Key West Songwriter’s Festival 2012

Carole King Named BMI Icon at 60th Annual BMI Pop Awards

Global music rights leader Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored the songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed songs tonight at the organization’s 60th annual Pop Awards, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Carole King received the BMI Icon Award recognizing the “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers” she has made through her incomparable catalog as a songwriter and recording artist. Ester Dean, more

BMI Tailgate Party to Debut at 2012 CMA Music Festival

BMI will help make downtown Nashville’s beloved celebration of all things country music even bigger with the introduction of the BMI Tailgate Party at the 2012 CMA Music Festival, Thursday, June 7 through Sunday, June 10. Located right off the Cumberland River outside LP Field, the new stage will feature BMI’s rising stars, songwriters behind the hits, honky tonk heroes and guitar gods, and serving as rowdy warm-ups before the… more

Edward M. Cramer: 1925-2012

Former BMI President Edward M. Cramer passed at away at age 86 at his Englewood, NJ home on May 1. No cause of death has been given. Mr. Cramer was president of BMI from 1968 to 1986, during which time the company’s revenues rose from $26.6 million to more than $189 million, while royalty distributions to BMI’s songwriters, composers and music publishers increased from $21 million to $162 million. Mr.… more

10 Questions: Rolfe Kent

Rolfe Kent, composer of Sideways, About Schmidt, Up in the Air and the theme for TV's Dexter, is this year's recipient of BMI's Richard Kirk Award for career achievement. Kent's penchant for finding fresh sounds, and his delicate musical touch for films that combine both comedy and drama, have made him a sought-after composer in Hollywood -- despite the fact that he is largely… more

60th Annual BMI Student Composer Award Winners Announced

Nine young classical composers, ages 16 to 27, have been named winners in the 60th Annual BMI Student Composer Awards. Composer and Jury member Joseph Schwantner, BMI President and CEO Del Bryant and BMI Foundation President Ralph N. Jackson announced the decisions of the jury and presented the awards at a reception held May 11, 2012 at the Jumeirah Essex House Hotel in New York City.… more

10 Questions: LP

When a recent ad campaign by Citi featured “Into the Wild,” an aptly scaled blast of indie-pop fronted by the sweeping vocals of singer/songwriter LP, it sparked a national singalong that she, for one, did not expect. That’s probably because “Into the Wild” is but one of countless demos LP has penned in the last five years as a session-writer for several major labels.… more

BMI Nashville Office Earns Historical Marker

The west lawn bordering BMI’s offices on Music Row in Nashville now features an historical marker commemorating the original building and groundbreaking mission of the company. Granted by the Metropolitan Historical Commission of Nashville and Davidson County, the marker is one of just over 140 such designated sites in the area. BMI’s Nashville office continues to operate out of the building under the same free-to-join, open-door policy that initially so… more

BMI Now Accepting Entries for Music 101: Feedback Listening Session

BMI is now accepting entries for 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 will be announced soon. Presented by BMI, Music 101: Feedback is slated for Wednesday, May 23 at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills (9350 Civic Center Drive, Suite 130), from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.… more

2012 Tony Nominations Go to BMI Composers

Nominees for the 66th annual Tony Awards include top-drawer members of BMI’s musical theatre family. Legendary composer Alan Menken and esteemed songwriter Jack Feldman will vie for best original score thanks to their work on Newsies, which garnered a total of eight nods. Menken composed the music for the Disney production, while Feldman wrote the lyrics. Newsies is also up for best… more

BMI Songwriters Win 70% of 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards

BMI’s elite Latin songwriting family won a commanding 70% of the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards, held Saturday, April 26 in Miami and broadcast live on Telemundo, which reports that a cumulative audience of 5.6 million viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony – the largest audience in the network’s 14-year history of airing the show. Veteran reggaeton master Don Omar and breakout urban bachata star… more

Woody Guthrie To Receive Inaugural Songwriters Hall of Fame Pioneer Award

Legendary BMI songwriter Woody Guthrie will be the recipient of the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame Pioneer Award, to be presented at the 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner slated for Thursday, June 14, 20102 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The Pioneer Award has been established to honor the career of a historic creator of a major body of musical work that… more

(More) Successful Strategies for Studio Singers

Over the years I’ve become familiar with the infamous studio stories involving celebrated prima-donnas like Barbra Streisand et al, who spent many a session brutalizing hapless engineers with between-take tantrums (“too loud,” “too soft,” “can’t read the lyrics,” “can’t stand these headphones,” etc.). Though she’s no Streisand (and thank God), working with my wife has nonetheless given me a little taste of what it must have been like for those… more

American Youth Symphony Presents Danny Elfman Project

The American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles will launch the Danny Elfman Project on Sunday, May 6 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Sponsored by BMI, the three-year initiative will explore and celebrate the film music of iconic BMI composer Danny Elfman through panel discussions and performances. At 4 p.m. on May 6, Danny Elfman will join film music historian Jon Burlingame for an in-depth symposium discussing the… 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

