Tuesday, April 5, 2011

DSA E-News #118, April 2011


Hello Songwriter,

March was a busy and exciting month with many DSA events and other activities. The SXSW conference was the big event of the month spurring a caravan of festival goers down I35 for a weekend of free music and food. Yes, I said free. There has been a growth of free auxiliary events that capitalize on what SXSW has established over 25 years.  The official conference has a huge business side to it, with hundreds of presentations on non-arts topics like marketing, social media and business ethics.  And there are tons of established companies that participate, from AT&T to Chevrolet that have customers in the arts industries.   The SXSW trade show attracted more than 30,000 attendees to it.  A hugely popular part of the conference is called “Interactive” where thousands of tech people gather to discuss all the new trends.  There is a lot of official business going on at the convention center conference rooms and trade show, and a lot of sanctioned showcases where you need to have a badge or wristband. However, there are so many more free events with great showcasing talent, that there is really no need to get a badge or wristband (more about freebies SXSW Meets Its Odd Future  ). I love Flatstock, the poster show (read more at DC9 At Night ) and this year a style show was added to the mix, which I skipped but wish I hadn't. It was reported that there were 40% more visitors to Austin than last year. You couldn't find parking, you couldn't get a cab and if you did, you couldn't get across town. Mostly you had to plan your day by what was walkable and many of the areas were blocked off, so walking was the only option. You had to stand in long lines to get into the hip parties. I could not Tweet or facebook after Thursday, and it was hard to get a call through. Texting was the best way to communicate. I probably won't be going back next year. However, I did have a lot of fun! It's always fun to connect to my friends in Austin and in the music biz who come to Austin for SX. Here's what I saw and did: Paste Party (breakfast), Slim Richey with the Vipers at the Berklee showcase, ASCAP boat ride (lunch), Grammy Dinner ( Ruthie Foster, Hansens & Thunderbirds with LouAnn Barton, Yayo at Colorado Outdoor Stage, BMI Brunch, Rocksmith Bus, Fender private party, Filter Culture Colide  (loved the Belle Brigade), Bug Music Party, Folk Alliance showcase (loved March Forth Marching Band), and Austin Music Awards where Saraha, Waggoneers (Joe Ely sat in), Bubble Puppy, Meat Puppets (Rocky Erickson sat in) and Bright Light Social Hour played. P.S. I love the chicken livers at Threadgills.
Things I missed: the Calyps parties, my friend Al Staehely playing with some of his original band, Spirit, Dickie's Party, Fader Fort, Rachel Ray, Alejandro Escovedo's party, Mark Goad's Party, Manatoba Party , Bloodshot Records @ Yard Dog, Mpress Records Party - oh there's too much to mention.


There is a lot going on this month. Check out the events listings. DSA will have a booth at the guitar show April 15 - 17. Lisa Burns showcase  tonight at the Balcony Club has a special line up. The guest speaker for our next meeting, Tim DeSlaughter with Polyphonic Spree. Don't forget the open mic at Dunn Brothers on the third Thursday.

Not a DSA member? Then you've missed the musings via our member yahoo group of our DSA Prez, Buck Morgan. Catch up with what's going on here: http://dsaprezsez.blogspot.com/

Dallas Songwriters is on Facebook. Go on Facebook and LIKE us. New - Dallas Songwriters on Meetup.

QUICK LOOK CALENDAR OF DSA MONTHLY EVENTS - put this in your bookmark.
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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST - In the Judging Process
Dallas Songwriters Association 2011 Song Contest
Now in its 21st 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 12/15/2010 through 3/31/2011.
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. 

PAST WINNERS
See the press release on the 2009-10 song contest winners:

Get a hard copy of the April issue of Songwriters Notes with a list of winners and read about grand prize winner, Lanny Sherwin.

See the winners, be sure to scroll to the bottom for Roy Elkins comments on the cream of the crop.

Semifinalists were posted on the song contest website on March 15th.

Mimi Balkey won the drawing for the ipod.

