Yeehaw! FMC staff and board members will join thousands of other musicians,
managers, record label types and music fans this week for the 20th anniversary
of South by Southwest in
Austin, TX, March 15-19, 2006.
We will be dividing our time dashing between
panel presentations, parties, meetings, rock shows and Tex-Mex meals.
FMC's Jean Cook is playing something like 6 shows in four days! As much
fun and beer sloshing that accompanies SXSW, the core focus of FMC's
time in Austin will be explaining the issues at the intersection of music,
law, technology and policy that are shaping the way that music is promoted,
sold and distributed in the digital age.
Please stop by a panel, a show, a briefing, to say hello!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * GET THE HINT * * * * * * * * * * *
FMC health insurance consultant Alex Maiolo will be at SXSW from Wednesday,
March 15 - Sunday, March 19. If you'd like to schedule a personal meeting
with him about health insurance options, please email him at alex@futureofmusic.org
to set up an appointment. He'd be glad to chat with you.
FMC folks will be hanging out at the Bloodshot
Records Showcase at Bourbon
Rocks, 508 East 6th Street. The fun starts at 8:00 PM! We may also be
spotted at the Kill Rock Stars Showcase at Emos Annex, 600 Red River
Street.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
FMC Policy Briefing
Friday, March 17 11:00 AM
Room 14, Austin Convention Center
While time slows down in Austin, things are moving quickly in DC. During
a short briefing for members of the media, we will discuss the impact
of current policy issues on the music community, including the ongoing
debates about telecommunications policy, radio and media ownership. FMC
will make a brief presentation and then be available for dialog and questions,
so come on by!
Panel: New Business Models for Record Labels
Friday, March 17 12:30 PM
Room 16B, Austin Convention Center
FMC Deputy Director Kristin Thomson will be moderating a panel on what
business models record labels and artists have embraced in the digital
age. Panelists include Melissa Ferrick (Artist/Founder/CEO, Right On!
Records), Shannon O'Shea (Facilitator, SOS Management), Jay Faires (President
of Music & Publishing, Lionsgate Entertainment), Dave Allen (President,
New Media Licensing, Pampelmoose and member of Gang of Four), and Hank
Shocklee (President, Shocklee Entertainment).
Panel: Grammy Town Hall
Friday, March 17 3:30 PM
Room 18 ABC, Austin Convention Center
FMC Policy Director Michael Bracy will make opening remarks before a
stellar group of panelists discuss the policy decisions made every day
that affect musicians. Moderated by Daryl Friedman from The Recording
Academy and including five members of Congress: Rep. Marsha Blackburn,
Rep. Charles Gonzalez, Rep. Stephanie Herseth, Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep.
Linda Sanchez, and Recording Academy board member Jimmy Jam.
SX Studio Session
Friday, March 17 4:00 PM
Convention Center Trade Show floor
FMC's Kristin Thomson will interview SoundExchange's Neeta Ragoowansi
SX Studio Session
Friday, March 17 5:00 PM
Convention Center Trade Show floor
Paste Magazine will interview FMC's Kristin Thomson
In the evening, you'll probably find many of us at the Misra
Records Showcase, which starts at 8:00 PM at Maggie Mae's, 323 East 6th Street.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
Panel: The Insurance Monologues: Health Care Q and A
Saturday, March 18 12:00 noon
Room 19A, Austin Convention Center
FMC consultant Alex Maiolo will be hosting a panel to help musicians
navigate the red tape and confusion surrounding health insurance. If
you want to arrange a time for a personal meeting with Alex while he
is at SXSW to discuss health insurance issues, please email him at alex@futureofmusic.org.
Panel: Outside the Box
Saturday March 18 1:30 PM
Room 12AB, Austin Convention Center
FMC's General Counsel Walter McDonough will be on a panel about CD boxes
sets. Other panelists include Andy Schwartz (Albert King Fan Club), Sylvie
Simmons, Jaan Uhelszki (Sr Editor, Harp Magazine), James Austin (Sr Dir
A&R/Special Prod, Rhino Records), Shawn Amos (A&R, Shout! Factory).
Panel: Ten Things You Can Do to Change the World
Saturday, March 18 3:00 PM
Room 12AB, Austin Convention Center
FMC's Jenny Toomey will be moderating a panel that gathers some of the
most politically and socially active bands and artists for a discussion
about how artists can be agents of change. Panelists include Steve Earle
(Artist/E-Squared), Damian Kulash (OK Go), Hank Shocklee (President,
Shocklee Entertainment), Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) and Tom Morello
(Audioslave/Rage Against the Machine).
