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ASCAP EXPO 2009 Day 2 - [ Permalink ]

posted: April 2009

Day Two of ASCAP Expo 2009

Today was another informative and inspiring day. I started it off with some room service; Belgian waffles and OJ. My first panel was at 9am, and this one was geared towards "Production Music" placing your music in film, TV, video games, and advertising. You NEED a publisher!

The next panel was dealing with music placement, the reality of getting your music heard. This panel consisted of reps like John Anderson CEO of Hunnypot, Gabe Mcdonough DDB Chicago, Tracy Mcknight VP Lionsgate, and Dave Stone VP Bunim-Murray Productions. They talked about how to submit your music to them, what avenues they use to find new artists, and which ones preferred independent artists.

The next panel was "The role of technology in the creative process." The panelists consisted of Mike Elizondo who has done songs like "In Da Club" "How We Do" and "Rich Girl", Alex Greenwald who has done songs like "California" and "Do The Panic", Greg Kurstin who has done songs like "Again and Again" and "Wow", Nicole Morier who has done songs like "Rock Me In" and "Heaven on Earth," and Brian West (Nelly, Whoa, and Folklore). These panelists spoke of the benefits to having a project studio. The fact that we can all create music with less money, in a much shorter period of time, and with an awesome sound. They all used a lot of samples but were also very fluent on instruments like piano and guitar.

I was also able to attend a master class for Jeff Lynne from Electric Light Orchestra. This guy has a great sense of humor, a kind heart, and is truly chillin'. He does not know how to read an ounce of music. He wrote strictly by ear. He told us about his long successful career and what his inspirations were. You could tell that he had a passion for sound, and how to structure it to create a melody.

Next I was off to the Highlands for another intimate performance by signed and successful songwriters. I saw Dan Kimpel who hosted, Rory Feek who wrote "Cheater Cheater" and "Chain of Love", Jesca Hoop who has a very interesting sound and wrote "Seed of Wonder" and "Intelligentactile 101" Lenka who performed "Show" and has written "Don't Let Me Fall" and "Trouble is a Friend" , and Jason Reeves who wrote songs like "Bubbly" and "Realize".They each had a very unique sound, and a very pure sound. They were a pleasure to watch.

Tonight is my last night in Hollywood before I go back and start applying everything I have learned here. I can't wait!

-Maria Staump