Saturday, July 9, 2016

SONGWRITERS NOTES E-NEWS #178 JULY 2016

Hello Songwriter,

The Dallas Songwriters Inaugural Hall of Fame Ceremony honoring Blind Lemon Jefferson and T-Bone Walker will be held at Sons of Hermann Hall, July 22, 8PM featuring Jimmy Wallace and the Stratoblasters. Don't miss this once in a lifetime event. Please come out and support this very first Hall of Fame Ceremony for Dallas Songwriters Association. Please bring your family and friends! You must buy your tickets in advance to get reserved seats, otherwise it's general admission at the door. Advance and reserved tickets available online here: https://dallassongwriters.org/dallas-songwriters-hall-fame-inaugural-ceremony-set-july-22/

 Our annual song contest is well underway with a deadline of Sept 30th. See #1 below for details.

The Girls of Nashville Workshop that was held on Sunday, June 12 at Sons of Hermann Hall was a big success.Thanks go to Business Council For the Arts for conceiving the event and asking us to partner with them. Harry Hewlett posted it live on our facebook page here: https://m.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/ 
Ashley Ray, Heather Morgan, and Liz Rose  tellin' it like it is.

Elizabeth Wills cancelled her speaking engagement for the June 2nd Tuesday meeting. We hope to reschedule and will let you know. Instead, we had one of our famous co-write sessions. We split into 4 groups, so fun was had by all. Come out to our open mics and I'll play you my groups gem of a song, "Aransas Bay".

We handed out a hard copy of the Spring 2016 Songwriters Notes issue at the guitar show and festival. You can get a pdf version here.

We've announced the Winter Lyric Contest winners. See #5 below.

Mark your calendar for the DSA Picnic Jam and Pool Party on Saturday, August 13.

DSA now has 8 regular monthly events. Our regular DSA monthly events are 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and 1st and 3rd Thursdays and last Monday Open Mic, 3rd Tuesday Showcase at the Sons Of Hermann Hall, 4th Saturday Showcase at Angela's, and our 2nd Tuesday Workshop and Critiques. Our guest speakers for this month is Elizabeth Wills in person.   Are you considering putting out an indie CD? She will tell you how to do it. She has a new CD to be released June 2nd. For details, see #2 and #4 below. Some of us like to visit the Poor Davids Pub (hosted by Mr Troll) or Angela's Open Mic every Monday.

Did you know we are live streaming on Facebook? Thans to Harry Hewlett you can view some of our open mics in a live stream on Facebook? Can't make it? Then tune in to Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.

For a complete calendar list see #8 Events below.

Thanks to Paul Zander, Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse 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

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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST - 2016 NOW OPEN - DEADLINE Sept 30th

Enter on DSA website 

Enter on Broadjam  

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 - SECOND TUESDAY WORKSHOP

  July 12th: Charles Carter and Elise Carter will speak on Marketing Your Songs
Charles started his musical career singing in high school and church choir in his hometown of Monroe, Louisiana. Even though his interest in music continued, he completed a degree in forestry from LSU and ran his own Forestry consulting service for 35 years, where he managed timberland for his clients and did timber sales and timber appraisals. In 2007, all of the timber mills closed down and he went back to doing what he did in the U.S. Air Force: driving hazmat tankers.
He has written and sold several thousand jokes to Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, The Tonight Show, Reader's Digest, and others.  Charles says the jokes started turning into poems and songs about 3 years ago and he now has written 305 songs. He especially enjoys writing humorous songs.
He married Elise Perkins on 12/12/12 and he has a daughter, Ashley.
Charles retired in 2015.
He would eat bbq ribs 3 times a day if Elise would let him but realizes that twice a day is more than adequate.

Meadows Conference Center
2900 Live Oak
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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Reviews of past DSA Second Tuesday guest speakers  

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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 2nd Tuesday Meeting

Harry Hewlett, Dori Weaver, Michael Brandenberger
Harry Hewlett, Dori Weaver, Michael Brandenberger
2016 
January - Time to Leave by Beth Murphy
February - My Pickup Truck by Charles Carter

March - Last Chance to Dance in Texas by Rio King
April - I'm Singing My Heart Out In Dallas Tonight by Charles Carter 
May - Dallas by Charles Carter
June - none

2015 Winner - Waiting to Breathe by Dori Weaver   
2. Jimmy Loves Jesus by Buck Morgan
3. Give 'Em Time Lord by Bobby Montgomery

Here is the list of winners of the meeting critiques from which the top three were chosen thanks to Judge, Ian Dickson, former DSA Director and Wildflower Contest winner.

