Sharp Shines at Oregon Broadcasters Convention

2007-09-21T14:39:00-05:00

BMI singer/songwriter Maia Sharp performed at the Oregon Association of Broadcasters Annual Convention, held recently in Eugene. Sharp, an artist in her own right, also belted out songs that she penned for Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks and Trisha Yearwood. Maia is the daughter of BMI country writer Randy Sharp, and they co-wrote the title song from the last Dixie Chicks album, Home.

BMI NY Announces Line-Up for July ‘Acoustic Roundup’

2006-07-11T18:00:00-05:00

BMI has announced the line-up for its New York "Acoustic Lounge" show on July 26 at the Living Room (154 Ludlow St.). Featured "in the round" artists include Graham Isaacson, James Maddock and Wynn Walent. The 9 p.m. show is free and open to the public.

Graham Isaacson's unique singing voice and "what you hear is what you get" demeanor is a refreshing change from today's over-styled artists and over-produced songs. His music evokes feelings of intimacy, truth and heartfelt emotion, using delicately crafted songs structured around interesting chord progressions and Grammy-caliber arrangements. With each line, Isaacson draws you deeper and deeper into his consciousness. Though still a young songwriter, Graham has had the privilege of performing with the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Maia Sharp, John Gorka, Jonathan Brooks and Leo Kottke. His music has been featured on regional college and non-commercial radio, as well as on a Maine PBS "School Zones" compilation entitled Tomorrow Today. Most recently, Graham was recognized as a featured artist on garageband.com and completed his debut record titled Nine Days, produced and co-written by Robby Baier. Graham will be supporting the record with live performances throughout the United States.

James Maddock of the band Wood knew he was destined to be a singer/songwriter since he was a child. Growing up in the English city of Leicester, James picked up his first instrument -- the ukulele that his granddad used to play in wartime bands -- at the age of eight. His dad, an optician, filled the house with jazz and if you ventured into Leicester on a wet weekend you might still find Mr. Maddock playing in a jazz band in some remote corner. Influenced by Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Ry Cooder, the Eagles, Bob Dylan and Jackson Browne, he cut his teeth playing in cover bands working the boisterous London Irish pub circuit. He was flown to New York where a chance play of his demo sufficiently impressed Columbia Records executives to offer him a deal. He put together the group Wood, who recorded their debut at Tongue & Groove Studio in Philadelphia. The first Wood album, Songs From Stamford Hill, is not only full of unfeasibly memorable melodies and immaculately crafted songs, it has some telling lyrics. The song "Stay You" is featured on the Top 10 album Songs From Dawson's Creek.

A singer/songwriter known for his passionate performances, Wynn Walent's music exudes a quiet confidence and a simple sincerity. Wynn's songs are melodic and heartfelt, and he delivers them with an urgency and purity that is captivating and endearing. Fueled by an early love of timeless acts such as Paul Simon and the Beatles, Wynn was always singing songs, and began playing clubs and coffee shops throughout his hometown of Richmond, Va., at the age of 14. Wynn played throughout Virginia, attending college in Charlottesville and quickly becoming a local favorite. 2004 saw a move to NYC, where he quickly planted roots at prominent Brooklyn and Lower East Side venues such as Galagpagos Art Space and Piano's. Here, he has developed a local fan base that enjoys his brand of melodic and sincere songwriting. Depending on the night you catch him, Wynn can be found playing a stripped-down solo acoustic set, or fleshing out his honest songs with cello, trumpet, piano, bass and drums. A finalist in the Williamsburg Singer-Songwriter competition of 2004, Wynn is currently recording a highly anticipated debut EP.

Singer/Songwriter Maia Sharp Performs for Broadcasters

2006-06-20T18:00:00-05:00

BMI songwriter Maia Sharp performed songs from her latest Koch Records release, Fine Upstanding Citizen, during dinner at Journal Broadcast Group's management meeting held recently in Milwaukee, Wis.

Pictured after the performance are Journal Broadcast Group SVP & CFO Ron Kurtis, BMI's Michelle Mazzara, BMI songwriter Maia Sharp, Journal Broadcast Group Vice Chairman & CEO Doug Kiel and Journal Broadcast Group EVP of Radio & Television Operations Carl Gardner

The daughter of BMI Award-winning country songwriter Randy Sharp, Maia has had her songs cut by such artists as Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood and Cher.

BMI Artist Maia Sharp Performs for Radio Execs

2004-11-11T17:00:00-05:00

BMI singer/songwriter Maia Sharp performed for radio executives at Lotus Communications' annual management meeting held November 7 at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego. The Koch Records recording artist is the daughter of BMI Award-winning country songwriter Randy Sharp.

Pictured after the performance are BMI's Michelle Mazzara, Lotus Communications Sr VP/CFO Bill Shriftman, BMI singer/songwriter Maia Sharp, Lotus Communications President/CEO Howard Kalmenson, and BMI's Dan Spears.