We at FMC are always psyched when we hear about artists making DIY work for them. Although you can’t paint with one brush when it comes to musicians — many have wonderful relationships with their labels — it’s clear that today’s performers don’t need big-time backing to make a record and get it out there. Case in point: Erin McKeown. read more

OK, we know it’s been a while since we’ve talked about net neutrality. But we figured you could use a break. Not that it’s not still relevant — actually, the reason we’ve blogged about the issue so much in the past is because net neutrality — the principle that protects the open internet —is crucial to artists and fans. Today’s musicians depend on the web to reach potential audiences without the interference of gatekeepers, toll collectors and middlemen — which could change if net neutrality goes away. read more

For those of you who were there, you already know that Threads and Cred — last week’s final web.illish.us event at Silk City in Philly — was one kick-ass party. For those of you who weren’t there, here’s a brief run-down on what you missed (You can also watch the video archive from the live webcast at web.illish.us).

The jam-packed event saw local fans ready to hear a bracing mix of hip-hop, jazz rock and instrumental fusion. From the mysterious mood lighting to DJ Dirty South Joe’s between-set mix, it was obvious from the start that Threads and Cred was going to be a memorable (and musically diverse) occasion. read more

Hard to believe three months have gone by and we’re now at the final web.illish.us event, which takes place tomorrow night (Wednesday, Feb. 18) at Silk City in Philadelphia.

Saving the best for last may be an understatement considering tomorrow’s jam-packed event. Appropriately titled “Threads & Cred,” this installment will focus on how net neutrality strengthens creative culture by facilitating innovation, real-time experimentation and collaboration. “Threads & Cred" refers to dialogue threads (as well as a pun on clothing) and the credibility you need to thrive in online (or real-world) communities. read more

If you’ve been following FMC’s work, you’ve no doubt heard us talk about the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) — a forward-looking non-profit organization that represents a broad coalition of independent labels.

On January 15, A2IM President Rich Bengloff published An Indie Music Memo to the FCC: We Need a Level Playing Field Too at the Huffington Post. The article calls on the Commission to recognize the indie sector’s contribution to the music economy (around 30 percent of all domestic music sold), and says that access to the digital marketplace is crucial to indie artists and labels. That means net neutrality — the principle that protects the open internet — must be preserved. (For more info on net neutrality and the music community, visit FMC’s Rock the Net page.) read more