Creators

Takes from the Top: Recording Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘The Boxer’

By Dave Simons

The first major release of the 1970s — and, ultimately, one of the decade’s most important — Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water album was a mammoth achievement, owing as much to its production wizardry as the song contributions of Paul Simon, which included “The Only Living Boy in New York,” the towering title track, as well as “The Boxer,” issued almost a full year earlier as the album’s… more

BMI Presents Music 101: Feedback Listening Session

BMI is proud to present Music 101: Feedback, an exclusive listening session that provides up-and-coming r&b and hip-hop songwriters and producers the opportunity to play their songs for a panel of industry leaders. Panelists include producer Damon Thomas (Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Brandy); Atlantic Records VP of A&R Darrale Jones (Lupe Fiasco, Usher, Missy Elliot); Alpine Music Group President Eric Nicks (August Rigo, Kelly Sheehan, Jerren Howard); producer Mac Robinson (Miguel,…more

(More) Successful Strategies for Studio Singers

By Dave Simons

Getting good-sounding vocal tracks in the studio requires that engineers have a fair amount of technical expertise — as well as a lot of patience. Here are some time-tested strategies for getting the job done right. more

MusicWorld Vol. 10, 4.12: Songwriter news, Q&A’s, advice & more

Check out the new issue of BMI MusicWorld, featuring advice and insight including… Important stories for working songwriters from Slate, Atlantic Cities, AdAge and more. The Krayolas: “We’re making money, making royalties thanks to BMI, because we have taken the steps to get organized with our music and get the music the respect it deserves." Marty Stuart: “We all begin by being…more

Seeking Songwriting Success: Three Ways Follow-Through Pays Off

By Cliff Goldmacher

Talent is a wonderful thing. On some level, we’ve all got it. However, what separates the success stories from the tragically unrecognized geniuses is what you do after the inspiration is over. more

NYU/BMI Workshop for Music in Commercial Media Accepting Applicants

Exciting new program is slated for July 28-30 at NYU more

Importance of Performance Royalties Highlighted in FMC’s Artist Revenue Streams Project

The Future of Music Coalition (FMC), a national nonprofit advocacy group for musicians, has launched the Artist Revenue Streams (ARS) project, a multi-phase research effort that aims to document how today’s musician earns a living. In the project's first report, performance rights royalties have emerged as one of the most dependable, longest lasting sources of income for songwriters and composers. The findings independently emphasize the vital importance of…more

Win a Slot at BMI’s Acoustic Brunch during Florida Music Festival 2012

BMI has one slot up for grabs in its anticipated Acoustic Brunch on Saturday, April 21 at the Gibson Showroom during the 2012 Florida Music Festival and Conference in downtown Orlando. The contest is open to all BMI songwriters. To enter: Visit www.sonicbids.com/FMFBMI and click the "Enter Promo Code" link just below the big red submit button. Enter BMIFMF2012 and click continue. You will be returned to the BMI…more

MusicWorld Vol. 8, 3.12: Songwriter news, Q&A’s, advice & more

Check out the new issue of BMI MusicWorld, featuring… Important stories for working songwriters from Digital Music News, The New Yorker, New Scientist and more. Kris Bowers: “After our sessions, Kanye and Q-Tip would talk for a long time about ways they could publicize the record and approach the tour—what they could do to stay new, stay current. It’s a great mindset to have."…more

Five Myths about Achieving Success as a Songwriter

By Cliff Goldmacher

I’ve come to believe in my 20-plus years in music that by setting reasonable expectations and doing the work, it becomes much harder to be fooled or discouraged by some of the pervasive myths that exist around songwriting success. more