FMC at SXSW

A small delegation of Future of Music Coalition staffers will be descending upon Austin next week for the city's annual South By Southwest festival. If you're not already familiar with "South By," you're probably reading the wrong blog. Let's just say it's where the indie music world comes together to rock, party and participate in panels. We'll be doing a little of all three.

On Thursday, March 13, FMC Policy Director Michael Bracy will moderate a panel called "Selling Music as a Service." The discussion also features Matthew Adell of Napster, Vicki Nauman of Sonos, David Pakman of eMusic and Tim Quirk of Rhapsody. Later that night, Michael will be roaming around the Misra Records showcase at Friends.

FMC's Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) will be in full effect, with musician and health insurance expert Alex Maiolo hanging out at the Convention Center to set up free consultations about health insurance options. If you want to schedule something in advance, shoot an e-mail to hint@futureofmusic.org.

A few FMC staffers will attend meetings with managers to talk about issues including artist activism and future music structures. We're also planning to reconnect with the musicians who have been part of our annual Artist Activism Camps in New Orleans.

Look for us at the Bloodshot Records BBQ at Yard Dog on Friday, March 14. We'll be raising awareness about our Rock the Net campaign as we generally "pig" out. Communications Director Casey Rae-Hunter and Events Organizer Chhaya Kapadia will also be hitting select showcases and passing out RTN schwag — if you want us to swing by your gig, drop an e-mail to casey@futureofmusic.org, and we'll try to work something out.

FMC Deputy Director Jean Cook will lend her musical talents to various performers throughout the festival. We'll tell you who, exactly, once we find out.

It's looking like we'll be pretty tired the following Monday.