It’s hard not to get excited when you hear Ani DiFranco is putting out new music. After being courted by major labels at the start of her career, Ani (thinking very much ahead) knew that directing her own career would pay off for her, and she couldn’t have been more right.

Advocating for the rights of musicians, performers and songwriters in the digital world, Artist Rights Alliance does something for musicians that nobody else does and have never wavered from. Their goal has always been to garner fair pay for creators, give artists the ability to decide how their work is used, foster transparency from music services, record companies and publishers and provide greater accountability to artists. 

With the pandemic still a concern, globalFEST was unable to host their yearly New York City based music festival, which usually takes place in January. Showcasing the best in World music, the event always sells out well in advance, and is attended by over 1,200 industry professionals, members of the press and music fans. The producers of the 18^th annual fest didn’t want to let their supporters down, and as such, globalFEST took place over Zoom on January 29 and 30^th, focusing on important issues facing the international music environment. In addition, the live showcases were moved online as a partnership with NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert Series. 

Many viewers recently found themselves riveted by HBO’s striking documentary, “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.” Based on crime writer Michelle McNamara’s book of the same name, the series follows "The Golden State Killer" case, who was believed to be responsible for multiple rapes and murders during the 1970s and 1980s. The poignancy of McNamara’s sudden death 2 years before the killer was caught makes the show even more watchable, as solving the crime had become an obsession to the writer. McNamara was the wife of actor Patton Oswalt, and it was his mission to bring both her final book, and this series, to light.

The New York Times Best Selling book from Section 101 client Ani DiFranco tells the true story of an incredible journey of the singer’s early life. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, in a cabin with no walls, save for the bathroom, Ani became an emancipated minor at age 15, supporting herself with her music (she began writing songs at aged 14). Ani put herself through Buffalo State College and then ended up in New York City where she wrote an album’s worth of songs.

ITS, the music industry trade magazine, has released its “Songs of the Summer” playlist for 2019. In no particular order: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X, “Senorita” by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello, “Money in the Grave” by Drake Ft. Rick Ross, “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, “Truth Hurts” from Lizzo, “Panini” by Lil Nas X, “No Guidance” by Chris Brown Ft. Drake, “I Don’t Care” from Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber, “Sunflower” by Post Malone & Swae Lee and “Goodbyes” from Post Malone Ft. Young Thug.

Whenever we think Pentotnix can’t impress us any further, they prove us wrong again and again!

The band recently posted two incredible new covers: “Shallow,” the Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper smash from the movie “A Star is Born,” and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from "The Lion King." If you weren’t sure anyone else could do those songs justice, do yourself a favor and listen (and watch) PTX’s version on their official YouTube page.

Long time Section 101 client Todd Alsup is going to have a hot summer!

Singer-songwriter Todd is back in the Studio and working on new music, which is big news! He’s planning to release a new single, “Easy to Love You,” this summer and then continue on releasing singles with companion videos via a Kickstarter campaign. 

Eagles of Death Metal are paying tribute to those who inspired them with their new covers album, Eagles of Death Metal Presents Boots Electric Performing the Best Songs We Never Wrote.

After EODM covered Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer” on 2015’s ZIPPER DOWN, it got lead singer Jesses Hughes thinking about songs EODM could put their own spin on. Jesse recorded and produced the new album, choosing 13 that have inspired him. The eclectic track-listing includes the songs “God Of Thunder” (KISS), “So Alive” (Love & Rockets), “Abracadabra” (Steve Miller Band) and “Careless Whisper” (Wham) among others. These are very personal interpretations, and “Careless Whisper," in particular, was one Hughes really wanted to tackle. The first track released from the album is a cover of Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair.”