During a recent song critique, I turned off the recording after listening to the first verse and chorus. The writer protested, “But you’ve got to keep listening. It all comes together in the bridge and then the last chorus explodes!” That might have been the case, but the chances are… Read more...
BMI is once again bringing the international acclaim of Nashville’s best songwriters to the fifth annual Maui Songwriters Festival, happening December 5 – 7, 2019. Combining the incomparable landscape of Maui, the island’s local flavor, and the best of country music, this festival puts a spotlight on the art of… Read more...
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… Read more...
BMI proudly presented its 2017 BMI Country Awards last night, honoring the prolific songwriting career of BMI Icon Award recipient Bob DiPiero, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. The 65th annual event, which is the genre’s oldest awards ceremony, also celebrated the songwriters and… Read more...
BMI team members, along with artist Justin Moore, celebrated BMI songwriters Natalie Hemby and Rodney Clawson, as well as Matt Dragsteam, who together penned the #1 song, “You Look Like I Need A Drink.” The track is the 6th number one for Moore as an artist, and the 6th and… Read more...
To grab our listeners’ attention we need to separate our songs from the competition, and one way to accomplish this is by including an unexpected twist—an element of surprise. This article examines various ways to incorporate twists into lyrics and melodies. Story Songs With Surprise Endings “Ol’ Red” (written by… Read more...
For 63 years, BMI has celebrated the music of BMI country legends like Dean Dillon, Bobby Braddock, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Vince Gill, Mac Davis, and many others, and honored the writers of the top country songs played on radio and TV at the Company’s annual BMI Country Awards. But… Read more...
WORKSHOPS Jason Blume Songwriting Workshop: Nashville BMI’s popular Songwriters’ Workshop Series in Nashville is held monthly under the tutelage of hit songwriter and best-selling author Jason Blume. When: March 15, April 12, 2016, 12:30 - 4:30 PM. Where: BMI’s Nashville offices (10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN)… Read more...
BMI is pleased to announce the initial lineup for the 21st Annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Set for May 4-8, 2016, the festival will feature top country hitmakers alongside up-and-coming talent in the most iconic venues of beautiful Key West. “This is… Read more...
BMI proudly presented its 2015 BMI Country Awards last night, honoring the prolific songwriting career of BMI Icon Mac Davis, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. The 63rd annual event, which is the genre’s oldest awards ceremony, also celebrated the songwriters and publishers of… Read more...
Captured at How I Wrote That Song 2015
