Houston-based start-up announces onseeker™ music is now available free to consumers at the iTunes App Store. The new iPhone app connects fans, artists, and venues in ways never experienced before.

Onseeker™ music is the "how" to the "who, what, when, and where" for music and entertainment. Using the mobile platform, onseeker™ music provides the unique benefit of real-time interaction between fans, artists, and venues using full multimedia profiles, status updates, location-based content, and more.
 
Subscriber artists and venues control content and receive consumer-generated feedback, metrics, and analytics that offer intimate insight into tastes and user trends previously unavailable.
 
The feature-rich app is growing and changing daily as new artist and venue subscribers populate the platform with profiles, show dates, and new media content. Plans are currently underway to offer the onseeker™music app through all major smartphones including Google Android, Palm Pre, Blackberry, WindowsOS, and Nokia.
 
Create a profile or learn more about it at http://www.onseekermusic.com

The only Writer's Digest competition exclusively for poets! Regardless of style—rhyming, free verse, haiku and more—if your poems are 32 lines or fewer, Writer's Digest wants them all.

Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Prizes

First Place: $500

Second Place: $250

Third Place: $100

Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25

Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books.

The names and poem titles of the First through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the August 2010 Writer's Digest, and afterwards their names will appear on http://www.writersdigest.com/. All winners will receive the 2010 Poet's Market.

The 1st- through 50th-place poems will be printed in a special competition collection.  (Publication date: May 2010. You are not required to purchase the collection to enter the competition.)

For more information, visit http://www.writersdigest.com/poetryawards

Experience the event whose influence reverberates throughout the year by registering to attend SXSW 2010. Act now and receive the lowest rates and the best hotel selections, leaving you more dough for BBQ and a short mosey home from the evening's events. If you're on the cutting-edge of industry convergence, take advantage of a Platinum or Gold badge for unique opportunities that only happen during March in Austin, Texas.

For more information, visit: http://www.sxsw.com/

 

Toward the second week of autumn, songwriters gather from all points north, south, east and west. The Songwriter's Festival at Loretta Lynn's Ranch is several events in one. Live original music performances, classes, contest, open sing rings, plus Ranch amenities, accommodations and more. It's part fest, part music conference, part business networking and part gathering of old friends held in Hurricane Mills, TN October 2-4, 2009.

Tune smiths from the novice to the pro share their songs on multiple outdoor stages nestled within hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pasture and a winding creek. Hit Writers from the past, present and future will be contributing their talents with live music. The Song Fest at the Ranch welcome all forms of songwriting. Writers are encouraged to come as they are and be themselves. The laid back country atmosphere inspires and invigorates.

Everyone who comes will have an opportunity to share their original lyrics, songs or music. There are no set pre qualifications to attend all or parts of the Festival. There are Open Sing Rings that "Song Wranglers" can join in or start. There is a Co-writers Corner for on the spot writing and sharing a new tune. If ya still can't sleep after all the stages close their is an after hour "Camp Fire Sing Ring" down by the creek. So don't be shy.

Friday, October 2nd, Saturday, October 3rd & Sunday October 4th, tunesmiths can attend classes all about the craft of songwriting. Pro Instructors who have been there, done that, will share their secrets and personal experiences about what it takes to be successful in the business of music.

There is a songwriting & lyric Challenge with over $25,000 in Prizes. These challenges are designed to highlight new or undiscovered talent and just great commercial music for today's market. A distinguished panel of judges such as Sure Fire Music, one of Nashville's oldest publishers who has many of Loretta's songs in their catalog. Some of the winning entry's will receive publishing & song pitching agreements along with cash prizes, professional pitch demos and more.

And if that weren't enough to do... Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch is complete with a Full Service RV Park, Cabin & Campsites, Swimming Pool, Playgrounds, Canoeing, Paddle Boats, Nature Trails, Mini-Theater and more. Durring the fest tours will also be offered to Lynn's Plantation Home, Recording Studio, Loretta's Butcher Holler Home Place, "Coal Miners Daughter Museum." The Old Grist Mill Water Wheel Houses, Fan Museum, Western Town & Jessie James Cabin.

So come hang with the gang for the three day weekend & find your place in the mix. We are located about 65 miles due west from Nashville TN. The Songwriter's Festival at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in now accepting sign ups for performing & non performing songwriters, classes and general admissions for the October 2-4, '09 happening. For more information visit www.Songwritersfestival.com or call 615-424-1491 / 931-296-4067 or email Ranch@Songwritersfestival.com Pet friendly. Open to public.Free Parking!

MyMusicSite.com's August digital blast and subscription promotional specials will be ending at the end of this month. You have only 1 week left to get the Promotional rates.

