Chris Daughtry, Chino & Nacho, and Justine Skye celebrate and perform at the BMI NYC Offices
Just in case you were wondering, in the music world, BMI does not stand for Body Mass Index.
It’s a joke Michael O’Neil, President and CEO of BMI, made during his introductory speech on Tuesday evening, and one he knew would be asked: “No, you’re not down here to do a body mass index reading.”
BMI, or Broadcast Music Incorporated, supports songwriters through workshops, representation, licensing, workshops, and even speed dating for songwriters. As Mike puts it, “Great music drives our business.”
Great music was also on display on Tuesday April 12th as BMI celebrated songwriting through with an evening of performances by Justine Skye, Chino & Nacho, and Chris Daughtry. Amongst BMI executives, representatives from all of their regions, and a small gathering of guests, these artists gave an intimate performance, as well as their gratitude, for the BMI community.
In some ways, the shows were even more intimate than an open mic. And it may be the first time these artists ever played in the entry of an office space. Rather than playing and having the energy of a large crowd, they relied on their own raw talent and skills to make their performances shine. In this case, in lieu of the lights and spectacle, they were playing directly in front of their biggest supports and a BMI family.
That BMI family was treated to a trio of performances by a hand selected crew. “Millennium fashionista” Justine Skye started the evening’s show. Hot off the heels of signing a contract with Roc Nation, Justine shared two tunes including her single “I’m Yours.” The cell phones were out in full force, ready to film, tweet, text, and ‘gram.
Next, Chino & Nacho brought their Latin spice and good charm to the improvised stage. When a duo puts everything on display, all of their emotion (and a pair of sweet sunglasses), even for an audience this small, you know they are bonafide stars.
Chris Daughtry, former American Idol performer and the force behind the hit “Home,” was the last and final performer. And we didn’t just see Chris Daughtry: we had the opportunity to learn more about his process and his performance style. He explained where his hits came from, such the “wrong tuning” before opening for Bon Jovi that led to a Goo Goo Dolls- esque song. He also shared his hesitancy about a greatest hits album, stating, “That makes me feel old. I thought only the Eagles put out greatest hit.” As Chris performed, his eyes closed, his veins popping, the audience felt like they were seeing what made him a star: the energy, the emotion, the dedication, and the grit.
As the evening ended, one guest hoped that “all nights be this good.”
Put three distinctive songwriters together, add a few cocktails, and the hint of spring, and it sounds like BMI will always have a hit on their hands.
Photo Credit: Melissa Dispenza, BMI
