Launched in 2005, the Latin Mixx Conference is a celebration of culture, community and Latinos in entertainment. It is the premier Latin DJ conference, creating a unique and effective forum that unifies the innovators within the space, including DJs, fashion designers, entrepreneurs and artists. The primary focus of the Latin Mixx Conference is to educate DJs in the areas of business, promotion, music and advancements in technology, among other areas that broaden their DJ skills and effectiveness as artists.

“Over the years, the goal of the Latin Mixx Conference has always been to fuse, edify, and celebrate the work of Latinos in entertainment and its subsequent cultures,” said Kevin "Pills" Montano, Owner & Creator of Latin Mixx and Creative Media Group. “This year, we are honored to partner with brands such as Ford Motor Company, BMI, Universal, and Music Choice through fusing the art of remixing style and sound with that of their modern evolution of design, technology and innovation.”

The new and expanded Latin Mixx Conference kicked off in Miami on May 9. On May 21, the Conference will make a stop in Los Angeles, with performances by BMI members Sito Rocks and DJ El Dusty, followed by San Antonio on June 5, with performances by BMI members Master Blaster Sound System, DJ El Dusty and Sito Rocks.

The DJ Choice Awards, which each year serve as the capper to the Latin Mixx Conference, will take place on the last day of the New York conference (July 9 - 11) at Stage 48.

For further details, visit the Latin Mixx Conference site.

To read more about the Blues Music Awards, the Blues Hall of Fame and the work of the Blues Foundation, please visit blues.org.

2013 BMI Blues Music Award Winners

Acoustic Album of the Year
Not Alone
Ann Rabson
Bob Margolin

Album of the Year
Show of Strength
Michael Burks

Band of the Year
Tedeschi Trucks Band

Best New Artist Debut
They Call Me Big Llou
Big LLou Johnson

Contemporary Blues Album of the Year
Show of Strength
Michael Burks

Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year
Janiva Magness

Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year
Tab Benoit

DVD
Muddy Waters & Rolling Stones, Live at Checkerboard Lounge
Muddy Waters

Gibson Guitar Award
Derek Trucks

Instrumentalist - Bass
Bob Stroger

Instrumentalist - Harmonica
Rick Estrin

Instrumentalist - Horn
Eddie Shaw

Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year (Koko Taylor Award)
Ruthie Foster

Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
Victor Wainwright

Rock Blues Album of the Year
Everybody's Talkin'
Tedeschi Trucks Band

Song of the Year
I Won’t Cry
Janiva Magness
Dave Darling

Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year
Irma Thomas

Traditional Blues Album of the Year
Double Dynamite
The Mannish Boys

Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year
Magic Slim

Here’s who’s playing this year, in order of appearance:

DJ Du - Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9 at 4:00 p.m. and in between sets
Joey Hyde - Thursday, June 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Joel Crouse - Thursday, June 6 at 5:15 p.m.
Thomas Rhett - Thursday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Lindsay Ell - Friday, June 7 at 4:30 p.m.
David Fanning - Friday, June 7 at 5:15 p.m.
Josh Thompson - Friday, June 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Westbound Rangers - Saturday, June 8 at 4:30 p.m.
Native Run - Saturday, June 8 at 5:15 p.m.
Jon Pardi - Saturday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Curious Band - Sunday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m.
The Railers - Sunday, June 9 at 5:15 p.m.
Brazilbilly - Sunday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Listen on Spotify

Renowned composer Cliff Martinez received BMI’s Richard Kirk Award for his significant contributions to the realm of film and television music. Known for creating works that are fiercely original and artistically bold, Martinez began his venture into film scoring in 1989 with the Steven Soderbergh directed Sex, Lies, and Videotape - the first of ten theatrical releases they have collaborated on, including Kafka, The Limey, Traffic, Solaris and Contagion. As the 2013 recipient of the Richard Kirk Award, Martinez joins a prestigious list that includes David Arnold, Rachel Portman (PRS), Alan Silvestri, David Newman, Thomas Newman, Christopher Young, George S. Clinton, Harry Gregson-Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Michael Kamen, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin, John Barry, Rolfe Kent, Charlie Fox and John Williams.

