ISC 2014 deadline fast approaching

Deadline To Enter: September 18, 2014 15 Record Label Presidents and CEOs Join Iconic Recording Artists To Judge ISC Sarah McLachlan, Tom Waits, American Authors, Pat Metheny, Sara Evans, Bastille, Avicii, Wayne Shorter, Casting Crowns, John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, and More To Select ISC Winners Click here to enter!

September 8, 2014 — Enter your songs now for a chance to share in over $150,000 in cash and prizes, including $25,000 cash to the Grand Prize winner. Gain recognition and exposure, and take your music career to the next level. Amateur and professional songwriters are eligible to enter. This year, ISC has expanded on the participation of music industry executives, putting together a panel of judges that is unprecedented. Judges include the Presidents and CEOs from Republic, Atlantic, Warner Bros., Elektra, Columbia, Virgin, Sony Music Latin, Mercury, Wind-Up, Tommy Boy, Alligator, S-Curve, Blind Pig, Fat Possum, and Concord Music Group. Coupled with additional high-profile industry executives and a notable group of recording artists - many of whom are currently dominating the charts - ISC offers the opportunity for artists to have their music heard by the most impressive and elite panel of judges yet. ISC accepts entries by mail or online. Entering is easy, because you can upload your songs, send them by mail, or give ISC a link to your songs. Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Adult Contemporary (AC), Americana, Blues, Children's Music, Comedy/Novelty, Country, Dance/Electronica, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Gospel/Christian, Instrumental, Jazz, Latin Music, Lyrics Only, Music Video, Performance, Pop/Top 40, R&B/Hip-Hop, Rock, Teen, Unsigned Only (this category is open to unsigned songwriters and artists only), and World Music. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - in the same category or in multiple categories. Enter now and join ISC's group of past winners that include: Bastille; Gotye; Lindsey Stirling; Kimbra; The Band Perry; Andrew Bird; Passenger; Gin Wigmore; Missy Higgins; For King and Country; and many more.

Not free but great value software

We have made recommedations for CD burning software in the past and often get asked about audio and video conversion software.

While there are many free software solutions available they're sometimes limited in one way or another, or have adverts that pop up. 

NCH have a large range of software solutions including audio and video editing software. Their "Prism" is excellent for ripping the DVDs that we have made from home movies so that they can be edited in to Birthday and Anniversary presentations

Simple interfaces make them easy to operate for the inexperienced user. 

Check out their range here they're bound to have something that will solve a problem or two:

X-Press Magazine Launches App September 1st

After 29 years X-Press Magazine is flicking the switch on weekly print editions and movin’ on up to a much anticipated brand new Mag App. The X-Press Magazine App is a fully interactive digital publication featuring in-article multimedia, in-app purchasing, live streaming and dynamic content. It includes Perth's most comprehensive interactive event guide, plus music interviews and reviews, film, arts, culture, lifestyle and news. It's all yours.

Subscriptions and single issues of X-Press Magazine are available free. Subscriptions may be managed by the user by going to the user's Account Settings.

To celebrate X-Press are offering free advertising in the app for any clients that advertises in the print version for the month of September. This is great news if you want to promote your gig, band or business through the app.

X-Press Magazine AppContact Stefan Caramia for more information: [email protected]

APRA / AMCOS new Music Licensing Guides Press Release

APRA releases new music licencsing information and dispute resolution information in the following press release:

"Important information about our recent authorisation by the ACCC

New independent access for licensees to resolve licensing disputes. 

Since 1999 APRA has sought authorisation by the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC). We choose to seek authorisation from the ACCC of our unique position in licensing businesses and individuals in their communication and reproduction of music. We are aware this may give rise to competition issues under the Competition and Consumer Act. 

On 6 June 2014 the ACCC handed down its latest Determination, authorising APRA’s operations for the next five years. As part of this authorisation, we are forming a new and independent dispute resolution process to assist in the resolution of disputes between APRA and its licensees. We are also developing a separate system for APRA and its songwriter and publisher members. Our new dispute resolution system will go live early next year.

An independent external resolution facilitator, Shirli Kirschner of Resolve Advisors, has been appointed to establish a Consultative Committee to monitor and provide feedback on the implementation of the new dispute resolution process. This committee will also act as a representative group that provides input based on the views of its stakeholders.  We will write to you again seeking nominations for this Consultative Committee within the next two weeks, so please stay tuned if this is of interest to you.

Our new information guides for licensees

APRA AMCOS is pleased to announce our new music licence guides are now available for download on our website. These guides were developed to ensure music customers have a general understanding of music licensing and the way in which APRA AMCOS licences work. The guides are categorised by business and music type and easily give a snapshot of how you can tailor an APRA AMCOS music licence to suit your music use. There is also a guide to explain how you can seek a licence directly from our members (rather than through APRA AMCOS), if this is your preference.

You can download the new licence information guides here 

For further information on our music licences and how music can benefit your business or event visit the APRA AMCOS website." 

Would $15,000 towards your next music project help?

The Australia Council has details of a new grant in place that closes Nov 2014

PPCA - AUSTRALIA COUNCIL RECORDING ARTIST INITIATIVE

Music Section in partnership with PPCA (initiative)

Amount $15,000
Applications close 25 November 2014
Decisions advised February 2015
Eligible projects commence from 15 March 2015

Click here for Eligibility and selection criteria

You will also find an online application form and FAQs about the process.

Information from the Australia Council website:

The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited (PPCA) is a national, non-government, non-profit organisation that represents the interest of record companies and Australian recording artists.

The PPCA - Australia Council Recording Artist Grant is a partnership between the Australia Council and PPCA to support Australian artists to create new sound recordings.

Costs

You may apply for any costs primarily associated with the creation of a sound recording, which may also involve some costs associated with the promotion of that recording.

RECOMMENDED READING

Assessment meeting reports

CONTACT

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their application. For information and any questions relating to this initiative, contact:

Rosanna Marks-Smith
Program Officer, Music

Phone (02) 9215 9108, or toll free 1800 226 912
Email [email protected]
Skype consultations available: please email the above contact above and arrangements will be made for a skype call.

Good luck with your application.