Sonicbids News and Events

Cool Movie Celebrates Indie Artists

info@sonicbids.com — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 23:00:00 EST

Cool Movie Celebrates Indie Artists
Free "What is Indie?" screening and party in Cambridge, November 6th

BOSTON, Mass., October 13, 2006 -- Independent musicians across the world are raving about Dave Cool's new documentary, "What is Indie?," which began premiering in select cities nationally and internationally over the past month. Boston-area audiences will get their first public look at this tribute to entrepreneurial spirit and independence when Cool's film debuts November 6th at the Middle East Club in Cambridge.

The screening, beginning at 6:30 p.m., is sponsored by Sonicbids (www.sonicbids.com) and will be free to all viewers on a "get them while the seats last" basis. The Middle East Club (screening in their Downstairs Room) is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue, in Cambridge.

Live music will be featured before the screening by local independent musicians. The evening will further celebrate the independent spirit by featuring Edison Beer, "The Independent Light Beer ", as well as snacks provided by the Dancing Deer Baking Company, a Boston-based company that embodies an independent ethos.

"What is Indie?" (www.whatisindiemovie.com) is Cool's personal examination of the independent music movement, and his effort to help define - or actually, redefine - what it means to be "independent." The film features interviews with Indie music experts including Panos Panay, founder of Sonicbids; Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby; and Suzanne Glass, founder of Indie-Music.com, as well as with 20 artists.

"Dave approached me about a year and a half ago with his idea for an independently financed and self-produced look at Indie music. I was intrigued - and excited about the concept," said Panos Panay. "I agreed to be interviewed, and to offer free Sonicbids membership to every artist in the film. Dave did a great job of capturing the spirit of independent musicians, exploring the challenges, frustration and rewards that come with wanting to retain creative control and ownership over your music and your own personal and professional destiny."

Panay said he was "blown away" by the final product, and is helping Cool promote the film. He believes it strikes a deep philosophical chord with independent musicians or anyone who has chosen - or dreams about - making it on their own, regardless of the genre or vocation.

"The film seems to be really resonating with people, especially artists; it's almost like a rallying cry for this independent movement taking place in the music industry," said Cool. "I have no doubt that a big part of that is because people get to hear from someone like Panos Panay in the film, whose company [Sonicbids] offers incredible opportunities for independent artists and is truly revolutionizing the way business is done in the music industry."

The local independent musicians performing at the screening are Sonicbids members who submitted their Electronic Press Kits (EPKs ) - created at their Sonicbids Website -- for consideration.

About Sonicbids: In business since 2001, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main service is the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a physical press kit such as music, photos, bios, date calendar and set list. The Sonicbids EPK can be e-mailed to anyone with a click of a mouse and submitted to online promoter accounts through a virtual "Promoter Drop Box." Sonicbids, located in a funky art space in Boston's South End, currently has more than 85,000 bands and 7,000 exclusive partners in more than 100 countries, a list that includes prominent events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Virgin College Mega Tour, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Bumbershoot, and the Billboard Song Contest. In 2005 Sonicbids' founder, Panos Panay, was named one of the "Fast 50 Entrepreneurs" by Fast Company' magazine.

Sonicbids to host Disc Makers' New Road Show CD & DVD Seminar

info@sonicbids.com — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 23:00:00 EST

Sonicbids to host Disc Makers' New Road Show CD & DVD Seminar
Leading CD and DVD manufacturer expands nationwide instructional seminar series to bring valuable advice to more indie musicians in more cities nationwide

PENNSAUKEN, NJ - April 19th, 2006 - Disc Makers, the nation's leading independent media manufacturer, is expanding its popular seminar series by introducing the Disc Makers' Road Show, a series of instructional seminars aimed at independent musicians that will take place in cities across the country. The first leg of the Road Show seminar series entitled 'How to Fast-Track Your Next CD Project The In's and Out's of Making The Perfect CD' will kick off the week of May 22nd with events in Washington DC, Boston, Miami, Denver, and Phoenix. The events are open to any artist on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will begin at 6:30 p.m and run through 8:00 p.m.