"I always thought that writing for films was the best job in the world...the sky was the limit; you could approach it any way that you wanted, use any instrument you wanted. And all the directors that I've worked with have encouraged me to score their films in my own unique way, so to be able to write the music that you really, really want to write, the music that you really love and get paid for it, is the best job in the world. I really want to thank BMI for standing by me all these years," said Martinez upon receiving the award, which was presented to him by the night's hosts, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President, Film/TV Relations Doreen Ringer-Ross.

Several of Martinez's friends and collaborators congratulated him via a tribute video, including Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steven Soderbergh, Harmony Korine and Nicolas Winding Refn, director of the upcoming Martinez-scored film, Only God Forgives.

In addition to bestowing Martinez with the Richard Kirk Award, BMI was proud to recognize the composers behind the top-grossing films of the year, including Alan Silvestri (The Avengers), Thomas Newman (Skyfall), Danny Elfman (Oz the Great and Powerful, Men in Black 3) and John Williams (Lincoln).

iZLER (Revenge, Shameless), Rolfe Kent (Dexter) and Charlie Clouser (American Horror Story) were among the BMI composers honored in the realm of television, where 73% of all primetime shows of the preceding year had BMI composers behind them.

“Tonight’s awards reflected the broad spectrum of extraordinarily gifted composers in BMI’s family. It was an unforgettable night and a beautiful celebration of achievements in film and television music,” said Ringer-Ross.

Here's the complete list of 2013 BMI Film & TV Awards winners:

RICHARD KIRK AWARD

CLIFF MARTINEZ

ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS

MYCHAEL DANNA
Life of Pi

ADELE (PRS)
"Skyfall," from Skyfall

BMI FILM MUSIC AWARDS

ALAN SILVESTRI
The Avengers

THOMAS NEWMAN
Skyfall

DANNY ELFMAN
Oz the Great and Powerful

JOHN WILLIAMS
Lincoln

DANNY ELFMAN
Men in Black 3

BRIAN TYLER
Iron Man 3

ALAN SILVESTRI
The Croods

MARK MOTHERSBAUGH
Hotel Transylvania

NATHANIEL MECHALY (SACEM)
Taken 2

ALEXANDRE DESPLAT (SACEM)
Argo

CHRISTOPHER LENNERTZ
Identity Thief

DANNY ELFMAN
Silver Linings Playbook

MYCHAEL DANNA
Life of Pi

ALEXANDRE DESPLAT (SACEM)
Rise of the Guardians

ALEXANDRE DESPLAT (SACEM)
Zero Dark Thirty

ALAN SILVESTRI
Flight

CHRISTOPHER LENNERTZ
Think Like A Man

THEODORE SHAPIRO
The Campaign

BRIAN TYLER
The Expendables 2

JOE KRAEMER
Jack Reacher

DANNY ELFMAN
Dark Shadows

AARON ZIGMAN
Madea's Witness Protection

STEVE JABLONSKY
Battleship

ALAN MENKEN
Mirror Mirror

JOHN OTTMAN
Jack the Giant Slayer

THEODORE SHAPIRO
Hope Springs

MARK ISHAM
The Lucky One

HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS
Total Recall

LYLE WORKMAN
American Reunion

AARON ZIGMAN
Escape From Planet Earth

BMI SPECIAL CITATION OF APPRECIATION

LAURA DUNN

BMI MINISERIES MUSIC AWARD

TONY MORALES
Hatfields & McCoys

BMI TELEVISION MUSIC AWARDS

BRIAN KIRK
NCIS

CHUCK LORRE
Two and a Half Men

BLAKE NEELY
Golden Boy

JOS JORGENSEN
America's Got Talent

ANDY LOVE
America's Got Talent

BLAKE NEELY
The Mentalist

PETE TOWNSHEND (PRS)
CSI

CHRISTOPHER FRANKE
The Amazing Race

VAUGHN JOHNSON
The Amazing Race

LEE SANDERS
The Amazing Race

MARK MANCINA
Criminal Minds

ROB SIMONSEN
Blue Bloods

ROB CAIRNS
The Bachelor

GEORGE RITTER
Rules of Engagement

BERT SELEN
Rules of Engagement

CHRISTOPHER LENNERTZ
Revolution

KEITH POWER (SOCAN)
Hawaii Five-0

BRIAN TYLER
Hawaii Five-0

CARIM CLASMANN (PRS)
Grey's Anatomy

GALIA DURANT (PRS)
Grey's Anatomy

PETER BJORN AND JOHN (STIM)
2 Broke Girls

JOHN FRIZZELL
The Following

PETE TOWNSHEND (PRS)
CSI: NY

BILL BROWN
CSI: NY

KEB' MO'
Mike & Molly

DAVID BUCKLEY (PRS)
The Good Wife

JOS JORGENSEN
The X Factor

ANDY LOVE
The X Factor

SCOTT KIRKLAND
Bones

KENNETH BERRY
Undercover Boss

EHREN EBBAGE
Undercover Boss

MATT KOSKENMAKI
Undercover Boss

JOHN NOONEY
Undercover Boss

CRAIG OWENS
Undercover Boss

CHAD FISCHER
Scandal

iZLER
Revenge

CARTER BAYS
How I Met Your Mother

CRAIG THOMAS
How I Met Your Mother

MARK ISHAM
Once Upon a Time

MIKE POST
Law & Order: SVU

BLAKE NEELY
Arrow

BMI SPANISH-LANGUAGE TELEVISION MUSIC AWARDS

JOSE ANGEL
La Patrona

MARLU
La Patrona

PACO PANIAGUA
La Patrona

JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
La Patrona

ALEJANDRO SIRVENT BARTON
Abismo de Pasión

BMI CABLE TELEVISION MUSIC AWARDS

TREE ADAMS
Perception

JIM JOHNSTON
WWE Raw

MICHAEL BOLGER
SpongeBob SquarePants

SAGE GUYTON
SpongeBob SquarePants

EBAN SCHLETTER
SpongeBob SquarePants

JEREMY WAKEFIELD
SpongeBob SquarePants

JACE EVERETT
True Blood

NATHAN BARR
True Blood

CHARLIE CLOUSER
American Horror Story

CESAR DAVILA-IRIZARRY
American Horror Story

DAMON CRISWELL
Fish Hooks

ANDY STURMER
Fish Hooks

BRANDON KINDER
Bering Sea Gold

J.G. QUINTEL
The Regular Show

JOHN ENROTH
The Regular Show

ALBERT FOX
The Regular Show

MARK MOTHERSBAUGH
The Regular Show

CRAIG OWENS
Dance Moms

RONNIE VAN ZANT
Mountain Men

JACOB SHEA
Mountain Men

ROLFE KENT
Dexter

DANIEL LICHT
Dexter

iZLER
Shameless

International superstar Adam Levine received the BMI President’s Award in recognition of his profound influence on the entertainment industry. As the 2013 President’s Award recipient, Levine joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Juanes, Kike Santander, Taylor Swift, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Pitbull and Willie Nelson.

“I usually have some smart-ass remark for everything, but tonight I’m speechless. I was looking forward to this night…No one appreciates it [this recognition] more than I do,” said Levine upon accepting his award, which was presented to him by the night’s hosts, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Barbara Cane, BMI Vice President & General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations. It was Cane who recognized the songwriting talents of Levine early on and signed him to BMI while he was still in high school. Levine added, “Barbara Cane, besides being an amazing woman, did something very special. She comforted my mother, who’s here tonight, when I had no job and no money - like negative money - and said that someday, her son was gonna make it. So I’ll never forget that.”

