Friday, June 6, 2008

Dallas Songwriters Email Newsletter #84 JUNE 2008

There is still room in Pat Pattison workshop this week end:item 7
Hi,
I just wanted to say I attended the Songwriting Seminar at the Wildflower
Festival with Pat Pattison, Kathy Mattea and Jon Vezner, and it was
absolutely fabulous! Pat has great tools to teach, great literature to pas
on, and I think anyone who attends this class will be delighted with
actual results and improvement in their songwriting skills.
I wish I could go but I have a prior engagement. But I strongly suggest as
many people go as can. You WON'T regret it!!
Vicky Williams
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello DSA members,
Have you ever been stuck on a good idea you just can't finish? Or have you
ever written a song that you thought could be better? Pat's class will
focus on re-writing techniques. And, I believe he will use examples from
the students in the class (correct me if I'm wrong Barb, Jose). You will
not find a more intimate, small-classroom, workshop for such a low price!
I attended a Nashville Songwriters Song Camp last year and Pat was one of
the best instructors there. I think that Pat Pattison is an awesome
songwriting teacher and you will learn more about songwriting than you
thought possible after two days in his class.
Two days for $125 ($100 for Members) is a SUPER AWESOME BARGAIN
that you should not pass up.
This is an EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY to improve your songwriting skills.
Sign up today!!!
Best regards,
Bob Paterno
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am new to songwriting, and rather than planning to make it a career, I'm
honing the craft as a form of therapy for myself to delve into how I think
and feel and to learn to express these ideas artistically.
I attended Mr. Pattison's prosody workshop in Austin last weekend, and it
was ... I'm at a loss for words ... "awesome" is a good start, but only a
start. He is brilliant and funny.

Karon High
---------------------------------------------------------------------
See a review from Australia in Item 7


Dallas Songwriters Email Newsletter #84 JUNE 2008

In this Message:

1. Song Contest _ Opens Aug 1
2. Songs From Soul of Service - judging in progress
3. DSA Meetings -

Every 1st Monday - Songwriting Song Swap Workshop -, May 5, June 2

Every 2nd Tuesday - Monthly Guest Speaker, Song & Lyric Critiques

4. DSA Showcases & Open Mics

Every 1st Saturday @ Varsity Club, Plano- June 7

Every 3rd Thursday @ Dunn Brothers Coffee House, Addison- June 19

Songwriter Spotlight Airs on Dallas Cable

5. Lyric Contest – Spring Contest deadline, June 10th
6. Member News: Election results, need to renew
7. Workshops - Pat Pattison, June 7& 8
8. Feature Articles -
9. Trade Shows & Events- Summer NAMM
10. Contests -
11. Monthly Opportunities- Members only pitch & special discounts
12. DSA on MySpace.com
13. Yahoo Groups & Newsletter -
14. Best Songs of the Meeting-
15. Area Performances - Open Mics – News -
16. Volunteer and Donation Opportunities




1. 2008 DSA SONG CONTEST OPENS AUG 1- OCT 31
2007 WINNERS
Grand Prize Winner of Epiphone Guitar


The Morning You song clip Andy Taylor, Marietta, GA


Hank Woji of Houston, Tx won the drawing for the IPOD

Thank You, Roy and Broadjam for all your support!!
See critiques of the top 9 songs by Grand Prize Judge Roy Elkins
All winning songs are included on a compilation CD

Click Here To order CD ONLINE

Then click on Browse button on the left side on the page

When the next page comes up, scroll down to pick your product

See details on the DSA website

http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm




THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Gibson Guitars

Broadjam

Sonicbids
Nancy Rynders

Texas Music Group

Santa Fe Design

Mike McClain 972-271-3906

Crystal Clear Sound http://www.crystalclearsound.com/

Dallas Guitar Show http://www.guitarshow.com

Around Townes Productions 214 674-0054

http://www.camaudio.com WM Sales/Cam Audio http://wmsales.com

Patrick McGuire Recording http://www.pmrec.com/

Jaelius Music

Mary Dawson www.CQKmusic.com

River Sounds Recording Resort

SongU.com

Genell Kelso
Jerry Camp, Texas Theater, Waxahachie, http://www.hatcreekrecords.com/
Bar-b Music Marketing Consultants - http://www.texasmusicgroup.com/barb

******


Get the 2002-2006CD compilation with a donation to DSA.



To get YOUR copy of the CD (while they last), you can make a donation to
DSA through our online store.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO DSA

http://store.kagi.com/?7TE_LIVE〈=en

Quarternote Donation

Donate $ 25 to DSA, receive the 2006 Song Contest CD Compilation

Halfnote Donation

Donate $ 50 to DSA, receive the 2006 & 2005 Song Contest CD Compilation
and a DSA T-shirt

Dottednote Donation

Donate $ 75 to DSA, receive the 2006 - 2004 Song Contest CD Compilation
and a DSA T-shirt

Wholenote Donation

Donate $100 to DSA, receive the 2006 - 2002 Song Contest CD Compilation &
DSA T-shirt

OR send your donation by mail to:

DSA c/o Sammons Center For The Arts

3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20

Dallas, TX 75219


2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org

CONTEST CLOSED , Gone to judges - see website for details


Now in its second year, the Songs >From The Soul Of Service song contest
is open exclusively to active duty members of the US Military as well as
those currently inactive due to injury or disability suffered after the
start of the war in Afghanistan. Participants may also submit songs on
behalf an immediate family member. There are eight categories ranging
from Country to Hip Hop, with a special category for participants
currently serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Entries are accepted by
mail or can be submitted on-line at www.songssoulservice.org



As with the first Songs From The Soul Of Service contest, the winning
songs will be compiled on a professionally produced CD.


BUY 2006 Winners CD TODAY - A handsome product that we are very
proud of . DSA appreciates the work of the SSS committee and
especially Ross Vick, Jose Volante and Annie Cornelius for the
hours of dedication to this project. DSA also owes a big "thank
you" for conceiving and directing this entire project which
seemed the impossible dream at the beginning. Get your CD with a
donation either online at
http://www.songssoulservice.org
or by mail please send a donation (includes tax and shipping and
handling) to:
Songs >From the Soul of Service CD
Dallas Songwriters Association
3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Bx 20
Dallas, Tx 75219

Give a Soulnote Donation of $15 a get a CD
Give a Dotted Soulnote Donation of $30 and get a CD & a t-shirt



DSA is a proud member of the America Supports You team.



Thanks to our partners, sponsors, and supporters

Broadjam www.broadjam.com

Gaylord Texan www.gaylordtexan.com

Nancy Rynders

Compass Bank www.compassweb.com

Southwest Airlines www.southwestair.com

Walmart http://www.walmart.com
Roland http://www.rolandus.com

Yorktown Digital Works http://www.yorktowndigital.com/

Aaron Kelly, Aaron Sounds
Ross Vick, TrueHeart.com
Gary Eckert, The Access Group
John Adams, CongruentMusic.com
Mo HI Sounds LLC

Texas Music Group http://www.texasmusicgroup.com

Performing Songwriter Magazine http://www.performingsongwriter.com

Jazziz Magazine http://jazziz.com

The Navy League of the US, Dallas Council http://navyleaguedallas.org

Department of Texas VFW
Almost Famous Productions http://www.dvdscrapbooks.com
http://www.almost-famous.net

Ramzi Masri, student, Dale Jackson Career Center, logo design
http://djcc.lisd.net

America Supports You http://www.americasupportsyou.mil

Vick Family Foundation

3. DSA MEETINGS

MONTHLY MEETING - http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm

DSA Monthly Guest Speaker & Song Critiques - Every Second Tuesday, except
Aug.

At the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak (Oak Corner), Dallas

The next meeting is Tuesday, June 10th
How Songwriters & Performers Can Give Their Best Interview

Guest Speaker- Bobbie Wygant
Radio and TV Emmy winner Bobbie Wygant will also talk about the most
memorable people she has ever interviewed.

Bobbie has interviewed celebrities like Bob Hope (her favorite), Bette
Davis, Tom Cruise, Sally Field, John Travolta, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks,
John Wayne, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Johnny Carson, George Clooney,
Jim Carrey, Bruce Willis and many others.

