Alonzo Robinson, senior director of black music for ASCAP (West Coast office) loves his job — and it shows. During the ASCAP songwriters’ panel, which took place in L.A. over the Grammy Awards weekend, Robinson was all smiles as he maneuvered around the room, and networked with burgeoning songwriters and established talent. After 19 years with ASCAP, it’s all second nature for him.
“I love the people and the networking process,” he says, adding that his job is to sign songwriters and help them get established in the maze-like music industry. “I create different avenues to help them get their music out to the public.”
ASCAP’s star-studded roster includes successful writers and producers like Johnta Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Lenny Kravitz and Tricky Stewart. The association of over 320,000 composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers has built a brand that musicians trust. Robinson is happy to be part of that legacy, even though it keeps him extremely busy.
“My daily responsibilities include meeting with new songwriters, going to the studio and returning phone calls from people looking for an advance,” says Robinson, who got his start with ASCAP as an intern. “It’s challenging — trying to please everyone and I’m only one person. I get between 250 to 300 phone calls per week.” Robinson says that people looking to break into his field should start with the basics — like an internship.
“Internships are still the best way to break into this field,” he says, adding that it’s also important to remain committed to both yourself and your work. “I think you have to know the business from the ground up.” -jh
