Sunday, May 4, 2014

DSA SONGWRITERS NOTES DSA E-NEWS #154 MAY 2014


Hello Songwriter,

We're having fun at the Dallas Guitar Show this weekend, looking forward to hearing Johnny Winter tonight. We're handing out a hardcopy newsletter that features out critique winners and our Lyric Contest winners.   You can get that hard copy issue here. Be patient though, because Keepandshare.com won't allow too many downloads at the same time, so if it denies you just try back the next day.
Next we're at the Wildflower Festival May 16- 18.  You can fly your company's banner on our stage by talking to Steve about a space by email.  For details see this page http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/advertise.htm
The Wildflower Festival Songwriters Workshop on Friday, May 16, all day, is an event not to be missed. The fabulous hit writer, Steve Seskin, is mentoring. Go here to register and become a Wildflower Insider.

Our Second Tuesday Workshop will present Christian touring songwriter, Ted Pearce, recently returning from his European tour.  - see #2 below for details.

The SongSwap is coming up at Half Price Books on 1st Monday. Our regular DSA monthly events remain the same 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and 1st and 3rd Thursday Open Mic. For details, see #2 and #4 below. Also we have a regular showcase at House of Blues every last Wednesday of the month and an open mic christian fellowship in a historic building in Waxahachie, see #4 below. Food is served at 6PM and it goes for a couple of hours.

I'm proud to announce the winner of the Poor David's BW Stevenson Song Contest is DSA MEMBER, Randy Brown. Congrats to Randy and DSA Member Julie Jean White for being a close runner up.

Ralph Murphy from ASCAP has a number of online Master Songwriting Workshops, SoundEmerge Masters Series. For more info use this link  http://soundemerge.com/

DSA has announced the date of it's summer picnic pool party and Jam to be the first Saturday in August. Mark your calendar for August 2nd.
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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 -   Opening Soon


                 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 WINNER - Do You Believe by Jay Gallagher, Philadelphia, PA

JAY GALLAGHER - RECEIVES 
A Casio Privia Piano
and a Nashville recording session at Bieard Music Group. 
Beaird Music Group


1st Runner Up
 Looking Glass by Rick Webster, Perth, Australia
 wins studio time at
River Sounds Recording Resort







2nd Runner up
3, 2, 1 by Jay Gallagher, Philadelphia, PA
wins recording time at 
Jo-Musik


Grand Prize winners receive:
($199.95 Value) 
Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr. Hosting
1 Yr. Sonicbids Membership

HARDCOPY OF NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENT HANDED OUT AT THE ARLINGTON GUITAR SHOW

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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/

2nd TUESDAY WORKSHOP - MAY 13

Ted Pearce Speaks On his Career As A Christian Artist at May 13th Meeting

Christian Artist Ted Pearce
American praise and worship artist, widely admired in the "Messianic” circles (jewish folk and Israeli influences,) formerly on Integrity Records with “Lamb” and has had 2 songs covered by Paul Wilbur. Ted has produced 8 albums and written songs that are played weekly in messianic synagogues worldwide.


Future Programs:

June: Singer Songwriter, Jay Johnson

July: Dove nominated producer, Joe Milton


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

April 2014
Honky Tonk Shrink by Rio King
Critique panel: Aaron Shook and Pete Miller (6 songs)

To view past winners go to the Best Songs blog. http://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/
To hear the winners go to our Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/dsa-best-songs
Did you know that A and R reps from labels and music publishers are listening to our Myspace page each month?
HARDCOPY OF SONGWRITERS NOTES 2014 SPRING
includes 2013 critiques winners

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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

SING or bring an instrument
MGB Ministeries Presents:
Supporting Artists in the Body of Christ
A cultural exchange fellowship @ Getzendaner Park, Chautauqua Building
the Last Thursday of every month
CREATING A PLATFORM FOR WORSHIP
It’s an informal gathering of artists to celebrate every tribe, tongue, and nation within
the Body of Christ through worship arts. We encourage ALL artists to participate in the worship including worship painters, worship dancing, banners, shofars, etc. Bring your gifts for the King! 
We especially want to support songwriters to come with their songs and musicians to come with chord charts ready to jam with others. Please call in advance so we can fit everybody in.
For more info contact: Michael Barton  972.935.2552

SHOWCASES

HOUSE OF BLUES
Every last Wednesday
You must be a member to showcase. 
Email Buck Morgan to get on the roster for this month.

WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL stage in May

SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS - on hold


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 .

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 June 30th - SPRING CONTEST

Enter onine

WINTER 2014 IS IN THE JUDGING PROCESS

2013 FALL WINNER - see winner on website

SEMIFINALISTS
He Didn't Need Much by Dana Young, Anthony, KS
Mr. James Brown and Me by John Thomas Lane, Monument, CO
Three Feet Tall by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
There's Still Some Cowboy Somewhere in Me by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
A Whole Lot More Than Strangers by Paul Bernstein, Ann Arbor, MI
The Real Thing by Paul Bernstein, Ann Arbor, MI

Too Late Now by Paul Kostal, Brisbane, Australia

Rambler From Tascosa by Paul Bernstein, Ann Arbor, MI


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.

To view a list of the 2014 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 past president, Roger Russell for providing the PA at the Wildflower Festival and donating the Wildflower check to DSA. Also, for several matching donations from Hewlett Packard and Network For Good.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: John Mason, David Wysong, Gary White, Kent Poyner

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP:  Terry Bloss, Joe Milton, Randy Overton, Will Brown, Julie Jean White

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 AUG: Wendy Jill Cohen Tobias, Becky Wright, Robert Graham, Daniel Sumber, Chris Alvarado, Philip Creamer, Steve Chizmadia, Gordon Lustig, 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
EXPIRED IN SEPT: Devin Hill
EXPIRED IN NOV: Liz Miller
EXPIRED IN JAN: Steve Erickson, Kelly Aldous,Tim Malloly, Mikah Young, Carlos Savetman
EXPIRED IN FEB: Emmitt Fennessey
EXPIRED IN MARCH: Jana Zettl, Kayla Elloit, Kimberly Elliot, Kelsey Grogan, Robin Willis, Ken Duren, Cary Cooper, David Byboth
EXPIRED IN APRIL: Keith Thompson, Claire Ulanoff, Steve Johnson, Michael Andrews, Kerry McCall, Phillip Wildmon, Andy Schrumpf, Tom Jorden, Loretta Dunnaway, Suzi Moore, Tom Thomas
TIME TO RENEW THIS MONTH: Aaron Shook, Richard Braund, Dickey Johnson, George Albert, Dan Roark

A Members Page off the Dallas Songwriters homepage has a list of members and a url link. Please check the page and email me your link if it is not included.

Member News : 

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

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.)


SteveSeskin.jpg
Songwriting Workshop Presented By

Steve Seskin
Grammy Nominated Singer Songwriter Steve Seskin will conduct a one-day Songwriting Workshop to kick off the City of Richardson’s 2014 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival.
Steve is a successful songwriter who has written seven number one songs, including Grammy-nominated “Grown Men Don’t Cry” recorded by Tim McGraw, and “Don’t Laugh at Me,” winner of NSAI Song of the Year.  Steve is an active keynote speaker and songwriting teacher for the West Coast Songwriters Association, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Swannanoa Gathering and the Song School at Rocky Mountain Folk Festival.  He will also be the Director of the 2014 Kerrville Folk Festival Song School.

Steve will cover many topics such as writing memorable melodies, show me don't tell me lyric writing, rhyme and metaphor, rewriting and writing truthfully.  For more information on these subjects, visit Steve’s website at http://steveseskin.com/
Friday, May 16, 2014
9:00 am – 10:00 am – Get Acquainted
10:00 am – 4:00 pm - Workshop
Location:  Residence Inn by Marriott
1040 Waterwood Drive
Richardson, TX  75082
Cost:  $50
Maximum Students:  30
For more info and to register, go to:
https://discovery.cor.gov/public/parks/corprecwebtkts.nsf
Steve will also perform on the Singer Songwriter Stage on
Saturday, May 17 at 3:30 pm.
Each student in the school will receive 1 free ticket to the Festival! A $20 value!

http://wildflowerfestival.com/singersongwriterschool.html

• Kerrville Songwriters School.  May 26th - 29th 
Faculty includes: Steve Seskin, Allen ShamblinMary GauthierLloyd MainesTerri HendrixRay ChesnaVance Gilbert and several others. It's a great school and the festival before and after it is a lot of fun as well.  For details go to kerrville-music.com/songwritersschool.htm.

