AYO Adds Diamond
Launching in 2024, copyright administrator AYO Music Group develops a new Gapfinder tool, has new releases set for 2026, and adds to their roster—including artists Pete Rock, Silkk the Shocker, Drumma Boy, and SOCAN Breakthrough and JUNO Award-nominated (“See You When I See You”) Kayla Diamond.
Landmark Rights’ Ruling
In a U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that could forever shift the landscape of music, songwriters can now lean into U.S. copyright law to reclaim their songs worldwide. Upholding a lower court’s decision, songwriter Cyril Vetter takes back full global control of 1963’s Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love) from publisher Resnik Music Group. A three-judge panel affirmed an earlier ruling that Vetter/Vetter Communications Corporation are the sole owners worldwide. The decision centers around copyright law “termination rights,” which permit songwriters to reclaim songs sold years earlier. The Copyright Act of 1976 allows original songwriters to reclaim their copyrights from publishers (or rightsholders) after a certain period of time (35 years for anything written 1978 or later). Further details at copyrightlately.com.
N’Kenge’s Mission for Change
Creator, producer and star of That’s Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical, Julliard-trained, five-octave N’Kenge is on a mission to redefine leadership and performance opportunities. The hardcore polyglot (11) has collabs with Wynton Marsalis, Ornette Coleman, blends opera, Broadway, jazz, pop, soul. New album.
Tin Pan Returns
Tickets go on sale March 3, for the 34th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, taking place in Nashville, TN March 24-28, 2026. As the world’s largest songwriting festival with 100 showcases highlighting the best songs, an energetic intersection of fans and songwriters, and a community of supportive creatives in a city built to support music, this event is not to be missed. With all genres of music (past performers include Art Garfunkel, Carol King, and Donna Summer) and industry professionals from across the country, Tin Pan presents a fabulous place for powerful networking. Details and registration at tinpansouth.com.
Kobalt’s Sleep Token
Leading independent publisher Kobalt signs metal-ambient-progressive band Sleep Token’s drummer, II, Known for powerful drumming and songwriting, deal follows “Caramel” (one of NYT’s best songs of 2025). Even in Arcadia hit No. 1 in U.K., Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium.
Altadena Musicians Fundraising
Launching in Los Angeles to help musicians replace instruments and albums lost to the Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires, Altadena Musicians has already replaced over 2,600 instruments for 1,200 artists. See video of 13-year old getting a new bass from Duff McKagan through the organization, and another on YouTube featuring fire-impacted musicians recording compilation fundraiser album Gimme Shelter, with all proceeds going to fund Altadena Musicians. Find out more and lend support at altadenamusicians.org.
Jack White Collected
New Jack White Collected Lyrics and Selected Writing Volume 1 anthology includes unreleased solo poems and writing with The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, and rare photos. Live At Ford Field and Live No Name out now, following 2025’s White Stripes’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. More at jackwhiteiii.com/tour-dates.
SESAC Congratulates Nominees
Extending heartfelt congratulations on their GRAMMY nominations, SESAC wishes to acknowledge all member nominees, including Ariana Grande, Guy Lawrence, Howard Lawrence, Emily Armstrong, Lalah Hathaway, Darius Dixson, Kenyon Dixon, Swiff D, Robert Glasper, Margo Price, Jenee Fleenor, Randy Newman, Shirley Caesar, PJ Morton, Burna Boy, Zain Effendi, Lili Haydn, Jeremy Ivey, and Alysa Vanderheym. Full details at sesac.com.
SongWriterCamps Sync MasterCamp
Experienced independent artists are invited to apply to write and produce music for current sync briefs through the SongWriterCamps Sync MasterCamp. Supported and mentored by top U.S. music supervisors actively looking for new music to place, the goal is for songs to be pitched and placed as a “one stop” for television, movies, trailers, and advertising. Previous participants have expanded catalogs, networks, and landed placements for Batwoman, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Riverdale, Kung Fu, Maggie, etc. Details at songwritercamps.com/sync-mastercamp or email info@songwritercamps.com.
