Recent Austin News

From News, posted 4.08.20. On April 7, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill sent an email to BMI affiliates reassuring them that their distributions will be on time and outlining the company’s steps to minimize the financial impact of COVID-19 on their future royalties. Read the full letter below. Dear BMI Songwriters, Composers &… Read more...

From News, posted 3.06.20. Below is the statement BMI released to the press on this matter: “Out of an abundance of caution, BMI has decided to cancel its planned events at this year’s SXSW Festival. The health and safety of our team members and our songwriters is of paramount importance, and we regret any… Read more...

From News, posted 2.14.20. Texas singer/songwriter Wade Bowen recently joined BMI, signing with Mitch Ballard, Director, Creative, Austin at the legendary Texas venue Gruene Hall. “For almost 20 years Wade Bowen has been a stand out in Texas music,” says Ballard. “His Bowen Foundation has raised millions for his hometown of Waco with Bowen Fest… Read more...

From News, posted 10.17.19. On October 15, BMI’s President and CEO Mike O’Neill was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the organization’s Legacy Award, which was presented to O’Neill by gospel great and BMI songwriter BeBe Winans. The 44th Annual Honors Gala, held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, also celebrated Atlantic… Read more...

From News, posted 9.12.19. BMI is proud to present its 17th curated lineup for the 2019 Austin City Limits Music Festival taking place Oct. 4-6 and 11-13, in Austin’s iconic Zilker Park. This year’s acts are more musically diverse than ever, with offerings for fans of pop, Latin, hip-hop, country and more throughout the two… Read more...

From News, posted 3.13.19. Texas governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference to formally welcome BMI to the Lone Star State. BMI recently announced the opening of its new creative office in Austin, marking our first office in Texas and first company expansion in over twenty years. The Governor was joined at the press… Read more...

From News, posted 3.04.19. BMI is pleased to announce that Mitch Ballard has been named Senior Director, Creative, Austin, effective immediately. In this role, Ballard will be responsible for providing service to our existing BMI affiliates in Texas, signing new talent, and providing enhancement for the already vibrant songwriting community in Austin. Ballard reports to… Read more...

From News, posted 2.28.19. This year is a special one for BMI and SXSW. As the iconic festival turns 32 and BMI gears up for the imminent opening of our Austin office, we are proud to have yet another roster of amazing talent performing at the launchpad event. Showcasing songwriter/artists from as far away as… Read more...

From News, posted 1.11.19. Project Decibel is a hearing wellness initiative for the music community that BMI has been proud to partner with during several of our festival events, including Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. The initiative’s values, brought about by a passion for music and the music industry, embody convenience, affordability, education, and… Read more...

From News, posted 11.08.18. Governor Greg Abbott and BMI today announced that BMI is expanding its presence in the Lone Star State and will open its first creative office in Austin, Texas. The new office, expected to open in early 2019, will allow BMI to work directly with the talented songwriters, composers, publishers and emerging… Read more...