THANKS TO TRADITION GUITARS FOR GENEROUSLY DONATING THE GUITAR TO OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER.


2008 SONG CONTEST - WINNERS

See past 2008 winners.

Here 2008 winning songs in a series of three podcasts at:
2008 SEMIFINALISTS

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2. DSA MEETINGS - Jan. 11 - 

Tim Delaughter, 

leader of Polyphonic Spree -  Polyphonic Spree is a massive collective of musicians boasting a ten-member choir, two keyboardists, percussion, bass guitar, flute, trumpets, trombone, violin, French horn, theremin, pedal steel, and an electronic effects wizard. In addition to traveling the world for performances, Polyphonic Spree has had its songs featured in TV commercials (“Follow the Day,” Volkswagen), television shows (“Scrubs”), included in films (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), performed as the opening act for David Bowie, and much, much more.

Due to high interest, seats will be reserved for the first 24 DSA members who RSVP . Members may RSVP for bringing a guest. Seating is limited RSVP now.


Free to Members
$5 for visitors
Sign in and Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:30
Song Critiques follow - Members only may enter for $5

Future Programs:
May
TBA
June
Scott Sean White
July
Marty Rendleman
Aug.
No Meeting
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DSA T-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 972 2572
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3. SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS -

OPEN MIC
DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE -
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

SHOWCASE AND OPEN MIC
TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND at Sandstone Cellars Winery Showcase & Open Mic in Mason Texas.  
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

Balcony Club First Tuesday Showcase  6 - 9PM  1821 Abrams Road, Dallas, Tx (In the Lakewood Theater) Three 45 minute showcases. To Showcase contact Lisa Byrn
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4. LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked June 30th or enter online.

FALL 2010 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

1st place: CARDBOARD DADDY by Richard Keller, Orlando, FL
2nd Place: SOMETHIN' BOUT SOUTHERN GIRLS by Richard Keller, Orlando, FL
3rd Place: LET'S GAMBLE ON US by Larry Dodge, Dallas, Tx
HM: GRANDPA (WHY YOU DRIVE SO SLOW?) by Tom Biles, Keller, Tx

LYRICS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE

LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION
Next Lyric Contest Deadline is March 30th, 2010 for Spring Lyric Contest
Entry fee is $10
Please see lyric contest webpage for details.

April 2010 Hardcopy issue of Songwriters Notes has Summer and Fall 2009 winners posted.

October 2009 Hardcopy issue of Songwriters Notes has Fall 2008 & winter/spring 2009 Lyric contest winning songs listed:
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5. MEMBER NEWS -
The 2011 Board of Directors met on January 23rd to elect officers and plan for the year according the the wishes of the membership's input at the January 11th meeting. 

Wanna get involved? Become a committee member. It's fun!
To view a list of the 2011 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.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Charles Dawkins, Minnie Murray, Chester May, Paul Cataldi, James Talavera, Katie Parr, & Leza Mesiah.

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: James Ashe, Coy Poiter, George Pucine, Lisa Simmons, Joanna Endsley, & Vicky Williams.

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

DEC: Jeff Sharp, Genell Kelso, and Krystal Pinkins. 
JAN: Sharon Pisors, Nathan Alan Toon, Baylee Kuss, Adrienne Weitzel
FEB: Donna Lisa, Drew Ash, Will Hopkins, Chris Rucker, and Rachel Sanchez Lonon.
MARCH: Madilyne Shaw, Ruth Jones
PLEASE RENEW THIS MONTH: Ed Williams, Tom Thomas, Hilary Roberts, Robert Tenorio, David Spense, Wark Parker, Eric Christianson, Lenny Sherwin, Scott Tonkinson, Lisa Torres, Noel Cohen, Edward Turton, Lauren Smith, Karyna Kruz, Peter Bacsalmasi, Bernadette Conant, Roger Kay, Matt Dahan, Dom Stasi, John Visvonti, & Jaime Leopold