The night featured a special musical tribute to Levine by promising young talent Rozzi Crane, the first artist signed to Levine’s label, 222 Records, and soulful crooner Allen Stone. Crane delivered an engaging rendition of Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved” while Stone offered a soulful cover of “Won’t Go Home Without You.” The two capped off the tribute with a heartfelt duet of “Sunday Morning.” Blake Shelton, Levine’s friend and fellow coach on NBC’s The Voice, sent a video message congratulating him on this latest honor.

Other songwriters honored included Claude Kelly, Benny Blanco and Ammar Malik, who all earned the coveted BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year title. Each contributed four songs to the year’s most performed list. Kelly composed “Brokenhearted” (performed by Karmin), “Domino” (Jessie J), “International Love” (Pitbull featuring Chris Brown) and “Price Tag” (Jessie J featuring B.o.B.). Blanco wrote “Ass Back Home” (Gym Class Heroes featuring Neon Hitch), “Moves Like Jagger” (Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera), “Payphone” (Maroon 5) and “Stereo Hearts” (Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine). Malik co-penned “Ass Back Home,” “Moves Like Jagger,” “Payphone” and “Stereo Hearts.”

Blanco, Levine and Malik also clinched BMI Pop Song of the Year honors for their co-write of “Moves Like Jagger” along with publishers Maru Cha Cha, Matza Ball Music, Sudgee Music, Universal Music-Careers and Where Da Kasz At?.

With 19 songs among the year’s most performed, Universal Music Publishing Group claimed the prestigious BMI Pop Publisher of the Year crystal.

“This year’s award recipients represent a diverse group of music creators whose talents have shaped the landscape of pop music. We’re honored to have recognized the indelible contributions of this creative community,” said Cane.

Here’s the complete list of 2013 BMI Pop Awards winners:

BMI PRESIDENT’S AWARD

ADAM LEVINE

SONG OF THE YEAR

“MOVES LIKE JAGGER”
Benjamin “Benny Blanco” Levin
Adam Levine
Ammar Malik
Shellback*
Maru Cha Cha
Matza Ball Music
Sudgee Music
Universal Music-Careers
Where Da Kasz At?

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR

CLAUDE KELLY
“Brokenhearted”
“Domino”
“International Love”
“Price Tag”

BENJAMIN “BENNY BLANCO” LEVIN
“Ass Back Home”
“Moves Like Jagger”
“Payphone”
“Stereo Hearts”

AMMAR MALIK
“Ass Back Home”
“Moves Like Jagger”
“Payphone”
“Stereo Hearts”

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP
“Boyfriend”
“Crawling Back To You”
“It Girl”
“Lighters”
“Love You Like A Love Song”
“Moves Like Jagger”
“Mr. Know It All”
“Nothing”
“Payphone”
“Price Tag”
“Rumour Has It”
“Set Fire To The Rain”
“Someone Like You”
“Starships”
“Stereo Hearts”
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
“Turn Me On”
“Where Have You Been”
“Wild Ones”

AWARD-WINNING SONGS

“A THOUSAND YEARS”
David Hodges
Christina Perri
12:06 Publishing
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Miss Perri Lane Publishing
Summit Base Camp Film Music
Christina Perri

“ASS BACK HOME”
Benjamin “Benny Blanco” Levin
Ammar Malik
David Silberstein
Laneview Songs
Maru Cha Cha
Matza Ball Music
Where Da Kasz At?
Gym Class Hereos feat. Neon Hitch

“BLOW ME (ONE LAST KISS)”
P!nk
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
P!nk Inside Publishing
P!nk

“BOYFRIEND”
Mat Musto
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Justin Bieber

“BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN”
Colbie Caillat
Plummy Lou Music
Colbie Caillat

“BROKENHEARTED”
Amy Heidemann
Claude Kelly
Nick Noonan
Karmin Music
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Studio Beast Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Karmin

“CALL ME MAYBE”
Josh Ramsay (SOCAN)
No Publisher Award
Carly Rae Jepsen

“CRAWLING BACK TO YOU”
Chris Daughtry
Marti Frederiksen
Round Hill Works
Surface Pretty Deep Ugly Music
Universal Music-Careers
Daughtry

