Yungblud performs on "MTV Unplugged At Home"

Yungblud performs on "MTV Unplugged At Home"

Screenshot: MTV/YouTube

 
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'MTV Unplugged At Home' Announces Virtual Lineup: FINNEAS, Monsta X, Alessia Cara, Wyclef Jean, Yungblud And More

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The quarantine-friendly version of MTV's celebrated "MTV Unplugged" series will feature stripped-down and acoustic performances from artists directly from their homes
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Apr 3, 2020 - 3:36 pm

Today (April 3), MTV announced its initial artist lineup for its newly debuted, quarantine-friendly version of its celebrated "MTV Unplugged" series: "MTV Unplugged At Home." The series will feature at-home performances from GRAMMY winners FINNEAS, Alessia Cara, Shaggy and Melissa Etheridge, as well as Monsta X, CNCO, Jewel and Bazzi. They join previously announced artists Wyclef Jean, Yungblud, himself a digital concert rock star, and JoJo. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.

Much like its namesake, "MTV Unplugged At Home" will feature stripped-down and acoustic performances from quarantined artists directly from their homes. The series will be streamed regularly across MTV's YouTube, Instagram and Twitter channels.

Read: Nirvana Manager Danny Goldberg Talks 25 Years of 'MTV Unplugged In New York'

"Reimagining the beloved music series as a multi-platform digital experience, the new mini-concert series will feature stripped-down, acoustic sets from artists performing their greatest hits, enabling music enthusiasts to find comfort in their new realities alongside fellow fans," a statement regarding the show said, according to Rolling Stone. "In addition to the roster of global artists, MTV's international channels will feature performances by local acts in their respective countries around the world."

"MTV Unplugged At Home" coincides with MTV's #AloneTogether global social media campaign, which aims to educate young fans and followers about social distancing in an attempt to control and reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since early March, the global music industry has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a worldwide shutdown of the festival and concert business. Major festivals and events to have canceled or postponed their 2020 installments include Governors Ball, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Coachella and Stagecoach, Ultra Music Festival, SXSW, Lollapalooza Argentina and many more around the world.

Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

Shirley Manson (L) and Richard James Burgess (R) speak at SXSW 2019

Shirley Manson (L) and Richard James Burgess (R) speak at SXSW 2019

 

Photo: Mike Jordan/Getty Images for SXSW

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Learning In Quarantine: 5 Virtual Music Industry Conferences To Enhance Your Career

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The Recording Academy has compiled some of the free and low-cost online music industry conferences worth attending to help elevate your career and craft in 2020
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
May 24, 2020 - 2:19 pm

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to halt the global live music industry, the concert business and artist community have shifted toward a novel online business model via livestreaming and digital concerts. Music industry conferences, too, have had to rethink their approach in the era of quarantine and stay-at-home orders. 

Luckily for aspiring music industry heads and artists alike, many conferences are going fully digital this year. 

Below, we've compiled some of the free and low-cost virtual music industry conferences worth attending to enhance your career and craft in 2020.

ASCAP Experience: Home Edition

When: Beginning May 28, every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. EST through the end of July

Cost: Registration is free and open to the public

Where: ASCAP Experience: Home Edition website

ASCAP, one of the leading performance-rights organizations (PRO) in the U.S., this month launches ASCAP Experience: Home Edition, a virtual version of their premier music industry conference, ASCAP Experience. The newly announced long-term digital initiative brings the best of ASCAP Experience—industry insight and firsthand know-how from executives and thought-leaders across all sectors of the music biz—directly to your home. Each week, the digital conference will tackle real-time industry topics, including monetization, music publishing and mental and physical wellness, and will feature leading songwriters, producers, music publishers and members of the ASCAP team.

Read: Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI & SESAC Join In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

The inaugural ASCAP Experience: Home Edition kicks off next week (May 28) with a stacked guest lineup featuring: two-time GRAMMY winner Shaggy alongside his manager and Cherrytree Records founder Martin Kierszenbaum; songwriters Whitney Phillips and Gian Stone, who will discuss "Stuck With U," the chart-topping super-collaboration from Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber; hit songwriter Priscilla Renea; and others.

Most programming will be available on-demand after each session for those unavailable to attend the live webcast.

Success With Music Virtual Music Conference 

When: May 29-31

Cost: Free

Where: Modern Musician website

Presented by music industry resource website Modern Musician, this three-day online conference is inviting 15 experts who'll discuss a wide range of topics geared toward artists looking to attract and grow their fan base and make a sustainable living out of their art.

Billed as "the biggest online music conference in the world," the 2020 Success With Music Virtual Music Conference will feature Taylor Swift's former manager Rick Barker and Bandsintown CEO Fabrice Sergent, as well as multiplatinum songwriters, producers and more. 

Topics will include music licensing, content marketing, social media, email marketing, brand marketing and more. 

