On the Rocks

This year's event was cosponsored by ASCAP, the giant music licensing society (think royalties), and a major feature was the expansion of Miami Rocks to include the East Coast Music Forum, a nine-panel discussion on various topics of interest to bands, musicians, singers, songwriters, and composers. Legendary producer Tom Dowd (a major force at the Layla sessions, among others) gave the keynote address and was an unfailingly polite and accessible presence at the showcases.

Many bands used the seminars to pass their tapes on to talent scouts and producers, while others attended for the pure entertainment/informational value. During the Saturday panel featuring major-label A&R people, one local singer voiced concern that he had trouble putting together a good band, but had great songs that he really wanted to get heard. One of the A&R reps responded, "Well, here we are. Give us your best shot." The kid, nonplussed by the sudden spotlight thrust upon him, hesitated for a moment, but then sang his heart out. Now that's entertainment. Of course, not all seminars offered such drama, but they were, by all accounts, well-received. Perhaps the best piece of advice was offered by veteran songwriter Wes Farrell ("Hang On Sloopy") who said, "There are no rules, but there is one common denominator - radio is money." I hope FOC didn't hear him.