Bobby Wygant was the first broadcaster in Texas and is only the 16th in
the U.S. to be inducted into the prestigious Gold Circle of the National
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, saluting her for more than 50
years of achievement in broadcasting.

6:30 PM – Sign In/ NETWORKING

7:00 PM – Announcements

7:30 PM – Elections
8:00 PM – SONG CRITIQUES - Members only - $5 Per Critique (1 song per
member, please)... Bring CD (bring one song on a CD) or cassette and 30
lyric sheets so that each person will be able to follow the lyric as the
song plays. Songs should be the FIRST track on the CD or Tape. Those
without lyric sheets may be bumped.


Mail In your Critiques now for the next meeting
Members may mail in to our PO Box a Cd to be critiqued at the meetings for
a fee of $20. Your critique will be recorded and sent to you as an MP3
file. This offers members who are unable to attend the meeting the benefit
from the critique program and a chance to compete for the Songwriter of
the Year Award. Here's a comment from Morri Hartgraves about the program,
"Thank you for putting the time and effort into MIC. The program is
really benefitting me as a songwriter. Sherrie and Blake's comments were
appreciated."



ZINE SWAP

DSA is offering a place to swap magazines at the monthly meeting.
Instead of throwing out your music magazines, bring them to the
meeting to share with other members. We will provide a space at the
sign in tables for the Zine Swap. For more information call 214
750-0916 or visit the DSA website.



DSA LIBRARY

Songwriting /Music related books are available for checking out by DSA
members at the meetings. Donations to our library are accepted.

-----------------------------------
Planned 2008 Speakers

June - Bobby Wygant -
July - Steve Weisberg from John Denver Band

Have any suggestions? What kind of programs would you like?
-------------------------------------------

In case you missed it:
Mike Dawson has posted the video of his presentation at a recent DSA
meeting on my Blog:

http://dawsonsnewrage.blogspot.com/2007/11/dawson-is-keynote-
speaker at-dallas.html

DSA T-SHIRTS $12 at the meeting or online by mail (+$3 shipping)

Songwriting, Song Swap Workshop – FIRST MONDAY – June 2, July 7th



White Rock Coffee in East Dallas. http://www.wrcoffee.com/

10105 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, TX 75238 214-341-4774
Lead by Annie Benjamin 214 213-0029

Sometimes we meet upstairs, sometimes downstairs. There is usually
about eight of us from about 7 pm til 9 and sometimes as late as
11:00. Sometimes there is new staff so he may not be sure of who/or
what the DSA is. So LOOK AROUND. however, the folks who work there
are well aware of us-


4. DSA SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS

SHOWCASES


CROSSROADS SHOWCASE - Sat. June 7 -Features No Contact Band, July 5-
Patriot Show

VARSITY CLUB RESTAURANT & BAR EVERY 1ST SATURDAY
7:00pm to 10:00pm

north west corner of Coit & Spring Creek in Plano

6205 Coit Rd # 148, Plano, 75024 - (972) 758-5300

To perform please call prior to get a spot: Steve Sullivan
sullarch@verizon.net
A joint effort of DSA and HOOT (Harmonica Organization of Texas)
Come early to eat!

Here are the links to the last May 3 "Crossroads Showcase" singers. We had
a great show with a packed house of about 80-90 people coming out for the
night with every table filled and standing room only at times. 1)
Reagan Redfern
a. http://youtube.com/watch?v=ROqM17R_3Lk 2) Josh Goldberg &
Tiger Darrow
a. http://youtube.com/watch?v=dmoT4PfKlW0 3) Mike Dawson Trio
a. http://youtube.com/watch?v=ruHDXV_gwEo 4) Mark Evans Trio
a. http://youtube.com/watch?v=yqCR5dq8tRE
b. http://youtube.com/watch?v=DTySS1_IYrQ 5) Ryan Michael
Galloway
a. http://youtube.com/watch?v=yzB_bUes8gI 6) Willy Ames
a. http://youtube.com/watch?v=P33SdYeCJpk


Plano Television Network (PTN) came out to our Dec. 1st show and filmed
the show for editing and putting on their weekly current events in Plano
show called “Plano Wired”. It’s a 30 minute show in news anchor style in
which they feature one of our singers from the show. Here’s the link:
http://media.swagit.com/s/planotx/Plano_Wired/01062008-6.high.
flash8.html



OPEN MICS


DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Thurs. June 19, July 17
OPEN MIC EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

3725 Belt Line Road Addison, Texas 75001 Phone: 972-406-9711

Please direct all inquiries to: Craig St. Clair 972 307-8116
txstclair@comcast.net


TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND 2nd friday -
June 13, 7-11 - Badu House - Llano David Sally Slaughter featured

Please direct all inquiries to: Jeri Arsernault 512 217 4596
sing@enchantedrock.com


Get out to play or just listen. Please let her know if you're comnig to play.


SONGWRITER SPOTLIGHT - Your Chance To Be On TV
DSA Member Genell Kelso is producing a new cable show (for Dallas
Cable Channel), Songwriter Spotlight, presented by Dallas
Songwriters Association. DSA is reviving the series thanks to
Genell's efforts. Appearance on this show is a member's benefit.
DSA Songwriters Spotlight, Episode 2 is currently airing. In the City
of Dallas, it will be shown on Dallas iMedia Network - Time-Warner Cable
Channel 27A.

[Or you can watch the streaming online video at that "real time" " – (not
available "on demand" – sorry.] On your PC, go to
http://www.dallasimedia.net In the left column, under Watch Dallas
i.Media Now, Channel 95 / 27, click View. (Be sure your volume is on.)

This half-hour episode - filmed in black-and-white at DSA’s Meet and Greet
Fri.Nov.2, 2007, and subtitled Retro Roadhouse - includes performances by
Mary Guthrie, Scott Michael Nelles, Craig St.Clair, Allen Larson, Dan
Chandler, and Steve Sullivan. Good stuff!

This episode will continue running – the schedule is posted weekly
Thursday-to-Thursday. To find the new index, go online to
http://www.dallasimedia.net/newindex.html In the right column, click
on the 12th item, Find a Program – then scroll down alphabetical listings
to "Songwriters Spotlight." (It’ll probably be listed for 5-7 showings
per week.)


SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS - TBA


Dallas Songwriters' series of showcases aimed at reaching out to the
senior community. Let me know if you are planning to come and perform.

The public is invited to share this special one hour program of original
songs by Dallas Songwriters.


Our goal is to honor the dignity, worth and contribution of the senior
community by treating those we serve with respect and compassion, at all
times being responsive to their needs and dedicated to their well being.
We serve together through cooperation, communication, and character to
achieve the highest and the best in ourselves and for our organization.
Through the successful pursuit of our mission, we hope to renew hope and
joy to those with whom we share our songs. Contact Barbara McMillen at
barbe@texasmusicgroup.com for more information.

5. LYRIC CONTEST - http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest

Winter 2008 Contest Winners

1st - Forty Miles From Dallas by George Pucini, Las Vegas, NV
2nd - I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here by Mike Parrish, LaGrange, GA
3rd - With A Smile And A Lie by Kennan Zishka, Austin, TX
HM - Livin' My Life On The Radio by George Pucini, Las Vegas, NV

See website for lyrics and judges comments


Next Lyric Contest Deadline - June 10th, 2008 for Spring Lyric Contest

Bring your entries to the meeting or mail to us:

Dallas Songwriters Lyric Contest % Sammons Center for the Arts

3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20, Dallas, TX 75219

Lyricists! Here’s your chance to shine.

The main prize is what we all aspire to - RECOGNITION FOR OUR
LYRICAL WORK!

1st place winning lyricists will receive $50

1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners and lyrics will be published both in the DSA
“Songwriters Notes” newsletter and the website.

Entry fee is $10 per lyric.
View the past winners at: http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest/
6. NOTICE - Minutes _Special Membership Meeting for Elections, May 13,
7PM, 2900 Live Oak
DSA a had a special membership meeting to elect a board of directors.
Members received a written notice of this meeting by mail. Ballots were
handed out at the meeting to voting members only. Members were permitted
to cumulate their votes by giving one candidate as many votes as the
number of directors to be elected or by distributing the same number of
votes among any number of candidates. There are 15 seats on the board.

