Hello Songwriter,
May finds us on stage at the Wildflower Festival thanks to our friend Al Johnson and coordinator Ian Dickson. We will be at the Bud Light Singer Songwriters stage next to the Eiseman Theater. Come out to the festival and drop by the stage. DSA is performing and volunteering.
There is also a songwriting school again with Buddy Mondlock this year you will want to attend. http://wildflowerfestival.com
Also, see below about the Richard Leigh workshop on May 13th. http://www.workshops.dallassongwriters.org/
There is a staged reading of the rock musical, Give Me A Break. Yes, I finally finished it and my cowriter, Laurie Windham is directing the May staged readings and full production next March.
GIVE ME A BREAK
A Rockin’ Musical
by Barbara McMillen
& Laurie Windham
Directed by Laurie Windham
Staged Readings
May 15th, 5 - 7
May 19th, 7 - 9
@
The ArtCentre Theatre
1028 15th Place
Plano, TX 75074.
214-810-3ACT (3228).
Parking is available across the street in the parking garage or in the downtown parking lots.
1028 15th Place
Plano, TX 75074.
214-810-3ACT (3228).
Parking is available across the street in the parking garage or in the downtown parking lots.
It's FREE! Please come give us your feedback! The staged readings are in preparation for the full production running for 2 weeks next March.
You can listen to the musical numbers from the show at:
The DFW area SWRFA one day event is scheduled for Saturday June 26th. Area venues connect with performing songwriters. Check out the details on our events page or at: http://www.unclecalvins.org/SWRFA
The guitar show was HUGE. We had so much fun . Our song contest sponsor tradition guitars gave us the gold top s200 to show off at our booth. Read more: http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2010/04/john-nitzinger-dsa-founding-president.html
QUICK LOOK CALENDAR OF DSA MONTHLY EVENTS - put this in your bookmark.
http://calendar.yahoo.com/dallassongwriters
I really wanted to go to Jazz Fest in NO this year, but alas, there was too much work to do here to get ready for the staged reading.
Songcerely,
Barbe McMillen
Founding President Emeritus
Editor, Songwriters Notes
----------
http://calendar.yahoo.com/dallassongwriters
I really wanted to go to Jazz Fest in NO this year, but alas, there was too much work to do here to get ready for the staged reading.
Songcerely,
Barbe McMillen
Founding President Emeritus
Editor, Songwriters Notes
----------
Wow! Acoustic Music Camp! What a fun thing to do for the summer! Play music and brush up on your songwriting. Http://www.hcamp.org
_____________________________________________________
1. 2009-10 SONG CONTEST -
Winners were announced April 15 on the website and at the Dallas International guitar show.
See John Nitzinger and Tradition Guitars presenting the grand prize at the show.
See the press release on the song contest winners:
Get a hard copy of the April issue of Songwriters Notes with a list of winners and read about grand prize winner, Lanny Sherwin.
See the winners, be sure to scroll to the bottom for Roy Elkins comments on the cream of the crop.
Semifinalists were posted on the song contest website on March 15th.
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/2010/03/dsa-song-contest-semifinalists.html
Mimi Balkey won the drawing for the ipod.
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/2010/03/dsa-song-contest-semifinalists.html
Mimi Balkey won the drawing for the ipod.
THANKS TO TRADITION GUITARS FOR GENEROUSLY DONATING THE GUITAR TO OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER.
See past 2008 winners.
http://www.dallassongwriters.com/songcontest/2008/2008winners.htm
Here 2008 winning songs in a series of three podcasts at:
http://www.dallassongwriters.podomatic.com/
2008 SEMIFINALISTS
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/semifinalists.htm
AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER STEVE LESLIE TO SPEAK VIA SKYPE ON MAY 11
Sign in & Netowrking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:15
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:15
----------------------------
DSA T-SHIRTS $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $15
----------------------------
DSA T-SHIRTS $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $15
----------------------------
MONDAY SONG SWAPS for peer critique
Song Swap Workshops
Monthly 7:30-10 PM
Free, Visitors Welcome
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.
http://www.songswaps.dallassongwriters.org
FIRST MONDAY in East Dallas
Half Price Books, 5803 E Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX 75231-6519 (214) 379-8000
Roger Russell, Karon Hi & Jame Pappas coordinating.
We'll be in the Community Room at the back left in the building.
