NBN TAKES ON TIN PAN SOUTH, TAKE TWO!

The fine folks at NSAI and Tin Pan South have once again invited NBN to host a songwriter showcase and we are as honored to take part this year as we were last year when we hosted Erin McCarley, Thad Cockrell, Kate York, Megan McCormick and Butterfly Boucher. This year's showcase, which takes place 9 p.m., this Wed., April 1 at the world famous Bluebird Cafe, will feature GABE DIXON, LANDON PIGG, JOSIAH LEMING and the FAMILY TREE (Tofer Brown and Laura Licata).. Special Thanks to Josiah (who some of you may remember from his touching and tumultuous turn on American Idol in 2008) and his peoples for making the trip back to his home state of Tennessee all the way from Hollywood for this show.

NBN Survives SXSW

Next BIG Nashville survived the SXSW gauntlet in 2009, hosting a SXSW Film party, an official SXSW Showcase and an Official Day Party over a span of 8 days (which in SXSW time is equal to 3.5 months). We started the week by helping throw a party for the film Make Out With Violence at the beautiful Belmont in downtown Austin on a gorgeous Sunday evening. We continued later in the week on Thu. evening with our Official SXSW Showcase at Maggie Mae's Gibson Room. The staff and volunteers were fantatstic and we had an incredible turnout the entire night. After about 2.34 hrs of sleep we ventured back to the belly of the beast for our day party with American Songwriter and Moontoast for an all day bender on Friday of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, biscuits with Loveless Cafe Jams and wall to wall music.

We want to thank all the folks who packed the place for our showcases as well as all the artists, managers, agents, volunteers, sound guys, bartenders et al who made it all such a gloriously madcap week.

And extra BIG Thanks to Mike Dickinson, Lizzy Newton, Jeff Kehoe, Dylan Ohm and everyone at SXSW and High Beam as well as the folks at Maggie Mae's Gibson Room, The Belmont and The Tap Room at Six Lounge for their hospitality and incredible attitudes.

NBN 08 Recap Video

It has been a long time coming but some technical hurdles have kept us from showing you all of the amazing video we collected (thank you Digital Bohemia!) from NBN 08. We'll be getting some of the best stuff up soon including full panels, the Ben Folds Interview and highlighted performances. For now, check out this 08 recap/09 promo video recently posted on Vimeo.



Next Big Nashville Promo from Next BIG Nashville on Vimeo.

Second Annual NBN Day Party @ SXSW 09

If you'll be in Austin for SXSW but won't have a wristband or badge, don't fret, you can still catch up with NBN at our Second Annual SXSW Day Party. NEXT BIG NASHVILLE & AMERICAN SONGSPACE'S T(ea) FOR TENNESSEE Official SXSW 2009 Day Party. Presented by MoonToast. Fri., March 20, 2009, 12-6pm The Tap Room at SIX LOUNGE {117 W. 4th St.} +AUSTIN TX+ Southern hospitality will include complimentary Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, free biscuit bar with Loveless Cafe jams and a load of prizes including gear, software from Toontrack, swag bags and an NBN 09 VIP Pkg. LINEUP 12:15-12:50 - In the Round with Jedd Hughes, Jeremy Lister, Matthew Perryman Jones, Trent Dabbs and Katie Herzig 1:00-1:20 - Sarah Siskind 1:30-1:50 - Kyle Andrews 2:00-2:20 - Madi Diaz 2:30-2:50 - Daniel Martin Moore 3:00-3:20 - Those Darlins 3:30-3:50 - The Ettes 4:00-4:30 - The Features 4:40-5:10 - Howlies 5:20-5:50 - How I Became the Bomb Click to RSVP or click on the flyer below. NOTE: Entrance is limited to SXSW Badges and Guest List only so you MUST sign up by Mon., March 1 to be admitted. Entrance is dependent on capacity and the food/drinks are limited. In other words, get there early.

Hope to see you all in Austin!

NBN Official Showcase @ SXSW 09!

Yes, we are extremely excited to announce that we have now joined the likes of Spin Magazine, Billions Booking Agency and our friends at the Memphis Music Foundation and the Americana Music Association - Next BIG Nashville has an Official SXSW showcase this year!

NBN OFFICIAL SXSW SHOWCASE*

Thu., March 19, 2009,

Maggie Mae's Gibson Room

8p The Features

9p Turbo Fruits

10p Landon Pigg
11p Brooke Waggoner
12a Paper Route
1a The Deep Vibration

* SXSW Badges and Wristbands only.

There are loads of Nashville artists playing in Austin this year, many of them NBN Alumni and some of them on the same night as our show (sorry Kyle, at least you are right around the corner) and we are honored to be showcasing six of the best. If you aren't already familiar with these folks, take the time to follow the links. We'll also be posting some videos on the lineup asap.

NBN 2009 Dates Announced

We were gonna wait and tell you all about a number of new things we have planned for NBN 2009 but BIG plans take time and since everyone has been consistently asking about dates for next year, here they are -

Wed., Oct. 7 - Sun., Oct. 11, 2009.

We've always wanted to hold NBN in October and the opportunity finally arrived this year. It's the best month to be in Nashville and the perfect time to visit, especially now with a full weekend of music and ideas exploding all over Davidson County like a nuclear pinata. Rocktoberfest indeed.

Don't forget about the afterparties!

Funky Good Time Official NBN Afterparty
Friday, September 12
11:30 pm – 3:00am
City Hall, 405 12th Avenue S.
*Hosted by the Funky Good Time DJ’s in partnership with Red Bull Music Academy, this exclusive after party features live music from Outta Site! Records’ The Dynamites and an exclusive DJ set from Now-Again/Stones Throw Records’ Egon.
(FREE for NBN ’08 Badge and Wristband holders. Limited $10 walk-up entry available.)


