FALL 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Expo

Features

Fans on Facebook: What to Do Next to Engage Your Fans, Increase Sales and Grow the Relationship

ASCAP hosted its 49th annual Country Music Awards on November 6, 2011, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. The writers of country music's most performed songs of the past year were honored before an audience of many of Nashville's most distinguished songwriters, top country stars and music industry leaders.

2011 Concert Music Awards

The 12th annual ASCAP Concert Music Awards took place on May 24th at Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Center in New York City.

2011 Rhythm & Soul Music Awards

ASCAP hosted its 24th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 24th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

2011 Film & Tv Music Awards

ASCAP hosted its 26th Annual Film & Television Music Awards on June 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The dinner and awards ceremony paid special tribute to Angelo Badalamenti and Alf Clausen, and honored the composers of the top box office film music and the most performed television music of 2010.

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Twitter Q and A

We Create Music Blog

ASCAP's 10 Must-Read Career Development Articles from 2011

Here at ASCAP, we do more than just collect and distribute songwriter royalties - we're actively invested in your success. Here are 10 informative articles we posted in 2011 with tips and advice about artist branding, digital marketing, pitching your music for film & TV, tracking drums and much more.

A Stocking's Worth of New ASCAP Holiday Music

In the spirit of continuing and updating the holiday traditions of celebration, caroling and mirthful music-making, we compiled 24 new holiday recordings by ASCAP members. Enjoy!

Hope and a Prayer: MercyMe Continue the USO Tradition

Earlier this year, contemporary Christian rock superstars MercyMe joined the ranks of ASCAP members who have supported American troops overseas by taking part in a USO tour. We asked the band's bassist Nathan Cochran to reflect on MercyMe's trip to the Middle East.

Don’t Miss These 10 Awesome ASCAP Videos from 2011

Here are 10 memorable moments that ASCAP caught on video in 2011. There's career advice from Pharrell Williams, some incredible performances from The Civil Wars and Band of Horses, heartfelt speeches from Diddy and Rod Stewart and plenty more.

Star & Dagger Visit Tomorrowland

With alumni of White Zombie and Cycle Sluts from Hell in their ranks, Star & Dagger have the pedigree and attitude to back up their swaggering desert rock sound. We spoke with band members Sean Yseult and Donna She Wolf about their new album Tomorrowland Blues and much more.

ASCAP Lesson: Entertainment Attorney Dina LaPolt on Building Your Brand and Career

Noted entertainment lawyer Dina LaPolt offers up some sage advice about branding and keeping your business affairs in order as a songwriter.

Michael Bublé on ASCAP's Top Holiday Songs

Michael Bublé's Christmas is the #1 album in the country right now. Take a look at what the Canadian crooner had to say about recording two of the tunes from ASCAP's Top 10 Holiday Songs list for the album.

Nimbit's Ultimate Facebook Guide to Sell and Promote Your Music

Our good pals at Nimbit have compiled a wealth of wisdom about Facebook marketing in one place. You'll get tips and tricks about engaging fans, leveraging your brand, creating eye-popping landing pages and much more.

Singing a NewSong: Arthur Alligood and the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest

Over the past decade, the Mountain Stage NewSong contest has helped jumpstart the careers of numerous ASCAP songwriters. We spoke with 2011 winner Arthur Alligood, 2010 winner Amber Rubarth and NewSong's Gar Ragland about how.

My December Tradition

"Now the first of December was covered with snow," sings ASCAP legend James Taylor in his immortal "Sweet Baby James." ASCAP's Brendan Okrent reflects on her personal tradition of sending the song to friends and colleagues to commemorate the passing of time.

Song Arm of the Law: Nine Defiant Ditties About Law and the Police

As long as there have been peacekeepers, there have been songs written about them. ASCAP's resident lawman Andrew Sparkler compiled a list of nine classic examples. Click on through, and keep your hands where we can see 'em!

Happy Thanksgiving from the 2011 ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked the 14 songwriters in this year's Lester Sill Workshop why they were thankful to participate. We've got video evidence of their heartfelt, quirky responses.

Rahe's Musical Journey

The unique sound world of ASCAP singer/songwriter Rahe is equally informed by pop, jazz, flamenco and bossa nova. Rahe tells us the common thread that binds all of the music that has influenced her, and flows through the eclectic music that she makes herself.

Live and Work Paper-Free with These 13 Tools

Jason Reeves Knows Why the Caged Bird Sings

ASCAP singer/songwriter Jason Reeves' second full-length, The Lovesick, was delayed over a year by label woes. Reeves tells us how the experience impacted his artistic outlook and his beautiful new Caged Birds Set Free EP, which he unleashes this week.

Poorsquare Helps Touring Musicians Find Free Stuff

Still think "There's no such thing as a free lunch?" A new site called Poorsquare is changing that by utilizing foursquare.com data to find free and cheap deals in cities across the U.S. This is great news for ASCAP members on tour!

