Written by Alicia White – Platt for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photos: Lester Cohen (except Jeffrey Mayer were listed), Courtesy of ASCAP
REVIEWER RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
ASCAP “I CREATE MUSIC” EXPO 2009
HOLLYWOOD, CA (April 27, 2009) The ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO 2009 was held on Thursday April 23 through Saturday April 25, 2009 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, CA. The conference opened amid sunny blue skies and a warm temperature, later turning cool as a weekend approached; a respite break from LA’s heat wave the week before, but unfortunate for us visiting from cooler locales.
Its three-day itinerary was jammed-packed with concurrent lecture presentations, panel discussions, sponsor sessions, book signings, and facilitated interviews with Q&A with illuminous industry guest speakers such as singer/songwriters Wyclef Jean and Natasha Bedingfield, author/industry pro’s Don Passman, Esq., Eric Beall, and John Battaglia, and California State Representative Adam B. Schiff (to name but a few). This event also saw the changing of the guard, featuring commentary by outgoing ASCAP Board President Marilyn Bergman and incoming ASCAP Board President Paul Williams.
By far the most highly anticipated events of the conference were The Standard Producer Showcase and the Expo Attendee Showcase. Both sponsored by Indie Power, these events afforded budding artists from all music genres, the opportunity to showcase their talent via live web performances. Also included in the festivities were late evening jam sessions, and live acoustic performances including ASCAP Hall of Fame’s Narada Micheal Walden, Wendy Waldman, and Stephen Bishop and I Create Music interviews with master music creators Jeff Lynne, Chaka Khan and Heart, along with expo tables (chock full of flyers and freebies) and last but not least, a fun-filled closing reception.
Attendees consisted of both members and affiliates of ASCAP community (songwriters, producers, arrangers, publishers, musicians, singers, merchants, mangers, agents, lawyers, publicists, and other service providers) as well as those looking to join. They came from all across the United States and abroad, eager to meet, mingle, and learn from the master crafts people assembled, creating an intrinsic sense of camaraderie.
The conference’s theme, I Create Music, resonated throughout the duration of the Expo, as valuable resources; live demonstrations and literature were produced to help navigate the twists and cliff-like turns on the road to stardom. Likewise, information was on-hand relating to music production and industry do’s and don’ts from A-Z: In the house were major music label representatives from Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Warner Music Group and Walt Disney Music, as well as a plethora of independent labels. Corporate sponsors on tap included: Broadjam Inc, Cakewalk, DiscMakers, Harry Fox, Indie Power, Master Writer, USA Songwriting Competition, and Apple, Inc., who was on hand to give live demonstrations on Logic Pro 8 audio production software.
The event culminated with a closing reception, complete with refreshments, live music, and lots of networking! All in all, the ASCAP Expo was memorable, well-organized, and informative.
But, don’t take my word for it – Here’s a few quotes from both attendees and presenters:
Attendee Comments: “This years ASCAP Expo was one of the most amazing experiences of my career – an eye opener for any artist striving to make a change or expanding their knowledge of the music industry. The connections that I made could possibly be the contacts I have always been looking for to get my foot in the door. The ASCAP Expo is the #1 source for any upcoming artist to learn how the music industry really works.” –Caleo (Recording Artist, California) myspace.com/latinbay
Participant Comments: “The ASCAP Expo this year felt bigger and better. As difficult as things are in the music industry at the moment, the I Create Music Expo renews my faith in the power of creative people to break through and reach audiences with their music. Kudos to ASCAP for putting together an essential event for the songwriting community. The panels were informative and focused; the variety of vendors, speakers, and showcases was overwhelming; and the networking was a golden opportunity to meet new writers, A&R people, and old friends.” –Eric Beall (Author/Publisher New York, NY) linkedin.com/in/ericbeall
I’m certainly looking forward to next year’s production. Hope to see you there!
For more information about the conference, visit: ascap.com/eventsawards/events/expo
