Wednesday, February 1, 2017

SONGWRITERS NOTES DSA E-News #184 February 2017

Hello Songwriter,  
On January 7, the DSA board met to Elect Officers and plan for the year. You can view you new officers, See #6 Member News below. We've decided to move the Monthly Membership Meeting from the Second Tuesday to others night of the week, and different parts of town to see which nights and locations are most convenient for the membership.
DSA now has 6 regular monthly events. The Second Tuesday Meeting IS MOVED TO to the 1st Thursday in February, changing the location to Half Price Books on NW Highway instead of the Meadows Center.  Tell us what you think or if you have an idea of a great meeting place.
 Our regular DSA monthly events are 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and 2nd and 3rd Thursdays, (NO OPEN MIC ON THE LAST MONDAY). The 4th Saturday Showcase at Angela's MAY BE ON THE 3RD SATURDAY THIS MONTH. Check before you go. NO HALF PRICE OPEN MIC IN MARCH.

This month is the Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City. This is such a fun conference that presents so much talent all in one hotel. You should go.

Did you know we are live streaming on Facebook? Thanks to Harry Hewlett you can view some of our open mics and guest speakers in a live stream on Facebook? See guest our guest speakers, and latest Angela's showcase. Can't make it? Then tune into Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.
Next Deadline for the Winter Lyric Contest is March 31st See #5 below.

Don't delay! The deadline for our Performing Songwriter Contest is fast approaching - March 1.  Have you submitted your entries yet?  For more information, go to http://wildflowerfestival.com/ to learn how you can win $500!   

 Thanks to Paul Zander, Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Jon Jaggers, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, Rio King, Jared LoStratto and Bill Kapac for their contributions to DSA. Just a reminder that we are a non-profit and your tax deductible donations are always welcome. Follow this link to our donation spot on the website. https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/donation/

Songcerely,
Barbe

Spring 2016 Songwriters Notes Get a pdf version here.
Fall 2016 Songwriters Notes Hardcopy pdf version
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-news-songwriters-notes-fall-2016/

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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST -  WINNERS ANNOUNCED  https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-dsa-song-contest-winners/

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS  Read Grand Prize Judge Roy Elkins comments
Grand Prize Winner Bill Wren

1. Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls, Port Aransas, TX 

Known as the Songbird of Texas, Bill Wren is an award winning songwriter who says, about his undying love for songwriting,"Music is the way I express what's in my heart without words. I strive for beauty and peace in the songs that I compose and hope that they bring the same peace and enjoyment in others." Bill was born in Corpus Christi, and is now settled on the water in Fulton, TX .  http://billwrenmusic.com/full-bio/

2. Just Can’t Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX
3. CLEANSING RAIN by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

Runner Up Jared LoStracco

Growing up in East Texas, Jared LoStracco picked up is love for music listening to his father`s country records. In high school, LoStracco learned to play the guitar from his older brother and quickly started playing his favorites songs from artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylong Jennings, Robert Earl Keen, and Pat Green. http://www.broadjam.com/jrlostracco

Bobby Montgomery awards Chris Michael 3rd place Country for Wanted Man
Barbe awards Rick Babb 3rd place Novelty/Childrens for Roly Poly. Rick also won 3rd place Chrisian for Praise You

Harry Hewlett awards Richie Smith Honorable Mention in Pop for For A Reason



Harry Hewlett Awards Haley McDaniel 1st Place Singer Songwriter for Small Town Masquerade

2016 Winners
2016 Semifinalist
Winner of the Drawing for the IPod -  Jeffery Moore, Baton Rouge, LA  His entry, This Love, #102 was drawn.
Awards Dinner Streamed on Facebook
Photos of the Awards Dinner
Now in its 26th year, The DSA 2016 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 Beaird 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
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2015 SONG CONTEST WINNER T EDWIN DOSS WITH GRAND PRIZE CASIO PRIVIA

Read interview with 2015 winner T Edwin Doss and learn about out other Grand Prize Winners. ❤ 
Did you miss the Awards Dinner? Here's a blow by blow courtesy of Dan Roark

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
1. Jessie Brown by T. Edwin Doss, Silver Spring, MD
2. Real Love Next Time by Bonnie Warren, Philadelphia, PA
3. Aina Hanu by John Keawe, Kapaau, Hawaii
WINNERS