Remembering Joel Goldsmith: 1957-2012

Brilliantly eclectic BMI composer Joel Goldsmith died on Sunday, April 29. He was 54. An expert in composing for science fiction and fantasy, Goldsmith worked in television, film and video games. His knack for otherworldly scores came naturally – he was the eldest son of legendary late BMI composer Jerry Goldsmith. Joel Goldsmith served as the main composer for television series Stargate SG-1, for which he… more

From the Archives

BMI’s songwriting history, in pictures. Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty attend the 1974 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. more

10 Questions: iZLER

Critics and fans love the TV mystery series Revenge. At least 10.3-million tuned in for the premiere and have watched its anti-heroine Emily Thorne try to unravel the mysteries of her past and exact the titular vengeance on those responsible. An important part of captivating those fans — and the critics — is the work of the composer iZLER, whose often-stunning textural compositions for electric guitar,… more

10 Questions: Marty Stuart

Traditional country music has no greater ambassador than Marty Stuart. Whether using his acclaimed RFD-TV show, The Marty Stuart Show, as a platform for the music’s best practitioners, or sending his vast collection of country memorabilia on the road, so that fans can get a tangible sense of the music’s history, Stuart nurtures country traditions with boundless care and respect. Stuart’s own music stands to become… more

10 Questions: Hector Saldana of the Krayolas

In 2007, the Krayolas—Hector Saldana’s long-defunct troop of Texas twangers—caught an unlikely second wind. That year, the band reissued a heap of their out-of-print recordings, which quickly garnered unexpected buzz on Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s “Kick Out the Jams!” with Dave Marsh and “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” and NPR’s “All Things Considered”; in Texas Monthly; at SXSW; and via rock critics Ben… more

Songwriter Business News

Important stories for working songwriters: Billboard.biz weighs the creative and commercial potential of artist-curated playlists as apps. As the options for cloud-based storage increase, Slate looks at the top choices American Songwriter surveys a top-tier group of artists and executives for advice on how to make it in music. Wondering what to do with all of that time on the road between gigs? Nicki… more

Seeking Songwriting Success: Three Ways Follow-Through Pays Off

Songwriting is art. Like all art, songs require a healthy dose of inspiration, which is nearly impossible to predict or control. In that way, the spark that results in the creation of a song is a gift but the rest of the process is nothing more (or less) than good, old-fashioned work. By following through in a variety of different ways, you stand a much better chance of achieving the… more

10 Questions: David Newman

Composer/conductor David Newman has scored more than 100 major feature films, received an Oscar nomination for his Anastasia score, and is a 2009 recipient of BMI’s Richard Kirk Award. He’s a member of the legendary Newman family—and if the Hollywood composing world has a dynasty, the Newmans are it: David’s father, Alfred Newman, was a nine-time Oscar winner and is considered one of the godfathers of… more

BMI Talks Songwriting at “How I Wrote That Song” during Billboard Latin Music Conference

BMI presented the anticipated annual installment of its popular “How I Wrote That Song” series at the Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards in Miami on Wednesday, April 25 at the JW Marriott Marquis. The discussion featured insight into the art and business of songwriting from hit-makers Chino & Nacho, Horacio Palencia, Gocho and… more

Rising Superstars Shine at BMI’s “Live From Loews” Showcase

Atlanta’s music community gathered for an evening of smooth sounds by bourgeoning pop and r&b talents at BMI Presents: Live From Loews the “Know Them Now” edition, held Thursday, April 26 in Atlanta. Four auspicious acts, Kalenna, India Shawn, Tiffany Bleu, and Shay Mooney, wowed a standing-room-only crowd at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Singer/actress Brandy and multi-talented T-Pain mingled at the must-attend… more

BMI Christian Artists Win Big at 2012 Dove Awards

The 43rd annual Dove Awards celebrated Christian music’s top artists, songwriters, albums and songs on Thursday, April 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The winners’ list features established BMI favorites alongside exciting up-and-comers, underscoring the strength and diversity of BMI’s extensive faith-based repertoire. Jason Crabb took home two huge wins: Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year. Rock outfit NEEDTOBREATHE earned Group of the Year,… more

BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop ‘Smoker’ Set for April 26

The BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop will present the BMI Workshop Smoker on April 26 at BMI’s New York headquarters, located at 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, 30th floor. The event, produced by Frank Evans and Frederick Freyer, will feature new works by members of the Workshop, including Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel, Gary Apple, Raymond Bokhour and… more

Remembering Dick Clark: 1929-2012

Dick Clark, the gracious and towering ambassador of American popular music and mainstream youth culture, passed away on Wednesday, April 17 in Santa Monica, California. He was 82. After stints as a television announcer and DJ, Clark began the career that would eventually unfold into a media empire with a humble local dance show in Philadelphia. It was a simple but powerful concept: kids dancing to… more

Carlos Santana Honored by BMI Board of Directors at NAB Convention

The BMI Board of Directors celebrated the incredible career of BMI legend Carlos Santana at its annual dinner, held Tuesday, April 17 during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas. The BMI Board presented a special citation to Santana, honoring his “gift of brilliant music that has thrilled audiences in millions of performances on radio, television, recordings, acclaimed film scores and extraordinary live… more

