The victor will share the spotlight with bands like Sister Hazel, Better Than Ezra and Collective Soul. The competition, powered by sonicbids.com, offers one lucky winner round-trip airfare to Ft. Lauderdale, one night hotel, and a cabin aboard the Rock Boat with all meals included. The Rock Boat is already a sold-out event with over 2,000 fans attending.

"It is important for the up-and-coming BMI singer/songwriter to catch this opportunity because they'll be playing for a captive audience that usually translates to loyal fans for years to come," says BMI's Lynn Oliver, Associate Director of Writer/Publisher Relations in Atlanta.

Click here for details on how to enter.

Sister Hazel and partner Sixthman Management developed "The Rock Slope" as a supplement to the highly successful "Rock Boat" - an annual floating music festival that will hold its seventh cruise in January 2007. Both events are fan-oriented, where attendees get treated to live music day and night, and get to interact with the groups in a relaxed setting. BMI has been a supporter of both events since their inception.

"We started 'The Rock Boat' because Sister Hazel fans wanted a convention, which we had done informally over a holiday weekend in Charleston, SC," recalls Andy Levine of Sixthman. "After developing the cruise, we felt that the next step was to replicate it in the winter at a ski resort. Since we introduced 'The Rock Slope,' it's been a huge success, helping bands interact and connect with their fans and vice versa."

Over 1000 people are expected to attend the five-day ski event, which will feature an intimate acoustic set from BMI songwriter Bo Bice on Friday, March 31. Sister Hazel will perform on April 1 at an all-star jam closing the event.

"This is a great event to be involved with," said BMI's Lynn Oliver, Associate Director of Writer/Publisher Relations in Atlanta. "The artists get a real connection with loyal music fans and it's a great place to work out new material in front of an appreciative crowd."]]> 2006-03-08T17:00:01-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234192 Artists, Clarks, The, DeGraw, Gavin, Harris, David Ryan, Hill, Ingram, Ingram Hill, John, Elton, Lennon, John, Mullins, Shawn, Searcy, Peter, Sister Hazel, Tolcher, Michael, Wilco, Musical Styles, Pop, Rock, Musicworld, Feature Wes Hutchinson has been named the grand prize winner of the BMI-sponsored Rock Boat Song Contest. The top prize includes an opening acoustic spot on the bill aboard the Rock Boat Washed Ashore Concert Cruise 2004, a four-day rock n' roll sea cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Wes also wins cabin accommodations and airfare for two to Miami, Florida (departure city). Other winners include 1st runner-up David Roland and 2nd runner-up Michael Flynn.

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/musicworld/entry/234137 Artists, 3 Doors Down, Cooper, John, Sister Hazel, Skillet, Musical Styles, Christian, Gospel, Rock, Musicworld, Hitmaker, Type, Important This spring mainstream music lovers are going to discover one of the Christian music community’s best-kept secrets. Lava Records is set to re-release Skillet’s current album Collide and introduce the hard-rocking group to a new audience.

“We believe our music is about a message,” says lead vocalist/principal songwriter John Cooper. “We believe there’s a mission that we have, and the more people who hear that message the better. The message of Collide is about having faith when you’re living in world that is only providing you with fear. That kind of hope is hard to come by in this world.”

Skillet members Cooper, his wife Korey, Ben Kasica and Lori Peters will remain on Memphis-based Ardent Records, which has been working the band in the Christian market, while Lava takes Collide to the mainstream. Produced by Paul Ebersold (3 Doors Down, Sister Hazel), Collide finds Skillet exploring a heavier rock sound than 2000’s Alien Youth .

“We had done the electronic thing for three records,” says Korey Cooper. “We were happy with Alien Youth and it was selling, but for the next record decided to go way less on the keyboards and a lot more just straight rock. And obviously, Paul Ebersold coming into the picture as producer shaped the sound.”

The single “Savior” has already heated up Christian radio airwaves on and in April, Lava took it to mainstream rock stations. The album will be re-issued with one new song, “Open Wounds,” which was penned by Cooper and Kevin Kadish.

