News

Our receptionist Mary Haynes contributed her thoughts on what it like to be the first face people see when they walk into NSAI!

WASHINGTON, D.C. March 4, 2015. The SONGWRITER EQUITY ACT (SEA), legislation to change the process that sets royalty rates for American songwriters, was re-introduced in Washington, D.C.

NSAI SONG CONTEST PRESENTED BY CMT 2015

NSAI and CMT are proud to announce the winners list for the 15th Annual NSAI Song Contest presented by CMT. Upwards of 2,000 songs were received this year. A rigorous judging process featuring a panel of industry professionals selected ten (10) finalists to appear on nsai.cmt.com for the public to vote on throughout the month of February. The final votes ultimately produced the Grand Prize winner, "Drink It In," written by entrant Derek Toomey and Jeff Silver.

Thank to Kendall Lettow (THiS Music) for a great Pitch to Publisher workshop last night! The following NSAI member's songs were taken: 

On Saturday, April 25, the NSAI Madison Chapter will host "Do's and Dont's of Music Row" with singer/songwriter Liz Hengber! The workshop will be from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Province Hill Clubhouse in Madison followed by a writers night at The Brink Lounge in Madison where workshop attendees will take turns performing their songs before Liz closes the show with some o

TIN PAN NORTH

The Toronto Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is hosting their sixteenth annual up-close and personal songwriters’ event, May 21 – 23, at various venues throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  See performances by over 40 talented songwriters, sharing their stories behind the songs.  Headliners include; Tebey (Emerson Drive, Big & Rich), Jimmy Rankin (JUNO, CCMA, and SOCAN Award winner), Victoria Banks (Johnny Reid, Sara Evans), Mark Selby and Tia Sillers (Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson), and Patricia Conroy (Michelle Wright, Lisa Brok

Making Monday Motivation Everyday Motivation
By Libby Oellerich


3 Ways Songwriters Can Effectively Use Social Media
By Adam York

As a songwriter, you want your music to be heard. And while there are several channels available to showcase your work these days, social media is among the most beneficial and under-utilized methods. So how can you creatively and effectively use social media to gain attention without taking your shameless promotion too far? Here are a few thoughts to consider:

Scope Your Audience

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers whose songs topped the digital or radio airplay chart between December 2014 and March 2015 and honored Jeff Carlton with the NSAI President’s Award. The NSAI #1 Party was held on Monday, May 18, 2015, at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row. Music Publisher Jeff Carlton was presented with the NSAI President’s Award, which is given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller. 

The following guidelines will be implemented beginning on June 1st, 2015:

The Bluebird Café - Monday Open Mic: NEW Guidelines 

Thank you to Spoon Williams (Bandwagon Red) for joining us for another successful pitch night! Congratulations to the following members who had their song taken:

1.  Joe Daccache-Should've Known Better

2.  Tyler Dial- Damn Good Time

3.  Rachel Dixon-  War Paint

4.  Mike Easterday-  I Don't Wanna Drink Tonight

5.  JW Faria-  Catchin' a Buzz

6.  Sammy Hakim-  I Need a Man

7.  Donna King-  Sugar Rush

8.  Emily Kroll-  Girls

9.  Tim Mlynarski-  Getting Closer

10.  Josh Roberts-  More Than That

Remember. Reflect. Regroup
By Shannon Gursky

Embrace Critics. Embrace Change.
By Krista Darting



A little over a decade ago, I received priceless career/life advice from a well-respected boss. In reviewing a business report I gave him, he asked me why I analyzed the information the way I had. My response was “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”

This September 2015, spend the day with Los Angeles/San Diego chapters on the Pacific Coast hearing from music business leaders! This special event includes lesson plans from Doug Johnson (songwriter and VP of A&R at Black River Records), Bart Herbison (NSAI's Executive Director) and a Publisher Panel Listening Session featuring LA/Nashville-based publishers! We hope you can join us!