Monday, April 8, 2013

Songwriters Notes E-News #141 April 2013

Hello Songwriter,

We had a great time at the DSA Singer Songwriter stage last weekend at the Deep Ellum Festival. Thanks to Craig St. Clair for a smooth event. There was a lot of DSA member talent on that stage. including some newcomers, Craig Thomas and Thomas Craig. Our crowds were big and the weather was wonderful, but a bit windy. We had a tragedy on Sunday when Catherine, DSA Prez Roger Russell's mom, fell and broke her femur.  An ambulance whisked her off to Baylor Hospital where they operated to insert rods and pins. She is in room 636 and would love some cards and letters or a visit or two.

 There is still time to enter POOR DAVID"S BW Stevenson Song Contest Performing Songwriter Contest - deadline April 10. The competition always proves to be very entertaining. I recommend you show up at the semifinals on April 17th and the finals on the 24th.  http://poordavidspub.com/Comp.htm

Thanks to those of you who took the time to nominate me for the Music Educator Award, to be presented by the Grammy Foundation and The Recording Academy. If you haven't had the chance to do so yet, you have until April 15th to nominate me for this award. Here is the direct link to the Grammy nomination website. Just chose the button that "the nominee will file out the nominee's information form". It's already in the process of being completed. Thanks so much. 
Barbara McMillen, Associate Professor of Songwriting, Commercial Music, Collin College, Plano Tx, 214 691-5318 (My supervisor is Dr. Christopher Morgan)
Read more about the award here:
Thanks to Cary Cooper for the great program she brought to us at the last minute when Steve Wiseberg bowed out . Cary was our Song of the Year judge. See the meeting page of the website for a link to the winning song. Our guest speaker for the 2nd Tuesday meeting, TK Kreason, is the curator of the Texas Muscians Museum. We're back at the Center For Community Cooperation. See # 2 below.

Our other regular DSA monthly events remain the same, 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps (1st Thurs features guest host Vicky Williams) and 1st and 3rd Thursday Open Mic. For details, see #2 and #4 below.

We've revived our Songwriters Connecting To Seniors program with performances scheduled for May and June. View the new blog here. http://dsaseniorsprogram.blogspot.com/

Lot's of fun was had by yours truly at SXSW. Yes, it's more crowded every year, but worth the short trip to Austin. There is a plethora of free entertainment during the festival. I went down on Thursday for the Grammy Block Party at the Four Seasons, dropped by the Quebec showcase and then the Driskel Hotel. Friday I caught Billy Bragg and other showcasing artists at the BMI Brunch, then on to the Sonicbids Party where I liked Tango in the Attic. The afternoon found me at the Chrysalis Party over on Rainey Street where I loved The Features from Nashville. I dropped by the convention center for the free Gear Expo and Flatstock where I demoed the new Seaboard incredible keyboard and the new mobile app, JAM which turns any phone into a band. You sing into your phone, pick a genre, and voila, you have a song. Late afternoon, I spent some time with brother Mark Goad on the front porch of his Red River art gallery listening to remnants of the Nortons with Rusty Trapp play across the street while we were watching the flow of crazies parading down the street in front of the band. Then I walked the river trail and sat out on the river for a great Flaming Lips show echoing from Auditorium Shores. What a great concert. They are wonderful live - so animated. Afterwards I found myself celebrity watching in the lobby at the Four Season with a new found friend, an autograph hound. We spotted Owen Wilson, Emmy Lou Harris, Rodney Crowell and Depeche Mode in just a few minutes. I probably would have never noticed, had he not pointed them out. I regret missing Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk who went on at midnight up on 7th street. Just couldn't make it. Saturday I slept a little late, enjoyed the Hill Country scenery in Dripping Springs, and got a late start into Austin. Lunched with my host Jack Kay and his other guests, Jason and the Krugers at El Gallo. After which they went to set up for their gig, and Jack and I took in his friend Bill Browder and Ben Livingston at the Continental Upstairs. Then over to the Triple Crown Tattoo Parlor on the east side to hear Jimmy and Susan Ford, followed by our buds, Jason & the Krugers. I would classify them as death metal. Their show was excellent, well played, and freakily costumed. Then it was on to Threadgill's for the Folk Alliance showcase. You can always count on Louis Meyers for a stellar lineup of talent. I loved the last act, the Dunwells, from Leeds, UK. They are brothers, and boy are their harmonies tight! Before heading back to Dallas, I ordered chicken livers and greens to take away, but while doing that, I ran into Andy Rasmussen, Ha! We didn't recognize each other at first. What a hoot.

