September 2007
Special note: Please be advised that all official correspondence from the RMA will be sent to you via a rootsmusicassociation.org email address. If you receive solicitations or notices that suggest they are affiliated to the RMA from any other source they should be discounted. If you have any concerns about unauthorized correspondence please contact us directly. We value our members privacy.
1. Welcome Its been an almost endless summer it seems but now that Fall is in the air, vacation time is over and school is in session we’re back at work! We’ve got a lot of exciting things in the works! Read on for details! We extend a warm welcome to our newest members who have signed up since our last newsletter.
Michelle Anderson (Red River), Jerry Clayton (Radio Lonestar Broadcast Network), Mark Gustafson (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings), Dave Bryce (Rural Delivery – Fresh FM), Rick Monroe, Bubba Hogg, Zach Benson (The Other Side of the Tracks Radio Show), Charles Ellington (Hush & Listen LLC), Bruce Piephoff, Pip Walter (Boreal Tordu), Gene Barker (Heart of Texas Travel), Jesica Wood (KACV FM 90), MTCB Music Group, Krystal Godfrey, Bill Green (BGM Network, inc.), Michael Williams, David Avery (Powderfinger Promotions), Natalie Steele (Revolution FM), Ramsey Kearney (Safari Records), Ally White and Reynolds Station, Greg Philippi, Neville Johnson (Johnson & Rishwain LLP), Ellen Giurleo (Full House Promotions), Karen Tobin (Sunnyland Productions), Jonathan Holden (Rhythm & Roots Concert Series), Jon Raven Visser, Gary Gardner, Steven Hatch, Andrew Houtman, Allen Streicker, Liz Meyer, Michael T. Jones (Texas Star Records), Shelly Nordstrom (NOJO Music), Jorge Medeiros, Lester Ray Sears (Split Decision), Steve Winters (WSHU Public Radio), HBNRadio.org; Rankin’s World Party, Pieter Groenveld (Strictly Country Records), Little Johnny Kantreed, Randi Perkins, Richard Gsottschneider, Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges (Armadillo Music Ltd), Guthrie Kennard (Armadillo Music Ltd), John Villanueva (The Electric Cowboys), Bill Chrisman (Island Bluegrass Alliance), Michael Reich, Jubal Lee Young, Penelope Torribio, Austin Charanghat (Austin “Walkin’ Cane), Randall Cousins (Alleged Iguana Music), Eric Hisaw, Gary Roadarmel (Porter Hall Tennessee), T.J. Thompson (88.7, WFOS, The Jivin N Drivin Show), Ann Jordan, Ray Edge, Ben Cisneros (Little Dog Records), Tor Hougen (Chairs), Joel Luber (Post Modern Sounds), Paul Smith (Palo Duro Records), Mark Cundiff (Renaissance AudioArts), George Kilby Jr, Trent Hanna, Bob Corritore, Jeanne Murray (Four Palms Reverb), Homer Joy, Michael Lange (Bucket Boys), Aireene Espiritu, Rick Didia, The Snake Charmers, Virgil J. Hill
Please note that our form server was down on the RMA website for a couple of weeks before we noticed. If you think a friend or colleague may have signed up during that time and you don’t see their name listed please encourage them to sign up again www.rootsmusicassociation.org The form server is functioning once again!
2. Welcome to Doug Reeves – our Songwriter Delegate!A proud native of Mt, Airy, North Carolina, singer/songwriter Doug Reeves draws tremendous inspiration from his small-town roots. Mt. Airy is perhaps best known for another of its famed offspring, Andy Griffith. The town boasts a culture of “simpler times” and celebrates parallels to the mythical town of Mayberry, popularized by the endearing 1960’s hit television show. Reeves has tapped into that inspiration for his CD, Searching the Map for Mayberry, a collection of songs about Mayberry and the joys of simple life. It is a toe-tapping buggy ride through the heart and memory of this music industry veteran.
Reeves, who plays guitar, bass and drums, has toured the states and Europe and is a popular regular on the GMC Truck Tour as well as a hometown celebrity at the annual “Mayberry Days” celebration in Mt. Airy. He has opened shows for Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, Aaron Tippin and Rascal Flatts. He has worked with Freddy Fender, Stella Parton and others. Doug currently splits his time between homes in Mt, Airy and Nashville, where he works as a songwriter and publisher.“I have to stay close to Nashville for the music business,” says Doug, “but every now and again, I just have to get back home where life is quiet and simple.”
