Music Biz Academy Digest - Issue #37 - June 13th, 2002
An update from http://www.musicbizacademy.com.

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THE MUSIC BIZ ACADEMY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com

The Musician's Online Directory:
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory

The Academy (Articles and Tips)
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles

The Bookstore
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore

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Welcome, subscribers to the June 13th edition of the Music Biz
Academy Digest!

First of all, I must apologize for the lateness of this issue -
it should have been sent out Monday. However, I have a good
reason for being late - my wife and I were away celebrating our
13th wedding anniversary. Hooray for us! It was a beautiful,
sunny weekend at the Oregon coast and we had a wonderful time.

But, now it's time to get back into the swing of things. Here's
the latest news to bring to your attention....


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....
First of all, the #1 item, at least in my book, is the inclusion
of mp3PRO support in the new 7.2 version of MUSICMATCH Jukebox.
Why do I care? Well, as a recording artist who makes a living on
the Internet, the MP3 format holds much allure due to it's sound
quality benefits over most other formats. The problem of MP3 for
me has always been file-size. Not everyone can stream MP3 files,
and most of my fans are still low-tech, 56k modem-waving surfers.
So, I've relied on the fast, though compressed, sound quality of
RealAudio for fans visiting my web site. (I should include a note
here about MP3.com's Audio Hosting service - for $4.95 a month
you can stream MP3 audio content using their server. I just
haven't yet chosen to go that route.)

So, why am I excited about mp3PRO? mp3PRO offers a better quality
sound than even standard MP3 - I mean *real* CD quality sound -
but with a much smaller file size. So, those fans downloading MP3
files can now download mp3PRO instead, and get a better sound
with a much shorter download time. Now that MUSICMATCH offer
mp3PRO support, it's competitors are sure to follow, and I'm
hoping (fingers-crossed) that we'll see mp3PRO become the
Internet standard - that is, of course, unless something better
comes along.

The new version of MUSICMATCH offers many other features as well,
including album art tagging, one-step burning, volume leveling
(YES!!!) between tracks, and CD printing enhancements.

Yea, I know this sounds like a commercial for MUSICMATCH, but
hey, I like the software.

More details at http://www.musicmatch.com/


IN OTHER NEWS....
CD Piracy is more rampant than ever - with an estimated 950
million pirated CDs sold in 2001. That's 50% more than the
previous year. See http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-935243.html

Oh yes, and Napster declared bankruptcy. However, they still plan
on reorganizing and relaunching the service - someday. Details at
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-930462.html

Finally, I'd like to point out the very interesting article,
'Facing the Music' from New York Metro magazine.
http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page_id=6099
A thought-provoking read.


David Nevue
Editor, The Music Biz Academy
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/index.htm
http://www.mp3.com/davidnevue


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MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciyb.htm
This great offering from music biz consultant Christopher Knab is
now available in PDF format! Find out why so many musicians fail
and how you can get the 'edge'. Learn how to attract
distributors, radio play, and how to create a demand for your
music. Music Is Your Business includes excellent flowcharts and
graphs, demonstrating in simple terms how the industry operates.
Sample artist bio, fact sheet, and checklists for jump-starting
your career and/or running your own record label! PDF Edition
only $19.95!


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Latest Additions To The Academy
http://musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: RECORD DISTRIBUTION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/distributiontest.htm
Here is a test that will give you some very important clues about
the types of deals that exist between labels, distributors and
music retailers; as well as some insights into the preparation
plans for marketing music products.


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MUSICDISTRIBUTION.COM
http://www.musicdistribution.com/
MusicDistribution.com aims to help you find the best places to
promote, sell, and distribute your music on the Internet.
Includes our top 10 list, music promotion tips, and
recommended resources.


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Recent Additions/Updates to the Musician's Directory....
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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CREATIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT GROUP
http://www.ctmgroup.org/
CTMG is a full service booking agency that places soloists (piano
or guitarists w/ and w/out vocals); 2 -5 piece bands, on cruise
ships year round. Contracts range from 4-6 months. CTMG
negotiates with the talent buyers in terms of compensation and
see that every detail is covered, i.e. travel, medical,
accommodations, work environments, etc. A very valuable resource
for any talented musician/band looking to be more than a number.