Iceland Week Part 3: Björk and Dirty Projectors' Mount Wittenberg Orca

Iceland Week Part 2: Low Roar

Iceland Week Part 1: Ólafur Arnalds' Living Room Songs

To kick off our week-long exploration of music from Iceland, we interviewed writer/composer Ólafur Arnalds, whose new project Living Room Songs found him writing, recording, filming and releasing a free song each day for a week. All from the comfort of his Reykjavik apartment.

Andre Merritt Moves to Elektrik City

ASCAP hitmaker Andre Merritt's stellar songwriting chops have helped make stars out of artists like Rihanna, Chris Brown, Cheryl Cole and Omarion. Now Merritt's taking aim at the stars himself with his futuristic solo debut Elektrik City, available for free download on 11/11/11.

To Free or Not to Free?

Spooky Sounds and Frightening Frequencies

Need some help setting the mood this Halloween? We compiled eight of the freakiest pieces of Halloween ear candy we could think of, each one ideal for haunting your dreams and scaring the neighbors. Good luck getting to sleep tonight!

Dreamers of the Ghetto Talk Foundations and Family

Indiana's Dreamers of the Ghetto soared right out of the gate earlier this month with their debut Enemy/Lover, an album of blissful guitar jangle, new wave production and anthemic choruses. They gave us the skinny on the band's origins and answered a few questions about what it's like to have three family members in a four-person band.

Songs Are Like Tattoos: Domenic Romeo of Pulling Teeth

Domenic Romeo, guitarist for hardcore band Pulling Teeth, has a pretty hilarious story to share about the musical inspiration behind his tattoo. Watch this video to find out why his bandmate Mitch Roemer should be embarrassed whenever he sees Romeo's ankle.

Write On! ASCAP Celebrates the National Day on Writing

October 20th is the National Day on Writing. To commemorate the occasion, we examined two writers who have explored the nexus of music and prose: an ASCAP songwriter who's also a novelist, and a respected music blogger with a taste for extreme metal.

Allan Harris Invites You to Open Up Your Mind

ASCAP writer/singer/guitarist Allan Harris is that rare creator who plays everything well - jazz, R&B, rock, country, you name it. Versatility is all part of Harris's philosophy. Here, he explains how it informs his new album Open Up Your Mind and his music career in general.

My Brightest Diamond Polishes Off "We Added It Up" Video

How do you feel about leotards? What about shadow puppets? Staggering voices and jaunty chamber ensembles? You'll find all of the above in this new video from My Brightest Diamond, whose new album <em>All Things Will Unwind</em> is out this week.

Kids on Kids Music: Kidz Bop 20

The Kidz Bop franchise has become a phenomenon by remaking Top 40 songs by, and for, kids. We asked one of the 11 million youngsters who's bought the most recent edition about her perspective.

Deborah Pearl's Heartfelt Souvenir of ASCAP Jazz Legend Benny Carter

Cameron Ernst Cranks the Volume on the "Love Is Louder" Campaign

What started as an awareness campaign in response to a tragic rash of teen suicides due to bullying has become a full-on online movement. Ernst is one of its most outspoken ambassadors, bringing the Love Is Louder campaign's message of love and empowerment directly to kids and high school students nationwide.

Closing Out a Weird Week with David Lynch

Nothing can sum up an emotionally turbulent week like this one quite like some new music from iconoclastic filmmaker David Lynch. Give a listen to the debut single from his first-ever solo album, Crazy Clown Time.

Digital Music, Death Metal and Defying the Norm

Earlier this week, my favorite heavy metal blog Invisible Oranges posted a piece by Doug Moore of New York death metal band Pyrrhon on the Top 5 Advantages of Digital Music.

Cody Westheimer's Marathon Scoring Session

ASCAP composer Cody Westheimer recently participated in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI. For Westheimer, sports and fitness are more than hobbies - they're intertwined with his scoring in fascinating ways. Westheimer took time from his regimented work/train/eat/sleep cycle to give us insight into his unique story.

Laura Roppé Tells Breast Cancer "I'm Still Here"

Three years ago, on October 10, 2008, I was diagnosed in my thirties with triple negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease, and unexpectedly thrown into a whirlwind of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

John Shanks: Still Climbing the Ladder

43 #1 singles. 67 #1 albums. A Producer of the Year Grammy. A resume chock full of superstars like Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Ashlee Simpson, Alanis Morissette, SHeDAISY and dozens more.

Mr. Robotic Talks Beats and Brands

Chicago native Mr. Robotic can count multiple film and TV placements, video game themes and co-branding initiatives on his resume. This pop/hip-hop futurist explains how he's combined business savvy with talent to make it big, one frozen yogurt jingle at a time.

Songs Are Like Tattoos: T. Mills

Pop/hip-hop artist T. Mills is covered in ink. In this post, the new Columbia Records signee tells us what convinced him to get a 2Pac song title tattooed on his left thumb.

Seth MacFarlane Stays Classy with Music Is Better than Words

The creator of Family Guy, American Dad and The Cleveland Show is set to releaseMusic Is Better than Words, an album of vintage 40's and 50's vocal pop backed by a full big band.

