News Archive
At my BMI Nashville Songwriters’ Workshops, I screen and critique songs from each attendee. When I find songs that I believe are competitive with those being written by today’s top hitmakers, I forward them to ten music publishers who have agreed to listen. After the last BMI Workshop, I forwarded…
How to Write a Song That’s Fun to Listen to—and Fun to Sing
When it was suggested I write about songs that are fun to sing, the jukebox in my brain instantly thought of “The Name Game” (recorded by Shirley Ellis, written by Lincoln Chase and Shirley Elliston). Anyone of a certain age remembers plugging his or her name into the…
The Art of Quitting: Bonnie Bishop’s Story
For nearly 13 years, Bonnie Bishop had been waiting for her big break. After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin in 2001, she immediately started making a living as an artist, never even holding a day job. She played regularly in fairs and festivals around Texas, steadily building…
Writing and Placing Songs Internationally
With so many artists and producers writing or co-writing their own material, there seem to be fewer opportunities than ever for writers and music publishers to pitch and place songs. It’s become increasingly important to think outside the box when writing and promoting material—and that includes looking beyond our own…
City of Hope Offers BMI Members 30% Off Tickets to ‘Songs of Hope X’
A leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, City of Hope this year is marking its 10th anniversary of ‘Songs of Hope X.’ This special benefit and silent auction will be presented by City of Hope’s Music and Entertainment Industry on June 4, 2014,…
2010 Award Season Belongs to BMI Songwriters & Composers
BMI songwriters dominated the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, winning almost two-thirds of the awards that were handed out across all genres and categories. The Grammy wins cap an incredible year in which BMI songwriters and composers were the most celebrated creative voices in awards presentations and on the…
BMI Legends Sweep List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
BMI pioneers swept the list of 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and The Stooges will all officially enter rock’s hallowed hall during a ceremony on March 15, 2010 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and will air live on…