Renew your membership online,
You'll find the link to the store on the panel to the right
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6. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS ARE SPONSORED BY BMI
(Each month we have a workshop at our monthly meeting on the 1st Monday, 3rd Monday and 2nd Tuesday. see item 3 above.) http://www.meetingblog.dallassongwriters.org

SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP with Tom Kimmel
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When:  Saturday, May 21, 2011

Where:  Wildflower Festival
            Richardson, TX

What:   Songwriting Workshop

Although he has developed a following for his own releases over the course of a 20-year career, Tom Kimmel has had more success landing tracks on albums by better-known artists. Born in Memphis, TN, and raised in rural Alabama, Kimmel graduated from the University of Alabama and relocated to Nashville in the early '80s. Early credits as a songwriter came his way when his songs were cut by ex-Byrds Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, as well as the Band's Levon Helm. Kimmel recorded two albums as a solo …  » Read more


or

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7. EVENTS- Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, and showcases.

APRIL
April 1 Tin Pan South, Nashville, TN, http://tinpansouth.com
1 - 2 Spring Training, Nashville, TN http://tinpansouth.com
1 - 3 Deep Ellum Arts Festival  http://www.meifestivals.com/deepspr.html
3 ACM Awards on CBS at 7PM CT
15-17 Guitar Show, Dallas http://www.guitarshow.com
28-30 ASCAP I Create Music EXPO http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/events/expo/
29 - May 1  Jazz Fest, New Orleans, http://www.nojazzfest.com/

MAY
5-8 Jazz Fest, New Orleans, http://www.nojazzfest.com/
20-22 Wildflower Fest, Richardson, http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/


OPEN MICS

TEXAS CONCERT LISTINGS

Comprehensive VENUE LIST - compliments of Uncle Calvins

DALLAS TEXAS CONCERT LISTINGS

Dallas Morning News Guide Live Music Listing ( hit search after opening the page)
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8. Featured Articles:
PREZ SEZ: Tune in to DSA President, Buck Morgan's, musings and DSA goings on.

The Power of Music Therapy
By Toby Field -- After a devastating accident, young Charlotte White struggled with severe disability and lack of motivation until she found the right type of music therapy.
I loved this video - Incredible performance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=XKRj-T4l-e8&vq=large
MUSIC BUSINESS
gavel.jpg
Supreme Court Won’t Review Eminem/UMG Royalty Dispute

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday afternoon (3/21) that it will not hear the appeal from Universal Music Group in a digital royalty dispute between Eminem’s former production company and the label.

Last year the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Eminem’s former production company, who filed the suit claiming they were underpaid for digital sales. UMG then appealed to the Supreme Court.

The suit claims that the rapper’s music on iTunes was being licensed, not sold, and therefore was subject to a higher royalty percentage rate. According to Eminem’s contract, he is owed a 12% royalty on “records sold” and a 50% rate on licensing agreements. He was paid for iTunes sales under the 12% rate.

The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that iTunes downloads aren’t sales because the label is licensing use of the master recordings to iTunes, which then sells the digital downloads without further involvement from the label. This means he is owed 50% of money made from paid digital downloads.  -   Nashville Music News  http://www.musicnewsnashville.com

ITunes Live: SXSW EP’s of Lost Highway artists Hayes Carll, Ryan Bingham, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears and Lucinda Williams available now on iTunes. These live performances were captured at the 10th Anniversary Lost Highway Showcase during the 2011 South-By-Southwest Music Conference in Austin, TX. Fans can go to www.Itunes.com/sxsw  to purchase a piece of the special night that celebrated the labels 10 years of operation.

Hayes Carll - Live at SXSW 2011 EP http://bit.ly/HayesSXSWLive
Ryan Bingham - Live at SXSW 2011 EP http://bit.ly/BinghamSXSWLive
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears - Live at SXSW 2011 EP http://bit.ly/BJLSXSWLive
Lucinda Williams - Live at SXSW 2011 EP http://bit.ly/LuSXSWLive

Also in celebration of Lost Highway’s 10 years, the label has released a low-priced ten song digital sampler with a $4.99 price or less at all retail partners. The sampler includes great songs from the Lost Highway artist catalogue including “When The Stars Go Blue” (Ryan Adams), “Man Of Constant Sorrow” (Soggy Bottom Boys), “Southside Of Heaven” (Ryan Bingham) and “Are You Alright?” (Lucinda Williams). The sampler is available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lost-highway-10th-anniversary/id424037316.  See reverse side for full track listing.

