SXSW Music News

It has come to our attention that a company called Expo Guide is sending out misleading mailings. SXSW is in no way affiliated with Expo Guide, nor with Fair Guide, who engages in similar practices. Please read all incoming mailings asking for your data update in exhibitor listings/directories/fair or expo guides etc. very carefully, the small print in particular! Without realizing, you may be entering into an contract in which you agree to annual fees or other charges in exchange for a listing in the guide.

StopECG has published basic advice here:
www.stopecg.org/expo-guide.htm

We would like to welcome first time exhibitors in the Music Trade Show, Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers. Representing one of the first companies to sign up for the upcoming '09 show, Mark Shore of Robertson Taylor is very eager to interact with the registrants, play some softball and have a great time at SXSW. Oh, and we are in total agreement regarding the treatment of french fries...

1. Tell us a bit about Robertson Taylor Insurance.

Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers are a leader in the Entertainment Insurance industry. We insure many of the major touring bands in the world today.

2. What made you guys decide to exhibit at SXSW 09?

We thought that since we work with many clients in the music industry SXSW would be a great why to reach industry insiders who may need our expertise.

3. You are extremely excited about the SX Softball Tournament. Where does all this enthusiasm come from? A long history of softball playing perhaps?

I do play softball often as I am in a few leagues. I also umpire games for Los Angeles Municipal Sports. The SXSW Softball Tournament gives me (The weekend athlete) a chance to be on the field and compete for the title of champion. At 45 years old I only have a few games left in my body. LOL!!

4. Is there anyone in your office that gets picked on for their taste in music? If so, why?

I do some times. I like a lot of RAP and Hip Hop with some Sinatra mixed in.

5. I recently learned that there are many schools of thought regarding which condiments belong on a hamburger. Do you have an opinion on the subject?

Burgers need mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes and extra pickles are a must. By the way fries need a mustard and ketchup mix for dipping.

• Kanye sells 450k to top sales
  Chart watch from Billboard.
• How much of a jerk is Kanye?
  Review from Slate.
• Odetta dies
  Obituary from Reuters.
• Advice to the Grammys
  Post from LA Times blog.
• Jamaica appeals for looted music
  Story from BBC News.
• Amazon launches UK download store
  Story from BBC News.
• Ron Wood says Faces reunion tour is 'ready to go'
  Item from Rolling Stone.

• Black Friday music sales are down
  Story from Billboard.
• Growth projected for online music sales
  Story from Reuters.
• Long Blondes guitarist praises 'bionic hand'
  Story from The Guardian.
• New Neko Case album due in March
  Story from Billboard.
• Jason Bentley's new gig
  Post from LA Times blog.
• Getting to Carnegie Hall via YouTube
  Story from NY Times. (site reg req'd)

• Superstar album delays leave labels in lurch
  Story from Wall Street Journal via Baltimore Sun.
• NYC's lost clubs: Tier 3
  Story from Perfect Sound Forever.
• Elvis Costello discusses his TV show
  Story from NY Times. (site reg req'd)
• Notable music books of '08
  List from Times Online.
• The Jesus Lizard reuniting
  Story from Reuters.
• Satellite radio's business model questioned
  Post from Slashdot.
• Live Earth India cancelled after Mumbai attacks
  Story from Billboard.

2008 is heading to the finish line and that's one thing to be thankful for, most of us are probably saying.

Even though this year has been a bit of a hodge podge, its had some pretty cool moments, I reckon.

So, I'd like to throw a few things I'm grateful for before I head off to eat fried rice with tofu at Tom's sister's house.

Three Acts at SXSW 2008 I'm thankful I saw:
Volodja Balzalorsky - It was my 20th SXSW and my first seeing classical music. A magic moment at St. David's.

1349 - I rarely get to indulge my secret love of black metal so that was a superfun night at Red 7.

The Coast - I'm still listening to them in the car. Cute Canadian boys whose charming songs remind me of my fantasy teen youth. What's not to love?

Three Random Things I'm thankful for:
My friend Roseana surviving and ending her cancer treatment.

Barack Obama's election.

The Shiba Inu Puppies. I know you've all been watching!

And finally, some Abba, of course! "Dancing Queen" should remind us all that at the end of the day, it's good to be here, right?!

I hope you all have a splendid holiday! lp

The Daily Chord will return Monday, December 1,
after our Thanksgiving break.

• Digital sales surpass CDs at Atlantic
  Story from NY Times. (site reg req'd)
• Holt named chief of MySpace Music
  Post from LA Times blog.
• Musicians lobby Gordon Brown on copyright change
  Story from BBC News.
• Beyonce sells 482k to top sales
  Chart watch from Billboard.
• The Beyonce/Hank Williams connection
  Commentary from Slate.
• Radio's revenue falls even as audience grows
  Story from NY Times. (site reg req'd)
• 70s rock icons photographed in their parents' homes
  Post from Apartment Therapy.

MusiCares has been involved with SXSW for many years now. They are a wonderful organization that we are proud to work with. If you are unfamiliar with their work, please read the interview with Shireen Janti and then be sure to visit them in the Music Trade Show!

1. What is MusiCares all about?

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated
with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

2. The MusiCares Foundation has been represented at SXSW for many years now. What is your favorite memory from a past event?

We have had the privilege of attending SXSW for several years now. I must say that every year has been special with it's success and rewards. Last year was particularly wonderful, as a music manager happened to walk by our booth, inquired about our services and realized that we could help one of his band members who was struggling with substance abuse addiction. We were able to help his band member that very same day and place him in treatment. He got the help, education and support he needed to get his life back on track and live a sober life. This story is one of the miracles that makes MusiCares what it is.

3. Besides the exhibition, what are you most looking forward to while in Austin, TX for SXSW?

Attending our SHR (Safe Harbor Room) and listening to the wonderful, diverse music along with the fantastic food venues!

4. Who is your hands down, favorite music artist of all time?

That is a tough one, I love so many of them, I could not choose.

5. Sweet or savory? Which type of food do you often crave?

Both! Smile

• (Red) bows subscription music site
  Story from Varitety.
• Heineken in copyright dispute with music festival
  Story from SB Post.
• Rapper among those pardoned by Bush
  Item from Washington Post.
• Why country not only survived but thrived
  Story from Wall Street Journal.
• Wyclef Jean loses Miami Beach house
  Story from CBS4 Miami.
• Beatles iTunes deal is 'stalled'
  Story from BBC News.
• Are 'deluxe' albums fair to fans?
  Story from BBC News.
• Warner Music profit beats Wall Street view
  Story from Reuters.

SXSW is pleased to present a showcase with Suicide Squeeze Records. Suicide Squeeze continues to aggrandize with an exceptional roster of bands ranging from the anthemic-pop of Minus the Bear, lush harmonics of Human Highway to that of post-punk joltsters These Arms Are Snakes and epic masters Russian Circles all while focusing on the labels ability to function not as a run of the mill business but as a tight knit family instead.

The SXSW 2009 Suicide Squeeze showcase will feature These Arms Are Snakes, Past Lives, Human Highway, Cotton Jones, and The Coathangers. For more information on these artists and Suicide Squeeze, please visit www.suicidesqueeze.net