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BMI Wins Favorable Ruling Against RMLC’s Attempted Joint Rate Court Proceeding

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From News, posted 5.31.23. BMI has prevailed in its motion to prevent the Radio Music Licensing Committee (RMLC) from relying on a mischaracterization of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) to commence a joint rate court proceeding against BMI and ASCAP before a single Judge.  On Friday, May 26, the Hon. Louis L. Stanton (Southern District… Read more...


The Pros & Cons of Clichés

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From MusicWorld, posted 4.20.23. As a lyricist, I’m always on the lookout in my own writing for what I would call “lazy language.” What I mean by this is a part of a lyric that feels clichéd. The problem, specifically, is that we’re only given a certain number of lines of lyric to convey the… Read more...


How to Get Your Music on Playlists: Demystifying the Process

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From MusicWorld, posted 4.20.23. When I started teaching workshops for aspiring recording artists and songwriters more than 30 years ago, signing with a major record label was the only way for artists to reach a wide audience. Without a major label to provide distribution to record stores, radio promotion, and financing for videos, most unsigned… Read more...


BMI Wins Massive Victory for Songwriters, Composers & Publishers for Live Concert Rates

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From News, posted 3.28.23. In a decision that ends decades of below-market rates for songwriters, composers and publishers in the live concert industry, the Honorable Louis L. Stanton of the Southern District of New York today issued a decision in favor of BMI in its rate court dispute with Live Nation, AEG and the North… Read more...


Are Your Songs Hitting the Right Target?

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From MusicWorld, posted 1.26.23. 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 another… Read more...


Enjoy a Double Issue of Music World!

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From News, posted 11.30.22. In this issue: Jason Blume Shares How to Stretch Yourself Melodically Dave Simons Explains the Benefits of Using a Condenser Mic BMI Honors Toby Keith at the 2022 BMI Country Awards BMI Presents “El Camp: Los Compositoras Edition” with Amazon and Erika Vidrio… Read more...


A Mic for All Sessions

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From MusicWorld, posted 11.30.22. Like most of my engineering peers, early on I endeavored to fill my home studio with as many different types of microphones as my budget would allow, from lovely old Sennheisers to the more workmanlike family of Shure dynamics. Eventually my insatiable appetite for guitars meant selling off many of these… Read more...


How to Stretch Yourself Melodically

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From MusicWorld, posted 11.30.22. When I critique songs in my BMI Songwriting Workshops, I often hear melodies with a range (the interval between its lowest and the highest notes) limited to one octave or less. When I ask the writers to share their intentions for these songs, they sometimes respond, “My goal is to have… Read more...


From Stage to Studio

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From MusicWorld, posted 10.27.22. If you’re looking to take a break from the studio routine, you might consider bringing your songs and recording equipment to a suitable music venue in order to capture the spontaneous energy of a live gig. Naturally, there are all kinds of challenges when attempting to cut band tracks in real… Read more...


An Important Company Update from Mike O’Neill

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From News, posted 10.12.22. Today, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill announced exciting and transformational news about the future of the company. Below is a note that was sent to BMI affiliates describing the company’s decision to change its business model from operating on a not-for-profit making basis to for-profit, and the benefits to our… Read more...


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Recent Austin events

May 17 2023 BMI Presents Sounds @ Stills Austin: Austin, TX
May 1 2023 BMI Saxon Songwriter Series: Austin, TX
Apr 3 2023 BMI Saxon Songwriter Series: Austin, TX
Mar 19 2023 SXSW 2023: Austin, TX
Mar 18 2023 SXSW 2023: Austin, TX
Mar 17 2023 BMI Brunch @ SXSW: Austin, TX
Mar 17 2023 SXSW 2023: Austin, TX
Mar 16 2023 BMI Songwriters Circle at Luck Reunion: Austin, TX
Mar 16 2023 SXSW 2023: Austin, TX
Mar 15 2023 BMI presents SONIDOS @ SXSW