All six bands are part of the "BMI Presents..." showcases set for March 15 at Maggie Mae's and March 16 at Opal's Divine during the 20th annual SXSW Music & Media Conference and Festival being held March 10-19.

Like the SXSW conference itself, the "See It Hear First" podcast has become an important tool for exposing new BMI songwriters and artists to key industry professionals and fans alike. Since its release in May 2005, one million listeners from around the world have tuned in to discover new music from a broad range of genres and regions. The industry is paying attention and we have the success stories to prove it: Singer/songwriter Brendan James, who was featured on the very first podcast, was signed to Capitol Records; rock band somedaynew, voted favorite new artist from podcast #1, is on the verge of signing a major label record deal; Latin hip-hop artist Cosculluela has the attention of the world's largest video game publisher; the music of Soulkid #1 was featured on the soundtrack to "The OC"; and recent podcast artist Zac Brown is being courted by several major Nashville labels.

All editions of the BMI podcast are available at bmi.com/podcast, as well as from iTunes at bmi.com/itunes and Yahoo's podcast directory at podcasts.yahoo.com or you can listen on the go with mobile podcasting services like Pod2Mob. The first in the music industry to be listed in Apple's podcast directory, "See It Hear First" is currently rated five out of five stars at Yahoo! and has won the "5 Star Award" from PodSpider, one of the world's largest podcast databases.

In addition to hearing great music from an array of vital new songwriters and artists, podcast listeners can also vote for their favorite artist to help them win a CD duplication package from Disc Makers, the leading CD manufacturer for the independent musician. Winners get 1,000 discs, a prize with a promotional value of more than $10,000.

Sons of William, made up of brothers and Louisiana natives Joe and David Stark, along with New Orleans bassist Annie Clements, combines a thirst for progression with respect for their predecessors. Named after the brothers' mentor and father Bill Stark, the trio is what everyone aches to discover-unpretentious and undeniable rock and roll. See for yourself on "Lucifer Hands."

Three-time Latin Grammy nominee JD Natasha brings her Spanish-language hit "Lagrimas" to the podcast line-up. Her debut album Imperfecta/Imperfect has earned the 18-year-old Latina rocker from Miami extensive critical praise and a large following of bilingual Hispanics in the U.S. who have finally found a homegrown artist to call their own.

Alternative rock band Glass Intrepid has gained a considerable following having played at major venues throughout their home state of Texas and sharing the stage with such big names as 3 Doors Down, Snow Patrol and Mudvayne. The Houston-based quartet is currently receiving continuous airplay on multiple radio stations nationwide. Check out "Your Regrets."

Singer/guitarist Newton Faulkner writes poignant lyrics that flow seamlessly over funky back beats, refusing genre classification. With a voice that glides from silky crooning and crisp raps to everything in between, the UK's newest guitar hero masters the fret board with both hands, creating an inimitable sound all his own. Take a listen to "I Need Something" to witness firsthand why guitar legend Jimmy Page calls Faulkner "a star of tomorrow."

White Stripes/Janis Joplin hybrid Nico Vega is one of the most talked about groups in their hometown of Los Angeles. Singer Aja Volkman's fervent vocal leadership conveys both tenderness and dominance, while guitarist Rich Koehler's rifts mirror the grit in Volkman's pipes and Mikey Pena steadily propels the group forward on drums. Hear what all the fuss is about with "Hollywood Sign."

If early 70s glam and late 70s post-punk had a love child in 2006, We Are The Fury would be it. With influences ranging from Bowie and T-Rex to Talking Heads and Television, WaTF reveals a truly unique sound and style, setting them apart in today's musical landscape. The Toledo, Ohio-bred quintet contributes "Better Off This Way" to podcast #8.]]> 2006-03-13T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/musicworld/entry/4046 Artists, Fury, The, Nightmare of You, Musical Styles, Rock, Musicworld, On The Scene If early 70s glam and late 70s post-punk had a love child in 2006, We Are The Fury would be it. But don’t be fooled. We Are The Fury isn’t your average lo-fi regurgitation. With influences ranging from Bowie and T-Rex to Talking Heads and Television, the Toledo, Ohio-bred quintet reveals a truly unique sound and style, setting them apart in today’s musical landscape.

Fresh out of the studio, the band hit the road hard amazing fans with their inimitable blend of rock & roll. Having traveled up and down both coasts and everywhere in between, WaTF have completed nation-wide tours with artists ranging from Head Automatica and Nightmare of You, to Jamison Parker and I Am The Avalanche.

Their highly anticipated debut EP Infinite Jest, produced by Tim Patalan (Lovedrug, Sponge, The Fags), hits stores in early 2006.