*** Add your music to MyMusicSite.com Radio (which is free) and get additional $20 off full digital blast and $10 off category blasts.***

See below for promotional information:

We will do a mp3 blast to over 2500 DJ's, Record Companies, Record Pools, College Radio Stations, Radio Stations, Music Supervisors and influential people in the music business for you. We blast one song that you choose and we include all of your contact information so that everyone we contact can follow up with you directly. We are offering this service for our PROMO rate of $179 again ($149 if you add your music (free) to MyMusicSite.com Radio). TAKE ADVANTAGE NOW and take your career to the next level! This special will end at the end of this month.

-OR-

Individual Category Digital Blasts
We now do individual category Digital Blasts for you to directly reach and promote your music to your target audience. We cater to the following Six categories:
 
Music Supervisors
College Radio
A&R
Mainstream Radio
Record Pools
Music Tastemakers

$89 1 category (choose any category above)
$149 2 categories (choose any 2 categories above)
$199 3 categories (choose any 3 categories above)
$229 4 categories (choose any 4 categories above)

$249 All categories (get all categories above) plus get bonus:
You can pick one of the following add ons for Free:
-Get 1 free upload session on iTunes. 
-Get a Featured Spot on MyMusicSite.com's Newsletter. 
-Get 25 Free Customized Business Cards.
 
Producers, please contact us with regards to blasts to artists looking to purchase beats at bturk@mymusicsite.com.
 
If you are ready to go, please make a payment to our PayPal address: sales@mymusicsite.com
(Please include the "Digital Blast" type in the PayPal payment description section.)

Take Advantage of MyMusicSite.com Subscription Plans!

For those of you who are looking for extra marketing and promotions, MyMusicSite.com offers monthly subscription plans varying from Silver to Platinum to help further your careers. For more information, please go onto our homepage and click Music Promotions or click the following link: http://www.mymusicsite.com/About/MarketingTool1.aspx

This month ONLY we are adding the following FREE giveaways with the following plans:

Silver Plan- One single upload for free on iTunes (must be member for 3 months).

Gold Plan- One individual blast to one of the five categories: Music Supervisors, College Radio, A&R, Mainstream Radio Record Pools and Music Tastemakers AND one iTunes single upload for free.

Platinum Plan - One album upload for free on iTunes AND a mininum of 5 online radio stations guaranteed to play your record.

If you are interested contact us at: bturk@mymusicsite.com 

GoGirlsMusic.com is a unique organization that focuses on advancing the careers of independent female artists. Founded in early 1996, the organization works tirelessly to help artists through education, networking, and events like the GoGirlsMusicFest, Invasion of the GoGirls during SXSW, GoGirls @ Folk Alliance and more. Artists who become involved have the opportunity to perform, have their work reviewed, and get involved with a hardworking group of women who "get things done" in the music scene.

For more information, visit http://www.gogirlsmusic.com

MusicDishTV is currently accepting video submissions!  We are interested in anything music: performance clips, music videos, commentary & news, and behind the scenes.  MusicDishTV only accepts the videos it judges to be the best and most unique. Submission is absolutely free.

For more information, visit: http://tv.musicdish.net

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival was founded in 1993. NYIIFVF has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. The festival hosts film, music and art events in the two entertainment capitals of the United States: New York and Los Angeles.

NYIIFVF attracts many global entries, including: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, Spain, India and the U.K.  The scope of the festival ranges from high profile to novice, so one experiences an array of films and individuals driven by independent movie making.

Past NYIIFVF festivals have included the work of Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Selma Blair, Ewan McGregor, Dominique Swain, Busy Phillips, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Walken, Daryl Hannah, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Modine, Rod Steiger, Tippi Hedren, Tony Danza, Willem Dafoe and Executive Producer Vin Diesel.

The festival represents a new wave of independent filmmakers and offers a unique opportunity for member of the film industry as well as delegates and attendees without the pretentiousness! According to popular Micro Cinema Magazine's editor Dave Sardella, "For any aspiring musicians, producers or directors the NYIIFVF is the place to have your projects seen and reviewed by the best of the best. This world renowned festival can be the launching pad to a successful career."

The NYIIFVF is a competitive event and is dedicated to making things happen for emerging filmmakers and screenwriters. The festival has cultivated excellent relationships with a lot of companies. We are constantly following up with acquisitions representatives from Peace Arch, ITN Distribution, LionsGate, Maverick Entertainment, Showtime, HBO, Comedy Central, etc in the hope that they will acquire and distribute independent films from our extensive library.

The festival is known as 'the voice for independent film' and receives extensive coverage in all major publications, including: Variety, CNN, New York Observer, New York Times, LA Times, LA Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, Fox TV, Time Out NY, E News, Daily News, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Screentalk Magazine, to name a few.

