Judges Deal Blow to “Net Neutrality” and Independent Artists

In an action that may have serious implications for independent musicians and labels, a federal appeals court ruled last week that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacks the authority to enforce “net neutrality.” That’s the guiding principle that preserves a free and open Internet – intended to afford users equal access to all websites, more choices and access to information. [To read the entire article, click on the headline.]

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Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart, 04-09-10

Carolina Chocolate Drops' album Genuine Negro Jig retains the top position on the Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart this week, while Jakob Dylan's Women and Country and Mumford & Sons' Gentlemen of the Road climb into the second and third positions. Rounding out the top five albums are Carrie Newcomer's Before and After and Red Molly's James. The latest Folk chart, based on spin totals reported by music directors and folk DJs, is posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. [To see the current Top 50 Folk Album Chart, click on the headline.]

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Finalists Named in 2010 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

Finalists have been named in the 18th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, hosted by MerleFest 2010, the popular roots-oriented music festival that takes place April 29-May 2 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. [To read the entire article, click on the headline.]

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Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart, 04-02-10

Carolina Chocolate Drops' album Genuine Negro Jig continues for another week in the top position on the Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart, while Joe Pug's Messenger, Carrie Newcomer's Before And After, and Red Molly's James retain the second, third and fourth positions, respectively. Waterbug Anthology Nine climbs to number five. The latest Folk chart, based on spin totals reported by music directors and folk DJs, is posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. [To see the current Top 50 Folk Album Chart, click on the headline.]

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Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart, 03-26-10

Carolina Chocolate Drops' album Genuine Negro Jig continues for another week in the top position on the Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart, while Joe Pug's Messenger moves into the second spot and Carrie Newcomer's Before And After moves up to #3. Rounding out the top five are are Red Molly's James and Heather Bristow's Hope On The Vine. The latest Folk chart, based on spin totals reported by music directors and folk DJs, is posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. [To see the current Top 50 Folk Album Chart, click on the headline.]

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MerleFest Lineup Announced; Early-bird Ticket Prices in Effect

Most of the lineup for MerleFest is now set, and early-bird ticket prices for one of America’s most popular roots-oriented music festivals are available through April 6. Celebrating the music of the late instrumental virtuoso Merle Watson and his father Doc Watson, the “traditional-plus” music festival features sounds of the Appalachian region and beyond -- ranging from bluegrass and Americana to old-time, country and roots music. It takes place April 29 – May 2 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. [To view the entire article, click on the headline.]

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Winners Named in 11th Annual Great American Song Contest

Canadian songwriter Carmel Mikol of Halifax, Nova Scotia captured first place in the contemporary acoustic/folk category of the 11th Annual Great American Song Contest. Winners in nine categories were recently named in the competition that drew more than 1,500 entries. The Cape Breton-born artist was recognized for “In My Bones,” the title track of her new album that is due out next week. [Click the headline to see an article that includes the names of all those honored in the contemporary acoustic/folk category.]

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Old Settler’s Music Festival Set for April 15-18 in Driftwood, Texas

The roots and Americana-oriented Old Settler’s Music Festival returns to the Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood, Texas, April 15-18. Now in its 23rd year, the festival is not as well-known outside the state as some others in the Austin area – and that’s part of its allure. Old Settler’s Music Festival also takes place during what’s usually the height of Texas Hill Country’s wildflower season. [To read the rest of this short festival preview, click on the headline.]

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Roots Music Report Folk Radio Chart, 03-19-10

Carolina Chocolate Drops retains the top spot on the Roots Music Report's folk radio chart this week with Genuine Negro Jig, while Jakob Dylan's Women and Country and Mumford & Son's Gentlemen of the Road have moved into the #2 and #3 positions, respectively. Also new among the top 10 albums this week are Heather Bristow's Hope on the Vine and Red Molly's James. The latest Folk chart, based on spin totals reported by music directors and folk DJs, is posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. [To see the current Top 50 Folk Album Chart, click on the headline.]

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AcousticMusicScene.com Editor Speaks at SS Cape May, March 26

AcousticMusicScene.com’s Michael Kornfeld, who also is a communications and public relations strategist, will be among the panelists discussing “Music Marketing, Publicity & Press: The New Media Revolution” during the third annual Singer-Songwriter Cape May. The music business conference is set for Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, in the historic Victorian-lined New Jersey seaside resort community. SS Cape May will feature two afternoons of music business keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, mentoring and demo-listening sessions, exhibits and performance critiques at Congress Hall and Harrison Conference Center, as well as two evenings of artist showcases at various venues. Singer-songwriters Steve Forbert and Nicole Atkins present musical keynotes on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Attendees also will have plenty of opportunities for networking with other singer-songwriters, musicians and music industry professionals. [To read a short article previewing the conference, click on the headline.]

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A Quick Q & A with Kelleigh McKenzie

In less than two years' time, Kelleigh McKenzie has made quite a mark in acoustic music circles. A talented singer-songwriter who alternately accompanies herself on banjo, guitar and amplified stompbox, McKenzie has appeared on "Mountain Stage" and the "WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour," was a co-winner in the 2008 Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, secured a coveted formal showcase slot at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference, and was selected to participate in emerging artists showcases at both the Falcon Ridge and Grey Fox festivals. Her debut album, Chances, was on the Americana Music Chart for six months, while "Gin," one of the tracks on it, won an Independent Music Award for Best Americana Song. Kathy Sands-Boehmer recently posed a few questions to Kelleigh. [To read Kathy's Q & A with Kelleigh McKenzie, click on the headline.]

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