Lindy Robbins' Summer of Love

Rob Duncan: Still Whistling a Happy Tune with Castle

Rob Duncan has been a known quantity for years, thanks to his scores for TV staples Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Unit, Tru Calling and Lie to Me. But this ASCAP Television and Film Scoring Workshop alumnus has earned a gaggle of new fans since he started composing music for the ABC hit Castle in 2009.

Bon Iver and Don Williams: ASCAP Musical Happenstance

Harping on Active Child

You know that you're losing your edge when you work in the music industry and your mother introduces you to hip indie music. Either that or you have a hip mother.

Jeff Toyne Gets His Hands Dirty

On one of West L.A.'s many nondescript commercial blocks sits an equally nondescript building, just across the street from an imposing concrete wall covered in graffiti.

Jon McLaughlin Returns to His Indie Roots on Forever If Ever

Singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin released his latest full-length Forever If Ever on September 7th. In the three years since his second straight major label hitOK Now, McLaughlin severed ties with Island/Universal and returned to the independent model of his early career.

Coen Brothers Base Next Film on ASCAP Folk Legend Dave Van Ronk

The Coens' go-to composer, Henry Mancini Award winner Carter Burwell, has become an expert at translating the Coens' bizarre filmic language into musical form.

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Faces and Places

Andrew Norman Named The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) Music Alive Composer-in-Residence

The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) proudly welcomed its 2011-13 Music Alive Composer-in-Residence Andrew Norman. During the two-year residency, BMOP will be commissioning a large symphonic work by Norman scheduled to premiere in 2013 in addition to recording some of his pieces.

ASCAP and Mary Steenburgen Clean Up at Dirty Girl Luncheon

Oscar-winning actress and ASCAP member Mary Steenburgen exercises her burgeoning passion for songwriting in her new film Dirty Girl, which features an original song that she co-wrote with Melissa Manchester. ASCAP co-hosted a meet & greet with Steenburgen and Manchester at the Gibson showroom.

Seven ASCAP Members Nominated for Critics Choice Movie Awards

The Broadcast Film Critics Association has nominated ASCAP members Trent Reznor, Howard Shore, Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason, Jr., Bernie Taupin, Jeannie Lurie and Bret McKenzie (APRA/ASCAP) for Critics Choice Awards this year. McKenzie received two noms for his work on The Muppets.

Composer James Matheson Wins Charles Ives Living Award

ASCAP member James Matheson has won the Charles Ives Living award, a prize organized by the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and will receive $200,000 over the two-year period beginning in July 2012. The announcement was made by fellow ASCAP member J.D. McClatchy, president of the Academy.

Esa-Pekka Salonen Wins 2012 Grawemeyer Award for His "Violin Concerto"

Finnish composer and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen (TEOSTO) won the 2012 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition for his piece "Violin Concerto." Salonen, conductor and artistic advisor for the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, was music director for the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 17 years.

The Classical Recording Foundation Honors Robert Paterson and Arlene Sierra with Composer of the Year Awards

The Classical Recording Foundation recently named their Composer of the Year Awards for 2011, bestowing the honor on Robert Paterson and Arlene Sierra. The 10th Annual CRF Awards Concert and Benefit on November 21st at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall serves to fund and manage the effort by the Foundation to promote classical music.

The Chorus America Conference in San Francisco

ASCAP joined Chorus America in honoring four choral ensembles for their adventurous programming during the 2010-2011 Concert Season at a special Awards Presentation held on June 10^th at Chorus America's 34th Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA.

Dave Berg Leads Songwriting Classes at America SCORES

Hit songwriter Dave Berg recently participated in the ASCAP Songwriter Residency @ America SCORES, a mentorship program that provides a platform for songwriters to engage and inspire elementary and middle school students in under-resourced neighborhoods.

Trombone Shorty Stands Tall With New Album, For True

New Orleans-based Trombone Shorty's new release, For True, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Album Chart. It features ASCAP members Lenny Kravitz, Jeff Beck, and Ledisi, among others. ASCAP caught up with him on tour at NYC's Terminal 5.

Sugarland Among Top ASCAP Honorees at 45th Annual CMA Awards

The 2011 CMAs were recently held in Nashville, co-hosted for the fourth time by Brad Paisley. Reigning Vocal Duo of the Year Sugarland was honored for the fifth consecutive year; ASCAP producers Michael Knox and Paul Worley, Grace Potter, and Kelly Clarkson also took home trophies.

ASCAP's Ralph Murphy Receives CMA'S Jo Walker-Meador International Award

The award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual or company in advocating and supporting Country music's marketing development in territories outside the United States.

The League of American Orchestras Conference in Minneapolis

ASCAP joined the League of American Orchestras in presenting 26 awards to orchestras which have demonstrated exceptional commitment to contemporary composers at a special awards presentation on June 9th during the League's 66th National Conference in Minneapolis.

ASCAP Presents Wine & Cheese Event @ Guitars Boutique

ASCAP’S Wine & Cheese event started with a wonderful performance by Miguel "Tito" Rodriguez, who charmed everyone with his guitar music.