Disc Makers developed this series of instructional seminars to properly educate musicians and filmmakers of the most efficient and effective ways to execute their CD and DVD projects. The events allow participants to meet and greet Disc Makers staff and learn from the pros about topics ranging from manufacturing, mastering and artwork to promotion and distribution.

The Road Show is a follow-up to Disc Makers' very popular seminar series launched in late 2005. Hundreds of indie musicians have participated in interactive lectures on disc production and marketing at all the company's storefront locations in New York City, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Chicago, Atlanta, Puerto Rico, Seattle, and the Disc Makers' headquarters outside Philadelphia.

"Since we began bringing these instructional seminars to our storefront locations last fall, the response from our customers and the local artist community has been overwhelming," explains Tony van Veen, Disc Makers' Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Making a CD or a DVD can be a complex, somewhat intimidating experience if you've never done it before. There are many areas where something can go wrong, which can negatively affect your music career. We're happy to share our design, printing, mastering, and manufacturing expertise to help artists complete their projects quickly, without unpleasant surprises."

The seminar will cover such topics as disc format and packaging options, tips on preparing an error-free Master, ideas on artwork preparation and many other important issues to ensure a smooth CD and DVD manufacturing experience.

Panos Panay, the founder of Sonicbids, is "super pleased to host the Boston stop of the Disc Maker's seminar series" and welcomes all local [Boston] Sonicbids members to take advantage of this excellent free seminar and opportunity to meet the Sonicbids Team.

The first leg of the Disc Makers' Road Show will take place at the following locations on the following dates...

Washington DC/Northern Virginia
Date: May 23rd
Times: 6:30 & 8:00pm
Location: Jammin' Java
227 Maple Avenue
Vienna, VA

Phoenix Area
Date: May 23rd
Times: 6:30 & 8:00pm
Location: Marriott Courtyard
2621 South 47th Street
Phoenix, AZ

Boston Area
Date: May 24th
Times: 6:30 & 8:00pm
Location: Sonicbids (corporate office)
580 Harrison Avenue, 4th Floor
Boston, MA

Denver Area
Date: May 24th
Times: 6:30 & 8:00pm
Location: Airshow Mastering
3063 East Sterling Circle, #3
Boulder, CO

Miami / Fort Lauderdale / West Palm Beach
Date: May 25th
Times: 6:30 & 8:00pm
Location: SAE Institute
16051 West Dixie Highway, #200
Miami, FL

For more information about Disc Makers, go to www.discmakers.com/seminars.

To request an interview with Disc Makers Executive Vice President Tony van Veen about the Disc Makers' Road Show, please contact PR Specialist Ted Miller at (305) 576-1171 x12 or tedmiller@maxborges.com.

About Disc Makers
In business since 1946, Disc Makers is the nation's leading independent media manufacturer, offering a wide variety of products and services, including state-of-the-art automated printers and duplicating systems as well as complete CD and DVD replication and custom packaging for independent musicians, filmmakers, and businesses. The company's state-of-the-art facilities are outfitted with the latest graphic, printing, and CD/DVD replication equipment and products, as well as in-house studios for mastering and post-production, DVD and CD-ROM multimedia authoring, and award-winning graphics design. The company also offers a variety of additional services including custom design, packaging, distribution and financing, and produces the Independent Music World Series, the nation's largest showcase series for independent musicians. Disc Makers main office and plant is located near Philadelphia in Pennsauken, NJ, and the company has regional offices in Los Angeles, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta and Puerto Rico.

Media Contacts:

Ted Miller
Director of Client Services
Max Borges Marketing Solutions
1-305-576-1171 x12
tedmiller@maxborges.com

Steven Spatz
Director of Marketing
Disc Makers
1-856-661-3373
sspatz@discmakers.com

About Sonicbids
Sonicbids was launched in 2001 on a simple idea: that artists and music promoters should be able to find each other online, without the need of bulky promo kits sent through postal mail. Since then, Sonicbids has become one of the fastest-growing music communities on the web trusted by over 60,000 artists and some 5,500 promoters from 107 countries. www.sonicbids.com

Media Contact:
Kimberly Thompson
Director of Marketing
Sonicbids Corp.
Kimberly@sonicbids.com
1-617-275-7222

