"The worst get-rich-quick scheme in the universe" - #MusicBusiness

Songwriter Profile: Mama BLegacy Work

With over 20 years as an artist and music executive, Jacq Becker—under her moniker Mama B—is releasing a second children’s album, following the success of 2021’s collaboration, Zoology (which amassed 50+ million digital and 14+ million YouTube streams). Having performed as a pop artist at Los Angeles’ Hotel Café, The Mint, Harvelle’s, Room 5, etc., and shows in Sweden, Nashville, and the Caribbean, Becker has placements in major TV and film (including Top 5, Pretty Little Liars and Seven Days in Utopia), and leads prominent songwriter and publishing teams, helping artists develop their creative vision and monetize their work. 

First studying classical music before switching to jazz, then pop, Becker holds a deep love of lyrics and melody, emphasizing her affinity for ‘’timeless songs and energy,” and was drawn to Norah Jones and the idea of audiences sitting quietly and truly listening. First writing as a teen, her focus expanded to business in her 20’s, and she is passionate about helping women improve their music business and publishing education, and exploring options. Says Becker, “I get the pleasure of helping expand their business and shining light on songwriters and producers. I feel very lucky to be doing it.” To have a sustainable career in music, Becker advises a focus on learning about publishing, rights management, monetization, and exploring the organizations that manage it all.

Leading with melody, then tone of voice and production, Becker says that what resonates most in music for her is the collaboration, emphasizing the dramatic difference between the sound that comes out of a collaborative project versus the energy felt from constant ‘session-churning.’ “You can hear that trust in each other,” she says. “I listen for musicianship of the whole song (not just melody and lyrics) [and] how it came together.” In repeat collaborations, she says, “I trust their instincts. It’s [about] bringing the right people together with different skill sets that meld together.” See differences as an enhancement, not a threat, and when entering first-time collaborations, Becker says to be as prepared as possible by bringing a few concepts or lyrical ideas.

Struggling to find children’s music she could listen to when she became a mom, Becker felt she could add something and, inspired by the musings of her children and their friends, worked to make music from their perspective while adding contemporary production. Says Becker, “We’re trying to take everything we know about song composition and structure and not do anything different because it’s for kids and families. Why would the formula change?”

Starting organically with guitar and piano melodies, using live instruments and no corner-cutting, Becker wanted to deliver purpose and meaning. Taking two years to complete, some sessions had starting points (“Princess In A Castle” was a request of her son’s classmate), or incorporated elements she heard her children jamming out to (Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut” inspired “Puffer Fish”). Finding a lightness and joy that was missing in the pursuit of pop affirmation, children’s music reignited her songwriting passion. “There were no restrictions on creativity. The fact that we took so much time with it speaks to the integrity of the project,” says Becker. “Everything about it was pure, honest, and no pressure, which is a good place to be when you're releasing music.” 

Imaginology feels like Reading Rainbow-meets-The Spice Girls: fun, catchy, and equal parts soothing and enjoyable for all ages. Set for release on Mother’s Day.

Contact Jon Bleicher, Prospect PR - jon@prospectpr.com; 

Experience Mama B at instagram.com/mamabsongs

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Washington D.C. Copyright Society to Host 'Labor Unions and Creators' Panel with AFM, SAG-AFTRA, WGA, moreJoin the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the COPYRIGHT SOCIETY for an evening hybrid program discussing how labor unions represent creators. 

When: May 6, 2024 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Where: The George Washington Law School and Virtual

Panel One, 6 to 7 pm: will include three unions that represent creators — SAG-AFTRA, WGA East, AFM. The unions protect creators in many ways, from collective bargaining to lobbying and more, and this panel will discuss what the union does and the various ways that unions protect creators. The panel will include discussion about some of the lesser-known protections that these unions provide to creators that creator representatives should know. SAG-AFTRA and the AFM have established funds that distribute both collectively bargained and copyright revenue streams to creators.

Duncan Crabtree Ireland, SAG-AFTRA

Tino Gagliardi, AFM

Ann Burdick, WGA East

Dan Navarro, singer-songwriter, performer

Moderator: Ann Chaitovitz, Professor GWU

Panel Two, 7:10 to 8 pm: will include two of these funds — The AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund and the AFM Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund. The panel will explain the Funds, what they do and the different income streams that they distribute. Both panels will include a creator to provide insight from a creator’s perspective.

Roxanne Castillo, FMSMF

Stefanie Taub, The AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund

Dan Navarro, singer-songwriter, performer

Moderator: Ann Chaitovitz, Professor GWU

A small networking reception will be held after the second panel.

Please note, no MCLE credit will be offered for this program.

Agenda

5/06

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT

In Person Check-In

5/06

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT

Panel One

Panel One will include three unions that represent creators — SAG-AFTRA, WGA East, AFM. The unions protect creators in many ways, from collective bargaining to lobbying and more, and this panel will discuss what the union does and the various ways that unions protect creators. The panel will include discussion about some of the lesser-known protections that these unions provide to creators that creator representatives should know. SAG-AFTRA and the AFM have established funds that distribute both collectively bargained and copyright revenue streams to creators.

SPEAKERS:

Duncan Crabtree Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator

Tino Gagliardi, AFM Executive Officer,

Ann Burdick, WGA East General Counsel

MODERATOR:

Dan Navarro, singer-songwriter, performer

5/06

7:10 pm - 8:10 pm EDT

Panel Two

This second panel will include two of these funds — The AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund and the AFM Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund. The panel will explain the Funds, what they do and the different income streams that they distribute. Both panels will include a creator to provide insight from a creator’s perspective.

SPEAKERS:

Roxanne Castillo, Film Musicians Secondary Market Fund General Counsel

Stefanie Taub, CEO of the The AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund

MODERATOR:

Dan Navarro, singer-songwriter, performer

5/06

8:10 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

In Person Reception and Networking

Please join after the presentations for some light refreshments and networking.

More info at copyrightsociety.org

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