Compiled by MC Senior Editor, Mark Nardone hen Music Connection began to compile this exclusive list, we not only drew upon the Wmagazine’s own resources –– our editorial staff, freelance writers and industry contacts — but via our Weekly Bulletin we invited 70,000 readers to participate. So we want to thank the thousands of respondents who contributed thoughtful and, in many cases, heartfelt nominations. As is the nature of such a list, it was not possible to include all who were deserving of recognition. And we do not expect you will agree with every choice we ultimately made. But this one-of-a- kind list, a result of many hours of deliberation and presented in no particular order regarding an individual’s importance or accomplishment, is composed of people and entities who had an important impact on music and music-makers in 2008.

42 AMP NETWORK • WEEKLY BULLETIN • WEBSITE • DIGITAL EDITION • MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2008 Shepard Fairey access to a rights. But beyond his career in law he put Aside from his notorious prints of Che synthesizer right together a 2008 charity CD, Interlude, which Guevara, Joseph Stalin and George Bush, in the palm of their features the talents of artists such as Chuck graphic artist Frank Shepard Fairey has lent hands. In addition Prophet, Kelly Willis and Ana Egge. The his vision to album covers by Black Eyed to the amazing proceeds of the disc are going to MusicCares, Peas, the Smashing Pumpkins and Led linking capabilities, which makes sure musicians have their Zeppelin. Most importantly, in 2008, Fairey’s which offer musical financial, medical and personal needs met in anti-establishment art has become the official opportunities no single synthesizer ever could, times of crisis. In addition his pro bono work, look of “Change,” not just for those youth who the KORG DS-10 puts powerful tools at the Litowitz also runs a foundation to raise money rebelled against the disposal of a whole new generation of music to fight Parkinson’s, called ParkinSong. (www Bush administration, talent. Scary. (http://www.aqi.co.jp/product/ .finnegan.com/robertlitowitz) but also for the masses ds10/en/index.html) that would vote for a Red Bull young African-American Lil Wayne The Austrian energy for president. Shepard Perhaps no drink maker does more Fairey’s ubiquitous precedent exists than send a hot-shot designs have influenced for the 2008 of caffeinated sugar to a generation to become success of this your cerebral cortex. politically active. (www rapper (Dwayne The company has also .studionumber-one Michael Carter, become known for its dynamic music events, .com) Jr.), who offered especially the Red Bull Soundclash, a high- over 70 songs concept endeavor that gives the audience an and remixes as onstage collaborative performance in which Trent Reznor free downloads two bands are judged via crowd response as Who’da thought instead of putting they complete a set of assigned tasks. This the perennial a new CD on mash-up results in a cohesive, “conversational” prince of darkness the market. performance between the bands. (www. would ever get all By giving his redbullsoundclash .com) touchy-feely on music away he kept his art in the public’s ears us? But when it and his fans happy. When he finally did release came to Nine Inch a full album, the fans rewarded him handily, Nails fans, that’s making Wayne the biggest first week seller of pretty much how 2008. The rapper’s Tha Carter III sold 423,000 Reznor rolled in copies in its first day of release, according to 2008. With his self- Billboard magazine (citing figures from Nielsen released Ghosts Trent Reznor SoundScan). With those numbers, Wayne I–IV, Reznor seized posted the best sales debut of the year. He has the opportunity to ignore the old-school label- marketing paradigm and go directly to his killed the oft-cited warning that listeners will not listeners with special offers and cool incentives. buy what they can get free. (MySpace.com/ lilwayne) He sold the music online from $5 per digital Rothbury Festival download on up to a $300 Ultra-Deluxe limited “Destination festivals” have been popping edition package, which sold out all 2,500 copies Robert Plant up like a plague of dandelions the past few (grossing $750,000) in three days. A week later The hi-pitched years. But this one, on an idyllic tree-lined he reported more than 700,000 orders and hellion of classic mecca six miles from Lake Michigan, had downloads, and revenue of $1.6 million. Reznor rock turned down an environmental mission (organizers set a has showed that an artist’s best move is to (at least for now) the “near-zero waste” goal for the festival) and, like bond with the core fan to offer something smart easy money – an and unique. (www.nin.com) Bonnaroo, was later rewarded for “Outstanding eagerly anticipated Greener Festival” by agreenerfestival.com. LZ reunion – to MC feature writer Gary Graff reported via The Eagles & Irving Azoff continue to pursue GoAndDoMichigan.com: “Rothbury’s well-

