Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Songwriters Notes E-News #139 February 2013

Hello Songwriter,

Let's spread the love and bring your best love song for the February 2nd Tuesday meeting for a chance to win the Vern Dailey Songwriter of the Year Award. We are trying out a new meeting place at CC Young where we held our board meeting and showcase in January. Our guest speaker is Kevin Deal from Guitar Center Pro. See below for directions to The Point at CC Young where the meeting will be held.

Our officers were elected at the planning meeting on January 12. What do you want from DSA?  This your organization and we are here to serve you, our membership.

Our other regular DSA monthly events remain the same, 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps (1st Thurs features guest host Vicky Williams) and 1st & 3rd Thursday Open Mic. For details, see #2 and #4 below.

SXSW  Austin Songwriters is presenting it's annual Songwriters Symposium Jan 24-27. Recommended by DSA, it is a great place to learn, network and get your songs heard. Best value for dollars. See workshops below.

Richard Leigh is in Texas Performing this month . Check out his stops on the tour. http://richardleigh.com/

Grammy Awards are coming up this Sunday Feb 10th. The Texas chapter is having a viewing party at Gilley's.

Check out the Best Country Song nominees and pick the winner. See LISTEN under articles in item  #9.

I'm teaching songwriting classes at Collin College. We have lots of fun in the class and explore what makes a song popular. Here are the details.
Wanna study along with the class? I also, offer these classes online.

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Help DSA today at no cost to you.
DSA has enrolled in a new program at BBVA Compass Bank. You can help DSA earn money by opening a Compass account and give Dallas Songwriters as your reason or if you already have a Compass account, go to your bank and connect to our program and use your check card.

COMPASS FOR YOUR CAUSE
No checks to write. No direct mail. No telemarketing. In other words, no hassles. The Compass For Your Cause Program allows your members to support your organization, by doing something many of them do virtually every day—use their check card for everyday purchases. And it's easy for them to get started. They simply:
  • Open a BBVA Compass Checking Account*
  • Open a Compass Visa® Check Card*
  • Sign for purchases using the Check Card
That's all there is to it. When they open an account, you earn a royalty of $50. Every time they use their Check Card for qualifying purchases††, you earn additional royalties. So start earning money the easy way with the Compass For Your Cause program. Contact us today to get started.


Check out our pictures on the Dallas Songwriters Facebook. Go on Facebook and LIKE us. New, tell your firends about Dallas Songwriters on Meetup.

QUICK LOOK CALENDAR OF DSA MONTHLY EVENTS - put this in your bookmark.

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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST -   2013 Song Contest Coming Soon

Interview with 2012 DSA Song Contest Winner Macy Medford by Roger Russell



I recently had the privilege of interviewing Macy Medford and her mother Stacy.  Macy’s song she cowrote with Jonathan George “Just Me and You” was the grand prize winner for the 2012 DSA Song Contest.  Here is the interview.

Roger:  How old are you?
Macy:  I am 15 years old now.
Roger:  Are you attending high school now?
Macy:  I am a sophomore at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas.
Roger:  What instruments do you play?
Macy:  Guitar and Piano.

                      




     2012 Dallas Songwriters Song Contest

Now in its 22nd year, The DSA 2012 Song Contest is one of the longest running international song contests for amateur songwriters. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes. You will find Semifinalist  here:

    GRAND PRIZE WINNER
    Just Me and You by Macy Medford, Jonathan George, Houston, TX

    Here the song on ReverbNation

    Check out her website:

    1ST RUNNER UP
    That Old Shirt by Steve Chizmadia, Peekskill, NY

    2ND RUNNER UP
    You'll Be Back by Debra M. Gussin, Jonathan Bluth, LA, CA
    Macy with Grand Prize Taylor Guitar signed by Beth Nielsen Chapman, donated by our Prez, Roger Russell.

    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

    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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    February 12: Fat Tuesday

    Guest Speaker, Kevin Deal

    kevin d 5 guitar center north dallas
    Kevin Deal from Guitar Center

    Kevin is one of the Sales Representatives for our GC Pro office at the North Dallas store. As a GC Pro associate he consults and assists clients in discovering audio/video solutions for their needs. Music has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.  Before life at Guitar Center he ventured across the US and Europe touring, scoring films and video games under the music project Bexarametric. He graduated from Texas State University in 2004, and started his career at Guitar Center 2005.

