ASCAPExperience,the performing rights organizations annual conference for songwriters, composers and creators, returns virtually this month. It kicks off on Tuesday (March 8) with an International Women’s Day panel featuring three of the industry’s leading composers and songwriters. The conversation is also part of“Women Create Music,”ASCAP’s celebration of Women’s History Month.
“Worldly Women in Music,”which takes place on ASCAP’sYouTube channel on March 8, features Oscar-nominated composerGermaine Franco, who scored“Encanto”and co-wrote songs for“Coco”;2021 Pulitzer Prize-winning concert music composer and conductorTania León; and 2016ASCAPLondon Songwriter of the YearAmy Wadge, whose songwriting credits appear on Ed Sheeran’s“X,” James Blunt’s“The Afterlove”and Kacey Musgraves’s“Golden Hour.” The panel begins at 3PM ET/ 12PM PT and will be moderated byBillboardExecutive Editor, West Coast and Nashville, Melinda Newman.
The session is also part ofASCAP’S “Women Create Music” celebration, recognizing women in music throughout Women’s History Month in March. The campaign will feature exclusive videos on ASCAP’s social media from songwriters and composers — includingCarly Pearce, Lucius, InayahandCovi Quintana—discussing inspiring women who have influenced their music and women in their lives who have helped shape their careers.ASCAPwill also share weekly playlistsspotlighting themes such asWomen of Influence, Global Trailblazers, Women Create Music Together and Women Making History Now. AndVersed: TheASCAPPodcastwill host a special “Women Create Music” episode featuring singer-songwritermxmtoonand Grammy-winning engineer and co-founder of She is the MusicAnn Mincieli.
“We are so excited to launchASCAPExperience with three phenomenal composers as part of our ‘Women Create Music’ campaign,” saidASCAPChief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “We believe that celebrating the achievements of our members through our “Women Create Music” campaign can help create change and ultimately, more opportunity for women in the music industry.”
2021 Experience guests and panelists includedGreg Kurstin, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, D-Nice, Chris Stapleton, Michael Franti, Tai Verdes, Cassadee Pope, Sam DeRosa, Natalia Jiménez, Draco Rosa, Gizzle, Madeline The Personand many more.
MoreASCAPExperience sessions will be announced soon, and aspiring creators this year can expect another genre-spanning lineup of educational sessions about creativity and the business of music.Topics include:
- NFT 101:An introduction to the who, what and how of NFTs for creators
- ASCAPAwards spotlight, featuring conversations with some of the songwriters, producers and composers of the year’s biggest hits
- ASCAPLab’s Demo Day, presenting prototypes from the university and startup team finalists ofASCAP& NYC MediaLab’s“Music in the metaverse”Challenge
- Exclusive conversations with chart-topping music creators on themes such as collaboration, representation and opportunity
- Discussions with some ofASCAP’s biggest hitmakers about culture and creativity during Hispanic Heritage and Black Music Months
- Celebrating Pride Month and LGBTQ+ artists
Participants can find more information and RSVP to upcoming events atwww.ascapexperience.
