For genres like pop, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM/dance music, in most instances, the backing track is created before the words and vocal melody. The track consists of essentially all the music that will accompany the vocal and typically includes drums and percussion, keyboards, and bass. Live guitars or computer generated guitar…
BMI Celebrates its 2021 London Award Winners
Rising star Arlo Parks receives the BMI Impact Award; Renowned songwriter/producer Inflo honoured with the BMI Champion Award; “Before You Go” co-written by Tom Barnes is Song of the Year; Million-Air, Top Pop and Film, TV & Visual Media Awards also announced.
Lolla Indie Spotlight: HOKO
After sharing numerous singles and weaving their indie influences, HOKO released their debut EP, Heathen, in March 2021. The project, which not only bends genres but features intense visuals inspired by the likes of David Bowie and Queen, was two years in the making and features production work from GRAMMY-nominated producer,…
BMI Indie Spotlight: Kid Bloom
For Kid Bloom, neon production, hip-hop beat-work, and psychedelic guitar emissions revolve around unfiltered honesty. The Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist crafts a signature style independent of era and genre: “When I’m writing, I do what comes naturally. I’m distilling all of my favorite things into one futuristic and nostalgic world.” Kid Bloom’s…
BMI Continues its Support of Sundance Institute Film Music and Sound Design Lab
BMI proudly continues its support of the Sundance Institute Film Music and Sound Design Lab in collaboration with Skywalker Sound. The prestigious program returns this year with a new reimagined digital format on Sundance Co//ab from July 27–August 14, 2020. BMI composers Aaron Parks, Ariel Marx and Jeff “Gitty”…
BMI Indie Spotlight: Atarah Valentine
Atarah Valentine is a Los Angeles-based performer who is using his uniquely personal health and wellness metamorphosis as the foundation for his music. Valentine’s lush sounds, rich vocal harmonies and modern drum programming bolster his wickedly human lyrics, and his sound could be justly compared to Florence and the Machine, David…
Writing Songs in Times of Crisis
Many of the songs we write are reflections of our times. They are snapshots that capture the emotions and events that define our worlds. So, I was not surprised during my recent songwriters workshop (which was held online) when several writers shared songs that had been sparked by their feelings about…
Still Striving & Prospering: Five Minutes with A$AP Ferg
On the eve of the release of his acclaimed new EP, Floor Seats, Harlem native, A$AP Mob rapper and BMI songwriter A$AP Ferg dropped by BMI’s New York office in the World Trade Center. We quickly sat down with him to discuss his new material, his approach to making music and…
Tips for Writing Songs About Anything…But Love
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 two…
BMI Rocks Las Vegas at 8th Annual ‘Los Producers’ Charity Event
Last night, BMI and Rebeleon Entertainment presented the highly anticipated 8th annual Los Producers at the Vinyl in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The exclusive, invite-only live music event, hosted by Pili Montilla, featured performances by some of this year’s Latin GRAMMY Award nominees and industry…