S O S
Evan Bogart
Edward Cobb
Jonathan "JR" Rotem
Embassy Music Corporation
Here's Lookin' At You Kidd Music
Jonathan Rotem Music
Reach Global Songs
Southside Independent Music Publishing LLC
Rihanna
SRP/Def Jam/IDJMG

SAVIN' ME
Daniel Adair (SOCAN)
Chad Kroeger (SOCAN)
Mike Kroeger (SOCAN)
Ryan Peake (SOCAN)
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Nickelback
Roadrunner/IDJMG Records

SHAKE IT OFF
Mariah Carey
Rye Songs
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Mariah Carey
Island Records

SHE SAYS
Howie Day
HKD Music
Howie Day
Epic Records

SO SICK
Ne-Yo
Super Sayin' Publishing
Zomba Songs
Ne-Yo
Def Jam/IDJMG

SOUL SURVIVOR
Young Jeezy
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Young Jeezy Music
Young Jeezy featuring Akon
Corporate Thugs/Def Jam Records

STICKWITU
Franne Golde
Kasia Livingston
Robert Palmer
Franne Gee Music
Myia’s Koala Bear Music Publishing
Notting Hill Music, Inc.
Parchi Music
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Pussycat Dolls
A & M Records

SUGAR (GIMME SOME)
David Byrne
Trick Daddy
First and Gold Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Trick Daddy featuring Ludacris & Cee-Lo
Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic

SUGAR, WE'RE GOIN' DOWN
Andrew Hurley
Patrick Stump
Joe Trohman
Pete Wentz
Chicago X Softcore Songs
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Fall Out Boy
IDJMG/Fueled By Ramen/Island

TALK
Karl Bartos (GEMA)
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Coldplay
Capitol Music Group

UNFAITHFUL
Ne-Yo
Super Sayin' Publishing
Zomba Songs
Rihanna
SRP/Def Jam/IDJMG

UNWRITTEN
Natasha Bedingfield (PRS)
Danielle Brisebois
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Gator Baby
Natasha Bedingfield
Epic Records

WALK AWAY
Kara DioGuardi
K'Stuff Publishing
Kelly Clarkson
RCA/RMG

WHAT HURTS THE MOST
Jeffrey Steele
Gottahaveable Music
Songs of Windswept Pacific
Rascal Flatts
Lyric Street

WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE
Ryan Adams
Barland Music
Tim McGraw
Curb Records

WHERE'D YOU GO
Mike Shinoda
Kenji Kobayashi Music
Zomba Songs
Fort Minor featuring Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
Machine Shop/WB

YOU AND ME (2nd Award)
Jude Cole
Jason Wade
Dimensional Songs of the Knoll
G-Chills Music
Jude Cole Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Lifehouse
Geffen Records

YOU 'RE BEAUTIFUL
James Blunt (PRS)
Amanda Ghost (PRS)
Sacha Skarbek
David Platz Music, Inc.
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
James Blunt
Atlantic Records

YOUR BODY
Bigg D
Marcus "Pleasure" Cooper
Jim Jonsin
Corey "Slick' Em" Mathis
Diamond "Baby Blue" Smith
Joseph "Blue" Smith
Spectacular Smith
Black Boy Hatchet Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Pretty Ricky
Atlantic Records

WAMA Director Mike Shreibman, Falls Church Vice Mayor M.R. Lindy Hockenberry and BMI’s Fred Cannon

The D.C. music scene awards have long been a deep-winter occasion for members of the music community to bestow honors on their talented colleagues in all genres of music, from bluegrass and pop to Washington’s own funk style, go-go.

There were dozens of prizes awarded in the genre categories, and BMI writers came up big winners in the general awards.

BMI’s Fred Cannon with members of Celtic band Scythian

Veteran roots rocker David Kitchen picked up the award for Songwriter of the Year, as WAMA members were impressed with tunes on his The Thrillbillys Live!! at the Sunset Grill CD, which was also nominated for Album of the Year.

Geffry King got the Wammie for Song of the Year, an alt-country waltz entitled “Who Gets the Fruitcake This Year?”, the title song from a nominated album by Honky Tonk Confidential.