Diesel:U:Music Official NBN Afterparty
Saturday, September 13
12:30 am – 3:00am
Cannery Ballroom, One Cannery Row
Wrap up your NBN week with live music from The Features and Jensen Sportag as well as DJ sets by L.A.-based Hell Ya!, live screen printing by Boss Construction on free Diesel t-shirts, digi-photo booth by Jonathon Kingsbury, projections from Gay Werewolf, a "dare chair" by Paul Mitchell Salons and more.
(FREE for NBN ’08 Badge and Wristband holders. Limited $10 walk-up entry available.)

Don't forget about the free shuttle bus!

We already know that Bawston Sean is a fan of our free Next Big Nashville shuttle buses - why aren't you riding one? As Sean points out:

Seriously folks, you should really consider taking the Next Big Shuttle Bus around town tonight as you soak your brain in booze and tunes. It's safe, it's free, it's convenient and waaaay better than getting a D.U.I. Plus, they do actually show up every fifteen minutes. Ruthie, the driver that seemed to show up everytime I needed to get somewhere, is totally awesome. Breathalyzer tests—totally not. I saw a ton of po-po lurking on the fringe of the action as I rode the shuttle last night, just waiting to bust some poor unsuspecting rock fan. Don't be that dude.

Now that it's Friday and the official after parties are here, we hope that most of you will be taking full advantage of the fact that you don't have to work tomorrow and stay out late. And not only is the shuttle bus the easiest way to get around if you plan on show-hopping, as Sean aptly points out it's also the safest.

The official NBN Shuttles will be running between each participating venue from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for the next two nights (excluding Edgehill Studios), and there will be one late-night shuttle serving the after parties. The shuttles are absolutely free and you'll never have to wait longer than 15 MINUTES to get onboard.

NBN recaps and picks

Next Big Nashville is making the rounds of the blogosphere - a few of our favorite local writers and publications have recaps and picks for the festival.

Nashville Cream is all over the festival - Tracy Moore has a recap of the Nashville Curse panel from yesterday's conference, Seth Graves has his rundown of Thursday at NBN, and this morning Sean Maloney pointed out how awesome our free shuttle buses are.

Yewknee has his picks for Friday up - keep an eye on his site for recommendations for the rest of the weekend.

Antennas to Heaven has her picks for the festival as well.

Page 300 has a bunch of excellent artist previews.

Watch Next Big Nashville at home!

Did you know that NBN is streaming select showcases during this year's festival? If you can't make it out tonight or tomorrow night, you can still experience some of Nashville's best artists live, from the comfort of your own computer screen. Just head over to http://www.nextbignashville.net/player/ to watch one full showcase each night webcast in its entirety, real time, near-HD quality.

Here is the schedule for tonight's and tomorrow night's webcast:

Friday, September 12
Cannery Ballroom
8:00 - 8:30 KinderCastle
8:45 - 9:15 Cortney Tidwell
9:30 - 10:00 Magic Wands
10:15 - 11:00 Paper Route
11:15 - 12:00 Autovaughn
12:15 - 1:00 SuperDrag

Saturday, September 13
Cannery Ballroom
8:15-8:45 Carey Ott
9:00 - 9:30 Sam & Ruby
9:45 - 10:15 Brooke Waggoner
10:30 - 11:00 Thad Cockrell
11:15 - 12:30 Ten out of Tenn

All times are Central, of course.

And keep an eye on the Next Big Nashville website - many of the performances and panels will be available post-fest through this same link.

Friday's Next Big Nashville Conference Schedule

You just saw Thursday's schedule for the Next Big Nashville 2008 Music Conference, now here's a breakdown and description of the panels taking place on Friday. Remember, all panels are open to participating artists and VIP badge holders.


21st Century DIY
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Start: 10:00 am, End: 11:00 am
Description: The New Tools and Services available for independent or independent minded artists and representatives. Reps from websites, third party service providers and new media companies discuss the new slate of tools available for independent artists and music businesses. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Derek Webb/Co-Founder, NoiseTrade
Clint Smith/Co-Founder, Emma
Dave Jaworski/Founder & CEO, Passalong Networks
Lou Plaia/Co-Founder/VP Industry Relations, ReverbNation
Chris Stacey/Mozes, VP, Music Industry
Shawn Moseley, Manager, Music Industry Relations, Muzak
MODERATOR: Kevin Brown/Echo

21st Century DIY: Marketing and Money Management on New Century Music Budgets
Time: 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: Music marketing and budgeting beyond the outmoded plug and play concept (i:e hire a publicist, hire an indie promoter, buy a retail program and go). How and where you should spend your money when marketing a record in the 2.0 world. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Tom Storms/Sanctuary Mgmt
David Watland/Rocket Science
Kurt Vitolo/KV Financial Mgmt
Dave Steunebrink/Showdown Mgmt
Holland Nix, Mgmt (Jemina Pearl, ex-Be Your Own Pet)
MODERATOR: Michael Corcoran/Nettwerk Management

Fighting For Your Rights
Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: As a musician and/or songwriter in the 21st Century, who is fighting for you, or at least who is supposed to be, in the ongoing battle to determine the future of copyright? Representatives from major organizations and unions explain their roles, their positions and their companies and answer pressing questions about the future of musical income. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Patrick Sullivan/Co-Founder RightsFlow
Dr. E. Michael Harrington
John L. Simson, Executive Director, SoundExchange
Susan Stewart, South Regional Director, N.A.R.A.S./The Recording Academy
Randall Himes, AFTRA, Asst. National Exec. Director Sound Records, Exec. Director Nashville
Bob Regan, Legislative Chair NSAI
MODERATOR: Glenn Peoples/Coolfer.com

