Hello Songwriter,
Wow! This first month zoomed by! I can't believe it's time for our song contest again. The contest open Feb 1 and has the smallest fee among all the contests. Only $20 to enter. It's a small but prestigious contest with chances to win in each category. Check it out here.
The DSA directors met on Jan. 21st to plan this year's events and elect officers. Your new president is Roger Russell. Read his state of the organization address here and see the election results here.
At the 2nd Tuesday meeting our guest speaker will be Barry DeVorzon, an award-winning songwriter and creator of Masterwriter. See details below in #2.
Our other regular DSA monthly events remain the same, 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and 3rd Thursday Open Mic. For details, see #2 and #4 below.
Some of us are heading to Memphis at the end of this month for Folk Alliance. Wanna go?
Renowned blues guitarist, Hash Brown is coming to DSA on March 3rd for a blues songwriting workshop. See the details at #7 below.
QUICK LOOK CALENDAR OF DSA MONTHLY EVENTS - put this in your bookmark.
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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST -
2012 Dallas Songwriters Song Contest kicks off Feb 1st
Now in its 22nd year, The DSA 2011 Song Contest is one of the longest running international song contests for amateur songwriters. Offering over $5,000 in cash and prizes this year, the DSA has EIGHT categories in all. See Contest Rules for eligibility. Accepting Submissions 2/1/2012 through 5/14/2012. Pick your category and enter today!
- Country
- Pop/Rock/RandB/Alternative
- Americana/Folk/Bluegrass
- Christian/Inspirational
- Love Songs/Easy Listening
- Children's/Novelty
- Singer-Songwriter
- Instrumental
Click here for more info about this contest, and for more information about joining DSA (membership not required to enter contest).Click here to view a list of frequently asked questions.
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2001 - 2007 Winners Compilation CDs available at the DSA store
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All winning songs are on a CD Compilation that was given out at the Awards Ceremony. To get any 3 double CD's simply make a quarter note donation to DSA through our online store and send us an email to request which 3 years of Cd's you want us to mail you.
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2. DSA MEETINGS - http://dsameetings.blogspot.com/
2nd Tuesday Meeting, Feb. 14,
Guest Spreaker: Barry Devorzon
Barry has written world class songs for The Eagles, The Carpenters, Marty Robbins, Dorsey Burnett and many others. He has written a number of highly acclaimed musical scores for movies like Xanadu, Mr. Mom, Dillinger, S.W.A.T., Private Benjamin and of course Bless the Beasts and the Children. He is the real deal. Let's all work to get the word out to our membership. He will also show us how to use a great songwriting tool that I use often, that is MasterWriter. He owns the company! So he really knows the product. So, if you use MasterWriter and have a deep burning question or a great feature to be added, he's the man.
Oh, and did I mention that he has a Grammy, 6 Emmys, and was nominated for an academy award?
Future Programs:
MARCH: Ben Taylor, tentative
APRIL: Zane Williams
MAY: Bret Dillion, KHYI DJ tentative
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DSA T-SHIRTS
NEW shirts: $15 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $20
OLD shirts: $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $15
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MONDAY SONG SWAPS for peer critique
Song Swap Workshops
Monthly 7:30-10 PM
Free, Visitors Welcome
Where songwriters perform their songs for peer review. Bring your guitar and a few lyric sheets. This is like an old fashioned guitar pull with comments between songs.
FIRST MONDAY in East Dallas
Half Price Books, 5803 E Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX 75231-6519 (214) 379-8000
Roger Russell, Jame Pappas coordinating.
We'll be in the Community Room at the back left in the building.
THIRD MONDAY in PLANO -
Tino's at Collin Creek Mall- Steve Sullivan, coordinator.
Tinos Mexican Restaurant Collin Creek Mall, Plano, Tx
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3. BEST SONGS of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting
Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year is in the process of being judged for 2012 and will probably be announced in March.
JAN 2012
Drivin' Me Crazy by Michael Brandenberger
To view past winners go to the Best Songs blog. http://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/
To hear the winners go to our myspace page.
Did you know that A and R reps from labels and music publishers are listening to our Myspace page each month?
To hear the winners go to our myspace page.
Did you know that A and R reps from labels and music publishers are listening to our Myspace page each month?
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4. SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS -
OPEN MIC
DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE -
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
SHOWCASE AND OPEN MIC
HOURS 6-9PM 211 San Antonio Street, Mason, TX 76856
Our season opener is on St. Patricks Day and shows will be on the 3rd Thursday of each month starting in March.
Guidelines for our stars @ Texas Songwriters in the Round shows:
* All original set of 45 minutes
* A professional commercially released CD with some airplay and press.
We allow any songwriter to come be part of the TSR in the Round, with one star per month! If you'd like to come out and join in as a rounder I can make sure you have a place for the night! To Showcase contact: Jeri Alice
Other area open mics OPEN MICS
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5. LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked March 3!st WINTER CONTEST or enter online.
