Wes Hutchinson	David Roland	Michael Flynn

Wes Hutchinson, who is currently working on his record while living in New York City, effortlessly blends influences ranging from early Elton John to Bill Withers, from Crowded House to The Who to Pearl Jam, to create songs that are saturated with melody, intellectually honest lyrics, and music that moves with meaningful undercurrents of rock and pop.

	Listen: "Sheltering Sky" by Wes Hutchinson
	Listen: "Gina" by David Roland
	Listen: "Everything Is Exactly What It Seems" by Michael Flynn

David Roland currently calls Atlanta home, but you can hear the time he spent in New York and Miami in his music, in the anxiety drifting in and around the lyrics. Drawn to songwriting at the age of 14, he currently has a catalog of 127 songs. His latest effort,The Hum of Anxiety, features 12 tracks that echo early Bowie, Nick Cave, Scott Walker and George Harrison.

A South Carolina native, Michael Flynn's influences include Wilco, Eliott Smith, and Tom Waits. His self-released album No Disassemble features emotionally-charged songs of melodic and lyrical pop that go straight to the heart and make it burst with pent-up feelings. Michael was also named the second place winner of the 2001 BMI Foundation-sponsored John Lennon Scholarships.

The Rock Boat Concert Cruise sets sail Columbus Day weekend (October 7 - 11) and will feature BMI artists Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Gavin DeGraw, Michael Tolcher, Shawn Mullins, Ingram Hill, The Clarks, Dexter Freebish, Will Hoge, David Ryan Harris, Peter Searcy, Chuck Carrier, Evenout and others.]]> 2004-09-22T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234132 Artists, Clarks, The, DeGraw, Gavin, Harris, David Ryan, Hill, Ingram, Ingram Hill, Mullins, Shawn, Searcy, Peter, Sister Hazel, Tolcher, Michael, Musical Styles, Pop, Rock The Rock Boat Washed Ashore Concert Cruise 2004 Song Contest. Sponsored by BMI, The Rock Boat is a four-day rock n' roll sea cruise to Grand Cayman, from October 7 to October 11, 2004. You could win cabin accommodations and airfare for two to Miami, Florida (departure city), as well as an opening acoustic spot on the bill aboard The Rock Boat! (terms and conditions apply - please see official Contest Rules).

Confirmed to set sail Columbus Day weekend are BMI artists Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Gavin DeGraw, Michael Tolcher, Shawn Mullins, Ingram Hill, The Clarks, Dexter Freebish, Will Hoge, David Ryan Harris, Peter Searcy, Chuck Carrier, Evenout and more!

We are looking for great rock, pop and Americana songs from BMI songwriters who are serious, unsigned performers. Enter your song in The Rock Boat Washed Ashore Concert Cruise 2004 Song Contest for a chance to perform, mix and mingle with musicians, music lovers and music industry executives aboard The Rock Boat. HURRY!! All applications must be postmarked no later than August 23, 2004.

Artists welcome the chance to drift away with 2200 of their most devoted fans, joining them by the pool to enjoy games and music while soaking up the sun's rays or to enjoy the sights and sounds of Grand Cayman. Fans begin each evening with a first-class dinner alongside artists and their families before heading to several intimate concerts.

Unlike passengers on a traditional cruise, guests on The Rock Boat share a common, relatable interest: they are all loyal music lovers. After experiencing The Rock Boat, fans keep in touch long after the ship has docked back in Miami through message boards on The Rock Boat website. Here they reminisce about their past adventures on the cruise, discuss plans for their upcoming journey and even make plans to reunite in the meantime. There have even been engagements and weddings resulting from relationships made aboard The Rock Boat!

This adventure of a lifetime begins when The Rock Boat 2004 departs Miami, Florida, on Thursday, October 7 at 3:30 pm. All day on Friday, October 8, The Rock Boat will navigate the waters to arrive in Grand Cayman on Saturday, October 9. On Sunday, October 10, the high seas will be rockin' again as the ship heads back to Miami dropping anchor on Monday, October 11, 2004.

Click here for the official rules, application, and more info.]]> 2004-07-22T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234021 Artists, Branch, Michelle, Hill, Ingram, Ingram Hill, Lifehouse, Maroon 5, Presley, Lisa Marie, Musical Styles, Pop, Rock Ingram Hill was in New York City recently for a show at Irving Plaza, and BMI executives were on hand to greet them. The band's major label debut on Hollywood Records, June's Picture Show, is a follow-up to their self-released EP entitled Until Now. Described as "pop rock with a Southern twist," Ingram Hill has been touring endlessly, sharing stages with artists such as Jason Mraz, Michelle Branch, Lisa Marie Presley, Saliva, Lifehouse, Maroon 5 and O.A.R.

Pictured at the Everfine Artist Management office before the show are BMI's J.W. Johnson, band members Phil Bogard, Matt Chambless, Justin Moore and Shea Sowell, BMI's Samantha Cox, and manager Dave Roberge.

Photo by Stephanie Copeland

Al Green

Ann Peebles

Donald Bryant

Ace Cannon

North Mississippi Allstars

Ingram Hill

Willie Mitchell

BMI congratulates our winners:

Premier Band
North Mississippi Allstars

Premier Newcomer - The Phillips Award
Ingram Hill

Premier Bassist
Richard Cushing

Premier Guitarist
Steve Selvidge

Premier Brass Player
Reid McCoy

Premier Rapper
Gangsta Blac

Premier Harmonica Player
Billy Gibson

Premier Audio Engineer
Jeff Powell

The sampler, prepared in partnership with CD manufacturer Disc Makers, features 17 artists selected by BMI Writer/Publishers Relations staffers in the Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York areas. Featured artists are goneblind, recently signed to Road Runner Records; rockers Army of Freshman, Echo 7, Goldspot, GTO, Huver and Ingram Hill; Neo-Soul mates Julie Dexter, Jonz, Raiz, John Stephens and Tasha Taylor; Gospel artist Christopher Lewis; Hip-Hop’s Major KeyZ; and pop rockers Joshua Bennett and Mason Jennings.

The Sampler was a collaboration among various BMI Writer/Publishers departments. Four artists were chosen by the New York staff, three by Los Angeles and nine are represented by the BMI Atlanta staff. Future samplers will include songwriters in the country and Latin genres. Approximately 1500 copies of the CD will be distributed to record and publishing company executives, managers, agents and others interested in new talent.