JUST PLAIN FOLKS SONGWRITING/MUSICIAN COMMUNITY
http://www.jpfolks.com/
JPF is a community of over 18,000 Songwriters, Recording Artists,
Music Publishers, Record Labels, Performing Arts Societies,
Engineers, Producers, Journalists, Retailers and about every
other type of member of the Music Industry. The idea,
essentially, is that thousands of 'just plain folks' share ideas
on touring, manufacturing, favorite web sites, and organizations
friendly to musicians. The entire community is centered around
the idea of working together for the benefit of all. Forums,
which are very active, include lyric and MP3 feedback,
networking, mentoring, a technical forum, 'roadtrips', and boards
specific to the many chapters of 'Just Plain Folks' around the
world. Members include Grammy and Emmy winners, staff from BMI
and ASCAP, TAXI, AFM, right along side plain old street musicians
trying to find a break. Membership is free.


NOMA MUSIC
http://www.nomamusic.com
NOMA is a well-established song placement and promotion agency.
They represent worldwide bands, songwriters, instrumentalists,
and composers seeking recording contracts or song licensing for
motion pictures, television, commercials, and video releases.
NOMA works with a large network of over 400 production companies.
Recent successes include client song placement in MTV's The
Osbournes, FX's The Shield, an NHL Hockey video, and three songs
in the upcoming film Employee of the Month starring John Doe from
the band X. A world music client was recently just offered a
contract from Naxos Records. As you can see, NOMA provides an
aggressive program to get your music into the right hands. Visit
the NOMA web site to view current insider listings.


NORWEST DESIGNS
http://www.norwestdesigns.com/cddesign.htm
For the musician or vocal professional seeking CD graphic and
text design, Norwest Designs understands that your field is very
competitive and creating eye catching CD or promotional materials
is a critical element to your success. Every aspect of your
project is carefully planned, from designing a great CD package
to posters as well as other types of advertising or promo
materials including demo web sites. Norwest's goal is to
incorporate your personality, message, and sense of style into
the design. CD Design fees start at $150 for cover art and back
tray insert.


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Contests, Competitions, and Opportunities
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WINDRIFT MUSIC SONGWRITING COMPETITION 2002
http://windriftmusic.com/contest_2002.html
Windrift Music and Sonic Foundry (Sound Forge/ACID), are
sponsoring the 2002 Songwriting Competition. Prizes include
$1000 in cash, Sound Forge 5.0, Make Your own demo CD, 50
CDs courtesy of Windrift Music, 1000 promotional Flyers of CD and
more. The deadline is June 30th, 2002. $10US/16CDN entry fee.


B.E.A.M. GRANT PROGRAM HELPS UNSIGNED MUSICIANS
http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=33162
Making a living in the music world can be a tough goal to
achieve. Many talented musicians go unnoticed because they don't
have the resources needed to display their talents. To help make
some of these life-long dreams come true, Jim Beam® Bourbon will
award another $100,000 in grant money in 2002 to unsigned artists
through the B.E.A.M. (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music)
program. Final grant deadline is August 30th.


THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/
Enter YOUR SONGS now to WIN over $50,000 in prize money and
merchandise and have your music heard by the music industry's
top professionals! Categories include: Pop, Rock, Country, Folk,
R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, World Music, and Lyrics Only. Entrants may
submit multiple songs in as many categories as they wish. $54,000
in cash and prizes will be shared by 27 winners. There is a $30
entry fee. All entries must be postmarked by September 30, 2002.


101 ONLINE MUSIC PR SOURCES - FREE TO TWO WINNERS EVERY MONTH
http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/onlinepr.html
Bob Baker is giving away copies of his new music publicity
resource. "Some professionals hide their secrets, but not Bob,"
says Jeffrey P. Fisher, author of Ruthless Self-Promotion in the
Music Industry. Fisher is referring to Bob Baker's "Online Music
PR Hot List," a new downloadable book that reveals 101 places to
submit press releases, get reviewed, uncover PR connections and
promote your music on the Internet. Every month, Baker will give
away two copies of this new online music PR directory.