Each director shall hold office until a successor is elected and
qualified. A director may be elected to succeed himself or herself as
director. A quorum was present due to proxies submitted by absentee
members. Acting Secretary, Beverly Houston, counted the ballots and
presented the following results:
Steve Sullivan, Barbara McMillen, Sherrie Davis, Jose Volante, Nancy
Rynders, Will Brown, Craig St .Clair, Bob Paterno, Regan Redford, Vern
Dailey, Joni Ringo, Mary Guthrie, Ian Dickson, John Davis , Don Ashley

Your officers were elected by your elected directors at the board meeting
held on May 28th..
Election and Term of Office
5.02. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected every year by the
Board of Directors at the regular annual meeting of the Board of
Directors. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting,
such election shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. New
offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Board of
Directors. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have
been duly elected and shall have qualified.

Members credited the poor turn out to the tornado watch. A number of
members had emailed to say they would not be attending due to the weather
and some members sent their proxy, otherwise, we would not have had a
quorum to continue the elections.
Election of Officers, May 28, 7PM, Sullivan offices
The following 2008 directors were elected at the special membership
meeting on May 13th, 2008. The offcers were elected by the board of
directors at the board meeting on May 28th.

Officers
Steve Sullivan - President
Craig St Clair - Vice President
Reagan Redfern - Vice President of Membership
Sherrie Davis - Vice President of Programs
Bob Paterno - Secretary
John Davis - Treasurer

Board Members at Large
Barbara McMillen - Founding President Emeritus, Administration,
Newsletter Editor
Nancy Rynders - Lyric Contest Director
William Brown - Military Song Contest Director
Jose Volante - Director of P/R / Fundraising
Mary Guthrie - Public relations, song contest
Don Ashley - DSA store manager
Ian Dickson - Showcases
Vern Dailey - Media Publicity, Monthly Meeting Programs
Joni Trojacek (Ringo)- Sponsorships

Any member can serve as a committee member. Our committees include:
Membership, Song Contest, Lyric Contest, Workshops, Critiques, Meetings,
Marketing, Finance, fundraising, sponsorship, public relations. You can
join this list of committee members by volunteering to
info@dallassongwriters.org

Committee Members
Annie Benjamin - Co-director of Workshops
Genell Kelso - Librarian, Songwriter Spotlight, workshops
Ray Phillips - Monthly Meeting Critiques
Bev Houston - Song Contest
Kevin Sproul - Songs For Soul of Service
Mike Dawson - Songs For Soul of Service
Lisa Lazo - Songs For Soul of Service

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: AAron Rodriques, Shane Russell, Akin Akintola,
Richard Pickett, David Lott, Jeff Odom, Alicia Smither, Grady Yates, Mark
Evans, Bet5h Scivally, & Richard Yentsch

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Kathy Dunn, Steve
Weisberg, Reagan Redfern, Bob Paterno, Mike Parrish, & Barbara Seiler.


TIME TO RENEW: The following members have an anniversay month in:
MARCH: Jack Gullege, Helene Cronin, Matt Martindale, Fred Christoffer
APRIL : Glitter Rose, Stephen Boone, Nataliya Stinson
MAY: Max Stalling, Steve Samuels, Susan Fowler, JR Byrd, BonJean Rush,

Renew your membership online

http://store.kagi.com/?7TE_LIVE〈=en


7. WORKSHOPS - Pat Pattison Master Songwriting Class June 7 & 8,
10AM to 4PM Both Days


Pat is from the Berklee School of Music in Boston


REWRITING, presented in a Master Class format, will use participants'
songs to demonstrate the rewriting process. We will focus on various
issues, including verse development, productive repetition, phrasing,
effective matching of lyric and melody, structure and prosody. We'll try
to focus particularly on polishing those small bumps that distract the
listener and let air escape from the song'stires.

COST & REGISTRATION:
COST: $125 per person. $100 for the first 20 Dallas Songwriter Association
Members to register.
It's only $50 to become a DSA member. Join today! Please pre-register
online at

http://store.kagi.com/?7TE_LIVE〈=en
or by mail, request a registration form info@dallassongwriters.org to send
with your check.

http://www.dallassongwritersworkshops.blogspot.com

About Pat Pattison: http://www.patpattison.com


Sponsored by Dallas Songwriters and Absolute Reheasal Studios 214 295-2673
www.absoluterehearsal.com
www.myspace.com/absoluterehearsal
Australia, a review of Pat's Lyric Seminar:

Those of you who get John Chesher's emails for the Excelsior
Singer/Songwriter nights will be well aware of John's recommendation to
take part in Pat Pattison's songwriting seminars. When I found that Pat
was giving a seminar in Byron Bay during January 2008 I decided to combine
business with pleasure and booked in to Pat's course for the weekend.

The lyrics course is a two day seminar. I wasn't sure what to expect as I
didn't know what format it would take. As I was in foreign territory I was
a bit daunted by the prospect of "workshopping" with people I didn't know
and showing my writing weaknesses to strangers. However, those fears were
unjustified as it became apparent that basically Pat was going to impart
information for the first one and a half days and then critique the songs
submitted by participants. Although I was initially calmed by this, my
secondary reaction was "does this mean we've got to listen to this guy
talk for something like 12 hours?" Even when my powers of concentration
were at their peak, I reckon 1 hour of listening to someone talk was
pretty much all I could take.

How wrong I was. After 15 minutes I was completely on the edge of my seat
furiously writing notes.

I've got to say, this was the best 2 days a songwriter could spend. By
lunchtime Saturday, after two and a half hours, I learned more than I
had in 35 years of playing and writing music. It just kept getting better.
One thing that really impressed me was that this was not a
class on how to write lyrics by numbers or how to fit a template. The word
"commercial" was used once, but in a context where the technique
employed not only created a more "commercially acceptable" lyric, but also
created a more emotive lyric.

Pat's experience in songwriting, including being involved in the
foundation of the songwriting major at Berklee, and teaching there for
32 years, enabled him to draw on a wide range of songwriting examples.
These included Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Don Henley, Buck Ram, John
Mayer, Gillian Welch and others who were less well known to me.

Pat is not just a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience. He has a
wonderfully entertaining speaking style and a self-deprecating sense
of humour that keeps your interest the whole time.

The cynical might say, " well, yeah, if I had access to the lyrics for
some of the best written songs of all time I could probably come up
with some ideas and techniques. But how does that help others write songs?
" That's where the critique section was such a mind-blowing
experience.

Those interested in participating were invited to choose one of their
songs and provide a lyric sheet to Pat. You had the choice of either
playing live or playing a CD of the track, but Pat preferred the former. I
had chosen one of my oldest songs, "Six O'Clock Swill".
Although it's a song I've been proud of, I always felt there was something
missing in it, and still believed that there was work in
that song to be done as a songwriter.

Pat initially explained that since I'd written it in the third person
narrative, the audience was "some distance" from the character in the
song, just observing him. He then took it through the voices. In the
second person, and with just the change of a couple of pronouns, the
entire focus of the song changed and became stronger. This led to a couple
of other changes and by the end of the session I still had my
own song, but with tips and suggestions that were easy to implement. In my
view, and the view of the others at the course, they changed the
entire emotional dynamics of the song, and made it more powerful. It
wasn't a case of "dumbing the song down" to make it commercial, it was
a case of using Pat's tips to make the song react with the listener,
thereby making it more appealing.

The same thing happened with every song submitted. I've got to say that I
was mightily impressed with all of the songs as they were
presented. There was not a dud among them. But one by one, no matter how
good they sounded at first, by the time Pat made his suggestions,
every song was transformed into something more dynamic, more gripping. Pat
wasn't rewriting, or taking over our songs. What he was doing was showing
us how, by implementing the techniques he'd imparted during the course, we
could better shape our material by "running them through the boxes"
(you'll have to do the course to find what I mean by that). As Pat said:
"I don't care about these songs you've brought
today. I really don't care about them. What I care about it are the songs
you're going to start writing tomorrow."
I was so impressed with the course that I felt obliged to email John
Chesher the next morning, even though he'd done Pat's courses before.
Doing a course with Pat, I imagine, is a bit like having sex with Elle
Macpherson...no point doing it unless you can tell someone.
By the time this article is published the current course of Pat's seminars
will be completed. But he is coming back in June/July and,
unless there are unforeseen circumstances, I will be signing up for the
'writing lyrics from music' course.