For more information or to submit a film, visit http://www.nyfilmvideo.com/

The Creative Freelancer Conference is the first and only full-scale business conference for self-employed creative professionals. Our goal? To help you maximize your freelance income by sharing best business practices and sage advice from seasoned solopreneurs who’ve learned through experience what works, and what doesn’t.

The program is geared toward freelance graphic designers, copywriters, illustrators and photographers, as well as solo practitioners of interactive, interior and industrial design. Anyone who makes a living selling creative services on a freelance basis (or would like to) will benefit.

WHEN: August 26 through August 28, 2009.

WHERE: Omni San Diego
675 L Street
San Diego, CA 92101

Knowing how to identify good prospects, promote your services effectively, write and present proposals, communicate the value of your work, negotiate rights and fees, build strong client relationships, allocate your time—and juggle all of the above—can transform your business, your income, your life.

For more information, visit http://creativefreelancerconference.com

Deadline: Sept 17, 2009
FIRST PRIZE: $10,000
3 SECOND PRIZES: $2,000
5 THIRD PRIZES: $1,000
20 FINALISTS: $100
20 SEMIFINALISTS: $50

Atlas Shrugged—Topics
Select ONE of the following three topics:

1. Hank Rearden does not apply the same philosophy to his personal life that he applies to his business. In what way does this contradiction harm him psychologically and practically? What is the central error that he makes? How does correcting his error improve his life?

2. In Atlas Shrugged, the heroes want to "make" money while the villains want, on the surface at least, to "have" money. What is the difference between these two views of money? Explain your answer by reference to actual events in the novel.

3. Choose one of the following pairs, and compare and contrast each character's approach to life and basic motivation:

   a. Hank Rearden and Francisco d'Anconia

   b. Dagny Taggart and Lillian Rearden

   c. Eddie Willers and James Taggart

 
Atlas Shrugged—Judging

Essays will be judged on both style and content. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged.

Essay submissions are evaluated in a fair and unbiased four-round judging process. Judges are individually selected by the Ayn Rand Institute based on a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Ayn Rand’s works. To ensure the anonymity of our participants, essay cover sheets are removed after the first round. Winners’ names are unknown to judges until after essays have been ranked and the contest results finalized.
Atlas Shrugged—Rules

* No application is required.
* Entrant must be enrolled in college/university or 12th grade at the time of entry.
* Contest is open to students worldwide.
* A stapled cover sheet MUST include: name and address of entrant; entrant’s e-mail address (if available); name and address of entrant’s university; topic selected (1, 2 or 3 from list above); and your declared major.
* Essay must be no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words in length, and must be typewritten and double-spaced. One entry per student, please.
* Essay must be solely the work of the entrant.
* Essay must be postmarked no later than September 17, 2009, no later than 11:59 PM, PST.
* Decisions of the judges are final.
* Employees of the Ayn Rand Institute, its board of directors and their immediate family members are not eligible for this contest. Past first-place winners are not eligible for this contest.
* All entries become the property of the Ayn Rand Institute and will not be returned.
* Winners and other participants will be notified by November 27, 2009.

 For more information and to enter the contest, visit http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_contests_atlas

This year's Dewey Beach Music Conference & Festival will be held October 1-3, 2009 and will showcase 175 bands on 17 stages all within a 5 block radius. There is no cover charge or wristband fee for the public to get into the showcase venues at night! Thus, bands actually play in front of an audience.

The event includes two days of panels, clinics, tradeshow, mentoring sessions, a BMX stunt bike exhibit in the parking lot, and industry meet & greet parties, where bands and industry alike partake in lots of Free Food (Sushi & Jumbo Shrimp, Bud Light, Absolut SnowCones, Fiji Water). There is no other event in the country that is this musician friendly.

There are also daytime acoustic stages sponsored by Sponsored by 96 Rock, World Cafe Live, Airport Circle and VIP parties sponsored by Bud Light. The tradeshow is not only informative but fun. There a stage is set up and film crew are hired to film bands being interviewed by Matt Pinfield, free Absolut Snowcones, a Guitar Hero Booth where the highest scoring player after the weekend gets a free Dean Guitar, and a real Red Carpet with free Polaroid pictures are taken of the band to take home (and digital image emailed to them as well.) After all, we feel all our bands are worthy of walking the Red Carpet.

The event wraps up on Sunday with a free "Last Chance to Schmooze Brunch."

More information at http://www.deweybeachfest.com

Since 1997, Songsalive! is the largest international non-profit membership organization dedicated to the nurturing, support, promotion and education of songwriters and composers worldwide. Founded in 1997, by songwriters Gilli Moon and Roxanne Kiely in Sydney, Australia,  Songsalive! is run by volunteer songwriters for songwriters and has reached the far corners of the globe with over 25 chapters worldwide (International head office in Los Angeles CA, USA).