U.K. BROADCASTER SEEKING MUSIC VIDEOS FOR SKY TV
http://www.waterfall-studios.com/
Waterfall Studios is seeking seeking interesting or unusual music
videos from around the world to feature in a SKY TV series. The
series, 'Showcase TV' is broadcast throughout Europe. Artists
seeking exposure for their videos are welcome to submit their
material to Waterfall Studios, 2 Silver Road, Wood Lane, London
W12 7SG. They require Digibeta or BetaSP formats, (NTSC, PAL or
SECAM) although they can also accept U-MATICS. Further questions?
email James Weston at james@...


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Articles From Around The Net....
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PAY FOR PLAY?
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/2020/2020/2020_payola_020524.html
Matthew Harrison, who wants to get his music played on the radio,
says he can't because of the radio industry's dirty little
secret. "People think Matthew Harrison sends his CD to all these
radio stations and they say, 'Yeah, this sounds good. I'm going
to play it,' " says Harrison. "It doesn't work that way."
The way it does work, they say, is that those with big bankrolls
are the ones who get most stations just to listen to their music.
Industry critics call it pay for play, and they say it's
happening throughout the music business.


FACING THE MUSIC
http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page_id=6099
Rock stars and music-industry execs once ruled the earth, but now
-- in terms of size and profit margins -- the music industry is
becoming the book business (minus the literacy)


GETTING HEARD ABOVE THE NOISE: A GUIDE TO OPEN MICS & SHOWCASES
http://www.musicdish.com/bookstore/ereport/songs5.php3
Open mics and showcases have become important career tools
for any aspiring and performing songwriter. An open mic is
synonymous with "open stage" where any songwriter/musician
can go up on stage and perform for the audience. This free ebook
from MusicDish is meant to familiarize the reader with
these forums to expose their works and steps to maximize
their benefits.


WILL NET MUSIC SERVICES EVER TAKE OFF?
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105-932445.html
As the Internet upends the recording industry's traditional
distribution system, some computer makers and retailers have been
stepping into the music delivery business. Last month, for
instance, Gateway signed up with EMusic, which sells music from
independent labels online, to bundle music with its direct-order
PCs. The announcement was just the latest in a string of deals
aimed at bringing music to the masses legally while spurring new
sales of computers and extras such as CD burners, MP3 players and
broadband Internet service. But as hardware manufacturers,
retailers and online music services sign deals at a breakneck
pace, the question remains: What will it take to get consumers to
bite?


INGRAM: IS NAPSTER A PHOENIX OR FOOTNOTE?
http://makeashorterlink.com/?P2EE52D01
What exactly does Bertelsmann AG think it's doing with Napster?
The service — which went from 19-year-old Shawn Fanning's dorm
room to the pinnacle of the Internet music universe, with 50
million users at its peak — has been through so many deaths and
resurrections that it has become a virtual soap opera. Its
customer base, meanwhile, has moved on to newer networks such as
Kazaa and Audiogalaxy. Through it all, the German media giant has
vowed to revive Napster somehow, and has spent almost
$100-million (U.S.) trying to do so. But is it even possible?


INDEPENDENTS GETTING INTO ONLINE MUSIC
http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/business/technology/personal_tech\
nology/3363172.htm
The Big Five record labels are finally getting some much needed
competition in the emerging business of making music legally
available online. Two independent services -- FullAudio's
MusicNow (www.fullaudio.com) and Listen.com's Rhapsody
(www.listen.com) -- are now challenging MusicNet
(www.musicnet.com) and pressplay (www.pressplay.com), owned by
the major labels.