At the risk of sounding like Molly Meldrum, "do yourself a favour"- if you
are a songwriter, would like to be a songwriter, or even if you
think you're the best songwriter around: sign up for one of Pat's
seminars. You won't regret it.

-Brian Ralston, Byron Bay, Australia



Not affiliated with a performance rights society yet? join BMI
http://www.bmi.com/join/?link=navbar

Absolute Rehearsal Studios for all your rehearsal needs call 214 295-2673
www.absoluterehearsal.com


June 21: ASG Workshop 1-3 on Saturday at Saxon Pub, Austin, with Alan
Shamblin & Jim Photoglo $20-$30 cost


June 28, 2008: NSAI Nashvile Hit Writer Workshop $150-175, Marshall,
Texas, kathy@almostfamousproductions.com


July 7th: IP attorney, Jeff Storie, speaks at Dallas Library, Free
register at http://metromusic.eventbrite.com/


July 28th - Aug 1 Nashville School of Music www.nashvilleschoolofmusic.com


Aug 10: REO rafting songwriting workshop, Vancouver, CAN,
http://www.reorafting.com

Texas Songwriters Cruise Workshop / February 1-8, 2009
Caribbean; Galveston
Lealean Peace , (512) 627-2278
http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com

Hit Man of the High Seas Song Workshop Feb 9-19, 2009 out of Miami
http://www.hitmenonthehighseas.com/
8. FEATURE ARTICLES -
HOW TO BOOK YOUR OWN TOUR
Music producer, Chad Sharp, has started a series of blog posts that
explain how musicians can book their own tour.

“In 2005 I released my CD and booked my own tour without using any agents,
or outside management,” Sharp explains. “I used a very simple strategy
that anyone can use.”

Sharp says he decided to share his technique with anyone who visits his
website and blog. He said his style of music fit well with coffee shops,
but other venues could be booked with the ideas as well.

“I wanted to book small, intimate performances. I chose coffee shops to do
that,” Sharp adds.

The first in the series of tour blogs is up now. You can get to the blog
at http://www.sharpmusic.com.

ARE YOU REALLY GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO?

By: Michael Laskow, TAXI
I'm heading home on a plane as I write this. I'm somewhere over the
midwest after giving a speech last night at the Berklee School of Music
in Boston. I was very impressed with the questions from the student body
and the faculty. The questions centered more on perfecting their
songwriting and production craft than they did on TAXI.
This showed me that they were serious about their careers in music.
more.......

http://musicdish.com/mag/index.php3?id=11481


DIGITAL ONLY RELEASE: PROS & CONS
“When does your CD come out?”
by Steven Corn

More often than not, a typical response from an artist is that they are
planning a digital only release and then they’ll see how it goes. The
decision to press CDs is usually postponed until it is determined if the
album sells online or not. Practically every week, there is another
digital-only label popping up while all the pundits proclaim the impending
death of the CD-format. more........
http://cybermidi.com/news/index.php/blog/digital-lowdown-digital-only-
releases-pr

HOW TO WRITE HIT MELODIES - Part1
by Molly-Ann Leikin www.songmd.com
After the title, the tune is the most important part of the song. The way
our brains are wired, the melody is the first thing we hear. If we like
it, we’ll stay tuned and listen for the words. If the tune doesn’t get to
us, it’s over. Melodies need hooks. Without them, nobody will ever hear
your work, no matter how brilliant the lyric. I know lyricists won’t be
happy to hear this, but it’s true and knowledge is power.

In constructing a melody, there are several guidelines to follow. I
recommend to all my clients, no matter where in the world they are
writing, getting to the hook/chorus, within twenty-five or thirty seconds.
I advise them, and you, to keep their introductions short. The intro is
usually instrumental, and the song doesn’t officially start until the
verse begins. So keep the intro to eight bars or less. Often writers who
are in love with their software wail on and on for sixteen or thirty-two
bars before beginning the actual song. Don’t. Eight bars are plenty. The
audience will only give you a few seconds of ear time and then move on to
something more accessible. You worked hard to get ‘em. Don’t let ‘em get
away.

If we like a melody, it usually isn’t until we’ve heard it several times
that we finally hear the words. You can write a brilliant lyric, but if it
has a weak melody, nobody will ever hear any of it because the tune hasn’t
done its job. The function of the melody is to grab us in an unguarded,
primitive, totally emotional state and hold our attention long enough for
the more civilized and intellectual lyric to take hold and give us some
words to sing. Leikin’s Law is giving them what they want. Express
yourself as only you can, absolutely. You have a fingerprint as a writer
that nobody else has. But don’t expect a lyric to do the melody’s job.



9. TRADE SHOWS, CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & EVENTS

Members can put their gigs and events on the members yahoo calendar at:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/dallassongwriters/cal


May22 -June8: Kerville Folk Festival http://www.kerrville-music.com

June 6th - Great Auction at Badu House in Llano
610 Bessemr, Llano Texas. 512-217-4596
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Badu House in Llano, The Mason
County Chamber of Commerce, through www.castelltexas.com or at Jesse James
Realty in Llano Texas. The funds raised by this effort will be returned to
these communitiesthrough the services provided by www.Livestrong.org.

June 7th - Great Castell Kayak Race 2008 - http://www.castelltexas.com
FREE *************************
MUSIC BY JOE KING CARRASCO, TRUE HEART, AUSTIN SONGWRITERS GROUP, DALLAS
SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION,
TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND SOUND BY DON FUN FUN FUN.
Appearing are DSA's Jeanie Silva & Ross Vick
also appearing: David Lewis Morgan- ASG, Pamela Lind -TSR, Aaron Hermes -
Sitarist, Producer and Percussionist Sally Slaughter- TSR

June 8: Song Fest Picnic, Mansfield, Tx http://www.wccmp.com/
June 12-15, 2008 North By Northeast Music Festival and Conference (NXNE)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada www.sonicbids.com/NXNE2008
June 13-15: I Got Soul Conference, Dallas, Tx http://www.neosoulcafe.com
June 15: Tony Awards on CBS
June 18: Free Music Industry Career Seminar, San Francisco, www.pyramnid.com
June 26-July 6: SummerFest, Milwalkee, WS www.sonicbids.com/summerfest
June 20-22, NAMM, Nashville, TN http://www.NAMM.com
June 23: Rhythm & Soul Awards, LA www.Ascap.com
June 27-29: Roots Music Conference, San Antonio, TX
http://www.rootsmusicfestival.com
July 12 : 7th Annual Jesus Fest, CT Http://www.JesusFestCT.org
July 13-18: REO Rafting Songwriter Retreat, Vancouver, BC
http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/songwriter_retreat.html
Aug 2-5: Ultimate Songwriters Workshop, Eureka Springs Ak,
http://www.ultimatesongwritersworkshop.com
Aug 10: REO rafting songwriting workshop, Vancouver, CAN,
http://www.reorafting.com
Aug 13-17: Cutting Edge Music Biz Seminar, Workshop, Law Seminar, Roots
Gathering, New Orleans, Http://www.cuttingedgemusicbusiness.com
August 24-30: Horse & Writer Invitational, Dubois, WY ,
http://www.horseandwriter.com
August 31-Sept 6: Horse & Writer Classic, Dubois, WY ,
http://www.horseandwriter.com
Sept 17-20: Atlantis Music Conference, Atlanta, GA http://atlantismusic.com
Oct 21-25: CMJ Music Marathon, NYC http://www.CMJ.com

10. CONTESTS


DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Ongoing - Quarterly Deadlines -
Next Deadline June 10th
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest/

Dallas Songwriters Association 17th annual Song Contest opens AUG 1

The 8th Annual Art of Music Writing Contest is underway. Submit
music-related poems, short stories, essays, and/or song lyrics.
http://www.pianopress.com/artofmusic.htm

2008 INDIE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST
http://www.indieinternational.com.

12TH USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION Deadline: June 30th
http://www.songwriting.net/

LOLLAPALOOZA LAST BAND STANDING - Deadline June21
www.sonicbids.com/lollapalooza

COORS LIGHT SONGWRITING CONTEST - Deadline June 15
http://rhapsodyextras.com/coorslight/contest/

*
Ongoing Contests on Broadjam: www.broadjam.com




11. Monthly Opportunities- For Members Only

Radio stations that play your music
Perform on Crossroads Showcase or Songwriters Spotlight Cable TV show

You'll get this feature via the members-only Yahoo group.

