panzer)
Marco Minnemann - Drums (Necrophagist, Paul Gilbert, Kreator)

Production By:
Christian Olde Wolbers - Vocal Production (Arkaea, Fear Factory, Threat Signal)
Orlando Villasenor - Mixing
Maor Appelbaum - Mastering (Halford, Yngwie Malmsteen)

Getty Images and Tribe of Noise partner to help talented artists with new business

The partnership launches with the ‘Tribe of Noise Tour Around the World’, a worldwide tour which aims to connect Tribe’s musicians with Getty Images Music’s customers, producing royalty free music which is local and relevant to Getty Images’ global customer base, meeting the needs of content creators around the world.

The tour will target musicians, composers and singer-songwriters who are interested in licensing music directly to media professionals. For each country an individual brief will be provided by Getty Images Music, calling for tracks that meet local needs and are representative of their country and culture. Each and every track submitted will be assessed by Tribe’s dedicated team of community managers and supervisors, before pulling together a shortlist and announcing the winners. Winning material will then be profiled on the Getty Images Music website, providing customers with fresh, original content as well as a new revenue stream for talented emerging artists.

“Creating compelling local content that appeals to our diverse base of customers is of the utmost importance to Getty Images,” says Vince Bannon, Vice President, Entertainment Partnerships & Development. “Tribe of Noise and its royalty free community of artists are a key partner in creating the kind of music that resonates on a local and international level and we are incredibly excited to bring this new offering to our customers.”

Bannon continues: “Performance royalty free music is a trend that many content creators embrace and Getty Images Music is continuing to hone its offering to supply this demand. One of the key elements of the growing demand for royalty free content is the overwhelming success of online and social media in corporate communication. More than ever, companies are in need of fixed fee, transparent license deals with maximum flexibility to broadcast and share content across different media and platforms and our partnership with Tribe of Noise can help drive this.”

Tribe of Noise's online services to facilitate emerging artists, execute royalty free business models and commitment to investing in new legal and financial models for the industry are key drivers behind the partnership.

Hessel van Oorschot, CEO at Tribe of Noise says: “We are fully aware of the implications our partnership with Getty Images might have on the music publishing industry as we know it. We believe it is time for a change. Performing artists, upcoming composers and talented singer-songwriters are greatly in need of more exposure and new revenue streams and we believe our partnership with Getty Images is a key step in this direction.”

Van Oorschot adds: “Our main objective behind our services is to provide musicians with a platform on which they can share their music, without having to sacrifice the musician’s independence in how they do so. Tribe of Noise makes use of the latest communication techniques and social networking, which has had a remarkable effect in allowing musicians to cooperate and work with fellow musicians from around the world.”

The ‘Tribe of Noise Tour Around the World’ kicks off with the announcement of the winners from Spain on 16 February 2012 and will continue around the globe, launching contests in the UK, Japan, Brazil and France in 2012. For more information on the tour or to find out how you can get involved visit: http://gettyimagesmusic.tribeofnoise.com

MusicDish*China Outlines Its Marketing Strategy At MIDEM 2012

MusicDish Founder Eric de Fontenay will be attending his 8th Midem conference in Cannes, France this month. Located at the Taiwan Pavilion, L3.19 Hall Lerins, he will be meeting with delegates from Europe and North America to outline the company's approach and track record in developing Westen artists in China. In addition, Shanghai-based This Town Touring in collaboration with MusicDish*China will be selecting one band from Midem 2012 to book on a 3-4 city tour, waiving their touring fees.

Eric will also host a press conference and cocktail reception at the China Pavilion R02.01 on Sunday Jan 29th at 2pm to introduce rising new star and official Tudou representative at Midem, Ruhan.

Music Marketing & Management In Greater China
The MusicDish*China MIDEM one-sheet can be downloaded at http://www.musicdish.com/china/midem/MDC-Midem_OneSheet.pdf

Social Media/Digital Marketing
Due to the Chinese government effectively blocking all the major Western social sites (Facebook, Twitter,...), it is imperative to build your social media presence through the main Chinese social media sites. This now involves real ID verification as well Chinese language communication. Supported by a fully-bilingual Chinese staff, we've built active social media profiles for MusicDish*China, reaching nearly 7,500 followers, as well as our artists on:

- microblog/weibo sites: Sohu, Sina, QQ,..
- music/blog sites: Douban, IndieVox, AliveNotDead,...
- video sites: Tudou, Youku, Ku6,...
We regularly conduct social media promotions and contests in partnership with portals such as Mogo, Sohu and Ku6 as well as event promoters.

Live Music & Events
MusicDish believes that live performance provides the best opportunity for Western acts to build their brand in China, and our partnerships give us a particular edge in delivering. Since 2010, we've been partnered with MIDI Festival, the biggest and longest-running rock festival in China. We've also worked with other major festivals such as Jue (2012), JZ Shanghai (2011-2012), INTRO (2010),... These partnerships are reinforced by collaborating with event promoters such as Trash A GoGo and UndergroundHK.

Digital Distribution
MusicDish has partnered with a-Peer Synergy, a content aggregator and service provider that offers a "One Stop" solution for distributing and selling digital music and visual media in the Greater China market.

Website: MusicDish*China

Email: chinasounds@musicdish.com