21st Century DIY: Branding, Syncs and Other Avenues Beyond Radio and Retail
Time: 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: Panel to discuss avenues for your music beyond radio and retail including film and TV placements as well as branding, sponsorships, commercials and other outlets. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Carianne Brown/Senior Creative Licensing, SongsPub
Thaddeus Rudd/Co-Founder, Rebel Synch
Keatly Haldeman/General Manager, PigFactory USA
Brooke Primont/VP, Creative Serices & Marketing, Cherry Lane Music Publishing
Beka Tischker/A&R, Razor & Tie
MODERATOR: Chris Moon/Nettwerk Management

Producers, Who Needs 'Em?
Time: 3-4 p.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: A discussion of the role producers play in the post-Pro Tools/Garageband, DIY recording world where "everyone is a producer." BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Pictures and Sound)
Justin Loucks/Ian Fitchuk (Griffin House, Landon Pigg)
Neilson Hubbard (Glen Phillips, Garrison Starr)
Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo, Sleater-Kinney, Jessie Baylin)
Craig A. King (Aaliyah, Ludacris)
MODERATOR: Steve Haruch, Music Editor, Nashville Scene

Red Bull Music Academy Workshop
Time: 4:15-5 p.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: A one on one interview and Q & A session with Egon, world renowned DJ, Nashville native and founder of the acclaimed and influential Stones Throw Records. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Egon
Moderator: Coolout.

Thursday's Next Big Nashville Conference Schedule

As we've mentioned, this year's Next Big Nashville will feature a first - a two-day music conference presented by The Recording Academy and Emma Email Marketing. The conference is open to all participating artists and VIP badge holders, and two of Thursday's panels are free and open to the public as well.

Here is the full Thursday schedule for the conference:


The New New Nashville: What Do We Need?
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: A look at Nashville's Music and Music Business Landscape by Community Leaders to address what they feel is missing in Music City. Also to address bridge building in the music investment community between new money and new opportunities outside of country music in Nashville. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Jim Hester/Mayor's Office
Rick Whetsel/Great Big Shows, Outback Concerts
Jay Williams/William Morris
Hal Hassall/VP of Marketing, Echo
Big Fella/Mother Mary Music
MODERATOR: Justin Levenson/SOLID, SESAC
Opening Statements: Jason Moon Wilkins/Next BIG Nashville

Psychology and the Art of Artist Management
Time: 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Location: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: Breaking down the psychological navigation necessary in artist management with seasoned managers who will discuss how they have handled different personalities and group dynamics in the high stress world of music. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Carl Stubner/Sanctuary (Mick Fleetwood, Tommy Lee, Velvet Revolver, The Cult)
Ken Levitan/Vector Mgmt (Emmylou Harris, Kings of Leon, Damien Rice, Ben Folds)
Doc McGhee/McGhee Artist Management (KISS, Jypsi, Ted Nugent)
Steve SmithAware (Brandi Carlile, Mat Kearney)
MODERATOR: Craig Havighurst/NPR

Plays Well With Others: Co-Writing As An Artistic Outlet
Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Country Music Hall of Fame (222 5th Ave S)
Description: Accomplished solo artists and renowned band leaders who have developed successful second careers as co-writers for other artists discuss how they got into co-writing, what the process is like and how they balance the two artistic outlets. Also on the panel, music publishing executives weigh in on how they pair writers with artists and what it takes to transition from writing for yourself to writing with others. The panel will include several artist-writers whose genre-spanning credits include work with everyone from major rock artists to commercial country stars. FREE and Open to the Public.
Panelists:
Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra, Howie Day)
Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket)
Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Dixie Chicks)
Jake Ottmann/VP, A&R, EMI Music Publishing
Daniel Tashian (Silver Seas, Donavon Frankenreiter, Sixpence None the Richer)
Patrick Clifford/VP, A&R, Ten Ten Music
MODERATOR: Jessica Draper, Music Editor, Performing Songwriter

The Nashville Curse
Time: 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Venue: Musicians Hall of Fame (301 6th Ave S)
Description: Since the early 80's when Jason & The Nashville Scorchers were forced to drop "Nashville" from their name by their then record label, there is said to have been a curse put on any rock band or pop artist trying to "make it" out of Music City. Despite numerous high profile signings and dozens of major label bands and solo acts taking their shot at stardom over the years no Nashville-based act has ever reached platinum status in the USA. With successful recent records by Paramore and the Kings of Leon leading the charge, the idea of the curse is being rebuffed by many in Nashville, but there are still numerous performers and industry executives who still believe there's something to it. BADGES ONLY.
Panelists:
Kent M. Marcus, Esq./Entertainment Lawyer, KMM, PC
Steve Robertson/VP A&R Atlantic Records
Bobby Bare Jr./Artist; Matt Friction (Pink Spiders)
Kim Stephens/President Forward Ent./Capitol Music Group
Kim Buie, VP, A&R Lost Highway
MODERATOR: Jason Moon Wilkins, Next BIG Nashville

Keynote Artist Interview: Ben Folds
Time: 3-4 p.m.
Location: Country Music Hall of Fame (222 5th Ave S)
Description: Keynote speech and interview. FREE and Open to the Public.
Panelists:
Ben Folds
Andy Langer/Esquire

Out the Other's Guide to Next Big Nashville 2008

So Next Big Nashville officially begins in just about three hours - with the premiere of Make-Out With Violence at the Belcourt - and what's that you say? You haven't figured out what you're going to see at the festival for the next four days? Well Out the Other is here to help.

Full disclosure here - I (Janet) have been contributing a bit here on the official NBN blog, but I also have my own local Nashville music blog. And for this year's festival I have compiled Out the Other's Guide to Next Big Nashville 2008 - which I hope will be a handy point of reference as you plan your show-hopping. In addition to mini-interviews with a handful of NBN bands, I've broken down Wednesday-Saturday of the festival night-by-night, showcase-by-showcase. You can check out each showcase lineup at a glance, read my recommendations for each night and even check out more than 150 mp3s by participating artists.

So what are you waiting for? Go plan your Next Big Nashville!

Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

Pick up your NBN Wristbands/VIP Badges today through Friday!

Just a note - you can pick up your Next Big Nashville wristbands and VIP badges beginning today at the Musicians Hall of Fame. Pickup times are as follows:

Wednesday, September 10: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, September 11: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, September 12: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Walk-up wristband/VIP badge purchases will also be available during those hours.

The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 301 6th Ave South - here's the address on Google Maps.

Grimey's Announces Line-up for Next Big Outdoor In-Store!

Grimey's New & Preloved Music is well-known for the back parking lot parties and sales they have twice a year in conjunction with their downstairs neighbor, The Basement. And this fall's party has been scheduled to help celebrate Next Big Nashville - the Next Big Outdoor In-Store will take place this Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

It's an all-day free music festival and store-wide sale, with bargains in the back lot (thousands of records for $1 and CDs for $2 with volume discounts) and everything on the store on sale. There will be Yazoo beer and BBQ from Mitchell's Deli on the East side, too.

The DJs and live music will kick off at 11:30 a.m., and here's the schedule:

11:30 djb (dj set)
12:00 This Modern Station
12:25 T1 (dj set)
12:45 Mean Tambourines
1:10 DJ SRC (dj set)
1:30 Tiger! Tiger!
1:55 Brother Dylan (dj set)
2:15 The Sleep Study
2:40 D-Funk (dj set)
3:00 Dexateens
3:25 Geezus (dj set)
3:30 Caitlin Rose(in the Basement)
4:00 Justin & The Cosmics
4:25 The Curse of the Drinking Class (dj set)
4:30 Korean Is Asian(in the Basement)
5:00 The Pragmatic
5:25 Sir Smok (dj set)
5:30 Stone Jack Jones (in the Basement)
6:00 Meemaw

WRISTBAND BENEFITS

So we've told you about the benefits of the NBN VIP Badge, but that doesn't mean that the NBN Festival Wristband isn't laden with benefits as well. Obviously it's a smart financial move, allowing you to see as many NBN showcases as you want over 5 days, granting you access to the Make Out with Violence Premiere at Belcourt Wed. Sept. 10 and giving you free subscriptions to PASTE Magazine and American Songwriter Magazine (heck that pays for the wristband right there). Your Festival Wristband also gets you into the biggest afterparties of the week (see below) and gives you discounts at select local retailers including these fine establishments:

Local Honey - 20% off
Flavour - 10% off
Studio 615 - 10% off
Posh, Posh shoes (Hillsboro and Green Hills) - 10% off
Grimey's Records - 10% off
Salon YaYa - 10% off
Katy K Ranch Dressing - 10% off
Two Elle - 10% off
Clothing Exchange - 10% off

Funky Good Time Official NBN Afterparty

Friday, September 12

11:30 pm – 3:00am

City Hall, 405 12th Avenue S.

*Hosted by the Funky Good Time DJ’s in partnership with Red Bull Music Academy, this exclusive after party features live music from Outta Site! Records’ The Dynamites and an exclusive DJ set from Now-Again/Stones Throw Records’ Egon.  

(FREE for NBN ’08 Badge and Wristband holders. Limited $10 walk-up entry available.) 

Diesel:U:Music Official NBN Afterparty

Friday, September 12

12:30 am – 3:00am

Cannery Ballroom, One Cannery Row

Wrap up your NBN week with live music from The Features and Jensen Sportag as well as DJ sets by L.A.-based Hell Ya!, live screen printing by Boss Construction on free Diesel t-shirts, digi-photo booth by Jonathon Kingsbury, projections from Gay Werewolf, a "dare chair" by Paul Mitchell Salons and more.

(FREE for NBN ’08 Badge and Wristband holders. Limited $10 walk-up entry available.) 

NBN VIP BADGE BENEFITS

Besides allowing you priority access to all NBN showcases and afterparties, granting you entrance to the NBN 08 Music Conference, giving you free subscriptions to PASTE magazine and American Songwriter Magazine, handing you discounts at select local retailers and a stocked VIP NBN Swag Bag, your 2008 NBN VIP Badge also gets you exclusive access to some choice VIP Parties. 

Hard Rock Café NBN 08 Opening Reception 

Hosted by Mother Mary Music

Thu., Sept. 11

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Hard Rock Café, 100 Broadway

*After catching the Daytime Conferences, but before heading out to the Nighttime S

howcases, swing by the Hard Rock Café Opening Reception for some free food and free drinks! 

(VIP Badges and Showcasing Bands only. Food/Drinks are limited. First

 come, first served.)

 

ICON NBN VIP Reception

Fri., Sept. 12

5:00pm – 8:00pm

ICON in the Gulch, 600 12th Ave S.

*Enjoy an incredible view of down

town Music City from the ICON’s picturesque patio while sipping complimentary drinks from 

SKYY Infusions, Bud Light and Red Bull. Hosted by PASTE Magazine, Digital Nashville & Gameday Sports.

(RSVP Required - 

 www.pastemagazine.com/nextbignashville. VIP Badges and Showcasing Bands only. Drinks are

 limited. First come, first served.)

 

BMI & AMERICANSONGSPACE.COM VIP BRUNCH @ CABANA

Sat., Sept. 13

11:00am -1:00pm

Cabana, 1910 Belcourt Ave.

*NBN Artists and VIPs are invited to grab some top-shelf grub at Cabana for BMI’s Second Annual VIP Brunch, this year co-hosted by Americansongspace.com.

(RSVP Required - mtempleton@bmi.com. VIP Badges and Participating Bands only) 

NOT JUST NASHVILLE

In addition to our expansive slate of Middle Tennessee artists, NBN is extremely proud to welcome so many amazing regional and national artists to this year's event. If you haven't checked them out already, we're making it easy for you. Damn, this is some good stuff. Try to stop listening to Dukes of Daville's "Steady Baby." Good luck. 

