via New York Times

Since the dawn of the suffrage movement, innumerable queer women — many of them artists — have played a key role in the battle for women’s rights. From suffrage songs to today’s pop hits, how do queer female musicians share messages about justice, equality, and change? How are modern artists informed by the past, and how does their music imagine a more equitable future? Join singer, songwriter, performer, producer and founder of the Looking Out Foundation, Brandi Carlile musician Meshell Ndegeocello, and performer Hayley Kiyoko in conversation with Technology and culture reporter, Nellie Bowles.

AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET (APQ) is on a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American Roots Music. Grammy-nominated vocalist Falu Shah, Grammy-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, 3x Grammy-winning drummer Clarence Penn, and highly acclaimed bassist Yasushi Nakamura showcase the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America’s past.

APQ draws on a repertoire of centuries-old American folk songs that highlight America’s immigrant roots. They showcase America’s dynamic present by combining the diverse talents of four U.S. citizens, each with a unique cultural background. In this group, old songs are made new through creative arrangements that highlight the exceptional and well-honed skills of each member.

APQ performances strive to counter pervasive prejudices around the issues of race and immigration. In order to help strengthen our country’s social fabric, APQ desires that its audiences reflect on the notion that as Americans we must acknowledge our differences to discover our commonalities. We must recognize the realities of racism and prejudice in order to build authentic and lasting bonds across cultures and color lines. While we are not responsible for our country’s past, we are accountable for its future.

American Patchwork Quartet on TKA

Twisted Pine Release “Don’t Come Over Tonight,” Reveal Upcoming New Album. “Don’t Come Over Tonight” is one piece of Right Now, out August 14, the third release from Twisted Pine, their follow up to 2018’s Dreams. On Right Now, the band—Parks, along with flautist Anh Phung, bassist Chris Sartori and Dan Bui on mandolin.

Read More at American Songwriter

Twisted Pine on TKA

via Celebrity Access

Representatives from 14 of the leading independent music talent agencies have joined together in a coalition to advocate for the success and well-being of its members, the artists they represent and by extension, the music ecosystem.

The coalition – the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) – will advocate in Washington D.C. and state governments in an effort to ensure the survival of the live music community as the nation and economy slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

NITO is a non-profit group is open to membership beyond traditional talent agencies, including U.S.-based small businesses and majority owner-operated independent management companies (NAICS Code 711410).

In addition, NITO has invited U.S.-based artists, crew, and other live touring entities to join as non-dues paying associate members.

“NITO stands with the artists and all of those who make up the world of live performances. It’s a fully integrated world, that is reliant on and supportive of one another, as no one can productively and successfully navigate this environment on their own. When all things come together in the best way, these shows and this music bring joy and happiness in an otherwise troublesome and dangerous world,” said High Road Touring’s Frank Riley.

“As owners of our individual entertainment businesses, we have given our all and more to our firms. Our small businesses are self-funded and independent, but nonetheless have a significant economic impact on the many who rely on our work. My fellow NITO co-founders and members are calling on the independent human spirit that all like-minded self-starters can get behind. We are focused on government support and reform during this economic crisis, while building an environment where entertainment entrepreneurs can discuss their common goals and stand together in unity,” added Madison House’s Nadia Prescher.

NITO’s 14 founding small independent businesses  alone currently represent approximately 2,000 artists.

NITO’s Founding Members

Entourage Talent / Wayne Forte
Ground Control Touring / Eric Dimenstein
High Road Touring / Frank Riley
Leave Home Booking / Stormy Shepherd
Madison House / Nadia Prescher
Mongrel Music / Brad Madison
New Frontier Touring / Paul Lohr
Panache Booking / Michelle Cable
Partisan Arts / Tom Chauncey, Hank Sacks
Pinnacle Entertainment / Scott Sokol
Sound Talent Group / Dave Shapiro
Skyline Artists Agency / Mark Lourie, Bruce Houghton
TKO / Steve Schenck
The Kurland Agency / Ted Kurland, Jack Randall