MUSIC NEWS Bits-
* The Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame will present the 2009 Pop Conference on April 16-19, 2009 at EMP|SFM in Seattle, WA.This year’s theme is Dance Music Sex Romance: Pop and the Body Politic . The conference will bring to the forefront the erotic, taboo and sensual issues in many music styles and eras. This year’s conference will feature 125 presenters across some 40 sessions and panels. The conference is highlighted by two keynote speakers, Nona Hendryx and Diane Warren. Registration is free and open to the public, register at Empsfm.org/popconference or call 206-770-2745.
* Celebrating their release of the new cd, CRACK THE SKYE, rockers' MASTODON have announced a contest to win a Grand Prize of a Gibson Melody Maker guitar. Full details and enter Mastodon contest here.
* Check out Gabriella Cilmi, a 17 year old singer/songwriter from Australia. She is set to release her US debut album “Lessons to be Learned” on March 17thvia Universal Music. MNN is fortunate to have the single off her album titles “Save the Lies”. Listen to Save the Lies, here. Her album has already soared to the Top 10 in more than 10 countries, with the single garnering a string of #1s in her native Australia, Holland, the UK, and dominating the Top 5 in the international charts in Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand amomg other territories.
* Check out SANTIGOLD on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon's star-packed premiere week! She will be appearing on Tuesday, March 3rd, alongside rocker Jon Bon Jovi & actress Tina Fey.
* Wow, bankrupt US bank takes bailout money, hosts big staff party with Sheryl Crow, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. See NYTimes editorial here
* Guitarist for Athens, GA band PYLON, Randy Bewley died this Wednesday after suffering a heart attack while driving in an Athens neighborhood Monday.