Don't miss Mac at the 2009 Future of Music Policy Summit (Oct. 4-6, Georgetown University Washington, DC)!We at Future of Music Coalition are huge fans of Mac McCaughan, and not just because he's a member of indie-rock stalwarts Superchunk and Portastatic. And not only due to the fact that he co-founded in 1989 one of the most influential and forward-looking independent record labels around, Merge Records. And not simply because Mac is an all-around awesome dude (which he is).

No, we like Mac because he's the epitome of a musician/entrepreneur who cares about the issues and understands how broader policy choices impact the lives of artists. In October 2007, we invited Mac to to deliver expert witness testimony in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on the topic "The Future of Radio." He knocked it out of the park. (Or out of Congress, as it were.)

As a co-founder of Merge, Mac understands how the open internet has allowed his indie label to compete on an equal technological playing field with the biggest companies. Merge Records is a great example of how a modern imprint can build lasting relationships with fans, using the web as the primary vehicle. Mac's commitment to net neutrality -- the principle that protects the open internet â-- extended as far as his band Portastatic appearing (alongside Saddle Creek sensation Bright Eyes) on FMC's Rock the Net: Musicians for Net Neutrality compilation CD, released by Thirsty Ear Recordings in 2008. Merge also put out their own anthology a few years back, proceeds from which went to help FMC keep fighting the good fight for musicians. And Merge artists Arcade Fire also participated in our 2006 Future of Music Policy Summit in Montreal.

We're positively thrilled to have Mac join us at the 2009 Future of Music Policy Summit (Oct. 4-6, Georgetown University Washington, DC). Mac will be speaking on a panel called "The New DIY: Creative Control in an Accelerated World," alongside Bertis Downs (Advisor, R.E.M.), Greg Kot (Columnist, Chicago Tribune; Host, Sound Opinions, NPR), Erin McKeown (Musician), Ian Rogers (CEO, Topspin) and Emily White (Partner, Whitesmith Entertainment).

Space is filling up quickly, so grab your spot now!

(Absolutely can't make it to DC? Don't worry -- we've got you covered: the entire event will be webcast live, for free. Sign up now to reserve your virtual seat!)