MTV intends on teaming with XTREME MUSIC, the production music arm of Sony/ATV, today announced the launch of HYPE PRODUCTION MUSIC: a newly created, first-of-its-kind hybrid music production and licensing partnership fueled by the very best new and emerging independent talent.

Hype Production Music will empower MTV and Extreme to contract directly with unsigned artists and creatively help them produce new music with vocals that will enjoy first look consideration for key placements across MTV Networks' programming and feed music supervisors' appetites throughout the industry for blog-breaking freshmen bands.

Hype artists will benefit from their songs' inclusion in the Hype Music Library that will be licensed through Extreme's global client base of professional users with the copyright diligence of a major label, but the credibility of an indie. In addition, MTV will serve as music distributor for all contracted songs, delivering music to the artist's fans through multiple digital music services. All revenues from licensing and digital distribution of songs included in the Hype Music Library will be split with 50 percent going to the artist.

"MTV has always been in the business of championing artists on the cusp. With the launch of 'HYPE', MTV has a platform to bring those artists to the forefront within our programming and beyond," said Joe Cuello SVP, Creative Music Integration for MTV. "Day to day we search out the best emerging artists and songs to help tell a story and we are thrilled to be deepening those relationships. In partnership with Extreme, we are able to work hand-in-hand with artists from the start to create and distribute amazing original music."

"It's no secret that the music industry is gasping for air and struggling for ways to break new artists," said Russell Emanuel CEO, Extreme Music. "HYPE's hybrid model as an artist-friendly incubator leveraging its ability to license tracks directly in high profile shows will dramatically boost an act's profile. This is a new breed, second to none career jump-starting opportunity. It's production music on steroids!"

The initial HYPE offerings are slated for release early in 2011 and include : Daniel Chavez Wright (3D Friends), George Byrne, Locksley, Ginger Sling, The Midi Mafia, New Cassettes, Desoto Jones, Theft, National Skyline, Atlantic Line, Hell & Lula, Marc Robillard, The Diamond Light, The New FOs, Lego Johnson, Atlantic Connection and Heavy Young Heathens.

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Played with Aweditorium and Discovr? Here’s one more for the list. MTV has launched MTV Music Meter, an app for iPhone and iPad designed to help people discover new music. “The MTV Music Meter is a daily list of artists trending right now,” explains the blurb. “Discover these artists and others like them through audio samples, photos, recent tweets, news articles, and bios. Or chart your own discovery path by searching through over 1 million artists.” The free app is a spin-off from the website of the same name, launched by MTV last December. That ranks artists by a combination of social media buzz and online video streams, with an aim of spotlighting emerging acts rather than just big names.

Source: Music Ally

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Learn what managers do by doing management for yourself.

Self management is always a valid option in the developing stages of establishing your career as a musician. Much can be learned by taking on the jobs of securing gigs, getting some publicity, planning tours, dealing with personal issues that arise within the band, and schmoozing with A&R Reps and various other label and publishing personnel.

However, there comes a time, usually when the daily tasks of doing the business of being a band takes up too much time, and it is at this time that the services of a good manager can be very useful. I have always felt that if any musician or band has worked hard to establish their career, and achieved a modicum of success, they will have a better chance to ‘attract’ the services of a professional, well-connected and respected manager.

Today, finding a Manager is very difficult. Managers who do this job for a living can only take on clients that generate income. Making money as a personal manager is no easy task, and many upcoming artists forget that if any moneys are to be generated from their music, it can takes years for the flow of that income to be reliably there. So, as a band develops self-management, or gets help from intern/student managers, the road that heads toward professional management may open up.

Over the years I have heard several horror stories about 'managers’ that approach upcoming acts and say that for X amount of dollars, they can do such and such for the artist. No, this is not the way legit personal manager’s work. Well-connected and respected personal managers get paid a negotiated fee for their services (get it in writing) for any and all business transactions they are responsible for (15%-25%) over a particular contract period. No musicians should ever pay a fee to a so-called ‘manager’ who will not do any work UNLESS they are paid up front. Flim Flam men and women still abound in this business... be forewarned.