THIRD MONDAY in PLANO -
Tino's at Collin Creek Mall- Steve Sullivan, coordinator.
Tinos Mexican Restaurant Collin Creek Mall, Plano, Tx 972 2572
The Directors feel that DSA can support a number of these small area Song Swaps which are beneficial to attaining crucial feedback for developing your works in progress and as Annie Benjamin pointed out, works best in small groups of 10 or less. If you live in a suburb and would like to host one in your area, please reply to the group and ask for interested attendees in your area. Three people make a group for peer review or interested co-writers. I know several people who have attended the Song Swap in the past have developed beneficial co-writing relationships.
Please email DSA or talk to a board member if you'd like to start one in your neighborhood.
-----------------------
3. SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS -
http://www.showcases-openmics.dallassongwriters.org
OPEN MICS
Tinos Mexican Restaurant Collin Creek Mall, Plano, Tx 972 2572
The Directors feel that DSA can support a number of these small area Song Swaps which are beneficial to attaining crucial feedback for developing your works in progress and as Annie Benjamin pointed out, works best in small groups of 10 or less. If you live in a suburb and would like to host one in your area, please reply to the group and ask for interested attendees in your area. Three people make a group for peer review or interested co-writers. I know several people who have attended the Song Swap in the past have developed beneficial co-writing relationships.
Please email DSA or talk to a board member if you'd like to start one in your neighborhood.
-----------------------
3. SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS -
http://www.showcases-openmics.dallassongwriters.org
OPEN MICS
DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE -
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
TEXAS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND at Hilltop Cafe, Castell, Tx 76831
Texas Songwriters in the Round is beginning its 10th year of songwriters series.
We are currently meeting at the Hill Top Cafe on Hwy 87 9 miles north of Fredericksburg, Tx.
The Showcase is every 3rd Wednesday with our Star.
The group also meets every wednesday on the patio for songwriters support, performance and sharing.
512-217-4596
The group also meets every wednesday on the patio for songwriters support, performance and sharing.
512-217-4596
TSR will be in Brady "2nd Saturday" if anyone can join us please do.
Hard Eight Cafe
6-9PM
Sat. May 8th
All original All the Time.
Hard Eight Cafe
6-9PM
Sat. May 8th
All original All the Time.
-----------------------------------------------
4. LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline June 30th.
4. LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline June 30th.
FALL 2009 WINNERS
FINALISTS
Winner _ When Lambs Become Lions by John Thomas Lane
FINALISTS
Winner _ When Lambs Become Lions by John Thomas Lane
2nd place_ The Knock by Charles David Risinger
HM_From A Distance by Akin Akintola
HM_From A Distance by Akin Akintola
VIEW WINNERS, LYRICS & COMMENTS AT WEBLINK BELOW
Next Lyric Contest Deadline is March 30th, 2010 for Spring Lyric Contest
Entry fee is $10
Please see lyric contest webpage for details.
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontestblog.htm
October 2009 Hardcopy issue of Songwriters Notes has Fall 2008 & winter/spring 2009 Lyric contest winning songs listed:
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1520070&da=y
-------------------------------------------------------
5. MEMBER NEWS -
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
* Cheap and free tickets
Wanna get involved? Become a committee member. It's fun!
To view a list of the 2010 Officer & Directors and Committees go to this link:
http://dsadirectors.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
5. MEMBER NEWS -
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
* Cheap and free tickets
Wanna get involved? Become a committee member. It's fun!
To view a list of the 2010 Officer & Directors and Committees go to this link:
http://dsadirectors.blogspot.com/
2010 DSA Board of Directors
Met to Elect Officers on January 12th to elect officers. Click on the link above to view your officers for 2010.
Louie Cate, Claire Ulanoff, Karyna Cruz, Peter Bacsalmasi, Bernadette Conant, Roger Kaye, Matt Dahan, Dom Stasi, Sinem Varoglu, John Visconti, Jaime Leopold
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Trevor Dahen
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
NOV: Ian Dickson, Joni Ringo, Don Townsley, Steve Ritter, Arek Religa, Blake Milton,
DEC: Jeremy Ellis, Tommy Byrd, Adrian Hall, John Hannun, RX Bertoldi, Randy Heavin, & John Tracy Wilson
JAN: Troy Werner, Annie Benjamin, Charles Risinger, James Guittard, Warren Lett, Ryan Galloway.
