As album sales are down 50% since 2000, radio is breaking less new music than ever in history. Record companies are signing fewer and fewer new artists and artist development budgets continue to shrink, artists and labels need to all find a new way to get music out there. 

The 2009 New Music Seminar NYC is an action packed day of power players in the “new” music industry presenting ideas on how to keep up with the latest technologies, network with others to build your own music business foundation at “The Schmoozatorium”  and most importantly, how to monetize your relationship with your fans in the digital age.

The seminar will kick off with President of Myspace Music, Courtney Holt as the keynote speaker, as well as industry individuals such as:

• Mathieu Drouin, Equator Music
• Mark Ghuneim, Wiredset
• Bruce Houghton, Skyline Music/Hypebot
• Peter Wells, Tunecore
• Steve Greenberg, S-Curve Records
• Terry McBride, Nettwerk
• Tim Westgren, Pandora
• Emily White, Whitesmith Entertainment
• Nick Catchdubs, Fools’ Gold
• Sam Hollander, Fresh Kills Music
• Mickey Factz, MC
• Saint Louis, GFC New York Brand Strategic Management
• Martin Atkins, Tour: Smart/Invisible Records
• David Cooper, Foxman/Direct to Fan
• Marty Diamond, Paradigm Agency
• Lisa White, 9:30 Club, Washington DCWashington DC)

Tickets are available on the day for $150

http://newmusicseminar.biz

The Wall Street Journal confirmed this afternoon that Myspace CEO Chris DeWolfe will officially step down from his post at the company in the near future.

According to the company memo, News Corporation’s Chief Digital Officer, Jonathan Miller announced that, by mutual agreement, Chris DeWolfe will not be renewing his contract and will be stepping down his position as Myspace CEO. DeWolfe will however, remain a member of the board of Myspace China and will be a strategic advisor to the Company.

“In a little under six years we’ve grown MySpace from a small operation with seven people to a very profitable business with over 1,600 employees,” said Myspace CEO, Chris DeWolfe in a memo.  “It’s been one of the best experiences of my life and we’re proud of, and grateful to, the team of talented people who helped us along the way.  We thank them, as well as the MySpace community for making our vision a reality.”

Myspace Co-Founder and President, Tom Anderson will also be stepping aside by “assuming a new role in the company”.

The Wall Street Journal suspects Myspace’s parent company, News Corporation are clearing the path for former COO at Facebook and current CEO of Project Playlist, Owen Van Natta to take over DeWolfe’s CEO position.

“From the very beginning, our driving passion has been simple - to create and foster a platform where people across the globe can not only meet and interact, but share music, videos, thoughts and ideas,” said Myspace President, Tom Anderson.  I look forward to working with Jon.  I love this business, and look forward to its next chapter.”

Something tells us this is either the end of an era for Myspace, or just the start of something good.