ASCAP Expo Welcomes Hit Writers, Publishers

Photos by PictureGroup
The ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO was held April 24-26 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. The conference for songwriters, composers and producers of all genres of music, hosted speakers including Jimmy Jam, Dr. Luke and ASCAP’s Paul Williams. Master Sessions featured Jermaine Dupri, Amy Grant and more.
Desmond Child, who has hits by Katy Perry, Meatloaf, Bon Jovi, KISS and many others, was interviewed by John Stamos on the Brought In for Questioning panel. Child’s advice to those in the audience: “Understand what it means to be an artist, and try to find what you can give before you can get.” 

SONGS Music Publishing’s Tom DeSavia moderated the Getting Creative: How Publishers and Writers Work Together panel featuring Sony/ATV’s Jennifer Knoepfle, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, BMG’s Andrew Gould, Universal Music Publishing’s Jessica Rivera and Warner/Chappell’s Greg Sowders. The session addressed the changing role of the publisher, the importance of writing songs that listeners find relatable, and songwriters staying focused.
LeAnn Phelan, the Senior Director of ASCAP in Nashville, led a Country Feedback panel featuring UMG Nashville A&R exec Joe Fisher, producer Michael Knox and hit writer Jimmy Robbins.

ASCAP Nashville songwriter Shane McAnally also took part in the Expo’s closing “The Writers Jam” performance panel.