Kudos to this classic band, now his new love, the ullins publicized green initiatives were a hit with fans well-received duet M touring in support of Long Road lla and artists alike — even Snoop Dogg was seen Out of Eden (their first album of project Raising Sand E sorting his trash into compost, recycling and new material since 1979), and with country/bluegrass siren Alison Krauss. In landfill trash bins.” (www.rothburyfestival.com) their longtime manager Azoff for effect, Plant has proved to aging superstars thinking of their fans. How? and their fans that there’s life and untold artistic Ellen Page By doing away with the satisfaction beyond your Greatest Hits. (www standard, much-hated .robertplant.com) For the 2008 Oscar-winning filmJuno , “convenience fee” this Canadian actress was so in-tune with that could easily her precocious, pregnant title character Tim Westergren that Page asked the director to rethink his alodner have been tacked An accomplished K on to the price soundtrack choice of ‘70s glam rock in favor of ohn musician, Westergren founded internet radio something simpler, stripped down and sincere J of each concert station Pandora in 2000. In 2008, facing Irving Azoff ticket. Does this — the songs of quirky Moldy Peaches singer extinction at the hands of the powerful National Kimya Dawson, which led to a commercial gesture, triggered by Azoff’s recent rise to CEO Association of Broadcasters (which represents of Ticketmaster (“Ticketbastard,” to more than a breakthrough for that alt-folk artist. (www commercial radio’s interests) Westergren .ellenpages.com) few cash-strapped concertgoers), actually signal spearheaded the successful grassroots the emergence of a kinder, gentler, fan-friendly campaign to get the House and Senate to ratify music industry? (www.eaglesband.com) an agreement on internet radio royalties, thus ensuring the continued existence of internet Nobuyoshi Sano radio. As Pandora’s Chief Strategy Officer, Westergren is dedicated to helping talented KORG DS-10 emerging artists connect with the music fans Composer/sound designer Nobuyoshi “sanodg” most likely to appreciate their music. (www Sano, the musical genius behind many popular .pandora.com) videogames, including several of the Tekken and Ridge Racer series, has expanded the world of music creation by designing software Rob Litowitz for the Nintendo DS, the ever-popular handheld He’s a litigating attorney specializing in patents, gaming device, which allows users to have trademarks and other intellectual property

DECEMBER 2008 • MAGAZINE • DIGITAL EDITION • WEBSITE • WEEKLY BULLETIN • AMP NETWORK 43 Bob Lefsetz sticking by the commercially struggling yet San Francisco and London. In 2008 her events His LefsetzLetter –– opinionated, often critically acclaimed Kings of Leon for four focused on new business models. smashmouthed, but very persuasive –– is albums and counting. (www.rcarecords.com) (www.narip.com) received via e-mail by a broad spectrum of artists and execs and always pushes hard Brian Eno for artists’ rights. Lefsetz not only brings an From his daring entertainment attorney’s knowledge to the Roxy Music days table, but his abiding passion for great music through eccentric fuels his informed rants, which challenge the solo albums industry to stop whining and go boldly into the and ambient future. (www.lefsetz.com) excursions, to

