ASCAP Launches New Podcast to Educate Music Creators

ASCAP is getting into the podcasting game, the performance rights organization announced Thursday (Dec. 5).

Titled Versed: The ASCAP Podcast, the series will feature interviews with music creators from all genres “about the struggles, hard work, breakthroughs and triumphs of the creative life — and the wisdom they’ve earned along the way.” Initial guests include songwriter Paul Williams (ASCAP’s chairman of the board and president), country singer Carly Pearce and Oscar-nominated composer Nicholas Britell.

“VERSED helps to illuminate the heart, soul and power of music with the songwriters and composers who create it,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “It allows us to bring insight and guidance on navigating a modern music career to our members and all music creators who are hungry for more information. Music fans who listen will also deepen their appreciation for the art and craft of the people creating the music they love.”

Co-hosted by ASCAP vp and creative director Erik Philbrook alongside a variety of other ASCAP executives and creator members, VERSED will also feature discussions of topics that affect the livelihoods of music creators including copyright, music publishing, songwriting splits, advocacy, tech innovations, music streaming services and health and wellness. It will additionally highlight ASCAP programs that support members, including its music creator conference ASCAP Experience, workshops, song camps and the work of The ASCAP Foundation.

Each season of the podcast will also feature theme music by a different ASCAP member. This season’s theme was written by Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of The Midnight Hour.