WAMA Awards attendees wait in line at the State Theatre

BMI’s Fred Cannon, president of the Recording Academy’s Washington chapter, gave the keynote address. As Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Cannon has strong ties to the D.C. music community and represents songwriter interests on Capitol Hill.

Cannon told WAMA members that the age of the independent label has arrived, and to make an effort take control of their own destiny when it comes to the business side of the music life.

BMI’s Fred Cannon delivers his keynote speech

“We are in the era of digital excellence, crafted by the past, aimed for the future,” he said. “Music creators have never been better positioned in the marketplace.” With home recording technology innovations, he added, “the opportunity for creativity is without limits.”

Cannon said D.C.-area musicians and songwriters must engage their elected officials. “Make a point to know the issues that pertain to your future. Meet your congressmen. Walk the halls. Voice your concerns.”

Also joining the WAMA festivities this year as master of ceremonies was a new member of the D.C. music community (and a new BMI member), Bob Schieffer, who’s had day gigs such as White House correspondent and “Evening News” anchor for CBS.

Schieffer, it turns out, got to know the members of Honky Tonk Confidential because one of them has a day job at CBS, too. He ended up writing four tunes for their upcoming album, Roadkill Stew and Other News, and singing one.

Fred Cannon’s Keynote Speech:

First of all, let me thank the Wammies and all the members for giving me the opportunity here today to share with you some of my thoughts as a true lover of music. Secondly, I would like to congratulate all the nominees and award winners. Well done to all.

Let me start by saying that we are living in an important chapter in the world of creativity. Today is an amazing day! This year is an amazing year! We are in the era of digital excellence, crafted by the past, aimed for the future.

This is the Age of the Independents.

On June 1, 1978, I personally started as head of an independent label. I had left my job as Commercial Director of A&R at EMI Records in London and I started Carrere Records U.K. As Managing Director, I finally could do my own thing. I was a lucky man: the first single release on Carrere U.K. went to No. 1 in the United Kingdom and six other European countries. The group was a South African all-girl band named Clout and the song was “Substitute.”

In January 1980, I gave an interview to Music Week, the Billboard of England, where I stated that the future of great music lay in the independent labels and the major labels would have to buy out the independents to continue to stay alive. It took a while, but that insight has proven true. Now, I feel that the Age of the Independents has finally arrived.

Thanks to the advent of the digital world, music creators have never been better positioned in the marketplace. I remember miking up bathtubs to get good echo for guitar and vocals. Today with a click of a mouse you have in an instant what to us in the 60s took hours, maybe days to achieve and often at great expense. Today the opportunity for creativity is without limits.

The opportunities are endless!

It is hard to believe how long it took to get a record made, released, promoted, marketed and distributed. Today, promotion, marketing and distribution are at your fingertips. With today’s technology available to you, you can do everything yourself. Record label executives like me and artists lived through the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s without this luxury. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity.

We all face the challenge of earning money while maintaining a fair value in the music we create. Living in the D.C. area gives you an added responsibility. You have the opportunity to help us protect the value of music. Your access to Congress puts you in a unique position to make a difference for all the creators in America. Make it a point to know the issues that pertain to your future. Meet your congressmen. Walk the halls. Voice your concerns.

All of you here know how much hard work and commitment it takes to produce and create music. Protect the value! If you truly believe in your talent, write your own songs. As Frances Preston used to say, it is all about the song. Your songs will make or break your career. Produce your own music. Promote, market and distribute your music yourself. It is extremely important for you to do everything in your power to control your destiny. You have this choice; take it. This is coming from someone who would have loved to have had this choice.

The Washington, D.C.-area music scene is extremely exciting and flourishing. The wonderful group of nominees here at the Wammies is evidence of the great music this community is making. The local music scene is full of highly talented artists: Rich Harrison, Marcus Johnson, Stephen Hurd, Deanna Bogart, Cathy Fink, and thousands more. I love the work of professionals who generate the development of the local music scene.

