– ANDREA BEENHAM
Sony and Springsteen Set Record
Setting a new record for rights acquisition deals, Sony Music Entertainment has acquired Bruce Springsteen’s entire catalog—including recording and publishing—for a reported $500+ million. The deal is the priciest of any artist to date and is set to include hits, “Born To Run,” “Dancing In the Dark,” “Born In the USA,” “Glory Days,” and “Hungry Heart.” Rumored reasons behind the exorbitant price tag include a potential bidding war of competing offers for his work, and better-than-usual legal control of his music.
Nashville Songwriter Workshop
Registration is now open for the next Performing Songwriter Creative Workshop, being held in Nashville, Tennessee on April 1316, 2022 with Jonatha Brooke. The class is limited to 15 students and will cover all aspects of the writing process , with creative exercises and group song work with Brooke and her guests. Each participant will also receive one-on-one time with Brooke to get advice and feedback on their process or project. The workshop will discuss powerful words, phrases and melodies, use rhythms to uncover words, teach collaborative approaches, and share Brooke’s guitar tunings and capos. More at performingsongwriter. com/jonatha-brooke-april-2022
Primary Wave Gets Brown
In a deal rumored to be worth $90 million, Primary Wave Music has acquired a stake in the James Brown Estate’s publishing, master recording income—including iconic songs “Papa’s Got a
SILT TRIO DEBUT
Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Living In America” (featured in Rocky IV)—as well as use of his name and likeness, and will partner with the Estate to continue the established charitable and educational Trust. Brown rose to infamy with energetic live performances. The release of Live at the Apollo launched a five-decade career, landed him as one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
ASCAP Mourns Bergman
Oscar, Emmy and Grammywinning lyricist Marilyn Bergman has passed away at age 93. Songwriter and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams released a statement: "It is with deep sadness that I personally, and all of ASCAP, mourn the passing of Marilyn Bergman—one of the greatest lyricists who ever lived and truly ASCAP royalty. She was a brilliant songwriter who together with her husband, Alan Bergman, gave us some of the most beautiful and enduring lyrics of all time. Shewas a tireless and fierce advocate for music creators not only during her term as President and Chairman of ASCAP, but throughout her life. Our community will miss her intelligence, her wit and her wisdom.” ANDREA BEENHAM (aka Drea Jo) is a freelance writer and marketing consultant based in Southern California. The South-African born, Canadianraised California transplant has a passion for music, people and fun. She can be reached at drea@dreajo.com
Rising D.C./Chicago jazz group, Silt Trio, has released their debut album, The Bottom. D.C. Bassist, Luke Stewart (also known as a saxophonist, producer and broadcaster) joins Chicago drummer Chad Taylor and D.C. saxophonist Brian Settles to release their first collaboration via Cuneiform Records.
DWYER SHARES LOSERS
Danny Dwyer is set to release his debut EP, Losers, this Spring, following streaming momentum on SoundCloud and Spotify playlists: Lorem, Mellow Morning, Mello Mood, Fresh Finds, Alternative R&B and Apple’s INDIY and Day One, as well as collaborations with Billy Lemos, RAC and No Suits.
STEVE CONTE BRINGS BRONX CHEER
ASCAP’s Steve Conte brings ‘New York Attitude’ nostalgic rock and soul with Bronx Cheer, out via Wicked Cool, co-produced by Andrew Hollander (White Rabbits, The Chainsmokers). Brother John Conte (Southside Johnny & The Dukes, David Bowie) adds bass, with Charley Drayton (Keith Richards, Iggy Pop) on drums.
BEIRUT’S ARTIFACTS
Indie-alternative band Beirut has released a double album including remixed/ remastered favorites and unreleased tracks from their early years—from their Santa Fe youth center shows, to writing and recording sessions in New York. Artifacts is the first record since 2019’s Gallipoli, out via Pompeii Records. February 2022
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