One of the most important jobs of a manager is to secure recording and publishing contracts for their clients, this is why it is so essential to choose well connected and well respected managers. The music business is a ‘relationship’ business. Who knows whom, and who can get to the gatekeepers, and who did what successfully, is what this management game is all about. Choose carefully the people who will be representing you in any business dealings.

Source: Music Biz Academy

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SESSION REPORT For Immediate Release Contact: Toya Elise Brown 404-874-9880 FEBRUARY 2011 SESSION REPORT Who Werked in STUDIO 9000? R&B soul singer and songwriter, K. Michelle, who is often compared to R&B singer Keyshia Cole, recently released her debut album entitled Pain Medicine. With two hit singles "Fallin" and "I Just Cant Do This" and another one called "How Many Times", Pain Medicine was one of the top anticipated albums of 2011. K Michelle has worked with many artists such as R. Kelly, Trina, Gucci FAME, and many others. K. Michelle was recently having songs mixed at PatchWerk studios by Leslie Brathwaite, assisted by PatchWerk engineer Muzzy Solis. Rapper/singer/record producer B.o.B. was recently nominated for 5 Grammys at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for his hit single "Nothing on You" ft. Bruno Mars. Though Bobby did not walk away with any awards, it has not stopped him from getting back into the studio to record more hits. Most recently B.oB. was in PatchWerk studios working with PatchWerk engineer Dee Brown. Other sessions in 9000 included those for Pastor Troy (D. Brown), Audio (D. Brown), Mo Pain (S. Firkins / L. Banks), Gucci Mane (K. Anders), Keshelle (M. Wilson), Cribs (Stikuhbush/L. Banks), Young Jeezy (L. Brathwaite), Money Man (L. Brathwaite) Matty B (N. Jenkins) TO BOOK A SESSION IN PATCHWERK'S STUDIO 9000 CALL 404-874-9880 Who Werked in STUDIO 995? East Atlanta's very own Gucci Mane is back and ready to release his new mixtape The Return of Mr. Zone 6. The mixtape will be a collaboration effort between Gucci Mane and producer Drumma Boy. Gucci Mane has also revealed that his album The State Vs. Radric Davis was only the first installment of a three-part series of albums. The third and final album will be titled The Final Verdict. Gucci was in PatchWerk Studios for almost the entire month of February having several songs recorded and mixed for the album by PatchWerk engineer Kori Anders. Rapper, Tity Boi's latest project Codeine Cowboy, was released February 21, 2011.The mixtape,which is hosted by DJ Teknikz is already receiving many positive reviews . Recently Tity Boi was in PatchWerk studios working alongside PatchWerk engineer Dee Brown. Other sessions in 995 included those for Denali (M. Wilson), El Dorado Red (K. Anders), Audio (M. Wilson), Big Champ (M. Wilson), Curtiz (D. Brown), SouthWest Click (Flip Gucci/M. Carter), Joe Beast (M. Wilson), Triggah (M. Wilson), Phil Will (M. Wilson), Parsitra (D. Brown), Divine Law (M. Wilson), Hollywood (M. Carter), YC (M. Carter), Julian Herrera (M. Wilson), Palb (R. Seay/ D. Brown), Chubby Baby (C. Hammond), Zy White (D. Brown), (TO BOOK A SESSION IN PATCHWERK'S STUDIO 995 CALL 404-874-9880) Who's Werking in STUDIO 1019? Regina Belle is a singer-songwriter who first surfaced in the late 1980s. She is notable for her Grammy award winning duet with Peabo Bryson, "A Whole New World". Other hit singles of hers include "Baby Come to Me", "Make it Like it Was", and "If I Could". This past February Regina Belle stopped by PatchWerk Studios to work with PatchWerk engineer Luther Banks. Other sessions in 1019 included those for DJ Holiday (D. Brown), Magail Moore (M. Wilson), J Wezz (M. Wilson), Boom (M. Carter), Nicole (M. Carter), Skee (D. Brown), Hollywood (N. Jenkins), J Bean (D. Brown), Yelawolf (M. Wilson), Crook Brown (Khalifani), Mo Pain (L. Banks), Ready Writerz (M. Carter), Jim Jones (L. Banks), Ms Chris (L. Banks), Just Us (L. Banks), Netta (L. Banks), Quinn D (M. Carter), Keshelle (D. Brown), Boy Stop (B. Friesen), Jody Breeze (D. Brown), Sho (D. Brown) TO BOOK A SESSION IN PATCHWERK'S STUDIO 1019 CALL 404-874-9880 Who's Werking in the MASTERING Suite? Sessions in the mastering suite included those for Trai'D, Trick Trick, J Rich, 2win, Shevy, Nakiia Rosa, El Dorado Red, Gina, Juvenile, Got Cheeze, Da Boi Boi, Lil Walker Boiz, Triggah, Divine Law, 2 Chainz, Chad & Rah Rah. All sessions in the mastering suite were engineered by Kenny Mixx. TO BOOK A MASTERING SESSION CALL 404-874-9880 PatchWerk Recording Studios (www.patchwerk.com) is a world-class recording facility that has catered to the national entertainment industry since opening in 1995. The company, which is centrally located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, has earned a reputation for its excellent sound quality and superb customer service. PatchWerk features Georgia's only SSL 48-channel Duality Console as well as Georgia's only SSL 9000 J Series Console. The larger of the two studio rooms, Studio 9000, features design by industry leader Russ Berger (RBDG). PatchWerk has continuously serviced the top record labels from around the world and has accomodated an endless array of world-renowned talent, including TLC, Beyonce Knowles, Outkast, Usher, Ludacris, the Neptunes, Rodney Darkchild Jerkins and Bow Wow.

