Posted in Advocacy, News, Notes & Noise by A2IM

Making The World Stable For Indie Labels:

A2IM Turns Five

A2IM watchdog for independent music for the times that this place feels more like a jungle, the national NYC-based organization is on hand to help independent labels and artists of every shape and size.  When you add it up, that constituency isn’t small potatoes – indie labels represent 30% of the music industry’s market share in the U.S. (38% of digital sales).

The summer of 2010 marks five years for A2IM as a watchdog for independent music, keeping their members advocated, empowered and informed on a host of crucial components to doing business: fair trade, new technology and distribution, access to media, legislation, international, purchasing, new business development, and branding chief among them.

A2IM Vice President Jim Mahoney has a very first-hand understanding of his members. His nearly 20 years in the independent music sector include seven years as President of hip hop label/distributor Fat Beats, preceded by posts with senior posts with Roadrunner Records and Profile Records.

To read the full interview and For some major insights on what’s facing indies today click HERE

Posted in Events by A2IM

Rich Bengloff, President of A2IM, and Nashville Chapter Chair, Al McCree, will be hosting a reception for A2IM members and people interested in learning more about the organization on Thursday September 9, 2010, from 4 – 6 PM at the Conference Room (34 Music Square East, Nashville, map). Rich will do a short presentation on the state of A2IM and music industry at 5 PM.

A2IM exists for its members. A2IM has been active in the Performance Rights negotiations with radio. In addition, A2IM has found thousands of dollars for members. This is a great chance to meet Rich and network with your fellow members!

There is no cost for this event, but we would appreciate an RSVP if you are planning to attend.

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When: Thursday September 9, 2010

Time: 4 PM – 6 PM

Guest: A2IM’s President Rich Bengloff

Where: Conference Room

34 Music Square East

Nashville, TN

RSVP via phone or email to Krista Slinkard at 615-460-7077 or krista@militarymusic.com

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Posted in Events by A2IM

The discussion will be led by committee chairs Chris Castle (Law Office of Christian Castle), Ray Garcia (Roadrunner Records, SVP Business & Legal Affairs), and Eric German (Mitchell, Silberberg, & Knupp, LLP) and will focus on the opportunities and challenges of multi-rights artist deals for independent music labels.  Come share your experiences, difficulties, and learn from your fellow members.

Details

When: Tuesday, September 21^st (2p – 4p Pacific Time)

Where: Mitchell, Silberberg, & Knupp offices @ 11377 W. Olympic Blvd, LA, CA 90064 | MAP

RSVP to attend to jim.mahoney@a2im.org by end of day Friday, Sept. 17 so we have a proper headcount.

Due to space limitations and to facilitate dialog we must limit this invite senior executives only so please forward this only to those on your team who you believe would best represent your company at such an event.  We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your participation.

Special thanks to Mitchell, Silberberg, & Knupp for hosting.

Best regards,

Jim Mahoney

Posted in Member Services by A2IM

Our friends at WIN (Worldwide Independent Network) are seeking your answers to a few short, easy questions.  Our growing worldwide membership provides an opportunity to run the first ever global survey of the independent sector of the music industry.

With the support of A2IM members, this survey could result in a very useful report on our sector and for A2IM members themselves through publication of the report.

Please take 1 minute to fill out this survey this week:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/winglobalsurvey2010

Results will be analyzed and the information provided will  be included in a full WIN global independent music survey report.

Posted in Events, Member Services by A2IM

Future of Music Coalition is generously offering A2IM members a 15% discount off of registration for their upcoming Policy Summit in Washington DC (Oct. 3-5).  Register by September 3^rd and pay only $195 (saving $34 off of the $229 rate; rates increase after Labor Day but the 15% discount will still be in effect).

To register using our discounted rate click 

Taking place at Georgetown University in Washington DC, Future of Music Coalition’s annual Policy Summit features timely conversations about music in an increasingly networked, digitized world.  Network with and hear from confirmed speakers Tom Silverman (TommyBoy), Amaechi Uzoigwe (Definitive Jux), Bryan Calhoun (SoundExchange), Dick Huey (Toolshed), Ian Rogers (Topspin), Patrick Sullivan (RightsFlow), Tim Westergren (Pandora), Alex White (Next Big Sound) and many more.

To learn more about Future of Music Policy Summit read:  http://futureofmusic.org/events/future-music-policy-summit-20

Posted in Member Services by A2IM

The New MySpace Profile for Artists is here!

We are excited to bring you the next generation of artist profiles on MySpace. With the help of feedback from artists and designers worldwide, we’ve given our profiles a new look and feel that will improve the artist to fan interaction on MySpace. The new profile is designed to enhance, yet simplify the experience for friends and fans visiting your profile. We’ve brought more simplicity and consistency to the navigation, making it easier than ever for your fans to find your music, photos, videos, tour dates, and more. New, easy-to-use customization tools will also help you personalize your profile.

New Features Include:

*Upload more songs, and feature up to 25 songs on your profile

*Cleaner, More Simple Look

*Dozens of new themes in our theme gallery

*Create your own custom marquee header

*Easier navigation with all your stuff in one place

*Your profile design on your photos, videos, and other pages

So, what does this mean for you?

All of the above facilitate better artist to fan interaction, allowing your fans to stay more engaged on your pages for longer periods of time in a way that was never available before.

Getting Started is Easy – visit this link to upgrade your profile.

Or click here to download the latest design guide, which will show you step by step how to get a great looking profile!

For more information please visit Artist HQ, our new blog for musicians on MySpace. If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute to this exciting community, please contact lindsay@myspacemusic.com.