Sundance Institute’s ComposersLab: LA Set for May 12

The Sundance Institute’s Film Music Program will present the ComposersLab: LA on Saturday, May 12 at Downtown Independent Theatre (251 South Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) in Los Angeles. The event is an incredible educational opportunity – a one-day version of the institute’s Summer Lab. Leading composers Blake Neely (The Mentalist, The Pacific, Political Animals, Brothers & Sisters), Cliff Martinez (Drive,… more

Coeur d’Alene Songwriters Festival Presents Country Music’s Most Successful Songwriters

BMI is partnering with KXLY Radio Group, Idavend Broadcasting, Inland Northwest Broadcasting and the Coeur d’Alene Resort to present The Coeur d’Alene Songwriters Festival—two days of music and stories by some of the most successful country songwriters of all time—from May 25 to May 26 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Over the course of two days and nights, attendees will be entertained by the heroes behind the hits—the writers who have… more

Fly Golden Eagle Wins Final Round of BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo

BMI, Mercy Lounge, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and the Nashville Scene presented the third round of the 2012 edition of the Road to Bonnaroo competition at 8 off 8th on Monday, April 16. The final installment featured strong performances from Courtney Jaye, Ravello, Oh No No, Electric Hearts, more

BMI to Present Star-studded “How I Wrote That Song” Panel at 2012 Billboard Latin Conference

Chino & Nacho, Horacio Palencia, Gocho and Benny Camacho set to speak at the JW Marriott Marquis on April 25 in Miami, Florida BMI has confirmed Latin music giants Chino & Nacho, Horacio Palencia, Gocho and Benny Camacho as panelists for BMI’s “How I Wrote That Song” panel on Wednesday, April 25 at the JW Marriott Marquis (255… more

BMI Composer Kevin Puts Wins 2012 Pulitzer for Music

BMI composer Kevin Puts was named the 2012 Pulitzer Prize winner in music on Monday, April 16. His prize-winning World War I masterpiece Silent Night, which premiered in Minnesota last year, is Puts’ first opera. A native of St. Louis, Puts is a three-time BMI Student Composer Award recipient who joined BMI in 1996. He serves on the faculty of the Peabody Institute and works in… more

MusicWorld Vol. 9, 4.12: Songwriter news, Q&A’s, advice & more

Check out the new issue of BMI MusicWorld, featuring… Important stories for working songwriters from NPR, The Daily Telegraph, Digital Music News and more. Robert Earl Keen: “I do have formulas that I like, but I try everything that I possibly can. Which would include just picking a word out of the air and trying to write a song around it, standing in the… more

Indie Spotlight: Nick Waterhouse

Everything about California-based singer/songwriter and producer Nick Waterhouse started with a single 45: the song was “Some Place,” recorded at the end of 2010. The song sold half its press in a single night in the winter. In the shacks and studios and some places of the days of Sun and Chess and Cadet and Cobra, singers and guitarists and producers like Nick Waterhouse gave everything—because… more

Indie Spotlight: PushMethod

PushMethod's music is sprayed with colors from Tavis Sage Eaton, who has shared the stage with Wu Tang Clan, Nas, Rae Kwon, Fabulous, and Fat Joe. They're fused with the vibrancy of Michael Dustin "Dusty" Youree, whose inspiration stems from not only the international theater tours of Pipin, Alice in Wonderland, and Amadeus, which he joined at the… more

Indie Spotlight: Pure Bathing Culture

Daniel Hindman and Sarah Versprille began writing songs together in 2009 while living in Brooklyn, NY. In 2011, between tours with Sub Pop's Vetiver (who Versprille and Hindman play keyboards and guitar in, respectively) the duo packed up their lives, moved to Portland, OR, and realized that it was time to put a name to the new project – and Pure Bathing Culture was born. Through… more

Indie Spotlight: Meleni Smith

Born in Flint, Michigan, raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Meleni Smith began singing at the age of six. Brought up by a Jamaican mother, Meleni never knew exactly where she fit in this world but knew that music would help her find how she fits in it. She recently signed a publishing deal with EMI alongside hit producer Salaam Remi ( more

Indie Spotlight: Terminal VI

Formed in 2009, Terminal VI is a dynamic rock group bursting out of the Los Angeles music scene bringing the focus of great songwriting and musicianship to the world of rock. From their demo release in March 2009, to their 2010 “Honor in Struggle” EP, the band has launched a movement in the Southern California region, which thanks to dedicated fans has rapidly spread across the… more

Indie Spotlight: Sucré

Featuring the crystalline vocals of Stacy King, Sucré write the kind of dreamlike pop songs that get lodged into your head before the very first chorus even kicks in. Rounded out by Stacy’s husband, Darren King, on drums, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Larson, the trio’s debut album, A Minor Bird, is an enchanting blend of ‘60s psychedelia and the intimacy of ‘70s singer/songwriters. “Incredible music...Stacy’s honeyed vocals are tough to ignore,”… more

Indie Spotlight: Marquee Mayfield

What started in Nashville a little over a year ago as a side project for frontman Andrew Glass and guitarist Landon Rives to express their love for deep-grooved dance tracks, has morphed into Marquee Mayfield, a bold statement of blended r&b/soul with flirtatious pop-funk & acid-jazz inspirations. They’ve wasted no time making an impression on the local music scene, showcasing in BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo competition… more

