The ASCAP Foundation and The Heineken Music Initiative
proudly announce the selection of erika bryant as a
recipient of a special R&B grant program. Launched
earlier this year, The Heineken Music Initiative/The
ASCAP Foundation R&B Grant program is designed to
assist emerging R&B songwriters in furthering their
careers and will benefit up-and-coming songwriters in
five key music markets across the country (New York,
Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami). The winning
songwriters from each of the markets will be awarded
a $3,500 grant..
The grant was presented to erika bryant at The Cotton
Club in Atlanta during the ASCAP Presents… Heineken
R&B Ampt Music Series. On hand to make the presentation
were artist/songwriter Cody ChesnuTT, Greg Cohen from
Heineken USA and ASCAP’s Ian Burke, Senior Director
of Creative Affairs.
"We congratulate erika, one of the beneficiaries
of this newly-created R&B grant program, said Jeanie
Weems. "We are grateful to The Heineken Music Initiative
for making this possible and would like to thank the
panel of judges that helped in the selection process.
This new program is the latest example of The ASCAP
Foundation’s commitment to developing and nurturing
the musical talent of the future."
erika’s musical influences include Steve Wonder,
Prince, Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. Her mother,
a former background singer at Motown, inspired her to
become involved in music at an early age. In 1998, she
started writing poetry and worked on turning those poems
into songs. Her winning song, "No Way," based
on a personal experience, expresses the emotions she
felt at the end of a relationship.
"I learned about the R&B grant program from
ASCAP’s membership staff in Atlanta," said
erika. "I think the program is a good vehicle for
bringing songs to the attention of the music industry
and it’s a great opportunity for newcomers like
me to get into the business." ASCAP has the largest
and most experienced membership staff serving the creative
community.
erika co-wrote her first release "Could’ve
Been You," performed by 3LW, which is featured
on the Barber Shop soundtrack. When she’s
not writing songs, she spends her time working at Patchwerk
Recordings Studios. erika plans to spend the grant money
on a laptop computer.
The ASCAP Presents…. Heineken R&B Ampt Music
Series is a showcase series featuring up-and-coming
R&B songwriters and artists. It is designed to bring
deserving R&B songwriters and artists to the attention
of both the music industry and the public, in line with
ASCAP's longstanding commitment to developing new musical
talent and Heineken USA’s efforts to support performing
arts.
The artist line-up at The Cotton Club event included
LaMajic, Transcendental Funk, Heston and LaTocha Scott
(formerly of Xscape) plus special guest performances
by Eric Anthony, Gabrielle and Rudy Currence. Cody ChesnuTT,
who presented the $3,500 grant, treated the audience
to a surprise performance.
In November 2002, the Heineken Music Initiative will
release a new CD, Red Star Sounds Vol. 2. Funds raised
from the sale of that record will go to support urban
music related causes - including providing additional
resources for Heineken Music Initiative/ASCAP Foundation
grants for emerging R&B songwriters.
The Heineken Music Initiative was founded as a non-profit
organization by Heineken USA Inc. Its board includes
representatives from Heineken USA and the music industry.
Since 1975 The
ASCAP Foundation has been dedicated to supporting
American music creators and encouraging the development
of American music through educational and talent development
programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops,
grants, scholarships, music education programs, and
public service projects for senior composers and lyricists.
The programs of The ASCAP Foundation are supported by
contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers
throughout the United States.For further details, check
out (http://www.ascapfoundation.org/).