Popkomm Announces Partnership with Sonicbids

info@sonicbids.com — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST

Popkomm Announces Partnership with Sonicbids
Agreement made during successful International Reception at SXSW event; Sonicbids' technology will enable artists from all over the world to quickly and easily sign up for the Popkomm 2006 Festival.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Berlin, Germany and Boston, MA - March 23, 2006 - Popkomm, the international business platform for music and entertainment, today announced it has partnered with Sonicbids Corporation, a provider of electronic press kit technology, to make it easier for artists from all over the world to apply to Popkomm's 2006 festival. Artists interested in showcasing at the festival will have the choice of applying online using Sonicbids Electronic Press Kits (EPK), which only take approximately 20 minutes to create. In addition to partnering with Popkomm, Sonicbids will also sponsor the event, which will take place in Berlin, September 20-22, 2006.

"We're thrilled to be a sponsor and partner of Popkomm 2006, one of the best and most important music industry events from around the world," stated Panos Panay, Founder & CEO, Sonicbids. "Sonicbids has quickly become the new standard for artists and music promoters to connect online, and our partnership with Popkomm will undoubtedly expose our respective brands and services to a whole new audience."

Global interest in Popkomm 2006 is growing significantly, particularly in the U.S., Canadian and Australian markets. At the recent South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, more than 160 guests attended the International Reception, hosted by Popkomm. Further demonstrating the importance of Popkomm to the global music industry, 210 acts, labels and managers from around the world applied for the 2006 Festival in Berlin while they were at SXSW.

"SXSW 2006 concluded with another year of record attendance from Europe," stated Una Johnston, European Manager, SXSW. "We were delighted that Popkomm sponsored the International Reception on the opening day. The cooperation between SXSW and Popkomm continues to expand and provides both conferences with mutually beneficial opportunities to network with our growing clientele."

Stuart Watters, CEO of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) added, "Meeting with the Popkomm team at SXSW reaffirmed the excellent working relationship that AIR has with the German trade fair. Popkomm is a key event for Australian music businesses to penetrate the European market. The trade fair and showcase festival are world class and we will be returning in 2006."

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About Sonicbids
Sonicbids was launched in 2001 on a simple idea: that artists and music promoters should be able to find each other online, without the need of bulky promo kits sent through postal mail. Since then, Sonicbids has become one of the fastest-growing music communities on the web trusted by over 60,000 artists and some 5,500 promoters from 107 countries. www.sonicbids.com

Media Contact:
Kimberly Thompson
Sonicbids Corp.
Kimberly@sonicbids.com
www.sonicbids.com
1-617-275-7222

About Popkomm
From September 20-22, 2006 in Berlin, Germany, Popkomm will serve as a meeting place for the 18th time for musicians, bands and publishing houses, labels, producers, export offices and leading decision-makers from the music industry. With 796 exhibitors and an attendance of 15,108 at the 2005 event, Popkomm was one of the largest specialist events for the music industry anywhere in the world. www.popkomm.de

Media Contact:
Wolfgang Wagner
Tel. +49(0)30 / 3038 2277
Fax: +49(0)30 / 3038 2278
wagner@messe-berlin.com
www.popkomm.com

Sonicbids to Power 2006 Zippo Hot Tour Submissions and Fan Voting

info@sonicbids.com — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 23:00:00 EST

Sonicbids to Power 2006 Zippo Hot Tour Submissions and Fan Voting
2006 Campaign Promises to Build on Success of Last Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON, MA - March 1, 2006 - Sonicbids, the leading online platform enabling musicians to connect with music promoters, announced that the company will work with the Zippo Hot Tour once again to enable tens of thousands of independent bands from across the country to submit entries online for its nationwide music competition. For the second year in a row, the Zippo Hot Tour will use Sonicbids' web-based submission platform as the exclusive means for bands to enter into the qualifying round for the Zippo Hot Tour - enabling bands to submit without the need for paper press kits, at a fraction of the time and cost.

"Our first year of working with Sonicbids was a huge success and we anticipate building on that success in the 2006 campaign" says Brent Tyler, Manager of Event Marketing for Zippo. "Sonicbids' technology streamlined the entire process from online band submissions to online fan voting. Not only did Sonicbids bring the Zippo Hot Tour to their community of thousands of bands and give them the ability to easily submit, but on our end we were able to quickly review a high volume of submissions to determine the qualifying bands in the competition."

"We are thrilled to work with the Zippo Hot Tour again this year and look forward to a successful 2006 campaign," says Sonicbids Founder & CEO Panos Panay. "Our membership has more than doubled since the 2005 campaign so we'll be able reach an increased number of bands and add even more value to Zippo's music program."

In 2005, bands in 10 U.S. markets competed for a slot on the Zippo Hot Tour by submitting their applications online using the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit) platform. Through a combination of live performance qualifiers and public online voting, also powered by Sonicbids, the winning band was selected. Sonicbids' member Jealousy Curve won the competition and toured the country with the All-American Rejects, received a prize package from top music equipment partners such as ESP Guitars, Peavey Amps and Tama Drums, and played an A&R showcase for Capitol Records executives.

Online submissions for the 2006 Zippo Hot Tour will be accepted through Sonicbids beginning March 1, 2006 and ending on April 15, 2006.

For Sonicbids, the second year of working with the Zippo Hot Tour underscores a growing trend that demonstrates the importance of music for consumer brands. Sonicbids has also been a key music marketing tool for brands like Jeep, Rolling Rock, Cabo Wabo, and Virgin. Sonicbids currently connects almost 55,000 musical artists and over 4,500 event promoters, festivals, corporate marketers, and film/TV music supervisors from around the world. For more information on Sonicbids, go to www.sonicbids.com.

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About Sonicbids
In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main product is the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has over 55,000 bands and 4,500 exclusive partners in 107 countries, a list that includes prominent events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Virgin College Megatour, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Locobazooka!, and the Billboard Song Contest.

Media Contact:
Kimberly Thompson
Sonicbids Corp.
Kimberly@sonicbids.com
www.sonicbids.com
1-617-275-7222

About Zippo Hot Tour
The Zippo Hot Tour is a promotional marketing initiative to support the local music industry and provide independent and unsigned rock groups with a platform to bring their music to a national audience. The program consists of a series of online and offline activities, including a music tour visiting Austin, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Tampa. For more information on the Zippo Hot Tour contact Los Angeles based promotion agency, FUSE, at 323-871-9900.

Media Contact:
Keith Hagan
PFA Media
khagan@pfamedia.net
(212) 334-6116

About Zippo
Zippo Manufacturing Company was founded in 1932 in Bradford, PA. The Zippo windproof lighter has become an international icon of American ingenuity and tradition and is a treasured collectible throughout the world. The Zippo windproof pocket lighter - in addition to the traditional chrome finish - features millions of designs depicting hobbies, activities, logos and lifestyle interests. More than 425 million Zippo lighters have been manufactured in Bradford since 1932, and all are backed by Zippo's unparalleled lifetime guarantee.

ISC 2005 Finalists Announced

info@sonicbids.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 23:00:00 EST

ISC 2005 Finalists Announced
Listen And Vote For Your Favorite Song

Nashville, TN - February 9, 2006 - The International Songwriting Competition (ISC), a Sonicbids partner, is pleased to announce its 2005 finalists. ISC received almost 15,000 entries from 80 countries, and the finalists selected represent 1.4% of the total number of entries.

A complete list of ISC finalists can be viewed here.

Starting February 1 to February 28, 2006, members of the public can take part in the 2005 People's Voice - an online voting contest that allows them to listen to and vote for their favorite ISC finalist. The winner of the People's Voice is in addition to, and completely separate from, the regular winners who will be selected by the ISC judging panel. People's Voice is judged solely by public vote. The People's Voice winner will receive over $1,500 in prizes. Click here to listen to the 2005 ISC finalists' songs and cast your vote!

