Sunday, August 4, 2013

SONGWRITERS NOTES E-NEWS #145 August 2013

Hello Songwriter,

It is really hot now in Dallas. Over 100 degrees the last few days and no relief in sight. Time to head to the mountains for a couple of weeks. The streets of Dallas are deserted, folks staying inside to keep cool in the day, while possibly venturing out at night, even though it's still a bit toasty.  
BTW - It's a tradition - 

NO 2ND TUESDAY MEETING IN AUGUST.

 We've already had our Open Mic at Half Price Books on 1st Thursday. Our other regular DSA monthly events remain the same 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and  3rd Thursday Open Mic.  For details, see #2 and #4 below.

The Dallas Songwriters Song Contest semifinalists have been announced and posted on the website. Brent Benton won the drawing for the Ipod at our last July Tuesday meeting when our guest speaker, Kathy Baldwin, picked the winning song entry number.

I'll be teaching songwriting classes at Collin College this fall. We have lots of fun in the class and explore the craft of popular songwriting. Here are the details.   Classes online.

STAY COOL!

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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.



1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST -   Category Semifinalists Announced.


                 2013 Dallas Songwriters Song Contest
Now in its 23rd year, The DSA 2013 Song Contest is one of the longest running international song contests for amateur songwriters. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes.

Grand Prize is a Casio Privia Piano
and a Nashville recording session at Bieard Music Group. Many more prizes and cash prizes in each category.


Eight Song Categories
1. Christian/Inspirational
2. Country
3. Americana/Folk/Bluegrass
4. Pop/Rock/RnB/Alternative
5. Love Songs/Easy Listening
6. Children's/Novelty
7. Singer/Songwriter (songwriter is the performer)
8. Instrumental

Multiple Winners In Each Category
Entry Fee $25
Deadline: Monday, June 17th, 2013
Submissions Close at Midnight. 

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2012 GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Just Me and You by Macy Medford, Jonathan George, Houston, TX

Here the song on ReverbNation

Check out her website:

READ INTERVIEW with Macy by Roger Russell

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.

 You will find Semifinalist  here:


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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2. DSA MEETINGS - http://dsameetings.blogspot.com/

NO  -  2nd TUESDAY WORKSHOP


Sept: Michael Brown  - writing advertising jingles
Oct: TBA
Nov: Membership Meeting and Elections

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DSA T-SHIRTS 
NEW shirts: $15 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $20
OLD shirts: $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $15
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MONDAY SONG SWAPS for peer critique
Song Swap Workshops
Monthly 7:30-10 PM
Free, Visitors Welcome
Where songwriters perform their songs for peer review. Bring your guitar and a few lyric sheets. This is like an old fashioned guitar pull with comments between songs.

FIRST MONDAY in East Dallas
Half Price Books, 5803 E Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX 75231-6519 (214) 379-8000
Roger Russell, Jame Pappas coordinating.
We'll be in the Community Room at the back left in the building.

THIRD MONDAY in PLANO - 
Tino's - Steve Sullivan, coordinator.
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

JULY
Wish You Were Here by Lisa Byrn

Critique Panel: Kathy Baldwin of DaCat Music and Buck Morgan


Song of the Year 2012 Winner
5th place to Nancy Rynders, Kiss Me and Make Me Better
4th place to Mary Guthrie, Braver Than We Want to Be
3rd place to James and Roger, Carribean Moon
2nd place to Casey, The Good War
and 1st place, DSA Song of the Year, to Brooke Malouf for Thank God He Broke Your Heart.

2012 DSA Vern Dailey Songwriter of the Year winner is James Pappas

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 - Rotating guest host featured artist
EVERY 1ST THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Sign up begins at 6:30
Featured Artist at 8PM

SHOWCASES


SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS

HOUSE OF BLUES DSA Open Mic Aug. 28, 7-10 p.m. 
(Not in this order . Sets are 15 minutes)
Thus far, among those who didn't get to play last time, and therefore have priority, are:
David Byboth
Terry Bloss
Tricia Whaley
Dan Roark
Ryan Michael Galloway
Craig St Clair
Randy Brown
Lisa Byrn
Allen Larson

SHOWCASE AND OPEN MIC - 

AUGUST 15TH SPECIAL SHOW AND FUNDRAISER FOR CHEMOSABE.ORG FEATURUNG JOE KING CARRASCO. PLEASE SHOW UP TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.

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 .

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. DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked SEPT 30th - SUMMER CONTEST


2013 WINTER CONTEST WINNERS

2013 WINTER WINNER
Dancing With A Dream by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PA

2013 winter SEMIFINALISTS (deadline was March 31)



 Better Than the Best Of Wines by Debra Kay Patrick, Woodbridge, ONT, CANADA
 Simple Things or Going Back by Debra Kay Patrick, Woodbridge, ONT, CANADA    
 Romance 101 by Michael Junek, Camreon, TX
 I Keep On Wanting You by Andre Kerek, Miami, FL 
How Long Does Love Last by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
 Dancing With a Dream by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ 
 Window Pain by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
Trying To Say I Love You by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ 
 Painting My Picture by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ


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 L3: TREVOR DAHLEN
                   PATRON SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER, ROGER RUSSELL
Thanks to our president, Roger Russell for providing the PA at the Wildflower Festival and donating the Wildflower check to DSA.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Sandra Foster, Mary Matthews, Deanna Washington, Wyler DelRay, Aaron Shook, Matt Cord, Richard Braund, Dickey Johnson, Dan Roark, George AlbertJana Zettl, Andy Schrumpf, Tom Jordan, Michael Shane Andrews, Phillip Wildman, Kerry McCall

