We knew sparks were gonna fly at this one.

Using David Lowery's explosive blog response on the current state of artists' rights in the digital age last summer as a jumping off point, Daryl Friedman VP of Advocacy, The Recording Academy organized a panel of musicians to speak directly to those points, specifically aiming to hear directly from working musicians.

2013 Showcasing Band Parquet Courts. Photo by Maggie Boyd

Apply to be considered as a performer for SXSW Music Festival 2014 earlier than ever!

In an effort to ensure thoroughly reviewed submissions and inform applicants of their status sooner, the official Sonicbids application platform will open a month earlier this year, on July 9 for only $33. After September 7, the application fee will be raised to $45.

Please take note- the final submission deadline is also earlier (October 11), so don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the SXSW 2014 lineup.

Check Sonicbids on July 9 to submit.

The inaugural SXSW V2V conference in Las Vegas begins in just over 50 days-- have you purchased your registration yet? Scheduled August 11-14 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel of Las Vegas, this exciting event brings together startups, entrepreneurs, innovators and digital creatives for four days of learning, sharing, networking and career-enhancing connections.

Speakers at SXSW V2V 2013 include Micah Baldwin (Graphic.ly), Scott Belsky (Behance), Stephanie Burns (Chic), Amber Case (Esri R&D Center), Steve Case (Revolution), Jake Colvin (National Foreign Trade Council), Dustin Curtis (Svbtle), Aziz Gilani (Mercury Fund), Frank Gruber (Tech Cocktail), Christine Herron (Intel Capital), Tony Hsieh (the Downtown Project), Peter Kazanjy (TalentBin), Natalia Oberti Nogurea, Tim League (Alamo Draft House) and many many others.

Jim Dickinson was a badass.

From his production work with legendary Memphis musicians to his impressive 1970 solo debut with Bob Dylan, Carl Perkins, and more, Jim's life was packed with incredible, often rowdy stories.