mega-success Brendan Okrent with U2 and A tireless champion of young songwriters, Mel Karmazin most recently this ASCAP exec organizes The Lester Sill The difficult merger he Coldplay’s 2008 Songwriting Workshop. Okrent also started orchestrated between rival release Viva la ASCAP’s “Quiet On The Set” showcase (in satellite radio services Sirius Vida or Death N.Y., L.A., Miami, at SXSW in Austin and at the Brian Eno and XM keeps the form alive and All His Folk Alliance Conference). These showcases have been a potent proving ground for so it can continue to deliver Friends, this producer/artist continues to exert emerging talent. (www.ascap.com) compelling commercial-free a powerful mojo. What’s more, 2008 saw Eno music programming and reunite with David Byrne for the duo’s first a nagging challenge to collaboration (Everything That Happens Will commercial radio. It remains Happen Today) since 1981’s My Life In The to be seen if the merger will Bush of Ghosts. (www.enoshop.co.uk) offer more or less channels for new music, but the very David Mel Karmazin survival of commercial-free Israelite satellite radio is a worthy As President/ compromise. (www.sirius.com) CEO, National Music Publishing Association, he has significantly raised the lobbying profile of songwriters and publishers with tangible results in Washington. “Although we face such an enormous fight,” says Israelite, “we have an incredible advantage –– we represent songwriters, without whom the record labels Tena Clark and digital music services could not exist.” (www.nmpa.org) Tena Clark A songwriter, producer and visionary entrepreneur, Clark is a force of nature. As CEO/DMI Music and Media Solutions she has established an entertainment powerhouse through music branding, a recording studio, a music library, a record company and new media and marketing. One of the few female producers working today, she has produced for Natalie Cole and Dionne Warwick. She recently

Jack Johnson wrote a song performed by Leanne Rimes for the TV series Desperate Housewives. This multitalent continues to show how women Jack Johnson can take the reins and be a force in the music Singer/songwriter/surferdude, he’s always industry. (www.dmiworldwide.com) been sincere about combining environmental activism with music. His summer 2008 tour was especially green, launching an All At Once ReverbNation online community so fans were able to find Under its out about carpooling opps. Concertgoers also Founder/VP Artist had the option of paying a $1.50 fee to offset Development Lou their carbon emissions on the way to the show. Plaia, ReverbNation The artist’s site stated, “go green or go home.” has built a reputation as a site that helps (www.jackjohnsonmusic.com) indie artists get their music exposed to the world. For bands, famous A2IM and obscure, looking for a cheap, easy way The major labels may be in to get their albums into online music stores — and to track their sales revenue against their decline, but the indies are promotional efforts — ReverbNation offers a doing quite well, thank you. potent and cost-effective avenue. In 2008 the They even have The American Association of popular site celebrated its 200,000th band Independent Music (A2IM) “to promote sector member. (www.ReverbNation.com) opportunity and enhance the market share of its combined membership.” What that means Tess Taylor is A2IM stands up to the big, bad majors Nancie Stern whenever there’s a dispute. (www.a2im.org) President, Music Resources, Inc. Tess Taylor Stern’s company specializes in music Taylor is on a mission to educate and clearances & licensing for all media, and is a RCA Records inspire both artists and execs. Her National leader in resolving thorny sample clearance Association of Record Industry Professionals Yes, major labels have been issues (she has worked on albums for Tupac, and the Los Angeles Music Network are top- repeatedly bitch-slapped, and Eminem, 50 Cent and many more). Over notch and brilliantly executed. She and the the last few years, her focus has been in the deservedly so, for failing to stand by company have consistently offered networking their up-and-coming acts. That’s why area of New Media and Technology where opportunities for artists, industry folks and she helps her clients to develop viable music- it’s only fitting to commend RCA Records for hopefuls in Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix,

