News Archive
The coveted Americana Honors & Awards nominations are out with several BMI songwriters poised to win big. Brandi Carlile leads the pack with three nods this year in the major categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. The ceremony will be held…
BMI Congratulates its NaSHOF Inductees
Last night, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame honored BMI songwriters Kent Blazy (“If Tommorow Never Comes,” “Ain’t Goin’ Down”), Rhett Akins (“Dirt on My Boots,” “Honey Bee”), John Scott Sherrill (Nothin’ But the Wheel,” “The Church on Cumberland Road) and Toby Keith (Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” ‘Beer for My…
BMI Congratulates its 2021 Americana Honors and Awards Nominees
The nominations are out and the final winners of this year’s Americana Honors & Awards will be announced on September 22 in a celebration at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Congratulations to all! Here are the BMI nominees: Album of the Year: Cuttin’ Grass - Vol. 1 (Butcher…
When it Comes to Song Titles, Don’t Hit the Nail Too Squarely on the Head
Most of the writers who attend my songwriting workshops already know how to write perfectly crafted songs. My job is to help them write the kinds of songs that a music publisher, record label executive, record producer, or recording artist will feel compelled to choose over the competition. One of…
10 Ways to Push the Creative Envelope With Your Songs
Sometimes, playing it safe is the most dangerous thing we can do. This is especially applicable when our goal is to write songs that rise above the competition; songs that become artists’ signature songs; and songs that impact audiences and propel artists to a next level. We need to find…
How to Use the “List Technique” in Your Song
What do the songs in the list below have in common? “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (traditional) “Achy Breaky Heart” (recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus, written by Don Von Tress) Sting’s “If I Ever Lose My Faith” (written by Sting) Carrie Underwood’s “
What Makes a Song a Hit?
When I worked in the A & R Department at a major record label, and later, as production coordinator for albums by hit artists, in many cases, my ears were the first barrier that had to be crossed when a song was submitted for those acts. Almost all the songs…
BMI Congratulates its 2018 Americana Music Award Winners and Honorees
The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville was the place to be last night for the Americana Music Honors & Awards Show. Again this year, BMI songwriters were at the top of the list of wins with Jason Isbell taking a notable three awards for Album of the Year for The Nashville…
BMI Hits the Beach With the Best And Brightest Rising Talent for 2018 Hangout Music Festival
BMI will set up camp on the beach for the sixth consecutive year with its next wave of top-notch breaking acts at Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 18-20. The three-day beach party is sure to be packed with sun, sand and song, as BMI continues…
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…
On Mac Davis Live from the Red Carpet at 2015 BMI Country Awards: Stars Praise Mac Davis at 2015 BMI Country Awards
Captured at 2015 BMI Country Awards