News Archive
Before they were churning out glossy ‘80s-inspired electro-pop as REYNA, Milwaukee sisters Vic and Gabby Banuelos (formerly known as the duo Vic and Gab) were on the indie-pop fast track as one of the city’s fastest-rising independent bands. In 2015, they decided that it was finally time to graduate from…
Indie Spotlight Lolla Rewind: Chance the Rapper
Chicago native, Chance the Rapper, made his first appearance on the BMI stage at Lollapalooza in 2013. Having just released his first two projects at the time, 10 Day and Acid Rap, he wowed his hometown crowd with performances of songs like “Cocoa Butter Kisses” and “Juice.” His career skyrocketed…
How to Write Non-Visual Lyrics That Engage Listeners
“Show—Don’t Tell” is one of the basic tenets taught in almost every songwriting class. Writing cinematic lyrics—lyrics that incorporate visual imagery that listeners can envision like a movie in their minds—is often thought of as one of the most effective ways to connect with audiences. Cinematic lyrics do not spell…
Indie Spotlight: MOONZz
Need proof that the music of electronic singer-songwriter MOONZz (aka Molly Williams) is sultry? Her single “Satisfy” was used in two Victoria’s Secret commercials for the Spring 2016 collection, leading to international success on iTunes’ Top Electronic Chart, peaking at number 8 in the U.S. Her new EP, Trust Cycles,…
Higher Learning: Josh Abbott Band Surveys the Music Scene
In 2006, Josh Abbott was just months away from earning his master’s degree at Texas Tech University when he decided to pursue music with his namesake band. The Josh Abbott Band, which he’d recently started with a couple of his fraternity brothers, was gaining momentum quickly, and Josh knew he…
BMI to Present 18th Annual Composer/Director Roundtable at 2016 Sundance Film Festival
BMI will once again partner with the Sundance Institute to present the 18th annual “Music & Film: The Creative Process” Composer/Director Roundtable and 14th annual Snowball showcase during the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The roundtable will take place on Monday, January 25, from 2:30 p.m. to…
BMI Writers Receive Multiple GRAMMY Nominations
2015 proved to be another explosive year for BMI songwriters. In advance of the 58th Annual GRAMMY awards, BMI is very proud to congratulate all of our many affiliates who have earned impressive nominations for their musical contributions across a wide range of genres, including Taylor Swift and Maroon 5…
Indie Spotlight: Vinyl Theatre
Milwaukee-based quartet Vinyl Theatre knows all about music’s power to unite. A shared dedication to cross-country track in high school and reverence for bands like The Killers, Two Door Cinema Club, Death Cab For Cutie and The Shins is what initially brought the band members together in 2012…
BMI Presents “Music & Film” Roundtable and Snowball Showcase at Sundance
BMI’s 15th annual Composer/Director Roundtable and 11th annual Snowball showcase will take place Wednesday, January 23, during the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Entitled “Music & Film: The Creative Process,” the roundtable will begin at 11 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. at the Sundance House. The…
Death Cab for Cutie: The Importance of Being Earnest
Indie rock can be the paradise of the jaded and the irony-driven, so for that world’s songwriters, focusing on the art of earnestness can be tricky. A well-cultivated sense of detachment sometimes scrapes up against naked baring of emotion in the most unpleasant ways. However, for nearly 15 years, West…