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.
![LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 14: (L-R) Singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, songwriter/producer Desmond Child, composer Alex Shapiro, LaPolt Law, P.C. Owner Dina LaPolt, and songwriter-producer Niclas Molinder at 'Getting Credit Where Credit is Due' during the 2017 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO on April 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for ASCAP)](https://thehollywood360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AloeBlaccDesmondChildAlexShapiroDinaLaPoltNiclasMolinderCreditWhereCreditIsDuePhotoByMauryPhillips.jpg)
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.
![LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 14: BMG Music Publisher Jennifer Goicoechea (L) and Atlantic Records Urban A&R Gary Leon speak onstage at 'Building Your Team' during the 2017 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO on April 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)](https://thehollywood360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/JenniferGoicoecheaGaryLeonBuildingYourTeamPhotoByLesterCohen.jpg)
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.
![LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 14: Nixon Peabody LLP Attorney Carron Mitchell speaks onstage at 'Building Your Team' during the 2017 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO on April 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)](https://thehollywood360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/CarronMitchellBuildingYourTeamPhotoByLesterCohen.jpg)
The EXPO Factor attendee showcase kicked off Day 2’s round of evening performances. During the event, up-and-coming musicians got the opportunity to play heir original work for a panel of artist managers and A&R execs. The day wrapped up with the Writers Jam, featuring performances from songwriters Dave Bassett (Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” & Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s”), Lindy Robbins (Jason Derulo, David Guetta) and more.
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