Randy Newman Conquers the World Soundtrack Academy Awards

The beloved ASCAP singer/songwriter wins a World Soundtrack Academy award for his song "We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3. The award followed his Grammy and Oscar for the same film from earlier this year.

ASCAP Presents: The Music of The Muppets Panel

ASCAP celebrated the 40-year musical legacy of The Muppets with a panel of creators and executives behind the forthcoming Disney film The Muppets! at the Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music Conference this week in Los Angeles.

Zimmer, Newman, Heffes and Moroder Score at World Soundtrack Awards

Music Row Gathers To Celebrate Brad Paisley & Alabama's No. 1 "Old Alabama"

ASCAP honored the team behind Brad Paisley's No. 1 hit, "Old Alabama," featuring legendary country supergroup Alabama, on the stage of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. The song is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year's 19th chart topper, for which he and the band are nominated for two CMA Awards this year, including Musical Event.

ASCAP Composers Headline Benefit Concert for Kitten Rescue

Papa Joe and the World Famous Assistants, an L.A. based band "composed" of working ASCAP composers, headlined a recent concert benefitting the non-profit Kitten Rescue.

Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood's #1 "Remind Me" Celebrated at Grand Ole Opry

ASCAP toasted the team behind Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood's critically acclaimed, chart-topping duet "Remind Me" with a party on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The song marks Paisley's 20th trip to the top of the charts.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Honors ASCAP Members

ASCAP members accounted for four out of the five inductions into this year's Songwriters Hall of Fame. During a ceremony in Nashville on October 17, songwriters John Bettis, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Allen Shamblin were inducted and Chris DuBois was named the NSAI's Songwriter of the Year.

ASCAP Celebrates Another Matthew West No. 1

Grammy nominee and three-time ASCAP Christian Song of the Year winner Matthew West celebrated his fourth No. 1 hit, "Strong Enough," during a party at the ASCAP Nashville offices in October.

3BALL MTY Write up

De el fenómeno del moviemiento Tribal nace 3BALL MTY (se pronuncia:Tribal Monterrey), un grupo que con su inigualable "tribal guarachero", están invadiendo las discos y estaciones de radio en Estados Unidos, México y otras partes del mundo.

ASCAP en premios Billboard Regional Mexicano

American Country Awards Nominees Announced

Thompson Square lead ASCAP's ACA nominations with seven, including New Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Single of the Year. Other top ASCAP nominees include Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Billy Currington, Chris Young and many more.

ASCAP Congratulates Americana Music Awards Winners

The Americana Music Association announced the winners of its 10th Annual Americana Music Association Honors & Awards on October 13, 2011. Robert Plant led ASCAP nominees with three, including Artist of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year, and his record Band of Joy was named Album of the Year. Buddy Miller was honored with both the Artist and Instrumentalist of the Year awards.

ASCAP Wine & Cheese Acoustic Series

ASCAP celebrú una serie de acrsticos en Puerto Rico durante el pasado mes de septiembre.

Music Row Raises A Glass to Honor Dierks Bentley

Eight years to the day after his first single, "What Was I Thinkin'," claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts, Dierks Bentley and his fellow songwriters were feted for the success of their chart-topping single "Am I The Only One."

Claudio Bermùdez firma con ASCAP!

Claudio Bermùdez Cassani, fue el primer integrante de la legendaria banda Timbiriche en internacionalizarse con sus éxitos, entre ellos: "Ven Junto A Mi", canción ganadora del premio ASCAP.

Composer Clint Needham Wins 2011 International Barlow Prize

ASCAP composer Clint Needham has been selected as the winner of the 2011 International Barlow Prize. Along with this distinction comes a $12,000 consortium commission

Francisco Núñez Named a Recipient of the MacArthur Foundation's Genius Grants

Francisco Núñez was named as one of the recipients of the MacArthur Foundation's 'Genius Grants.' Núñez, a conductor, composer, pianist, and founder of the Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC), was presented with ASCAP's Victor Herbert Award at the ASCAP Concert Awards in 2009.

Latin Grammy Nominations Honor ASCAP Members

Rob Duncan: Still Whistling a Happy Tune with Castle

ASCAP & Grammy U

Nominados al Latin Grammy 2011

Arturo Leyva

Daniel Niebla

Actualmente es el compositor, productor, creador, director, dueño y representante del grupo Escolta De Guerra, una de sus más grandes prioridades de la música.

Ferra

El es cantante, compositor y productor nacido en Mendoza Argentina. Finalista en el festival Viña del Mar en 1999 con su tema "El Mundo va al Revés" y en el 2004 con su tema "Siete".