• SoundEmerge Master Series - Ralph Murphy hosts award winning songwriters.
Register and view online. http://soundemerge.com/


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.

MAY
2-4 Dallas Guitar Festival, Fair Park, Dallas, Tx
14-18 SERFA Folk Alliance Regional Conference, Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC
16-18 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, Tx
22 Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, Tx http://www.kerrville-music.com/

JUNE
 - 8 Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, Tx http://www.kerrville-music.com/

SEPT
25-28  SWRFA Folk Alliance Regional Conference, Austin, Tx

OCT
Far-West Folk Alliance Regional ConferenceHyatt Regency IrvineIrvineCA,
FARMFolk Alliance Regional Conference, Sheraton Westport TowerStLouisMO
Arlington Guitar Show, Arlington, Tx

NOV
NERFA Folk Alliance Regional Conference, Hudson Valley ResortKerhonksonNY,

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:

[Because this is such an important step forward in creator rights management, I thought it deserved a reprise.]
ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN Collaborate on MusicMark
To meet the needs of today's changing marketplace, ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN have collaborated to create MusicMark. The new initiative is designed to simplify the music registration process, and create a synchronized picture of the music of the songwriters, composers and music publishers that each performing rights organization (PRO) represents.
I'm a Grammy Nominated Artist. Want to See My Royalty Statements?
By Armen Chakmakian -- Armen Chakmakian is a Grammy-nominated composer, keyboardist and recording artist.
By Bruce Houghton -- A new Obama administration ruling aimed at protecting Africa's endangered elephants is sending shock waves through the music community.

PREZ SEZ: Tune in to DSA President's musings and DSA goings on.

MUSIC BUSINESS - more articles posted on  DSA Music Biz News

The Sole of a Band
By Bob Boilen -- Baggy pants make different music than skinny jeans. Cowboy hats sound different than fedoras. T-shirt-and-jeans bands make a different noise than suit-and-tie bands. You can often look at a band's clothing and have a pretty good idea what it'll sound like. But what about shoes?

IN MEMORANDUM
Jessie Winchester

Kevin Sharp

Rod Kennedy, founder of Kerville Folk Festival
May 22nd, opening night of the 2014 Kerrville Folk Festival, will be a Celebration of his Life, and I am sure there will be many more throughout the 18 days.

Donations may be sent to the Rod Kennedy Endowment Fund c/o KFF, PO Box
291466. Kerrville TX  78029

By Kenneth Turan -- Everyone knows Mickey Rooney, but who really remembers the extent of his success? How many now living can testify not only to how large this man loomed over the American film landscape but also to the particular qualities that made him such an enormous success in his prime[
LISTEN 
By Paul Resnikoff -- Performed by Christopher Bill.

RECORDING

Hum: A Songwriter's Notebook for iPhone
By Nate Ashcroft -- Hum enables rudimentary songwriting on the go by combining note-taking and recording, so that artists and band members can share ideas with each other via text messages and email.

CRAFT OF SONGWRITING

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

DSA Annual Song Contest will kick off soon.
Song, Lyric and Fiddle Contests

• BW Stevenson Song Contest deadline

• Americana Music Festival Showcase submission open.

• Expo Management looking for anthem song.

* Texas Music Project and Earth Day Rising Star Contest

A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com
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11. Songwriting Resources -  Now accepting book reviews

Links to websites about songwriting, performance, music industry.

DSA Book Store - reviews, links, lists of recommended reading, and what's in the DSA Library.
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.
                       
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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 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. 
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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.
  Songcerely,
  Barbara McMillen, Editor
  Songwriter Notes
  Founding President Emeritus, DSADSA Online Store
  Online Songwriting Workshops and Classeshttp://www.songwritingcompetition.com.