Ep. 54: Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie)

This week our guest is an artist, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the band Death Cab for Cutie, with which he has recorded nine studio albums including their new album ‘Thank You For Today’. He is also one half of the electronic duo the Postal Service. He also has released a solo album, ‘Former Lives’, and a collaborative studio album, ‘One Fast Move or I'm Gone’ with Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt's Jay Farrar. This lyric virtuoso is a multi-Grammy nominated writer who has penned iconic hits such as “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”, “Soul Meets Body” and “I Will Possess Your Heart”. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, And The Writer Is…Ben Gibbard!

This episode is sponsored by Bandzoogle and BMI.

Ep. 53: Jon Bellion

Kicking off Season 4 of And The Writer Is…This artist, songwriter and producer is redefining pop music. With a unique genre blending sound and an artistic vision which is driven by a passion and obsession to shape music and culture, this writer has risen to be one of the most exciting artists in the industry. His discography includes his debut album, ‘The Human Condition’ which debuted top 5 on the Billboard Top 200 and is highlighted by the three times multi-platinum international hit, “All Time Low”. Four tours later, he released his latest full length album, ‘Glory Sound Prep’ which features his current single “Stupid Deep”. His accolades as a songwriter also include Jason Derulo’s multi-platinum and top 10 song “Trumpets”, and Christina Aguilera’s Grammy nominated single “Fall In Line (feat. Demi Lovato),” And The Writer Is...Jon Bellion!

This episode is sponsored by Bandzoogle and BMI.

ATWI songwriting competition WINNER

Jake Davis: Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he began as a solo artist: selling out local venues like Hotel Cafe and the Teragram Ballroom.He was the winner of the Santa Monica's Emerging Artist competition earning him a spot performing on the pier to thousands of people for the first time. After many months of being considered for a music series on Netflix, he realized he didn't enjoy the "public" aspect of being an artist, and decided to try producing and writing for others at the start of 2018. Following getting his own commercial studio, he hustled on Instagram to set up as many artist sessions as possible. Still brand new to the game, he's managed to secure his first few major label credits, to be announced soon. And The Writer Is... Jake Davis!

Ep. 52: MMA Update

MMA Update: The laws for songwriters’ compensation have not changed since 1909. To put that in perspective, that’s four years after the Wright Brothers invented the airplane and 43 years before the invention of the television. It’s the people of that era, in those early Wright Brothers pictures that created the laws that govern how musicians get paid in 2018. That’s the equivalent of us deciding how people should get paid in 2127. 

The MMA (Music Modernization Act) updates these laws so songwriters and artists can begin to get compensated fairly.

Ep. 51: David Israelite - Required Listening / MMA

If you’re a songwriter or music industry professional, or if you’re working to become one, this episode is required listening. Our guest, whose episode was previously featured in Season 2 is unlike any other, in that he’s not a songwriter, yet works tirelessly on behalf of ALL songwriters. He’s been the CEO and President of the National Music Publishers’ Association for the past 13 years, where he implemented landmark legal successes for publisher and songwriter royalty rate agreements and continues to work on increasing the value of intellectual property. His work has made an invaluable impact on the furthering the progression of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) which is new legislation that aims to improve royalty payments to songwriters, artists and creatives in the digital era. He serves on several boards including the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has previously served in senior positions within the U.S. Government. We are grateful to have him as our industry’s backbone, standing up for songwriter rights and compensation. We are sharing key points from his episode to help inform you on the history of music copyrights, our modern-day industry and the current strides to reform and regulate copyright law. And The Writers Is… David Israelite!  

For more information on the Music Modernization Act (MMA) please visit: www.andthewriteris.com