Los Compositores

The Lyons Share: ASCAP at the 2011 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest

Harping On Active Child

ASCAP Members Sweep the 2011 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys

Jeff Toyne Gets His Hands Dirty

Sharon Farber Curates "Voices of Hollywood" Concert

ASCAP Checks In with Family Guy Composer Walter Murphy

Jon McLaughlin Returns to His Indie Roots on Forever If Ever

ASCAP Composer Freddy Sheinfeld Scores a "Hit" with The Zero Hour

ASCAP Composer Jim Latham Visits Ravel Orchestral Study Group

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek puts Transatlantyk Festival on the Map

Young Beautiful in a Hurry Bring Down the House of Blues

Jessie J Leads MOBO Nominations

Last night in London the nominations for this years MOBO awards were announced."Pricetag" writer and singer Jessie J (PRS/ASCAP) amassed the most nominations with nods in five categories.

Brad Paisley Leads ASCAP's CMA Awards Nominees

ASCAP Adds Greats to Jazz Wall of Fame

Pro Sound Studios de Duelo

On July 20 in McAllen, Texas, ASCAP held a festive music industry event at the Pro Sound Studios of Duelo.

Chris Henderson Participates in the ASCAP Atlanta "Check It Out" Series

On Friday, December 2nd, ASCAP Atlanta held its monthly series, "Check It Out." Hosted in the Atlanta office, this edition featured Grammy Award-winning producer, Chris Henderson (Jamie Foxx's "Blame It") as a panelist.

Cena Navideña Anual

Cantautores de ASCAP se reunieron el 6 de diciembre del presente año en el "Old San Francisco Steak House Crystal Room" en San Antonio, Texas para celebrar con una cena de Navidad. Como era de esperar, fue un ambiente completamente musical.

ASCAP en el Concierto de Reik

El grupo Reik estuvo en concierto en San Antonio, Texas el pasado 7 de diciembre del 2011. Esta presentación formó parte de la gira mundial del grupo.

ASCAP Writers' Night at Belmont University

Presented by the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, ASCAP kicked off the show with the presentation of The ASCAP Foundation Songwriters Scholarship to Belmont songwriting major Natalie Royal, followed by student songwriter performances and special guest Dave Berg.

Latin Grammy 2011

La pasada semana (9 y 10 noviembre) fue la celebración más importante de la industria de la música Latina. La 12va celebración de los Latin Grammy fue transmitida en vivo por la cadena UNIVISION para más de 100 países internacionalmente. El departamento Latino de ASCAP estuvo alli celebrando con cada uno de los nominados y ganadores de este galardón.

Guantanamera

Alexandra Lioutikoff, VIP de ASCAP Latino y Jorge F. Rodríguez, de ASCAP en Nueva York, visitaron el Restaurant Guantanamera, ubicado en la 8va Avenida y la 56 calle, para asistir a la presentación del artista y compositor de ASCAP Pedrito Martínez.

Marco Beltrami Helms Recording Session for Composer-In-Residence Program at USC

Thanks to funding from the ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fund, USC composition students worked with lauded ASCAP composer Marco Beltrami to record their re-scored music to one of his previous film projects.

ASCAP & GRAMMY U Team Up for Film/TV Panel in Texas

San Antonio got a dose of Hollywood on September 15th as ASCAP and GRAMMY U co-presented The Importance of Music in Film & TV 101, a panel and reception featuring seven film music experts.

"Song Camp" en La República Dominicana

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Field Recording

Green Room

Reverb Inspires Campus Consciousness

A project of environmental non-profit group Reverb, the CCT began in 2006 with the goal of inspiring college students to take action toward a more sustainable future. Each year of the tour focuses on a different cause, with this year's events emphasizing sustainable food and water for all. Genre-blurring singer/songwriter/producer Janelle Monáe headlines, with support from indie pop band.

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Legacy

New Members

Daniel Niebla

Producer, composer, creator, director and representative of the group Escolta De Guerra, Daniel Niebla is also the main composer behind the group Voz De Mando, which has recorded his songs "La Mente En Blanco" and "El Chaka De La Sierra."

Ferra

Humming House

At once danceable and reflective, familiar and nostalgic, Humming House is a musical experiment gone right. Comprised of five good friends woven together from diverse backgrounds (Americana, classical composition, bluegrass, soul, and traditional Irish music), their playground of musical exploration has something for every generation.

Madison Rose

New Member Cris Cab Makes a Splash With "Good Girls"

The 18-year-old Miami-native gets props from Pharrell and scores viral hits with his cover of Wiz Khalifa's "Black & Yellow" and his own "Good Girls."

Daisha

Kreayshawn

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Notebook

Presidents Letter

Thankful and Hopeful

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Radar Report

How “Digital Parasites” Have Hurt Songwriters and What Songwriters Can Do To Fight Back

In Free Ride: How Digital Parasites are Destroying the Culture Business, and How the Culture Business Can Fight Back, longtime Rolling Stone contributor Robert Levine argues forcefully for stronger copyright protection and offers ways to reach that goal.

Dave Berg's Not Quite So Alone

The Nashville hit writer sat down with Playback in New York, just before his appearance at the CMA Songwriters Series at Joe's Pub, to talk about his experience with the America SCORES program, the unique creative environment that is Nashville, and the making of a completely honest, unapologetic record.

Katie Herzig Rises Out of Nashville to Release an Ambitious Album and Receive the Prestigious ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award

After making her mark writing songs that made their way onto such tastemaking platforms as NPR, KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic and Grey's Anatomy, Katie Herzig's star rises even higher.

