BMI Takes Podcast Series on the Road to SXSW

Posted in News on March 13, 2006

BMI continues its groundbreaking new artist podcast series - the first of its kind in the music industry - with the release of the eighth edition featuring a diverse line-up of talent scheduled to perform at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin. BMI's "See It Hear First(tm)" podcast #8 offers something for everyone, including rock trio Sons of William, Latin Grammy nominee JD Natasha, alternative rockers Glass Intrepid, singer/guitarist Newton Faulkner, L.A. faves Nico Vega and punk-glam fusion band The Fury.

All six bands are part of the "BMI Presents..." showcases set for March 15 at Maggie Mae's and March 16 at Opal's Divine during the 20th annual SXSW Music & Media Conference and Festival being held March 10-19.

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 world's 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.

Sons of William, made up of brothers and Louisiana natives Joe and David Stark, along with New Orleans bassist Annie Clements, combines a thirst for progression with respect for their predecessors. Named after the brothers' mentor and father Bill Stark, the trio is what everyone aches to discover-unpretentious and undeniable rock and roll. See for yourself on "Lucifer Hands."

Three-time Latin Grammy nominee JD Natasha brings her Spanish-language hit "Lagrimas" to the podcast line-up. Her debut album Imperfecta/Imperfect has earned the 18-year-old Latina rocker from Miami extensive critical praise and a large following of bilingual Hispanics in the U.S. who have finally found a homegrown artist to call their own.

Alternative rock band Glass Intrepid has gained a considerable following having played at major venues throughout their home state of Texas and sharing the stage with such big names as 3 Doors Down, Snow Patrol and Mudvayne. The Houston-based quartet is currently receiving continuous airplay on multiple radio stations nationwide. Check out "Your Regrets."

Singer/guitarist Newton Faulkner writes poignant lyrics that flow seamlessly over funky back beats, refusing genre classification. With a voice that glides from silky crooning and crisp raps to everything in between, the UK's newest guitar hero masters the fret board with both hands, creating an inimitable sound all his own. Take a listen to "I Need Something" to witness firsthand why guitar legend Jimmy Page calls Faulkner "a star of tomorrow."

White Stripes/Janis Joplin hybrid Nico Vega is one of the most talked about groups in their hometown of Los Angeles. Singer Aja Volkman's fervent vocal leadership conveys both tenderness and dominance, while guitarist Rich Koehler's rifts mirror the grit in Volkman's pipes and Mikey Pena steadily propels the group forward on drums. Hear what all the fuss is about with "Hollywood Sign."

If early 70s glam and late 70s post-punk had a love child in 2006, We Are The Fury would be it. With influences ranging from Bowie and T-Rex to Talking Heads and Television, WaTF reveals a truly unique sound and style, setting them apart in today's musical landscape. The Toledo, Ohio-bred quintet contributes "Better Off This Way" to podcast #8.

SOURCENews TAGS SXSW 3 Doors Down Artists Zac Brown Cosculluela Newton Faulkner The Fury Glass Intrepid Brendan James JD Natasha Snow Patrol Somedaynew Sons of William Soulkid #1 Nico Vega We Are The Fury