FEB: John Metz, Peter Robinson, Dennis Carlan, Emile Pandolfi, Marc McClure, Darren Speed, David Firman, Kate McGunnigle, Dan Morehouse, Richard Gardzina, Jose Gomez, Bryan Bryant, Casey Desmond, John Chandler, Allan Von, & Jack Hackworth, Natalia Pikoul, Michael Constiatineo, Sean Murphy, Brandi Sidoryk, MarkStepakoff, Jen Carter-Kelly, Frank Fulton, Kevin McSpadden, Lisa Simmons, Bill DiLuigi, John Mears, Joey Avalos, Niel Nasset, Garrison Doles, Steven Richards
MARCH: Kathy Nichols, Bobby Jo Chandler, Lisa Warner, Matt Pitcher
APRIL: Janis McQuinton, Tom Thomas, Michelle Fosse, Gerald Patton
PLEASE RENEW THIS MONTH: Bob Paterno, Jackie Doss, Ron Grimes
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: http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7TE_LIVE&&
-------------------------------------------------------
6. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS ARE SPONSORED BY BMI
(Each month we have a workshop at our monthly meeting on the 1st Monday, 3rd Monday and 2nd Tuesday. see item 3 above.) http://www.meetingblog.dallassongwriters.org
Occasionally we bring in special instructors for songwriting, performance or music education workshops.
Richard Leigh - Songwriting Workshop - May 13, 2010
This three-time Grammy nominee and inductee of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame, explores the techniques and cognitive tricks.
Dallas Center for Community Cooperation - Oak Corner
2900 Live Oak St Dallas, TX 75204 7:30pm - 9:30pm $35
OTHER AREA WORKSHOPS:
May 14th: 2010 Wildflower! Songwriting Workshop with Buddy Mondlock.
http://wildflowerfestival.com/ and click on "Contests" then "Songwriter School." The deadline is May 1 so don't delay as the workshop is limited to 20 students. All students will receive a one-day pass to the Festival valued at $20.
There will be panel discussions at the SWRFA one day event on June 26th 9AM-6PM
http://www.unclecalvins.org/SWRFA
The New A&R: Is There Any Room for Gut Anymore?
By Digital Music News -- Almost overnight, the art of A&R (artists & repertoire) has been completely transformed by digital formats, simply because the internet starts pouring feedback immediately onto new artists and songs. "A&R is the easy part now, it's the rest of the business that's impossible," one major label executive told Digital Music News...
VIDEO: Musicians on the Internet - Strategy Vs Tactics My Interview with CD Baby's Brian Felsen
By Dave Allen
http://dallassongwritersworkshops.blogspot.com/
----------------------------------------
7. Events -
Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, & showcases. Click on the link #8 to the right or copy and paste this link in your browser.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
----------------------------------------
7. Events -
Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, & showcases. Click on the link #8 to the right or copy and paste this link in your browser.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
MAY
9-16 Listening Room International Songwriter Retreat
9-16 Listening Room International Songwriter Retreat
JUNE
2-6 Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp http://www.hccamp.org/
June 5 : The Great Castell Kayak Race http://www.castelltexas.com/race.html
AUG
Aug 22-28 Skip Ewing’s Horse & Writer “Invitational” Link to "Invitational" Mane Page
OCT
11-16th Texas Songwriters Cruise http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com/
For more details visit the events page.
Also, hear the song contest winners podcast from this page.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
TEXAS CONCERT LISTINGS
http://www.dirtylinen.com/special/dl-states/TEXAS.html
Comprehensive VENUE LIST - compliments of Uncle Calvins
http://www.unclecalvins.org/OtherVenues.aspx
DALLAS TEXAS CONCERT LISTINGS
http://mojam.wolfgangsvault.com/concerts/city?city=Dallas,TX
Dallas Morning News Guide Live Music Listing ( hit search after opening the page)
http://listings.guidelive.com/portal/page?_pageid=33,97314&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
---------------
8. Featured Articles:
For more details visit the events page.
Also, hear the song contest winners podcast from this page.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
TEXAS CONCERT LISTINGS
http://www.dirtylinen.com/special/dl-states/TEXAS.html
Comprehensive VENUE LIST - compliments of Uncle Calvins
http://www.unclecalvins.org/OtherVenues.aspx
DALLAS TEXAS CONCERT LISTINGS
http://mojam.wolfgangsvault.com/concerts/city?city=Dallas,TX
Dallas Morning News Guide Live Music Listing ( hit search after opening the page)
http://listings.guidelive.com/portal/page?_pageid=33,97314&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
---------------
8. Featured Articles:
Video Highlights of Quincy Jones's Interview with Ludacris at the ASCAP EXPO
"You're a terminal for a higher power."... "I don't take it for granted."... "I never turn my curiosity off."
