Wednesday, July 8, 2015

DSA E-NEWS: SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #167 JULY 2015

     Hello Songwriter,
 It's hot here in Texas, but we're used to it. We take advantage of the mornings and evening outdoors, but hide in our cool air-conditioned buildings in the heat of the day like lizards under rocks. I picked up Jimmy Kachulas at the airport in the middle of the day in the middle of July. He had come down from Berklee to give a melody writing seminar for Dallas Songwriters. Riding home from the airport he commented, "Why is there no one on the streets? Where are all the people? " . Well, he had stepped into an air-conditioned car from a very cool airport and did not realize how hot it really was outside. I had to give up my newly acquired ASCAP baseball hat that I got from the ASCAP river boat during SXSW so he had something to cover his almost bald head. BTW, his workshop was great.

Our Second Tuesday Meeting will feature folk community scenester, Bill Nash, who will give us the lowdown on some alternative tunings for the quitar, using multiple capos for ease of play. This is great for anyone who has arthritis or MS but loves to play guitar.  See #2 below. NO SECOND TUESDAY MEETING IN AUGUST - ALL OTHER EVENTS REMAIN THE SAME.
Our second and fourth Sat. Showcases at Angela's are a big hit. See # 4 below for the line up in July.

 Our regular DSA monthly events remain the same 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and 3rd Thursday and last Monday Open Mic.  For details, see #2 and #4 below. Some of us like to visit the Poor Davids Pub Open Mic every Monday.

Mark your calendars for the DSA BBQ, Jam and Pool Party on Aug. 8th at the home of our Prez, Michael Brandenberger. This takes the place of our Second Tuesday Meeting.

We lost member, Jay Johnson, last month. He is already greatly missed. He left a legacy of great songs. Listen here. https://soundcloud.com/jayjohnsonmusicdotcom/jay-johnson-long-road-to-heavenanother-day

There will be no newsletter in Aug. I take a break and go to the mountains. Next Songwriters Notes Issue will be in September. Have a great summer! 

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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST - DEADLINE SEPT 30TH

Our song contest is underway, thanks to our sponsors .  http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/ 


                 2015 Dallas Songwriters Song Contest
Now in its 25th year, The DSA 2015 Song Contest is one of the longest running international song contests for amateur songwriters. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes.

GRAND PRIZE  -   A Casio Privia Piano
and a Nashville recording session at Bieard Music Group. 
Beaird Music Group


1st Runner Up
 wins studio time at
River Sounds Recording Resort







2nd Runner up
wins recording time at 
Jo-Musik


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

Category winners get cash prizes


Listen to the winners on Soundcloud at:

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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 - SECOND TUESDAY WORKSHOP

  July 14: Bill Nash

Long time member of the local folk community and friend of Uncle Calvins, Bill Nash will speak at the July 14th DSA meeting on alternative tunings for the guitar using multiple capos. Because of health issues and his unwillingness to give up what he loves doing, Bill has developed ways of playing guitar that require less finger mobility. Come see how you can adapt Bill's discoveries to your songwriting.https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bill-Nash-Music/108308564708?fref=ts


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 $10
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FUTURE SPEAKERS
July 14 – Bill Nash - alt tunings with many capos
August 11 – No Meeting 
August 8 : Summer Picnic and Jam
September 8 – Co- Writes
October 13 - Turk Wilder
November 10 - Annual Membership Meeting
December 8 - Christmas Party and Awards Dinner
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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
 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

June 2015
Waiting To Breathe by Dorinda Weaver

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

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4. SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS -

http://showcases-openmics.blogspot.com/

OPEN MICS

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Addison
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Hosted by  Craig St.Clair 

HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC THIS MONTH- NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - Rotating guest host featured artist Harry Hewlett in July, Bobby Montgomery in August
EVERY 1ST THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Sign up begins at 6:30
Featured Artist at 8PM

KITCHEN CAFE' - North Dallas
EVERY LAST MONDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Hosted by Michael Brandenberger

SHOWCASES

Saturday Night at the Angela's at the Crosswalk in Downtown Plano
THE DSA WILL HOST TWICE-MONTHLY SHOWCASES ON THE 2ND AND 4TH SATURDAYS OF THE MONTH.7:30 - 11:00 Hosted by Buck Morgan and Harry Hewlett 
                Featured artist each month followed by open mic.
July 11—Terry Bloss/Richard Hunt
July 25 —Dan Roark /Mark Evans
August 8—Raquel Wynne/Ian Dickson
August 22—Bryan Adams Joyner/James Pappas

SHOWCASE AND OPEN MIC - 

TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND at Sandstone Cellars Winery Showcase and 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 .

Every 1st Thursday 7-9 PM @ Fuel Coffee House 106 Main St, Llano, Texas

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

Enter onine at the  WEBSITE.
or by mail

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/

 SUMMER 2014 WINNER
Angels Down the Road by John Thomas Lane, Monument, CO

 FALL 2014 WINNER
Bounce by John Hyden, Ralston, NE

CURRENT WINNERS and PAST WINNERS and LYRICS POSTED ON THE OLD  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 of the DSA. We have committee positions open.

