WASHINGTON, D.C.— “IF I RULED THE BLOGOSPHERE: Hip-Hop Blogs and Social Change” will feature prominent hip-hop bloggers in a dynamic conversation about how artists are gaining traction online, the impact of technology on music promotion and how bloggers and artists can raise awareness about important issues in the hip-hop community and beyond.

Co-sponsored by Words Beats & Life (WBL) and Future of Music Coalition (FMC), the event takes place on Saturday, April 3 at Busboys & Poets (14th and V Streets NW, Washington, D.C.) from 4-7 p.m. read more

NEW ORLEANS, LA—Ryan Dobrowski + Israel Nebeker (Blind Pilot), Rebecca Gates, Thao Nguyen (Thao with the Get Down Stay Down), Toshi Reagon, Matana Roberts, Jill Sobule, Jon Theodore (One Day As A Lion), New Orleans’ very own Bonerama and more will celebrate New Orleans, her community and its musical ambassadors for Musicians Bringing Musicians Home VI at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse Street) on Friday, March 26 at 10pm.

Admission is $10; tickets are now on sale online here and in-person at the One Eyed Jacks box office. Proceeds from the show benefit Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) a nonprofit that helps musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members get on their feet, earn money from their art, and pass on America’s most unique cultural traditions (www.sweethomeneworleans.org). read more

Future of Music Coalition (FMC) has launched an online survey meant to provide much-needed data on musicians’ access to health insurance.

The “Taking the Pulse” survey, which will be open from March 2 through April 1, 2010, assesses the level of health insurance among working musicians, asking key questions about artists’ access to coverage and their understanding of the current health insurance landscape. read more

Washington, D.C.– National education, research and advocacy nonprofit organization Future of Music Coalition (FMC) has launched an online comments tool to help artists, labels and fans file comments with the Federal Communications Commission as it considers adopting formal rules on net neutrality — the principle that protects the open internet.

Artists such as R.E.M., Kronos Quartet, Erin McKeown, Martín Perna (Antibalas, Ocote Soul Sounds), Franz Nicolay (The Hold Steady), Pearl Jam, Imani Winds, Dead Prez and more are submitting comments in this proceeding. Through the comments tool, FMC is offering a means by which all musicians — established and developing — can tell their stories about how they use the internet in their lives and careers and voice their opinions on specific questions related to this historic FCC proceeding. read more

Washington, D.C. Future of Music Coalition (FMC) — a national nonprofit that seeks a bright future for musicians and listeners — participated in today’s “public interest panel” on media ownership before the FCC’s Media Bureau in advance of their 2010 media ownership rulemaking proceedings. The purpose of today’s convening was to assist the FCC in developing an analytical framework as it begins its quadrennial media ownership review, Congressionally mandated by the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Every four years, the Commission undertakes rulemaking proceedings to “determine whether any of such rules are necessary in the public interest as the result of competition,” according to the FCC. To aid the agency in achieving its stated goals of localism, competition and diversity in media, FMC delivered a statement about the importance of robust data collection and analysis in service of these objectives. read more

Washington, D.C.—Future of Music Coalition — a national nonprofit that seeks a bright future for musicians and listeners — commends today’s historic introduction of draft principles to protect the open internet for creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and the public. read more

Washington, D.C.— On Thursday, October 15, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to pass the Local Community Radio Act of 2009, clearing the way for more local radio programming in towns and cities across the country. By allowing for the creation of hundreds of Low Power FM (LPFM) stations, the Act can help reverse the lamentable loss of localism due in part to consolidation in the commercial radio marketplace. “Future of Music Coalition and has been working to expand and protect community radio since day one,” said Michael Bracy, Policy Director for Future of Music Coalition. “In an era of cookie-cutter playlists and next to no localism in radio, the overwhelming passage of Low-Power FM legislation in committee is incredibly significant. Musicians in particular can benefit from more LPFM stations in their communities, because it’s a great way for them to reach audiences and inspire other artists.” read more

Washington, D.C.— From fascinating keynotes by Senator Al Franken and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to special conversations between artists, managers, journalists and policymakers, the eighth Future of Music Policy Summit illuminated key issues in music, media and public policy, while offering practical advice to musicians seeking to learn new ways to amplify and sustain their careers. Nearly five hundred people attended the three-day event, and nearly 9,000 more watched the live interactive webcast. read more

Washington, D.C.— On Thursday, October 8, the Local Community Radio Act of 2009 passed out of House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet in a sweeping 15 to 1 vote. The Act would clear the way for hundreds of Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcasters in American towns and communities — stations that can help fill the void in local programming created by a consolidated commercial radio marketplace.

“Future of Music Coalition is very pleased that policymakers have recognized the fundamental role Low Power FM can play in local communities,” said Michael Bracy, Policy Director for Future of Music Coalition. “LPFM is vital to musicians around the country, who rely on local radio as a way to reach audiences. It can also help undo the tremendous damage to localism as a result of rampant consolidation in the commercial broadcast industry. There’s no good reason not to allow more LPFM in more American towns and cities. Quality local radio is too important a resource to hold back.” read more