Dukes of Daville (ATL hip hop duo, recently signed to Capitol)

SONG: "Steady Baby"(Streaming Only)

"Now in their early twenties, this Atlanta based duo, collectively known as Dukes of Da Ville, have skillfully intertwined hip hop lyricism with the soulful harmonies of R&B. Musically, their infectious hooks make instant fans, while their lyrical delivery gains them the respect of the most skilled writers." 

Dead Confederate 

SONG: "The Rat"

"Dead Confederate is the first artist Gary Gersh signed to his new imprint The Artist's Organization (TAO) and was deemed one of Rolling Stone's '6 Artists To Watch' in their latest issue. After hitting the summer/festival touring circuit w/ Drive By Truckers, Dinosaur Jr. Black Lips among others, making an appearance at Bonnaroo, and opening for R.E.M. this past SXSW, Dead Confederate will be out on the road for the rest of the year." 

Howlies

SONG: "Sea Level" (must login to download)

"Howlies (no 'the') formed in August 2007, after a group camping trip where all four members were attacked by wolves. Based upon basement recordings only, the band quickly secured the praise and producing duties of legendary producer Kim Fowley (The Runaways, The Modern Lovers, The Germs) for their debut album, Trippin' with Howlies. The album is scheduled for a Fall 2008 release on OverUnder Records (New York, NY), with the Sea Level single/EP, releasing in August 2008."

Royal Bangs

SONG: "CatSwallow" 

This Knoxville collective were a huge hit at this year's Bonnaroo and will be touring with the Black Keys this Fall (their debut, “We Breed Champions” was released this Spring on Key's Drummer Patrick Carney's Audio Eagle Label). Rolling Stone calls the Royal Bangs “our favorite new rock band.” So there. 

Homer Hiccolm & The Rocket Boys 

SONG: "Secrets and Numbers" 

"Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys take their name from the unlikely success story of the West Virginia coal miner's son turned NASA engineer popularized by the film October Sky. That's fitting given the Abilene sextet found their way to ACL Fest as winners of the inaugural Sound and the Jury competition. Besting more than 600 other artists in the battle-of-the-bands contest, the group took Friday's opening slot on the Dell stage with calm composure before a crowd that climaxed at several hundred... The music's continual slow builds to soft, soaring crescendos was predictable yet executed with impressive precision that validated their addition to the festival lineup." Austin Chronicle 

Sons of Roswell 

"The Sons of Roswell got the call to perform Bonnaroo only a few days after their lead singer quit the band. In less than a week these guys were able to recruit a new lead vocalist / guitarist and write a whole new set of songs" Unbelievable. 

"Seventies rock, particularly of the "Southern" variety, has been a popular mining source for young rock bands in recent years, but most seem solely drawn to that period's arena rock bombast and shallow riffs, ignoring the fact that delicate, contemplative material was masterfully yarned by groups like The Band in the same era. Muscle Shoals four-piece Sons of Roswell seem drawn to both sides of the coin, indulging in tough bar-rock stomps, but staying just as gritty when they dial back their amps for the shuffling country-rocker "Losing My Mind." 
-The Tennessean

The Dirty Guv'nahs

VOTED KNOXVILLE'S BEST BAND  by the 2008 Metro Pulse Readers Poll
"The Dirty Guv'nahs play rock the way God intended" (Metro Pulse, Knoxville, TN - 1/24/08) 
"Stones gone southern raucousness"  (Louisville Eccentric Observer, KY - 2/23/08) 

500 Miles to Memphis

"Incredibly dark, sinister and unbelievably brilliant..." - Dayton City Paper
"An exercise in American Eclectic: gritty, dirty and damn good." - Independent Weekly
"Harnessing the bucking bronco of country punk and holding on for dear life." - Knoxville Metro Pulse
"Bridging the spirit of sweaty punk and old-school country, 500 Miles To Memphis is irresistible." - CiN Weekly

Neva Geoffrey 

SONG: "Corduroy Boy"   VIDEO 

"Neva can compose and work her way around piano based indie-loungy ballads like a son of a gun. Her voice is both instantly recognizable and somehow unique. Fans of Nora Jones, Aimee Mann and Tori Amos will be pleased." – songs:Illinois
"Don't take our gushing words for it — listen to a couple songs off Neva Geoffrey's The Days Are Rolling at myspace.com/nevageoffrey, and settle in for a lush journey into the heart and mind of this descriptive, eloquent siren." – LEO Weekly

Cory Branan

"Branan avoids anachronism and shoots straight for timelessness...his sharp, simple lyrics recall the economical, almost scriptural poetry practiced by John Prine or, before him, Bob Dylan."- Nashville Rage

"Intense dynamics, deep humor, brave production and heavy songwriting: A new voice emerges to run with the greats." - Playboy 
"4 Out of 5 Stars." - Blender on "12 Songs"

The Dexateens  

"The Dexateens came blasting out of Tuscaloosa, AL in 2004 with a self-titled debut of Southern-accented garage-punk. Last year's RED DUST RISING skillfully channelled the brothers Allman and Flying Burrito. Produced by ex-Sugar David Barbe and Drive By Truckers' Patterson Hood, this contemplative follow-up is another welcome development. Naked Ground and Neil Armstrong evince a stronger melodic sensibility: the former rides a glorious twang'n'roll groove, the latter is a country-pop gem about astronautical tribulations. Nadine plumbs a stark well of acoustic despair, while Makers Mound is a controlled blaze of Skynyrd worship.”
Manish Agarwal, Mojo Magazine (4 stars)

Local film set to premiere at Next Big Nashville

Next Big Nashville will kick off next Wednesday, September 10 with our first pair of official showcases at 12th and Porter and the adjacent Lot 7, but those shows are not the only festival events taking place that night. Over at The Belcourt Theatre, you'll have the opportunity to catch the Nashville premiere of the locally-made film Make-Out with Violence.