Sankofa Inaugural Fundraiser
Entertainment and activism join together for Sankofa.org’s star-studded inaugural fundraiser on Sunday, March 1, with performances by Aloe Blacc, DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, and others. Committed to dismantling systemic violence, working towards restorative justice initiatives, and championing meaningful immigration reform and livable minimum wages, the event celebrates what would have been Harry Belafonte’s 99th birthday. Launched in 2013 by Belafonte with daughter Gina and Raoul Roach, the evening also honors Danny Glover, Dolores Huerta, Shepard Fairey, and Chuck D with awards for their tireless social justice work. Proceeds raised benefit sankofa.org.
Big Loud’s Rankin
Texas singer-songwriter Julianna Rankin has signed to Big Loud Texas, with label debut “Bad Habits and Good Horses” (with co-writers Garrett Bradford, Jon Decious) to be featured in the Paramount+ season finale of Landman. Rankin started off at an Aryln Studio party, connecting with mentor Miranda Lambert.
Stealing Isn’t Innovation
In an ongoing battle against unauthorized copyright usage, The Human Artistry Campaign has launched a new advocacy campaign to protest against Big Tech’s illegal (and unpaid) harvesting of copyrighted creative content in their pursuit of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) platforms and a call for licensing and enforcement to help curb the unauthorized activity. Threatened jobs, declining creative sector growth, and content theft and unauthorized duplication continue to erode the industry and de-incentivize new content. More at stealingisntinnovation.com.
GCMF Lyrics Contest
Calling all young songwriters! Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) renews its commitment to young artists, launching its first ever songwriting competition. Creatives ages 7-17 can enter for a chance to write, record, and bring their music to life in Nashville, by submitting a fully written song or strong lyrical or musical idea, with creativity valued over polish. Submissions accepted through March 31, 2026, with winners announced mid-April; two winners will be chosen by a judging panel including GCMF Board and hitmaking songwriters Stephen Kirk, Jenna Andrews, Josh Phillips, and Brock Berryhill, with entries evaluated on creativity, originality, storytelling, and musical potential. Winners will write, record, and be featured in a mini documentary. Details at guitarcenterfoundation.org/finish-the-lyrics.
ASCAP Honors Nominees
Celebrating GRAMMY nominees and top songwriter and producer members, ASCAP’s annual Brunch in the garden included appearances from Jon Batiste, Shaboozey, Bernie Taupin, Diane Warren, Amy Allen, Sierra Hull, Kamasi Washington, Angélique Kidjo, Tyler Spry, Freaky Rob, Ashley Gorley, T.I., and more. Beautiful appetizers, delicious cocktails, and incredible vibes from DJ Beverly Bond were enjoyed by all. More at ascap.com
Batiste Supports Classical
GRAMMY and Oscar-winner Jon Batiste co-hosts podcast Classical Californians, sharing his journey, stories, musical influences, inspirations, and spotlighting classical champions across the State. Classical California is America’s largest listener-supported, independent classical network (KUSC 91.5fm LA/KDFC 90.3fm SF). [Jon Batiste with Classical California Host Dianne Nicolini]
Cutting Edge’s Paesano
Film and television music investor Cutting Edge Group has purchased catalog royalty streams from composer John Paesano. Including over 80 film, television, and gaming scores, the agreement includes scores for The Maze Runner trilogy, work on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, music from the Daredevil series, and Amazon’s Invincible. Work in gaming includes Marvel’s Spider-Man for PlayStation, Mass Effect: Adromeda, Gran Turismo Sport, Detroit: Become Human, and more. The catalog includes music from Diary of A Wimpy Kid, DreamWorks’ Dragons, and Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again. Paesano’s works have received a BAFTA Games Award (Spider-Man: Miles Morales), Emmy and GRAMMY nominations (The Defenders, Spider-Man 2).
