We talk to one of the most celebrated songwriters in music, Diane Warren, about Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1, her fantastic new cross-genre album of original songs recorded with some of the world’s best artists, including Ty Dolla $ign, Maren Morris, John Legend, Luis Fonsi, Jon Batiste, Pentatonix, G-Eazy, Carlos Santana, Rita Ora, Celine Dion, Darius Rucker and many others. She also talks about her Academy Award nominated work writing for film and what it’s like hearing The Beatles sing your song. PLUS: We get some sound advice from master composer-producer of instrumental hip-hop, RJD2, about making beats - without rhymes. Watch video for “Seaside” featuring Diane Warren, Rita Ora, Sofía Reyes and REIK Watch video for “She’s Fire” featuring Diane Warren, G-Eazy and Santana Here is Diane Warren’s official website Check out this course! RJD2: From Samples to Songs on SoundFly ASCAP Members get a discount on a Soundfly subscription. Just go to Member Access to activate it. RSVP for The ASCAP Experience Listen, Watch & Subscribe:  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher 

VERSED: The ASCAP Podcast

Episode 26 - Diane Warren's New Album is a Master Class in Songwriting

It’s Primetime Emmy Awards season, and in this episode we talk to two great nominees. Michael Abels joins us for a discussion about composing music for the acclaimed HBO docuseries Allen v. Farrow, for which he has received two nominations. He also shares his experience working with filmmaker Jordan Peele on Get Out, Us and a project in the works, and explains the mission of his advocacy group, the Composers Diversity Collective. PLUS: We take a dive into the exciting world of music directors with Billie Eilish’s MD, Aron Forbes. He’s nominated for two Emmys for his work on the Apple TV+ doc Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry. Learn more about the Composers Diversity Collective Watch performance of Michael Abels’ “Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga” (from Get Out) at the 2018 ASCAP Screen Awards  RSVP for The ASCAP Experience Listen, Watch & Subscribe:  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher   

Episode 25 - Michael Abels

The Newport Folk Festival is back with a passion. In this episode we talk to the talented Yasmin Williams, a virtuoso composer and musician who has been praised by the New York Times as “one of the country’s most imaginative young solo guitarists,” and who is set to make her Newport debut this year. She will join fellow ASCAP members performing, including Beck, Grace Potter, Bonny Light Horseman, Kevin Morby, Vagabon and many others. Williams shares her feelings about joining the Newport tradition, her journey to mastering the guitar, pushing herself to learn new instruments and experimental approach to recording her gorgeous, acclaimed new album, Urban Driftwood. We also check in with Jay Sweet, Executive Producer of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, about why Newport has endured as two of the oldest and most meaningful music festivals, why supporting music education is more important than ever and the joy he feels in evolving the legacy of an organization whose mission makes an impact far beyond the stage. Watch Newport Festivals Foundation’s “Sessions”  Watch Yasmin Williams’ “Urban Driftwood” video featuring Amadou Kouyate  RSVP for The ASCAP Experience Listen, Watch & Subscribe:  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher 

Episode 24 - Yasmin Williams and the 2021 Newport Folk Festival

In celebration of Pride Month, we talk to Rufus Wainwright about his livestreamed concert on June 10th, Rufus Does Judy at Capitol Studios, where he re-creates and celebrates Judy Garland’s classic 1961 Carnegie Hall concert, and shares his thoughts on what it was like to be one of the first openly gay artists when he first emerged on the music scene in the ‘90s. He also talks about family, fatherhood and what the world needs now. We also talk to acclaimed Maine-based singer-songwriter-producer Lady Lamb about how discovering her identity early in life allowed her the freedom of expression to forge her own unique musical path. All this and some valuable advice from our recent ASCAP Experience session on how important video is to releasing new music today. Check out Rufus Does Judy at Capitol Studios on June 10th. Watch Lady Lamb's film "I Feel a Stillness Growing." RSVP for The ASCAP Experience. Listen, watch and subscribe on YouTube.