I'm teaching songwriting classes at Collin College. We have lots of fun in the class and explore what makes a song popular. Here are the details.   Classes online.


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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 -   Deadline June 17th


                 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.


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. 

*******

Interview with 2012 DSA Song Contest Winner Macy Medford by Roger Russell


I recently had the privilege of interviewing Macy Medford and her mother Stacy.  Macy’s song she cowrote with Jonathan George “Just Me and You” was the grand prize winner for the 2012 DSA Song Contest.  Here is the interview.

Roger:  How old are you?
Macy:  I am 15 years old now.
Roger:  Are you attending high school now?
Macy:  I am a sophomore at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas.
Roger:  What instruments do you play?
Macy:  Guitar and Piano.

                      




     You will find Semifinalist  here:

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

    Here the song on ReverbNation

    Check out her website:

    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.

    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. 
    ------------------------------

    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.

     ************************

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

    2nd TUESDAY WORKSHOP

    April 9: Guest Speaker, TK Kreason

    who is the curator of the Texas Musicians Museum, as well as, a promotor of guitar shows and concerts.


    Critiques will follow.
    See meeting page for more details

    FUTURE MEETINGS
    May: Crystal Clear Sound  - Keith Rust and Pete Miller - producing your demo
    ----------------------------
    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
    ----------------------------
    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 - NEW LOCATION
    Tino's - Steve Sullivan, coordinator. Mall location closed. Tino's Too is remodeled
    Tino's Too Mexican Restaurant 2205 Ave K, Plano, Tx  972 881-9226

     ************************

    3. BEST SONGS of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting
    Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year is in the process of being judged for 2012 and will probably be announced in March. 

     No critiques in March

    Feb
    Something About You by Gigi Costas
    Time To Play by William Brown
    Critique Panel: Dr Terry Fansler and Bobby Montgomery

     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

    VERN DAILEY SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR 2011 
    Long time DSA member, James Pappas,  is Songwriter of the Year for most wins at the 2nd Tuesday meetings last year. See our Press Room for story.

    SONG OF THE YEAR 2011 WINNER
    Congratulations go to Casey Graham, for the winning song, "Tears for Joanna." It was Casey's first song submitted to the 2nd Tuesday Critics. See our Press Room for story.


    Our judge was Zane Williams, the amazing singer/songwriter who brought a 2nd Tuesday program earlier this year. Zane somehow crammed in judging and commenting on our 2011 Critique Winners between gigging all around North Texas, trips to Nashville, starring spots on Troubadour, TX, and being a daddy and a husband and a human being. He got his comments back to us somewhere between Texas and Utah, where he is today.

    See the website for Zane's comments.

    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?

     ************************

    4. SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS -


    OPEN MICS
    DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE -
    EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

    HALF PRICE BOOKS - NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - Vicky Williams guest host for Feb.
    EVERY 1ST THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
    Sign up begins at 6:30
    Featured Artist at 8PM

    SHOWCASES

    THE POINT at CC Young, 6PM
    April 27th

    SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS

    Signature Point, Saturday, June 1st   - 3PM
    Barbe McMillen, Michael Brandenberger

    Silverado Turtle Creek, Sunday, May 26th, 3PM
    Barbe McMillen, Bobby Montgomery, Buck Morgan

    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 starting in March.