And this premiere is a long time in the making, considering the fact that the filmmakers actually started the project back in 2004.

Make-Out With Violence, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Atlanta Film Festival earlier this year, is about twin brothers Patrick and Carol, who are attempting to fulfill their unrequited love amongst the living and the dead. The 105-minute film stars Eric Lehning, Cody DeVos, Leah High, Brett Miller, Tia Shearer and Shellie Marie Shartzer. It also contains original songs and pop score by Jordan Lehning.

The Belcourt will host two screenings of the film next Wednesday - one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 8:45 p.m. Following the second screening will be a performance by The Non-Commissioned Officers, the band that crafted the soundtrack and began performing live to raise money for filming and production costs.

This film is unrated but contains mild language and horror elements similar to a PG-13 rating.

Check out the trailer:

MAKE-OUT with VIOLENCE: Trailer 2


And learn more about the making of the film:

Make out with Make-out with Violence

Next BIG Ballers

Our good friends at American Songwriter will be introducing their fantastic new social networking site for songwriters Americansongspace.com with a grand slam of a party (couldn't help it) on Sat., Sept. 13 during NBN. The official info is below. If we are still strong enough to hold up a bat at that point, you will see some NBN folks stepping up to the plate, if only to say we stood on the same spot and swung a bat where Don Mattingly, and more recently Prince Fielder, once stood. There is still internal debate at NBN HQ about whether bunting is acceptable in a softball game. 

American Songspace

Writer  vs. Industry Softball Game

presented by American Songwriter Magazine

When: Saturday, September 13th, from 1:00 – 4:00

Where: Greer Stadium, Home of the Nashville Sounds

Bringing back the good ol’ little league days, on September 13th American Songwriter Magazine is holding the 1st Annual American Songspace Writer vs. Industry Softball Game at the Nashville Sounds Stadium in conjunction with Next Big Nashville. Players will include Nashville artists, musicians, songwriters Industry professionals of all levels [both on and off the field] and NBN badge holders. 

Free Beer, Food, and equipment will be provided for all who attend. 

**Attendnce is open to anyone and everyone, but players are invite-only**

It Takes A Village... And Photoshop

Thanks to all of the bands, showcase sponsors and supporters who have been making their own flyers and posters for Next BIG Nashville. This is a community event and we can use all the help we can get from all of the folks involved. So we truly appreciate those who have taken it on themselves to make this year a success. 

ASCAP and BMI have made some snazzy flyers but the winner so far has to be Superdrag. Most everyone who has followed the band over the years have probably wondered to themselves at some point "What would I look like with Tom Pappas' hair?" Well, now you can now. We highly encourage everyone to print these out so that Superdrag takes the stage on Sat. Sept. 12 at Cannery Ballroom to a sea of Pappi (we're guessing that's the plural for Pappas) staring back at them. 

The showcase schedule is here!

The Next Big Nashville 2008 showcase schedule is finally here!

We are very excited to be partnering with http://sched.org for this year's schedule. This interactive tool not only allows you to make your own custom NBN 08 schedule for print, iPhone, Blackberry etc. but also lets you get a peek at what other festivalgoers and conference attendees are planning to see. Click the image above to get started.

A few notes on using Sched.org:

• Customizing your schedule is as easy as creating a user name and password - just enter them on the top of the screen and click "get started." (Uh, just be careful typing in your password - if you make a mistake you're outta luck when you try to log in again - trust me... I accidentally did that)
  
• You can view the day-by-day schedule, or select individual venues to see the full lineup for a specific evening's showcase. You can also search for specific bands or artists.
• When viewing the schedule, mouse over the title of an event for more info.
  
• Check the box next to an event name to add it to your schedule.
• Your personalized schedule can be viewed and printed at http://nbn08.sched.org/(your user name goes here)
• You can check out who's attending what, see what your friends' schedules look like and view the most popular events by clicking on "attendees" or "most popular."

So what does your schedule look like?

Panel schedule for Music Conference announced!

With Next BIG Nashville's 3rd Annual Music Festival and Conference just around the corner, the full line-up of daytime panels and conference activities has officially been announced. Sponsored by The Recording Academy and EMMA Email Marketing, the panels take place at the Musicians' Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 11th and 12th. Following the NBN 08 Music Conference theme "21st Century DIY," the featured topics are aimed at the issues facing the changing nature of the music business and increasing opportunities for independent artists and business owners. Panels, VIP Parties and Conference activities are open to all VIP Badge holders and participating artists.

Music business insiders, digital industry leaders and artists will participate in the discussions, featuring a Keynote Interview with Ben Folds by Esquire Magazine's Andy Langer, a Red Bull Academy Workshop Session with Egon (Stones Throw Records), a star-studded Management panel featuring Carl Stubner/Sanctuary(Mick Fleetwood, Tommy Lee), Ken Levitan/Vector (Emmylou Harris, Kings of Leon, Damien Rice), Steve Smith/Co-Founder, AWARE and Doc McGhee (KISS, Jypsi, Ted Nugent) and a world class co-writing panel featuring Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Dixie Chicks), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket, Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra, Howie Day), and Daniel Tashian (Donovan Frankenreiter, Sixpence None the Richer).

Other NBN 08 Music Conference Panelists include Steve Robertson/VP A&R Atlantic Records, Clint Smith/Co-Founder, Emma, Dave Jaworski/Founder & CEO, Passalong Networks, Lou Plaia/VP of Artist Development, ReverbNation, Chris Stacey/VP, Music Industry Mozes, Patrick Sullivan/Co-Founder RightsFlow, Carianne Brown/Sr. Creative Licensing Songs Publishing, Thaddeus Rudd/Co-Founder, Rebel Synch, Roger Moutenot/Producer (Yo La Tengo, Sleater-Kinney, Jessie Baylin), Jacquire King/Producer (Kings of Leon, Pictures and Sound), Sharal Churchill/Founder, Media Creature and many more. For the full list of panelists and panels visit www.nextbignashville.net/conference.

