Fierce Panda is a London—based independent record company that has released over 35 albums and 150 singles in the last decade. "The Panda" turned ten years old in Spring 2004, and the company celebrated by entering the digital distribution playing field with The Orchard. With releases from bands like Coldplay, Keane, Seafood, thisGIRL and Atlantic Dash, among other notables, Fierce Panda is a highly respected label in indie rock circles and beyond. Welcome to The Orchard!

CMJ Music Marathon: More than 10,000 music professionals, artists and fans will converge on New York City for CMJ Music Marathon 2004 this October.  Are you one of them?  Let us know!  The Orchard will be there at the trade show, in panels and at shows, and we'd love to meet up and keep you posted on all activities.  E-mail us at info@theorchard.com with CMJ2004 in the subject line and let us know if you'll be there. 

Our current conference and festival list includes Americana, CMJ, In the City, Popkomm, and MusicWorks. Visit www.theorchard.com/thedeal/adservices.php for details and submission deadlines. Are you attending a music festival or conference in 2004? Let us know in advance — we would love to meet up and help promote you at the ones we’re attending. E-mail us at info@theorchard.com with CONFERENCE INFO in the subject line.

Don't forget: If you've been accepted to perform at or are planning to attend a conference or festival, let us know as soon as possible at info@theorchard.com and put CONFERENCE INFO in the subject line.  

Palomar, Palomar III: The Revenge of Palomar – Rock (Orchard Digital Distribution)
New York band Palomar is off to a great start with their most recent release! As noted in the HEAVY ROTATION of September’s SPIN Magazine, "What's blasting from the SPIN offices this month: Palomar, Palomar III: Revenge of Palomar. On their third album, Palomar chirps and chimes like the 90's never ended." Catch them on tour as they support the new CD, Saturday September 18th in Austin, TX at Emo's, and Wednesday September 22nd in Los Angeles, CA at Spaceland.

Inouk, No Danger – Rock (Orchard Digital Distribution)
Say Hey Records released Inouk's debut album, No Danger, on August 24. Gotham Magazine writes, "Many bands manage to record songs that are pretty or clamorous or restful or epic... But few manage to achieve all at the same time. It's this marriage of precision and pure rock 'n' roll zeal that carries the greatness of this debut album. Changing in tone, texture, and tempo, yet consistently beautiful throughout, No Danger makes for mind expanding summer listening."

Jaz Sawyer, Itz Time – Jazz (Orchard Digital and Physical Distribution)
Accomplished drummer and percussionist Jaz Sawyer has worked with Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Irvin Mayfield, Abbey Lincoln, and many other notables in the jazz scene. Nancy Ann Lee of Jazz Times says “Sawyer offers a solo display of ticking-sticks artistry”. Catch Jaz at The Blue Note in NYC September 2-5th w/ Abbey Lincoln, or September 8-12th at the Debrecen Jazz Festival in Hungary with the Irvin Mayfield Quintet.

Katie Giguere, Bringin’ Me Hope – Christian (Orchard Digital and Physical Distribution)
Singer Katie Giguere has achieved a lot for her young age—she has a full length CD out, has been compared to performers like Mariah Carey and CeCe Winans, and was a featured performer at the 2004 Retailers Choice Awards, co-hosted by Smokey Robinson. Gospelflava.com says “Filled with soul-laden pop ballads and some of the sweetest vocal grooves out there right now, the 19-year-old talent knows how to sing...easy on the ears, with ample elements of smooth and uninhibited soul.”

7th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground - On a snowy night in February of 1994, Jeff Buckley played a legendary set at Uncommon Ground, a venue in Chicago. The 7th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground is scheduled to take place on November 16-17, 2004. Artists have come from countries such as France, Italy, Denmark, Holland, Mexico, UK, and Australia to perform at the tribute. Artists who wish to perform at this event may submit Jeff Buckley covers or originals. (Artists selected to perform may play either at the concert, as well.) The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2004. This two-night event, which is supported by the Buckley family, sells out quickly every year. All net proceeds for the night will go to a local music charity. For more information, check out www.uncommonground.com/buckley.htm.

Country Music Television—Nashville Songwriters Association Song Contest - Original song entries will be accepted until Nov. 30, 2004 for the 5th Annual CMT-NSAI Song Contest. The 2004 Grand Prize winner, along with five finalists, will be offered a single-song publishing contract from one of six major publishers (including BMG, Sony/ATV, Curb, and Warner/Chappell) entrance into the NSAI Songwriter Protégé program, a roundtrip flight to Nashville, music equipment and much more. Enter before Sept. 30, 2004 and receive $5 off the entry fee.

Q. I recently received an email from The Orchard that contained a link to my music on iTunes, but the link didn't work. Can you please send me the correct link?

A. Sorry, we should have clarified that the link only works on computers installed with iTunes. Installing it on your computer is easy; visit www.itunes.com for directions. We recommend that all Orchard clients download the iTunes software, and check out other digital music services like eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody and Musicmatch. Surfing through these digital stores can give you insight into the digital music industry and how it works. Plus, it’s fun!

We'd also like to point out a helpful iTunes Link Maker, which can generate direct links to...

• all of your music on iTunes or
• one particular album on iTunes or
• one particular track on iTunes.