3. RMA News! Excitement in the Works!
The Roots Music Association is working with Blue Planet Creative, Incorporated on developing a television program, centered around what we’ve come to call “Roots Music,” which we are proposing to various television networks. While we can’t let the cat out of the bag right now, we are excited not only about the show itself, but how it will change the music business for the better – and forever. Of course these things take time, but then again, all good things do. It’s all about sharing the vision we have with the rest of the world. But mostly it’s about the music…and you! Get ready to fall in love with music all over again.
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Armadillo Supermoto Event Sponsorship The Roots Music Association is a very proud sponsor of the Armadillo Supermoto. It will be the 9th penulimate round in the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Series. The four day event will be held at Moody Gardens on Galveston Island, Texas on Nov 1 – 4 2007. http://www.armadillosupermoto.com/We’re excited to be assisting with the booking of talent for the live concert performances for the event. In addition a headlining act we are looking for independent Roots Rock bands for performance spots. rma@rootsmusicassociation.org We will send out a press release on the event later this week. Exciting times are ahead for the RMA and its membership!
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Bluegrass Compilation CD Thank you to everyone who’s submitted for this project. We’ve had some awesome submissions! The project is still in need of another four tracks to move to the final production stage. Please contact rma@rootsmusicassociation.org for more details.
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Membership Benefits – RMA teams up with HOTT Travel
It’s not everyday you get something for nothing but the RMA we give you even more — membership fees are currently free and the benefits are many. Click on Member Discounts on the left hand menu of the RMA’s official website. We welcome additional RMA member sponsors. Please contact us.
We are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with HOTT Travel to provide discounted membership services for RMA members. Hott Travel specializes in music industry travel needs. A world of travel options — all in one place. Roots Music Association members receive discounted HOTT Travel Network membership. Details to come in a separate press release very soon. Watch for it!
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Show your RMA Colors: Wear your RMA colors proudly! Show your support of independent roots music by placing an RMA banner on your website. Please contact us for graphic files.
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The RMA Top 100 The most current RMA Top 100 is posted. Compiled from data submitted by over 300 domestic and international stations the list is compiled weekly and posted on the RMA official website. You can access the chart by clicking on “Airplay” in the left hand side menu column of the website at www.rootsmusicassociation.org.
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Upcoming Events:
Armadillo Supermoto – Nov 1 – 4 2007 Galveston, Texas
Music United ‘08 – RMA Radio Conference and Festival – San Antonio Texas Jun 27-29 2008
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Indie Tip of the Month – “Study: Web’s the place to build buzz on entertainment: More young people are turning to the web to learn about new artists and buy related products, according to a report by research firm Media-Screen, and the new trend in entertainment consumption is affecting conventional marketing dramatically. According to the report, released earlier this month, 48 percent of younger users say they learn about new entertainment through blogs, community, review and video sharing sites. Only 25 percent say they learn about new entertainment through television. “Many broadband consumers go online for entertainment, and to talk about entertainment with other fans,” Josh Crandall, managing director of Media-Screen, said in a statement. “Marketers need to leverage that interest and focus on catalyzing a conversation now, instead of just talking to their fans via traditional advertising channels.” The report, entitled Netpop|Play, also revealed that broadband users in general are spending 48 percent of their spare time online in a typical day. That equates to about one hour and 40 minutes.”
4. First Annual RMA Radio Conference and Music Festival Update
Plans are moving full steam ahead for our Inaugural RMA Radio Conference and Music Festival. It will be held June 27-29 2008 at the Alzafar Shrine Center in San Antonio, Texas. The facility is first rate! We now have our official logo for the event thanks to the generosity of Brenda Mayfield! We’re thrilled! Those who have volunteered to participate on the convention planning committee should have been contacted. If we missed you or if you’d like to put your name forward as well contact us at convention2008@rootsmusicassociation.org We have a google group in place to collaborate and brainstorm!
Music United ‘08 plans to celebrate the diversity of roots music on an international scope with a focus on a unified commitment to ensuring its longevity and viability. We will be updating the information on the event’s official website very soon as things come together. www.rootsmusicfestival.com Watch for our initial press release announcing on first round of performers and conference plans to be in your inbox by Sept’s end.
Sponsors: We have multiple sponsorship opportunities available. If you’d like to support the RMA’s effort please contact us!
Artist/Band/Label submission information: We’ll begin to announce the initial selections in a few short weeks but in the meantime for those who have not submitted yet please note the important information below. We’d like to remind artists/labels that we are now accepting submissions for consideration for gratis performance showcase opportunities during the event.
Guidelines are as follows: ·
Submissions are being excepted from RMA Members (membership is free and interested parties can register at www.rootsmusicassociation.org) ·
Submissions packages need to include a cd, press kit (if available) and requested genre noted.