Lindy Robbins

Dan Wilson Soars on the Charts with Adele's "Someone Like You" and Dierks Bentley's "Home"

This year finds Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Dan Wilson riding high with two major hits: "Someone Like You," co-written with Adele, and Dierks Bentley's "Home," written with Bentley and Brett Beavers. Wilson, who is currently working on his second solo album, talked to Playback about his incredible year.

Joe Henry

Henry recently talked to Playback about his creative process, working with legends and the spirituality of music.

Estee Bullock Takes Gospel Songwriting to New Heights

The founding member of Grammy and Stellar Award-winning group Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir responsible for their smash "Souled Out" talks about his twenty-year career in Gospel music.

DJ White Shadow Goes Beyond Auto

DJ and Producer Don Cannon Strikes a Balance and Makes it Big

The quintessential super DJ and producer, Philly native Don Cannon is the mastermind behind the infamous Gangsta Grillz mixtapes and a force behind the iconic careers of T.I., Ludacris and David Banner, to name a few.

Ciaran Gribbin Goes from Co-writer to New Frontman for INXS

In addition to scoring groundbreaking films this year, the Grammy-winning rocker-of-all-trades will front the legendary Australian rock band INXS.

Producer Happy Perez Finds His Bliss and Earns his Success

Between a Grammy-winning contribution to Ludacris' "End of the Night" and crafting the infectious instrumentation on Miguel's chart-topping "Sure Thing," Happy Perez has more than one reason to smile.

Producer Traxster On the Truth Behind His Legend

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Sparks

Singer-Songwriter David Berkeley On How Life on the Island of Corsica Inspired His New Album and Book Project

In his songs, singer-songwriter David Berkeley is a naturally gifted storyteller. In a unique new book, 140 Goats & A Guitar: The Stories Behind Some Kind of Cure, he writes in poetic detail about his experiences on the Island of Corsica that lead him to write the songs on his new album.

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Stepping Out

2011 Fall Playback Stepping Out

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The ASCAP Foundation

The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award Presented to Chris Snyder

Singer/songwriter and ASCAP member Chris Snyder was selected as the recipient of the 2011 ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award. Snyder was a participant in the recent 2011 ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Workshop in New York City.

Two ASCAP Writers Selected as Recipients of The ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music Award

Two ASCAP members, Chris Ballew and Garry Novikoff, will share the honor of receiving the 2011 ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music Award.

"Sing Your Own Song"

Musical theatre writers Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich conducted a musical theater class for students attending The ASCAP Foundation Summer Music Camp at Manhattan School of Music.

The Grammy Foundation Awards Grant To ASCAP Foundation

The GRAMMY Foundation^® Grant Program made an award to The ASCAP Foundation for the preservation of The ASCAP Collection at the Library of Congress.

Celebrating David Rose

In honor of David Rose's Centennial one year ago, the family of the television and film-scoring great created two special awards for 2011 presented to participants in ASCAP's Television & Film Scoring workshops.

The ASCAP Foundation Louis Prima Award

Gia Prima and her friends and long-time Counsel at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP have established The ASCAP Foundation Louis Prima Award to be presented to a talented vocalist or musician attending the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts.

ASCAP Singer/Songwriter Katie Herzig Receives the 2011 ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award

The ASCAP Foundation is pleased to announce ASCAP member Katie Herzig as the recipient of this year's Sammy Cahn Award for her song "Closest I Get" (lyrics by Katie Herzig, music by Katie Herzig and Cason Jay Cooley). The Award, created in 1995, commemorates the life and career of the great lyricist and ASCAP Board member, Sammy Cahn.

The 16th Annual ASCAP Foundation Awards Honor Stephen Schwartz

The ASCAP Foundation honored composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz for his lifetime contributions to Musical Theater with The ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers Award on December 7th, 2011, during the Foundation's 16th Annual Awards Ceremony, held at the Allen Room, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, in New York City. The event was hosted by ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams and also honored a wide variety of Scholarship and Award recipients, all of whom benefit from programs of The ASCAP Foundation.

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The Creators Tool Box

D.I.Y. Not?

D.I.Y. It’s become a common term bantered around these days that relates to doing it yourself. From running a business to making home repairs (there’s even a D.I.Y. TV show), it seems like the way to go. But how about the D.I.Y. trend in music production? Is that always such a good idea? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons and shed some light on the issue.

Media Mine

New and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers

Virtual Drummer

Percussion may well be the most widely used family of sampled instruments. And electronic percussion—whether it’s in the form of drum loops, drum machines (both hardware and software based), or sequenced drum tracks—is also most likely to be employed by people who don’t play the “real thing” than other instruments.

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Action

ASCAP Members Own the 69th Annual Golden Globe Nominations

The HFPA has announced the nominees for the 69th Golden Globe Awards, and ASCAP members wrote or co-wrote 7 out of the 10 nominated works – including all 5 original songs. ASCAP nominees include Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Julie Frost and more!