Check Out BMI’s April Indies

The April collection of BMI indie profiles spotlights Coachella 2012—one of the most anticipated and beloved music festivals in the world—along with free-thinkers Marquee Mayfield, Sucré, Terminal VI, Meleni Smith, Pure Bathing Culture, PushMethod and Nick Waterhouse. bmi.com/indie more

New Orleans Songwriters Hit BMI Stage at 2012 French Quarter Fest

BMI invited a selection of the Big Easy’s top songwriters to perform at the annual French Quarter Festival, held April 12-15 in New Orleans. Set in the courtyard of the Historic New Orleans Collection, the BMI Songwriter Stage featured two days of talented troubadours Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15. Saturday’s stacked lineup featured Charlie Oxford, Jon Roniger, Erin Miley, Denton Hatcher, Alexis Marceaux, Sean… more

From the Archives

BMI’s songwriting history, in pictures. Merle Haggard, Marijohn Wilkin and Eddy Arnold huddle for a photo at the 1970 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. “During the course of his legendary career, Haggard has racked up 40 No. 1 songs, multiple wins as the Academy of Country Music’s Top Male Vocalist, Entertainer of the Year for both the ACM and Country… more

10 Questions: Dan Romer

Dan Romer grew up cherishing gritty singers—from Dylan and Daltrey, to Cobain and Corgan. These days the Brooklyn-based producer and all-around studio whiz is just as concerned with vocalizations, but contending for his attention is the constant search for an agile string arrangement or the perfect drum sound. Checking in from his studio, Romer considered the roots of that search, producing for Jukebox The Ghost, and… more

10 Questions: Wayne Hector

When Wayne Hector picks up the phone at his home in Surrey, England, his voice is competing with the sound of laughing children and birds loudly singing. It’s as if he’s on the line from a scene in a beautiful old Disney cartoon, and Hector — who has 30 number one hits on his resume — admits he’s living a charmed life. He’s written smash records, including the current chart-burners… more

10 Questions: Robert Earl Keen

Since 1984, Robert Earl Keen has charted his knack for charming, wry narratives across borders and more than 15 albums. Yet that road, for lack of a better term, arguably extends beyond his near-30-year career. In some ways Keen owes everything to the road. It’s served him well, as a metaphor and as a literal path to the fans heard on any of his resounding concert… more

Songwriter Business News

Important stories for working songwriters: Digital Music News charts online radio’s explosive growth. Musicians are re-routing the path to success. NPR looks at making it in today’s music industry. How do working musicians make money? Non-profit the Future of Music Coalition has started the Artist Revenue Streams Project to find out. Designing your website on your own? Hubspot details what not to… more

NYU/BMI Workshop for Music in Commercial Media Accepting Applicants

BMI will partner with New York University to present the NYU / BMI Workshop for Music in Commercial Media workshop on July 28-30 at NYU in Greenwich Village. The NYU/BMI Workshop is an intensive three-day seminar dedicated to the business and techniques of producing and composing music for advertising, corporate branding and music production libraries. These areas constitute the world’s most heard music and provide major revenue streams… 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

Composer Rolfe Kent to Receive Richard Kirk Award at BMI Film & Television Awards

BMI will present the Richard Kirk Award for outstanding career achievement to prolific composer Rolfe Kent at the organization’s 2012 Film & Television Awards. Held Wednesday, May 16 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, the private event also honors the composers of the past year’s top-grossing films, top-rated primetime network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs. BMI bestows the Richard Kirk Award on composers who have made… more

Deirdre Chadwick Elected to Board of BMI Foundation, Inc.

Deirdre Chadwick has been elected to the Board of Directors of the BMI Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance and study of music. Formed by BMI employees in 1985, the organization sponsors a variety of programs designed to support music education, encourage talented young musicians in all genres of music, and to promote music in communities all across America. “We are delighted to welcome Deirdre… 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

Prom for Hope to Raise Funds for Cancer Research April 5 in L.A.

The first annual Prom for Hope will take place Thursday, April 5 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Presented by Hope’s Music and Entertainment Industry Group and Future Hope, the dance party will raise funds for cancer research and is proudly supported by BMI. 3OH!3 will deliver an anticipated DJ set, as will Black Cards (Pete Wentz & Spencer Peterson), Kevin Baird… more

BMI Country Stars & Songwriters Win 89% of 2012 ACM Awards

BMI’s country vanguard ruled the 47th Academy of Country Music Awards, taking home a jaw-dropping 89% of the year’s trophies. The wins reflect the unparalleled strength of BMI’s country repertoire, home to the genre’s biggest crossover stars, groundbreaking songwriters and icons. Taylor Swift earned her second consecutive Entertainer of the Year title. She is the youngest woman ever to win the top prize, which is now… more

Top Latin Songwriters Honored at 19th Annual BMI Latin Music Awards

Leading U.S. music rights organization Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored the songwriters and publishers of Latin music’s most-performed songs on U.S. radio and television at the 19th annual BMI Latin Music Awards tonight at the Encore Las Vegas. En Español International superstar Pitbull received the BMI President’s Award in recognition of his profound influence on the entire entertainment industry. As the 2012 recipient, Pitbull joins an elite list of… more

