Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Songwriters wishing to enter this year’s International Songwriting Competition only have until September 15 to send in their compositions.
Professional and amateur bands, solo artists and songwriters from all over the world are eligible to win in any of the 13 categories: Jazz, Blues, Pop/Top 40, Rock, Country, Roots/Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, World, Gospel/Christian, Dance/Electronica, Lyrics Only and a special Teen category for songwriters 18 years old and younger.
The ISC offers over $100,000 in prizes and the chance to get your music heard by high-profile judges from the music industry including B.B. King, Pat Metheny, Bruce Lundvall, Guru and *NSYNC. Submissions are judged on the basis of creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and composition.
Promoting excellence in the field of songwriting, the ISC is, according to the New York Times, “thesongwriting competition to take note of.”
For more information, go to www.songwritingcompetition.com
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