Officers Elected at the Planning Meeting on January 10, 2015
Michael Brandenberger -  Prez
Bobby Montgomery - Executive VP, VP Programs
Dicky Johnson - Treasurer
Rachel Wilhelm - Tech
Dan Roark - Lyric Contest Director
Barbe McMillen - Communications, Administration, Newsletter
Joe Milton, Steve Sullivan, Ken Duren and James Pappas - At Large


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.
                   PATRON SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER, ROGER RUSSELL, TREVOR DAHLEN
Patron Sponsor L3: Bobby Montgomery, Harry Hewlett, Latoya Cooper, Kent Poynor, Ken Duren, Terry Bloss, Martha Myre, Michael Brandenberger, Bill Honker, Morri Hartgraves, Steve Sullivan, James Pappas, Suzi Morse
Patron Sponsor L1: Ann Cornelius
Patron Sponsor: Bill Kapac, Mary GuthrieMimi Balkey

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Lynn McKrackin, Tamara Stamps, Danielle LaToof, Tim McGarity
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP:  Rob McHale, Marcus Belmore, Carol Shaw, Bill Honker, Cliff Munroe, Allen Larsen, Dorinda Weaver, Dan Roark, Mark Evans, Ken Duren, Phillip Wildman

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 SEPT:  Mary Matthews, Patrick Beck, Marcy Carter.
EXPIRED IN OCT: Eddie Lott, Cal Scott, Brian Kalinec, Stephen McWhirter, Arek Religa, Kate Diaz, Maureen Fichten, Brent Benton
EXPIRED IN NOV: BC Cornish, Jasmine Dia, Richard Hopson
EXPIRED IN DEC: Scott White, Brad Davis, Ashley Sichler, Davi Morales
EXPIRED IN JAN: Grady Yates, Terry Fansler, Ray Phillips, Tim Spitzer, Brian Joyner, Troll Mallow, Brit Morgan, Skip Spoonts, Mark Bone, Aaron Rose, Laura Bertwell, Jordy Searcy, Cousin Don Brown, Bob Fisk, Richard Hunt
EXPIRED IN FEB: Jonathan Malone, Jesse Anderson, Wayne Dobry, Anthony Castillo, Daniel Zagotta
EXPIRED IN MARCH: Julia Pauletti, Jeff Rodgers, Craig Langford, Johnny Cromer
EXPIRED IN APRIL:Tom Thomas, David Wysong, Gary White, Kerry McCall, Randy Overton, Kent Poynor, John Mason
EXPIRED IN MAY: Ann Cornelius, Julie Jean White, Aaron Shook, Mathew Cords.
EXPIRED IN June: Joanna Endsley, LaToya Cooper
TIME TO RENEW THIS MONTH: Mary Guthire, Jay Gerwertz, Stephanie Stewart, John Knoblauch
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.)
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.

2015

JULY

11 Summer Series in Addison - Tom Braxton

17 - 19  Texas Songwriters Summer Conference
         http://austinsongwritersgroup.com/
19  Summer Series in Addison 8 - 10 - Joseph Vencelli 
23 - 26 Viva Big Bend - Festival and Conference
25 Summer Series in Addison 8 - 10 -  Karyna Micaela
31 - Aug 2 Newport Jazz Fest, Newport RI

AUG
8   DSA Pool Party Jam and BBQ
29- 31 Kerrville Wine and Music, Kerrville, Tx

SEPT
4 - 6 Bedford Blues and BBQ, Bedford, TX
 
OCT
 9 Austin City Limits Fest, Austin, Tx
13 - 17 CMJ Marathon, NYC
15 Tony Ramey at Love and War in Plano, TX

NOV
10 DSA Annual Membership Meeting and Elections

DEC
8 DSA Christmas Party
Moses Avalon's List of Top Ranked Music Conferences.
Go to the events page to view links to local and Texas venues.   http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/

JAN 2015
16-17 Texas Music Conference

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9. Featured Articles:

In honor of Ringo's 75th birthday this week, here is an article John Bryant wrote 20 years ago about Ringo's importance as a drummer. it appeared in Modern Drummer and the Dallas Morning News. Long Live Ringo Starr! Peace & Love, Peace & Love!!
[In the interview section of this video, Paul Williams steps out from behind the script and lets you into his life... Very interesting.]
Midem 2015: ASCAP President Paul Williams Laments 'Fundamental Lack of Respect for Creators'
By Billboard Staff -- Singer, songwriter and ASCAP president Paul Williams made his first-ever trip to Midem over the weekend to share his thoughts on digital music, fair treatment for creators and "out-of-step" music licensing laws. Billboard contributing editor Jem Aswad handles the interview with the Grammy winner, following his keynote speech at the global music confab in Cannes, France.