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

Songwriter of the Year 2015 
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

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

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

SHOWCASES

ANGELA'S AT THE CROSSWALK in downtown Plano
4th Saturday 7:30 - 11:00
Hosted by Buck and Harry
July 23
7:30--Harry kicks things off
8:00—Bill Sibley
8:30--Loralee Pearman (feature)
9:15--Dan Roark (feature)
10:00—Brando
10:30--Open

And for Aug. 27 we have:
7:30--Buck’n’Harry
8:00--Ian (feature)
8:45--Aaron
9:15--Rio (feature)
10:00--Victoria
10:30--Trevor

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 30

or by mail
 FALL 2016 -WINNERS
 SEMIFINALISTS
IN HIS HANDS © Lauren Smith, Livermore, CA
TASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
LONG TIME GONE © Ynana Zivich, San Luis Obispo, CA
SO LONG KAREN © Brian Kerr, Merida, Mexico

See results 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 11th Annual Membership Meeting were:
Michael BrandenbergerBobby MontgomeryDicky JohnsonRachel WilhelmDan RoarkBarbe McMillenJoe Milton, Stephen McKinnell, Steve Sullivan, Ken Duren, James Pappas and Harry Hewlett. Welcome new board members Ginger, Marcus, and Charles

Current Officers
Michael Brandenberger -  Prez
Bobby Montgomery - Executive VP, VP Programs
Dicky Johnson - Treasurer
Secretary - Ginger Stanoiu
Dan Roark - Lyric Contest Director, showcases, workshops
Barbe McMillen - Communications, Administration, Newsletter
Harry Hewlett - A/R
Stephen McKinnell - VP of Membership 
Steve Sullivan and James Pappas - SongSwap Coordinators
Joe Milton, Ken Duren - At Large
Rachel Wilheim - Technology
Marcus Belmore - 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
Patron Sponsor L1: Cliff Monroe
Patron Sponsor: Mimi BalkeySuzi Morse

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Joe Austin, Robin Dossey, Ginger Stanoiu
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Cousin Don Brown, Alexis Tap, Bill Honker, Gigi Gosta, Ken Duren, Lynn McCrackin
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 AUGUST: Sandra Foster Brown, Glen Naylor
EXPIRED IN SEPTEMBER: Dru Richmon 
EXPIRED IN OCT: Rick Webster, Jay Gallagher, Jenni Peal 
EXPIRED IN NOV: Richard Pickett, Lisa Byrn, Steve Wilson 
EXPIRED IN DEC: Kathryn Taylor
EXPIRED IN JAN: Terry Bloss, Bill Kapac, Matt Nestor, Ben Neumann, Al Hovden, Rob Lutzwig, Maxim Senin, Stephen Blackwell, Rene Safier, Kyle Vincent, Stacy Hogan, Jacquelyn Christina, Will Kincaid, John Martinez
EXPIRED IN FEBAnthony Castillo, Mark Pierce, Katrina Pitts
EXPIRED IN MARCHPete Miller, Tippy Balady, Phoenix Rose, Tim York
EXPIRED IN APRIL: Phillip Wildman, Shane Andrews, John Mason
EXPIRED IN MAY: Ted Pearce, Mark Evans, Tamara Stamps, Ray Baker, Timothy McGarity 
EXPIRED IN JUNE: Allen Larsen, Marcus Belmore, John Thomas Lane
TIME TO RENEW: Michael Franceus, Mary Guthrie, Tom Prasado Rao, Michelle Boulden, Crystal Taylor, JR Rosenberg, Bill Sibley
  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/

TONY RAMEY MASTER CLINIC - JULY 23

Tony will be holding a Master Clinic in Sulphur Springs July 23rd (location TBA) immediately followed by a show at City Hall that evening. Cost of the clinic will be $45 and includes a ticket to the show following (presale tix info forthcoming). Topic of the discussion and workshop will be "The Age of Opportunity and Futility: Getting the Most for your Music in a World of Streaming and 100% Consent Decree". High points will cover
(1) Basic understanding of Streaming Services' pay structures, 
(2) new law recommendations from DOJ and what it means for the songwriter, and
(3) Critiquing music submissions...for more information about Tony and his accomplishments, the TR Club and new music go to www.TonyRamey.com.

~~Tony will be doing a special Labor Day weekend Spirit of Hank Tour Show series at theGranbury Theater in Granbury TX. Sept 2nd-4th: Friday night 7pm, Sat matinee at 2pmand 7pm show, Sunday Matinee at 2pm.