Beastie Boys, Donovan, Guns N' Roses and The Small Faces/The Faces To Be Inducted Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

ASCAP members Beastie Boys, Guns N' Roses, Donovan (PRS) and The Small Faces/The Faces (PRS) will be among those inducted into the Hall in the spring.

'Tooning In: ASCAP Members Nominated for 39th Annual Annie Awards

12 ASCAP members are in the running for 2012 Annie Awards, animation's highest honor. Special kudos go to repeat nominees Michael Giacchino, Henry Jackman, John Powell and Shawn Patterson. The Awards ceremony will be held on February 4th, 2012.

Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and Skrillex Lead ASCAP Grammy Nominations

Nominations for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards were announced and leading the ASCAP nominees were Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each garnering six nods, with Skrillex up for five awards. Paul Epworth, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Radiohead (PRS) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) each received four nominations.

ASCAP Members: License Your YouTube Synchs Through NMPA & HFA

ASCAP is pleased to let you know about a new revenue stream for independent publishers to get synchronization fees for music on YouTube. This agreement, negotiated by The National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) and The Harry Fox Agency (HFA), is completely separate from ASCAP performance royalties from YouTube.

Rap Legend Heavy D Dies at 44

Heavy D, of the famed rap group of the '90s "Heavy D & The Boyz", died November 8th at the age of 44. Currently, the cause of death is unknown.

A Future Look at Broadway

ASCAP presented its second annual cabaret featuring some of today’s leading young theatre composers and lyricists. Held at the Gardenia Room in Los Angeles, the evening was hosted by cabaret star Andrea Marcovicci.

Songwriters Round at Puckett's Grocery

ASCAP presented a songwriters round at Puckett's Grocery in Nashville to kick off CMA Week on the eve of the ASCAP Country Music Awards.

What You Need to Know About the Protect IP (U.S. Senate) and the Stop Online Piracy (U.S. House) Acts

The PROTECT IP Act (S. 968) and the Stop Online Piracy Act (HR 3261 or "STOP Act"), which are currently moving through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, are designed to protect U.S. rights holders...

Benefit Concert Celebrates Hal David's 90th Birthday

This past October, a once-in-a lifetime cast of performers joined together in Los Angeles for Love, Sweet Love: A Musical Tribute to Hal David at the Mark Taper Forum.

Top Writers and Publishers Honored in London

ASCAP held its 31st annual Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on November 2nd. Hosted by ASCAP Senior Vice President, International Roger Greenaway and Vice President, Membership Seán Devine, the gala dinner and awards presentation honored those songwriter, composer and publisher members of PRS for Music – the UK's Performing Right Society – whose repertory is licensed by ASCAP and was among its most performed works in the U.S. during 2010.

Producer Caleb McCampbell shows "On the Come Up" why he may be the best thing this industry's never had.

Brian and Hilton Wright - production duo WrighTrax - prove to "On the Come Up" why they've got the best beats in the business

Brian and Hilton Wright - production duo WrighTrax - prove to "On the Come Up" why they’ve got the best beats in the business.

Playback Field Recording - Garland Jeffreys

NYC singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys' new album, The King of In Between, may be his best yet. Here he performs a new song and talks about his enduring career as an ambassador of authentic NYC rock 'n' roll.

ASCAP Members Top List of Nominees for the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

ASCAP members including Beastie Boys, The Cure (PRS), Heart, Guns N' Roses and Donna Summer nominated for induction in next year's Rock Hall class.

Randy Weston, Ben Williams Headline 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Jazz Concert in DC

The September 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Jazz Concert in Washington, DC, hosted by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), was headlined by renowned jazz musicians Randy Weston and Ben Williams.

ASCAP President Paul Williams Meets with Copyright Leaders in Washington, D.C.

As part of ASCAP's ongoing efforts to support the rights of those who conceive and create music, songwriter and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams met with copyright leaders during a recent visit to Washington, D.C.

The Double Talk: John Debney and Michael Brandt Discuss Composing and Directing at Film Screening in Washington, D.C.

ASCAP hosted a special advance screening of the political thriller, The Double, in Washington, D.C. Invitees included Members of Congress and Congressional staffers, administration officials and members of the Washington-area artistic community.

ASCAP's Music Publishing 101 Panel Educates at Fordham Law

ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul team hosted an educational panel at Fordham Law on September 21 featuring music business lawyers discussing the ins and outs of music publishing.

20 Years On, Pearl Jam's Going Strong

All month Pearl Jam has been celebrating the group's 20th anniversary. A two-day festival early in the month in East Troy, Wisconsin drew more than 54,000 fans from around the world.

Watch Rodney Crowell Speak at ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO

Texas-born singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell has a music career that spans almost 40 years. He shared some of his rich knowledge of music and writing in a Master Session at this year's EXPO. Check out a few pearls of his wisdom.