MusicRow’s Rising Women
Now in its 13th year, MusicRow celebrates the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026, with this year’s honorees including six executives making a significant impact on Nashville’s Country music industry, in a celebration that now includes 60 women, congratulations go out to Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone, and Elisa Vazzana for their phenomenal work. More musicrow.com.
Gil Gets Primary
Primary Wave Music/Nas Nuvens Music Group acquire Brazilian composer-singer-guitarist Gilberto Gil’s catalog. Gil’s 60+ year career and 60+ albums brought two GRAMMYs, nine Latin GRAMMYs, 2005’s Polar Music Prize. Work included tours with Jimmy Cliff and recording with The Wailers. Tour continues through 2026.
Performing Songwriter Workshops
Now in its 12th year, the Performing Songwriter Workshop series unites aspiring songwriters of all ages and skill level with influential industry writer-teachers for three days of writing in Nashville. Award-winning artist-faculty members include Mary Gauthier, Gretchen Peters, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Emily Saliers, Verlon Thompson, Suzy Boguss and Jonatha Brooke, with additional Songwriter Hall of Fame member facilitators and surprise guests have included Allen Shamblin, Keb’Mo, Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, Christopher Cross, Amy Grant, and more. With classes of 20, spots fill quickly. Longer workshops available in Italy and Scotland. See performingsongwriter.com/creative-workshops.
Between The Lines
American Songwriter presents the Between The Lines Songwriting Camp, April 16-20 in Nashville. Designed to elevate your songwriting skills through collaboration, creativity, and community, the experience takes place over a long weekend alongside top industry professionals and includes co-writing sessions and direct access to onsite producers. Application deadline is March 31, with details at app.youform.com/forms/mqrmgrcj.
Historic Ojai Playhouse
Now officially part of the National Register of historic Places as one of California’s earliest single screen cinemas recognized for over a century of cultural and cinematic legacy, the 5,500 square foot Ojai Playhouse (originally opened in 1914 as the Isis Theatre) has been lovingly restored by new owner David Berger, preserving character while adding state of the art A/V technology. Serving as the primary arthouse theater between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, it presented over 700 films and launched the inaugural Ojai Playhouse Film Festival in its first year since reopening. See ojaiplayhouse.com.
SMP Signs Buscema
Partnering with Daniel Nigro’s Amusement, Sony Music Publishing signs BMI’s Jon Buscema (Conan Gray, Grace VanderWaal, Sofia & The Antoinettes, etc.) to global publishing. Co-write/production credits include “Wherever I go,” “The Pines” (Noah Rinker In Order (Devon Again), “Caramel” (Conan Gray/Wishbone).
[l-r: Mike Ferris (Founder, Good Problem), Daniel Nigro, Jon Buscema, Nick Bral (SMP)]
BMI’s Nominee Nod
Celebrating privately at their offices, BMI celebrates 2026’s GRAMMY Nominees including songwriters, composers, producers, and other creatives in multiple genres. Attendees included Linkin Park, Audrey Nuna, Philip Lawrence, INK, Mark Mothersbaugh, MTech, ARKAI, Hank Bentley, Rogét Chahayed, Dave Koz, Joanie Leeds, roselilah, and Laura Veltz. Nominee details at bmi.com.
Luna Lab’s Diversity
Luna Composition Lab (LCL) announces Luna Lab @ 10. Supporting young female, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming composers through mentorship, education and professional opportunities, LCL was founded by composers Missy Mazzoli and Ellen Reid in 2016. Showcasing nearly 75 new commissions from 50 Luna Lab Alumni as part of their tenth anniversary celebration, ensembles include the Kronos Quartet, Imani Winds, International Contemporary Ensemble, Sandbox Percussion, The Metropolitan Opera, Louisville Orchestra, Music Academy of the West, Cabrillo Festival of Contemproary Music, New York Festival of Song, Norway’s Arctic Chamber of Music Festival, and more. See lunacompositionlab.org.
