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.

On Monday, October 5, Senator Al Franken gave a keynote address about Net Neutrality — the principle that protects the open internet — to a rapt audience including musicians, artist advocates, technologists, industry representatives, journalists and more. Introduced by R.E.M. bassist/songwriter Mike Mills, the Senator took a moment to humorously chide Mills. “I love how the Future of Music Coalition gives exposure to new artists like Mike. I’ve had my eye on these guys, R.E.M., and they’re going to take off — you just watch,” he said. Senator Franken also stressed his commitment to preserving an open internet that allows artists and entrepreneurs to compete on an level technological playing field with the biggest companies. He also stressed net neutrality’s role in promoting expression. “As far as I’m concerned, free speech limited or free speech delayed are the same as free speech denied,” Franken said.

Following his remarks, Senator Franken sat down for an insightful conversation with Mills, where the two discussed a range of issues from health insurance reform to the public performance right — which would compensate performing artists for the over-the-air broadcast of their music.

Later that afternoon, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski gave a keynote address about net neutrality, broadband internet and his vision for America’s networked future. In addition to a string of Bruce Springsteen-related puns, the Chairman praised musicians who have championed the importance of the open internet. “I want to salute the many artists who have already signed up to publicly lend their voice in support of Net Neutrality — including artists from R.E.M., Pearl Jam, OK Go, Wilco, and many, many more,” he said.

The Franken and Genachowski keynotes can be viewed at the C-SPAN website.

Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) was live interviewed by musician/songwriter Nicole Atkins on Tuesday, October 6, when the two discussed how allowing more Low Power FM stations — 100-watt broadcasters that provide a range of community-focused programming from civic debate to local arts coverage — could benefit musicians and contribute to America’s cultural health.

Also on Tuesday, Daniel Ek of Spotify — a potentially game-changing music service that’s already taken Europe by storm and is gearing up for launch in the United States — spoke about his vision for sustainable (and legal) digital music platforms.

Brian Message of Radiohead’s management team discussed artist empowerment with WIRED technology and music business correspondent Eliot Van Buskirk, while legendary MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer sat down for an inspired back-and-forth with D.C. punk/post-rock icon Ian McKaye (Fugazi/Minor Threat/Dischord Records).

Panel discussions provided insight into a host of pressing issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy and law. One particularly feisty conversation examined how technology has impacted the entire music ecosystem in the course of a decade. Expert panelists included Peter Jenner (Sincere Management; President Emeritus, IMMF), Roberta R. Katz (Special Advisor, Technology, U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division), Steve Marks (Executive VP and General Counsel, RIAA), Andrew Noyes (Journalist; Contributor, National Journal [moderator]), Tim Quirk (Vice President of Music Programming, Rhapsody), Tanya Sandros (Deputy General Counsel, US Copyright Office) and Johanna Shelton (Senior Policy Counsel & Legislative Strategist, Google Inc.).

See the full list of programming here.

On Monday night, an all-star concert featuring New Orleans brass sensations Bonerama, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Erin McKeown, Wayne Kramer and Martín Perna of Ocote Soul Sounds/Antibalas thrilled a packed audience at D.C’s Rock and Roll Hotel nightclub. The show benefited Sweet Home New Orleans — an organization that helps New Orleans musicians return to their homes and communities.

Breakout sessions covered a range of issues, from “The New Musician’s Toolbox” to “The Future of Music Journalism,” and featured participants such as digital music pioneer Jim Griffin of Choruss and a dozen music writers including Greg Kot of Chicago Tribune, Scott Plagenhoef of Pitchfork Media and Tom Moon, music critic for NPR and the author of 1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die.

Video and audio archives will be available at www.futureofmusic.org; for now, you can view select sessions from the webcast transmission:

http://futureofmusic.org/events/future-music-policy-summit-2009