44 AMP NETWORK • WEEKLY BULLETIN • WEBSITE • DIGITAL EDITION • MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2008 driven business models that many industry period where digital companies are popping up Freddie Ravel vets won’t touch. While Stern has a hard nose He’s a motivational speaker/musician and a keen eye for the kind of legalese that and charging the artist just to upload a picture and bio, his is a free service that allows one to (Madonna, Al Jarreau and many others) who can cripple a project, she’s also known to have has created a unique program that uses a a soft heart when it comes to animal rights, do that plus service any broadcast media. (www.airplaydirect.com)(www.airplaydirect.com) keynote speech-and-concert mash-up called actively supporting The Pets Evacuation and “Tune Up to Success.” Yamaha, Wal-Mart and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act, most recently NASA’s Goddard Space Flight H.R. 3858) that passed into law in 2006 (a Guitar Hero / Center have hired Ravel to energize their work law that protects pets in federal evacuation force. (www.freddieravel.com) plans), and many other animal rights issues. Rock Band She is also a longtime practitioner of the A two-headed Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin and an active musical monster, member of the SGI-USA (the largest lay these video games Buddhist organization in the world). (nstern@ (both originally musicresources.com) developed by Harmonix, Inc.) may be responsible Delia for a whole rash Orjuela of rock & roll brats A keen judge of who will become up-and-coming the new warriors talent, this in the fight to keep Assistant VP, loud guitars on the Writer/Publisher charts. Aside from relations, Latin inspiring kids, these games have become a Music, BMI, great way to sell a band’s back catalog, as well consistently brings as an amazing vehicle to break new bands, in strong artists probably even better than MTV and radio. New and songwriters widgets and “sharing” technology now promise to take part in the to allow players to create and play original organization’s music. “Buy” buttons enable the immediate “Acoustic Lounge” purchase of music, adding “ch-ching” to the events. Some of arsenal of gaming sound effects. Freddie Ravel the many writers and musicians she has signed and worked with Travis Allen since she joined Owner & CEO of My Record Label, BMI include Los he’s an artist who has worked with Dolly Tucanes de Parton, Diamond Rio and Garth Brooks. Tijuana, Molotov, Allen developed My Record Label as a pro- Charlie Zaa, Café artist site where indie artists can receive Tacuba, Rogelio Delia Orjuela tools ranging from marketing and branding Martínez, Innis, to product creation, including music EP’s, full Kinky, Lupillo Rivera and Juanes. albums, music videos and EPKs (electronic (www.bmi.com) press kits). The site is free to sign up and the 30 Seconds To Mars takes no money from artist earnings. (www .myrecordlabel.net) Steve Schnur The alt-rockers’ song “A Beautiful Lie,” from Schnur spear- their new album of the same name, spawned heads the music a groundbreaking video that took the band supervision of the to Greenland to raise awareness for global sports-oriented warming, and eventually resulted in the games franchises formation of their environmental non-profit site. Madden NFL, (www.abeautifullie.org) Tiger Woods and NBA Live. The Madden NFL soundtrack has launched artists that include Good Brian Austin Whitney Steve Schnur Charlotte, OK GO, Starting with 60 Franz Ferdinand, members in 1998, Avenged Whitney has grown Sevenfold, the Just Plain Folks Yellowcard, Music Organization Dashboard to over 52,000 Confessional, Jet members in 160 and Ozomatli. countries. In The highlights AC/DC 2008, the org’s of the Madden awards competition ’09 soundtrack When it was just hard rock, AC/DC rocked reportedly received continue the trend hard; when they called it grunge, they wore over a half- of introducing their old jeans and fit right in; and now as kids million songs unknown artists, with 12 newbies that include play Rock Band they’re aping Angus Young’s and 40,000 the Fashion, Innerpartysystem, Izza Kizza, licks and kicks. The band’s recent album, Black albums from 160 Trivium, Kovas and Tyga. (www.ea.com) Ice, debuted at No. 1 in 29 countries, while countries in over Back In Black continues to sell over the Double 100 different Diamond mark (with over 22 million copies genres of Robert Weingartz sold). (www.acdc.com) music. Whitney His AirPlay Direct provides indie artists with has kept the digital promotional tools that are readily participation in available to the awards free. the major (www.jpfolks labels. In a .com) Brian Austin Whitney

