SoundExchange, the D.C.based national group that collects and distributes digital performance royalties to recording artists and labels, has contacted 2,000 more recording artists since last winter. The non-profit group now has 31,000 payees. The new figure includes many local recording artists, from Bill Kirchen and Ruthie and the Wranglers to Big Joe and The Dynaflows and Jon Carroll.

The mushrooming growth of satellite and digital radio services have boosted royalty revenue from $3 million back in 2000 to $63 million in 2006 and an astounding $130 million last year. Artists and record companies split the royalty income 50-50. Most of the record companies are small indie labels, SoundExchange's administrative expenses are the lowest of any collection group in the world, about 6% this year.

Executive Director John Simson, a WAMA founding member, suggests that any local recording artist who's heard that they're getting played on XM or Sirius satellite radio and webcast radio should check the group's website (www.soundexchange.com). There they can log into its "Plays" function to see if they have royalties. If so, they should sign up. They can also call SoundExchange (in D.C.) at 202 640 5858.

The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) recently handed down a decision about the rate satellite radio must pay to play their recordings. After listening to testimony for months from both sides, the CRB tripled the rate for the music-heavy service from 2% of gross income to 6%. Artists get paid directly.

The lastest news from Washingtonpost.com and DCist is that Fort Reno Park is closed indefinitely due to high levels of arsenic found in the soil there and the status of the summer concert series for Summer 2008 has been left in doubt.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2008/05/fort_reno_park_closed_immediat.htmlcomments

http://dcist.com/2008/05/14/gasp_fort_reno.php

July 14, 2008 is the deadline for submitting to the CMJ Music Marathon, held on October 21st-25th in New York City, NY. CMJ is New York City's largest music festival, attracting more than 100,000 music professionals, artists and music enthusiasts. It features more than 1,000 bands performing in over 60 music venues. The festival also features five days of nonstop events including panels, keynote speeches, film premieres, mentoring sessions, tutorials, and an interactive lifestyle area. All Genres Accepted.

To submit, go to www.sonicbids.com/cmj2008. Cost: $45 for a 6-month Sonicbids membership and automatic submission to the CMJ Music Marathon 2008. Click here for more information. http://info.sonicbids.com/t/12985/113238/2044/0/?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb25pY2JpZHMuY29tL2NtajIwMDg%3d&x=6fa756ca

Please support my friend, Deana. It's only $10 and for a great cause. Muchas gracias!

M

PERFORMANCE CONTACT
 
Mac M. Traore
Board of Directors
dcmusicforrelief@aol.com
 
 
Artomatic will kick-off from May 9 through June 15, 2008, when up to 100’s local and regional artists will exhibit their works on eight floors of the Capitol Plaza 1 building, located at 1st and M Streets, N.E.,(1200 first st. N.E.) just one block from the New York Avenue Metro station.
 
Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is a phenomenal event that continues to inspire artists and community members.
Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting living and incredibly diverse arts extravaganza that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by the artists, the event features free musical, dance, and theater performances; holiday celebrations; films; educational presentations; and much more.
 
"We are thrilled to announce the opening of registration for all bands and performers who wish to appear on the official cd compilation.
Registration is free but since artomatic is a volunteer driven event, every band is required to contribute a volunteer time

 
For consideration for live performance and appearance on the cd please contact the producer Mac dcmusicforrelief@aol.com

Please send your latest CD for audition to:
MCN ENTERTAINMENT
P.O.BOX 4827
SILVER SPRING MD 20914

Check out this DCist article complete with a pretty cool interactive map.

http://dcist.com/2008/02/29/the_state_of_dc.php