Episode 23 - Rufus Wainwright

In response to the recent wave of racism and violence against the Asian American & Pacific Islander communities, this special episode of VERSED is devoted to lifting up our many AAPI songwriters and composers. We invited a diverse group of ASCAP members to give voice to their Asian heritage, and how it has impacted them as music creators and people. You’ll hear from Jihye Lee, Kazi, Amritha Vaz, Nick Lee, Alex Ritchie, Brian Warfield, Trace, Wendy Wang and Will Yip. Our own Brian Reyes also joins to discuss his own experience and shares what ASCAP is doing to #StopAsianHate. +Find resources to help #StopAsianHate at ASCAP's Fight for Change page Listen, Watch & Subscribe:  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher 

Episode 22 - Elevating Asian Voices

As part of ASCAP’s Black History Month celebration, we talk to Amythyst Kiah - the provocative and powerful East Tennessee singer-songwriter and member of the acclaimed Americana supergroup, Our Native Daughters. Last week, Kiah released a new solo recording of her Grammy-nominated song “Black Myself” - and Our Native Daughters has a brand new documentary out on the Smithsonian Channel, called Reclaiming Our History. We also talk to Wayne Barrow, film producer, manager, entrepreneur, and co-founder, along with Mark Pitts, of ByStorm Entertainment about his experience working with the late, great Notorious BIG and the new documentary Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell, dropping on Netflix on March 1st. Then we’ll revisit our recent ASCAP Experience panel which brought together gospel stars Jason Nelson, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, and Tye Tribbett to discuss how the gospel community has responded to the social and spiritual challenges we face today.  Check out more in-depth coverage of ASCAP’s Black History Month celebration. Listen to the official lyric video for Amythyst Kiah’s “Black Myself” Watch the trailer for Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell Listen to our conversation with Our Native Daughters' Allison Russell Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher 

Episode 21 - Amythyst Kiah

We talk with Tony Award winners and Oscar and Grammy nominees Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, best known for their Broadway hits, Ragtime and Once On This Island, about their new song “How Can I Tell You?” that was written for the powerful new documentary, NASRIN, and performed by Angelique Kidjo. They also dig deep into their storied career collaborating on projects for the stage and screen and all the magic moments they've shared along the way. Then Allison Russell, founding member of the acclaimed groups Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago, shares the origin of her upcoming debut solo album, which tells the harrowing story of her abusive childhood in a deeply moving, unforgettable song cycle that is ultimately life-affirming. Charlie Sextro, senior programmer for the Sundance Film Festival, also joins us to talk about music-focused films premiering at this year’s fest. Watch the music video for Angelique Kidjo’s performance of “How Can I Tell You?” Watch Allison Russell and other performances at the 2021 Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe. Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher 

Episode 20 - Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty

Devon Gilfillian grew up in Philadelphia on a steady diet of hip-hop, rock, blues and soul music. While soaking up the sounds of his musician father’s favorite music, Gilfillian also developed an appreciation for the beats and vibe of modern rap. He combined it all into his own music and after releasing an electrifying EP in 2016, he got signed to Capitol Records and hit the road performing with the likes of Anderson East, Keith Urban, Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, Brothers Osborne and more. Now he’s on a roll. Earlier this year he released his debut album, the Grammy-nominated Black Hole Rainbow; he followed it up with a track-by-track cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic What’s Going On, which helped raise funds for the voting advocacy organization Equity Alliance. ASCAP's Beth Brinker talked with Gilfillian just before he received The ASCAP Foundation Leon Brettler Award about getting creative in quarantine, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, finding new purpose in his music and more. PLUS: The ASCAP Foundation's Executive Director Colleen McDonough reveals why the charity's mission is more crucial than ever right now. Then, we get some Sound Advice from Whitney Phillips and Gian Stone, co-writers of the Ariana Grande/Justin Bieber smash "Stuck with U." +Register for free to watch The ASCAP Foundation Honors 2020 event, December 8 at 6pm EST +Watch Whitney Phillips & Gian Stone's entire Anatomy of a Song: "Stuck with U" panel from The ASCAP Experience: Home Edition Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts 