Regardless of genre, all submission packages need to be submitted to BOTH addresses below:
Robert Bartosh – Roots Music Association
13501 Ranch Rd 12 Ste 103-327
Wimberley Texas 78676
and
Laurie Joulie – Roots Music Association
PO Box 904
Cranbrook BC
Canada V1C 4J6
5. CRB Royalty Rate Issue Update
Negotiations continue on the webcasting royalty issue on a number of fronts. There has been an agreement reached between DiMA and SoundExchange with regard to the $500 per station minimum fee that was originally proposed. That portion of the rates is now off of the table. In exchange for acceptance of the rescinding of that clause the companies that DiMA represents (Live365, Pandora, AOL, Yahoo etc) have agreed to report all of their data to SoundExchange. Although under reported in the press this is a substantial breakthrough for independent artists as once reporting commences it should mean that if as an independent artist you hear your music being played on any of these stations your name should be in the database of SX and you should be able to request your royalty payment forthwith.
We will continue to keep you up to date via our website and our myspace page. There is much work to be done yet.
At the RMA we’re committed to making your voice heard. Here are a few of the articles/events we’ve participated in:
Artists Raise Their Voices in Support of Net Radio Legislation
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=31891
RMA True Country Delegate Joey Allcorn testifies before the House Congressional Committee on Small Business
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8YHBiiLaRc
Regional Roots Radio Media Guide (page 19) – “Taking Aim” – An inside look at the battle of the proposed CRB rates
http://www.regionalrootsradio.com/mediaguides/july/mediaguide.htm
Business Week: – Who Gets Stung by Net Radio Royalties
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2007/tc20070515_798273.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_technology
The Bohemian: “Sound Salvation”
http://metroactive.com/bohemian/05.23.07/net-radio-0721.html
Metroactive (Silicon Valley): “Cutting off the Air”
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/05.23.07/internet-radio-0721.html
Acoustic Music Scene: The Future of Internet Radio May Hinge on Royalty Rates Issue
http://www.inspireline.com/acousticscene/index.php/blog/the-future-of-internet-radio-may-hinge-on-royalty-rates-issue/
Thank you! The RMA Executive would like to thank the many RMA members who have stood up and made their voices heard on both sides of this issue. Although the vast majority of our membership opposes the proposed royalty rate we want to also assure those members who have opposing views that we have also heard your voices and passed those on to the coalition as well. Open dialogue is essential in coming to a workable solution for all.
Thank you to RMA members “Regional Roots Radio” for allowing us to directly address the issues with the broadcast and artistic communities via their e-zine.
We welcome your participation and opinions – please feel free to contact us should you wish to discuss this matter, participate or have other suggestions and ideas you’d like to bring forward.
6. Member News
a) A number of our members have new or upcoming releases:
Apr 24 2007 – Porter Hall Tennessee – All Sinners Welcome Here
Jul 24 2007 – Walt Wilkins – Diamonds in the Sun (Palo Duro Records)
Jul 31 2007 – The Derailers – Under the Influence of Buck (Palo Duro Records)
Sep 12 Moot Davis (Little Dog Records) – Already Moved On
Fall/Winter 2007 – JT Coldfire – Crazy Sun
b) Congratulations to Dan Peters (West Side Winders)
The West Side Winders guitarist/vocalist and RMA member Dan Peters was the 3rd place winner in The 2007 North American Rock Guitar Competition held on June 18th in Buffalo, NY. The event was sponsored by Gibson Guitars, Guitar Player Magazine, Musicians Institute and WNED amongst others. Prizes included cash and a brand new Gibson Les Paul. www.guitarcompetition.com
www.myspace.com/nargc And – to add to this excitement Dan was just announced as a 3rd place winner in the 2007 Unisong International Song Contest www.unisong.com The song “Keep It In The Family” from The West Side Winders latest release “Snaken Not Stirred” (listed in the Top 40 AMA radio charts earlier this year) was chosen. Share your news and events! The Roots Music Association invites members to share news items, festival and special events, new and upcoming cd release information, industry issues and concerns, etc with us at news@rootsmusicassociation.org. We will assist you helping to spread the word via our website, the monthly newsletter and our very own MySpace page located at: www.myspace.com/rootsmusicassociation As always: The Roots Music Association was created to be a voice, and it truly belongs to its collective membership. We welcome your input and ideas as it will be your participation that decides our direction and focus. We have an open door policy and not only welcome your involvement but encourage and anticipate it!
Your RMA Executive