World Soundtrack Academy Nominates 17 ASCAP Members and Affiliates for 11th Annual Awards

The ASCAP nominees of the prestigious World Soundtrack Awards include composing superstars Hans Zimmer, Carter Burwell, John Powell and Trent Reznor. Disco pioneer Giorgio Moroder will receive the WSA's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Immersed in Hollywood Film Scoring Traditions

The 2011 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshop in Memory of Buddy Baker, under the artistic direction of NYU Steinhardt Associate Professor and composer Ron Sadoff (The Moon and the Son) in partnership with ASCAP’s Senior Director of Film/TV Sue Devine, presented its eleventh annual workshop from May 24-June 2.

ASCAP Legends Honored and Perform at SHOF 2011

The 42nd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Anniversary Induction and Awards Dinner were were held earlier this year in Manhattan to honor some of the most influential songwriters of our time.

ASCAP Honors Janelle Monáe, Siedah Garrett, Monica and Other Leading Ladies in Music at 3rd Annual Women Behind the Music Series

ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul team presents the annual Women Behind the Music series to honor women who have made great contributions to the music industry. With stops in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta, the series is designed to encourage and recognize women in the music community, highlighting not only women songwriters and artists, but women working in all facets of the business, including managers, attorneys, label executives and music publishers.

ASCAP Rocks the Canal Room at CMJ 2011

ASCAP Songwriters Retreat Hosts Hitmakers at Chateau Marouatte in France

Inside the 14th century, medieval Château Marouatte, top songwriters from the US and UK including Johntá Austin, Lindy Robbins, Hillary Lindsey and Greg Wells wrote the next set of big hits.

ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Honors Music Legends at ATL Dinner

The event honored music legends and industry members who have given back to the Atlanta community including Johntá Austin, Kandi Burruss, Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris and Ne-Yo, Shanti Das, Jason Geter, Kawan Prather and Devyne Stephens.

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Daily Brief

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Friday, December 16

Lines Drawn on Antipiracy Bills, Smith Fires Back at SOPA Critics, SOPA Fixes Isolate Opponents, Especially Google, Songwriters Sing Praises of Bill to Fight Online Piracy, OPEN Act Falls Short for Artists and Creators, How Musicians Use Facebook [INFOGRAPHIC], Is Crowdfunding the Next Big Thing or an Invitation to Digital Fraud?, and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Thursday, December 15

Explaining Piracy's Profit Pyramid, Copyright Alliance Legal Advisory Committee Board Members Issue White Paper on ISP Liability for Online Infringement in Europe, Reformed Pirate Sues Over Nicked Ideas, Will Mobile Phone Competition Spell the End of the MP3 Player?, Why Won't Grooveshark Remove My Music?, Meet the Internet's Newest Boy Genius and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Wednesday, December 14

100 Years of Copyright and Disruptive Technology, Will.i.am Sends Takedown Notice Over Megaupload 'Endorsement' Video, Does Google+ Hope To Be The Next MySpace Music?, SpotmeUp: The Spotify Distribution Is Free. But They Keep Your Royalties..., World's Biggest Music Streaming Service Launches Rara - for Tech Idiots and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Tuesday, December 13

OPEN Act: Some Opening Thoughts, Hands-On With the New Spotify Radio: Look Out, Pandora, Arbitron: 93 Percent of Americans Still Listen to Broadcast Radio..., Can Record Labels Increase Album Sales In The 'A La Carte' Era?, Netflix Set to Make Your Video History Public and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Monday, December 12

What You Need to Know About the Protect IP (U.S. Senate) and the Stop Online Piracy (U.S. House) Acts, IP Czar: 80% of Americans Know Piracy Is Illegal, But Do It Anyway..., Brussels' Statement of Objections Against Google is MEATY, Why The Access Versus Ownership Debate Isn't Going to Resolve Itself Anytime Soon, YouTube Remake Spotlights TV-Style Channels, and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Friday, December 2

Movie Business Strikes Back at Google, Here's What Pandora REALLY Thinks Of Spotify, Top 5 Online Music Trends in 2011, Classical Music Ain't Just for Snobs, and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Thursday, December 1

The End of Free: Web 2.0 Will Squeeze Punters Rotten, How Digital Audio Ate Itself ... and the Music Biz Part Two: The Attack of the Clones, Music To Our Ears, Korean Pop Music out to Conquer the World, and more....

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Wednesday, November 30

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Tuesday, November 29

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Monday, November 28

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Friday, November 18

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Thursday, November 17

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Wednesday, November 16

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Tuesday, November 15

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Monday, November 14

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Friday, November 11

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Thursday, November 10

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Wednesday, November 9

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Tuesday, November 8

It Only Takes an Act of Congress to Keep Good Music Going, Sales of Digital Albums Soar Year on Year, Don't Have An App? You're Not Reaching 50% Of Potential Fans [SURVEY], Why You Need A Publicist, and more...

The ASCAP Daily Brief for Monday, November 7

Hillary Clinton Says Anti-Piracy & Internet Freedoms Are "Mutually Consistent...", WARNING: Every Musician's Digital Performance Royalties Are At Risk, SoundShare Shares Your Music with Friends, Helps You Discover New Songs and Artists, and much more...