BMI's Bradley Collins and Mark Mason, James Dean Hicks, Charlie Bauer, Tim Nichols, Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekly, Philip & Amber White, Chris Wallin and Craig Wiseman

The roster of talent who performed during the festival included BMI-Award winning tunesmiths Bart Allmand ("You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl"), Chuck Cannon ("American Soldier"), James Dean Hicks ("Jesus and Mama"), Chuck Jones ("Love a Little Stronger"), Jay Knowles ("She'll Leave You With a Smile"), Kendell Marvel ("Right Where I Need To Be"), Wendell Mobley ("I Melt"), Tim Nichols ("Live Like You Were Dying"), James Slater ("In My Daughter's Eyes"), Keith Stegall ("I Do Cherish You"), Phillip White ("I'm a Survivor") and D. Vincent Williams ("I'm Movin' On").

Patrick Davis and Jedd Hughes at Hog's Breath Saloon

Additional performers on the bill were Asylum Records artist Lee Brice, Patrick Davis ("This Life"), Dillon Dixon ("For a Lack of Better Words"), D-Tox, BNA Records artist Morgane Haynes, MCA Nashville artist Jedd Hughes, EMI Music Publishing writer Jamey Johnson, Key West songster Scott Kirby, Cory Mayo ("Break the Record"), Vicki McGehee ("When I Think About Cheatin'"), RCA Nashville artist John Pierce, Kylie Sackley ("Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense"), DreamWorks Music writer Jen Schott, Dallas Davidson and Randy Houser ("Honky Tonk Badonkadonk").

D. Vincent Williams, Dillon Dixon and James Dean Hicks at Green Parrot

Other sponsors included Sheraton Suites Key West, the Conch House, Pirate Scooters, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Nashville Underground, Hyatt Key West, Barcardi, Budweiser, Louie's Backyard, Kelly's, NSAI, American Airlines and ClearChannel.

Jen Schott performs at Southernmost Hotel & Resort	Kylie Sackley and Charlie Bauer

Chuck Cannon at Schooner Wharf	Wendell Mobley at the Hog's Breath Saloon Writers Room

Jamey Johnson, Kendell Marvel and Randy Houser at Schooner Wharf

Philip & Amber White perform on the Fury catamaran

Festival coordinator and MC Drew Reid, EMI's Tom Luteran, BMI's Perry Howard, Dallas Davidson

Chuck Jones and Keith Stegall at Pier House

James Slater and Tim Nichols at Schooner Wharf

photos by Alan Mayor and Brian Tipton

Delivering hummable pop melodies with punk fury, the aptly named Offspring sound like the mutant spawn of Guns N' Roses and the Beastie Boys. Their punishing, yet fun-loving sound has resulted in three platinum albums, including their current CD, Americana. The single "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)" was named 1999's Most Performed Song on College Radio at the recent BMI Pop Awards, where Offspring singer/songwriter Dexter Holland accepted the award.

The single's appeal was understandable. "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)" combines the more tuneful elements of punk, heavy metal and hip-hop with judiciously sampled sound bites. The song finds the band spoofing trendy suburban kids who mimic the hip-hop lifestyle. By gleefully trashing wannabe rappers, The Offspring expose the dubious motives and pretensions of some kids: "If you don't rate/ just overcompensate/ At least you'll know you can always go on Rikki Lake."

Comprising Holland, guitarist Noodles, bassist Greg K. and drummer Ron Welty, The Offspring were formed in suburban Los Angeles in the late '80s. The band's self-titled 1989 debut album and its 1992 follow-up, Ignition, generated modest sales and media attention.

But with the 1994 release of their appropriately titled third album, Smash, Holland and company skyrocketed to stardom. Featuring the hit singles "Come Out and Play," "Self-Esteem" and "Gotta Get Away," the album sold over 11 million copies. It also transformed The Offspring into alternapop superstars.

The band's dizzying ascent could be attributed to songwriting savvy and musical skill. Smash featured 14 songs that captured the cynicism and angst of the latchkey generation. Hits like "Come Out and Play" and "Self Esteem" addressed teen obsessions like cars, cliques and gangs.

The band's keen lyrical observations were offset by a brutal, dual-guitar attack complemented by Holland's expressive vocals. In all, Smash trumpeted the arrival of a refreshingly relevant new band.

But success proved bittersweet. Almost overnight, The Offspring found themselves fielding offers from major labels hoping to lure them away from their indie-rock home, Epitaph Records. The band's 1996 defection to Columbia Records resulted in sell-out accusations from some fans.

The Offspring survived the controversy in style. Their 1997 album Ixnay on the Hombre sold over two million copies, while Americana has also achieved similar sales and critical acclaim. As both albums attest, The Offspring have lost none of their songwriting savvy, performing power or artistic integrity.