    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

     ************************

    5. DSA  LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked JUNE 30th SPRING CONTEST

    2013 WINTER CONTEST closed March 31st


    2012 FALL WINNER
    ON THE FRONT STEPS OF A CHURCH by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ

    2012 FALL SEMIFINALISTS (deadline was Dec. 31)

    A KISS THAT NEVER ENDS by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
    LITTLE PIECES  by John Thomas Lane, Monument, Co
     SAY 'WHEN' by Katherine Knecht, Citrus Heights, CA

    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.

     ************************

    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 SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER, ROGER RUSSELL

    WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Jana Zettl, Andy Schrumpf, Tom Jordan, Michael Shane Andrews, Kelsey Grogan, Kayla Elliott, Kimberly Elliott, Terry Fansler,  Emmitt Fennessey, Carlos Savetman, Mikah Young, Kelly Aldous, Tim Malooly, Joseph Jacobs, Gigi Costas, Devin Hill, Michael Brandon, Wendy Tobias, Song Contest Winners new or renewing: Macy Medford,  Steve Chizmadia, Debra M. Gussin , Renee Safier, Chris Alvarado, Eric Colville, Glen Naylor, Lanny Sherwin, Keeton Coffman , Spencer Clark, Kevin Reardon, Daniel Sumber , Andy Taylor , Gavin Potter, Vanessa Padla, Diane Lekven, Belle Schneiderman, Robert Graham, Chris O'Neill, Chase Thompson, Nestor Cora, Philip Creamer, Gordon Lustig, Susie  McLean, Becky Wright


    THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Cary Cooper, Loretta Dunaway, Trevor Dahlen, Ken Duren, Randy Brown, Keith Thompson, David Byboth, Morri Hartgraves, Grady Yates, Ken Golden, Suzi Morse, Steve Erickson, Mimi Balkey, Jeremy Ellis, Michael Roth, Alex Gorodiscas, Rob McHale, Bill Honker, Bobby Montgomery, Trevor Dahlen, Casey Graham

    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 MAY: Richard Ray Hunt, Annie Cornelius
    EXPIRED IN JUNE: Brandon Watson, Paul McNair, Mike Corbin, Tom Biles, Kyle Carey, Wyler Delray, Ruben Estevez, Ruben Estevez, John Friday, Shane Martin, Christal Prout, Shosshana Sperling, John Visconti, Tara Priya, Janine Wilson, Steven Welp, Stonewall Towery. 
    EXPIRED IN JULY: Brook Malouf, Lu Ann Dunley, Ken Luginbyhl
    EXPIRED IN AUGUST: Joyce Sanders, Dixon Beasley.
    EXPIRED IN SEPT: Jonathan Harrison, Mina Shamsa
    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, Julie Jean White, Kathern Hallberg, Randy Brown, Joe Milton, Gregg Watts, Mark Sanders, Steve Ritter, JR Byrd
    Expired in JAN:  Terry Bloss, James Andrew Boyer, Matt Boggs
    EXPIRED IN FEB: Mark Glasmire, Melinda Starnes
    EXPIRED IN MARCH: Robin Willis,Ryan Eichenwald, Alexandra Brooks, Corey Anderson, Brian Coker, Tom Biles, Madilne Shaw, Holly Doubet, Jim Baker, George Pucini
    PLEASE RENEW THIS MONTH: Joanna Endsley, Daniel Anchondo, Margaret Cuddihee. Molly Bush, Helene Cronin, Buz Craft Jeremy Ellis, Suzi Morse, Casey Graham, Dewey Stark, Mofor Otang, Robert Harper, Steve Johnson, David Spence, Lanny Sherwin, 

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

     DSA friend, Glitter Rose won the first round of battles in the Hard Rock Rising 2013 Global Battle of the Bands.

     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

     ************************

    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.)

    Saturday, May   Wildflower Festival Workshop


    WILDFLOWER! SONGWRITING WORKSHOP!