One More Spot: Final Round of BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo is April 16

Nashville’s Road to Bonnaroo competition has one more slot to fill. Eight third-round performers will compete during the final RTB 2012 showcase on Monday, April 16 at the Mercy Lounge. With tight, three-song sets, Captain Midnight Band, Courtney Jaye, The Electric Hearts, Escandido, Fly Golden Eagle, Oh No No, Ravello, and Sol Cat will each vie for a spot at Bonnaroo. Presented by BMI, the Nashville Scene, Mercy Lounge and the Bonnaroo… 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

Remembering Earl Scruggs: 1924-2012

Bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs died on Wednesday, March 28 in Nashville. He was 88. “Earl Scruggs was traditional, and at the same time he was avant-garde. With Flatt and Scruggs he defined the banjo, taking it from rural stages to the Opry, then college campuses in the 60s, all the way to Carnegie Hall. Then he redefined his own success with his sons… more

Wild Cub Wins Road to Bonnaroo Round Two

BMI, Mercy Lounge, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and the Nashville Scene presented the second round of the 2012 edition of the Road to Bonnaroo competition at 8 off 8th on Monday, March 26. The round two lineup featured Evan P. Donohue, Wild Cub, The Running, Static Revival, Nikki Lane, Five Knives, Tesla… more

“Stand By Me” to Receive Towering Song Award at 2012 Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner

The Songwriters Hall of Fame will bestow the prestigious Towering Song Award on timeless composition “Stand by Me” at the organization’s 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner, slated for Thursday, June 14 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Written by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller and Ben E. King, “Stand by Me” has earned more than… more

From the Archives

BMI’s songwriting history, in pictures. Legends catch up at the 1981 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. Pictured are (seated) Billy Sherrill, Jerry Kennedy and Jerry Lee Lewis; with Curly Putman, Faron Young, Johnny Bush and Willie Nelson (standing). more

10 Questions: The Scissormen’s Ted Drozdowski

To see Ted Drozdowski play slide guitar so easily like he does, one might think he was a tad bored, like a kid who really ought to have skipped a grade or a dog too long chained to a doghouse. In the dusky bars and blues clubs he frequents with his two-man band the Scissormen, the mutton-chopped Drozdowski keeps himself, and everyone else in the vicinity,… more

10 Questions: Alan Lazar

Alan Lazar is an exquisitely gifted composer who has written scores for over thirty shows and films, including An American Crime, Sex and the City, Gangsta’s Paradise/Jerusalema, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. His compositions provide the soundtracks that enhance a wide range of life experiences, from noble tragedy to guilty pleasures. Recently, Lazar has added another gamut entirely to his range by writing an… more

10 Questions: Ali Tamposi

With waist-length, stick-straight brown hair, 22-year-old songwriter Ali Tamposi looks every bit the part of Laurel Canyon resident, just as Joni Mitchell and Jim Morrison did before her. Building on the success of the No. 1 dance anthem she wrote for Kelly Clarkson, “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” and previous successes writing songs for Beyoncé, this intensely likeable Delray Beach, Florida, native says she imagines she’s… more

10 Questions: Kris Bowers

He was still 22 when he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition last fall. And while his performance garnered fans in the panel of judges, all illustrious jazz pianists, as well as the also-attending Aretha Franklin, it was hardly the first time the pianism of Kris Bowers turned heads. From gigging around New York to his… more

Songwriter Business News

Important stories for working songwriters: History’s biggest U.K. invasion of U.S. charts didn’t happen 50 years ago – it’s happening right now. Billboard.biz breaks down the British-filled charts of 2011. The New Yorker profiles the hard-working songwriters behind Rihanna’s biggest hits. The market offers countless apps that record, help us create and teach us how to play music. Wired reviews a selection of the… more

Five Myths about Achieving Success as a Songwriter

With April Fools Day upon us, I thought I’d address some common misconceptions about life as a songwriter that tend to either slow down our progress or discourage us unnecessarily. The more educated you become about the mostly unwritten rules of the music industry, the less often you’ll be fooled and the better prepared you’ll be to make the slow and steady progress that leads to success. 1. Industry people… more

Video: Road to Bonnaroo Round Two Tonight

Round two of BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo 2012 is tonight, March 26, at 9 p.m. at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville. This video recap of round one helps count down the hours until show time. Now in its fourth year, the Road to Bonnaroo contest will feature 24 bands with Nashville ties vying for three slots at Bonnaroo 2012. Presented by BMI, Mercy Lounge, the Nashville Sceneand the Bonnaroo Music… more

SXSW Video Blog: Falling in Love with SXSW

BMI’s New York-based publicist Jamil Walker captures his frenzied, fantastic experience at SXSW 2012 in this fast-paced video blog. Jump in to his “virtual pedicab” and experience the festival through the eyes and ears of one of its hardest working fans. more