46 Karen Taylor Ian Crombie Taylor, a singer/songwriter, has worked to Crombie is a major honor others for their outstanding talents champion of through her 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, songwriters and The HUSH Foundation, by developing and has successfully producing high-profile, star-studded events that led a songwriter honor legends and provide a way for celebrities organization to “give back.” The proceeds from these events with a 26-year go out to the community to support children history. His West with terminal, infectious and disabling diseases Coast Songwriters and to support pediatric HIV/AIDS and Pediatric Association weekly Cancer. What’s more, Taylor reportedly does calendar of it all without governmental, private, or public songwriter funding. (www.thehushfoundation.org) opportunities is amazing. WCS events take place Michael throughout the

Laskow West Coast, Ian Crombie Has continued from as far south to reinvent his as Hollywood 16-year-old DJ Z-TRIP to as far north as Portland, OR. (www A&R company .WestCoastSongwriters.org TAXI to serve Phoenix, AZ-born Zach Sciacca was one of his membership the first to become famous for spreading his in a changing mix-tape on MP3 as opposed to vinyl, CD or Jannel Rap industry. In 2008, cassette. He has contributed to video games, This singer/songwriter turned grief into action Laskow offered collaborated with Supernatural, MURS, Chuck by founding GINA (Greater Information Now more film/TV D and others — and he has opened up for the Available) For Missing Persons in honor of opportunities and Rolling Stones — but it’s his mixes, either for her sister, Gina Bos (also a musician), who advice, resulting his own www.djztrip.com or other websites, vanished after her performance at a show in hundreds of that get people talking. Why has he been on Oct.17, 2000, in Nebraska. GINA has placements and so influential in 2008? Well, over 150,000 expanded its reach worldwide thousands of people downloaded his “Obama Mix” (www and its website profiles dollars in revenue .djztrip.com/obama) in just three weeks. If the missing persons and Michael Laskow for members, of message is in the music, then that’s a lot of provides resources which Laskow messengers. (www.djztrip.com) for the families takes not a of the missing. penny, save for membership and submission Alexandra Patsavas (www.411GINA.org) fees. He also supplemented the 2008 Taxi Not only does this prolific picker of tunes Road Rally (free to members) in Los Angeles continue to give unsigned artists huge breaks with more opportunities for musicians to get in here role as Music Supervisor of popular their songs heard by industry reps, and even TV series, she takes the time to speak at have songs rewritten by pros on the spot before panels across the country as well. Patsavas, an audience, all for no charge to members. via her own music company Chop Shop Music Attendee feedback about the recent Rally was Supervision, has marshalled the music for The unanimously positive. (www.taxi.com) O.C., Grey’s Anatomy and Gossip Girl, oftening calling upon unsigned or non-mainstream performers. Her work on Gossip Girl, for Panos example, brought in many N.Y. bands (to fit the Panay show’s setting). Chop Shop Music Supervision Panay founded became its own Sonicbids music label, as a small Chop Shop Alexandra Patsavas business to Records, in help musicians 2007 after a save money on deal was struck Jannel Rap sending press with Atlantic kits through Records. The the mail, and label’s mission: bookers save to mainly sign Bill Pere time and space indie rock Founder and Executive Director of L.U.N.C.H. receiving bands. (www (Local United Network to Combat Hunger), the them. Today a .myspace.com/ Connecticut-based Pere is using the power of Sonicbids EPK Panos Panay chopshopmusic popular music to produce positive social action. has become the supervision) His benefit concerts, which have involved more industry standard in receiving applications for than 2,500 young singers and musicians, have conferences, contests and other opportunities reportedly raised almost $1 million for social for musicians. The company has exclusive Musicians Institute services across the U.S. In 2008, Pere and partnerships with SXSW, CMJ, et al, and in Originally formed as a school for future guitar 2008 upgraded its services and applications heroes, MI has mushroomed into a remarkably Bill Pere to create an even more efficient online space full-service contemporary music college that to promote. Over the past year more than prepares students for careers in the music 60,000 deals have taken place between bands industry as both performers and professionals. and music promoters using Sonicbids. (www MI’s Music Business Program has become .Sonicbids.com) so popular that it has its own building. MI’s “Hiring Hall is where students get to audition for national acts looking for players; many have Melodyne with Direct Note Access joined artists such as, Pink, Mariah Carey, Nine (DNA) Inch Nails and others in the studio and on the Manufactured by Celemony, Melodyne is road. (www.mi.edu) considered by pro engineers to be the best vocal tuning software, and the addition of DNA allows the manipulation of the notes in a chord. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdwNiAUQWjg)

