The holidays are here, and it’s a time to give thanks and take inventory of the things we love. As 2021 draws to a close, we continue to be thankful for the impeccable artistry and unparalleled work of our indie affiliates—so much so that we’re bringing you an extra, all-original edition…
BMI Indie Spotlight: Windser
Windser is the solo moniker of Santa Cruz-born singer/songwriter, Jordan Topf. After retreating to a house in rural Northern California in early 2020, he emerged from isolation with a collection of emotional songs that convey the growth one experiences during moments of significant change. Featuring introspective lyrics layered over gentle acoustic…
BMI Congratulates Willow Kayne on Her Nomination for Ivor Novello Rising Star Award With Apple Music
BMI proudly congratulates Willow Kayne,* who has been nominated for this year’s Ivor Novello Rising Star Award With Apple Music. Celebrating young British and Irish talent who demonstrate exceptional potential and ambition, the Rising Star Award was introduced last year – the first new category to be added to the Ivors…
BMI Indie Spotlight: Decade Rewind 2010-2020
In this special rewind edition of the Indie Spotlight, we’re looking back at twelve incredible artists, bands, and duos who we’ve featured throughout the last decade. At BMI, our finger is always on the pulse of what’s happening in new music, and we’re proud to have highlighted so many groundbreaking artists…
Indie Spotlight Decade Rewind: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are a rapping and producing pair who first appeared in the BMI Indie Spotlight in 2011. At the time, they had just gotten together to work on Macklemore’s The Vs. projects, which began a journey that led them straight to the top of the charts. In…
10 Ways to Push the Creative Envelope With Your Songs
Sometimes, playing it safe is the most dangerous thing we can do. This is especially applicable when our goal is to write songs that rise above the competition; songs that become artists’ signature songs; and songs that impact audiences and propel artists to a next level. We need to find ways…
Indie Spotlight: Fences
Los Angeles-based band, Fences, is breaking musical barriers in the City of Angels following its move from Seattle. Fronted by Christopher Mansfield, Fences’ latest album, Failure Sculptures, is a slow-burning collection of pop tracks that demonstrate transcendent songwriting and elevated spirituality. Mansfield, whose work with Macklemore put him on the national…
Breakthrough Hits and Signature Songs: What Can They Teach Us?
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, along…
BMI Singer-Songwriter Saint Claire Performs at Washington Hospitality Association VIP Reception
Hospitality professionals from across the state came together to celebrate and share best practices within the industry at the Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) annual conference, held recently (11/13) at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. This year, the WHA included a VIP reception with BMI singer-songwriter Sainte Claire as the featured entertainment.…
BMI Honors Toni Braxton With President’s Award at 2016 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
Chris Brown awarded Songwriter of the Year; “See You Again” named Song of the Year; Universal Music Publishing Group presented with Publisher of the Year