2. Bands rock out for FMC at Knitting Factory benefit
FMC is thrilled to announce a benefit show...for us! Organized by Charles
Bissell from the Wrens, the show will happen on Friday, March 24 from
6:00 – 9:00 PM at the Knitting Factory in New York City.
When asked about his motivation for organizing the show, Charles Bissell
said, "FMC is informed, engaged, and making a difference for musicians.
I offered to organize this event as a way for the music community to
give something back to them and to help offset the costs of their work."
The show's star-studded lineup includes:
Comedian Eugene Mirman Nada Surf (acoustic) Will Sheff from Okkervil River Man Man Hosted by Charles Bissell from The Wrens
Friday, March 24, 2006
6:00 to 9:00 PM Early show!
Knitting Factory, Main Room
74 Leonard Street, NYC
Tickets $15. Click here to purchase
Proceeds from the show will go to support FMC's work.
Don't be disappointed. Buy tickets in advance! With a lineup like this
it's likely to sell out.
FMC would like to thank Charles Bissell, the bands playing this show,
and the Knitting Factory for their generous support. It's amazing that
members of the music community feel strongly enough about our work and
our mission that they're willing to take the initiative and organize
an event like this. We hope to see many of you at the show.
3. Still haven't gotten the HINT?
Are you a musician living without health insurance? You're not alone.
A 2001 survey of 2,700 musicians revealed that the complicated process
of obtaining health insurance overwhelmed many of them.
Even if you do have health insurance yourself, you probably know a musician
who doesn't and who's taking a dangerous risk. Now they don't have to
just cross their fingers and hope they don't roll the van.
We know that half the battle is just cutting through insurance jargon
and giving musicians advice that's based on their own situation. That's
why, with financial support from the Cummings Foundation, we created
the Health Insurance Navigation
Tool, or HINT.
The HINT website portal gives you an easy way to schedule a telephone
consultation with our health insurance experts (who also happen to be
musicians) to discuss the options that best fit your needs, at no obligation
and no cost. (HINT consultants do not write policies through this process.
All they do is consult folks on options).
HINT appointments are currently available Monday through Thursday, 7
PM – 8:30 PM Eastern time and are 30 minutes long. After filling
out this form and answering a few questions, your request will be emailed
to the HINT team and they will confirm the date and time with you. All
calls are confidential.
We've also written articles that cut through
the insurance industry jargon and explain some of the complicated concepts
in musician-friendly language. Check
it out
FMC health insurance consultant Alex Maiolo will be at SXSW from Wednesday,
March 15 - Sunday, March 19. If you'd like to schedule a personal meeting
with him about health insurance options, please email him at alex@futureofmusic.org to set up an appointment. He'd be glad to chat with you.
Help us spread the word about HINT
We need to make sure as many working musicians know about this resource
as possible. We urge you to post info about HINT on blogs, message boards,
or your website. We have a webpage
that includes JPG banners, web graphics, and pre-recorded public service
announcements that make it easy to post links on your site or blog. A
little tip for you: listen
to the PSAs by clicking on their links. They're
great.
We know that health insurance is not cheap, and there's not much we
can do about that barrier besides supporting federal policy changes that
would inch us closer to universal care. But in the meantime, we can address
the other obstacles – whether it's feelings of being invincible,
apathy, shame or confusion – that make it hard for musicians to
obtain health insurance. Please let musicians know that we're here to
help.
FMC Announces Upcoming Events Fall 2008 "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in New York and Chicago; Washington, D.C. Policy Day and Policy Summit set for 2009.
August 5, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Commends FCC's Comcast Decision On August 1, the FCC ruled that Comcast violated net neutrality principles; the decision is a positive step in preserving the open internet. August 1, 2008
Public Enemy Frontman, Production Team and Insiders Discuss Landmark Album On July 17, FMC and Pitchfork Music Festival will host a free discussion about Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at Chicago's Cultural Center, featuring Chuck D, members of PE's production team and music media experts.
July 8, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Files Brief to Protect Creative Expression
FMC and the Center for Creative Voices in Media filed a brief at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the FCC's indecency policy has a chilling effect on creativity and expression and deprives the public of access to protected speech.
July 2, 2008 Press release | Indecency amicus brief (PDF)
Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann & more "Rock the Net" on Compilation CD
Thirsty Ear Recordings to release album on July 29 to benefit FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality.
June 2, 2008 Press release | Rock the Net
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin's family and Future of Music Coalition's Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC's Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality; joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle's Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
