SONG BIZ SESAC SIGNS BOSCO FRANCE SESAC has welcomed artist and songwriter Bosco France for representation. France, who hails from Madisonville, KY, is the 2012 winner of Guitar Center’s Battle of the Blues competition, beating more than 4,000 guitarists throughout the US to take home the honor. Pictured (l-r): Tim Fink, SESAC and Bosco France.
ASCAP SERVES UP MUSIC CAFE In its 15th year as a special program of the Sundance Film Festival, the Sundance ASCAP Music Café continues to provide a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers and music creators to connect in a warm and intimate setting. Pictured (l-r): Eddie Barnash and Jon Batiste, the Stay Human Band; Loretta Muñoz, ASCAP; Joe Saylor and Ibanda Ruhumbika, the Stay Human Band.
Spring Training: Songwriters Sessions
Go to Nashville for the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s Spring Training on April 5 and 6th. This twoday interactive seminar combines the best of large and small group settings. Professional songwriter panels, powerhouse educational segments—not to mention the ever-popular publisher breakout sessions—are all designed to deliver an intensive crash course in the craft and business of songwriting. Featured guests include J.D. Souther, who's one of the principal architects of the “California Sound,” and a co-writer of the Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim of Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Best of My Love,” along with Don Henley's super hit "The Heart of the Matter.” Souther will be speaking at the opening session. Hit songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be closing the show with a special interview and performance. For complete information about the event, visit http://nashvillesongwriters.com.
A License Made Easy from ASCAP
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced the launch of ASCAP PLAY MUSIC licensing for websites and mobile apps. Designed to make getting an ASCAP license easier and more affordable for individuals and small businesses, the new agreement is at http:// ascap.com/licensing/digital. In just three easy steps, owners of qualifying websites and mobile apps can purchase a license online for $240 per year. And with no annual reporting, the license is virtually maintenance free. ASCAP licenses its catalog of over 8.5 million music works to thousands of new and established services, ranging from start-ups to the biggest players on the Internet and mobile platforms, as part of its mission to obtain fair compensation for its more than 450,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. Visit http://ascap.com for more details.
Croce's 12 Tales
It starts with “Right on Time” as A.J. Croce has launched his most ambitious recording project to date. 12 Tales, a dozen new tracks, recorded by legendary producers “Cowboy” Jack Clement (Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis); New Orleans’ Allen Toussaint (Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton), and West Coast roots master Joe Henry (Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke) across a variety of American cities. Beginning with the first single, “Right on Time,” produced and mixed in Stamford, CT by five-time Grammy winner Kevin Killen, Croce will release one song each month, culminating with the complete full-length release of the CD at the end of 2013. Details at http:// seedlingrecords.com.
Downtown says “Oh Yes” to Ono
Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) recently announced the signing of publishing administration agreements for the US with
BMI IN THE SPIRIT JAM AND LEWIS: UNIVERSAL APPEAL The long-running songwriting and production team of Jimmy Jam (right) and Terry Lewis (left) have signed an exclusive worldwide publishing administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group. For complete details, visit http://umpg.com. 28 March 2013
www.musicconnection.com
Hosted by BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton and BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, BMI recognized the contributions of gospel greats Edwin Hawkins, Lady Tramaine Hawkins and Kurt Carr at the 14th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon in Nashville. Pictured (l-r): Yolanda Adams; Del Bryant, BMI President & CEO; Catherine Brewton, BMI VP, WriterPublisher Relations; and singers Amber Bullock and Le’Andria Johnson.