Like the SXSW conference itself, the "See It Hear First" podcast has become an important tool for exposing new BMI songwriters and artists to key industry professionals and fans alike. Since its release in May 2005, one million listeners from around the world have tuned in to discover new music from a broad range of genres and regions.

The industry is paying attention and we have the success stories to prove it: Singer/songwriter Brendan James, who was featured on the very first podcast, was signed to Capitol Records; rock band somedaynew, voted favorite new artist from podcast #1, is on the verge of signing a major label record deal; Latin hip-hop artist Cosculluela has the attention of the world's largest video game publisher; the music of Soulkid #1, was featured on the soundtrack to The OC; and recent podcast artist Zac Brown is being courted by several major Nashville labels.

All editions of the BMI podcast are available at bmi.com/podcast, as well as from iTunes at bmi.com/itunes and Yahoo's podcast directory at podcasts.yahoo.com, or you can listen on the go with mobile podcasting services like Pod2Mob. The first in the music industry to be listed in Apple's podcast directory, "See It Hear First" is currently rated five out of five stars at Yahoo! and has won the "5 Star Award" from PodSpider, one of the worldís largest podcast databases.

In addition to hearing great music from an array of vital new songwriters and artists, podcast listeners can also vote for their favorite artist to help them win a CD duplication package from Disc Makers, the leading CD manufacturer for the independent musician. Winners get 1,000 discs, a prize with a promotional value of more than $10,000. Alternative rockers Glass Intrepid picked up the most votes on podcast #8 with their song, "Your Regrets."

PODCAST #9 FEATURED ARTISTS:

Captain
The U.K.'s Captain decidedly bucks pop expectations, trends and scenes, choosing instead to "forge their own." Captain cheekily explains that "if Brian Wilson, Karen Carpenter, Burt Bacharach, Billy Corgan and Kevin Shields all merged into one, you'd still only be halfway to the Captain sound" - a claim that would seem arrogant were it not supported by the bandís robust, intelligent pop. Hear it for yourself in "Broke."

Makeshifte
Makeshifte is not for the faint of heart. The 2005 Texas Buzz Award winners for the "Musicians' Choice" award cite Hoobastank, Linkin Park and Incubus as key influences of their heavy, guitar-driven tunes led by Mikey Beasley's feverish vocals. The haunting "Footsteps" reveals the groupís intense dedication to lending lyrical voice to the real world drama of their young peers.

Mieka Pauley
Boston songwriter Mieka Pauley appears destined to follow in large footsteps. The streets of Harvard Square have made enormous contributions to the songwriting community over the years, with Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez and Tracy Chapman all cutting their teeth at the university hub and Cambridge clubs; add Mieka Pauley to that list. Lyrical wisdom and a soulful voice that betray her youth are illustrated on "Stronger."

Greater Good
Dallas' Greater Good inched closer to proposed world domination and released their first single to radio in the U.K. in August of last year. The band's bouncy, Brit-inspired sound is both nostalgic and fresh, effortlessly exuding youth and confidence. Hear Greater Goodís knack for tackling heavy subject matter and turning it into light-hearted, catchy hooks firsthand on "Demolition."

The Hint
D.C.-based rockers The Hint mesmerize audiences with dreamy lyrics, sweet harmonies and infectious hooks. Numerous EPís and demos of the band eagerly float through underground hands as the boys hone in on their sound and build on an increasingly loyal fan base. The young groupís newest material offers sugar-laced melodies capped off with a defiant rock punch, brazenly displayed in "Kiss Kiss."

Glass Intrepid	J.D. Natasha

On Wednesday, March 15, BMI will present six diverse groups at Maggie Mae's (323 E. 6th Street). D.C. rockers The Hint kick things off at 9pm; 9:45pm brings Newton Faulkner, the U.K.'s newest candidate for singer/guitarist eminence; 10:30pm will be The Killers label mates Greater Good; V2 artist Chris Stills takes the stage at 11:15pm; sultry Miami rocker J.D. Natasha, nominated for Best New Artist at the 2005 Latin Grammys, takes over at the stroke of midnight; and Houston buzz rockers Glass Intrepid will top off the evening at 12:45am.

Captain	Newton Faulkner

On Thursday, March 16, BMI keeps things rolling and offers a change of venue, along with another stellar line-up. The show will be at Opal Divine's Freehouse (700 W. 6th Street) and is sponsored by Performing Songwriter magazine. Acclaimed Boston singer/songwriter Mieka Pauley takes the stage at 9pm; 9:45pm offers Louisiana son Joe Stark's new band, Sons of William; 10:30pm will be We Are the Fury, a refreshing 70's punk-glam fusion; the U.K.'s Captain makes their highly anticipated U.S. debut at 11:15pm; White Stripes/Janis Joplin hybrid Nico Vega are currently the toast of L.A. and will perform at 12:00am; and at 12:45am, 2005 Texas Buzz Awards "Musicians Choice" winners Makeshifte take the stage.

Nico Vega	Mieka Pauley

BMI will also be welcoming travelers to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with live Texas bands at the airport's Highland Lakes Bar stage. Starting on Tuesday, March 14 and running through Sunday, March 19, performances will include Ruthie Foster, Carolyn Wonderland, Big Blue Hearts, Redd Volkaert & Cindy Cashdollar, Elana James & The Continental Two, Jade Day, Colin Gilmore and Kathy McCarty.

We Are the Fury	The Hint

For press information and bios and photos of the showcasing artists, please visit www.bmi.com/sxsw/press. Ongoing coverage of all BMI events at the SXSW Music and Film festivals will be on the BMI SXSW Site.

Makeshifte	Chris Stills

To purchase SXSW wristbands or badges, please go to www.sxsw.com.