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...
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… Read more...
BMI was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of producer Carl E. “Chucky” Thompson, whose death was announced Monday. He was 53. As a member of Bad Boy Entertainment’s squad of in-house producers, “The Hitmen,” Thompson enjoyed a robust 30-year career with a list of production credits that is… Read more...
BMI today paid tribute to the top UK and European songwriters, composers and music publishers of the most-performed songs of the previous year with the 2020 BMI London Awards. Honourees for Song of the Year, Million-Air Awards, Top 30 Pop Songs and Film, TV & Visual Media were celebrated across… Read more...
Although it was more than sixteen years ago, I still recall chatting with a twenty-something guy who stood in front of me in line as we waited to attend the taping of the David Letterman Show. The guy was excited because his brother Adam would be performing on the show,… Read more...
Tonight, BMI proudly honored acclaimed film composer Harry Gregson-Williams with the BMI Icon Award at the 2018 BMI London Awards. Guests including Liam Payne, James Arthur, Natasha Bedingfield, Tinie Tempah and Trevor Rabin attended the awards at London’s Dorchester Hotel for an evening of celebration for UK and European songwriters,… Read more...
At lunch recently, a songwriter asked me, “What’s the biggest mistake songwriters make?” I told him that I often hear songs in my workshops that are perfectly crafted; songs that check off all the boxes—they have rhymes in the expected places, the lyrics make sense, the melodies work well, they… Read more...
BMI tonight proudly honored internationally-celebrated musician and songwriter Jay Kay (of Jamiroquai) with the BMI President’s Award at the 2017 BMI London Awards. Music industry guests including Naughty Boy, Foals and Bipolar Sunshine filled London’s Dorchester hotel to celebrate UK and European songwriters, producers and publishers of the most-performed songs… Read more...
Billboard held its annual Women in Music event in New York City on Friday, celebrating a host of female artists, songwriters and industry executives from across the spectrum. Among the roster of distinguished honorees was BMI’s Senior Vice President of Global Policy, Ann Sweeney, singled out for her tireless dedication… Read more...
“That ain’t country!” is a comment I often hear when I play current country hits in my songwriting workshops. It’s true that today’s country hits bear little resemblance to the songs that topped the charts by Elvis, Tammy, Waylon, Willie, and Patsy. Music evolves and the styles that rule the… Read more...