MC and GRAND PRIZE JUDGE,  ROY ELKINS, left us with extensive comments on the grand prize winners and more. https://dallassongwriters.org/roy-elkins-on-songs-from-dsa-song-contest/

Hard Copy of Songwriters Notes Spring 2016 issue with 2015 winners
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/8182067/dsanewsspring2016-pdf-2-4-meg?da=y 

SEMIFINALISTS   http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/ 

 WINNER OF THE IPOD – Samuel Miller, Chico, CA


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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 - Guest Speaker, Publisher Gus Wolman and Song Critiques, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

 The February membership meeting will be Thursday, Feb 2 instead at Half Price Books on Northwest Hwy, just east of Central Expressway.  This will replace the open mic on the 1st Thursday of the month at that location and the 2nd Tuesday meeting originally scheduled for Feb 14 at the Meadows Conference Center.  It's a new location for the monthly meeting but it's more centrally located and has a coffee shop too! 

For the February meeting, we are pleased to have a music publisher as our speaker, Mr. Gus Wolman, owner of Winner's Circle Country Music Publishing. He established WCCMCP in 2000 to work with songwriters, artists, labels, producers and other music industry professionals who are seeking authorized use of their commercial music.  WCCMCP also pitches radio friendly songs to the Nashville Top 100 and independents around the world.  In addition to pitching and publishing through BMI, ASCAP and SESAC, WCCMCP works with new and existing Independent Recording Artists in finding hit songs and gaining market share and brand awareness, often utilizing original songs in support of 501(c) charities. You will want to hear what he has to say! https://www.wccmp.com/

The monthly meeting will continue to have the song critique session but the format will be a little different.  Instead of judging a "winning" song each month that is eligible for the "Song of the Year", all songs submitted at the meeting will be entered in the DSA Member Song Contest at the end of the year.

Each song entry will receive a friendly critique from two music industry professionals, Joe Milton and Barbe McMillan.  Joe has been an LA touring musician, studio musician and songwriter and currently owns Jo Musik, a Dallas area music production company and studio that has done music for film and TV, voiceover and dialogue, plays, live shows, jingles, industrials and videos. Barbe is currently Associate Professor of Songwriting at Collin College and President Emeritus of the DSA.  She is also a voting member of the Recording Academy that votes for the Grammy Awards.  As a recording artist she has recorded five albums and has written an off Broadway musical called "Give Me Break".

Songs can be on a CD, or emailed to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, or performed live, or even mailed in (you don't have to be present) or members can enter online at https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-meeting/song-of-the-month/.  Just let me know if you want to get a spot at the meeting because we are limited on time and you must be a member to submit your song(s).  The song entry/critique fee is $10 for each song.  Be sure to provide copies of lyrics for the group so they can give friendly feedback too.
Sign in and Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:30


Future Meetings
March 20th: MOVES TO 3RD MONDAY at TINO'S TOO in Plano

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Recordings of past DSA Second Tuesday guest speakers  

Oct 2016 Barbara McMillen - Polishing Your Final Draft by Applying the Secrets of the Popular Song.
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1245589945493228/

https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/posts/1245608802158009

Sept 2016 Joe Milton on Preparing for a Recording Session

1 of 2
2 of 2
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1219952578056965/

Reviews of past DSA Second Tuesday guest speakers  

Oct 2015  Tirk Wilder  https://dallassongwriters.org/busy-dsa-october-began-with-tirk-wilder/
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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, Gigi Gostas coordinating.
We'll be in the Community Room at the back left in the building.

THIRD MONDAY in PLANO - 
Tino's - Steve Sullivan, Gigi Gostas coordinating.
Tino's Too Mexican Restaurant 2205 Ave K, Plano, Tx  972 881-9226
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3. BEST SONGS of the Month - 

2017

JAN - Love Without Money by Bobby Montgomery and Barbe McMillen
         Oklahoma Grit by Rio King
         Your The Best by Michael Brandenberger



Here is the list of winners of the meeting critiques from which the top three were chosen thanks to Judge, Mr. Troll, Poor Davids Pub.
2016 Winners & Finalists

Q&A With Winner, Dori Weaver
https://dallassongwriters.org/qa-song-year-winner-dori-weaver/ 

Songwriter of the Year 2015 - 2016
is Rio King with the most wins at the meeting critiques
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

HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC - NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - Rotating guest host featured artist
EVERY 1ST THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Sign up begins at 6:30
I wanted to let you know that Half Price Books is hosting an author event on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. NO OPEN MIC IN MARCH.