12. MySpace.com – www.myspace.com/dallassongwriters
DSA is starting to use a Myspace page to help promote our organization and
to provide another channel of communication to our members and friends.
DSA and Live Mix both have pages on myspace.com and we want to connect all
our members together in a network. Please connect to
myspace.com/dallassongwriters and myspace.com/livemixmusic


13. YAHOO GROUPS & NEWSLETTER - Tell Your Friends

We have 2 Yahoo Groups - If you do not access your yahoo mail
periodically, you may be dropped for our group, so keep your account
current.

MEMBERS ONLY: dallassongwriters@yahoogroups.com - for members only. An
easy way to get timely emails about singers and publishers searching for
songs and last minute events. Members may also inform the group about
performance dates and ask industry related questions of the membership.
There is also access to educational files and the club calendar. Members
are verified for current membership and will have paid a membership fee.



ANYONE WHO WANTS E-NEWS: dallassongwritersassociation@yahoogroups.com A
general list for anyone interested in keeping up with songwriting events
and other interesting stuff. Generally you will get 1 or 2 emails a month.
This is a Distribution only group - meaning that only the "moderators"
can send out emails, and they go out to all the members of the group. The
group is listed in the Yahoo directory, and open for ANYONE to join.

Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dallassongwritersassociation and click
on "JOIN THIS GROUP".


The Dallas Songwriters Association is a non-profit educational
organization dedicated to educating it's members on the craft and business
of Songwriting. Monthly meetings, showcases, workshops, newsletter,
quarterly lyric contest, yearly song contest and networking events. Join
this group to keep up with what's happening in the music industry.

NEWSLETTERS -

Monthly Email Issue - That's what this is!

Monthly Hard Copy - handed out at the meeting and mailed to those who do
not have email.
Seasonal Hard Copy - Fall 2007 is on the website announcing the 2007 Song
Contest Semifinalists - The direct link to the page is
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/SN.htm

I will send you a hard copy if you want one - just email me.

All issues are available in PDF form at our website.
Go to the DSA main page at http://www.dallassongwriters.org and click on
the Newsletter link on the left side. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view the document. If you do not have that, go to http://www.adobe.com
to download the free software. You can read it on your computer or print
it. Hard copies were mailed to members who do not have email addresses or
cannot get attachments, or have simply asked for one. I will mail you one,
just ask.

14. Best Songs of the Meeting –
www.dallassongwriters.org/songcritique/critiquewinners2007.htm


2007 Winning Song No Better Day by Ed Williams
2007 Songwriter of the Year - Ed Williams

NOV 2007
A Man's Gotta Do by Ed Williams
Out of Time by Lisa Apple
DEC 2007
Nothing Left To Burn by Vicky Williams
JAN 2008
The Promise by Ray Phillips, Jim Bardfield, Jesse Block
FEB 2008
Break Even by Charles Sterling
Dancing Feet & Honky Tonk Hearts by Vern Dailey
MARCH 2008
Until Love Comes This Way by Ray Phillips & Richard Davis
APRIL 2008
Weeds In The Sandbox by Vern Dailey and Beverly Houston
MAY 2008
We Don't Eat Together Anymore by Ray Phillips & Bob Paterno


Hear the winners each month on myspace.com/dallassongwriters

15. Area Performances - Open Mics – News

Saturday, June 7 * 9 PM Mood Swings at the Windmill Lounge
5320 Maple Avenue Dallas, TX 75235* 214-443-7818

Open Mic @ Poor David's Pub
Wednesday, (2nd Wednesday)
7pm-Midnight - FREE Admission www.myspace.com/poordavidsopenmic


Half Price Books NWHY Free Music Open Mic - 4th Thursday

The Amanda Williams Monday Writers Night, which is host to our Durango
Songwriters the THIRD MONDAY of each month, is held at the Blue Bar on
Broadway, starting at 9pm. Next DSE night is November 19th.
Rack Room/Blue Bar 1911 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 615.327.8001
Email jack@durangosong.com

Songwriters Live showcase in South Orange County, on the fourth Thursday
contact Frank at: fgsa@earthlink.net




See www.dallassongwriters.org/openmics.htm for more area open mics

Uncle Calvins www.unclecalvins.org
Poor David's Pub www.poordavidspub.com

16. Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Want to volunteer? Email Barbara McMillen at info@dallassongwriters.org

Motivating and Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere
DSA is a 501 C-3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to
providing to songwriters everywhere opportunities for learning about the
craft and business of songwriting. Songwriters Newsletter is published by
the Dallas Songwriters Association c/o Sammons Center for the Arts 3630
Harry Hines Blvd Box 20 Dallas, TX 75219.
Barbara McMillen, Editor, Founding President Emeritus
http://www.myspace.com/barbaramcmillen

Dallas Songwriters Email Newsletter #83 MAY 2008

In this Message:

1. Song Contest _ Opens June 1
2. Songs From Soul of Service - contest closed
3. DSA Meetings -

Every 1st Monday - Songwriting Song Swap Workshop -, May 5, June 2

Every 2nd Tuesday - Monthly Guest Speaker, Song & Lyric Critiques - May
13 Elections

4. DSA Showcases & Open Mics

Every 1st Saturday @ Varsity Club, Plano- June 7

Every 3rd Thursday @ Dunn Brothers Coffee House, Addison- May 15, June 19

Songwriter Spotlight Airs on Dallas Cable

5. Lyric Contest – Spring Contest deadline, June 10th
6. Feature Article: Notice of special elections
7. Workshops - Kathy Mathea, Pat Pattison
8. Feature Articles - Three Melody Writing Tips, Mark Olson at All
Good Cafe
9. Trade Shows & Events- Wildflower Festival
10. Contests -
11. Monthly Opportunities- Members only pitch & special discounts
12. DSA on MySpace.com
13. Yahoo Groups & Newsletter -
14. Best Songs of the Meeting-
15. Area Performances - Open Mics – News -
16. Volunteer and Donation Opportunities


1. 2008 DSA SONG CONTEST OPENS June 1
2007 WINNERS
Grand Prize Winner of Epiphone Guitar


The Morning You song clip Andy Taylor, Marietta, GA


Hank Woji of Houston, Tx won the drawing for the IPOD

Thank You, Roy and Broadjam for all your support!!
See critiques of the top 9 songs by Grand Prize Judge Roy Elkins
All winning songs are included on a compilation CD

Click Here To order CD ONLINE

Then click on Browse button on the left side on the page

When the next page comes up, scroll down to pick your product

See details on the DSA website

http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm




THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Gibson Guitars

Broadjam

Sonicbids
Nancy Rynders

Texas Music Group

Santa Fe Design

Mike McClain 972-271-3906

Crystal Clear Sound http://www.crystalclearsound.com/

Dallas Guitar Show http://www.guitarshow.com

Around Townes Productions 214 674-0054

http://www.camaudio.com WM Sales/Cam Audio http://wmsales.com

Patrick McGuire Recording http://www.pmrec.com/

Jaelius Music

Mary Dawson www.CQKmusic.com

River Sounds Recording Resort

SongU.com

Genell Kelso
Jerry Camp, Texas Theater, Waxahachie, http://www.hatcreekrecords.com/
Bar-b Music Marketing Consultants - http://www.texasmusicgroup.com/barb

******


Get the 2002-2006CD compilation with a donation to DSA.



