Paul Williams. Photo: Pat Padua

The future of licensing, by Paul Williams at MIDEM 2015

Composer and songwriter Paul Williams, also President and Chairman of the Board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), will deliver a keynote interview at next year’s Midem in June 2015.

Williams’ global hits as a songwriters include “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “An Old Fashioned Love Song” and “The Rainbow Connection.” Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Jason Mraz, The Carpenters and Kermit the Frog have sung his songs. In 2014, he won an Album of the Year Grammy as a featured artist on two songs he co-wrote on Daft Punk’s album, “Random Access Memories.” Williams has also won Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe awards.

Williams also wrote the score for “Bugsy Malone” and Brian de Palma’s Phantom of the Paradise (famously appearing as the producer Swan) and is a regular actor and public speaker.

Defending copyright

Since being elected head of ASCAP in 2009, he has been a tireless advocate for defending copyright both in the US and worldwide, frequently leading delegations to Washington DC to meet with policymakers and discuss creators’ rights.

During the interview at Midem, Williams will provide his vision on the future of licensing and the value of music today and how such value should be shared tomorrow. There is no lack of critical issues to discuss.

“Since Midem brings together the whole music and digital ecosystem, it is the ideal event to discuss innovative directions for the future of licensing.  The creative contributions of songwriters and composers remain the foundation upon which the entire ecosystem is built.  It is more important than ever that we work together to value music in a way that ensures a bright future for our entire industry,” said Paul Williams.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Williams as keynote interview of Midem 2015. Midem is the natural home for such legendary music creators, especially when they are as well-versed as Paul in the inner workings of the music business,” said Bruno Crolot, Director of Midem.

MIDEM TALKS

The keynote session will be part of Midem Talks, the Midem plenary conference programme covering key topics for today’s music business. The other keynote speaker so far confirmed for Midem 2015 is Danae Ringelmann, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform.

Organised by Reed MIDEM, Midem takes place in Cannes, France, and next year is running from June 5-8 2015. For details visit MIDEM 2015.