Time to Shine(r)

Shiner Beer announces star-studded songwriting contest ahead of SXSW

Is this your time to Shine(r)?

Calling all Texas songwriters: Maybe you're a budding musician looking for that big break. Or maybe you always had the dream, but chose a more traditional career. Either way, this upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) could be the golden ticket you've been waiting for to get your song in front of some big-name industry experts.

The festival has long been known to catapult artists to fame, but a special SXSW-adjacent contest is giving one songwriter the chance to have their work reviewed by Martine McBride, Paul Worley, and Wendy Moten (Season 21 runner-up from The Voice). Hosted by VEVA Collect and Shiner Beer, the Shiner Song Contest will grant one grand prize winner $1,000 cash, as well as direct feedback from these industry experts.

Other prizes include a signed item from Martina McBride and Wendy Moten, a two-day recording session with Blackbird Academy valued at $900, a full-year subscription to Inside Blackbird, a full-year subscription to VEVA Collect’s Pro Unlimited Account, a Shiner branded acoustic guitar, and YETI gear.

The contest is open to all songwriters, with entries accepted from February 15, 2023, to March 31, 2023, and interested participants can head to Vevacollect.com for entry guidelines and rules. Ten randomly-selected runners up will receive a full-year subscription to VEVA Collect's Pro Unlimited Account valued at $600 and a full-year subscription to Inside Blackbird, along with written feedback from a panel of experts.

"We're thrilled to launch this challenge and give songwriters the opportunity to showcase their talent and have their work heard by industry legends," said Deborah Fairchild, President for VEVA Sound, in a release. "Martina McBride's music has inspired generations of musicians, and we're excited to see the creativity and passion that will come from this contest."

Fairchild is also partnering with McBride and Moten for a special SXSW panel taking place on March 15 from 4-5 pm CST at the Austin Convention Center, Room 17AB. They will be joined by Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment, for a discussion focusing on “Fostering Diversity & Equity in the Music Industry” at the upcoming SXSW Conference & Festival. The panelists will share their stories of triumph and ways they have overcome adversity to sustain and thrive in their careers in the music industry.

"We're excited to bring this important discussion to the forefront at SXSW," said Fairchild in the release. "Women are underrepresented in the music industry, and it's time for us to address this issue and work towards creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry for all."

VEVA Sound is a leading music tech company providing a platform for artists, songwriters, and producers to collaborate, share, and distribute their work. In addition to the contest and the panel, VEVA's SXSW presence will include a special partnership with SoundExchange for the SXSW Artist Village from March 13 to 17; a panel discussion with The Ivors and Credits Due at the British Embassy, entitled "Building Global Recognition of Songwriters – Why The Ivors matter" (10:30 am on Thursday, March 16, at the British Music Embassy); and a sponsored showcase in partnership with legendary record label Kill Rock Stars taking place at Cheer Up Charlie's taking place on Friday, March 18, beginning at 8 pm.

To learn more about VEVA, visit vevasound.com.

shiner beer songwriting contest martina mcbride sxsw

high-flying luxury

American Express to triple size of members-only Houston airport lounge

American Express Centurion Lounge IAH rendering

Courtesy of American Express

A rendering previews the new bar coming to IAH's Centurion Lounge.

American Express is dramatically expanding its Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). When the work is completed in 2028, the lounge will nearly triple in size to more than 23,000 square feet.

More room means more amenities, including the addition of Blue Roast by American Express Co]ee and Wellness Bar, a new dining area serving dishes inspired by Houston and the Gulf Coast, and a second full-service bar with craft cocktails and wines by-the-glass.

Other improvements include refreshed restrooms and shower suites. An array of seating areas will cater of different kinds of travelers, whether they want to work or socialize before takeoff. The lounge’s design will take inspiration from “the surrounding landscape and coastal influence,” according to press materials.

American Express opened the Centurion Lounge in IAH’s Terminal D in 2016. It’s an amenity for the card’s platinum and black (Centurion) card holders.

"Houston is a global gateway, and we're committed to delivering a world-class airport experience that reflects the energy and diversity of our city," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, said in a statement. "The expansion of The Centurion Lounge at IAH Terminal D is an important investment in the traveler experience, and we're proud to continue our partnership with American Express to welcome eligible CardMembers into this new and modern space."

Along with the announcement about expanding Houston’s lounge, American Express also announced plans to expands its presence at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), expand and renovate its lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and add a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

“Since opening our first Centurion Lounge more than a decade ago, we continue to find ways to meet the growing demand for our premium airport lounge experiences," said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel. “As the Centurion Lounge Network grows, we’re investing in the lounges our Card Members already know and love while continuing to open new spaces. We can’t wait for Card Members to experience what’s next in Philadelphia, Houston, and London.”