To get YOUR copy of the CD (while they last), you can make a donation to
DSA through our online store.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO DSA

http://67.64.97.19/DSA/default.htm

Quarternote Donation

Donate $ 25 to DSA, receive the 2006 Song Contest CD Compilation

Halfnote Donation

Donate $ 50 to DSA, receive the 2006 & 2005 Song Contest CD Compilation
and a DSA T-shirt

Dottednote Donation

Donate $ 75 to DSA, receive the 2006 - 2004 Song Contest CD Compilation
and a DSA T-shirt

Wholenote Donation

Donate $100 to DSA, receive the 2006 - 2002 Song Contest CD Compilation &
DSA T-shirt

OR send your donation by mail to:

DSA c/o Sammons Center For The Arts

3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20

Dallas, TX 75219


2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org

CONTEST CLOSED - see website for details


Now in its second year, the Songs From The Soul Of Service song contest is
open exclusively to active duty members of the US Military as well as
those currently inactive due to injury or disability suffered after the
start of the war in Afghanistan. Participants may also submit songs on
behalf an immediate family member. There are eight categories ranging
from Country to Hip Hop, with a special category for participants
currently serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Entries are accepted by
mail or can be submitted on-line at www.songssoulservice.org



As with the first Songs From The Soul Of Service contest, the winning
songs will be compiled on a professionally produced CD.


BUY 2006 Winners CD TODAY - A handsome product that we are very
proud of . DSA appreciates the work of the SSS committee and
especially Ross Vick, Jose Volante and Annie Cornelius for the
hours of dedication to this project. DSA also owes a big "thank
you" for conceiving and directing this entire project which
seemed the impossible dream at the beginning. Get your CD with a
donation either online at
http://www.songssoulservice.org
or by mail please send a donation (includes tax and shipping and
handling) to:
Songs >From the Soul of Service CD
Dallas Songwriters Association
3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Bx 20
Dallas, Tx 75219

Give a Soulnote Donation of $15 a get a CD
Give a Dotted Soulnote Donation of $30 and get a CD & a t-shirt



DSA is a proud member of the America Supports You team.



Thanks to our partners, sponsors, and supporters

Broadjam www.broadjam.com

Gaylord Texan www.gaylordtexan.com

Nancy Rynders

Compass Bank www.compassweb.com

Southwest Airlines www.southwestair.com

Walmart http://www.walmart.com
Roland http://www.rolandus.com

Yorktown Digital Works http://www.yorktowndigital.com/

Aaron Kelly, Aaron Sounds
Ross Vick, TrueHeart.com
Gary Eckert, The Access Group
John Adams, CongruentMusic.com
Mo HI Sounds LLC

Texas Music Group http://www.texasmusicgroup.com

Performing Songwriter Magazine http://www.performingsongwriter.com

Jazziz Magazine http://jazziz.com

The Navy League of the US, Dallas Council http://navyleaguedallas.org

Department of Texas VFW
Almost Famous Productions http://www.dvdscrapbooks.com
http://www.almost-famous.net

Ramzi Masri, student, Dale Jackson Career Center, logo design
http://djcc.lisd.net

America Supports You http://www.americasupportsyou.mil

Vick Family Foundation

3. DSA MEETINGS

MONTHLY MEETING - http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm

DSA Monthly Guest Speaker & Song Critiques - Every Second Tuesday, except
Aug.

At the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak (Oak Corner), Dallas

The next meeting is Tuesday, May 13th
Special Membership Meeting for Elections of Directors

Nominations will be taken and a new Board of Directors elected. We hope
you will take this opportunity to consider serving on the board.

6:30 PM – Sign In/ NETWORKING

7:00 PM – Announcements

7:30 PM – Elections
8:00 PM – SONG CRITIQUES - Members only - $5 Per Critique (1 song per
member, please)... Bring CD (bring one song on a CD) or cassette and 30
lyric sheets so that each person will be able to follow the lyric as the
song plays. Songs should be the FIRST track on the CD or Tape. Those
without lyric sheets may be bumped.


Mail In your Critiques now for the next meeting
Members may mail in to our PO Box a Cd to be critiqued at the meetings for
a fee of $20. Your critique will be recorded and sent to you as an MP3
file. This offers members who are unable to attend the meeting the benefit
from the critique program and a chance to compete for the Songwriter of
the Year Award. Here's a comment from Morri Hartgraves about the program,
"Thank you for putting the time and effort into MIC. The program is
really benefitting me as a songwriter. Sherrie and Blake's comments were
appreciated."



ZINE SWAP

DSA is offering a place to swap magazines at the monthly meeting.
Instead of throwing out your music magazines, bring them to the
meeting to share with other members. We will provide a space at the
sign in tables for the Zine Swap. For more information call 214
750-0916 or visit the DSA website.



DSA LIBRARY

Songwriting /Music related books are available for checking out by DSA
members at the meetings. Donations to our library are accepted.

-----------------------------------
Planned 2008 Speakers

June - Bobby Wygant -
July - Steve Weisberg from John Denver Band

Have any suggestions? What kind of programs would you like?
-------------------------------------------

In case you missed it:
Mike Dawson has posted the video of his presentation at a recent DSA
meeting on my Blog:

http://dawsonsnewrage.blogspot.com/2007/11/dawson-is-keynote-speaker-at-dallas.html

DSA T-SHIRTS $12 at the meeting or online by mail (+$3 shipping)

Songwriting, Song Swap Workshop – FIRST MONDAY – MAY 5



White Rock Coffee in East Dallas. http://www.wrcoffee.com/

10105 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, TX 75238 214-341-4774
Lead by Annie Benjamin 214 213-0029

Sometimes we meet upstairs, sometimes downstairs. There is usually
about eight of us from about 7 pm til 9 and sometimes as late as
11:00. Sometimes there is new staff so he may not be sure of who/or
what the DSA is. So LOOK AROUND. however, the folks who work there
are well aware of us-


4. DSA SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS

SHOWCASES


CROSSROADS SHOWCASE - Sat May 3rd. June 7,

VARSITY CLUB RESTAURANT & BAR EVERY 1ST SATURDAY
7:00pm to 10:00pm

north west corner of Coit & Spring Creek in Plano

6205 Coit Rd # 148, Plano, 75024 - (972) 758-5300

To perform please call prior to get a spot: Steve Sullivan
sullarch@verizon.net
A joint effort of DSA and HOOT (Harmonica Organization of Texas)
Come early to eat!

The videos from our last show of each artist performing 1 of their songs
has been uploaded to my YouTube site.

1) Lisa Apple: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy34_EtyWoU
2) Scott Michael: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxcwpe5Br-4
3) Cliff Munroe & Drew Harakal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAZgABwPPCY
4) Lisa Mickelsen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7o69qP4JFU
5) Michael Franceus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PLtoPOxWy8
Plano Television Network (PTN) came out to our Dec. 1st show and filmed
the show for editing and putting on their weekly current events in Plano
show called “Plano Wired”. It’s a 30 minute show in news anchor style in
which they feature one of our singers from the show. Here’s the link:
http://media.swagit.com/s/planotx/Plano_Wired/01062008-6.high.flash8.html



OPEN MICS


DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Thurs May 15. June 19
OPEN MIC EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

3725 Belt Line Road Addison, Texas 75001 Phone: 972-406-9711

Please direct all inquiries to: Craig St. Clair 972 307-8116
txstclair@comcast.net


TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND 2nd friday -
May 9th, 7-11 - Badu House - Llano David Sally Slaughter featured

Please direct all inquiries to: Jeri Arsernault 512 217 4596
sing@enchantedrock.com


Get out to play or just listen. Please let her know if you're comnig to play.


SONGWRITER SPOTLIGHT - Your Chance To Be On TV
DSA Member Genell Kelso is producing a new cable show (for Dallas
Cable Channel), Songwriter Spotlight, presented by Dallas
Songwriters Association. DSA is reviving the series thanks to
Genell's efforts. Appearance on this show is a member's benefit.
DSA Songwriters Spotlight, Episode 2 is currently airing. In the City
of Dallas, it will be shown on Dallas iMedia Network - Time-Warner Cable
Channel 27A.

[Or you can watch the streaming online video at that "real time" " – (not
available "on demand" – sorry.] On your PC, go to
http://www.dallasimedia.net In the left column, under Watch Dallas
i.Media Now, Channel 95 / 27, click View. (Be sure your volume is on.)

This half-hour episode - filmed in black-and-white at DSA’s Meet and Greet
Fri.Nov.2, 2007, and subtitled Retro Roadhouse - includes performances by
Mary Guthrie, Scott Michael Nelles, Craig St.Clair, Allen Larson, Dan
Chandler, and Steve Sullivan. Good stuff!