We provide a "home", a family, for songwriters and composers through our programs, resources, community and support, all focused on the art and business of songwriting. It acts as an epicentre, a heart of the international songwriting community and music markets, bridging the gaps, tapping songwriters into the pulse of the business and at the same time giving them and their music the support they deserve. Through Songsalive!, songs and songwriters can be accessed by the whole world and when the hunt is on, Songsalive! is a one-stop song shop!

For more information, please visit http://www.songsalive.org

The Independent Music Awards is a prestigious international program that gets top-ranked independent artists & releases the recognition they need to reach millions of fans worldwide.

Now in its 9th year, the IMAs honor artists who broaden the definition of commercial success & represent the diversity of the global Indie scene. Adding to an already broad spectrum of music and design categories, awards added to this year’s program include: Story Song, Love Song, Concept Album and Eclectic.

Submissions must be postmarked by August 25, 2009 to be considered for the 9th annual IMA program.  Program details and entry forms are available at IndependentMusicAwards.com, sonicbids.com/ima2009 and in the 2009 edition of the industry contact directory,
The Musician’s Atlas currently on sale.

THE NEXT NEW MUSIC SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE IN CHICAGO ON OCTOBER 6. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.

This low-cost one day event will give you the knowledge and the tools to step into tomorrow’s music business today. The day will kick off with a keynote speech, followed by four seminars filled with vital information on how to see it and how to do it, accompanied by the New Music Seminar Handbook filled with important contact information and vital new music business basics. The Schmoozatorium will have important industry exhibitors and an opportunity for you to network with the other Seminar delegates.

No matter what type of music you are into, rock, hip hop,
dance or polka, whether you play, sing, rap or spin, the New Music Seminar is where you’ll turn your music career into a success.

Visit http://www.newmusicseminar.biz/ for more information.

TK Promotions in association with the Coalition of Songwriter & Music Organizations (COSMO) and Women's Radio, present 2 days of Songwriter Workshops, State of the Industry and Pitch-A-Song (TM) panels at the upcoming Indiegrrl 2009 Women in the Arts Conference, at the beautiful Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Parkway in Nashville, TN. The Indiegrrl 2009 conference (not just for girls) is from Thursday Aug. 20-23 and features indie artists from all over the world.

Please email Toni at pitchasong@gmail.com for submission guidelines and entry forms to be sure you have all the details you need.

Deadline for mail in and online submissions is Sat. Aug. 15, 2009.

We will accept walk up registrations at Indiegrrl 2009 until 5pm, Fri. Aug. 21 at the Hotel Preston.  Email Toni at pitchasong@gmail.com with any questions.

We present 2 days (Aug. 21 & 22 from 9am - 2pm) of top industry pros including Pat & Pete Luboff (hit songwriters and authors from WriteSongs.com), Debi Cochran, (NSAI Legislative Director & hit songwriter), Ralph Murphy (ASCAP VP/Hit Songwriter), Robert A. Case (Publisher/Producer), Robyn Taylor-Drake (Songplugger and Songwriter Life Coach), Merel Bregante (Studio Owner/Producer from Austin, TX), Dave Tough (Producer/Asst. Professor of Audio Engineering Technology, Belmont University), Charlyn Bernal, (L.A. ASCAP Film/TV/Music Department), Steve Scott, (Cosmo President & State of the Industry Moderator), Bill Pere, (Author/Songwriter & head of Connecticut Songwriter Association), Brian Ball, (Program Director, Women's Radio) and Mike Farley (Creative Director at Michael J Media group) are just a few of confirmed industry guests attending.

To register for Indiegrrl 2009 visit www.indiegrrl.com.

The sixth annual Great Lakes Songwriting Contest is open for submissions, and entrants get a free on-line course from SongU just for entering.  There are no categories or age limits, and no songwriter gives up any rights to his or her song by entering or winning.

Eleven songs will be chosen, splitting about $35,000 in prizes.  The Grand Prize will be $2,500 cash and the chance to headline the annual Winners' Concert, plus national publicity and various prize packages from the sponsors.

Thanks to a partnership with Sonicbids, artists can choose to enter on-line or by mail. The regular deadline is September 1, with an extension until September 15 for Sonicbids entries.

The contest is sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Broadjam.com, SongU.com, and Indie-Music.com.  Go to http://www.GreatLakesSongs.com for more information.

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting contest, open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 12 categories. The JLSC is open year-round and features two Sessions -- with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and 1 Maxell Song of the Year.

You don't need a professional recording. Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable). Your songs may be entered in any of the following categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Children's. Instrumental compositions are encouraged.

More information at http://www.jlsc.com