“DOMINO”
Claude Kelly
Studio Beast Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Jessie J

“DRIVE BY”
Amund Bjørklund (PRS)
Espen Lind (PRS)
Stellar Songs Limited
Train

“EVERYBODY TALKS”
Tyler Glenn
Tim Pagnotta
Downtown DMP Songs
Marvin the Terrible
Songs of Pulse Recording
Neon Trees

“GLAD YOU CAME”
Wayne Hector (PRS)
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
The Wanted

“GOOD FEELING”
Avicii (STIM)
Breyan Isaac
Etta James
Pearl Johnson
Leroy Kirkland
Ash Pournouri
Ash Pournouri Publishing
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
EMI-Longitude Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Flo Rida

“GOOD TIME”
Brian D. Lee
Matt Thiessen
Briyunlee Songs
SONGS MP
Stylishly Flyfishing Publishing
Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

“HOLD IT AGAINST ME”
Bonnie McKee
Bonnie McKee Music
Songs of Pulse Recording
Where Da Kasz At?
Britney Spears

“LIKE IT LIKE THAT”
BenJ
Evan Bogart
Dan Book
Ryan Keith Follese
Andrew Goldstein
Legacy
Alexei Misoul
Nash Overstreet
100 Records Music
Alexei Misoul Music
Dan Book Music
Fueled By Music
Here’s Lookin’ At You Kidd Music
Magic Midas
Nash O Music
Primary Wave Brian
Rule Blind Publishing
Scarlet Moon Music, Inc.
Sleep When I’m Rich Music
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Stays Friday
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Hot Chelle Rae featuring New Boyz

“I WANNA GO”
Shellback (STIM)
Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
Britney Spears

“IN THE DARK”
Dev
Devishot Publishing
SONGS MP
Dev

“INTERNATIONAL LOVE”
Claude Kelly
Armando “Pitbull” Perez
Carsten “Soulshock” Schack
Full Of Soul Music
Notting Hill Music, Inc.
Pitbull’s Legacy
Studio Beast Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Pitbull feat. Chris Brown

“IT GIRL”
Evan Bogart
Jason Derülo
BELUGA HEIGHTS MUSIC
Here’s Lookin’ At You Kidd Music
Irving Music
Jason Derülo Publishing
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Jason Derülo

“LIGHTERS”
Eminem
Isaac Jones
Ryan “Royce da 5’9” Montgomery
Phil Thornton
Artegia Music
Phillionaire Worldwide Publishing
Platinum Ike Publishing
Shroom Shady Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Bad Meets Evil feat. Bruno Mars

“LIGHTS”
Ellie Goulding (PRS)
Ash Howes (PRS)
BMG Platinum Songs US
Ellie Goulding

“LOVE YOU LIKE A LOVE SONG”
Tim James
Adam Schmalholz
Akashic Field Music
In Q Music
Mafia Della Roccia
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Selena Gomez & the Scene

“MORE”
Bilal “The Chef” Hajji
RedOne
2101 Songs
Songs of RedOne
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Usher

“MOVES LIKE JAGGER”
Benjamin “Benny Blanco” Levin
Adam Levine
Ammar Malik
Maru Cha Cha
Matza Ball Music
Sudgee Music
Universal Music-Careers
Where Da Kasz At?
Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

“MR. KNOW IT ALL”
Ester Dean
Dat Damn Dean Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Kelly Clarkson

“NOT OVER YOU”
Gavin DeGraw
G. DeGraw Music, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Gavin DeGraw

“NOTHING”
Andrew Frampton
Daniel O’Donoghue (PRS/IMRO)
Mark Sheehan (PRS/IMRO)
Music of Stage Three
Universal Music-Z Songs
The Script

“PARADISE”
Brian Eno (PRS)
Upala Music, Inc.
Coldplay

“PART OF ME”
Bonnie McKee
Bonnie McKee Music
Songs of Pulse Recording
Where Da Kasz At?
Katy Perry