"You're a terminal for a higher power."... "I don't take it for granted."... "I never turn my curiosity off."
MUSIC BUSINESS
Bob Paterno's blog Making Music Making Money
http://www.makingmusicmakemoney.blogspot.com/
Bob Paterno interviews former CEO of the mega-successful Gaylord Entertainment company, Terry London.
http://www.makingmusicmakemoney.blogspot.com/
Bob Paterno interviews former CEO of the mega-successful Gaylord Entertainment company, Terry London.
By Digital Music News -- Almost overnight, the art of A&R (artists & repertoire) has been completely transformed by digital formats, simply because the internet starts pouring feedback immediately onto new artists and songs. "A&R is the easy part now, it's the rest of the business that's impossible," one major label executive told Digital Music News...
VIDEO: Musicians on the Internet - Strategy Vs Tactics My Interview with CD Baby's Brian Felsen
By Dave Allen
Mercyme Makes History, 'I Can Only Imagine' Surpasses 1 Million Downloads
CMSpin Network -- MercyMe has made history as their massive multi-format single "I Can Only Imagine" recently surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain.
CMSpin Network -- MercyMe has made history as their massive multi-format single "I Can Only Imagine" recently surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain.
Glossary of Terms Used in the Music Industry
Compiled by Mario F. Gonzalez, Esq.
Compiled by Mario F. Gonzalez, Esq.
CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting
http://craftofsongwriting.blogspot.com/
LITERARY DEVICES - Part 2 Similes
http://craftofsongwriting.blogspot.com/
LITERARY DEVICES - Part 2 Similes
Let's look at some tools and formulas help you build similes.
The Death of the Bridge
By Brian Hazard -- Many of my all-time favorite songs are "growers" - album tracks that don't really grab you the first few spins, but eventually dig their hooks in and don't let go. Few artists these days have the luxury of writing growers, because listeners aren't willing to invest that kind of time. Unless the artist is proven to deliver, the listener will tune out and move on.
Online Thesaurus & Rhyming Dictionary
http://www.rhymezone.com//
By Brian Hazard -- Many of my all-time favorite songs are "growers" - album tracks that don't really grab you the first few spins, but eventually dig their hooks in and don't let go. Few artists these days have the luxury of writing growers, because listeners aren't willing to invest that kind of time. Unless the artist is proven to deliver, the listener will tune out and move on.
Online Thesaurus & Rhyming Dictionary
http://www.rhymezone.com//
********************************************
9. Song & Talent Contests
See contest details at:
http://songcontests.blogspot.com/
THE CIRCUIT URBAN TALENT SEARCH
4TH ANNUAL TRCOA UNSIGNED ARTIST COMPETITION
----------------
10. Songwriting Resources
10. Songwriting Resources
Links to websites about songwriting, performance, music industry.
http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/
DSA Book Store - reviews, links, lists of recommended reading, and what's in the DSA Library.
http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/
DSA Book Store - reviews, links, lists of recommended reading, and what's in the DSA Library.
Man Card by Brooke Malouf
By Myself by Nancy Rynders
FEB
This Love by Bob Paterno
MARCH MADNESS - no critiques this month
APRIL Co-writes - no critiques this month
Download a pdf hard copy of the Oct 2009 Songwriters Notes with 2008 best songs of the meeting winners announced.
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1520070&da=y
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1520070&da=y
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&R reps from labels and music publishers are listening to our Myspace page each month?
***********
12. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
http://www.songssoulservice.org
Did you know that DSA held two song contests for active military and the Cds of the winning songs, Songs From the Soul of Service Vols. 1 & 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
URL:%20http://dallassongwriters.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-21T21_14_44-07_00
Read the latest story about this years winners
http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/
-----
Tribute to our fallen soldiers from DFW at our Podomatic site:
You Know Me Tribute to Fallen
URL:%20http://dallassongwriters.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-21T21_14_44-07_00
Read the latest story about this years winners
http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/
-----
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, DSA
Songcerely,
Barbara McMillen, Editor
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA
