ASCAP, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has announced that two successful songwriting power couples will deliver Master Sessions at the 2016 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO: rock royalty Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and gospel hitmakers Warryn and Erica Campbell. The two teams will open up about their music, creative processes and how their personal and professional lives intertwine. The 11th annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO takes place April 28 - 30 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.
Songwriter/producer Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Ricky Martin) will host the EXPO "I Create Music" Center Stage writers-in-the-round on April 28, as well as an attendee song feedback session during the conference. The annual Hit Songwriters panel will feature today's hitmakers from across the charts including Dave Bassett (Rachel Platten's "Fight Song"), Brett James (Carrie Underwood's "Something in the Water"), Jacob "JKash" Kasher (Maroon 5's "Sugar"), Poo Bear (Justin Bieber's "What Do You Mean") and more.
Read More: Songwriter Profile: Dave Bassett
Also added to the 2016 ASCAP EXPO schedule is songwriter/producer Chris DeStefano (Luke Bryan's "That's My Kind of Night"), who will participate in a hands-on Hit Producer panel and perform at the conference closing Writers Jam. Singer, songwriter and producer Mike Posner (Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend") will also perform at the Writers Jam. Others signing on for the EXPO are songwriters Bonnie Baker (Reba McEntire's "My Sister") and songwriter/producer Forest Glen Whitehead (Kelsea Ballerini's "Love Me Like You Mean It").
They join the 2016 EXPO lineup that includes Master Sessions with Greg Kurstin (co-writer and producer for Adele's "Hello") and Ashley Gorley (a three-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year); a conversation between Nate Ruess, songwriter and vocalist for the Grammy-winning group fun. and ASCAP President and Hall of Fame songwriter Paul Williams; and an interview with Salt-N-Pepa, the boundary-breaking trio that opened up rap for women.
Read More: ASCAP Confirms Adele Producer, Country Songwriter of the Year and Nate Ruess for 2016 Expo
Benatar's staggering vocal range and Giraldo's trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer, songwriter and arranger, together forge the chemistry and unprecedented sound that created some of rock's memorable hits, including "Love Is a Battlefield," "Heartbreaker" and the signature "We Belong." The dynamic couple continues to write, record and tour together after more than 35 years.
Erica Campbell has released two solo albums as well as seven albums with her sister as part of the dynamic duo Mary Mary. She won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for Help and has received eight Stellar Awards. She is married to producer and record label executive Warryn Campbell, whose Grammy award-winning body of work includes projects with Mary Mary, Kanye West, Yolanda Adams and Jennifer Hudson.
Now in its 11th year, ASCAP's "I Create Music" EXPO is the premier conference for songwriters, composers, artists and producers in all music genres. Participants can attend creative and business-focused panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, one-on-one sessions, networking events, state-of-the-art technology demonstrations and performances. The ASCAP EXPO provides music creators with an unforgettable and authentic experience - real knowledge, tools, connections and a community of support and guidance they can't find anywhere else.
Since its inception, the event has brought together music's talents and successful industry players. Previous keynote speakers include Justin Timberlake, Tom Petty, John Mayer, Katy Perry, Quincy Jones, Ludacris, Carly Simon, Sara Bareilles, Randy Newman, Jackson Browne, Steve Miller, Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart), Diplo, Big Sean, Ne-Yo, Stargate, Bill Withers, Aloe Blacc, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Jeff Lynne.
For more information on the ASCAP EXPO and to register for the conference, visit ascap.com/eventsawards/events/expo/2016/registration.aspx.