This episode will continue running – the schedule is posted weekly
Thursday-to-Thursday. To find the new index, go online to
http://www.dallasimedia.net/newindex.html In the right column, click
on the 12th item, Find a Program – then scroll down alphabetical listings
to "Songwriters Spotlight." (It’ll probably be listed for 5-7 showings
per week.)


SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS - TBA


Dallas Songwriters' series of showcases aimed at reaching out to the
senior community. Let me know if you are planning to come and perform.

The public is invited to share this special one hour program of original
songs by Dallas Songwriters.


Our goal is to honor the dignity, worth and contribution of the senior
community by treating those we serve with respect and compassion, at all
times being responsive to their needs and dedicated to their well being.
We serve together through cooperation, communication, and character to
achieve the highest and the best in ourselves and for our organization.
Through the successful pursuit of our mission, we hope to renew hope and
joy to those with whom we share our songs. Contact Barbara McMillen at
barbe@texasmusicgroup.com for more information.

5. LYRIC CONTEST - http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest

Winter 2008 Contest Winners

1st - Forty Miles From Dallas by George Pucini, Las Vegas, NV
2nd - I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here by Mike Parrish, LaGrange, GA
3rd - With A Smile And A Lie by Kennan Zishka, Austin, TX
HM - Livin' My Life On The Radio by George Pucini, Las Vegas, NV

See website for lyrics and judges comments


Next Lyric Contest Deadline - June 10th, 2008 for Spring Lyric Contest

Bring your entries to the meeting or mail to us:

Dallas Songwriters Lyric Contest % Sammons Center for the Arts

3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20, Dallas, TX 75219

Lyricists! Here’s your chance to shine.

The main prize is what we all aspire to - RECOGNITION FOR OUR LYRICAL WORK!

1st place winning lyricists will receive $50

1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners and lyrics will be published both in the DSA
“Songwriters Notes” newsletter and the website.

Entry fee is $10 per lyric.
View the past winners at: http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest/
6. NOTICE - Special Membership Meeting for Elections, May 13, 7PM, 2900
Live Oak
DSA will have a special membership meeting to elect a board of directors.
You should have received a written notice of this meeting in the mail. If
you did not get this notice, then we either do not have a correct address
on you, or your membership needs to be renewed before you can vote.
Ballots will be handed out at the meeting to voting members only. Please
come to the May 13th Meeting at the Center For Community Cooperation 2900
Live Oak, 7PM.

Renew your membership online

http://store.kagi.com/?7TE_LIVE&lang=en


7. WORKSHOPS - Pat Pattison coming back to Dallas in May & June.



Announcing: 2008 Performing Songwriter School - May 16-18, 2008
Instructors for the career changing weekend are: Grammy Award Winning
Kathy Mattea - Performance/Vocals Professor Pat Pattison -
Structure/Lyrics and rhythm marriage Grammy Award Winning Jon Vezner -
Emotion and Heart of the song Limited to 40 students $150 per student
http://www.wildflowerfestival.net

For more details and to reserve a place in the seminar: al.Johnson@cor.gov

June 7& 8: Pat Pattison's Intensive Lyric Writing Workshop 10AM-4PM each day

REWRITING, presented in a Master Class format, will use participants'
songs to demonstrate the rewriting process. We will focus on various
issues, including verse development, productive repetition, phrasing,
effective matching of lyric and melody, structure and prosody. We'll try
to focus particularly on polishing those small bumps that distract the
listener and let air escape from the song'stires.

COST & REGISTRATION:
COST: $125 per person. $100 for the first 20 Dallas Songwriter Association
Members to register.
It's only $50 to become a DSA member. Join today! Please pre-register
online at

http://store.kagi.com/?7TE_LIVE&lang=en
or by mail, request a registration form workshops@dallassongwriters.org to
send with your check.

http://www.dallassongwritersworkshops.blogspot.com

About Pat Pattison: http://www.patpattison.com


Sponsored by Dallas Songwriters and Absolute Reheasal Studios 214 295-2673
www.absoluterehearsal.com
www.myspace.com/absoluterehearsal



Not affiliated with a performance rights society yet? join BMI
http://www.bmi.com/join/?link=navbar

Absolute Rehearsal Studios for all your rehearsal needs call 214 295-2673
www.absoluterehearsal.com

July 28th - Aug 1 Nashville School of Music www.nashvilleschoolofmusic.com

Texas Songwriters Cruise Workshop / February 1-8, 2009
Caribbean; Galveston
Lealean Peace , (512) 627-2278
http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com

8. FEATURE ARTICLES -
Mark Olson comes to the
All Good Cafe on
Friday, May 16th

Mark Olson comes to the 930 Listening Room on Saturday, Aug. 25.
http://markolsonmusic.com



“Can you hold on a minute? Victoria is on the other line.”
It’s unclear which is more surprising — the fact that the musician on the
phone assumes that I know about his personal life, or the fact that the
musician is still friendly with the woman whom I, in fact, know to be his
now ex-wife
The musician, Mark Olson, is hardly a household name, though he has spent
the last two decades accumulating fans around the world with a mature,
heartfelt blend of folk, pop and rock music. From 1986 through 1996, he
led the Minneapolis-based band The Jayhawks with partner Gary Louris. On
the way to gaining some minor radio play with the single “Blue,” The
Jayhawks had become an unfortunate embodiment of the excesses of the major
record companies. Expenses for recording albums and filming videos had put
the band in debt for more than $1 million. Though Olson had been the main
songwriter in the early days, Louris had become an equally strong leader,
pushing the band in a poppier direction than Olson had envisioned.
Olson married singer-songwriter Victoria Williams, and the couple moved to
the California town of Joshua Tree. “It’s gotten more commercialized, more
strip malls, but in general, it’s still a very beautiful, more relaxed,
small-town kind of place,” he says.
Williams had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As they dealt with
her health, Olson continued writing songs that were more folk-based than
the increasingly Beach Boys-inspired, polished songs of The Jayhawks.
While the Louris-led band continued on for three more albums, Olson and
Williams formed a new band.
The Original Harmony Ridge Creekdippers found the Olsons joining
collaborator Razz Russell. Cassettes appeared through mail order, and then
CD issues signaled Olson’s return to the music business.
“I’ve had a bunch of other jobs — teaching, working with students with
special needs — but, yes, I’m able to do this full-time, and I’m glad. I
enjoy the technical aspects of playing with the instruments, tuning and
finessing the strings.”
With more than seven releases, the collective formed a hub for the Palm
Desert roots music scene. After he divorced Williams, Olson became unsure
of what to do next. He found shelter from friends while traveling in
Europe, like Jason Bourne with a guitar.
“My band now has friends of mine from all over. There are a lot of great
people to work with over there.”
The album he came back with, The Salvation Blues, is his first true
official album. Rather than give in to the unhappiness he had experienced,
he wrote songs celebrating the struggle. Some people come here to die/We
came here to live, he sings in “Clifton Bridge.” The formerly reclusive,
44-year-old Olson is back in sight, even filming a video that can be seen
on his MySpace page. He has co-written with both Williams and Louris, and
the former Jayhawks plan to spend 2008 writing and recording together
Courtesy of leoweekly.com

THREE TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE HIT MELODIES by Molly-Ann Leikinwww.songmd.com

1. Meter- In writing a melody, it's critical to keep your audience
surprised. Since we speak English in iambic pentameter, it's natural to
assume we can write in the same meter. Unfortunately, it's deadly boring.
So I suggest you deliberately vary the lengths of your lines, and the
number of notes in each, along with the number of lines or bars per
section, to avoid your song sounding predictable. After all, it's your job
as an artist to tell your audience something they aren't expecting.

2. Range - The range of most contemporary singers is an octave and three -
the interval from middle C, for example, to the E an octave above it. If
you write a tune with a range greater than that, you'll be hard-pressed to
find a singer with the chops to handle it. My song, "An American Hymn",
which I wrote with Lee Holdridge, was only recorded once in twenty years
until Lee figured out how to revise the bridge melody, reducing our octave
and five to an octave and three. Now the song is recorded at least once a
month.

