Day 2 recap of ASCAP’s 12th annual “I Create Music” EXPO, from the Loews Hotel in Hollywood

Morning panels featured some of the country’s most prominent advocates for music creators discussing the issues that songwriters and composers currently face. Two members of Congress, Rep. Karen Bass of California (D) and Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia (R), came together to discuss the need for music licensing reform with ASCAP President Paul Williams and songwriter Priscilla Renea. Later in the day, Aloe Blacc, Songwriters Hall of Fame member Desmond Child, composer Alex Shapiro and Auddly founder Niclas Molinder discussed the growing concern about proper credit for songwriters and producers on streaming music services, and what music creators can do to make sure their contributions are recognized.

Additional early panels included ‘Women In Film Music,” which featured some of Hollywood’s most prominent female composers discussing the challenges they’ve faced on their way to the top of their field; and Grammy-winning songwriter Darrell Brown’s annual Live Multi-Genre Song Feedback Session, a hit as always. ASCAP also brought together the songwriters, producers and A&R reps behind Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ to dissect the making of the critical and commercial smash.

Afternoon sessions focused on the business side of music creation, with panels like ‘What Publishers Can Do For You,’ ‘Maximizing Digital Revenue’ and ‘Building Your Team.’ These panels featured top tastemakers and execs from across the music industry, including VP of A&R for Warner/Chappell Ryan Press and Head of Urban A&R for Atlantic Records Gary Leon.