CAN LEGAL DIGITAL MUSIC TAKE OFF?
http://www.osopinion.com/perl/story/17967.html
While the recording industry has tried to take down digital music
sites one at a time, it would seem for every one that is shot
down, two more are there to take its place. The digital
floodgates are open, and I don't see them closing anytime soon.
Music industry attempts to shut down these clones seem to get
more difficult by the day. This situation makes me wonder why the
recording industry doesn't try to use digital music as a new
growth opportunity rather than aiming to eliminate it. I'm quite
sure that a quality program would lure many users away from
illegal file sharing.


WHY NAPSTER IS THE GOOD GUY (AND THE RIAA IS NOT)
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2867844,00.html
David Coursey's recent piece on Napster was the last straw for
me. I could barely sit still reading Coursey declare: "The simple
fact of the matter is that if copyright owners don't give their
permission, passing their content around is stealing, plain and
simple." Why does Napster (and its users) have this bad rap? To
the Recording Industry Association of America and their
sympathizers like Coursey, Napster is the problem. Wrong! Napster
and its variants are the answer to the problem.So, what's the
real problem with the music business? The RIAA and its members,
of course.


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Featured Music Industry News
http://www.musicbizacademy.com
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MUSIC DOWNLOADERS TO GET A PRICE BREAK
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-935477.html
Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment plan to cut
prices for digital music downloads and add new features,
including CD burning and the ability to transfer songs to
portable devices. The moves are aimed at reaching out to
consumers who have continued to flock to free file-swapping
services while turning a cold shoulder to paid music subscription
services launched by the major record labels in recent months.
Single downloads have been sold for years online, but high prices
and built-in anti-copying technology have ensured lackluster
sales to date.


MUSICMATCH 7.2 INTEGRATES MP3PRO
http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=37791
MUSICMATCH, Inc. today announced the latest version of their
MUSICMATCH Jukebox·, version 7.2. The new program introduces
unmatched digital music management options, including the new
mp3PRO audio format, which provides music fans the highest
quality recording and playback available today. The new version
also offers automatic album cover art tagging and new music
tracking and organization options.


MUSIC INDUSTRY BURNED BY CD PIRACY
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-935243.html
CD burning contributed to a surge in music piracy across the
globe in 2001, with sales of pirated discs jumping an estimated
50 percent from the previous year, according to an industry
report released Tuesday. The International Federation of the
Phonographic Industry (IFPI), a lobbying group, said pirated disc
sales jumped from 640 million units in 2000 to 950 million units
in 2001.


RECORD INDUSTRY TURNS TABLES ON PIRATES
http://www.vnunet.com/News/1132503
Users of music share programs such as Audiogalaxy are beginning
to suspect that the record industry might be using their own
tools against them, following a flood of bogus releases onto the
networks. Over the last week or so, users of Audiogalaxy have
reported that a significant number of tracks they have downloaded
are not what they claim to be. Rather than downloading a full MP3
of the requested song, users are more often than not finding
themselves with a 20-second clip repeated over and over to give
the impression of a complete file.


NAPSTER: GIMME SHELTER WITH BANKRUPTCY
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-930462.html
Napster, the struggling online music company, filed for
bankruptcy protection Monday. The filing comes just weeks after
Redwood City, Calif.-based Napster agreed to sell its assets to
German media conglomerate Bertelsmann for $8 million. Napster's
service, which provided software that lets people swap music
files over the Internet, has been shut down since July 2001 as a
result of a lawsuit by the music industry. Monday's filing does
not spell the end for Napster because under Chapter 11, the
company can--and is likely to--reorganize. Napster still expects
to launch its long-delayed service.


GRAB A COKE AND A DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103-927900.html
Sonicblue and Coca-Cola would like to teach the world to sing--or
at least to listen to songs on the companies' new digital audio
player. The device maker and the soda company announced on
Wednesday their first co-branded player, the $89.95 Coke Brand
SP50C. The gadget can play back analog CDs and CDs with digital
audio files stored on them. David Huffman, vice president of
audio products at Sonicblue, said the companies struck the deal
because both shoot for the same audience: teenagers.