The Lost Highway store is also open for business. Fans can buy the Ten year anniversary clear vinyl LPs, T-Shirts, new releases from Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Lucinda Williams and Hayes Carll. All orders come with a free poster from the South-By-Southwest Showcase, while supplies last. www.losthighwaystore.com
Glenn Morrissette's Music Moves With Him — in Mobile Recording Studio
By Bob Pool -- Glenn Morrissette orchestrates scores for TV and film from his recording studio on wheels — a recreational vehicle he calls home as he meanders around the U.S. [Thanks to Michelle Kay for the link.]
April 1st, 2011, Los Angeles. In a surprise move yesterday CitiBank, who is in receivership of EMI/Capitol Records, put the Hollywood landmark, known as the Capitol Records Building up for sale. The iconic structure, famous for its resemblance to a stack of old-fashioned vinyl records, is where groups like the Beatles signed their first US recording contracts. According to sources, the building will now be remodeled into condos and sold to the highest bidder.
The city of Los Angeles has granted a variance to convert the 13 story tower, currently zoned for commercial use, into 37 luxury residents and two penthouses.  Who is behind the sale? How will the building be altered? Which insiders will get to bid on the units and how much will they cost?
Rebecca Black to Universal
"Friday" has been the biggest track of the year so far. Now Rebecca Black has a deal. Read more.. http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2011/04/01/rebecca-black-to-universal/

Bob Paterno's blog Making Music Making Money

Glossary of Terms Used in the Music Industry
Compiled by Mario F. Gonzalez, Esq.

CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting

LITERARY DEVICES - Part 2 Similes
Let's look at some tools and formulas help you build similes.

Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary



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9. Song and Talent Contests
See contest details at:
Song, Lyric and Fiddle Contests

A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com
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10. 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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11. BEST SONGS of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting

JAN 2011
Ask Your Heart by Vern Dailey
Beautiful For Just A Moment by Guy Rourk

FEB
Our Heaven On Earth by Vern Dailey

MARCH
Where Are The Daddies by Nancy Rynders
A Time For Love by Michael Brandenberger

Read about 2009 Songwriter of the Year, Vern Dailey:  http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2010/08/legend-in-his-own-time.html

Download a pdf hard copy of the Oct 2009 Songwriters Notes with 2008 best songs of the meeting winners announced.http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1520070&da=y

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?
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12. 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
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DSA depends on your support.
Giving Rocks!
While it never hurts to remind you that DSA is a non-profit organization (and so your contributions are tax-deductible) -  this year it means so much more. We're proud to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary as a non-profit. DSA has been an organized songwriter group since 1985 and became a non-profit in 1990.

Your gift
 enables us to meet our mission:

MISSION STATEMENT
We exist to enhance the overall personal growth and professionalism of our members through the following means:

• Provide a practical and realistic orientation for songwriters/artists on common standards and expectations of the music industry.
• Sharpen required competencies for excelling in the song writing profession.
• Serve as a forum for networking among peers and with industry experts to generate career opportunities.
• Serve as a non-political advocate for songwriters and performers in a liaison with peer organizations throughout the country.

Our programs created to meet our mission goals are: a monthly newsletter, workshops, critique sessions, showcases, contests, networking opportunities and community service.
If you like what we do, and want to help us keep doing it, please make a contribution today. Gifts of all sizes are meaningful and appreciated.

Donations are welcome year round. 
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Thanks for reading this far. If you have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let me know. Follow me on Twitter @barbemcmillen. Give me a tweet.
Barbeberetsmaller.jpg
Songcerely,
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA

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