Michael Jaworek at the Birchmere comes to mind, who calls me excited about a group or an artist. I think of Billy Zero, discovering new unsigned talent, promoting them on XM Radio. It is the genius of Greg Lukens that helps new talent get great sounds and dynamics. Richard Burgess, one of the U.K.’s top producers who worked alongside me years ago, is now producing new acts locally. It is people like Gemma Puglisi, Professor at the American University, who turned me on to Scythian. I think of Jennifer Cutting and her incredible energy and her passion for folk and Irish music. My friend Janine Wilson comes to mind, who is following her dream in music, always promoting, always playing. Charlie Pilzer is one of the legendary producer/artist/executive from the D.C. area. These are some of the colorful folks who help generate a vibrant and incredible spirit that helps propel the local music scene.

Look at the large group of local artists nominated for Grammys including our big Grammy winner John Mayer! Let me stress this point: The D.C.-area music scene is world class and second to none. This music area is hot! I just heard the new album from D.C. legend Chuck Brown. Wow! We are surrounded by great talent. The future of the D.C. music scene has never been stronger.

A couple of final thoughts: As President of the D.C. Chapter of the Recording Academy, let me say that if you are not yet a member of the Academy, you should join this wonderful organization. Finally, if you are a songwriter or a publisher, join BMI. Make sure you are paid on your performing right and help us protect the value of your creative works.

Remember: the world is at your fingertips. Be original, be creative, and most of all love the music you make.

Thank you and God bless!

Photos by Cindy L. Kunst/CLicKs Photography

WE BELONG TOGETHER
Darnell Bristol
Mariah Carey
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Sid "Uncle Jamz" Johnson
Patrick L. Moten
Sandra Sully
Bobby Womack
ABKCO Music, Inc.
Ballads By Design Publishing
Hip Chic Music
Mister Johnson's Jams Music
Rye Songs
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Mariah Carey
Island Records

YOU AND ME
Jude Cole
Jason Wade
Dimensional Songs of the Knoll
G-Chills Music
Jude Cole Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Lifehouse
Geffen Records

Shown at the "New Now" seminar are co-host EZ Tommy, event presenter Dolly Turner, co-host Rich Harrison, event presenter LaRonda Sutton and BMI's Wardell Malloy.

The Writer's Block Party is a monthly traveling seminar on the music business presented by industry executives LaRonda Sutton of AllofaSutton Music and Dolly Turner of Treasure Chest, Inc. The educational forum and marketplace features discussions on music publishing, licensing, production and creative issues. Geared toward the emerging songwriter, producer and artist, the Writer's Block Party also features a "music meeting" where creative executives can hear new music from participants and music content distributors can share their new projects.]]> 2005-11-03T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/musicworld/entry/234274 Artists, Harrison, Rich, Usher1, Musical Styles, Urban, Musicworld, Hitmaker

Songwriter/producer Rich Harrison, a Maryland native, is a classically trained pianist and trumpet player who has a special gift for being able to play back just about anything he hears. Propelled by his talent and love of music, he decided to pursue music full time after graduating from Howard University.  

In 1999, Harrison got his first chance at producing when he co-produced “Beautiful Ones” for Mary J. Blige’s album Mary. A couple of years later, Harrison created his own production company, Richcraft Inc., so he could work with his own roster of artists and write and produce the songs of his choice.   In 2001, he signed newcomer Amerie and wrote and produced her debut album. The single “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” became the urban anthem of the summer of 2001.

Harrison didn’t stop there. In 2003, he co-wrote and co-produced one of the biggest hits of the year: Beyonce’s number one hit, “Crazy in Love.” He has also worked with Kelly Rowland, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys and Usher. Currently, he is working on Amerie’s sophomore album and is building his roster of acts at Richcraft Inc.

Harrison has set the tone and is now well on his way to becoming one of the most sought-after songwriter/producers on the market.   The future is looking brighter and brighter, as everyone seems to be “Crazy in Love” with Rich Harrison. ]]> 2004-12-01T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233963 Artists, Aguilera, Christina, Blind Boys of Alabama, The, Brecker, Randy, Cooder, Ry, Corea, Chick, DiFranco, Ani, Eminem, Evanescence, Foo Fighters, Franklin, Aretha, Gill, Vince, Guy, Buddy, Harrison, Rich, James, Etta, Krauss, Alison, lang, k.d., McClurkin, Donnie, Metheny, Pat, Neptunes, The, Shorter, Wayne, Sting, White Stripes, The, White, Jack, Zevon, Warren, Awards, Musical Styles, Bluegrass, Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Pop, R&B, Rock, Grammy Awards BMI songwriter/artists were once again at the top of the winners list for the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, held February 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Leading the BMI pack with three wins was Alison Krauss, who took home two statuettes with her band Union Station and one individual for Best Country Collaboration (with James Taylor).