MUSIC BUSINESS - more articles posted on  DSA Music Biz News


Money Streams: How Much the People Behind Digital Music Earn
Billboard followed the money to determine who's pulling in the largest (and smallest) paychecks in the industry: from the tens of millions in equity awards reaped by Apple executives to a radio-station mascot's minimum wage. [Reporting by Jem Aswad, Megan Buerger, Ed Christman, Shirley Halperin, Andrew Hampp, Glenn Peoples, Alex Pham, Jeff Rabhan, Phyllis Stark and Ray Waddell.]
4 Types Of Videos That Musicians Can Make Today
By DartsyaTarkovska -- We all know how popular YouTube is but when it comes to music, there are still lots of musicians who still don't know how to deal with it. Most of them can't shoot official videos to each song of the album and post it every week. So... you have nothing to show, right? Well, it's not true. There're at least 4 types of videos strictly connected to your music and guess what? You can make it Today!
You Just Shot Your First Music Video — Now What?
By Chris Robley -- Check these to-dos off your list first.
It's Time to Cash In on Your Music Collection
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz -- Let's talk about that record collection of yours. It may have been pretty impressive at one time. It was the soundtrack of your youth. However, if your vinyl records and CDs are collecting dust, there's a good chance that you don't need physical recordings anymore. Your record collection served you well, and now it's time to cash in on your music.
Songwriters and Music Publishers: How to Make Money with Your Music on YouTube
By Jim Koch -- Ever wondered whether ASCAP pays royalties for YouTube performances? The good news is YES, we do. Even better: ASCAP royalties are just one of two income streams available when your music is played on YouTube. Let's take a closer look at these two revenue streams and the steps you should take to get paid.
[Could be painful.]
The Musician Online: Branding Yourself
By Cherie Nelson
Technology Is Changing The Way Album Covers Are Designed
By Kelsey McKinney -- The digital age has changed the way album covers are created, designed, and thought about... But that's not necessarily a bad thing. ... A great album cover in the digital age is part of a great branding.
What Actually Happens After Your Song is Placed in a TV Show? 8 Musicians Weigh In
By Adam Bernard -- I spoke with eight musicians whose work has been heard on major TV shows to glean as much information as possible regarding what happens after an episode that features one of their songs airs.

IN MEMORANDUM

In Memoriam: James Horner, 1953-2015
ASCAP -- The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning composer of Titanic, Avatar, Glory, Braveheart, Apollo 13, An American Tail and over a hundred more films died in a plane crash in the Los Padres National Forest on Monday, June 22nd.
Producer Jerry Weintraub Dies at 77
By Duane Byrge -- A steely, hard-charging personality, he was wildly successful in a wide-ranging entertainment career that spanned more than 50 years. ... Before his success as a motion picture producer, Weintraub was a force in the management and musical fields. Weintraub spent more than two decades promoting concerts and some of the top musical acts in the world: Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, the Beach Boys, the Pointer Sisters and John Denver, among them.
www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/jerry-weintraub-dead_n...Cached
Jul 06, 2015 · NEW YORK (AP) — One of the last of the classic Hollywood showmen, Jerry Weintraub built his show business empire on a Rolodex and chutzpah. The Brooklyn ...
We lost a wonderful songwriter from our community last month. There was a big tribute to JAY JOHNSON at Love and War on July 7th. The room was full. Many musicians performed Jay's songs and along with the audience, waore tie dye and do rags. You can celebrate Jay by visiting and liking his facebook page and listening to his songs. https://www.facebook.com/JayJohnsonMusicDotCom?fref=ts
LISTEN 
VIDEO
George Martin - In My Life (1998) [VHS]
[This year's celebration of songwriters blew me away and the Property Bros were in the house!]
Photos & Video: Stephen Colbert inducts Toby Keith into Songwriters Hall of Fame; Bobby Braddock, Willie Dixon, Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry Also Inducted
By Brandy McDonnell -- [Note: Lady Gaga killed. The Willie Dixon tribute featuring Ledisi and Richie Sambora burned the house down. And, Jennifer Nettles' rendition of Bobby Braddock's "He Stopped Loving Her Today" was to die for. DK]
PERFORMANCE
How to Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy
By Jonathan Hack -- Whether you're belting on Broadway, or singing the blues in the shower, there are a few things you can do to combat colds, overcome fatigue, and be the best singer you can be, night in and night out.
[In music, rejection is the greatest teacher.]
How To Deal With Criticism As A Musician
By Bobby Borg -- If you want to progress, you’re going to have to learn how to deal with criticism as a musician and channel it to help you improve. Here are five tips to help you navigate the inevitable.

RECORDING
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 SONG CONTEST: DEADLINE SEPT 30th

http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/ 



 DSA Quarterly Lyric Contest http://dsalyriccontest.blogspot.com/
Next deadline - Sept 30th

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

DALLAS SONGWRITERS OLD WEBSITE WITH ARCHIVED LINKS TO PAST PROGRAMS

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 Classes