Judges for the 2005 competition include: Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Sonny Rollins; John Scofield; Steve Vai; Macy Gray; Joss Stone; MercyMe; Amy Ray (Indigo Girls); Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); LeAnn Rimes; Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse); Jeff Stinco (Simple Plan); BeBe Winans; Peter Hook (New Order); Benji Madden (Good Charlotte); Charlie Musselwhite; The Donnas; Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Keith Wozencroft (President, Capitol Music UK); Glen Barros (CEO/President, Concord Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Alexandra Patsavas (Owner, The Chop Shop Music Supervision - credits include The OC, Grey's Anatomy, Without A Trace, Carnivale, Rescue Me ); Darrale Jones (VP A&R Urban, Atlantic Records); Chris Parr (VP Music Programming & Talent Relations, CMT); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP of Gospel/Urban Music, Sony Records); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People), Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Emily Wittmann (Vice-President, Nick Records); Patrick Moxey (President, Ultra Records/You Records/Sequence Records/Escondida Music/Empire Mgmt.) and Danny Epstein (Music Supervisor, Sesame Street/Sesame Workshop).

The 2005 ISC will yield a total of 50 winners from 16 musical categories who will share in over $150,000 (USD) in cash and merchandise. Winners (including the People's Voice winner) will be announced in March, 2006.

2005 Sponsors: Sonicbids, Disc Makers, Epiphone, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, L.R. Baggs, Alphabet Arm Design, FYE, Cakewalk, Fishman Tranducers, Planetary Group, ADK Microphones, Moog Music, Hear Technologies, Music Registry, Mediaguide, ArtistMonitor, Sam Ash Music Stores, Sibelius, Onlinegigs.com, Musician's Atlas, and Performer.com.

ISC's online voting is powered by Sonicbids.

About Sonicbids
In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main product is the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has over 55,000 bands and 4,500 exclusive partners in 107 countries, a list that includes prominent events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Virgin College Megatour, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Locobazooka!, and the Billboard Song Contest.

Sonicbids Wins Award for Innovation at Popkomm

info@sonicbids.com — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 23:00:00 EST

Sonicbids Wins Award for Innovation at Popkomm
Music community stands out among more than 1,000 companies as top international music & marketing innovator

BOSTON, MA - September 27th, 2005 - Sonicbids, the leading online platform connecting independent musicians with the world's top music promoters, is pleased to announce their win at the Popkomm Innovation in Music & Entertainment Award (IMEA) event on September 14th in Berlin, Germany. Sonicbids walked away from the award event with the silver IMEA trophy and several other prizes. Nominated in the Live Music & Marketing Innovations category, Sonicbids and thirteen other finalists gave a formal presentation before an audience of jurors, international trade show visitors, experts, industry insiders and the media.

"Initially there were over 1,000 inquiries from around the world. In the end 300 companies from 20 countries submitted their applications and 14 finalists were chosen," commented Gerd Leonhard, author of 'The Future of Music' and Chairman / Executive Producer of the annual Popkomm-IMEA Awards. "This year's quality of submissions was extremely high. The jury believes that the companies we selected may very well end up being significant players in the development of the music and media industries going forward."

"It is an honor to be considered as one of today's top innovators in the music industry worldwide," says Sonicbids Founder & CEO Panos Panay. "We will continue to use our technology to its maximum potential, setting high standards for our company while meeting the needs of the music community."

Used by brands like Jeep, Zippo and Virgin College Mega Tour as a key music marketing tool, Sonicbids currently connects almost 50,000 musical artists and over 3,600 event promoters, festivals, corporate marketers, and film/TV music supervisors from around the world. Sonicbids' main product, the Electronic Press Kit (EPK ), is a creative alternative to bulky and expensive hard copy press kits. The Sonicbids service allows bands to create their own easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all of the basic information about a musical act such as music clips, biographies, streaming video, photos, and tour dates.

About Sonicbids:
In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main product is the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has almost 50,000 bands and 3,600 exclusive partners in 107 countries, a list that includes prominent North American events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Jagermeister Band Sponsorship Program, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Locobazooka!, and the Billboard Song Contest. The rapidly growing size of Sonicbids' network and widening acceptance of its product have helped it quickly become the leading online submission platform for some of the world's best-known music events.

About Popkomm/IMEA:
The 2nd Annual Popkomm-IMEA took place in Berlin on September 14, 2005, the first day of the annual Popkomm show (September 14-16, 2005). More information can be found online at www.popkommawards.com. This year's awards are now closed. Popkomm IMEA's media partners include Billboard Magazine, MusikMarkt, Digital Media Wire and Musically.

