Secretly scores at Libera Awards and on Billboard Indie Power Players listIt was a big week for Indie music juggernaut Secretly, which scored big at A2IM's Libera Awards and on the Billboard 2024 Indie Power Players list....
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Music Publishers file complaint with US Federal Trade Commission against Spotify over audiobook bundleNMPA has also referred the matter to the state attorneys general in Tennessee, New York, California, Colorado, Georgia, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC, North Carolina and Oregon
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Thomas Coesfeld talks BMG’s ‘unique offering’ and having ‘the financial power of a major’ at Music Investor Conference in New YorkBMG CEO participated in a keynote fireside chat at the Second Annual Music Investor Conference hosted by NMPA boss David Israelite
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YouTube Music to Honor Cash Money Records MenYouTube Music announced its second Leaders and Legends gala, celebrating hip-hop’s top executives, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives who have impacted the music industry in an immeasurable way. Coinciding with Black Music Month, this year’s event will honor southern hip hop icons Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, founders of Cash Money Records. The event is invitation only. 

Hailing from New Orleans, Ronald and Bryan played a pivotal role in popularizing Southern rap music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Cash Money Records’ unique sound, characterized by bounce beats and catchy lyrics, helped shift the focus of the hip-hop industry from the coasts to the South.  The label has been home to some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Mannie Fresh, and Juvenile. These artists have not only achieved immense commercial success but also pushed creative boundaries within the genre.

“The story of Cash Money Records is one for the history books,” said Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music at YouTube. “Leaders and Legends recognizes entrepreneurship and leadership in black music and culture, attributes Birdman and Slim embody to their core. They defied the odds, raising up some of rap and hip hop’s most iconic figures to superstardom and shattering sales records while doing it. We are humbled to honor the success and look forward to celebrating the music that continues to shape the label’s incredible legacy.”

Leaders and Legends is YouTube’s way of celebrating entrepreneurial achievements and groundbreaking founders in black music and culture. The inaugural event in 2020  was held in Atlanta honoring LaFace Records and the entrepreneurship of Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and LA Reid. "We at YouTube are committed to pushing the culture forward, so leading the charge to celebrate Cash Money’s impact via Birdman and Slim’s leadership is an honor” said Tuma Basa, YouTube’s Director of Black Music and Culture. "As a platform with a global reach and influence, it is our responsibility to acknowledge and elevate the stories of black trailblazers in the industry and remind the world of the immeasurable impact black music has on the culture globally, and that's what Leaders and Legends is all about.”

The Leaders and Legends gala will be held in Los Angeles on June 27. The program will feature a star-studded lineup of performances, culminating with Lyor Cohen presenting Birdman and Slim with the 2024 Leaders and Legends Award. The post YouTube Music to Honor Cash Money Records Men first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Spotify, YouTube partner Merchbar accused of stiffing artists and fansSan Francisco-based online music merchandise marketplace Merchbar has been accused of failing to pay for or ship hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise.....
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Spotify names 30 Songs of Summer 2024 contendersSpotify has released its annual list of predictions for the Songs Of Summer 2024. featuring the top 30 contenders they think could take the crown.  From “Not Like Us” by. Continue reading
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Four platforms where Algorithms don’t come between Musicians and FansTired of building an audience on social media only to have 2% of your followers ever see a post? Michael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert explore four music platforms that don’t play the algorithm game.....
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Alan Parsons Announces New ASSR “Music Production Workshop”After more than a decade of sold out Master Classes held in studios from Buena Park to Bogota, Alan Parsons wants to shake up the music production learning space with new hands-on Music Production Workshops where attendees get to be part of the recording and mixing process.

At the inaugural event being held at Parsons’ beautiful studio in the hills above Santa Barbara, students will be able to sit behind Alan’s Neve 5088 and try their hand at EQ-ing, processing using outboard gear including UnFairchild, DBX, SPL, Zulu and more plus the studio’s virtual basket of plug-ins. 

Alan and his assistant engineer Noah Bruskin will be ever present guides and advisors but the idea is for everyone can experience working with top quality equipment, even if it’s just pushing up faders to create a unique balance.

A variety of exciting musicians including American Idol star James Durbin will record using different instrumental and vocal recording techniques, taking advantage of Alan Parsons’ classic mic collection built from his days at Abbey Road. There’ll also be a field-recording sortie using 3Dio binaural mics!

The second of this two-day event focuses on mixing, with look at the current state of spatial / immersive audio with ASSR Immersive Audio course author and expert David Reyes. Throughout the day attendees will not only be able to mix music recorded the previous day, Alan promises to have some truly classic recordings - now being mixed in Dolby Atmos - for everyone to not only experience but literally get their hands on. 