    "Music is life's only true magic, treat it with all the respect that it deserves." ~ Bruce Swedien
    The Waymores Song School
    Instructors:
    Tom KimmelSally BarrisDon Henry
    Friday, May 17, 2013
    9:00 – 10:00 Coffee and Muffins, 10 AM – 4 PM Workshop
    Residence Inn, 1040 Waterwood Drive, Richardson, TX
    Course Outline:
    You are the artist! Soak in the world and your songs bubble up! Your palette is a marriage of words, music, and emotion. Each instructor will share their secrets to be a successful writer. Song examples will be used to demonstrate how their songs bubble up. A handout of the important points and helpful resources will be provided. Song critique on student’s work is a valuable part of the workshop. If you wish to get feedback on your song, bring 3 copies of the lyrics and an instrument or a recording of the song.
    About The Waymores...
    • Grammy winning singer-songwriter Don Henry is one of Nashville’s most respected singer songwriters. Don has led many workshops and song classes.
    • Sally Barris' "Let the Wind Chase You," as recorded by Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban, was nominated for a Grammy in 2009 for Best Country Collaboration.
    • Tom Kimmel's songs have been recorded by dozens of respected artists and featured in films and TV shows from The Captain Kangaroo Show to Runaway Bride.
    Cost: $50 per student (max of 40 students) - includes lunch & one Wildflower! Festival Ticket to see Eliza Gilkyson, The Waymores, Slaid Cleaves and more!

    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.

     ************************
    8. EVENTS - Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, and showcases.

    APRIL
    5-7 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Dallas, Tx
    17th BW Stevenson Song Contest Semifinals @ Poor David's Pub
    18 - 20 ASCAP EXPO, LA
    20 - 22 Dallas International Guitar Show, Market Hall
          http://www.guitarshow.com/
    24th BW Stevenson Song Contest Finals @ Poor David's Pub

    MAY
    11  Kevin Welch at 3 Moon House Concert, DFW area
         Email hyates@BWDMAIL.NET    to reserve a spot
    17 - 19 WildFlower Festival, Richardson, Tx
    26  13  Songwriters Connecting to Seniors
    30 - June 2 Wakarusa Festival, Mulberry Mountain, Ozard AR
           http://www.wakarusa.com/

    JUNE
    1 Songwriters Connecting To Seniors - Signature Point 3rd floor
    6 - 8 Thunder on the Mountain, Ozark, AR
    9 - 11  New Music Seminar
    13 - 16  Sonic Boom electronic Festival, Georgetown, CO
          http://sonicbloomfestival.com/
    17  DSA Song Contest Deadline

    JULY
    TBD DSA Swim Party and BBQ

    AUG
    11- 17 REO Songwriters Retreat, British Columbia

    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/

     ************************

    9. Featured Articles:

    PREZ SEZ: Tune in to DSA President, Roger Russell's, musings and DSA goings on.
    VIDEO

    MUSIC BUSINESS - more articles posted on the new blog DSA Music Biz News

    Types of Music License wolfiesmusicpublishing.wordpress.com
    .Types of Music License Well once again we have compiled a little more info on some catagories of music licensing. we are trying to help promote music and the education of our artist. If you would ...

    IN MEMORANDUM
    - Alvin Lee: Legendary Guitarist Dead At 68




    Ramone had worked with legendary recording artists such as Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Paul...



     PERFORMANCE
    - How to Mike a Guitar Amplifier for Recording
    Glossary of Terms Used in the Music Industry
    Compiled by Mario F. Gonzalez, Esq.

    CRAFT OF SONGWRITING



    From John Zander, Paul's bro:
    Saw this on Popular Science and was impressed. Always heard that music is basically mathematics. This database application allows the mathematics to emerge, I suppose, from the source files. Anyway, it seems like an excellent inquiry into musical theory, and I thought you might enjoy.

    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
    http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/

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

    POOR DAVID"S BW Stevenson Song Contest - deadline April 10  


    See contest details at:
    Song, Lyric and Fiddle Contests


    A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com


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