News Archive
BMI was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier, whose death at the age of 81 was announced on Tuesday morning. A Detroit native and one third of the trailblazing production trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, Lamont Dozier helped define the sound of the 1960s with a…
In Fighting Form: A Conversation with H.E.R.
Since debuting in 2016, H.E.R.’s distinctive blend of smoldering R&B has been showcased on a string of EPs—later collected on a debut LP in 2017 that was certified platinum – and has earned her steady acclaim as a prolific creative force to watch. H.E.R., which stands for “Having Everything Revealed,”…
Change That Tune – The Art of Re-Arranging Your Songs
One of the most challenging aspects of writing and recording is the ability to remain flexible. In years past, I’d typically consider a song to be set in stone from demo one, and therefore kept basic arrangement, instruments, rhythm and such pretty much intact from start to finish. Not that…
Noel Gallagher and World’s Top Songwriters Honored at 2019 BMI London Awards
Tonight, BMI honored Noel Gallagher with the BMI President’s Award at the 2019 BMI London Awards. Guests included Raye, who also performed her brand new track, “Love Me Again,” and who was recognized with the BMI Impact Award (a brand new award for 2019). Anne-Marie and Niall Horan also attended…
Breakthrough Hits and Signature Songs: What Can They Teach Us?
Although it was more than sixteen years ago, I still recall chatting with a twenty-something guy who stood in front of me in line as we waited to attend the taping of the David Letterman Show. The guy was excited because his brother Adam would be performing on the show,…
BMI Congratulates its 2019 GRAMMY Nominees
BMI is exceptionally proud to congratulate its many affiliates nominated for awards by the Recording Academy at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, scheduled to be held on February 10, 2019 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Nominations for the music industry’s most prestigious accolades were announced on December 7. In…
BMI Congratulates its 2018 GRAMMY Winners
The 60th GRAMMY Awards returned to New York City, last night, for the first time since 2003, for a special anniversary celebration on the hallowed stage of Madison Square Garden. BMI songwriters from across the genre spectrum were on hand to claim their well-earned accolades for some of the year’s…
How to Write Song Hooks That “Hook” You in
What constitutes a hook? Any element of a song that grabs a listener’s attention and “hooks” them in. With there being so much competition for our listeners’ attention, including multiple hooks throughout our songs has become more important than ever. According to an article in The Atlantic magazine, “A short-attention-span…
Jay Kay and Top Songwriters Honored at 2017 BMI London Awards
BMI tonight proudly honored internationally-celebrated musician and songwriter Jay Kay (of Jamiroquai) with the BMI President’s Award at the 2017 BMI London Awards. Music industry guests including Naughty Boy, Foals and Bipolar Sunshine filled London’s Dorchester hotel to celebrate UK and European songwriters, producers and publishers of the most-performed songs…
BMI Congratulates its Silver Clef Award Winners
BMI’s Brandon Bakshi and Kevin Benz were on-hand to congratulate Nile Rodgers, Little Mix, Emelie Sande and Anne-Marie at the 02 Silver Clef Awards, held at the Grosvenor House in London on June 30. Also in attendance were previous Silver Clef winners and BMI writers Barry Gibb, Alice Cooper and…