2011 FALL WINNERS
Semifinalists
We'll Go Away As Friends by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
Shadows on the Wall by George Puccini, Las Vegas, NV
Body Surfing by Larry Dodge, Dallas, Tx
In A Heartbeat by Dana Young, Anthony, KS
All of You by Jenifer Christmas, Arverne, NY
Don't Play That Song by Dana Young, Anthony, KS
My Momma, (She Really Loved To Dance) by Fremont Ashton,
Englewood, FL
I was Only Trying to Help Her Make Up My Mind by Bill Kapac,
Williamstown, NJ
The Homecoming Dance by Lisa Simmons, Lewisville, Tx
Jesus Rides this Freight Train With Me by Tony McCall, Brisbane,
Australia
Fade by Ryan Eichenwaid, Dallas, Tx
CURRENT WINNERS & PAST WINNERS and LYRICS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE
LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION
Next Lyric Contest Deadline is June 30th, 2010 for Spring Lyric Contest
Entry fee is $10
Please see lyric contest webpage for details.
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6. MEMBER NEWS -
The 2012 Board of Directors elected officers at the 2012 planning meeting on Sat. Jan 21st.
Wanna get involved? Become a committee member. It's fun!
To view a list of the 2012 Officer and Directors and Committees go to this link:
If you are not a DSA Member, you missed these tips sent out through our yahoo group:
* Publisher looking for Childrens songs
* Artists/Producers looking for original material for recording artists
* Major Brand X (To be disclosed at a later time) Seeks Independent artist for music campaign.
* Where to get your cd reviewed
* Music related job listing
* Film Licensing Co. seeking instrumental music
* Cheap and free tickets - Free tickets to selected Winspear Opera House events.
Lyricists are invited to co-write with music writers by submitting your lyric through the member yahoo group.
THANK YOU PATRON SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER, ROGER RUSSELL
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Terry Boss, Matt Boggs, Craig Crafton, Mark Sanders.
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Julie Jean White, James Pappas, Andrew Boyer, Ross Smith, Morri Hartgraves, Robin Hughes, Will Brown, Kathryn Hallberg, Larry Dodge, Nancy Rynders
TIME TO RENEW: The following members owe dues:
YOU HAVE A TWO MONTH GRACE PERIOD TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE MEMBER GROUP
EXPIRED IN DEC: Toni Scott, Michael Brandenberger, Robin Hughes, Jason Winford
EXPIRED IN JAN: Steve Erickson, Alex Flores, Thomas Cavazos, Guy Rourk
PLEASE RENEW THIS MONTH: Lisa Simmons, Jonathan Sargent, Trevor Dahlen, Tamara McGuchen, Wyler Delray, Raquel Sanchez Lomon.
SEE OUR NEW MEMBER NEWS PAGE HERE.
Renew your membership online,
You'll find the link to the store on the panel to the right
Or paste this link in your browser: http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7TE_LIVE&page=Second_Sales_Page
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7. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS ARE SPONSORED BY BMI
(Each month DSA hosts 3 workshops at our monthly meetings on the 1st Monday, 3rd Monday and 2nd Tuesday these are ongoing. see item 2 above.)
Renowned blues guitarist, Hash Brown is coming to DSA on Saturday, March 3rd, 2-5 at Ziggy's in Richardson, Tx for a blues songwriting workshop. The registration fee is only $20 for members. Please Rsvp and register online or by mail.
Want to study songwriting but don't want to get out of your PJ's? Take a class online through a songwriting workshop yahoo group.
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8. EVENTS- Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, and showcases.
2012
FEB
2-3 Nashville Recording Workshop (see DSA events page)
5-12 Songwriter's Performance Workshop (see DSA events page)
11 Valentine Concert at Melody Ranch (see DSA events page)
14 Free Local Music Tours - Dallas Public Library (see DSA events page)
5-12 Songwriter's Performance Workshop (see DSA events page)
11 Valentine Concert at Melody Ranch (see DSA events page)
14 Free Local Music Tours - Dallas Public Library (see DSA events page)
15 54th Grammy Awards, 7PM C, CBS from Staples Center, LA
16-19 Mellennium Music Conference, Harrisburg, PA
22-26 Folk Alliance, Memphis, TN
23 Barbara Cloyd's Songwriting Workshop (see DSA events page)
29 Chick Singer Night at House of Blues
23 Barbara Cloyd's Songwriting Workshop (see DSA events page)
29 Chick Singer Night at House of Blues
MARCH
14 - 18 SXSW Music Fest, Austin, TX
APRIL
6-8 Deep Ellum Fest ( DSA will sponsor the Performing Songwriter Stage)
Go to the events page to view links to local and Texas venues.
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9. Featured Articles:
PREZ SEZ: Tune in to DSA President, Roger Russell's, musings and DSA goings on.
The Evolution of Copyright
By Terry Hart -- The following is an excerpt from Brandew Matthews' article, The Evolution of Copyright, which originally appeared in Political Science Quarterly in December, 1890. It traces the "prehistory" of copyright - from ancient Greek and Roman times to the development of the printing press - and gives one explanation for its development.