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Recommended Resources
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
2002 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm
Learn the marketing and promotion methods that one musician uses
to bring in over $4000 a month in income from the Internet! There
are no 'pipe dreams' sold here. The author details step-by-step
how he finally said good-bye to his day job and starting spending
more time on his music. Download Version Available for only
$14.95!


THE GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING HANDBOOK
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/guerrillamusic.htm
This guide to independent music success features over 175 ways to
thrive and prosper with your own band or record label. Download
Version Available! The PDF version of this great book is now only
$29.95!


THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2002 Edition
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm
Created by The Music Resource Group, this 368-page volume
provides access to over 15,000 music businesses and key industry
contacts in more than 25 categories. Current names, phone and fax
numbers, e-mail and website addresses, detailed submission
policies and the styles of music preferred is just some of the
information you'll find on every page of The Atlas. Available in
hard copy for only $24.95!


THE INDIE BIBLE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/indiecontactbible.htm
Need to create some BUZZ about your music? Looking for reviewers?
Radio station contacts? Promotion services? Then grab The Indie
Bible. This fantastic new musicians 'black book' contains pages
filled with contacts with publications and radio programmers all
over the world. These are people who actively look for music to
review! Download or Hard Copy Version Available for $24.95!


MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciyb.htm
This great offering from music biz consultant Christopher Knab is
now available in PDF format! Find out why so many musicians fail
and how you can get the 'edge'. Learn how to attract
distributors, radio play, and how to create a demand for your
music. Music Is Your Business includes excellent flowcharts and
graphs, demonstrating in simple terms how the industry operates.
Sample artist bio, fact sheet, and checklists for jump-starting
your career and/or running your own record label! PDF Edition
only $19.95!


THE INDIE MUSICIAN'S PDF POWER PACK!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/index.htm
Get three of our best-selling books for one low price! Set
includes 'How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the
Internet', 'The Indie Bible' and 'Music is Your Business' - All
for only $49.95 emailed to your inbox!


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Services
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GET YOUR MUSIC ONLINE!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/cdstreet.htm
We've partnered with CDStreet to offer one of the best deals on
the net for musicians looking to sell their music via the web.
CDStreet simply takes 20% of your CD price. If you sell a CD for
$12.99, you keep $10.39. If you need to ecommerce enable your web
site (as in, you need a shopping cart), you can use CDStreet to
do that as well. Visitors can rate your music, post reviews, get
news and information and listen to and purchase your music. Very
highly recommended, with lots of buzz on the ‘street’. There is a
one-time $29.95 set up fee, but no recurring or hidden charges. A
fantastic deal on a high-visibility, high-class web site.


MUSIC CAREER CONSULTING
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/consulting.htm
If you'd like some help getting your music career off the ground
or preparing for that next step, contact our expert music
consultant, Christopher Knab. Chris has been called "One of the
Most Influential People in the Northwest Music Industry." by
Seattle's Rocket Magazine. He is owner of FourFront Media and
Music, a consultation service based in Seattle that helps
musicians develop marketing and career plans.


RADIO & RETAIL PROMOTION
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/radiopromo.htm
If you're looking to promote your music either via radio or
through retail, we've teamed up with a radio promoter who has
quarterbacked campaigns for RadioHead (before they were stars),
Lit (Malicious Vinyl), and others. Our contact will help arrange
on-air interviews, CD reviews, and create a custom campaign
custom designed for your music.


ART DESIGN - CDs, Posters, One-Sheets, and Web Sites
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/artdesign/
In this business of music, image means everything! You know it,
we know it, the music industry knows it. Our hand-picked graphic
designers will help you make a powerful statement about your
music! Whether you need art design for your CD package, or just a
quick logo, it's all here. Check out the very cool one-sheet
designs, the perfect item to make your press kit stand out!


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The Music Biz Academy Digest is brought to you by The Music
Biz Academy (http://www.musicbizacademy.com) . It is a resource
designed for musicians promoting or selling music on the
internet. Each week we feature news, articles, and reviews
related to the art of online music promotion and music related
product sales.

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