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Steve Rifkind has done plenty in the music business spanning two decades. Loud Records and SRC Records brought us Wu Tang Clan as well as Mobb Deep and Big Pun. In this interview with Al Lindstrom he talks about the industry issues and makes note of wanting to sign Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All.

Source: Al Lindstrom

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Are you ready for what is being billed as the ultimate search tool for record collectors and crate diggers?

The iCrates app gives you instant access to the biggest music database and marketplaces such as Discogs, eBay, Amazon, and iTunes. It allows you to search for artist , releases and labels on the go. You can listen to audio and samples, watch videos and share findings with friends on Twitter, Facebook, and by email.

Check out the demo video below and visit the iCrates for more info.

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You love to hear the story, again and again. In this video, KRS ONE speaks on "Emcee Etiquette" and the truth behind the battle with MC Shan. It is very important to know the history behind hip hop and some of the early battles.

Good look on the video ELJAY. Check out The New Content for more exclusive interviews.

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Foursquare, the location "check-in" service that launched two years ago at SXSW, last night updated its service with a range of new features just in time to show them off at the same show again this year.

They include :

-- An "Explore" tab -- a discovery feature that provides recommendations on where to go nearby based on users' past check ins and that of their friends and other users.

-- A new points system and leader board designed to encourage users to check in to new and different locations

-- Loyalty features that include deals participating merchants can offer users who are repeat customers. Venues can reward large groups of customers who check-in at once, regulars, first-time customers. And the app will display nearby places offering these specials as well.

Taken together, the goal of the updated service is to get back to its gaming roots.

Foursquare was a pioneer in the "gamification" of life that is becoming a hot trend among new entertainment services and apps. But ironically, Foursquare in the two years since launch has become more of a tool than a game. The company is taking these steps to return to its gaming form.

But more importantly for the music industry, the changes are designed to drive people to new places where they can spend time and money. To date, there's not been a whole lot of interaction between Foursquare and the music industry. That's because too much time has been spent worrying about how artists and labels can use Foursquare. The low-hanging fruit are venue owners -- think small clubs, and yes… even record stores.

In addition to the new features, Foursquare struck a deal with American Express through which Foursquare users can link their AMEX account to the app, allowing merchants to provide the specials mentioned above to cardholders. Merchants will be able to send push notifications on new deals as well.

