PRS GUITARS LAUNCHES 40TH ANNIVERSARY CUSTOM 24-08 SEMI-HOLLOW LIMITED EDITION PRS Guitars today announced the 40th Anniversary Custom 24-08 Semi-Hollow Limited Edition. Bolstering this year's special models celebrating four decades of PRS Guitars, the Custom 24-08 keeps many of the foundational specifications as the original Custom – the guitar that started PRS back in 1985 – but adds a new level of versatility with its TCI pickups and EQ mini-toggle switches. This limited-edition instrument also features a “10-top” grade figured maple top, semi-hollow body, ziricote fretboard and headstock veneer, and special inlay package. Only 300 of this special release will be available worldwide, each including a certificate hand-signed by Paul Reed Smith.“The Custom 24 is one of the first two guitars I made to launch the company and has been our flagship design,” said PRS Guitars Founder & Managing General Partner, Paul Reed Smith. “Updating the 24-08 version for our 40th Anniversary with a semi-hollow body, EQ mini toggles, and this wood combination really allow the instrument to ‘sing’ in a full, beautiful voice of its own.”Now made with American alnico and updated build specs, TCI pickups are designed to offer a full, musical sound reminiscent of single-coil and soapbar tones without the hum.The dual EQ mini-toggle switches were originally developed in PRS’s Private Stock department and act as tuned high-pass filters when engaged (in the up position), removing shelved low-end and allowing the high frequencies through for more clarity and musical highs.PRS Guitars continues to celebrate this year with new product introductions each month. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40th Anniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year at www.prsguitars.com/40 and by following @prsguitars on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, X and YouTube.The post PRS GUITARS LAUNCHES 40TH ANNIVERSARY CUSTOM 24-08 SEMI-HOLLOW LIMITED EDITION  first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Take Action SXSW Summit and Showcases set scheduleArtist for Action, Sandy Hook Promise, Bandsintown and the Music Managers Forum-US have announced an impressive lineup for their 2025 music business Take Action SXSW Summit and Showcases featuring Passion Pit, Ginuwine, Everclear alongside industry leaders and experts.
The post Take Action SXSW Summit and Showcases set schedule appeared first on Hypebot.

Concert Ticket Breakdown: Who Wins, Loses & Why It MattersHave you wondered where your ticket dollars really go? Justin Kantor looks at the surprising concert ticket breakdown of costs, profits, and challenges faced by independent artists and venues.
The post Concert Ticket Breakdown: Who Wins, Loses & Why It Matters appeared first on Hypebot.

ASCAP CULTIVATES SONGWRITER COMMUNITY AT SXSW WITH SXSW SONGS WRITING CAMP AND INDUSTRY HAPPY HOUR ON MARCH 12 AND 13Dedicated to supporting music creators throughout their career, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) returns to South by Southwest (SXSW) with events designed to connect the music community. The performing rights organization is a presenting sponsor of the SXSW Songs 2025 writing camp and listening party, and will host a happy hour for industry and music creators alike. SXSW Songs 2025ASCAP, the original innovators in performing rights, advocacy and service for music creators, is a sponsor of the SXSW Songs 2025 writing camp, which takes place from March 10 - 12. The song camp was created for established producers, songwriters and artists with commercial co-writing credits. It brings together a curated group of 15 - 20 songwriters from all over the world for a three-day collaboration to create new potential hit songs and wraps up with an official SXSW listening party on Thursday, March 13.SXSW Songs' first five editions have produced eight commercial cuts and identified up-and-coming songwriters and producers such as Grammy Award-winner and 2024 ASCAP London Songwriter of the Year Peter “Lostboy” Rycroft (Kylie Minogue) and global hitmakers James “Yami” Bell (Tiesto) and Victoria Zaro (Tate McRae).Rising stars participating in SXSW Songs 2025 include innovative Italian songwriter-producer Fudasca, Canadian powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Kassidy, unconventional UK pop artist Ruby Duff and Swedish singer-songwriter Zikai. ASCAP Happy Hour and PerformancesWednesday, March 12 from 5:00 - 7:00 PMRules & Reg at The Fairmont, 101 Red River St in AustinHosted by the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul team, this networking event gives music creators a chance to connect with ASCAP membership representatives, enjoy some special guest performances and build their musical community during a laid-back industry happy hour.Admission to the party is free with a SXSW badge or wristband.For more information on ASCAP at SXSW, visit: www.ascap.com/sxsw25. Music Mentor Session with Brooke EpleeThursday, March 13 from 1:00 - 2:15 PMAustin Convention Center, Room 15, 205 Trinity St in AustinThe SXSW Mentor Program is an opportunity for education professionals, students, innovators, and entrepreneurs to connect with seasoned mentors and gain invaluable guidance. As a SXSW Music Mentor, ASCAP SVP of Strategy and Business Development Brooke Eplee will be available to share valuable industry insights with SXSW attendees. Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to SXSW badge holders with primary access. For more information on this mentorship session, visit: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP1147536SXSW Songs Listening Party and ShowcaseThursday, March 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 PMMarlow on Sixth, 700 E. 6th St in AustinThe SXSW Songs 2025 Listening Party invites SXSW attendees to hear newly recorded creations, hot from the studio, and enjoy live performances from some of the writing camp’s artists. Participating producers, songwriters and advisors share their experiences from the three-day intensive and discuss the current state of songwriting with SXSW attendees.Admission to the party is free with a SXSW badge or wristband.The post ASCAP CULTIVATES SONGWRITER COMMUNITY AT SXSW WITH SXSW SONGS WRITING CAMP AND INDUSTRY HAPPY HOUR ON MARCH 12 AND 13 first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Drake reaches settlement with iHeartMedia in legal dispute over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’However, Drake's legal petition against Universal Music Group will remain active in a Texas court
Source