    We'll also be celebrating Fat Tuesday, so bring your party self. Prizes for person who gets the baby from the King Cake.

    Critiques will follow. Bring your best love song.
    See meeting page for more details

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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 - NEW LOCATION
    Tino's - Steve Sullivan, coordinator. Mall location closed. Tino's Too is remodeled
    Tino's Too Mexican Restaurant 2205 Ave K, Plano, Tx  972 881-9226
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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
    Something About You by Gigi Costas
    Time To Play by William Brown
    Critique Panel: Dr Terry Fansler and Bobby Montgomery

    VERN DAILEY SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR 2011 
    Long time DSA member, James Pappas,  is Songwriter of the Year for most wins at the 2nd Tuesday meetings last year. See our Press Room for story.

    SONG OF THE YEAR 2011 WINNER
    Congratulations go to Casey Graham, for the winning song, "Tears for Joanna." It was Casey's first song submitted to the 2nd Tuesday Critics. See our Press Room for story.


    Our judge was Zane Williams, the amazing singer/songwriter who brought a 2nd Tuesday program earlier this year. Zane somehow crammed in judging and commenting on our 2011 Critique Winners between gigging all around North Texas, trips to Nashville, starring spots on Troubadour, TX, and being a daddy and a husband and a human being. He got his comments back to us somewhere between Texas and Utah, where he is today.

    See the website for Zane's comments.

    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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    4. SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS -

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

    HALF PRICE BOOKS - NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - Vicky Williams guest host for Feb.
    EVERY 1ST THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
    Sign up begins at 6:30
    Featured Artist at 8PM

    SHOWCASE

    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
    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 30th WINTER CONTEST or enter online. Fall 2012 closed Dec 31st

    2012 SUMMER WINNER(deadline was Sept 3o)


    1. The Only Heart You Had Was Mine by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
    2. It's Only Country When It's Real by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
    2. Gimme a Big City by John Thomas Lane, Monument, Co
    3. What Woman Can Make You Do by  Ross Smith, Lewisville, Tx
    HM Your Flight Has Just Been Cancelled by Lenny Soloman, Cambridge, MAS
    HM. I'd Marry You Again (The Anniversary Song) by Bill Hoover, Hendersonville, NV
    HM The Fracking Song  by Lenny Soloman, Cambridge, MAS
    The End of A Dream by Roy Williams, Woodbridge, ONT, CAN
    Back To Work by Landon Ray Lewis, Waco, Tx


    CURRENT WINNERS and PAST WINNERS and LYRICS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE

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

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    6. MEMBER NEWS -
    Wanna get involved? Become a committee member. It's fun! Be apart of the inner workings or the DSA. We have a board position open. We're looking for a Treasurer.

    To view a list of the 2013 elected Directors 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 Fansler,  Emmitt Fennessey, Carlos Savetman, Mikah Young, Kelly Aldous, Tim ?Joseph Jacobs, Gigi CostasDevin Hill, Wendy Tobias, Song Contest Winners new or renewing: Macy Medford,  Steve Chizmadia, Debra M. Gussin , Renee Safier, Chris Alvarado, Eric Colville, Glen Naylor, Lanny Sherwin, Keeton Coffman , Spencer Clark, Kevin Reardon, Daniel Sumber , Andy Taylor , Gavin Potter, Vanessa Padla, Diane Lekven, Belle Schneiderman, Robert Graham, Chris O'Neill, Chase Thompson, Nestor Cora, Philip Creamer, Gordon Lustig, Susie  McLean, Becky Wright


    THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Mimi Balkey, Jeremy Ellis, Michael Roth, Alex GorodiscasRob McHaleBill HonkerBobby MontgomeryTrevor DahlenCasey Graham

