MUMBAI: ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) held its 34th annual Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Hosted by ASCAP EVP, International Roger Greenaway and VP, Membership Seán Devine, the gala dinner and awards presentation honored those songwriter, composer and publisher members of PRS for Music – the UK’s Performing Right Society – whose repertory is licensed by ASCAP and was among its most performed works in the U.S. during 2013.
Among the honorees and special guests in attendance were ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, Desmond Child, Dan Wilson, Olly Murs, Steve Robson, Kid Harpoon, Justin Parker, Patrick Doyle, Craig Armstrong, Cathy Dennis, Julian Gingell, Dan McGrath, Steve Mac, Josh Phillips, Barry Stone, John Lunn, Steven Price.
Pop singer/songwriters Alex Clare and Jim Duguid were named Songwriters of the Year. They co-wrote the double Platinum hit ‘Too Close’ which was recorded by Clare. Writer/producer Richard ‘Biff’ Stannard was on hand to receive the Song of the Year honor for the smash hit single ‘Lights’ recorded by Ellie Goulding.
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Universal Music Publishing was named publisher of the year for its most-performed winning songs ‘Downton Abbey’ (Theme), ‘Together'(The XX), ‘Over The Love’ (Florence and the Machine), ‘Let Me Love You’ (Ne-Yo), ‘Paradise’ and ‘Viva La Vida’ (Coldplay), ‘Sweet Nothing’ (Calvin Harris feat Florence Welch) , ‘Take Care’ (Drake), ‘Too Close’ (Alex Clare), ‘Troublemaker’ (Olly Murs),President of Universal Music Publishing Europe & UK Paul Connolly commented, “Great songs connect internationally and amazing songs connect forever. We’re are privileged to represent so many of these songs, and this award is testament to the talent of their creators. That talent is truly the bedrock upon which the music industry is built.”
As part of ASCAP’s ongoing commitment to support emerging music creators, Dan Smith from the band Bastille was honored with the ASCAP Vanguard Award in recognition of his work. Smith was touring in the US, but sent a video acceptance. The song “Pompeii” was the fourth single from the band’s debut album and reached number 5 in the Billboard Top 100. Previous ASCAP Vanguard Award honorees include Taio Cruz, Calvin Harris, Kate Nash, Frank Turner, Bat for Lashes and Plan B.
The evening was highlighted with special performances in honor of ASCAP’s 100th birthday by hit songwriters Desmond Child and Dan Wilson. Desmond performed a rare piano version of ‘Living On A Prayer’ and ‘Make A Memory’ (Bon Jovi) and ‘Angel’ (Aerosmith). Dan had the audience singing along to ‘Someone Like You’ (Adele) and ‘Secret Smile’ a song made famous by Wilson’s band Semi-Sonic.
PRS for Music was also founded 100 years ago in 1914. To mark the occasion, ASCAP’s President and Chairman Paul Williams and CEO John LoFrumento presented PRS for Music’s chairman Guy Fletcher and chief executive Robert Ashcroft with a framed copy of a commemorative statement placed in the U.S. Congressional Record.
