News Archive
I’m often asked which point of view is the strongest for songs. Point of view, which is sometimes referred to as the narrative perspective, determines whether the singer is sharing his or her own story and feelings; telling someone else’s story and feelings; or acting as an impartial narrator. Let’s…
What Makes a Song Iconic?
“Great means incredibly well crafted, easily memorable, with a universally relatable sentiment and a sense of authenticity—“from the heart” as they say. Iconic means touching a cultural nerve, standing the test of time and instantly recognizable by many people - that holds true even if it’s not widely considered…
BMI Celebrates its 2021 London Award Winners
BMI proudly honoured the top UK and European songwriters, composers and music publishers of the most-performed songs of the previous year at the 2021 BMI London Awards. Rising star Arlo Parks received the BMI Impact Award, a recognition given for groundbreaking artistry, creative vision and impact on the future of…
Secrets From The Shaman: An Exclusive Conversation with BMI Icon Donovan
Donovan is a songwriter for the ages. Releasing his first single, “Catch the Wind,” in 1965, the aspiring, 18-year-old Scottish folk troubadour swiftly defined himself as a prolific writer, welding elements of traditional acoustic folk music with groundbreaking elements of pop, rock, jazz, classical and the burgeoning psychedelia of the…
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…
BMI Bulletin Board: October 2020
International Songwriting Competition The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has extended the registration deadline to November 4, 2020. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your songs heard by industry execs and celebrity judges like Bebe Rexha, Cam, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, Tanya Tucker, and many more.…
Using Chords and Modulations as Musical Hooks in Your Songs
The chords we choose to accompany our melodies not only contribute to the flavor of our songs, they can provide some of those magical musical moments that make our songs hooky, exceptional, and unforgettable. To keep our listeners’ attention we need to include hooks, elements that are catchy and memorable,…
BMI Bulletin Board: February 2020
WORKSHOPS BMI 101 Workshop: Nashville BMI 101 is a one-hour introductory workshop for anyone interested in learning more about the current role BMI plays in the complex world of the music industry. You’ll spend the hour with two BMI Employees outlining the history of BMI, how to utilize…
BMI Bulletin Board: January 2020
WORKSHOPS BMI 101 Workshop: Nashville BMI 101 is a one-hour introductory workshop for anyone interested in learning more about the current role BMI plays in the complex world of the music industry. You’ll spend the hour with two BMI Employees outlining the history of BMI, how to utilize…
BMI Bulletin Board: November/December 2019
WORKSHOPS BMI 101 Workshop: Nashville BMI 101 is a one-hour introductory workshop for anyone interested in learning more about the current role BMI plays in the complex world of the music industry. You’ll spend the hour with two BMI Employees outlining the history of BMI, how to utilize…