    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 APRIL: Suzi Moore, Joanna Endsley, Gary Morse, Daniel Anchondo, Loretta Dunnaway, Margaret Cuddihee.
    EXPIRED IN MAY: Richard Ray Hunt, Annie Cornelius
    EXPIRED IN JUNE: Brandon Watson, Paul McNair, Mike Corbin, Keith Thompson, Tom Biles, Kyle Carey, Wyler Delray, Ruben Estevez, John Friday, Ruben Estevez, John Friday, Shane Martin, Christal Prout, Shosshana Sperling, John Visconti, Tara Priya, Janine Wilson, Steven Welp, Stonewall Towery. 
    EXPIRED IN JULY: Brook Malouf, Lu Ann Dunley, Ken Luginbyhl, Ryan Galloway
    EXPIRED IN AUGUST: Joyce Sanders, Dixon Beasley.
    EXPIRED IN SEPT: Jonathan Harrison
    EXPIRED IN OCT: Morri Hartgraves, Charles Risinger, Liz Basse
    EXPIRED IN DEC: Cheryl Anderson, Donna Scoggins, David Byboth, Shelby Cook, Ross Smith, Lisa Miller, Julie Jean White, Kathern Hallberg, Randy Brown, Joe Milton, Gregg Watts, Mark Sanders, Steve Ritter, JR Byrd
    Expired in JAN:  Terry Bloss, James Andrew Boyer, Matt Boggs
    PLEASE RENEW THIS MONTH: Mark Glasmire, Melinda Starnes
    Member News : 
    Wendy Jill Tobias placed in top ten in songwriting contest. She's featured in Berklee Today's January Issue 
    http://berkleetoday.epubxp.com/i/106074/40
    Barbara McMillen's musical premiered in November. Read Buck's review http://dsareviews.blogspot.com/
    Casey Graham's song named song of the year 2011
    James Pappas named Songwriters of 2011

    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

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    7. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS A
    (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.)

    Saturday, March 9th, Kerrville finalist, Andy Gullahorn @ Lewisville MCL Grand


    http://www.andygullahorn.com/

    http://jillphillips.com/



    Schedule of Events

    9 - 10 am - Registration
    10 - 3 pm - Songwriter Workshop - Black Box Theater (Lunch Included)
    3 - 5 pm - Capo Workshop - Classroom 1
    4 - 5 pm - Copyright Workshop (tentative) - Classroom 2
    5 - 6:30 pm - Open Mic (Available to paid registrants) - Black Box Theater

    7:30 pm - Concert - Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips - MCL Grand Theater 

    Register and purchase tickets at http://www.Mclgrand.tix.com
    More at:

    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.

    FEB
    10  - Grammy Awards - 7PM C on CBS
    20 - 24 Folk Alliance, Toronto, CAN

    MARCH
    8-18  SXSW, Music, Film, Interactive, Austin, Tx

    APRIL
    5-7 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Dallas, Tx
    18 - 20 ASCAP EXPO, LA
    20 - 22 Dallas International Guitar Show, Market Hall

    MAY
    17 - 19 WildFlower Festival, Richardson, Tx

    Go to the events page to view links to local and Texas venues. There's a list of holiday music for this month.  http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/

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    9. Featured Articles:
    PREZ SEZ: Tune in to DSA President, Roger Russell's, musings and DSA goings on.


    Arhoolie Records Set Highlights 50 Years of Roots-Music
    By Randall Mikkelsen -- Chris Strachwitz discovered the first performer for his Arhoolie Records label by quizzing roadside field hands, a prosperous cotton farmer named Mr. Tom Moore, and a man called Peg Leg at a railroad station in Navasota, Texas...It also launched German-born Strachwitz on a half-century career of uncovering and popularizing vernacular "roots music" of the Americas.
    [Though embroiled in much controversy, the fact remains...]
    Macklemore Becomes First Unsigned Artist to Reach #1 in the US Since 1994
    By John Balfe

    This Musician Got His Stolen iPhone Back By Pretending To Be A Hot Girl On Dating Site
    By Associated Press -- A New York City musician used a combination of technology, seduction, a hammer and a bribe to reclaim his missing iPhone from a confused crook.
    Preserving The Home, And History, Of New Orleans' Piano Professor
    By Gwen Thompkins -- If you've ever heard New Orleans piano greats like Fats Domino, Eddie Bo, James Booker or Dr. John, you've already met Professor Longhair in the ether. Allen Toussaint, a piano player who's written and produced music for more than 50 years, says the late musician's work defies comparison.

    VIDEOS


    [You know you always get me with this stuff Bobby...]
    Clyde Stubblefield - The Funky Drummer
    By Bobby Owsinski -- If you have any interest in funk, you'll love this video. It's a clinic with Clyde Stubblefield, one of the originators of funk and a mainstay with James Brown's band for many years. In this video you'll see first hand how to play the "Funky Drummer" beat as well as hear how some of those great JB songs were written.