“PAYPHONE”
Benjamin “Benny Blanco” Levin
Adam Levine
Ammar Malik
Wiz Khalifa
Maru Cha Cha
Matza Ball Music
Sudgee Music
Universal Music-Careers
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Where Da Kasz At?
Wiz Khalifa Publishing
Maroon 5

“PRICE TAG”
B.o.B
Claude Kelly
Ham Squad Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Studio Beast Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Jessie J featuring B.o.B

“RUMOUR HAS IT”
Adele (PRS)
Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
Adele

“SAVE ME SAN FRANCISCO”
David Katz
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Reptillian Music
Train

“SET FIRE TO THE RAIN”
Adele (PRS)
Fraser T. Smith (PRS)
Chrysalis Songs
Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
Adele

“SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW”
Luiz Bonfá
Gotye (APRA)
Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
Unichappell Music, Inc.
Gotye feat. Kimbra

“SOMEONE LIKE YOU”
Adele (PRS)
Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
Adele

“STARSHIPS”
Wayne Hector (PRS)
Nicki Minaj
RedOne
Rami Yacoub (STIM)
2101 Songs
Harajuku Barbie Music
Money Mack Music
Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
Songs of RedOne
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Nicki Minaj

“STEREO HEARTS”
Benjamin “Benny Blanco” Levin
Adam Levine
Ammar Malik
Maru Cha Cha
Matza Ball Music
Sudgee Music
Universal Music-Careers
Where Da Kasz At?
Gym Class Hereos feat. Adam Levine

“STRONGER (WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU)”
Jörgen Elofsson (STIM)
Ali Tamposi
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Universal Music-Careers
Kelly Clarkson

“TITANIUM”
Afrojack (BUMA)
Sia (APRA)
Giorgio Tuinfort
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Tenyor Music
David Guetta featuring Sia

“TURN ME ON”
Ester Dean
Nicki Minaj
Giorgio Tuinfort
Dat Damn Dean Music
Harajuku Barbie Music
Money Mack Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj

“WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER”
Taylor Swift
Sony/ATV Tree
Taylor Swift Music
Taylor Swift

“WE ARE YOUNG”
Jack Antonoff
Jeff Bhasker
Shira Lee Lawrence Rick Music
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Way Above Music
fun. feat. Janelle Monae

“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN”
Ester Dean
Geoff Mack (APRA)
Dat Damn Dean Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Unichappell Music, Inc.
Rihanna

“WIDE AWAKE”
Bonnie McKee
Bonnie McKee Music
Songs of Pulse Recording
Where Da Kasz At?
Katy Perry

“WILD ONES”
Axwell (STIM)
Marcus “Pleasure P” Cooper
Ben Maddahi
Sia (APRA)
Artist 101 Publishing Group
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Nanat
Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Flo Rida feat. Sia

“WITHOUT YOU”
Giorgio Tuinfort
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
David Guetta feat. Usher

“YOU AND I”
Lady Gaga
House of Gaga Publishing, Inc.
Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Lady Gaga

“YOU MAKE ME FEEL…”
Ina Wroldsen (PRS)
Nettwerk One B Music US
Cobra Starship feat. Sabi

Sampson took the stage with Foster for a format that was equal parts lecture, performance, master class and interview, with the audience consisting of USC Thornton students, SHOF and USC Thornton Board Members. Among the special guests were Dr. Robert Cutietta, Dean of USC Thornton; BMI songwriter, SHOF inductee and USC Thornton faculty member Lamont Dozier; SHOF Abe Olman Publisher Award Recipient and Peermusic CEO Ralph Peer; and Barbara Cane, BMI Vice President and General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations, Los Angeles.

During the session, Foster, a 16-time Grammy winner and three-time Oscar nominee known for his work with Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton and many others, touched upon many aspects of his career, including his work as a session keyboard player, arranger, songwriter, producer and music executive. He spoke about the value of networking, "doing what you love," and even opened up about opportunities "that got away" from him. Toward the end of the session, Foster took questions and encouraged some of the students to join him onstage to perform, offering on-the-spot coaching. Foster concluded on a positive note, stating, "The recording industry is in peril, but the music business is thriving," after which he received a standing ovation.