Evanescence

The White Stripes

Goth-rock band Evanescence picked up two awards, including the coveted Best New Artist Grammy as well as Best Hard Rock Performance for their breakthrough hit, "Bring Me To Life." A pair of posthumous awards went to the late Warren Zevon, whose children accepted statuettes for Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group (with Bruce Springsteen) and Best Contemporary Folk Album for his final recording, The Wind.

Michael Brecker

Alison Krauss & Union Station

Rapper Eminem's Oscar-winning theme song "Lose Yourself" from the movie 8 Mile earned him the Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song titles; songwriter Jeff Bass also earned a Grammy as co-writer on the track.

The Neptunes

Wayne Shorter

Other winners included The White Stripes and jazz greats Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker, who earned two nods each, as well as Café Tacuba, Christina Aguilera, Vince Gill, Sam Cook, Pink, Foo Fighters, and The Neptunes, who were crowned as Producers of the Year.

BMI's Grammy Award Winners

Christina Aguilera
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Audio Adrenaline
Best Rock Gospel Album

Jeff Bass
Best Rap Song

Steve Berkowitz
Best Historical Album

The Blind Boys of Alabama
Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album

Michael Brecker
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
Best Instrumental Arrangement

Randy Brecker
Best Contemporary Jazz Album

Caf� Tacuba
Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album

Michel Camilo
Best Latin Jazz Album

Ry Cooder
Best Pop Instrumental Album

Sam Cooke
Best Long Form Music Video

Chick Corea
Best Jazz Instrumental Solo

Ani DiFranco
Best Album Package

Reggie Dozier
Album of the Year

Eminem
Best Rap Song
Best Male Rap Solo Performance

Evanescence
Best New Artist
Best Hard Rock Performance

Foo Fighters
Best Rock Album

Aretha Franklin
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance

Vince Gill
Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Jimmy Gonzalez y El Grupo Mazz
Best Tejano Album

Buddy Guy
Best Traditional Blues Album

Rich Harrison
Best R&B Song

Bishop T.D. Jakes
Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album

Etta James
Best Contemporary Blues Album

k.d. lang (SOCAN)
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Alison Krauss
Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Best Country Instrumental Performance
Best Bluegrass Album

Donnie McClurkin
Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album

Pat Metheny
Best New Age Album

The Neptunes
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

Pink
Best Female Rock Vocal Performance

Neal Pogue
Album of the Year

Eugene Record
Best R&B Song

Don Rollins
Best Country Song

Wayne Shorter
Best Jazz Instrumental Album
Best Instrumental Composition

Sting (PRS)
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Jimmy Sturr
Best Polka Album

"Weird Al" Yankovic
Best Comedy Album

Jack White (The White Stripes)
Best Rock Song
Best Alternative Music Album

Warren Zevon
Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group
Best Contemporary Folk Album

Warren Zevon

Evanescence

The White Stripes

Rock band Evanescence also topped this year's list, picking up five nominations including Best New Artist and Best Rock Album for their multi-platinum breakthrough release, Fallen. Other five-time nominees were rapper Eminem and the late Warren Zevon. Also receiving multiple nods were Willie Nelson, Jack White of The White Stripes (three with his band and one individual), and classical composer Jose Serebrier with four each and Christina Aguilera with three, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her smash hit, "Beautiful."

Willie Nelson

Eminem

Warren Zevon

The 46th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2004, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast on CBS from 8-11:30 p.m. on the East and West Coasts.