Ticket prices include gourmet food and wines and the chance to hang with one of the most iconic music producers of the past fifty years, both in the studio and at the event’s after-party where you’ll be able to take photos and get memorabilia signed.

Early booking is advised to ensure a place at these perennially sold-out ASSR events. For full details and ticketing visit the website at www.artandscienceofsound.com/mcts/July2024 or call ASSR at 1-800-852-2570. 

ASSR’s Music Production Workshop: www.artandscienceofsound.com/mcts/July2024

ASSR’s online recording courses: www.artandsienceofsound.teachable.comThe post Alan Parsons Announces New ASSR “Music Production Workshop” first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Sanujeet Bhujabal named Managing Director, Universal Music India and South Asia; Viral Jani appointed Chief Revenue Officer"We have been growing rapidly, through our groundbreaking, artist-first non-film music strategy..."
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Spotify’s New Release Guide is a how-to manual for launching new musicSpotify For Artists has compiled its growing marketing toolkit into a New Release Guide, which offers a step-by-step manual for launching new music. The New Release Guide begins with free. Continue reading
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A2IM Libera Independent Music Award winners 2024 [Full List]A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) crowned the 2024 Libera Award winners at Gotham Hall in New York City on Monday. Here is the full list of winners
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Indie music pioneer Molly Neuman is CD Baby’s new PresidentDowntown Music has named Molly Neuman as President of its d.i.y. music distribution division, CD Baby, as part of a greater reorganization.....
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Spotify to launch pricier Premium music tier that includes high-fidelity audio (report)New tier will cost "at least $5 more per month", Bloomberg reports
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Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon sells $81m of company’s sharesMusic streaming company Spotify has seen a 310% runup in its share price over the past 18 months
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Awesome Country at Railbird Festival in Lexington, KYPictured: Marcus King

The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington, KY was flooded with an estimate of 45,000 music-lovers for the fourth Railbird Festival. Despite Mother Nature’s indecision, no amount of rain could stop the outpouring of passion that fans brought to the barricades, bars, and boutiques. This year's Railbird was headlined by Noah Kahan and Chris Stapleton, with incredible performances by Hozier, Turnpike Troubadours, Elle King, Lord Huron, Counting Crows, and many more. 

Railbird is curated to celebrate the unique spirit of Kentucky, featuring bourbon experiences, local eats, and that classic bluegrass-state sound. But, what is a “railbird?” According to the festival website, “traditionally, a Railbird is a horse racing enthusiast known for sticking close to the action, hanging on the rail as each contender comes barreling down the track.” Since 2023, the weekend has been hosted on the racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Futurity, one of the three jewels in Trotting’s Triple Crown. Thus, the name is a fitting homage to the history of the grounds.

Britney Spencer

When the gates opened at noon on Saturday, eager festival-goers sprinted to the barricades to claim their spots for the day. Railbirds, if you will. Brittney Spencer took to the Elkhorn stage at 1pm sharp to show off her thundering voice. Brother Smith kicked off the Burl stage to a raucous crowd with their Americana sound. Over at the main Limestone stage, Ryan Beatty eased fans into the day with a low-key, but high-quality, set. Currently on tour with Noah Kahan, Beatty allowed his smooth vocals to enchant the audience. 

Kaitlin Butts and Abby Hamilton roused crowds with their Saturday afternoon performances, proving that women-in-country are here to shake things up. Butts’ unabashed feminine flair was a visual treat. Her whole band was dressed to match, in sparkles, pink hearts, and red western-wear. Over at Limestone, Flatland Cavalry rocked our worlds, performing their song “Wool,” featured in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, as well as their hit “A Life Where We Work Out.”

Katie Pruitt gave a stunning set over at Burl while Trampled By Turtles brought us up to string-heaven. Their mandolin, guitar, fiddle, cello, bass, and banjo all came together in a concoction of bluegrass goodness. Who needs a drummer when you have a cellist who can use one foot to make a beat? Josiah and the Bonnevilles took to the stage for their largest crowd yet. “I have dreamt of this day for a long time and thought I was prepared,” he said in an Instagram post, “but I had to fight from bursting into tears up there tonight. This has got to be the most people I’ve ever played for by a long shot.” 

Wynonna Judd

South Carolina legend Marcus King highlighted his insane guitar mastery with a set at Limestone. In moving through the crowd and overhearing conversation, it seems that everyone was in agreement: this guy can shred. King’s bluesy-rock performance featured songs from his latest album Mood Swings. Next up was the lovely Wynonna Judd. Taking to the stage with flaming red hair and rhinestones decorating her apparel, she is a force to be reckoned with. Nobody was immune to the power of Wynonna and her beloved tracks. 