"How exciting to be a part of fostering this new partnership between SHOF and the USC Thornton School of Music, which follows in the SHOF's long tradition of providing opportunities for young songwriters to experience an intimate view of the craft and processes of some of the most important songwriters of the day. There is no better way to kick off the Master Sessions than with David Foster," said BMI's Barbara Cane, a member of SHOF's West Coast Committee.

Related: See David Foster's "10 Rules for Up-and-Coming Songwriters" from his 2011 BMI Icon acceptance speech

Next month, Cane will be honored with a USC Thornton School of Music Brandon Mehrle Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown support to the School through an extraordinary commitment of energy and skills.

For A-Rod, co-writing eight songs on the 2004 American Idol winner's fourth album was an honor. "Fantasia was at a point in her life where she was ready to discuss a lot of things that she's gone through - not only the struggle but the triumph, and what she's learned about herself and how she's grown as a woman and a mother first, and then also as an artist. She was ready to spread her wings and I was blessed to be able to help her bring those emotions out," says A-Rod via phone from Los Angeles.

A-Rod had already worked with the album's executive producer, Harmony Samuels, in the past, on the title track of the 2012 romantic comedy Think Like A Man, which featured Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo. When Fantasia came into the studio last April, A-Rod says the two just clicked. "We really became like family," says A-Rod of his collaborator. "Sometimes we would go into the studio and we wouldn't even think of songs that day. It would just be jokes and laughing and talking about different things. When you're putting together an album and you're building something together, the intangible things are important, too. The crazy thing about that album is that there's not one song that we wrote that did not make the album."

On the Target edition of Fantasia's album, one can hear A-Rod preaching at the beginning of the inspirational song "Haunted" - not surprising for someone who grew up listening to gospel and is the grandson of a pastor. "I love that this album is not just about good music, it's about speaking to someone, somewhere, and giving them some hope, some direction - something that really impacts people's lives," says A-Rod.

Most songwriters start small. In A-Rod's case, he got his start working with GRAMMY-winning producer Eric Hudson (who is also from New Jersey) on Jamie Foxx's 2010 album, Best Night of My Life. In three years, A-Rod has stayed busy working with a slew of other high-profile R&B artists, including Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Tank and Mario, to name a few. But it's not just the established artists that are seeking him out; earlier this year, A-Rod helped a newcomer enter the big leagues when he co-wrote 19-year-old Ariana Grande's smash single "The Way," featuring Mac Miller, a song that is still dominating the airwaves.

"In order to be better, you have to surround yourself with people who are better than you," says A-Rod, whose ultimate songwriting idol is fellow BMI member Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. “I never want to be the best songwriter ever. I want to be one of the best. When you become the best at what you do, then it might be time to move on to something else."

Next up for A-Rod: Ariana Grande's debut album, due this summer, and Michelle Williams' upcoming solo album. The way things are looking, 2013 is shaping up to be A-Rod's breakout year.

On May 7, BMI presented at the inaugural Association of Music Producers (AMP) Awards, which serves to honor the brands and music creators whose sonic achievements – in song, original score and sound design – have left an indelible mark on our consciousness. An event that aligns with BMI’s mission of valuing music and managing the rights associated with it wherever music is publicly played, the Awards were hosted by Jim Kerr (Q104.3 Radio NYC) and included live performances by Caveman and Quadron, with DJ sets from French Horn Rebellion and Savoir Adore. The Coca-Cola Company and McDonald's Corporation were both honored with Hall of Fame inductions.

As someone who epitomizes what BMI is all about, film/TV composer Rick Baitz presented on the Company's behalf at the AMP Awards in the following categories: Best Use of Music for a Film Trailer or Game Promo, which went to Copilot Strategic Music for “Drunken Whaler,” Dishonored/Bethesda Softworks; Best Use of Music / Sound for Web or Interactive Branding, which went to both Yessian for “Compilation” for Nick Cave’s Dream Bigger Dreams, and Antfood for “Metamorphosis” for Good Books; and Outstanding Mix (Broadcast Commercial), which was awarded to Blast for “One Block” for Sony Xperia Ion.