Episode 19 - Devon Gilfillian

One of the most accomplished artists in the music industry, Herb Alpert has sold over 72 million records and co-founded A&M Records, one of the most successful independent music labels in history and home to such artists as The Carpenters, Quincy Jones, Cat Stevens and Peter Frampton.  A brand new documentary, Herb Alpert Is…, directed by John Scheinfeld, provides a passionate and inspiring look at the life and work of Alpert and the incredible impact he’s had on American culture.   Trumpet in hand, Herb Alpert first rose to fame in the 1960s with his Latin-flavored group the Tijuana Brass Band and has gone on to earn 15 gold and 14 platinum records. He has won nine Grammys and received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in 2012.  Less known is his striking work as an abstract painter and sculptor. And he was just named “Philanthropist of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal for his significant support of educational programs in the arts nationwide, from the Harlem School of the Arts and UCLA to the annual ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards. Alpert talks to us about his decades-long career, the documentary and what lessons he’s learned - and still learning -  on his incredible, artistic journey.  Also, award-winning jazz composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Camille Thurman co-hosts and shares some valuable tips on staying inspired, creative and focused on your craft during the pandemic. Then music biz vet Benjamin Groff explains how to find and develop your identity as an artist. If you want to check out the fantastic new film, Herb Alpert Is… ASCAP and the ASCAP Foundation are thrilled to bring you an exciting opportunity to support the Foundation and entertain yourself in the process. Just use our special link to rent and stream the film PLUS watch some exclusive bonus material. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the ASCAP Foundation to help nurture the music talent of tomorrow. Are you a jazz composer under the age of 30? Submit a new, original work for The ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, an honor granted annually to encourage talented jazz composers during the earliest stages of their careers. Winning composers will receive a monetary prize. The deadline is December 15, 2020. Check out Benjamin Groff’s first book, How Do I Get A Record Deal? Sign Yourself! - it’s currently available for free. He also has some terrific Teachable courses on songwriting and marketing, which you can find on his website too - he’s offering VERSED listeners 20% off, using code BENJAMIN20. Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts 

Episode 18 - Herb Alpert

Songwriter, pianist and rapper Benjamin Lerner is the great grandson of Irving Berlin - the songwriter of “God Bless America” and “White Christmas.” Lerner has continued his family’s musical legacy, first as an award-winning classical pianist, then as a promising rapper who collaborated with Raekwon and Mac Miller. But his hip-hop career was halted when Lerner started using hard drugs, eventually becoming a full-blown heroin addict. Now four years sober, Lerner devotes much of his time to helping others through the recovery process. He talks to VERSED about his new album Clean, a fearless narration of his journey from piano prodigy to IV drug addict to recovery advocate - all set to a unique combination of solo piano and rapped vocals. PLUS: We talk to Mollie Farrell from HeadCount, a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. At the end of the episode, we’re joined by Loras Schissel of the Library of Congress, who explains why it’s never too early to create an archive of your life as a music creator.   +ASCAP has partnered with HeadCount to make sure your vote, and your voice, are heard. Join the ASCAP Citizen campaign - make sure you're registered to vote today! +Visit the ASCAP Legacy page to find out how your music can benefit your successors, long after you wrote it. +Read more about the Irving Berlin collection at the Library of Congress.

