2018 ASCAP EXPO

Iconic writer-producer Jermaine Dupri is undeniably one of the most important creators in urban music history. From his groundbreaking early work with Kriss-Kross, Xscape and Da Brat to his smash hit collabs with Mariah Carey (“We Belong Together”), Nelly (“Grillz”), Lil’ Kim (Hard Core) and Monica (“The First Night”), JD has demonstrated his Midas touch again and again. While Dupri’s career is studded with highlights, arguably his most enduring collaboration is Confessions, an emotional powerhouse of an album borne of JD’s close partnership with Usher. Beyond its Grammy-winning, diamond-certified success, Confessions is a master class in turning raw emotions into unforgettable music. It’s unapologetically personal and yet universally relatable to scores of adoring fans. Dupri is here to go deep into the making of this landmark album –– the balance of the upbeat and the contemplative, the stories behind the lyrics, and how he and his collaborators ensured that an album with so many hit singles would cohere so well. If he's gonna tell it, then he's gotta tell it all!

They just don’t make ‘em like Ne-Yo anymore. This jack-of-all-trades singer, producer, dancer and actor first made waves as a songwriter, penning hits for Mario (“Let Me Love You”), Beyoncé (“Irreplaceable”), Rihanna (“Take a Bow”) and many more. He then brought his silken voice and songwriting skills to a string of six top 10 solo albums, which yielded worldwide hits like “So Sick,” “Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” “Beautiful Monster,” “Let Me Love You” and “Time of Our Lives.” Over the years Ne-Yo has branched out from his R&B roots to embrace pop, dance, hip-hop and even country - but he has never compromised his sky-high quality standards. In this illuminating panel, Ne-Yo will walk you through the creative process behind some of his biggest songs. Find out how one of the music world’s most gentlemanly talents does it all.

What do you get when a Go-Go queen and an alt-rock princess dive headlong into the weird world of alternative musical theatre? You get one of the most fascinating creative partnerships in recent memory. Charlotte Caffey is best known as the guitarist for The Go-Go’s, and the writer/co-writer of many of their most enduring hits (“We Got the Beat,” “Head Over Heels,” “Vacation”). Anna Waronker fronted the beloved rock band That Dog in the ‘90s, before turning to film and TV scoring. While the two have collaborated on everything from the Clueless TV series to family dinners (they’re sisters-in-law), they’ve spent the last decade creating acclaimed theatre pieces like Lovelace: A Rock Opera (about the infamous porn star Linda Lovelace), Hit the Wall (about the Stonewall rebellion) and The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe: Revisited. Caffey and Waronker will discuss their long and varied histories, their creative process and the joys of forging ahead into the musical unknown. Leading the conversation is music icon Peter Asher, who has produced James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Diamond, Diana Ross and too many more to count.

Songwriting and production duo The Futuristics met while interning at Atlantic Records in 2010. Since their formation, Joe Khajadourian and Alex Schwartz have been crushing the charts and are here to discuss their methods and various recipes for success. These industry pros have worked with MGK, Camila Cabello, G-Eazy, Selena Gomez and more, so you know they'll have a ton of real insight into what it really takes to make it in the competitive world of contemporary pop. Partnership and collaboration can be CRUCIAL to your career in creation – hear straight from a stellar partnership what collaboration means to them, and how it can elevate your craft and process. A hit song may be in your future!

In this unique master session, Grammy-winning artist, songwriter and producer Dan Wilson will focus on the creative process, inspiration and songwriting. Dan will discuss his insights, expanding on the songwriting and life advice clips he shares frequently via Instagram in his popular series #WordsAndMusicInSixSeconds. (A taste of Dan's wisdom: "What are the ground rules for collaboration? Bring compassion to a writing session. Teach yourself to finish. Don't 'save' your ideas.") Wilson will also perform and tell the stories behind some of the modern day classics he’s penned, both on his own and with collaborators. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most prolific and inspiring hitmakers in music!