As an organization dedicated to celebrating the rich and storied legacy of countless established songwriters, the Songwriters Hall of Fame is also an institution that seeks to shine a light on new talent distinguishing itself in the songwriting continuum and paving the way for future generations. It is with this spirit…
Indie Spotlight: Toby Lightman
Toby Lightman’s expansive musical history is featured on many of TV’s top shows, including Bones, One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries, 90210 and movies such as What’s Your Number and P.S. I Love You. From her major label debut in 2004 to her current independent spirit, Lightman has mastered her own sophisticated…
Christina Perri: Harnessing a Volcano
“It’s been bananas, just the craziest whirlwind ride. It’s like everything that shouldn’t happen, happened.” So says an understandably excited Christina Perri, whose pop tune “Jar of Hearts” caught the attention of the producers of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance and led directly to heavy rotation on radio stations…
Amanda Ghost Takes Creative Control
Even with the necessity of wearing many hats in the music business, Amanda Ghost is something of an anomaly. Not only is she a performer and songwriter but, as of February 3, she also is president of Epic Records. “I’m putting out fires all over the place,” she laughs. Born Amanda…
2008 BMI London Awards Winning Songs
The Robert S. Musel Award IRREPLACEABLE Amund Bjørklund (TONO) Espen Lind (TONO) Ne-Yo EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Stellar Songs Ltd. (PRS) Beyoncé College Song DASHBOARD Johnny Marr (PRS) Tom “King Sour” Peloso Joe Plummer Chrysalis Music Ltd. (PRS) Modest Mouse Dance Award BEAUTIFUL LIAR Ian Dench (PRS) Amanda Ghost…
Leona Lewis, Mika Top Brit Award Nominations
BMI’s U.K. singer/songwriters accounted for a sizeable amount of the Brit Award nominations, announced January 14 at London’s legendary Roundhouse in Camden. Leona Lewis and Mika, with four nominations each, lead the way at The Brit Awards, the U.K.’s premier award show, which will be broadcast live on British network ITV1…
James Blunt Receives BMI London Internet Award
BMI’s Nick Robinson recently presented singer/songwriter James Blunt with his 2007 BMI Internet Award for the song “You’re Beautiful,” co-written with Amanda Ghost and Sacha Skarbek. “You’re Beautiful” received the most plays on BMI-licensed websites for the past year and is the first song to receive this honor at BMI’s London…
Gibson Guitartown London To Auction Autographed Guitars
Gibson Guitartown London, a charity-inspired campaign bringing the power of music together with art to raise money for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, The Prince’s Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust, has announced that all 62 unique, hand-painted and signed guitars showcased at the summer public…
Peter Gabriel Receives Top Honor at BMI London Awards
BMI saluted Europe’s premier songwriters, composers and music publishers at its 2007 London Awards, held October 16 in the Grand Ballroom of London’s Dorchester Hotel. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, along with Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Europe & Asia, Brandon Bakshi, the awards honored the past year’s most-played…
New Wave of U.K. Acts Storms the States
Every few years, a U.K. wave crashes ashore in the U.S., accompanied by boatloads of hyperbolic press clips extolling the new big things. All too often, however, the acts ride out with the next low tide. This time, however, the artists are combining critical acclaim with commercial success.