Real People

I marvel at the multitude of communication channels available to us today. Our texting, tweeting, Facebook-posting, instant-messaging culture allows everyone to connect on many levels whenever and wherever. Even still, nothing beats real people sitting face-to-face in a room having an open dialogue with each other. If there's hot coffee available, count me in! That's when what you have to say can make the most impact, the message sinks in and the experience resonates.

Two recent ASCAP events offered just such valuable real-life experiences. The first was ASCAP's fifth annual "I Create Music" EXPO. I have participated in the EXPO before, and have loved the opportunity to join my fellow music creators to share our stories, our hardearned truths and to inspire each other. This year's event felt more energized than ever, and there was a palpable sense among everyone I encountered, panelists and attendees alike, that this was truly a unique and creative gathering of kindred souls - a happening, to use a term from an earlier era. Nothing could beat the live experience, but if you couldn't make it in person, you could still appreciate it via the EXPO's tweets, blog and online coverage.When all was said and done, however, this year's EXPO was a reminder that music - that wonderful, magical, emotional expression of our humanity - is made by real people for real people.

It was a joy to see so many music creators come out in force for this year's EXPO, and it gives me hope for the future of our business. I'd like to thank all of this year's panelists, sponsors and attendees who made this year's EXPO such a major success.

Another recent ASCAP event which demonstrated the effectiveness of bringing people together was ASCAP's annual trip to Washington DC to "walk the halls." Several ASCAP Board members and other ASCAP members visited Congress for a series of scheduled meetings with a number of legislators. To be able to sit with our leaders on both sides of the aisle inWashington to express our concerns about copyright protection is an important part of our ongoing efforts to protect the livelihoods of our members. We have many strong advocates in Washington, but we need more, and it starts with a handshake and a "hello." The night before we walked the halls, our Congressional leaders got another earful - of music. The ASCAP Foundation's "We Write the Songs" event at the Library of Congress's Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, DC took the form of a concert celebrating the first anniversary of The ASCAP Collection at the Library of Congress - a gift of the ASCAP Foundation to the Library of documents, photos and sheetmusic. ASCAP Boardmembers and othermembers let theirmusic do the talking through a number of spirited performances of their best-loved songs. Enjoying the evening were a number of Senators and Congressional Representatives, who also introduced the performers. It was a wonderful evening that emphasized the work of the music creator.

This issue of Playback provides coverage of our recent award events celebrating the success of our members in Pop and Latin music. Congratulations to all of this year's award-winning songwriters, composers and publishers. Your achievements are an inspiration to me and to all of your fellow ASCAP members.

Best wishes,