48 AMP NETWORK • WEEKLY BULLETIN • WEBSITE • DIGITAL EDITION • MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2008 a group of young artists performed with the original Harry Chapin Band at the Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT, raising almost $20,000 to help the hungry and the homeless. (www.billpere.com)

might be interested in partnering up with you. (www.sivers.org)

Billy Mitchell The organization he founded, SAPPA (Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy), is a music and arts preparatory program for youngsters in under-served communities. Its mission is to deliver a musical experience through workshops and clinics and work in partnership with tutorial, mentoring and instructional programs. (www.sappa.net)

Derek Sivers Joey Stec Joey Stec, founder of Sonic Past Music, Derek Sivers is dedicated to releasing digitally restored You thought Derek Sivers was a visionary hidden gems from classic rockers such as when he had CD Baby, which he sold this year Rick Springfield, Les Emmerson and Randy to Disc Makers? Check out his site to see what Meisner. Without Sonic Past, these records he’s doing now. Keeping a totally open mind, would never be heard and the artists who’ve Sivers continues to act as a guiding light for long since been tossed aside by the majors up-and-coming artists and his site has a variety would not have the opportunity to profit from Joey Stec of interesting areas for musicians. Heck, Sivers their efforts. (www.sonicpastmusic.com)

Kevin Never Talks One of Music Connection’s Top 100 Hottest Unsigned Bands in the Nation myspace.com/KNT

The Art Life Movement would like to congratulate

Rob Jay on being selected one of the top 100 unsigned artist Holding Mercury is honored to be one of of 2008 Music Connection’s Top 100 Unsigned Artists of www.myspace.com/robjaymyspacemusic 2008

50 AMP NETWORK • WEEKLY BULLETIN • WEBSITE • DIGITAL EDITION • MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2008 Cody Marks Cody Marks Victor Wooten This performer spent 2008 touring prisons and Widely regarded as military bases in remote countries, including one of today’s best Gitmo, Cuba. Says one admirer: “She has living bassists, built a reputation of playing for people no one this member else has the balls to.” (www.myspace.com/ of Grammy codymarks) winners Bela Fleck & the Flecktones is an innovative player who also produces, arranges and sings. What many people don’t know, however, is that he runs Victor Wooten’s Bass & Nature Camp for aspiring bassists. A non- profit organization that runs purely off of tuition money, the Camp is a Fran Snyder present from a Fran Snyder gifted Following the credo “Living rooms were made musician for live music,” Kansas-based Snyder has to other brought credibility and organization to the souls who wish to house concert market through his website. His follow in Wooten’s efforts have opened up new opportunities for footsteps. (www performing songwriters around the world and .victorwooten.com/ he has educated the general public about the basscamp) experience of house concerts. One performer ––Bernard Baur, Dan Kimpel, Andy Kaufmann, Daniel has noted: “All of us who travel and perform for Siwek, Rob Putnam, Mara Hitner and Cary Baker a living owe a debt of gratitude to him. I have contributed to this article. MC would also like to thank never seen someone in the business as self- all our readers and AMP members who offered their less as Fran.” (www.concertsinyourhome.com) insights and opinions.

52 AMP NETWORK • WEEKLY BULLETIN • WEBSITE • DIGITAL EDITION • MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2008