Carole King to be Named BMI Icon at 60th Annual BMI Pop Awards

Legendary songwriter and recording artist Carole King will be celebrated as a BMI Icon at the 60th annual BMI Pop Awards, slated for Tuesday, May 15 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. The evening will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed pop songs in the United States from BMI’s repertoire of more than 7.5 million works. BMI… more

10 Things You Should Know About the Key West Songwriters Festival

The 2012 Key West Songwriters Festival is just around the corner. Whether you’ve booked your trip and are counting down the days, or you’re deciding whether or not to head to the festival for the first time, here are 10 things you should know: The Key West Songwriters Festival is May 2-6, 2012. This year marks the beloved fest’s 17th anniversary. Loved by the greatest songwriters in the world,… more

SXSW Blog: That’s a Wrap

It's a dangerous thing, when Saturday night at SXSW collides with St. Patrick's Day -- the intense festival drinking crowd and an intense Austin Saturday night drinking crowd and St. Patrick's Day revelers crowd into the same spaces and commence drinking...intensely. By the time The Mynabirds loaded in for our final 2012 SXSW set Saturday night at a Sixth St. club called Peckerheads, the club, the… more

BMI Live Now Available in Spanish

BMI Live — the important and groundbreaking program that enables performing songwriters to be compensated for their public performances of their songs in clubs across the country — now offers a Spanish version of the system participants use to enter performance data. To use BMI Live in Spanish, log into BMI Live, then select Español from the language drop down menu in the upper right corner. BMI Live… more

SXSW Blog: On the Ground

A SXSW stop, way back, meant a single showcase, but as the day party scene grew to what it is now -- a barrage that has to at least equal the night-time show saturation -- just about everybody plays a lot. A three, four times a day brand of a lot. Our band (The Mynabirds) had about a half dozen things scheduled -- parties, a showcase, video/radio stuff… more

Indie Spotlight: The Vibrant Sound

The Vibrant Sound is a movement of ingenuity in the world of alternative hip-hop. Combining eclectic styles from Los Angeles to New York, this full band, indie hip-hop project has captured a sound that defies boundaries on all sides. Based on the songwriting slash lyrical delivery of leadman McKay Stevens, the Vibrant Sound came together to create music for ghettoblasters to speak through and people to… more

Indie Spotlight: Roc$tedy

22-year-old Roc$tedy is based in Long Beach, California. Born addicted to pain meds, Roc has been fighting for his life since birth. While attempting to keep himself busy with sports in high school, the temptations of an adolescent in an urban environment were too great. From mixing with the wrong crowd and being shot at, to nearly losing his life to an overdose, Roc$tedy is a real survival story, and… more

Indie Spotlight: Angelo De Augustine

Singer/songwriter Angelo De Augustine lives in Westlake Village, California. His first release, Black Wool and second, Strangers, have received overwhelming praise from established musicians including Marcella Detroit of Shakespeare’s Sister, Pat MacDonald (Timbuk 3) ,the Band of Heathens, Tom Freund, and legendary drummer Dony Wynn (Robert Palmer, Steve Winwood, Patti Labelle, Brooks and Dunn).… more

BMI Indie Profiles: March

BMI’s March indie picks include innovative and inspirational hip-hop, along with a reflective singer/songwriter currently turning heads: The Vibrant Sound, Roc$teady and Angelo De Augustine. bmi.com/indie more

New Music Seminar Set for June 17-19 in New York City, Offers BMI Members Discounted Registration

The New Music Seminar (NMS) is slated for June 17-19, 2012 at Webster Hall in New York City. BMI will partner with SoundExchange and iHeartRadio to present the re-launched NMS, a must-attend gathering of key music, technology, radio, venture capital, advertising agency, brand executives, artists, managers, producers, songwriters, booking agents, venues, and promoters. Now during early bird registration, take $200 off. Early bird registration ends March 24. BMI members may… more

Marty Panzer to Teach Writing Class, Offers BMI Members Discount

Esteemed composer/songwriter Marty Panzer will lead an upcoming Master Class writing workshop at Hunter College of the City University of New York. Entitled “Writing Lyrics that Succeed and Endure,” the class will take place over six Thursday evening sessions. The first class is April 19, and the course concludes on May 24; all classes will be held 7-9 p.m. at the Hunter College Campus Schools, 71… more

U.S. Register of Copyrights Outlines Priorities During BMI Visit

Maria Pallante, the U.S. Register of Copyrights, visited with BMI executives on March 14 for a wide-ranging review of projects and priorities at the Copyright Office in her new administration. Pallante was appointed June, 2011 after serving for five years in a variety of positions at the Copyright Office, succeeding Marybeth Peters, who held the Office of Register for more than 25 years. Pallante began her remarks with a special… more

SXSW Blog: Getting There

I was fittingly excited, the first time I got a chance to perform at SXSW, somewhere toward the beginning of the last decade. The fest seemed ripe with possibility for a young band -- maybe you'd leave with a new label, a booking agent, something of a burst of propulsion that might tumble you toward something bigger. It's naive, but music industry festivals seemed, at least back then, like the… more

Country Music Hall of Fame to Induct Connie Smith

Connie Smith will become the newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame at an anticipated ceremony later this year. The legendary powerhouse vocalist and longtime BMI songwriter will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category. Smith is joined in the 2012 class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees by Garth Brooks and revered session pianist/keyboardist Hargus “Pig” Robbins.… more