3. Chorus rise - Most hit "power" ballads, such as Daughtry's "Home," end
their verses on notes lower than the ones on which the choruses start. To
create tension and drama in their melodies, I urge my clients, and you, to
go up into the chorus, not sideways or down. Doing the latter is like
letting air out of a tire. So go up and stay up. And although some
contemporary songs break the rising-into-the chorus rule, you can bet
their rhythmic hooks at the beginning of and throughout the choruses are
strong enough to overcome the melody's drop, and keep us listening.



9. TRADE SHOWS, CONFERENCES, SEMINARS & EVENTS



May 2-4: Quest for Harmony Gathering @ Rancho Frijole, ranchofrijole.com
Electric open mic on Friday beginning at 6pm, hosted by Chuck Bond, Little
Whippoorwill Stage.
May 11-18 Listening Room Songwriters Retreat, Sweden
http://www.brettperkinspresents.com/bpp/index.htm
May 16th: Mark Olson (Jayhawks) at the AllGood Cafe
http://www.markolsonmusic.com
May 16-18 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, Tx
http://www.wildflowerfestival.net
May 29- June 1 Durango Song, Ashville, NC http://www.durangosong.com
May22 -June8: Kerville Folk Festival http://www.kerrville-music.com

June 7th - Great Castell Kayak Race 2008 - http://www.castelltexas.com
FREE *************************
MUSIC BY JOE KING CARRASCO, TRUE HEART, AUSTIN SONGWRITERS GROUP, DALLAS
SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION,
TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND SOUND BY DON FUN FUN FUN.
Appearing are DSA's Jeanie Silva & Ross Vick
also appearing: David Lewis Morgan- ASG, Pamela Lind -TSR, Aaron Hermes -
Sitarist, Producer and Percussionist Sally Slaughter- TSR

June 12-15, 2008 North By Northeast Music Festival and Conference (NXNE)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada www.sonicbids.com/NXNE2008
June 13-15: I Got Soul Conference, Dallas, Tx http://www.neosoulcafe.com
June 26-July 6: SummerFest, Milwalkee, WS www.sonicbids.com/summerfest
June 20-22, NAMM, Nashville, TN http://www.NAMM.com
June 27-29: Roots Music Conference, San Antonio, TX
http://www.rootsmusicfestival.com
July 13-18: REO Rafting Songwriter Retreat, Vancouver, BC
http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/songwriter_retreat.html
Aug 2-5: Ultimate Songwriters Workshop, Eureka Springs Ak,
http://www.ultimatesongwritersworkshop.com
Aug 13-17: Cutting Edge Music Biz Seminar, Workshop, Law Seminar, Roots
Gathering, New Orleans, Http://www.cuttingedgemusicbusiness.com
August 24-30: Horse & Writer Invitational, Dubois, WY ,
http://www.horseandwriter.com
August 31-Sept 6: Horse & Writer Classic, Dubois, WY ,
http://www.horseandwriter.com
Sept 17-20: Atlantis Music Conference, Atlanta, GA http://atlantismusic.com
Oct 21-25: CMJ Music Marathon, NYC http://www.CMJ.com

10. CONTESTS


DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Ongoing - Quarterly Deadlines -
Next Deadline June 10th
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest/

Dallas Songwriters Association 17th annual Song Contest opens June 1st

The 8th Annual Art of Music Writing Contest is underway. Submit
music-related poems, short stories, essays, and/or song lyrics.
http://www.pianopress.com/artofmusic.htm

2008 INDIE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST
http://www.indieinternational.com.

12TH USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION Deadline: May 30th
http://www.songwriting.net/


*
Ongoing Contests on Broadjam: www.broadjam.com




11. Monthly Opportunities- For Members Only

Members were sent a list a radio stations that will play your music


Perform on Crossroads Showcase or Songwriters Spotlight Cable TV show

You'll get this feature via the members-only Yahoo group.

12. MySpace.com – www.myspace.com/dallassongwriters
DSA is starting to use a Myspace page to help promote our organization and
to provide another channel of communication to our members and friends.
DSA and Live Mix both have pages on myspace.com and we want to connect all
our members together in a network. Please connect to
myspace.com/dallassongwriters and myspace.com/livemixmusic

13. YAHOO GROUPS & NEWSLETTER - Tell Your Friends

We have 2 Yahoo Groups - If you do not access your yahoo mail
periodically, you may be dropped for our group, so keep your account
current.

MEMBERS ONLY: dallassongwriters@yahoogroups.com - for members only. An
easy way to get timely emails about singers and publishers searching for
songs and last minute events. Members may also inform the group about
performance dates and ask industry related questions of the membership.
Members are verified for current membership and will have paid a
membership fee.



ANYONE WHO WANTS E-NEWS: dallassongwritersassociation@yahoogroups.com A
general list for anyone interested in keeping up with songwriting events
and other interesting stuff. Generally you will get 1 or 2 emails a month.
This is a Distribution only group - meaning that only the "moderators"
can send out emails, and they go out to all the members of the group. The
group is listed in the Yahoo directory, and open for ANYONE to join.

Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dallassongwritersassociation and click
on "JOIN THIS GROUP".


The Dallas Songwriters Association is a non-profit educational
organization dedicated to educating it's members on the craft and business
of Songwriting. Monthly meetings, showcases, workshops, newsletter,
quarterly lyric contest, yearly song contest and networking events. Join
this group to keep up with what's happening in the music industry.

NEWSLETTERS -

Monthly Email Issue - That's what this is!

Monthly Hard Copy - handed out at the meeting and mailed to those who do
not have email.
Seasonal Hard Copy - Fall 2007 is on the website announcing the 2007 Song
Contest Semifinalists - The direct link to the page is
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/SN.htm

I will send you a hard copy if you want one - just email me.

All issues are available in PDF form at our website.
Go to the DSA main page at http://www.dallassongwriters.org and click on
the Newsletter link on the left side. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view the document. If you do not have that, go to http://www.adobe.com
to download the free software. You can read it on your computer or print
it. Hard copies were mailed to members who do not have email addresses or
cannot get attachments, or have simply asked for one. I will mail you one,
just ask.

14. Best Songs of the Meeting –
www.dallassongwriters.org/songcritique/critiquewinners2007.htm


2007 Winning Song No Better Day by Ed Williams
2007 Songwriter of the Year - Ed Williams

NOV 2007
A Man's Gotta Do by Ed Williams
Out of Time by Lisa Apple
DEC 2007
Nothing Left To Burn by Vicky Williams
JAN 2008
The Promise by Ray Phillips, Jim Bardfield, Jesse Block
FEB 2008
Break Even by Charles Sterling
Dancing Feet & Honky Tonk Hearts by Vern Dailey
MARCH 2008
Until Love Comes This Way by Ray Phillips & Richard Davis
APRIL 2008
Weeds In The Sandbox by Vern Dailey and Beverly Houston

Hear the winners each month on myspace.com/dallassongwriters

15. Area Performances - Open Mics – News

May 16th: Mark Olson (Jayhawks) at the AllGood Cafe
http://www.markolsonmusic.com

Open Mic @ Poor David's Pub
Wednesday, (2nd Wednesday)
7pm-Midnight - FREE Admission www.myspace.com/poordavidsopenmic


Half Price Books NWHY Free Music Open Mic - 4th Thursday

The Amanda Williams Monday Writers Night, which is host to our Durango
Songwriters the THIRD MONDAY of each month, is held at the Blue Bar on
Broadway, starting at 9pm. Next DSE night is November 19th.
Rack Room/Blue Bar 1911 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 615.327.8001
Email jack@durangosong.com

Songwriters Live showcase in South Orange County, on the fourth Thursday
contact Frank at: fgsa@earthlink.net




See www.dallassongwriters.org/openmics.htm for more area open mics

Uncle Calvins www.unclecalvins.org
Poor David's Pub www.poordavidspub.com

16. Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Want to volunteer? Email Barbara McMillen at info@dallassongwriters.org

Motivating and Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere
DSA is a 501 C-3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to
providing to songwriters everywhere opportunities for learning about the
craft and business of songwriting. Songwriters Newsletter is published by
the Dallas Songwriters Association c/o Sammons Center for the Arts 3630
Harry Hines Blvd Box 20 Dallas, TX 75219.
Barbara McMillen, Editor, Founding President Emeritus
http://www.myspace.com/barbaramcmillen