BMI WORKS FOR ME

As a BMI-registered songwriter, I take exception to the stance taken by the operators of Acoustic Coffee, and also to their ignorance of performance rights issues (see "Acoustic Coffee Fights Back," April 29, by Sara Donnelly). BMI and ASCAP pay royalties to all songwriters who receive a certain amount of "airplay," not just famous ones (although admittedly, the famous ones get much bigger checks), and every little bit counts. Their intent of requiring future performers at their venue to utilize "original material only" does not take into account the fact that those performers may already be registered with BMI or ASCAP. Also, their claims that they are "just a little coffee shop" doesn’t hold water in light of how crowded their establishment was when Kaki King performed there (who I’m sure is registered with either BMI or ASCAP.)

The first check I ever received from BMI was a glowing affirmation that all my hard work as a songwriter was worthwhile, regardless of how miniscule the actual amount of money was. That money came from the license fees paid by radio stations, venues, etc., and not just ones where my music was performed or broadcast. Like I said, every little bit counts. If more venues owned up to their responsibility and were not content to operate "under the radar," then that little bit would be a little bit bigger.

John Graveside

BMI-registered songwriter

Portland

NUMBER 11

"Professional Drinkers" is the best song about drinking to ever come out of Portland (see "The Drunken Shuffle," May 6, by Sam Pfeifle) and I’m ashamed that you didn’t think of that.

heart,

Andrew Extendo-Ride

Portland