Nile Rodgers to Lead Master Session at NYU April 10

Legendary BMI songwriter/composer, producer and guitarist Nile Rodgers will lead a Songwriters Hall of Fame Master Session at New York University on Tuesday, April 10. NYU Steinhardt songwriter-in-residence Phil Galdston will conduct an interview with Rodgers, in which the latter will discuss his extraordinary career. Free and open to the NYU community, members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) and the music community, the event… more

Let It Bleed: Learning to Love Leakage

Recently, I was working on a recording session with a local keyboard player, using live piano and drums in the same room for the foundation tracks. Since we had a digital console piano, we could have plugged straight into the mixing board and kept the sounds totally separate; however, since I seldom do things the easy way, I opted to record the piano “live,” and proceeded to place a pair… more

BMI Partners with Artist Growth

BMI is partnering with artist career management app Artist Growth to offer significant opportunities for our songwriters and composers. Now through March 18, Artist Growth is offering a free, one-year trial period to BMI members. After March 18, BMI members may download and use the Artist Growth app for a free six-month trial period. In the coming months, BMI members who have signed up for BMI… more

BMI Presents John Doe, Todd Snider and Jesse Malin in In-Depth Discussion on Songwriting at SXSW

BMI will present an in-depth conversation on the art and craft of songwriting, featuring John Doe, Todd Snider and Jesse Malin, moderated by Jody Williams, BMI VP of Writer/Publisher Relations. The “How to Track and Capture Wild Roots Songs of North America” panel will be held on Thursday, March 15 at 5:15 in Room 16B at the Austin Convention Center. An important part of BMI’s stacked scheduled at this year’s… more

SXSW Picks: Latin

Latin music is the fastest growing genre in the country, and that dynamic surge is visible in SXSW lineups that are more diverse than ever before. Bills showcasing traditional Latin styles as well as Latin rock, hip-hop, singer/songwriters, pop and more from all over the world will fill clubs in downtown Austin this week. Here are four BMI Latin SXSW performers not to be missed. WEDNESDAY, 3/14… more

Rethink Music Offers Discounted Registration to BMI Members

Rethink Music is offering a substantial discount on registration for its upcoming conference to BMI songwriters, composers and publishers. Now through April 15, BMI members may take $155 off the standard fee. Register now, and enter promocode BMIRETHINK when prompted. Rethink Music is an innovative event that combines creative workshops, expert panels, live performances and competitions. Set for April 22-24 at the Hynes Convention… more

Songwriter Business News

Important stories for working songwriters: The cloud—the world’s network of apps as opposed to locally based software—is where we’re increasingly interacting, streaming and storing in the digital sphere. But as Billboard.biz reports, the cloud is running out of room. In this story originally posted in 2010, the BBC analyzes the big business of sonic branding. Birmingham, Alabama is now an important stop for touring indie rock… more

10 Questions: Vonnegutt’s Kyle Lucas

When Vonnegutt guitarist Neil Garrard slipped his band’s raw demo to a classmate who just happened to be the brother of Big Boi (of Outkast fame), everything changed—but not overnight, frontman Kyle Lucas is quick to point out. Now 26, Lucas was 22 when he and Garrard signed their Marietta, Georgia, band to Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon Records. Big Boi was taken… more

From the Archives

BMI’s songwriting history, in pictures. Jimmie Vaughan, former BMI executive Roger Sovine, B.B. King, former BMI President & CEO Frances Preston and Al Schlesinger, former National Chairman of the Board for NARAS, celebrate King’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. more

10 Questions: Milo Greene

The Milo Greene arriving to Austin, TX next week for the marathon SXSW festival is not a single person—he isn’t even real. What began as a phantom booking agent—an e-mail account concocted by band co-founders Robbie Arnett and Andrew Heringer when the friends still led separate projects—has since transformed to one of Los Angeles’ most buzzed-about indie crews. Now, bolstered by choristers Graham Fink and Marlana… more

Bette Midler To Receive Songwriters Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award

Multi-talented BMI legend Bette Midler will be the 2012 recipient of the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner, slated for Thursday, June 14 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, according to an announcement by Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman Jimmy Webb announced. Midler is the legendary multi-Grammy Award-winning artist who for more than 40 years has captivated audiences as the… more

SXSW Picks: 12 Bands to Catch in Austin

In the promotional flurry of booze, BBQ, and celebrity attractions that fuel the South By Southwest Music Festival (March 13-18), it’s far too easy to lose track of the hometown talent that helps make Austin the so-called “Live Music Capital of the World” the other 51 weeks of the year—especially with nearly 2,000 artists scheduled to perform. Here’s a list of 12 can’t miss BMI acts from Austin to add… more

Play Live, Get Paid: BMI Live Pays Performing Songwriters for Gigs

As thousands of bands flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest music festival next week, performing right organization BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) urges all BMI-registered artists to go to www.bmi.com/live and sign up for BMI Live. Now in its second year, BMI Live pays royalties to songwriters for live performances in bars, clubs, restaurants and other music venues. Since its launch, the groundbreaking program has distributed… more