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Addison
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Hosted by  Craig St.Clair 
In November 2015, DSA celebrated 11 years at Dunn Brothers
see review of

BURGER EDGE - North Dallas
EVERY 2ND THURSDAY - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Hosted by Michael Brandenberger and rotating guest host.
BURGER"S EDGE inRichardson
3rd Saturday 6:30 -8:30
7529 Campbell Rd. at Coit
This a perfect venue for an open mic because it has a nice stage with a complete sound system. It also has a great food menu if you want to come early to eat or invite friends who can enjoy a very tasty burger or chicken sandwich while they listen to you perform.  
Rotating host. Interested in hosting an open mic? email Michael.


SHOWCASES
ANGELA'S AT THE CROSSWALK in downtown Plano
3rd Saturday 7:30 - 11:00 Check out our facebook page where Harry is posting live streaming.
Hosted by Dan Roark
    7:30  Ireland Casteel
    8:00  Buck Morgan
    8:30  Don Wall
    9:00  Dan Roark
    9:30  Young and Rusty - Sue Young and Rusty Nelson.  (Guests from Austin Songwriters Group)
 
Other area open mics OPEN MICS
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5. DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked MARCH 31

or by mail

 SUMMER 2016 -WINNERS ANNOUNCED
 Addiction by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX

Barbe presenting to Ireland
Ireland is a local singer songwriter who, even at the young age of 15, is a storyteller at heart that effortlessly captivates listeners with lyrics that speak directly to the audience.  She started writing songs and playing guitar and ukulele at age 12 and has over 20 originals already under her belt! Ireland is also a winner in the Song Contest with her song Eenie Meenie.
SEMIFINALISTS
Addiction by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX
Blue Collar Man by Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx
River of Memories by Charles Carter, Dallas, TX
The Whole Nine Yards by John Coughlin, Eureka, MO
Angels and Strangers by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
Friday Night by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
Open Blinds by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ


See Summer winners on the website: https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-summer-lyric-contest-winners-announced/

2016 Spring Winners on the website: : https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-spring-lyric-contest-winners/

See winners from 2016 and 2015 listed in the DSA 2016 Fall Hardcopy of Songwriters Notes featuring winner, Bill Kapac on front page. This issue was handed out at the Arlington Guitar Show in October.
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-news-songwriters-notes-fall-2016/

See Winter 2016 on website: https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest-winners-winter-2016/

 SUMMER and FALL 2015 RESULTS

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. Let us know if you'd like to be on the board. Just show up a our membership meeting.

Directors elected at our Nov 8th Annual Membership Meeting were:
Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Dicky Johnson, Rachel Wilhelm, Dan Roark, Barbe McMillen, Joe Milton, Marcus Belmore, Steve Sullivan, Ken Duren, James Pappas, Ginger Stanoiu, Milani Shaw and Harry Hewlett. New officers were elected at the planning meeting on Jan 7th. 

Newly Elected Officers 2017
Michael Brandenberger -  Prez
Bobby Montgomery - VP Programs
Dicky Johnson - Treasurer
Secretary - Ginger Stanoiu
Dan Roark - Director of showcases, workshops
Barbe McMillen - Administration, Newsletter
Harry Hewlett - A/R
Milani Shaw - VP of Membership 
Steve Sullivan and James Pappas - SongSwap Coordinators
Joe Milton, Ken Duren - At Large
Rachel Wilheim - Technology
Marcus Belmore - Executive VP, Webmaster

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.
NEW MEMBERS: Have you joined our member only yahoo group where you can talk with the group and get special offers and last minute updates on events? subscribe: dallassongwriters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

                   PATRON SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER
Patron Sponsor L3: Bobby Montgomery, Michael Brandenberger, Bill Honker
Patron Sponsor L1: Cliff Monroe, Suzi Morse, Jon Jaggers, Rio King
Patron Sponsor: Mimi Balkey

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Stephen Valenzuela, Yulia Petrova