By Terry Hart -- The following is an excerpt from Brandew Matthews' article, The Evolution of Copyright, which originally appeared in Political Science Quarterly in December, 1890. It traces the "prehistory" of copyright - from ancient Greek and Roman times to the development of the printing press - and gives one explanation for its development.
One timely press of a button leads to something "totally different" than Harrison's son Dhani had ever heard and Sir George Martin had forgotten about.
The very bluesy "She Smells So Nice" was uncovered from the L.A. Woman sessions.
Singer Johnny Otis Dies at 90
By Piya Sinha-Roy
By Piya Sinha-Roy
Legendary Blues Singer Etta James Dies in Calif.
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Robert Jablon -- James' spirit could not be contained - perhaps that's what made her so magnetic in music; it is surely what made her so dynamic as one of R&B, blues and rock 'n' roll's underrated legends.
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Robert Jablon -- James' spirit could not be contained - perhaps that's what made her so magnetic in music; it is surely what made her so dynamic as one of R&B, blues and rock 'n' roll's underrated legends.
Larry Butler, Grammy-Winning Producer, Dies at 69
By Peter Cooper -- Larry Butler, the only person in Nashville history to win an all-Genre producer of the year Grammy, died of natural causes Friday morning at his home in Pensacola, Fla. He was 69.
By Peter Cooper -- Larry Butler, the only person in Nashville history to win an all-Genre producer of the year Grammy, died of natural causes Friday morning at his home in Pensacola, Fla. He was 69.
VIDEOS
NYC subway, chick with a uke and some serious pipes, and congas equals a sweet jam during rush hour.
VIDEO: Girl, 8, Becomes YouTube Hit After Her Rock Video Goes Viral
By Kesavan Unnikrishnan
By Kesavan Unnikrishnan
VIDEO: PBS Webisode On Music Curation In The Digital Age
By David Padula -- Do you feel as if you're consuming information without discretion? Are you interested in the hyperconnectivity the Internet allows? Are you at all intrigued by the fact that an unknown singer, songwriter or moviemaker can have his work find you from thousands of miles away, regardless of physical distance? Well, PBS' Off Book series took a look at the evolution of music (its business and its art) online, and you'll find it fascinating if you answered 'yes' to any of the questions above.
By David Padula -- Do you feel as if you're consuming information without discretion? Are you interested in the hyperconnectivity the Internet allows? Are you at all intrigued by the fact that an unknown singer, songwriter or moviemaker can have his work find you from thousands of miles away, regardless of physical distance? Well, PBS' Off Book series took a look at the evolution of music (its business and its art) online, and you'll find it fascinating if you answered 'yes' to any of the questions above.
MUSIC BUSINESS - more articles posted on the new blog DSA Music Biz News
G.O.P. Candidates Are Told, Don't Use the Verses,
It's Not Your Song
Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are just the latest Republicans to stop using songs at their rallies after songwriters complained that the campaigns had played the pieces without permission.
The Black Keys' Patrick Carney had some not so pleasant things to say about the Canadian rockers. The glass must be half full in Nickelback's world.
[Great insider interview with the authors of one of the very few books always within reach in my personal music industry reference library ...]
This Week in the Hot Seat with Authors Todd Brabec, and Jeff Brabec
By Larry LeBlanc -- Twins Todd and Jeff Brabec are co-authors of the influential music industry primer, "Music Money And Success: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business" (Schirmer Books), now in its 7th edition.
This Week in the Hot Seat with Authors Todd Brabec, and Jeff Brabec
By Larry LeBlanc -- Twins Todd and Jeff Brabec are co-authors of the influential music industry primer, "Music Money And Success: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business" (Schirmer Books), now in its 7th edition.
How to Book Your Band's Tour, Step-by-Step
By Simon Tam -- Once you've decided that you want to and are able to tour (and you've figured out the why's), it's time to plan the how, when, and where's. This is what I do...
By Simon Tam -- Once you've decided that you want to and are able to tour (and you've figured out the why's), it's time to plan the how, when, and where's. This is what I do...
Bob Paterno's blog Making Music Making Money
CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting
Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary
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10. Song and Talent Contests
See contest details at:
Song, Lyric and Fiddle Contests
• Dallas Songwriters Song Contest kicks off Feb 1 and runs through May 14th.
• B.W. Stevenson Contest deadline in March
• Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest Deadline in April
A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com
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11. Songwriting Resources
Links to websites about songwriting, performance, music industry.
DSA Book Store - reviews, links, lists of recommended reading, and what's in the DSA Library.
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12. Archives of Past Programs and Activities
SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
Did you know??? DSA held two song contests for active military and the Cds of the winning songs, Songs From the Soul of Service Vols. 1 and 2 are available online at:http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7TE_LIVE&page=SSS4
Tribute to our fallen soldiers from DFW at our Podomatic site:
You Know Me Tribute to Fallen
Read the latest story about this years winners