How to grow an Engaged Fanbase using Identity ResonanceDo you want to grow an engaged fanbase that truly connects with your music? Olivia Jones from MIDiA Research shares how identity resonance turns listeners into superfans who stream more, buy more, and often become fans for life.
The post How to grow an Engaged Fanbase using Identity Resonance appeared first on Hypebot.

Sony Music backs AI rights startup Vermillio in $16M funding roundSony Music backs AI rights startup Vermillio leading an $18 million funding round along with DNS CapitalSony Music backs AI rights startup Vermillio leading an $18 million funding round along with DNS Capital.
The post Sony Music backs AI rights startup Vermillio in $16M funding round appeared first on Hypebot.

GETTING THINGS DONE: Independent Musician News Last WeekLast week's top independent musician news included tips and advice on approved ways to promote music on Spotify, Instagram updates and tips, songwriter royalties, vocal production tips, and more...
The post GETTING THINGS DONE: Independent Musician News Last Week appeared first on Hypebot.

REWIND: Last week’s Top Music Business NewsCatch up on what everyone's talking about with last week’s top music business news from Clio Music Award winners, to an FCC investigation of iHeartRadio, a NIVA SXSW must-attend panel, and more...
The post REWIND: Last week’s Top Music Business News appeared first on Hypebot.

Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets Stun a packed TroubadourThe combination of veteran Brit pub-rocker Nick Lowe and Nashville surf rockers Los Straitjackets doesn't make any sense at first glance. Lowe has never really been one for flamboyance on stage; a dapper shirt and pants is his usual get-up. So the idea of him sharing a stage with these Tennessee titans, all sporting startling Mexican wrestling masks, is a bit odd.The thing is, when you actually witness it, and hear the wonderful noise that they create together, it makes all the sense in the world.To be fair, this is nothing new. Lowe and Los Straitjackets have been touring and recording together since 2019. Clearly, and perhaps against the odds, this is a match made in heaven. Despite the aesthetic gimmick, the Los Straitjacket fellas are tremendous musicians. Alright, it's not that weird after all.The pairing performed at the Troubadour on two consecutive nights, and we were at the first. The room, an L.A. institution, was sardine can-packed, making it difficult to maneuver around the place at all (never mind actually take some photos). The set was a career-spanner for Lowe. The brilliant "So it Goes" kicked things off, and we would later get new wave classic "Heart of the City," his version of "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love & Understanding" (popularized by his pal Elvis Costello), and his original version of "Cruel to be Kind" (a hit for Letters to Cleo).There was time for some Los Straitjackets interludes--manic versions of "The Theme from the Magnificent Seven" and "Bird Dance Beat." That afforded Lowe the chance of a breather. The show ended with Lowe alone on stage, strumming though Costellos's "Alison" (which Lowe produced).It was a beautiful way to conclude a stunning set.The post Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets Stun a packed Troubadour first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

UK-based physical distributor Proper Music Group acquired by Netherlands’ ArtoneProper will no longer be affiliated with Switzerland-headquartered Proper Group AG, formerly known as Utopia Music.
Source

THE MUSIC CONNECTION MARCH 2025 DIGITAL RESOURCES PLAYLIST IS LIVEListen along with MC!Our monthly issue playlists will allow you to hear the featured artists as you read about them, and the March, 2025 Everything Indie playlist is live now!Check out cover star Damiano David, the DIY Spotlighted Clay & Kelsy, and all of the artists included in our Signing Stories, Album Reviews, New Music Critiques, and Live Reviews (as long as they are on Spotify).Hear the playlist here:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/51PdJx2k59Kz9MSeJvXcqv?si=335d8185321646c9While you're there, please "Like" the playlist and "Follow" Music Connection's profile.Previous playlistsHear our 2024 Year End playlist here!Hear the Mastering Studios playlist here!The post THE MUSIC CONNECTION MARCH 2025 DIGITAL RESOURCES PLAYLIST IS LIVE first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

What is a music superfan and Why do they matter so much?
Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon along with UMG, WMG and Sony are all aggressively exploring how to serve and monetize superfans. But what is a music superfan and why do they matter so much?

The post What is a music superfan and Why do they matter so much? appeared first on Hypebot.

NIVA at SXSW: Live Independent Panel, Showcases & Day PartyThe National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will host an important Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists panel and two official parties at this year’s SXSW to amplify the essential role of the live. Continue reading
The post NIVA at SXSW: Live Independent Panel, Showcases & Day Party appeared first on Hypebot.

TikTok refreshes Desktop App in challenge to YouTubeTikTok refreshes Desktop App, in the latest salvo in its ongoing battle with YouTube.
The post TikTok refreshes Desktop App in challenge to YouTube appeared first on Hypebot.