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP:  Robin Wilis, Allen Larson, Terry Bloss, Annie Cornelius, Joe Milton, Ryan Galloway, Julie Jean White, Suzi Morse, Trevor DahlenTommy Thomas, Stephen Johnson

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 OCT: Charles Risinger, Liz Basse
EXPIRED IN NOV:  Jose Cantu, Cheryl Anderson, Donna Scoggins, Shelby Cook,
EXPIRED IN DEC: Ross Smith, Lisa Miller, Kathern Hallberg, Randy Brown, Joe Milton, Gregg Watts, Mark Sanders, Steve Ritter, JR Byrd
Expired in JAN: James Andrew Boyer, Matt Boggs
EXPIRED IN FEB: Mark Glasmire, Melinda Starnes
EXPIRED IN MARCH: Ryan Eichenwald, Alexandra Brooks, Corey Anderson, Brian Coker, Tom Biles, Madilne Shaw, Holly Doubet, Jim Baker, George Pucini
EXPIRED IN APRIL: Joanna Endsley, Daniel Anchondo, Margaret CuddiheeMolly Bush, Buz Craft Jeremy Ellis, Casey Graham, Dewey Stark, Mofor Otang, Robert Harper, David Spence, Lanny Sherwin, 
EXPIRED IN MAY: Bob Paterno, Ginny Lane, Mathew Johnson
EXPIRED IN JUNE: Renee Safier, Noel Cohen, Andre Kerek
EXPIRED IN JULY: John Nitzinger
PLEASE RENEW THIS MONTH: Alexandre Gorodiscas, Wendy Jill Cohen Tobias, Becky Wright, Robert Graham, Daniel Sumber, Chris Alvarado, Philip Creamer, Steve Chizmadia, Glen Naylor, Gordon Lustig, Kevin Reardon, Susie McLean, Eric Colville, Diane Lekven, Nestor Cora, Chris O'Neill, Gavin Potter, Vanessa Padla, Andy Taylor, Keeton Coffman, Chase Thompson, Belle Schneiderman, Spencer Clark


Member News : 
Read performance reviews here: http://dsareviews.blogspot.com/

Grady Yates was runner up in the BW Stevenson Contest

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 

(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.)

MORE TO COME IN THE FALL.
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.

AUG
3 - 8 Christian Artist Seminar, Germany
11- 17 REO Songwriters Retreat, British Columbia
10 - 16 UK Songwriting Festival, Scotland

SEPT
26 - 28 Cutting Edge Music Conference, NOLA

OCT
2 - 6 AC3 Music Conference, Atlanta, GA
3- 5 Durango Expo, Boulder, CO

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.


Classic Track: Roger Miller's 'King of the Road'
It’s hard to remember back to a time when Nashville’s vaunted Music Row was really just a couple of studios and music publishing houses dotting tree-shaded 16th Avenue. This month’s Classic Track, Roger Miller’s “King of the Road,” takes us back to the fall of 1964, an era when the top dog on the Row, studio-wise, was CBS’s Quonset Hut, a utilitarian structure that had been one of many thousands of identical small, prefabricated corrugated galvanized steel buildings with semicircular roofs made during World War II.

You gotta love this one. Music Therapy.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/lXKDu6cdXLI?rel=0

THIS ONE"S FOR MICHAEL BRANDO
VIDEO: "Roll Over Beethoven"
Was Chuck Berry as good as remembered? Found this video which technically sucks but shows Berry at the top of his form. No wonder the kids in the 50s went nuts for this guy and the excitement he helped bring to the birth of rock n roll.
MUSIC BUSINESS - more articles posted on the new blog DSA Music Biz News

Jim Foglesong, Legendary Country Music Exec, Dead at 90
By Associated Press -- Jim Foglesong, a record label executive and music producer who helped launch Garth Brooks' career and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, died Tuesday. He was 90. ... Brooks wasn't the only musician whose career was touched by Foglesong before he turned to academics later in life. ... he oversaw label rosters that included Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Roy Clark, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. ... "Today, the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness, tolerance, faith, and sincerity," Brooks said in an emailed statement. "But do not weep for Jim, I have never met a man with a stronger faith, anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now. Instead, weep for those of us who are left here without him ... truly, a great, great man."


Amar G. Bose, 83, Dies
By The Washington Post -- He was founder of audio technology company Bose Corp., known for its noise-canceling headphones.
LISTEN 




RON BLOCK
http://mediakits.concordmusicgroup.com/p/ronblock/listen.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=

GUY CLARK
http://www.GuyClark.com/music.html#jukebox

SLAID CLEAVES
http://slaidcleaves.com/still-fighting-the-war-2/

How 'Dancing In The Street' Became A Protest Anthem
By NPR Staff -- Fifty years ago, protesters were taking to the streets across the United States...It was a tense and volatile time. The soundtrack to it all was one song: Martha and the Vandellas' 1964 hit, "Dancing in the Street." [Be sure not to miss Mama Cass's moves.]


RECORDING
MixTips: Steve Kovacs
Steve Kovacs picked Chicago. An Arizona native and Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (Phoenix) graduate—with further studies in Music Theory and Composition at Berklee College of Music—he targeted Chicago, based on a longtime love of the city’s blues tradition and its alternative/indie emergence with the Pumpkins, Ministry, Wilco and the like.

Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting

Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary



Great web tool for lyric writing
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10. Song and Talent Contests

DSA ANNUAL SONG CONTEST March 15th - June 17th

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


See contest details at:
Song, Lyric and Fiddle Contests


A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com