    MUSIC BUSINESS - more articles posted on the new blog DSA Music Biz News



    [Anyone else tired of having their game changed?]
    Game Changer: Listening Rooms on Facebook (with Soundrop)
    By Eliot Van Buskirk
    [When you've got the Brabec brothers, Todd and Jeff, on the panel, you've got the truth. They're on this panel.]
    The Insider's Discussion: How to Succeed (And Make Money) as a Professional Artist or Musician
    By Copyright Alliance -- Whether you're a seasoned artist or emerging in your field of choice, the questions remain the same: how do you navigate the ever-changing landscape, get your creative work noticed, build audiences and relationships, and ultimately make money doing what you love?
    How to Get Rejected in the Music Business
    By Music Marketing [dot] com -- There are some things about the music business, or any creative profession, that are accepted by pros, but scare the hell out of amateurs. In fact, these things are so terrifying that they actually keep people from attaining "amateur" status.


    IN MEMORANDUM


    Beloved and respected in the songwriting community for over four decades--author of The Art & Craft of Songwriting as well as one of Music Connection's first columnists in the magazine's early period--John Braheny has passed away in Los Angeles, CA, after battling cancer. For more details, please visit Friends of John Braheny on Facebook.

    [Beloved by all who knew him.]
    ASCAP Remembers John Braheny, 1938-2013
    All of us at ASCAP are saddened to hear that John Braheny, a lifelong music mentor, educator, advocate and journalist known by his many colleagues and students as the "Songwriter's Best Friend," has passed away at the age of 74. Click through to read Dan Kimpel's piece about Braheny's amazing life.

    Patty Andrews, Leader Of The Andrews Sisters, Dies
    By Amy Blaszyk -- Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the Andrews Sisters trio, died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, according to her management. She was 94.
    Notable Country Music Deaths of 2012
    By Edward Morris -- Hall of Famers Kitty Wells, Earl Scruggs, Frances Preston exit.
    PERFORMANCE



    LISTEN
    Grammy's are this Sunday. Who do you think will win Best Country Song?


    Best Country Song - A Songwriter(s) Award.

    1. BLOWN AWAY
    Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)
    Track from: Blown Away

    2. COST OF LIVIN'
    Phillip Coleman & Ronnie Dunn, songwriters (Ronnie Dunn)

    3. EVEN IF IT BREAKS YOUR HEART
    Will Hoge & Eric Paslay, songwriters (Eli Young Band)

    4. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOVE ME ANYMORE
    Jay Knowles & Adam Wright, songwriters (Alan Jackson)

    5. SPRINGSTEEN
    Eric Church, Jeff Hyde & Ryan Tyndell, songwriters (Eric


    A Night Out With Sam Cooke: 'Harlem Square' Turns 50
    By NPR Staff -- Fifty years ago Saturday, Sam Cooke stepped onstage at a club in Miami...Someone picked out a warm Miami date in early 1963: Jan. 12 at the Harlem Square Club...The result was loud, raw, artful and raucous [now considered one of the greatest live albums ever recorded.]

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

    CRAFT OF SONGWRITING


    Tom Kelly, Acclaimed Songwriter, Speaks on Writing "Like a Virgin" for Madonna
    By Steve Rennie -- Back in the 1980s, Tom Kelly formed one half of a formidable songwriting tandem with Billy Steinberg. For several years running, they wrote #1 hit songs for artists like Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Heart, and Madonna.
    They Went Together Like a Horse and Carriage
    By Will Friedwald -- The question most inevitably asked of songwriters is always, "What comes first, the words or the music?" Lyricist Sammy Cahn, whose centennial is being celebrated this year alongside that of his most celebrated partner, composer Jimmy Van Heusen, had a ready-made answer: "The phone call."...[Thanks to David Basskin for the link.]


    Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting

    Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary


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    10. Song and Talent Contests

    DSA Quarterly Lyric Contest http://dsalyriccontest.blogspot.com/

    Wildflower Festival - deadline March 8  

    Sandra James Songwriting Contest - deadline March 31st
         www.sandrajames.com

    Play Music Gorilla Fest in Austin in March 

    See contest details at:
    Song, Lyric and Fiddle Contests


    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

    CROSSROADS SHOWCASES

    View past showcase performances and workshops on Crossroads Youtube.

    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 21th 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.

    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.