(UPDATED) Topspin CEO Ian Rogers used the New Music Seminar, to announce that their direct to fan platform will open to all musicians in March. While used by hundreds of musicians from Paul McCartney to unknown bands over the last 18 months, Topspin had been previously invite only. In addition, Rogers announced a $5,000 Direct-To-Fan marketing grant contest. 

\With plans starting at $9.99 per month plus15% of sales, users can access the full array of Topspin features which include tools for both fan acquisition and direct sales. “We’ve learned so much working with thousands of artists over the past three years,” said a clearly excited Rogers. “The only thing more exciting than the new features we’re rolling out in March is being able to bring those features to every artist on the planet.”

The new Direct-To-Fan Marketing grant will award $5,000 plus four 2-hour sessions of Topspin Pro Services consulting, to the applicant with the best direct-to-fan business plan. Applications will be judged by an all star industry panel including: Rick Rubin (co-president of Columbia Records), Marc Geiger (William Morris Endeavor), Richard Jones (manager of the Pixies), Glenn Peoples (Billboard Magazine), Mike King (Berklee Music), Jennie Smythe (Girlilla Marketing) and others.

For grant application visit www.topspinmedia.com. Entry deadline is March 7, 2011 at 6:00pm PST. The grant recipient will be announced at SXSW on Thursday, March 17.