Recap: ASCAP 2024 Membership Meeting With Nonillaah Artist Sean Cos Mason In at Jazz at Lincoln Center Frederick P. Rose Hall in Manhattan. on February 28, 2024

Recap: ASCAP 2024 Membership Meeting With Nonillaah Artist Sean Cos Mason In New York on February 28, 2024

Hip Hop Artist, Songwriter, producer, and Nonillaah Founder Sean Cos Mason aka Sean M.

On the evening of February 28th, 2024, the illustrious Jazz at Lincoln Center Frederick P. Rose Hall in Manhattan played host to the 2024 ASCAP Membership Meeting, organized by The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. The event was a symphony of performances, insightful discussions, and collaborative reflections on the thriving landscape of music creation.

The stage was set with an electrifying performance by Grammy-nominated progressive jazz duo DOMi & JD BECK, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to celebrating the vibrant spirit of music creators. ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews took center stage to deliver an inspiring ASCAP "State of the Union." They commemorated ASCAP's 110 years of dedication to serving music creators and acknowledged the remarkable achievements of ASCAP members in 2023.

Williams emphasized the unique advantages of ASCAP, underscoring its status as the only creator-led PRO in the United States. He highlighted the democratic nature of the organization, where decisions are made by elected board members focused on maximizing the value of music and ensuring fair compensation for creators.

Matthews delved into ASCAP's advocacy efforts in the realm of artificial intelligence, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing humans over algorithms. She expressed concern about the potential shift of funds away from human creators, stating, "We don't want the monies to shift to non-humans because they are not creators."

The session concluded with a captivating performance by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Stacey Ryan, followed by ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Nicole George-Middleton sharing the profound impact of educational, humanitarian, and professional programs on the next generation of music creators.

The day continued with engaging networking and educational sessions, including the "We Create Music" panel featuring industry luminaries such as Sam Hollander, Gregg Wattenberg, Madison Love, Carter Burwell, and Michael R. Jackson. Moderated by Variety Executive Editor, Music Jem Aswad, the panelists shared insights into their creative processes and offered practical advice for navigating the music industry's challenges.

                         Song Writer and Producer Jamie Dupri

                              Jermaine Dupri dropped some knowledge about the music business. 
 

Jermaine Dupri, a Songwriters Hall of Famer and Atlanta music scene pioneer, took the stage for a keynote conversation with George-Middleton. Dupri shared anecdotes from his storied career, including coaching Mariah Carey and emphasizing the importance of the art of songwriting.

The day reached its crescendo with the "Writers Jam," showcasing performances and stories from some of today's top writers across genres. Liana Banks, Claudia Brant, Maggie Lindemann, and Blessing Offor delivered soul-stirring performances, providing a fitting conclusion to a day dedicated to the art and craft of songwriting.

ASCAP's 2024 Membership Meeting was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of creativity, advocacy, and the enduring power of music to inspire and connect people across the globe. 

Noneillah/Nonillaah Manager, poet, and designer.