Virtual Music Conference

When: June 4

Cost: £20 per ticket (approximately $24)

Where: Virtual Music Conference website

Billed as the "world's first online dance music conference," the aptly titled Virtual Music Conference is a brand-new online event focusing on the issues and topics affecting the global electronic and dance music world. Geared toward music biz newcomers and those looking to advance their careers, the one-day interactive event will comprise live and archived keynote speeches, panels and discussions with some of the leading artists and industry figures within the genre. 

Topics at the inaugural Virtual Music Conference will include live touring, monetization, social media, music rights, promotion, record labels and more. Confirmed speakers and guests include artists like Louie Vega, Mark Knight, Sacha Robotti and Judge Jules, as well as representatives from labels and companies like SoundCloud, Mixcloud, Beatport, Toolroom, Anjunabeats, BBC Radio 1 and Defected, among many others. 

Read: How Will Coronavirus Shift Electronic Music? Maceo Plex, Paul Van Dyk, Luttrell, Mikey Lion & DJ Manager Max Leader Weigh In

Virtual Music Conference, presented by house and techno imprint Toolroom Records and digital label services company Label Worx, will donate all profits from ticket sales to charities supporting the music industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All sessions will be recorded and made available for online viewing for those unable to attend the live webcast. 

Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)

When: June 9-13

Cost: Free

Where: LAMC website

As the leading music conference specializing in Latin music and culture, Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) has helped elevate the genre from a once-alternative scene to a global mainstream movement. Originally scheduled for July, LAMC 2020, which marks the conference's 21st annual installment, is going fully digital next month due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

This year's panel discussions will explore a number of pressing topics impacting the Latin music industry and artist community, including mental health for artists and creators, playlisting, music publishing, finance for musicians and entertainment companies and more. LAMC 2020 will also feature a special conversation with and celebration of the women making a difference in the Latin music industry.

Read: WATCH LIST: Online Concerts From BTS To COASTCITY To Catch During Coronavirus Quarantine

In addition to the panels, LAMC 2020 will also feature workshops, showcases and networking opportunities. While no artists have been announced yet, past performers include Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, Ana Tijoux, Mon Laferte and others. 

International Music Education Summit

When: June 11-13

Cost: $97

Where: International Music Education Summit website

This three-day online conference and clinic is geared toward practical learning and applicable professional development for music educators and K-12 teachers. International Music Education Summit (IMES) livestreams workshops, clinics, performances, presentations and product demonstrations from music education experts from around the world. 

Read: How The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Has Been Quietly Helping Schools By Donating Musical Instruments

Topics will include copyright, adaptive music instruction for learners with disabilities, educational and music technology, ensemble recording and much more. The conference will also include livestreamed performances, including student performances and student ensembles.

IMES offers on-demand viewing of all the 2020 sessions for at least one year after the event as well as networking opportunities with other attendees via a private Facebook group. All attendees will also receive a professional development completion certificate after finishing the conference. 

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ASCAP Experience: Home Edition logo

ASCAP Experience: Home Edition logo

Courtesy Photo: ASCAP

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ASCAP Announces ASCAP Experience: Home Edition Virtual Conference: Shaggy, Whitney Phillips, Gian Stone, Priscilla Renea And More Confirmed

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The free, weekly online series, which will take place every Thursday starting May 28 through the end of July, will focus on real-time music industry topics and will feature hit songwriters, producers and special guests
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
May 22, 2020 - 12:03 pm

Performance-rights organization (PRO) ASCAP is taking the ASCAP Experience, its premier music industry conference, online this year. Rebranded as the ASCAP Experience: Home Edition, the annual conference will be reformatted as a free virtual event beginning May 28 and continuing weekly as a long-term initiative.

The online series, which will take place every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. EST through the end of July, launches next week with conversations and sessions featuring: two-time GRAMMY winner Shaggy alongside his manager and Cherrytree Records founder Martin Kierszenbaum; songwriters Whitney Phillips and Gian Stone, who will discuss "Stuck With U," the chart-topping super-collaboration from Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber; hit songwriter Priscilla Renea; and others. ASCAP Chairman and President Paul Williams will kick off the event with a special welcome message. 

Future programming—which will focus on real-time topics including monetization, music publishing and mental and physical wellness and will feature songwriters, producers, music publishers and members of the ASCAP team, among other issues and special guests—will be announced in the coming weeks. Most programming will be available on-demand after each session for those unavailable to attend the live webcast.

Read: WATCH LIST: Online Concerts From BTS To COASTCITY To Catch During Coronavirus Quarantine

ASCAP Experience 2020, which was to mark the event's 15th installment, was originally scheduled to take place last month (April 1-3) in Los Angeles. The event was canceled in March due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Previously known as the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, the conference rebranded as ASCAP Experience last September; the 2020 installment was to be the first edition under the new ASCAP Experience banner.

Head to the ASCAP Experience: Home Edition website to view the full programming for each week and to register for the ongoing event. Registration is free and open to the public, "regardless of which performing rights organization they belong to," according to a press release announcing the event. 

Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI & SESAC Join In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund 

LISTEN TO WOMXN Logo

 

 

Courtesy Photo: Audio Assemble

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LISTEN TO WOMXN Virtual Music Festival Is Now Accepting Artist Submissions

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The two-day online event, taking place June 26-27, is providing a platform for female and non-binary artists
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
May 23, 2020 - 1:56 pm

LISTEN TO WOMXN Virtual Music Festival, an online event providing a "platform for womxn and non-binary artists to be seen, heard and celebrated," according to its website, has announced that it is accepting artist submissions for its 2020 edition now through May 29.

The festival is inviting women and gender non conforming (GNC) artists to apply for the chance to perform in the forthcoming two-day online event, which takes place June 26-27. Each artist confirmed to perform at the festival will receive $250 and opportunities to win prizes. 

Artists who are interested in applying to perform at the virtual festival must meet multiple criteria, including: all applicants must be women or GNC artists; their livelihood depends on gig income from public live performances; their music career has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; and they have the ability to livestream and record a 20-30-minute set. 

Following the submission phase, the festival organizers will select a group of regional semifinalists, who will then go through a voting round that's open to the public. 

The festival will announce the 2020 lineup, based on the public voting, June 16, 10 days before the event launches. The ultimate winner will be announced July 1.

Read: Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

LISTEN TO WOMXN comes as the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the festival and live music industry since mid-March, essentially shutting down the global concert business.

"For artists, this is a paid performance opportunity amidst a time in which live performances (and their income stream) have come to a halt," the event's website states.

The digital event is a direct response to the widely reported gender inequality at musical festivals. A 2018 report from Pitchfork, which analyzed 19 major festivals, found that 19 percent of festival lineups featured women artists. 

"LISTEN TO WOMXN is tipping the scales and advancing gender equality - highlighting womxn and gnc artists to level the playing field of opportunities in the male dominated music industry," the event's website states. 

The event is also accepting sponsorship opportunities, which will go directly toward women and GNC artists. Sponsorship funds will be allocated to facilitating the online event itself, compensating the artists performing and providing relief during the COVID-19 crisis, according to the LISTEN TO WOMXN website. 

LISTEN TO WOMXN is presented by Women That Rock, Illumin Records and Audio Assemble.

Head to the LISTEN TO WOMXN website to learn more and to apply.

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Taboo (L) and Will.I.Am (R) of The Black Eyed Peas perform in 2019

Taboo (L) and Will.I.Am (R) of The Black Eyed Peas perform in 2019

Photo: Sam Tabone/WireImage

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Japan's Supersonic 2020: Black Eyed Peas, Steve Aoki, Clean Bandit, Asian Kung-Fu Generation And More Confirmed

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The festival announced the lineup additions during the coronavirus pandemic, noting, "Under these difficult circumstances, the entire Supersonic staff is working to welcome the audience in the best form possible this fall"
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
May 20, 2020 - 9:43 am

Supersonic, the new multi-day, multi-city Japanese music festival, has unveiled its second artist lineup announcement for its first-ever edition this fall. The three-day event, taking place Sept. 19-21 in Tokyo and Osaka, has confirmed additional artists Black Eyed Peas, Steve Aoki, Clean Bandit and others. The festival has also added local Japanese artists including Asian Kung-Fu Generation, one of Japan's leading rock bands, Nulbarich, BiSH, chelmico and several others. 

They join headliners and other confirmed acts like Post Malone, The 1975, Skrillex, Wu-Tang Clan, Liam Gallagher, Fatboy Slim and Kygo, who were previously announced in early April.

The lineup news comes as the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the festival and live music industry since mid-March, essentially shutting down the global concert business. At the time of this writing, Japan has more than 17,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 778 coronavirus-related deaths, according to The New York Times. In early April, the country declared a state of emergency and this week fell into a recession for the first time since 2015, The New York Times reports.

Read: Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

In a blog post shared on the festival's website announcing the lineup additions, organizers addressed the "difficult circumstances" the COVID-19 pandemic has caused.

"Under these difficult circumstances, the entire Supersonic staff is working to welcome the audience in the best form possible this fall while exploring a new form for the festival from now on," the post reads. "We thank you for your understanding and cooperation."

Supersonic is produced by the team behind Summer Sonic, one of Japan's biggest music festivals that's held annually over the summer in Tokyo and Osaka. Festival organizers postponed this year's installment of Summer Sonic to 2021 due to the 2020 Summer Olympics and Summer Paralympics, which were originally scheduled to take place in Tokyo this summer before the global sporting event itself was also postponed to next year, and instead introduced Supersonic for this year only, Japan Web Magazine reports.

Last August, Summer Sonic celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a lineup that featured Red Hot Chili Peppers, BLACKPINK, The Chainsmokers, Weezer and more. Attracting 135,000 visitors over three days, Summer Sonic become Japan's biggest outdoor music festival last year, IQ reports.

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