Quoth Tenacious D, "It's a CREAM Dream!"

In conjunction with our print partners and pals over at the Nashville Scene's blog Nashville Cream, we have held two slots on this year's Next BIG Nashville for the CREAM's readers to tell us what artists they think we overlooked. The CREAM readers supplied some great suggestions last year and a number of those factored into the selections for '08 so we thought we'd speed up the process this year and actually give them a couple of slots to fill. 

You'll notice the POLL question at the top right-hand side of the blog. Take a second to vote - choose two - and don't forget that polling ends at Noon, Fri., Aug. 22. 

NEXT BIG NASHVILLE ANNOUNCES ARTIST LINE UP 

Next BIG Nashville Music Festival and Conference announced the initial lineup for its 3^rd annual event this week, illustrating the diversity of Nashville's music scene as well as the many ways that the city is tied to the international music community. 

This year NBN will host several indie label showcases from Skybucket (Birmingham, AL), Grand Palace (Murfreesboro, TN), Chicken Ranch (Austin, TX), and Infinity Cat (Nashville), as well as showcases from music organizations such as Nettwerk Management, NSAI, Lake Fever Productions, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and Mr. Lemons Studio. 

As one might expect from the songwriting capital of the world, the NBN '08 lineup includes a wide variety of singer-songwriters from all genres including rising stars Jeremy Lister (Warner Bros.), Erin McCarley (Universal Republic), Matthew Perryman Jones, Andy Davis, Courtney Jaye (Universal Republic), Madi Diaz, Katie Herzig, Tyler James and Megan McCormick, along with respected Nashville names such as Matthew Ryan, David Mead and Butterfly Boucher. "Ten Out of Tenn," the live touring showcase companion to the CD compilation featuring Boucher, Jones, Herzig, McCarley, James, Davis, Griffin House, KS Rhoads and Trent Dabbs, will close the conference on Saturday night at the Cannery Ballroom.  

In addition to the array of Music City talent on display this year the NBN 08 lineup also offers performances by acclaimed regional artists such as Dead Confederate, The Bridges, Neva Geoffrey, The Dexateens, Sons of Roswell, The Howlies, Cory Branan and Royal Bangs. Nashville’s internationally respected indie scene, which counts among its members Lambchop, Silver Jews and David Vandervelde among others is well represented with performances by Cortney Tidwell, Ferraby Lionheart, JEFF The Brotherhood, Kyle Andrews, How I Became the Bomb, Magic Wands, Paper Route (Universal Motown), Superdrag, Paper Rival (Atlantic) and others.

And it wouldn't be Nashville if we didn't have a little twang in there! NBN '08 offers a spotlight for a variety of diverse country-influenced artists such as Caitlin Rose, Danger Bear, Chris Janson, Joey & Rory, Whispertown 2000 (the first signing to Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings' Acony label), Sarah Siskind, Glossary and more. 

Over 50 more artists will be announced in the coming weeks. For the full initial artist list of over 150 confirmed participating acts, go to http://www.nextbignashville.net/artists.

Press inquiries and requests, please contact

NBN Media Relations / NBNMedia@yahoo.com  

Ne

NBN 08 Wristbands and Badges on Sale Now!

NEXT BIG NASHVILLE 2008 TO FEATURE OVER 200 ARTISTS @ 15+

VENUES, PARTIES, DAYTIME CONFERENCE AND MORE

NASHVILLE, TN (July 10, 2008) - The 3rd Annual Next BIG Nashville Music Festival and Conference is pleased to announce that 5 day Festival Wristbands and Festival/Conference VIP Badges are now officially on sale through the partner TicketsNashville.com. Wristbands are $35 ($45 walk-up) and VIP Badges are $100 ($125 walk-up). For a limited time, wristbands and badges will be available at NBN 2007 prices: $30 for wristbands and $50 for VIP Badges. Just enter the code "nashvillemusic" when you click here.

In addition to offering an expanded list of artist showcases and exclusive after-parties, NBN 08 will also introduce a full line up of daytime panels and conference activities on Sept. 11 and 12 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

FESTIVAL WRISTBAND BENEFITS
In addition to entry into every NBN venue and showcase, wristband holders will also receive numerous discounts from NBN Retail Partners, FREE Subscriptions to major music magazines (including PASTE), access to exclusive after-parties and more.

FESTIVAL/CONFERENCE VIP BADGE BENEFITS
VIP Badge benefits are greater in 2008. Purchase will include priority access to all showcases, a loaded VIP Swag Bag, access to all VIP Parties/Receptions, numerous discounts from NBN Retail Partners, FREE subscriptions to major music magazines (including PASTE), access to all daytime conference activities and more.

Ten Out of Tenn, New Pop Records and Country Gold

Songwriter and recording artist Trent Dabbs and his graphic designer wife Kristen have dashed off another round in their compilation series Ten Out of Tenn which highlights ten pop artists based in Nashville who share aesthetic similarities (and often band members and producers). The collection shines a deserving spotlight on what is arguably the most vibrant scene in Nashville right now - the crew of likeminded solo artist/songwriters who have all begun to get attention outside of town but whose creative competition have served to sharpen their skills locally over the past several years. Almost every artist featured on the disc have had songs show up in TV, film and commercials over the past year and most have also found slots on high profile tours. 

Leading off the set appropriately is Erin McCarley the talented and stunning San Diego transplant who recently signed to major label Universal Republic after a period of intense interest by just about every major entity in the music business. You can expect to see her name (and hear her songs) everywhere this fall. Also among the songs selected for the compilation is the first new tune from Interscope artist Butterfly Boucher since her well received debut Flutterby as well as standout cuts from TV soundtrack favorites Matthew Perryman Jones and Katie Herzig and songwriting stars-in-the-making Andy Davis and Jeremy Lister. There will be a Nashville CD release show on July 19 at the Cannery Ballroom featuring all Ten artists, who will not only be performing individually but will also be sitting in as "band" members during each others sets. 

