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Can Austin's Live Music Scene Weather the Heat? 

As Austin faces record-breaking temperatures, its legendary outdoor music venues are at a crossroads. The city, known for its vibrant live music, must adapt to increasing heat waves that have made outdoor concerts nearly unbearable at times. Last summer was particularly harsh, pushing venues and festival organizers to rethink their setups. Some are considering more indoor spaces, while others enhance existing venues with cooling systems and shaded areas to combat the heat. This necessity for adaptation…

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AI at SXSW 2024: Navigating the Future Landscape 

The 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference, a focal point for innovative discussions in Austin, Texas, has once again thrown a spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI), showcasing how these advancements could reshape our future. Sponsored by IBM, the AI track at SXSW explored the evolving roles of AI in various industries, emphasizing the potential benefits and ethical challenges of these technologies. Sessions aimed to outline AI's future impact on the workforce and raise important discussions around…

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"The Artist's Elevator Pitch: Mastering the Art of Self-Promotion at the NAMM Show and Beyond" 

Hey there, fellow musicians and creative souls! As we tune our instruments and set our sights on events like the NAMM Show, it's time to face the music: the art of self-promotion is as crucial as a catchy chorus in today's music industry. Gone are the days when our work alone could do all the talking. In this fast-paced world, having an "elevator pitch" is your backstage pass to standing out.

Picture this: you're at the NAMM Show, surrounded by a symphony of sounds and a chorus of creative minds. Amidst…

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Country Music Star Elle King Postpones Five Concerts Following Controversial Grand Ole Opry Appearance 

Elle King, known for her hit "Ex's & Oh's," has announced the postponement of five upcoming concerts. This news arrives just a week after her performance at the Grand Ole Opry, which generated significant attention due to King's behavior on stage. During the event, which was a tribute to Dolly Parton on her 78th birthday, King appeared to struggle with her performance, reportedly slurring words, forgetting lyrics, and using excessive profanity.

The rescheduled concerts include venues in Shipshewana, Indiana…

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Remembering Mary Weiss: A Tribute to the Shangri-Las' Iconic Voice and Her Lasting Impact on Music 

Mary Weiss, the unforgettable lead vocalist of the 1960s girl group The Shangri-Las, recently passed away at the age of 75. Her passing has left a profound impact on the music industry, as she was a true icon with a unique voice that defined an era. Weiss’s talent and the timeless music of The Shangri-Las continue to resonate with fans worldwide, marking her as a significant figure in the annals of music history.

The Shangri-Las: A Meteoric Rise to Fame Mary Weiss's journey to stardom began in her teenage…

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Mick Mars, the guitarist of Mötley Crüe, wins a significant legal victory against his former bandmates 

Mick Mars, the guitarist of Mötley Crüe, recently won a significant legal victory against his former bandmates, marking a notable moment in the ongoing dispute between them. The court ruled that Mötley Crüe should have disclosed corporate documents Mars requested, central to his lawsuit. This decision, however, is just one aspect of a larger legal battle, with Mars' main case heading to private arbitration later this year.

The dispute began after Mars was ousted from the band, which he'd been part of since…

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A Solemn Pause for Austin's Melodic Summer Tradition: Blues on the Green 

Austin's soul-stirring summer tradition, Blues on the Green (BOTG), has hit an unexpected and somber note. For over three decades, the lush expanse of Zilker Park has resonated with the chords of this iconic free music event, from its modest inception at the Arboretum to the massive gatherings that became a hallmark of the local music scene. BOTG has been more than just a concert series; it's been a testament to the communal spirit of Austin—a place where families, friends, and music aficionados could lay…

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The Spotify Dilemma: Music Removal and Fines Leave Artists in Limbo 

In recent times, Spotify, one of the leading music streaming platforms, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy. The platform's decision to remove certain tracks and impose fines on artists has sparked a debate across the music industry, raising questions about artists' rights, the role of streaming services, and the future of digital music distribution.

Understanding the Issue 

The core issue revolves around Spotify's actions to remove music tracks from its platform. This removal often comes…

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