“Songwriting is the most important thing in the equation because there are so many great, great bands out there that you can’t make it on just being a great band anymore,” says Cooper. “One of the best things about Skillet is our live performance...but songwriting is why people sell records. It happens when they have a hit song on the radio. I try to put most all my time into writing songs. Good songs will always sell records.”]]> 2004-07-25T18:00:00-05:00 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/233801 Artists, Aparo, Angie, Harris, David Ryan, Honestly, Mattox, Bain, Sister Hazel, Musical Styles, Rock BMI-sponsored Rock Boat Song Contest. Joe's prize includes an opening acoustic spot on the bill aboard The Rock Boat Labor Day Concert Cruise 2003, as well as cabin accommodations and airfare for two to Tampa, FL (departure city)! BMI artist/songwriters Honestly and New August were named first and second runners-up, respectively.

The Rock Boat Concert Cruise 2003 is a four-day rock n' roll sea cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, from August 28 to September 1, 2003. Confirmed to set sail are BMI artists Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Dexter Freebish and Angie Aparo, as well as the Pat McGee Band, Tonic, Edwin McCain, The Dave Matthews Cover Band, Chuck Carrier, David Ryan Harris, Chrystina Lloree, Bain Mattox, Courtney Jai, Cary Pierce and Alex Woodard, with more to be added.]]> 2003-08-11T18:00:01-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233787 Artists, Aparo, Angie, Harris, David Ryan, Mattox, Bain, Sister Hazel, Musical Styles, Pop, Rock Confirmed to set sail Labor Day weekend are BMI artists Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Dexter Freebish and Angie Aparo, as well as the Pat McGee Band, Tonic, Edwin McCain, The Dave Matthews Cover Band, Chuck Carrier, David Ryan Harris, Chrystina Lloree, Bain Mattox, Courtney Jai, Cary Pierce and Alex Woodard, with more to be added.

Interested? Visit the showcases section to download the contest rules and application

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 Labor Day Concert Cruise 2003 Song Contest for a chance to perform, mix and mingle with musicians, music lovers and music industry executives aboard the Rock Boat. All applications must be postmarked no later than July 25, 2003. Not a performer, but you'd like to go anyway? Go to TheRockBoat.com and make your own reservations for what promises to be a memorable Labor Day experience.

Artists welcome the chance to drift away with 2500 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 Cozumel. 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 Tampa through message boards on the Rock Boat web site. 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 2003 departs Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, August 28 at 4:00 pm. All day on Friday, August 29, the Rock Boat will navigate the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to arrive in Cozumel on Saturday, August 30. On Sunday, August 31, the high seas will be rockin' again as the ship heads back to Tampa dropping anchor on Monday, September 1, 2003.]]> 2003-07-16T18:00:01-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233770 Artists, Aparo, Angie, Harris, David Ryan, Mattox, Bain, Sister Hazel, Musical Styles, Pop, Rock

Confirmed to set sail Labor Day weekend are BMI artists Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Dexter Freebish and Angie Aparo, as well as the Pat McGee Band, Tonic, Edwin McCain, The Dave Matthews Cover Band, Chuck Carrier, David Ryan Harris, Chrystina Lloree, Bain Mattox, Courtney Jai, Cary Pierce and Alex Woodard, with more to be added.

Interested? Visit the showcases section to download the contest rules and application

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 Labor Day Concert Cruise 2003 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 July 18, 2003. Not a performer, but you'd like to go anyway? Go to TheRockBoat.com and make your own reservations for what promises to be a memorable Labor Day experience.

Artists welcome the chance to drift away with 2500 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 Cozumel. 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 Tampa through message boards on the Rock Boat web site. 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 2003 departs Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, August 28 at 4:00 pm. All day on Friday, August 29, the Rock Boat will navigate the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to arrive in Cozumel on Saturday, August 30. On Sunday, August 31, the high seas will be rockin' again as the ship heads back to Tampa dropping anchor on Monday, September 1, 2003.]]> 2003-06-29T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233152 Artists, Brotherton, Aaron, McGowan, Sister Hazel, Musical Styles, Rock BMI songwriter Mieka Pauley was announced as the winner of the BMI sponsored Rock Boat Song Contest. Mieka's prize is cabin accommodations and airfare for two to Tampa (departure city), as well as an opening acoustic spot on the bill aboard The Rock Boat! BMI Songwriters Aaron Brotherton and McGowan were also announced as the first and second runners-up, respectively.

The Rock Boat is a four-day rock n' roll sea cruise to Key West, Florida and Nassau, the Bahamas from August 29 to September 2, 2002 featuring BMI artists Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Dexter Freebish and many others.

Click an artist to read bios and listen to their songs
Mieka Pauley	Aaron Brotherton	McGowan