It has also been a busy time for some of the other standout Nashville pop songwriter/artists not featured on the compilation. Both Mat Kearney (Columbia) and Landon Pigg (RCA) have been in the studio crafting the follow up discs to their respective major label bows. No word on release dates for either unfinished album but their fellow Nashville pop-rock neighbor Gabe Dixon has finally set a release for his long awaited sophomore set on the recently revived Fantasy records (after a protracted departure from his previous record deal that kept us waiting and waiting and...). The Gabe Dixon Band will release their self titled record on August 26 and we can unequivocally say it is one of the finest pop records in recent memory. It is an album steeped in the style of 70's singer songwriters but it never apes that era in any retro revivalist fashion. Dixon is just simply as good as many of the people who influenced his writing - Elton John, Jackson Browne, Dr. John - and with this release there is finally a fitting document of his tremendous talent. 

Now classic country is not usually an area covered in this portion of the program but the recent release of the Country Music Hall Of Fame® And Museum Archive Series DVD's is well worth mentioning no matter what type of music is dominating your iPod these days. The Country Hall and reissue CD/DVD specialists Shout! Factory have teamed up to deliver what has to be a eureka moment for musical goldminers who have always wanted to peek inside the Hall's famously expansive vaults. The two DVD's, Tammy Wynette: Legendary Performances and Marty Robbins: Legendary Performances, feature rare, career-spanning performances "culled from multiple broadcast and cable television shows archived in the Museum." The archivists at the Hall have loads more "Legendary Performances" by a number of other legendary performers sitting in storage. Here's hoping this series is a success so they can start sharing some more of those precious gems. 

Bonnaroo & New Nash Releases

Even though its held more than an hour away, Bonnaroo tends to take over our city in subtle and not-so-subtle ways every early June. Rockers, music business VIP's, comedians, actors and other noteworthy folks usually fly in and out of Nashville International on their way to the festival and they often stay a night or two, so the star spotting possibilities around this time go way, way up. 

Reports of comedian Zach Galifianakis hanging at 3 Crow Bar with Nashville pal Courtney Jaye  and sightings of actress/activist Janeane Garofalo and SNL star Andy Samberg were interesting but not even an Olsen twins sighting (seriously, they spent their birthday at Bonnaroo) could compare to the rumor that ran through Music City on Thursday, June 12.  The pairing of Nashville's intimate indie listening room The Basement with the biggest hard rock band in the world, Metallica, not only seemed highly unlikely but simply impossible. How could a band used to playing in front of a hundred thousand people squeeze their sound into a venue better suited to a hundred? Well, somehow they managed, to the extreme delight of a reported 120 very lucky individuals (almost all of them Metallica fan club members). 

So why did this happen? No one seemed to know but we do know most of the story behind how it happened. The band knew they would be passing through Nashville on their way to Bonnaroo and since their management, Q Prime, runs a Nashville office led by John Peets (Black Keys, Gillian Welch, Nickel Creek) they set up this once-in-a-lifetime superfan dream gig. Apparently, the mini-Mettalica set was three months in the making so a huge pat on the back to the staff at The Basement and Grimey's Records for keeping this secret for so long (even from their family members... ahem). 

Also in Bonnaroo news, the festival featured a number of Nashville artists playing everything from the biggest stage to the smallest tent. Among the Music City set who rocked at "Roo": Superdrag, The Raconteurs, Ben Folds, De Novo Dahl, Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, The everybodyfields, The Greencards, Mike Farris, Jessie Baylin and Jypsi. Nashville newspaper The Tennessean and alt.weekly the Nashville Scene both have extensive festival coverage including video, pics, reviews and other news available via their respective blogs. 

In other Nashville not-so-country news. Hip rag Filter Magazine has posted their previously-run story about Middle Tennessee favorites The Features celebrating their win at the Diesul:U:Music Awards earlier this year in London with a photo shoot by legendary rock photographer Mick Rock (David Bowie, Queen, Blondie). Speaking of press, as usual the critics are understandably gobsmacked by the lyrical genius of Dave Berman and the musical musings of his underground all star band Silver Jews display on their new record Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. Another acclaimed artist who shares some band members with the Silver Jews, Cortney Tidwell, unveiled new material from her long awaited sophomore album to a packed house at the aforementioned Basement who also got to see a rare solo appearance from lambchop leader Kurt Wagner. Tidwell's stellar ensemble also featured members of The Lone Official, The Privates and The Altered Statesman whose latest record has been rightfully hailed as one of the best to come out of Nashville this year. 

Its been a busy Spring/early summer for Nashville's "other" side, with a slew of releases coming from numerous area artists including Katie Herzig who offered up her sophomore set, Apple Tree, and Matt Wertz, who, after years of successfully building a career as an independent artist,  is readying his major label debut with a new single "5:19" available now via iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody. Wertz's pal and frequent touring partner Dave Barnes has been out promoting his Razor & Tie records debut Me+You+The World. He was even asked to swing by MTV's TRL on a very Tennessee day (Memphis Oscar Winning rappers Three6 Mafia and Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams from Franklin, TN were also guests) to show his video for "Until You" which you can check out by following the link. Nashville psychedelic pop savants De Novo Dahl officially unveiled their Roadrunner records debut Move Evert Muscle Make Every Sound last month and are appearing at nearly every major music festival in America this summer including their aforementioned apperance at Bonnaroo as well as All Points West, Lollapalooza, Download Festival and and the legendary Summerfest in Milwaukee. Another Nashville band making their major label bow is Safety Suit who have recently released "Life Left to Go" on Universal and who are currently crisscrossing the country from Idaho to NYC in a passenger van (hope you guys are getting good gas mileage).