If you haven’t already scoped out Chicago act American Taxi – this is time.  In fact, music labels have finally taken notice. There next show will be March 27th in Illinois at Otto’s with Company of Thieves the recent Wind-Up singing and the Insecurities (formerly Shockstars).  Our favorite track is The Mistake.  For more information email legal.

“Elio Leoni-Sceti, chief executive of EMI Music, whose artists include Katy Perry,is stepping up his push for providers to clamp down on consumers illegally downloading millions of pounds worth of digital music.”

“Internet service providers play a significant role because they own the pipe,” he said. “In England we know there is a lot of water and content filtering wastefully through the pipes across the country. The pipe owner has a responsibility to close the holes.” (Times Online)

In our opinion, the internet service providers need to change with the times. If the ISP’s are unwilling to deal with the problem, then a third party agency needs to be established that monitors for content that may infringe copyrights while stopping it from reaching subscribers’ computers. Here is one problem of concern – politicians and lobbyists can care less about intellectual copyrights and the arts, they are only concerned with issues that can fill their pockets. This is very detrimental to American culture and the arts.  We don’t want to live in a country where copyrights are ignored. Somebody better act quickly….

The Temper Trap compared with the likes of TV on the Radio, Radiohead and early U2 should be on your SXSW radar list. The band has shared the stage with international acts including Modest Mouse, Kasabian, Cold War Kids, Omar Rodriguez, The Dears, Damo Suzuki, and Spank Rock. The band is working with renowned UK producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Massive Attack, Kasabian), our favorite track is Science of Fear and Sweet Disposition that will come off their new album which will be released in early 2009. For more information email management@thetempertrap.com

The nominations are in for the 40th Annual Dove Awards, which honor the best in Christian and gospel music.

“Topping the list of nominees this year is current three-time Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, with seven total nominations including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” Veteran artist Natalie Grant and newcomer Francesca Battistelli each received five nominations, as did Casting Crowns.”

“Christian and gospel music expresses itself in many different ways and we applaud all nominated artists for their unique contributions to the music landscape,” said John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA). “The powerful messages of redemption, hope and joy found in the music of our Dove nominees come during a season in history when our country and the world need inspiration and encouragement.”

The complete list of nominations for the 40th Annual Dove Awards can he seen here.

You may not know of Jon Robert but you certainly have heard his songs on The Hills, The Real World, The Kardashians, Road Rules Challenge, Bad Girls, Gossip Girl, and Army Wives. Robert can also deliver a live show as he opened up sidestage exclusively for Nikon Jones Beach with James Taylor, John Mayer, Colbie Colet, and Maroon 5.  He was also the Myspace “Rising Star” Celebrity Blog Spotlight Artist and featured in KOAR’s Soundcheck. He will be performing at Pianos (NYC) February 24th for some industry reps. Our favorite tracks are Myself In You and  Meant To Be.  For more information email legal.