In this issue: Jason Blume on How to Make Sure Your Songs Are Hitting the Right Target BMI Presents “Music & Film: The Creative Process” Composer Roundtable at the 2023 Sundance Film Fest BMI Names Tracy McKnight Vice President, Creative, Film, TV & Visual… Read more...
When I critique songs at my workshops, I always begin by asking the writers to share their intention for their song. For example, a song might be intended solely for self-expression or catharsis. Another song might be written by a performing songwriter to include on their own recording project, while… Read more...
Every new song I finish is the best one I’ve ever written and is destined to become a life-changing #1 hit—at least that’s the way it feels while the proverbial ink is still wet. In many instances my excitement has led me to rush to record a demo because I… Read more...
At the BMI Songwriter Workshops that I’ve been teaching for thirty years, I hear some amazing songs written by exceptionally talented writers. But there are five lyric problems I frequently identify. Let’s examine these pitfalls—and the easy prescriptions that can fix them. Avoid Lyrics That Ask Questions That Don’t Get… Read more...
As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to revisit some of the advice shared in the year that has passed. I hope these tips will help you achieve your songwriting goals! Excerpt from “How to Stretch Yourself Melodically” A common pitfall for non-performing songwriters is… Read more...
As I waited backstage for my name to be called, I was surprised at how calm I felt. I was about to step in front of a live audience of thousands while TV cameras broadcast my performance to millions of viewers who would watch me compete for more than $10,000.… Read more...
In this issue: Jason Blume Shares How to Stretch Yourself Melodically Dave Simons Explains the Benefits of Using a Condenser Mic BMI Honors Toby Keith at the 2022 BMI Country Awards BMI Presents “El Camp: Los Compositoras Edition” with Amazon and Erika… Read more...
When I critique songs in my BMI Songwriting Workshops, I often hear melodies with a range (the interval between its lowest and the highest notes) limited to one octave or less. When I ask the writers to share their intentions for these songs, they sometimes respond, “My goal is to… Read more...
“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… Read more...
In this issue: Jason Blume Gives Advice on Toplining Over a Track BMI Songwriter Channel Tres Discusses Touring, Inspiration, & Creative Philosophy BMI Celebrates its 2022 Christian Awards BMI Celebrates its 2022 Student Composer Awards Helen Sung Wins Charlie… Read more...