Billboard Offers BMI Members Discounted Registration for Latin Conference & Awards

BMI songwriters, composers and publishers may take advantage of discounted registration for the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards. BMI members only pay $350 instead of the standard $499 fee – a savings of almost 30%. To claim the discount, enter code BMI12 when prompted during registration. Slated for April 23-26 in Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel (Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami,… more

Remembering Robert Sherman: 1925-2012

Legendary songwriter and composer Robert B. Sherman has died. He was 86. Mr. Sherman built a uniquely and dazzlingly successful career, composing hit singles, television themes, movie soundtracks for Disney and others, Broadway scores and more. Sherman possessed an unmatched love and mastery of language, which is especially visible in his Mary Poppins’ classics “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cherree.” Along with his brother Richard, Sherman penned unforgettable music for iconic… more

Bill Anderson, Bob DiPiero and Clint Black Charm U.K. Crowds in CMA Songwriter Series

Prolific BMI songwriters Bill Anderson, Bob DiPiero and Clint Black took country music to the U.K. February 22-24 for the CMA Songwriter Series, co-presented by BMI and the CMA. The tour made stops in London, Belfast and Dublin, where Anderson, DiPiero and Black performed hits from their extensive repertoires in packed rooms. See video. A member… more

5.16.12

BMI Buzz at the Basement: Nashville

5.17.12

Copyright Alliance Expo: Washington, DC

5.17.12

Ivor Novello Awards: London

5.17.12

A Great Night In Harlem: New York

5.17.12

Master Class Writing Workshop: New York

5.18.12

BMI presents…Music 101 Submission Deadline

5.19.12

Musicians Corner: Nashville

5.20.12

Billboard Music Awards: Las Vegas

5.23.12

Music101 Feedback: Los Angeles

5.24.12

Master Class Writing Workshop: New York

5.25.12

The Coeur d’Alene Songwriters Festival: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

5.26.12

The Coeur d’Alene Songwriters Festival: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

5.26.12

Musicians Corner: Nashville

5.31.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

6.02.12

The Songwriters Law Seminar: New York

6.03.12

Drama Desk Awards: New York

6.04.12

Billboard Country Music Summit: Nashville

6.04.12

BMI Acoustic Lounge - Los Angeles

6.05.12

Billboard Country Music Summit: Nashville

6.05.12

Jason Blume Songwriters Workshop: Nashville

6.07.12

CMA Music Festival: Nashville

6.07.12

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival: Manchester, TN

6.08.12

CMA Music Festival: Nashville

6.08.12

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival: Manchester, TN

6.09.12

CMA Music Festival: Nashville

6.09.12

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival: Manchester, TN

6.10.12

CMA Music Festival: Nashville

6.10.12

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival: Manchester, TN

6.10.12

Tony Awards: New York`

6.11.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.12.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.13.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.14.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.14.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.14.12

Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: New York

6.15.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.15.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.16.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.16.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.17.12

New Music Seminar: New York

6.17.12

NXNE Music & Film Festival and Conference: Toronto

6.17.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.18.12

New Music Seminar: New York

6.18.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.19.12

New Music Seminar: New York

6.19.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.20.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.21.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.22.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.22.12

Royalty Payment

6.23.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.24.12

LA Film Fest: Los Angeles

6.28.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

6.28.12

24th Annual BMI Jazz Composers Workshop Concert: New York

6.30.12

BMI Live Deadline

7.02.12

BMI Acoustic Lounge - Los Angeles

7.11.12

Kauai Music Festival: Kauai, Hawaii

7.11.12

Latin Alternative Music Conference -  New York

7.12.12

Kauai Music Festival: Kauai, Hawaii

7.12.12

Latin Alternative Music Conference -  New York

7.13.12

Kauai Music Festival: Kauai, Hawaii

7.13.12

Latin Alternative Music Conference -  New York

7.14.12

Kauai Music Festival: Kauai, Hawaii

7.14.12

Latin Alternative Music Conference -  New York

7.19.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

7.28.12

NYU / BMI Workshop for Music In Commercial Media: New York

7.29.12

NYU / BMI Workshop for Music In Commercial Media: New York

7.30.12

NYU / BMI Workshop for Music In Commercial Media: New York

8.03.12

Lollapalooza: Chicago

8.04.12

Lollapalooza: Chicago

8.05.12

Lollapalooza: Chicago

8.30.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

9.21.12

Royalty Payment

9.27.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

9.30.12

BMI Live Deadline

10.16.12

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival - New York

10.17.12

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival - New York

10.18.12

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival - New York

10.19.12

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival - New York

10.20.12

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival - New York

10.25.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

11.29.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

12.13.12

BMI 101 Workshop: New York

12.31.12

BMI Live Deadline

1.11.13

Royalty Payment

1.16.13

Crested Butte Songwriters Festival: Crested Butte, CO

1.17.13

Crested Butte Songwriters Festival: Crested Butte, CO

1.18.13

Crested Butte Songwriters Festival: Crested Butte, CO

1.19.13

Crested Butte Songwriters Festival: Crested Butte, CO

3.22.13

Royalty Payment