New Artist Discovery: Artist Growth, BMG Alliance, Nash Next

Artist Growth Partners with Caroline For Artist Discovery

Artist Growth will further help unsigned artists gain exposure from a network of industry members with the launch of its AG Accel Network. Caroline, the full-service partner to independent labels and artists, is the first to join the newly announced network.

As part of AG Accel, Caroline’s associated labels can now evaluate and potentially sign artists based on their own self-reported data from the road, using Artist Growth to track sales of CDs, merchandise and tickets. Premium accounts ($14.99/mo.) will now be able to opt-in to the network to make their data available to labels, managers, booking agents, promoters and brands around the world.

BMG Partners for Online Video

BMG has formed a new alliance designed to accelerate the careers of emerging music artists with BroadbandTV (BBTV), which operates two of the largest music networks on YouTube. Named Windfall, the joint venture is a model allowing artists to benefit from the publishing company’s rights management and distribution services along with BBTV’s online video services, including production, premium channel and fan uploaded content management, technology, distribution, and monetization.

“The launch of Windfall supports our goal to more than double the size of our music network over the next 12 months,” said Shahrzad Rafati, Founder/CEO, BroadbandTV. “Not only does this partnership with BMG break new ground in expanding the relationship between artists and labels, it’s a big step forward in the music industry as a whole where online video has become such a massive strategic component to engage with fans. With Windfall, we’re not just creating music stars, but media stars.”

Nash Next Closes Applications August 7, Events Begin August 14

The NASH Next search for the Next Country Superstar will close its doors on August 7. Social Challenge Rounds will begin for 100 selected artists August 14, including five rounds using apps including Twitter, Periscope, and Instagram. Ten finalists will then be chosen for the final video round from October 28-November 22 with judges Kix Brooks, James Stroud and John Dickey.

More information and to participate, visit nashnextcountry.com.