NEW MEMBER and RENEWED MEMBER SONG CONTEST WINNERS: Hayley McDaniel, Debra M Gussin, Denise Rosier, Deborah "DeDe" Wedekind, Al Marcy, Don Coyne, Robert Graham, Richie Smith, Renee Safier, Charles Carter, Pamela Olivia, Jared LoStracco, Tim Sharp, Bill Wren , Rick Babb, Michael Roth, Randy Sauer, Ireland Casteel, Christopher Siostrom, Nitanee Paris Lawson, Conrad Swartz, Randy Overton
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Brandon Elliot, Michael Yuhas
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: David Claerr, Jon Jaggers, Don Wall, Joe Milton, Harry Hewlett, Rio King, Morri Hartgraves, Barbara McMillen, Bobby Montgomery, Randy Wallace, Ken Golden, Bill Honker

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 MARCH: Pete Miller, Tippy Balady, Phoenix Rose, Tim York
EXPIRED IN APRIL: Phillip Wildman, Shane Andrews
EXPIRED IN MAY: Ted Pearce, Mark Evans, Tamara Stamps, Ray Baker, Timothy McGarity 
EXPIRED IN JUNE: John Thomas Lane
EXPIRED IN JULY: Michael Franceus, Tom Prasado Rao, Crystal Taylor, Bill Sibley
EXPIRED IN AUG: Yanna Zovich, Minnie Murray, Warren Hanson

EXPIRED IN SEPT: Tom Thomas, 
EXPIRED IN OCT: Denise Rosier, Katie Hardyman, Charlie Hill, Raquel Nguyen, Darren Rozell, M'Lynn Musgrove, Stephen McKinnell, Jenni Peal, Jay Gallagher, Rick Webster
EXPIRED IN NOV: Mike Hyden 
EXPIRED IN DEC: Michael Brandenberger, Buck Morgan, Ross Vick, Anthony Groom, Kathryn Taylor, David Morales, Ashley Sichler, Brad Davis, Scott White
EXPIRED IN JAN: Jeff Moxcey, Robin Carr, Gene Schillaci, Andrew Plan, Terry Bloss, Cousin Don Brown, Erin ( Cat) McGee, Tony Ramey, Lucia Comnes, Gracie Lott, James  Bennett, Rob Cariddi, Tyler Hook, Sarah Ashley, Christopher Hart, John Keawe, Katie Riley, Marc Tilson, Mathew Stemme, Patrice Luce Chapman, Clark McAlister, Ginger Stanoiu
TIME TO RENEW: Trevor Dahlen, Aaron Shook, Jacquelyn Schwartz, Anthony Castillo, Mark Pierce, Katrina Pitts
  Renew your membership online.
You'll find the link to the store on the panel to the right
Or paste this link in your browser: https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-membership/

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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.)
http://songswapworkshops.blogspot.com/


NEW SONGWRITING CAMP  in Tucson, Arizona. 
February 9-12, 2017
The camp is limited to 30 participants to ensure that each participant has time to interact with each of the three instructors - Sally Barris, Cliff Eberhardt, and Cosy Sheridan – WHO all nationally known touring singer/songwriters, and each is also in demand as a teacher, for both beginning and experienced songwriters. The camp will be held at the Biosphere 2 conference center, and will include workshops, song circles, and one-on-one critiques. For more information, see http://tucsonsongwriting.wordpress.com or contact Melissa Tatum at melissatatumarizona@gmail.com or 520-375-3811

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


 2017

FEB
1-3 ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop
2 DSA Monthly Meeting at Half Price Books
6 DSA Song Swap at Half Price Books
8 DSA Open Mic at Burger Edge
12 Grammy Awards
14- 19 Folk Alliance Conference, Kansas City
16 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
18 DSA Showcase at Angelas 
20  DSA Song Swap at Tinos

MARCH
2 NO HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC - there is a book signing
8 DSA Song Swap at Half Price Books
9 DSA Open Mic at Burger Edge
10 - 19 SXSW, Austin, TX
20 DSA Monthly Meeting at Tinos Too
16 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
18 DSA Showcase at Angelas

APRIL
8 Terri Hendrix/Lloyd Maines Songwriting Workshop @ MCL Grand Lewisville 
9 Terri and Lloyd - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series @ MCL Grand Lewisville
13-15 ASCAP I Create Music conference, LA 
28- May 7 JAZZ FEST, NOLA

MAY
17 - Joe Ely - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series @ MCL Grand Lewisville
19 - 21 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, TX

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/

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9. Featured Articles:

By Cynthia Littleton
Williams said the marketplace conditions for songwriters and composers of film and TV music are improving. The music business overall has suffered a down cycle, but film and TV remains a beacon for tunesmiths. … Williams initially turned down the offer to write a song for a bank commercial with his then-collaborator Tony Asher. “I said ‘I’m white light and black leather’ — I’m a street guy,” Williams recalled. When Asher told him the fee, he got down to business very quickly and “We’ve Only Just Begun” was born. Williams sang the tune in the blurb, which would go on to be a massive hit for the Carpenters and a career-making tune for Williams. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif


MUSIC BUSINESS
By Joy Ike


By Melanie

SPONSORED CONTENT
Play for the world. Whether you tour, teach, or produce music, you can create a website that amplifies your sound. Squarespace's all-in-one platform offers SoundCloud connectivity, drag-and-drop website tools, and Events Pages to keep fans informed about upcoming concerts, classes, and more. See why hundreds of thousands of musicians prefer Squarespace when it's time to play for a larger audience.

SPONSORED CONTENT
Everyone is talking about live streaming. Live streaming is a great way to interact with your fans but can you make any money from it? Busker is a new app where fans support you by giving you money directly or by buying merchandise from you while you're broadcasting. It's free and a lot of fun.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT


Merchandise can be a lucrative revenue stream for any type of musician. It can help you generate more income on tour, and create passive income through your website. Here are some tips for selling merch online, from our Member Benefits partner Bandzoogle's free eBook, 23 Ways Musicians Can Make Money.

Always fun – and enlightening - to hear about a song's creation from the writer.
By D. Grant Smith

RECORDING
The SongCat Team
If you're in the market for a music producer to help you get to the next level, this is a decision that should be made carefully. That's because, choosing the right music producer can have a huge impact on whether you actually meet your musical goals, or not.  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

PERFORMANCE
CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Are you getting ready for your first stint on the road? Here are 10 essential tips for maximizing your lean budget when you're booking a DIY tour, courtesy of our friends at Sparkplug.

By Chris Singleton
Headlining a gig sounds much sexier than being a support act, and bands often get excited at the prospect of being at the top of the bill. But for most unsigned or new bands it's usually much better to play on a bill supporting somebody else. There are a few reasons why:  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

How do you make sure you hit the right note time after time? How do you give yourself the best chance at nailing your set? How do vocalists deal with changes in music style, venue, event type, sound system, gig location and – most importantly – the volume of the band? Seasoned singer Stephen Steinhaus shares his top tips to help you punch above your weight.  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif


LISTEN

IN MEMORIAM
By Randall Roberts
"Love Is All Around," written by singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis ... helped set the tone for the sitcom about a single woman making a go of it in Minneapolis. Sonny tells how writing the song came about ... Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By William Grimes
Buddy Greco, the jazz pianist, singer and sometime member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack whose hard-swinging renditions of “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Mr. Lonely” and “Around the World” were hits in the early 1960s, died on Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was 90. … Mr. Greco cut his teeth as a pianist and singer with Benny Goodman’s big band and sextet in the late 1940s, Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

VIDEO
By Ari Herstand

CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
"WE CREATE MUSIC" BLOG


Your audience's appreciation of your music goes way beyond what they can hear. We asked the LA composer/artist collective The Echo Society to explain how taking a visual approach to live performance can help music resonate with your fans even more deeply.


MEMBER BENEFITS

Andrea Stolpe is a multi-platinum songwriter, author, Berklee Online instructor and ASCAP Lester Sill Workshop alumna. In this video, shot at her 2016 ASCAP EXPO session, Andrea summarizes 20 songwriting techniques that transcend genre. These songwriting tools will help you unite artistry with commercial viability.

By Paul Resnikoff
Songwriting is a passion, not a job.  But how can you become an amazing songwriter and build a lucrative career?  Here are ten tips from established, professional songwriters that could change the way you write.  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

The SongCat Team
The use of imagery in songwriting is especially vital if you want to engage listeners on a high level, where they are tuned in to your lyrics with scenes being painted in their minds as they listen. ... Using impactful images in your songwriting is not always easy but can be a skill that's nurtured over time. Here's how...  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

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/
Next deadline - Dec 31

WILDFLOWER PERFORMING SONGWRITER CONTEST
Don't delay! The deadline for our Performing Songwriter Contest is fast approaching - March 1.  Have you submitted your entries yet?  For more information, go to http://wildflowerfestival.com/ to learn how you can win $500!  

DSA Song Contest Closed - Winners Announced Dec 13

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-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

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.
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 25th 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,
  Online Songwriting Workshops and Classes
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