BMI's Grammy Nominees

SIX NOMINATIONS
Pharrell Williams

FIVE NOMINATIONS
Eminem
Evanescence
Chad Hugo
Warren Zevon

FOUR NOMINATIONS
Willie Nelson
José Serebrier
The White Stripes

THREE NOMINATIONS
Christina Aguilera
Jeff Bass
Michael Brecker
Chick Corea
Anthony Hamilton
Alison Krauss
Lil' Kim
Shania Twain

TWO NOMINATIONS
Audioslave
Black Eyed Peas
Jorge Calderón
Ry Cooder
Foo Fighters
Fountains of Wayne
Aretha Franklin
Rich Harrison
Heather Headley
Bishop T.D. Jakes
Toby Keith
R. Kelly
k.d. lang (SOCAN)
The Matrix
Martina McBride
Aaron Neville
Nickelback (SOCAN)
Pink
Neal Pogue
Earl Scruggs
Wayne Shorter
Snoop Dogg
Sting (PRS)
Union Station
Doc Watson
will.i.am
John Williams
Lucinda Williams

ONE NOMINATION
Mirwais Ahmadzaï
Akwid
Allman Brothers Band
Audio Adrenaline
Marcia Ball
Luther Barnes & the Sunset Jubilaires
Buju Banton (PRS)
Mark Batson
Steve Berkowitz
Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones
Carla Bley Big Band
Blind Boys of Alabama
Blue Highway
Michelle Branch
Randy Brecker
Brooks & Dunn
David Bowie (PRS)
Joe Budden
Jimmy Buffett
Martin Buttrich (GEMA)
Café Tacuba
Michel Camilo
Cam'Ron
Caribbean Jazz Project
Rosanne Cash
Stanley Clarke
Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater
The Crabb Family
The Crusaders
Sam Cooke
Adrian Cosentini
Diamond Rio
Ani DiFranco
Reggie Dozier
Jimmy Douglass
Eagles
Fred Ebb
Kurt Elling
Scotty Emerick
The Flaming Lips
Floetry
Bill Frisell
Kenny G
Vince Gill
Gorillaz (PRS)
Percy Gray, Jr.
Buddy Guy
Eddie Gonzalez
Jimmy Gonzalez y El Grupo Mazz
Pat Green
Stephan Haeri
William Hamilton
Roy Hargrove
Faith Hill
Dave Holland Quintet
Eric Idle (PRS)
India
Intocable
Jane's Addiction
Etta James
Keith Jarrett
Jars of Clay
Norah Jones
The Jordanaires
John Kander
Peter Kater
John P. Kee
Garrison Keillor
Kitaro (JASRAC)
Korn
Dave Koz
Nathaniel Kunkel
Patti LaBelle
Amel Larrieux
Glenn Lewis
Mark Levine
Linkin Park
The Light Crust Doughboys
Lonestar
Irving Lorenzo
Patty Loveless
Luis Miguel
Timo Maas (GEMA)
Marilyn Manson
Masters at Work
Donnie McClurkin
Del McCoury Band
Tim McGraw
Sarah McLachlan (SOCAN)
Jim McNeely
Joel McNeely
Pat Metheny
Bette Midler
Ismael Miranda
Molotov
Joel Moss
Newsboys
Bob Norberg
Les Nubians (SACEM)
The Oak Ridge Boys
Walter Ostanek (SOCAN)
Joe Pace
Dolly Parton
Nicholas Payton
Ray Price
Queens of the Stone Age
Eugene Record
Relient K
Don Rollins
Roomful of Blues
The Roots
Scott Rouse
David Sanborn
Pete Seeger
The Sensational Nightingales
Thomas Z. Shepard
Brian Setzer Orchestra
Sean Smith
Luciana Souza
Los Straitjackets
Micheal Strange, Jr.
Jimmy Sturr
Howard Tate
Susan Tedeschi
Télépopmusik (SACEM)
Jacky Terrasson
Los Tigres Del Norte
Los Tucanes De Tijuana
Caetano Veloso
Rhonda Vincent
Redd Volkaert
Muddy Waters
Charlie Wilson
Gerald Wilson Orchestra
Kim Wilson
Vickie Winans
George Winston
Wayne Wonder
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Weird Al" Yankovic
Yerba Buena
Maury Yeston
Yellowjackets