Upon announcing the winners, Baitz commended his fellow creatives on their extraordinary work. "I'm blown away by the artistry of the people in this room. In creating this music, you have to have tremendous attention to detail, but the music has to flow. I think you're amazing," said Baitz, who leads BMI’s film scoring workshop, “Composing for the Screen,” and has crafted music for such films as Who Cares About Kelsey (which premiered at the 2012 Woodstock Film Festival); HBO’s The Vagina Monologues and Life Afterlife; the award-winning PBS documentary Body & Soul: Diana & Kathy and the Sundance-honored The Education of Shelby Knox.

"We are so proud to have BMI as a partner in the inaugural AMP Awards as we celebrate the centricity of music and great advertising creative," said Matt Scheckner, President & CEO of Stillwell Partners, the independent consultancy that runs Creative Week and is also behind Advertising Week in September.

In addition to the award presentations, the event featured a BMI-branded V.I.P. Lounge where attendees networked, enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. On display were some of the creative elements of BMI's new corporate positioning campaign, including a refreshed logo and the slogans "Write On" and “Valuing Music Since 1939."

Visit our campaign page for more information and to view the creative.

The evening kicked off with 20-year-old wunderkind Lorine Chia. Born in Banso, Cameroon, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Lorine has earned comparisons to Erykah Badu for her mixture of alternative, jazz and futuristic R&B. Lorine's set consisted of original songs from her first self-titled mixtape, released in November 2012 and raved about by Complex Magazine.

The soulful JoiStaRR, who has toured with Kanye West as back-up singer, then took the stage, captivating the audience with songs from her new EP, Art and Beat. In a set that included "Chanté," 'I'm Not Bleeding" and "That Girl," JoiStaRR allowed herself to be vulnerable and touched on topics like self-discovery, growth and heartbreak.

New York City native Vali followed, delighting the crowd with her bubbly energy and fashion-forward style. Vali started her set with a mash-up of Top 40 hits, including "Toxic" by Britney Spears, "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer, and "E.T." by Katy Perry and then segued into her official debut pop single, "Shut It Down."

The night's last act was Eric Bellinger, a seasoned songwriter who is finally stepping into the spotlight. He surprised the audience with a few special guests, starting with fellow R&B singer Tank, who joined Bellinger onstage for the duet "Club Lights," off Bellinger's latest album, Born II Sing Vol. III, followed by Compton rapper Problem, who is featured on Bellinger's song "Say No." Bellinger closed out this edition of "Next Fresh Thing" with a cover of "Fine China," the smash single he recently penned for Chris Brown.

In order of appearance:

Colin Lake - Friday, May 17, at 12:30 p.m.
Luella & the Sun - Friday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m.
The Weeks - Friday, May 17, at 5:00 p.m.
Anders Osborne - Friday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Wild Cub - Saturday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m.
The Mowgli’s - Saturday, May 18, at 2:30 p.m.
The Kingston Springs - Saturday, May 18, at 4:45 p.m.
The Tontons - Saturday, May 18, at 7:15 p.m.
The Wild Feathers - Sunday, May 19, at 12:15 p.m.
Chancellor Warhol - Sunday, May 19, at 2:15 p.m.
Space Capone - Sunday, May 19, at 4:15 p.m.
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - Sunday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m.

Broadcast Music, Inc. is proud to offer these promising artists the opportunity to connect with new fans inside and outside the music industry as part of our commitment to provide support to BMI songwriters and composers early in their careers, as well as when they are fully established. In addition to these on-the-road-to-success BMI bands, The Hangout Music Festival has always featured a diverse lineup of top touring artists, and this year will be no exception. There will also be local food vendors and a public art contest. For more information, visit hangoutmusicfest.com.

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May 17: 2013 Hangout Music Festival
May 18: 2013 Hangout Music Festival
May 19: 2013 Hangout Music Festival