Performances by up and coming singer-songwriter Sam Barber and the renowned Counting Crows kept spirits high despite the weather taking a foul turn. Oklahoma’s pride, the Turnpike Troubadours, brought a honky-tonk swag with their set, featuring hit songs “Gin, Smoke, Lies,” and “Long Hot Summer Days.”

Noah Kahan

Day one’s grand finale was a headlining set by none other than New England’s sweetheart, Noah Kahan. After spending all day clinging to the barricade through downpours and daylight, his fans couldn’t have been more elated to see him take the stage. He opened with hit song “Dial Drunk” and touched on a few songs from Stick Season before inviting Adam Duritz (of Counting Crows) to sing “A Long December.” Noah explained that this moment was special for him, as he isn’t sure if he’d be where he was today without the artistry of Duritz. Kahan threw in some oldies (“False Confidence”) and an unreleased work (“The Great Divide”). All the while, he entertained the crowd with his boy-next-door humor and showered them with gratitude.

Perhaps the highlight of the set was when Kahan invited Hozier, “one of the greatest artists of our generation,” on stage to sing “Northern Attitude.” Fans shrieked at the sight and sound before them… a meeting of two giants, and a preview of night two. Kahan wrapped up his set with “The View Between Villages,” “Stick Season,” and an encore of “Young Blood.” 

Sunday started off with an immaculate sunshine. As gates opened and fans once again raced to the rails, we took to the vendors to see the tastes that Railbird had to offer. Highlights include: Nathan’s Taqueria, who were serving up some fresh Mexican street corn, beside Old Kentucky Kettle Corn, who gave us a sweet way to start the day. The Bourbon Hideout was hopping with folks looking to try some true Kentucky bourbon. 

Brent Cobb, cousin of renowned producer Daver Cobb, kicked off the afternoon with a country set on the Elkhorn stage. Cincinnati’s pride, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle, shared their stuff to a crowd of thrilled fans. Country rocker Kip Moore commanded the Limestone stage with high-energy beats and was met with enthusiasm early in the day, much to his surprise. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he explained. Moore wasn’t sure that people would care to hand over their attention to the day’s earlier acts, but Kentuckians proved that they know how to get a party started. The Infamous Stringdusters and Stephen Wilson Jr. encapsulated the spirit of the festival with their boot-stompin’ sets.

Allison Russell

Allison Russell flaunted the power of her American roots voice alongside her band of talented women. The good vibes kept rolling at Elkhorn stage with Johnnyswim performing through a downpour of rain that only invigorated them to give every ounce of energy. Dwight Yoakam and his Stetson cowboy hat braved the rain to take crowds on a journey through his accomplished country career. Elle King brought her own rock n’ roll twist to country performing her hit “Ex’s & Oh’s.”

Tanner Usrey’s rugged country grit and Nolan Taylor’s backroad-boy charm showcased the new wave of raw country inspired music coming out of today’s younger generations. Following their acts, the Red Clay Strays drew a massive crowd to the Burl stage, leaving the tent area bursting at the seams. Their pull was vast, bringing in a giant audience when with two other stages in full swing. Truly, the energy in the air was electric. Hailey Whitters wrapped up the Burl stage with a bang.

Lord Huron’s set started with an ominous telephone waiting in the middle of the stage. Sure enough, as the band made their way on to the stage, the call was answered by lead singer Ben Schneider. The group is most famously known for their hit song “The Night We Met,” which showcases their moody, yearning vibe. However, they did a complete turn around with bright songs like “Meet Me in the Woods.” 

Fans who’d clung to the rail all day finally got their reward when Hozier arrived on the Elkhorn stage. Still soaking wet from the rain, all of their worries seemed to evaporate when the first notes of “Eat Your Young” emerged from the speakers. Allison Russell was called back on stage to perform a duet version of “Work Song.” People lined every square inch of the viewing area just to get a glimpse of Hozier. Even the restroom area was filled with fans peeking over heads and between rails to witness the talent before them. 

Chris Stapleton

At last, the legendary Chris Stapleton made his dramatic entrance to the Limestone stage to “White Horse” and then “Parachute.” He graced the stage in the midst of his 2024 “All American Road Show,” which is selling out stadiums across the United States. Nearly the entire festival grounds came to a standstill to take in Stapleton’s performance that drew tens of thousands to the Red Mile… a testament to the might of his pure talent. Despite the focus on bourbon all weekend, Stapleton, of course, sent the crowd home with his biggest hit, “Tennessee Whiskey.” 

In all, Railbird Festival was a smash hit. Though it may have just finished, we are already looking forward to Railbird 2025 and can’t wait to see what surprises they have in store. To learn more, visit https://www.railbirdfest.com. The post Awesome Country at Railbird Festival in Lexington, KY first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.