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Have your songs heard by a panel of professional songwriters and other music industry professionals from the Nashville Music Community as well as earn the chance to perform at MerleFest, the Americana music celebration, by entering the 16th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. MerleFest now involves more than 80,000 participants including some 100 artists and bands that perform on one or more of the festival’s thirteen stages. All 2008 songwriting competition finalists will receive lodging for 4 nights at MerleFest, with first place winners receiving a performance at the Cabin Stage at MerleFest. All finalists will receive cash and other prizes for their winning entries (see prizes below). The Chair of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is Jim Lauderdale.

Entrants must submit songs in one of four categories – country, bluegrass, gospel, and general. We received 1,088 entries for 2007. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest invites three finalists in each category – based on judging by panels of Nashville music industry professionals, to come to MerleFest for the finals on April 25, 2008.

The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is open to those whose primary source of income is not derived from songwriting or publishing. First place winners during the past five years may not re-enter in the specific category in which they won. Co-writers are subject to the same eligibility requirements as the entrant.

ALL FINALISTS WILL RECEIVE:
Lodging for 4 Nights at MerleFest
All Access MerleFest credentials for three
One box of D’Addario Strings
One-year subscription to Acoustic Guitar magazine

1st PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
A performance on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest
A check for $300
An additional box of D’Addario Strings

2nd PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
A check for $250
A slot in the Songwriter’s Coffeehouse at MerleFest

3rd PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
A check for $50
A slot in the Songwriter’s Coffeehouse at MerleFest

A then unknown Gillian Welch was one of the winners of the initial Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in 1993. Recent winners have included Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via, and Johnny Williams. Sarah Lee Guthrie, Jason Harrod, Dave Wilson, and Holly Lowman judged the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, which attracted a record 1172 entries, 18 more than 2005.

First round judging from submitted recordings produced twelve finalists who competed with the following winners:

• General Category: “Am I Still” by John & Michelle Law & Regie Hamm;
• Bluegrass Category: “Enough of You” by Jeanette Williams;
• Country Category: “The Roadkill Bill” by Brant Miller, Dave Woodward & Don King;
• Gospel Category: “Blessed by the Day” by Korby Lenker.

Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest go to support the mission of Wilkes Community College.

Official Website: http://www.merlefest.org

The first article that caught my attention was about a study that was done, showing that rock stars have a lower life expectancy than most people. While the deaths of rock stars, while they’re on top are mainly attributed to drug and alcohol abuse, it was also interesting to see that many die earlier than expected, after their bout with stardom. It was a really fascinating study.

The next story is actually a blog post referring to a New York Times article about Rick Rubin being asked to help run Columbia Records. Both the post and the article seem to speculate that Rubin was asked to step in, not just because he’s an amazing producer, but because they believe he can save the music industry.

As we’ve discussed many times on this blog, the record industry is in trouble, and it seems that they’re looking outside the box to try and save it. Enter Ruben, whose approach is usually perceived as unorthodox, but whose results are unquestionably astounding. It’ll be interesting to see what he comes up with. We’ll keep you posted on any news we come across about this.

Chingo Bling is an independent rap artist, who describes his core audience as The Taco Circuit, a scene that exists, as the article puts it, “where ever there are Mexicans.” By focusing on Mexicans as his target market, Chingo Bling’s Big Chile Entertainment has been able to carve out its own niche and develop a successful independent record label.

His label, started in 2001, has been growing steadily since its founding. Chingo Bling, born Pedro Herrera III, started out selling mix tapes out of the back of his truck. In 2004, he released Tamale Kingpin, selling 17,000 copies of the record according to SoundScan.

They can’t Deport Us All, released August 14^th of this year, has already sold 6000 copies; an impressive amount when you consider that Paris Hilton, with all of her money and star power, only managed to sell 7500 copies of her album. They Can’t debuted at number 11 on Billboard’s hip-hop chart, and number 4 on their Heatseekers chart.

While They can’t Deport Us All has gotten Chingo Bling national attention, it is also made him the target of conservative journalists and bloggers. It seems that his decision to incorporate immigration related themes into the marketing of his new album has also gotten him some unwanted attention. According to Wikipedia, Chingo Bling alleges that his family’s good and taco truck has been shot at, vandalized and was eventually stolen. He also says that he’s received racist death threats.

Despite the negative attention he has received, Chingo Bling is enjoying growing success. He has signed a new distribution deal with Warner/Asylum that lets him distribute to a wider market while still retaining ownership of his masters. He has also gotten a lot of media coverage, including articles in The Source, XXL, Complex and appearances on MTV. He is also recognized by many hip hop artists with mainstream success, like Nelly, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire.

We’re posting this because it’s an example of how an artist can manage their own career and get the type of exposure that they need to be successful. To sum it up, here’s a quote from the article in which Chingo Bling talks about his approach:

“It’s very fundamental,” he says with a laugh. “My theory is, you can’t worry about the finish line. It’s like basketball: Instead of worrying about winning, you should worry about dribbling the basketball. A lot of kids worry about getting signed instead of worrying about posting your blog, getting on YouTube, putting up posters on poles, passing out fliers. I’m not above that. I have no shame.”

It was sad to see the club have to close its doors last year, and it’s sad that its owner had to check out so soon after. Even now, it’s still hard to walk past the spot where the club was and not miss it.

Our condolences go out to Kristal’s family in this difficult time. Thank you Hilly Krystal for all that you’ve done, you will be missed.

Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter and best off all entrants do not have to stand in line for hours or days in order to audition. Entrants need to mail in an entry form long with a CD recording or enter online on IAMA’s website.

Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Therefore, winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-ups will also be featured on IAMA’s compilation CD.

Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Past years winners include: Fertitta and McClintock, Jen Foster, Mistin’ (Australia), David Francey (Juno award winner from Canada), April Verch (Canada) and Millish. This years’ entrants include: Charlie Dore (artist & writer of the 1980 hit song “Pilot of the Airwaves”).

Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. DEADLINE: All entries must be postmarked by November 9 \\\\’07 or earlier. Check out:
Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted on CD, the artist may perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. DEADLINE: All entries must be postmarked by November 9 ’07 or earlier. Check out:
http://www.inacoustic.com

The first season is on the air now and will conclude September 5th. You can catch it on Fuse Wednesday nights 10 pm ET/ 7 pm PT and online on Bodog TV.

Band Sign-Up

Season 1 Trailer

While I’m usually not inclined to recommending something like this, I do have to admit that the American Idol crowd does have a pretty good record of creating popstars out of thin air.

The deadline for entry is tomorrow, so get your entry in soon.