I taught my first songwriting class at Los Angeles’ Pierce College in 1991. Back then, if my car radio were tuned to a pop station, it was likely I would hear chart-topping artists such as Michael Jackson, Wilson Phillips, Janet Jackson, Michael Bolton, Poison, and Roxette. During that same era,… Read more...
BMI’s London office hosted its annual Copyright Meet & Greet at The Windsor Castle Pub in Marylebone on March 28. Attended by copyright managers from various publishing companies, the event recognized their important role in the industry, while offering a chance to catch up with some colleagues and friends. This… Read more...
While most folks have no problem pointing and clicking their way through a computer-based recording project, there are still those who prefer a fistful of real faders to a wrist-twisting mouse. Here, we look at some newer solutions for those tactile types, including “hybrid” mix consoles that capture the aesthetic… Read more...
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… Read more...
Earlier this month, BMI’s London office hosted their first ‘Speed Dating for Songwriters®,’ a program developed to foster creative collaboration among some of the Company’s most promising songwriters, producers, and artists, whose paths may not have otherwise crossed. Having already been successful in BMI’s Nashville, LA and New York offices,… Read more...
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,… Read more...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has named the 2019 nominees for their prestigious awards, with several BMI composers and songwriters leading the pack for Original Music. They are: Terence Blanchard for BlacKkKlansman, Alexandre Desplat for Isle of Dogs, and Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga and Lukas Nelson for… Read more...
An aspiring songwriter recently asked me several intriguing questions: “What abilities do I need to write songs? Do I need to be able to read and write music? Play keyboards or guitar? Sing in tune?” He followed up by asking what additional skills he would need in order to record… Read more...
As a longtime analog advocate, it came as something of a shock last year when nearly all of my non-digital equipment began to fail one by one, leading me on a reluctant search for suitable modern replacements. That turn of events made me reconsider what kind of equipment qualifies as… Read more...
BMI is saddened by the news of the passing of legendary producer and songwriter Scott English. English is responsible for penning BMI Icon Barry Manilow’s #1 hit “Mandy,” the infectious “Bend Me Shape Me” by The American Breed, as well as songs for Donny Osmond, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Westlife,… Read more...