~~Tony will also be at the VIP Theater Texan Theater September 10th for a Saturdayevening performance. Tickets include Dinner and Drinks.


 Review of Larry Beaird Workshop
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

2016

  JULY
2 Texas Tunes Series with Marcia Ball at MCL Grand, Lewisville.
7 DSA Open Mic at Half Price Books
10 Walt Wilkins at MCL Grand, Lewisville
10 Fine Arts Chamber Players @ City Performance Hall - free
11 DSA Song Swap at Half Price Books
12 DSA Second Tuesday Meeting - Carter Tunes
14 Blue Rock Concerts - Darryl Purpose Live webcast
https://www.concertwindow.com/bluerock
17 Fine Arts Chamber Players @ City Performance Hall - free  
18 Song Swap at Tinos
21 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
22 DSA Hall of Fame featuring the Stratoblasters @ Sons of Hermann Hall
23 DSA Showcase at Angelas  
24 Fine Arts Chamber Players @ City Performance Hall - free 
25 DSA Open Mic at Kitchen Cafe
31 Fine Arts Chamber Players @ City Performance Hall - free 

AUG
13 DSA Pool Party and Jam
13 Sonstock
25-27 Cutting Edge Conference, New Orleans, LA
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/

SEPT
2 - 4  Tony Ramey Labor Day weekend Spirit of Hank Tour Show series at the Granbury Theater in Granbury TX.
 8  Blue Rock Concerts - Freddy and Francine Live webcast
https://www.concertwindow.com/bluerock
10 Tony Ramey at the VIP Theater Texan Theater

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9. Featured Articles:

(AP) -- Led Zeppelin did not steal a riff from an obscure 1960s instrumental tune to use for the introduction of its classic rock anthem "Stairway to Heaven," a federal court jury decided Thursday. ... Experts for both sides dissected both compositions, agreeing mainly that they shared a descending chord progression that dates back three centuries as a building block in lots of songs. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif


By David Oxenford
The question of whether state laws about pre-1972 sound recordings could give copyright holders a claim against broadcasters for the over-the-air public performance of these recordings was answered in a novel manner in a decision rendered by a US District Court in California. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

During the public comment period, 15,000 songwriters and composers, as well as the US Copyright Office, members of Congress and others in the industry, registered their strong opposition to the proposal just made to ASCAP and BMI by the DOJ.


By Billboard Staff

Rolling Stone
Wonderful list but leaves out the likes of Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Cole Porter and so many more. There was life before rock ... and, it's still alive and thriving. Check out the Songwriter Hall of Fame Archives for info about the world's greatest songwriters past and present. – 2016 Induction Ceremony, June 9th

By Paul Resnikoff

By Paul Resnikoff
Besides streaming, vinyl is the only other recording format that is growing.  It's also the only lucrative for most artists, though production costs and heavy delays are now a serious reality.  As the unexpected surge in record buying keeps intensifying, old-line production facilities are getting overwhelmed. ... Dallas-based Hand Drawn Records, is planning to start construction on an automatic pressing facility this fall. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Ryan Scott
With all of the options out there to go to the cloud, is it the best way to manage a digital music collection in 2016, or is it still better to keep tracks on your own device?  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

MUSIC BUSINESS
By VW Staff

Cliff Goldmacher in SONGWRITERS AND SINGER/SONGWRITERS

By Andrew Flanagan
The National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) and Dubset have reached a deal that will allow the NMPA's independent members, both publishing companies and songwriters, to take part in a new streaming "sub-economy" that only recently became technologically feasible. This new revenue source is through derivative works, or pieces of music that are wholly or partially based on others' creations, like DJ mixes and remixes. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

Posted by Simon Tam
Any online presence is, unfortunately, vulnerable to hijacking, and if your online marketing campaign becomes infiltrated, it can destroy your reputation. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Adam Bernard

By Paul Resnikoff
Do what this band did (and a bunch of others are doing). Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Robert Klembas
Understanding the concept of mechanical royalties does not only raise your industry cred, but is truly of vital importance to your financial income in the music biz. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

Business Wire
Paul Harrington, a leading session player on harmonica based in Rockwall, Texas, today announced that after a lengthy quest he has received digital session royalties for the Pitbull track, "Timber," featuring Ke$ha. ... Mr. Harrington, as with many session players, did not (know about) a little known royalty owed to session musicians for digital airplay ... which was enacted as part of the Digital Performance Rights Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Stephen Carlisle
Arrghh! The dangers of writing a topical law blog on copyright is that new court opinions are issued every day. This blog post was published just before the 9th Circuit issued its ruling in the Madonna "Vogue" sampling case. I will discuss that case at the end of the blog post. (But, essentially) the blog post's main point remains intact: there is not, nor should there be, an absolute right to copy another's musical composition or sound recording, regardless of the fact that it is a common practice in "hip'-hop" music, or that someone with a computer finds it inconvenient to write their own song. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Ari Herstand