Check out all the new merchant features on the Foursquare blog.

The company now claims 7.5 million users (from 5,000 after the 2009 SXSW launch) and more than 50 employees (from 12 last year). In 2010 alone, the service registered more than 500 million check ins. Over a quarter of a million businesses use Foursquare to reach these users today.

The music business can't afford to wait for Foursquare to develop some kind of special app or feature just for them. It's up to the businesses in this industry to take the ball and run with it.

Source: Billboard.biz

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Saying "Check out my website," is equilvant to saying Hello and Goodbye in the same sentence. It is time to reinvent the way you connect to your fans. Below is five effective methods to bring real time fans to your virtual world.

1. QR Codes

With smartphone adoption increasing rapidly, QR codes are becoming a great novelty way to create a scannable link to your website – the novelty is certainly still there and if you incentivise fans to use the code with exclusive content then it can be a very effective way to drive traffic.

2. Stickers

I am a firm believer in using branded stickers for promoting bands as they tick all the boxes – they’re a cool gift for fans, they’re cheap, they sustain a long period of time and have the potential to be seen by a large number of people depending on where they’re stuck. These days you can get a fair amount of stickers from Vistaprint.com for under a tenner, so there really is no excuse.

Including a web address on your sticker is a must, as branding is only worthwhile if it leads on to an opportunity for people to convert and become an advocate of your music. Leading them on to your website is an excellent way to do just that.

3. Mention Your Website on Stage

When you’re on stage you have a great opportunity to drive people to your website – all you need to do is mention the URL of your website and give them a good enough reason to go there. In my experience, one of the most compelling things to offer at a live gig are the photos or videos of the audience, as everyone enjoys trying to spot themselves in the crowd!

4. Word of Mouth Campaigns

What do you do when you hear a rumour about a band? Chances are you head straight to Google or the bands official website to confirm the rumour and find out more. By doing interesting things and deliberately creating rumours you will intrigue fans enough to naturally want to visit your website. This is why Lady Gaga’s outfits are always a hit – as people start asking “did you see Lady Gaga’s meat / hair / nun dress?”, which is so out of the ordinary that it intrigues and encourages you to find out more.

5. Business Cards

Similarly to stickers, business cards are another effective way to market your self relatively cheaply. If you regularly attend music industry conferences (which you should be) then these are a must. You can even use a service such as DropCards to give people a free download code on your business card, so that they also get to download a free MP3 of your music.

Source: KnowTheMusic.biz

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 Some of the best DJs in the world are known for their ability to read a crowd and give them what they want. It should be no surprise that the secret to their crowd reading success is that they never take their eyes off their crowd!

According to Ezine @rticles.com, “Researchers who study relationships have discovered that a big difference between those people who make new friends easily, and those who don’t, is that socially successful people tend to make eye contact with their conversation partners much more frequently than those who are less successful socially.”

That’s a big problem I see with a lot of club DJs in my city: they never give their audience the time of day. Their eyes are glued to the equipment in front of them and they are in their own world.

To build a healthy dance floor requires trust between the DJ and this crowd. From the information above, we can clearly see that there’s actually a connection between eye contact and people dancing to your music. In a way, you are building temporary relationships with your audience. Making eye contact with a person in the club and smiling at them tells that person, “I’m glad to see you here and I want you to trust me, so I can take you where you want to be taken.”

Eye contact is especially important for digital DJs who use a laptop, and not so much for DJs who use traditional media (CDJs and turntables), because the laptop can create a barrier between the DJ and the crowd. Laptop DJs can also fall victim to the “checking email” syndrome and get lost in their screen. I combat this barrier by actually placing my laptop at an angle to the right or the left, depending on the booth I’m playing in. Either way, you should step away from the laptop every so often and let the crowd see yo grill.

You can win the crowd over simply by paying attention to them! You can also build your following while you mix because all this technique requires is looking at your audience. Lack of eye contact is probably the reason why the DJs who never look at their crowds put on the poorest performances.

For more dj tips check out www.djtechtools.com

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