About Popkomm:
The 17th Popkomm took place at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from September 14-17; numerous trade visitors from all over the world attended this established business platform for the music and entertainment sectors. With its Exhibition, Festival and Congress sections Popkomm provides three forums for the participants, who represent not only the core sector of the music business but also come from a number of other associated fields such as advertising, film, fashion, consumer electronics, mobile entertainment and the live entertainment sector.

Press Contacts:
Stephanie Floris
Max Borges Marketing Solutions
(305) 576-1171 x3
stephaniefloris@maxborges.com

George Cabico
BWR Public Relations
(310) 550 -7776
gcabico@bwr-la.com

Sonicbids and Instant Live Join Forces at InSights & Sounds.05 Marketplace Stage

info@sonicbids.com — Wed, 10 Aug 2005 23:00:00 EST

Sonicbids and Instant Live Join Forces at InSights & Sounds.05 Marketplace Stage

BOSTON, MA - August 11th, 2005 - Sonicbids, the leading online platform enabling musicians to connect with music promoters, is proud to announce its partnership with Instant Live to provide music on demand at the NARM InSights & Sounds.05 Marketplace Stage. With the use of Instant Live's exclusive technology, event goers will have the opportunity to walk away with a CD of all of the live Marketplace Stage performances minutes after each show.

"Instant Live provides a unique and worthwhile opportunity for concert performers and concert goers alike," says Panos Panay, Sonicbids Founder and CEO. "We are thrilled to present our Sonicbids' artists the opportunity to take their talent to the next level here at NARM, while also giving NARM attendees the chance to see two music innovations at work."

After submitting their electronic press kits (EPKs) via the Sonicbids' site, nine artists were chosen to light up the InSights & Sounds.05 Marketplace Stage - each bringing a unique sound and style to the Convention's spectacular musical showcase. In addition the acts chosen for this year's Convention, close to 1000 other Sonicbids' artists also earned performance spots through Sonicbids submissions during the month of July. Since its 2000 inception, more than 40,000 artists and 3,600 music promoters have joined the Sonicbids movement, making paper press kits a thing of the past as electronic press kits quickly become the standard for submissions into some of the hottest festivals, contests and events.

Instant Live was introduced in February 2003 as a way for fans to purchase a CD recording of the concert they just attended before they left the venue. Instant Live concerts are recorded using state-of-the-art technology, including a combination of ambient microphones and splits from the soundboard. To date, Instant Live has recorded more than 300 live performances, including Hall and Oates, The Black Crowes, KISS, Jewel, Peter Frampton, The Counting Crows, Pat McGee Band, The Allman Brothers Band, moe. and many more.

About Sonicbids:
In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's signature product, the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), is an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has over 40,000 bands and 3,600 exclusive partners - a list that includes prominent events and festivals such as Billboard Song Contest, Canadian Music Week, CMJ, Folk Alliance, The International Songwriting Competition, Jagermeister Band Sponsorship Program, Locobazooka!, MIDEM, NEMO, North By Northeast, Popkomm Festival (Berlin), Summerfest, and the Zippo Hot Tour. The rapidly growing size of Sonicbids' network and widening acceptance of its product have helped it become the leading online submission platform for some of the world's best-known music events. For more information, please visit www.sonicbids.com.

Press Contacts:
Stephanie Floris
Max Borges Marketing Solutions
(305) 576-1171
stephaniefloris@maxborges.com

Jeff Krump
Instant Live
(303) 343-7777
jeffkrump@cc.com

Sonicbids to handle online submissions for The 2005 International Songwriting Competition

info@sonicbids.com — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 23:00:00 EST

Sonicbids to handle online submissions for The 2005 International Songwriting Competition
ISC offers entrants a chance to compete for over $100,000 in cash and prizes, including an Overall Grand Prize package of $10,000 (US) in cash and $20,000 in merchandise.

For Immediate Release

Nashville, TN - June 15, 2005
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries for 2005. One of the largest songwriting competitions in the world, ISC offers entrants a chance to compete for over $100,000 in cash and prizes, including an Overall Grand Prize package of $10,000 (US) in cash and $20,000 in merchandise. Winners benefit from extensive press and publicity, giving exposure and recognition to an international music market of industry professionals and fans.

Internationally renowned for its high-caliber judges, ISC offers entrants a unique opportunity to have their songs heard by some of the most influential decision-makers in the industry.

ISC is pleased to announce its new panel of judges for 2005:

Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Tom Waits; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Amy Ray (Indigo Girls); Benji Madden (Good Charlotte); Joss Stone; Macy Gray; Jeff Stinco (Simple Plan); Peter Hook (New Order); The Donnas; Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music Records); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP, Gospel/Urban Music Sony Records); Chris Parr (VP Music Programming & Talent Relations, CMT); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Alexandra Patsavas (Music Supervisor, The OC/Carnivale/Grey's Anatomy); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music for Little People); and more to be announced.

2005 categories: Pop/Top 40, Rock, Gospel/Christian, Country, R&B/Hip-Hop, Performance, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, AAA/Roots/Americana, Jazz, Dance/Electronica, Blues, Children's Music, Teen (18 yrs. old and younger), Instrumental, World Music, and Lyrics Only.

Early bird deadline for submission is July 15, 2005. Final deadline for submission is October 14, 2005.

Entries are accepted online through http://www.sonicbids.com/isc2005 or through regular mail. For more information go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

About Sonicbids: In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main product is the Sonicbids EPKT (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPKT can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has over 30,000 bands and 3,000 exclusive partners, a list that includes prominent North American events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Jagermeister Band Sponsorship Program, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Locobazooka!, and the Billboard Song Contest. The rapidly growing size of Sonicbids' network and widening acceptance of its product have helped it quickly become the leading online submission platform for some of the world's best-known music events. The company is headquartered at 580 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118. For more information, please visit www.sonicbids.com.

Contacts:
International Songwriting Competition
211 Seventh Avenue North, Suite LL-20
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615.251.4441
Fax: 615.251.4442
songwritingcompetition.com

Media Inquiries, Sonicbids
Julian Campolo
Max Borges Marketing Solutions
Phone: 305-576-1171 x 4
juliancampolo@maxborges.com

Australian Association of Independent Record Labels Taps Sonicbids to Bring Artists Worldwide Exposure

info@sonicbids.com — Sun, 22 May 2005 23:00:00 EST

Australian Association of Independent Record Labels Taps Sonicbids to Bring Artists Worldwide Exposure

MAY 23, 2005 - BOSTON, MA - The Australian based Association of Independent Record Labels (AIR) is pleased to announce a new partnership with US based Sonicbids that will provide significantly expanded opportunities for Australian artists to promote their music to booking agents, live festivals, song contests and other various venues worldwide.

To launch the Sonicbids submission platform in Australia, AIR has negotiated a free twelve month subscription to the service for some 70 artists represented on AIR's Annual Compilations, as well as a significant discount for acts that are AIR members or on labels that are AIR members. Additionally, Sonicbids Founder and CEO Panos Panay will be visiting Australia in July to help promote the product with a string of high-profile events lined up for the Australian East Coast. Details of these events will be announced later this month.

AIR CEO Stuart Watters said, "We're very excited to announce some significant discounts for AIR and MMF (Australian Music Manager's Forum) members to subscribe to Sonicbids, and we'll be working closely with them in the coming months to expand the opportunities for Australian artists at Sonicbids showcases and international events."

"International expansion and specifically Australia is the natural next step for Sonicbids. AIR is the perfect partner for us to spread the message of Sonicbids to the Australian music community and we are thrilled to be partnering with them," says Panos Panay, Sonicbids' Founder and CEO. "The independent music community is universal in character, and Sonicbids is committed to empowering the independent artist on every level and in every country." Currently sweeping North America and Europe, Sonicbids has quickly become the industry standard in online submissions for independent musicians. A dedicated site for Australian artists to sign up to Sonicbids will go online in June.

About Sonicbids
In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main product is the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has over 30,000 bands and 3,000 exclusive partners in 107 countries, a list that includes prominent North American events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Jagermeister Band Sponsorship Program, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Locobazooka!, and the Billboard Song Contest. The rapidly growing size of Sonicbids' network and widening acceptance of its product have helped it quickly become the leading online submission platform for some of the world's best-known music events. The company is headquartered at 580 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118. For more information, please visit www.sonicbids.com.