Quite nicely done. Informative and free.
By Bruce Houghton
"There are a handful of songwriting resources out there, but we wanted to go one step further," says songwriter and educator Ed Bell. "We wanted to talk not just about theory and techniques, but also about big picture ideas – like how to collaborate, how to maximize your creative potential, and how anyone can become a confident and independent artist."  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Brandon Widder
There's an abundance of free and paid website builders currently on the market, some of which revel in an easy-to-use interface, and others that opt for feature-heavy customization and robust design capabilities. Below are a few of our favorites. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

LISTEN
Blind Lemon Jefferson on Spotify

T-Bone Walker on Youtube

VIDEO 
Big Geek Daddy

Billed as the most successful songwriter of all times, Paul McCartney talks to John Wilson about his career and answers questions from the audience in this filmed version of the BBC Radio 4's Mastertapes. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

Stephon Alexander is a theoretical physicist, but he's also a jazz fanatic whose musical obsession has helped him better understand the world of cosmology, quantum gravity and particle physics. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

Choreographer and Dancer Phillip Chbeeb performs a beautiful and amazing dance routine with Renee Kester that is so cool you'll want to watch it twice. ... The soundtrack is the song "Slip" by Elliot Moss. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

The power of music is shown in this remarkable story from World War Two as told by Jack Leroy Tueller.   Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

You gotta love this from the Tony Awards. Karaoke Carpool

IN MEMORIAM
Lincoln "Chips" Moman
the producer, musician and songwriter who helped Elvis Presley engineer a musical comeback in the late 1960s and then moved to Nashville to record Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and other top country performers, as well as co-writing some of the best loved soul songs of all time – died on Monday in LaGrange, Georgia.  Continue Reading 2__#$!@%!#__f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By David Hinckley
You wouldn't always call Ralph Stanley's voice "pretty." You might be safer with "haunting." But it was a voice that kept an important song tradition in the American air for 70 years, before Stanley died Thursday from complications of skin cancer. He was 89 and he was one of those musicians who seemingly had always been around.  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Adrian Sainz And Hillel Italie
Scotty Moore, the pioneering rock guitarist whose sharp, graceful style helped Elvis Presley shape his revolutionary sound and inspired a generation of musicians that included Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and Bruce Springsteen, died Tuesday. He was 84. "As a musician, I consider him one of the co-founders of rock 'n' roll because of the guitar licks that he invented," said biographer and friend James L. Dickerson. Presley's ex-wife Priscilla Presley echoed that sentiment in a statement Tuesday night: "...The incredible music that Scotty and Elvis made together will live forever and influence generations to come." Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

PERFORMANCE
If you are in a band, the video included with this article is particularly useful.
By Max Alper
Whether we are firing up the van for a coast-to-coast tour or showing up for our first open mic, we as performing musicians must hold ourselves to professional standards. Of course, we will still maintain our DIY-punk aesthetic onstage, and in our day to day lives. But when it comes to our bands, we take things seriously and work to build a positive, professional reputation. So with that in mind, here are a few tips to live by when you're trying to get yourself booked. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif
Tips and Exercises to Improve Diction for Vocalists 
Find tips and exercises about how to improve your diction as vocalist in my new article at http://www.leadvocals.ca/news/information-for-vocalists/tips-and-exercises-to-improve-diction-for-vocalists.

Gilli Moon Performance video

RECORDING
By Producer Spot

Time management alert, this audio presentation is 38 minutes long ... but well worth the listen.
By Max Monahan
If you plan on relying on session work for a portion or all of your income, you not only need to take a proactive role in getting yourself on tracks, but you also need to be on time, organized, hygienic, professional, reliable, and positive. But even before all that, you have to make sure the quality of your playing is impeccable.  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
By Casey van Wensem
...all of the creativity tips in the world would be useless if there was no way to change our natural creativity levels. Fortunately, scientists have been interested in the study of creativity for a long time, and what they've discovered sheds a lot of light on the creative struggles that many musicians deal with every day. Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif


Songwriter Ryan Tedder reveals the formula for creating a timeless pop hit  Continue Reading f5ec743b4e5e4c2c9587db8c6ec80b4d.gif

By Cliff Goldmacher

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 - Sept 30

DSA Song Contest Open: Enter Now - Sept 30th.

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 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 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