Episode 16 - Benjamin Lerner

In 2019, the blazingly talented Alejandro Aranda (aka Scarypoolparty) made the finale of American Idol, and made history by performing more original songs than any previous contestant. It was an amazing achievement for a singer-songwriter-musician who was busking the streets of LA just a year before. Aranda followed it up with a daring debut album, Exit Form, which captured the many facets of his uncompromising muse. The same week he releases the fearlessly creative new EP Doom Hologram, Aranda explains to VERSED what it's like to go your own way after gaining so much public attention. PLUS: we check in with American Idol's music supervisor Robin Kaye, and hear an excerpt from our recent ASCAP Experience session with hit songwriters Dan Wilson and Brandy Clark, doing a deep dive into the art of - what else - songwriting. The ASCAP Experience: Home Edition, our summer series of virtual programming designed to inspire, educate and connect music creators at all stages of their careers, is available on-demand now. Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts 

Episode 16 - Scarypoolparty

ASCAP President Paul Williams talks to the honorable Congressman Adam Schiff of California, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a great champion of music creator rights, about what Congress is doing to include music professionals in coronavirus relief efforts, the need for federal guidelines on restarting live performances at venues, what’s at stake in the US Department of Justice’s upcoming review of the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees, and how you can join ASCAP in creating positive change for the American music community. This conversation, which took place in July, was part of the ASCAP Experience: Home Edition, our summer series of virtual programming designed to inspire, educate and connect music creators at all stages of their careers. If you missed any of this great series, you can watch all of the programming on-demand now. Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts 

Episode 15 - Rep. Adam Schiff and Paul Williams

  This past February, Pulitzer Prize winner Du Yun premiered her new opera Sweet Land, an ambitious site-specific work that reflects on the way cultures swallow up, resist and intertwine with one other. Two weeks into Sweet Land's initial run, the coronavirus epidemic shut down the production - but not before it was captured on video. Listen to Du Yun talk about this fearlessly creative work, how her Chinese upbringing has impacted her career, and the unexpected gifts of the pandemic. PLUS: ASCAP's Luis Castro tells us about the big news coming out of the ASCAP Latin world this week.     Sweet Land is now available for on-demand streaming. Proceeds will help support the cast and crew.  Watch past programming and register for free to participate in the ASCAP Experience: Home Edition Listen, Watch & Subscribe  Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts 

Episode 14 - Du Yun

In celebration of both Black Music Month and Pride Month, we called up the eternally fabulous Honey Davenport - a drag superstar, singer-songwriter and activist who has left an indelible mark on New York’s nightlife and beyond. In their decade-plus entertainment career, they’ve earned 18 pageant crowns, starred in off-Broadway musicals and earned a worldwide audience on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11. As a black, non-binary performer, Davenport has also been faced with discrimination throughout their career, both within and outside of the drag community. We spoke to Davenport about the role of music in drag culture, their activism in support of the Black and queer communities, and what’s they're doing to stay creative and liberated during quarantine. PLUS: rapper and songwriter Gizzle tells us how she's reacting personally and professionally to the protests and the pandemic.

Episode 13 - Honey Davenport

Just a few short months ago, ASCAP presented its 22nd annual Sundance ASCAP Music Café at the heart of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The Café featured eight days of performances from visionary recording artists and songwriters from across the musical spectrum. At the time, we spoke with all of our performers in the green room about their craft, career, inspirations and more. We thought we’d share just a few of these conversations as a reminder that creativity was in full force before the coronavirus pandemic began, that it continues to flourish, and as has always been the case in tough times, music is the thing that will help us all get through this together. You'll hear from Cyn, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Matt Berninger of The National, Rain Phoenix, the Ruen Brothers, Ron Artis II, Barry Zito and ZZ Ward. Also, Erik Philbrook talks to ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta about ASCAP's support for songwriters, composers and music publishers.

Episode 12 - Sundance Songwriters

VERSED: THE ASCAP PODCAST illuminates the heart and soul of music - the songwriters and composers whose work makes us sing, dance and want to change the world. Regularly featuring the greatest music creators from a diversity of genres who share the stories behind writing their hits and best-loved work - and the gems of wisdom they gained in the process - as well as industry experts who discuss the important issues that affect the lives and livelihoods of all music creators, VERSED offers insight into the hearts and minds of music professionals like never before. If music is your life, and you want to experience what it’s like inside ASCAP’s music creator community, then VERSED is required - yet fascinating - listening.

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VERSED: The ASCAP Podcast

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