About AIR
The Association of Independent Record Labels Ltd [AIR] is the national not-for-profit trade association for Australia's independent recording sector. AIR represents the interests and development of over 300 independent Australian artists, labels and distributors on a national and international level. AIR's primary purpose is to foster an ever increasing marketplace for Australian independent music and assist in the long-term development, growth and success of Australia's independent recording industry. AIR's members cover the full spectrum of music genres, ranging from small sole traders to some of the biggest indie operations in the country. AIR's functions include national and international industry development; music business networking events and seminars, Australian artist compilations, as well as a range of exclusive member services (including CD duplication and manufacture, grant brokering, radio samplers, business products and resources). For more information on AIR, visit www.air.org.au.

CONTACTS:
Media Inquiries, Sonicbids
Julian Campolo
Max Borges Marketing Solutions
+ 1 305-576-1171 x 4
juliancampolo@maxborges.com

Media Inquiries, AIR
Raynee Burridge
+ 61 7 3257 1838
raynee@air.org.au

Artist and Promoter Inquiries, AIR
Stephen Foster
+61 7 3257 1838
Stephen@air.org.au.

Sonicbids To Present InSights & Sounds.05 Marketplace Stage at NARM

info@sonicbids.com — Mon, 16 May 2005 23:00:00 EST

Sonicbids To Present InSights & Sounds.05 Marketplace Stage at NARM

May 17, 2005 - San Diego, CA - The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is pleased to announce that Sonicbids will sponsor daily live musical performances on the Marketplace Stage during InSights & Sounds.05, which will be held August 11 -14 in San Diego. This year's Marketplace will be open August 12 -14.

Together, NARM and Sonicbids will collect and review electronic press kit (EPKTM) submissions online and give nine artists the opportunity to perform before NARM's exclusive audience of music industry executives. EPKs are being accepted at www.sonicbids.com from now until May 20.

"The Marketplace Stage is a new endeavor for NARM and is designed to add more live performances to the Convention's already spectacular musical showcase," said NARM President Jim Donio. "We would like to thank Sonicbids for committing to provide an even more diverse musical line-up and Marketplace."

"The Marketplace Stage concept is the natural evolution of our commitment to provide opportunities for independent artists in the Sonicbids Community," says Panos Panay, Sonicbids Founder. "This showcase will provide independent bands an audience of label executives and music retailers that money cannot buy."

The online EPKTM service is an exclusive concept created by Sonicbids. This web-based graphic interface is an alternative to the endless clutter of physical press kits that are exchanged daily between musicians and the people who promote music. The online service is easy to use and contains all the basic information of a musical act, such as music, photos or date calendar. Musicians can benefit from decreased promotion costs and increased exposure. Promoters can use the product to simplify the process of receiving press kits and eliminate endless clutter from the physical product.

About NARM:
Established in 1958, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is a not-for-profit trade association that serves the music retailing community in the areas of networking, advocacy, information, education and promotion. The Association's membership includes music and other entertainment retailers, wholesalers, distributors, record labels, multimedia suppliers, and suppliers of related products and services, as well as individual professionals and educators in the music business field. Our retail members operate 7,000 storefronts that account for almost 85% of the music sold in the $12 billion U.S. music market.

About Sonicbids:
In business since 2000, Sonicbids has become the standard way for people in the music business to send and receive press kits online. The company's main product is the Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit), an easy-to-use, web-based graphic interface that contains all the basic information of a musical act such as music, photos, date calendar and riders. The EPK can either be emailed to anyone with a click of the mouse or submitted in online promoter accounts through a virtual "Drop Box". Sonicbids currently has over 30,000 bands and 3,000 exclusive partners, a list that includes prominent North American events and festivals such as MIDEM, CMJ, Summerfest, North By Northeast, Jagermeister Band Sponsorship Program, NEMO, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance, Locobazooka!, and the Billboard Song Contest. The rapidly growing size of Sonicbids' network and widening acceptance of its product have helped it quickly become the leading online submission platform for some of the world's best-known music events. The company is headquartered at 580 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118. For more information, please visit www.sonicbids.com.