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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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?

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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
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TikTok refreshes Desktop App in challenge to YouTubeTikTok refreshes Desktop App, in the latest salvo in its ongoing battle with YouTube.
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Echoes of My Slutty Valentine"Some of L.A.s best degenerate bands will be seeping up from the underground to make you cry, laugh, mosh and feel hornier than you ever thought imaginable," wrote promotors Basic Cable Programming on their website, by way of a description of My Slutty Valentine fest, and that's not bad but it doesn't really do it justice.My Slutty Valentine celebrates Valentine's Day, but leaves out the cheesiness and vanilla romance. In its place, we get heaps of sex positivity, feminist and queer joy, and a ton of glorious outfits. Love is in the air, but lust won't be pushed out. Frankly, the event is a fucking riot.Music Connection was at The Echo and Echoplex from the 5 p.m. start on Sunday. That meant 20 bands, conveniently overlapping, on three stages (inside at the two neighboring venues, plus a third on the Echo patio). Nobody was bad and, indeed, we discovered plenty of bands and artists that will appear in the pages of our magazine in the future.First up was brutal and uncompromising hardcore punks CNTS, swiftly followed by deceptively upbeat rocker Spooky Marvin (bit Ramones, bit Gun Club). Codex continued the rowdy punk vibe outside. BushfireThe Memories have a sound that is somehow lo-fi and upbeat. Somewhere between Weezer and Dinosaur Jr. They were followed by the raw, AC/DC-esque rock 'n' roll of Tyranis. Bushfire upped the ante somewhat. Incredible tunes, boundless energy and a frontwoman who looks like she's ready to kick everyone's ass.Caravan222 offered a change of pace; outlaw country and dusty Americana, with an edge and real heart. Then there was the glorious trash rock of Lord Friday 13, who wowed with their glitter-and-grime take on glam-punk. Legs were kicking, balls were swinging, and feet were tapping. Shamon Cassette

SpunkShamon Cassette were a bit of a revelation. P-funk, punk, metal and hip-hop collided in a gloriously loud, perfect mess. The wonderfully named Warblob put the focus back on the hardcore punk, as did the even better-named Spunk. The latter in particular went for the jugular with a set of riotous, gnarly noise.Mz NeonMz Neon may well have stolen the night. "Check on your trans friends--we're not ok," she said. "Things are crazy." That is undoubtedly true, and the crowd at the Echoplex was quick to show its support. Naturally, we will too.The alt-rapper was spectacular, with tunes like "Pussy Stick" (we think) whipping up the Slutty crowd. Magnificent.The Urinals

Poppy Jean CrawfordL.A. punk vets The Urinals were playing to a younger crowd that what they might be used to, though they had fiery gems like "Ack Ack Ack" to blast through. They didn't disappoint. Neither did Chimera, who have a vocalist with one of the better hardcore voices we've heard in a while.If Mz Neon stole the night, Poppy Jean Crawford ran her close. The alt-pop star-in-the-making recently announced a tour with veteran Brit goths The Mission UK, and on this evidence she'll go down a treat. Elements of PJ Harvey and Siouxsie Sioux meld beautifully, as she purrs through her stunning set.Greenwitch add some welcome death metal to the night, while S.O.H.'s brand of lively punk rock kept the energy levels high (although we don't know what the initials stand for). Slaughterhouse followed suit, and then it was time for Mac Sabbath.Yeah, it's all a bit silly. The band's rewriting of Black Sabbath songs to cover fast food subject matter is, frankly, ludicrous. But the yin to that yang is that the musicians inside the costumes are super-talented, the songs sound immense, and the showmanship is glorious. Songs like "Chicken for the Slaves" and "Sweet Beef" reinterpret Sabbath classics in a manner Ozzy could never have imagined. But shit, it's fun.On the way out, we caught a bit of indie-pop artist Mothe, and we heard enough to intrigue. We'll be checking out more.The post Echoes of My Slutty Valentine first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

$500m-valued Suno has admitted training AI on copyrighted music. That hasn’t stopped Amazon from adding its controversial tech to AlexaThe new voice assistant is also integrated with the Claude chatbot from Anthropic, an AI company facing a copyright lawsuit from music publishers
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