SONGWRITERS NOTES DSA E-News #182 December 2016

Hello Songwriter,
  On December 13th, DSA presents it's Awards Dinner and Christmas Party. This is a celebration of the year's most talented songwriters.  We'll gather at Son's of Hermann Hall on Tuesday evening instead of our regular second Tuesday meeting to feast on food and performance of our semifinalist. So far confirmed to play are Hayley McDaniel, John Mason, Rick Babb , Rio King, Ireland Casteel, Richie Smith, Shawn Layer, Jacquelyn Schwartz, DeDe Wedekind, and Chris Michael Siostrom. Let me know if I missed listing your name. Please come out and join us for the fun. Go here to RSVP and purchase tickets.

The Summer Lyric Contest winners are announced. Our next deadline is Dec. 31st See #5 below.

DSA now has 9 regular monthly events. We've added Burger Edge open mic on 2nd Thursday starting in November. Our regular DSA monthly events are 1st and 3rd Monday SongSwaps and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursdays and last Monday Open Mic, and our 2nd Tuesday Workshop and Critiques. The 4th Saturday Showcase at Angela's, is MOVED TO THE 3RD SATURDAY FOR DECEMBER.

 We are toying with the idea of moving the Second Tuesday Meeting to the 1st Thursday and changing the location to Half Price Books on NW Highway. Tell us what you think. 

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 speaker, moi, and latest Angela's showcase. Can't make it? Then tune in to Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.

See the hardcopy issue of Songwriters Notes Fall 2016 that was distributed at the Arlington Guitar Shown in October.
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-news-songwriters-notes-fall-2016/

You still have time to make your tax deductible donation to keep DSA running. In the President's letter below, Michael outlines all the reasons to donate to DSA.

"Dallas Songwriter Association Members and friends,
Fall is almost here and so is our annual fundraising drive!  Basically our funds come from dues and song contest fees, but those sources can fluctuate greatly.  We need your help keep the DSA a viable non-profit association that benefits our members and the community.  Your tax deductible donation will help the DSA keep alive all of the following, which makes us one of the busiest musical associations in the country.
• Educational programrs and music industry speakers at regular monthly meeting.
• Song critiques by industry experts for your songs at each monthly meeting.
• Songwriting feedback sessions at Song Swap workshops twice a month.
• Worldwide lyric contests four time a year.
• Worldwide song contest once a year featuring 8 song categories and industry judges.
• Open mics for anyone to perform original songs 3 times a month, including the Kitchen Café, Dunn Brothers and Half Price Books
• Saturday night showcases for members at least once a month
• Performance opportunities for members at the Wildflower Festival and Poor David's Pub,
• Workshop opportunities with great song writers like the Girls From Nashville (Liz Rose, Allyssa McHeala, Ashley Ray, Heather Morgan) and music industry experts like Larry Beaird
• Monthly on-line newsletter with music industry information and help for songwriters
• A DSA website that enables members to having e their own page on the website to share their music and activities.
With $25 you will receive a DSA T-shirt, with $50 you will get a great DSA cap, and for $75 you get the DSA cap, T-shirt, and 2 DSA cuzzies.  For donations of $100 or more you will get the gift premiums plus recognition in the DSA newsletter every month as a special contributor to the DSA.
To donate, just go to the DSA website at Home - Dallas Songwriters Association and click on the donation link.
Many thanks. ... Michael Brandenberger, President, Dallas Songwriters Association  " 

Thanks to Paul Zander, Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Jon Jaggers, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, Rio King 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.

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PITCH OPPORTUNITY FROM OUR SPONSOR BEAIRD MUSIC

PITCH YOUR SONGS TO PUBLISHERS

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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST -  SEMIFINALIST POSTED

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT AWARDS DINNER ON TUESDAY, DEC 13, 7PM, SONS OF HERMANN HALL

RSVP and purchase tickets. Semifinalist are invited to perform.

https://dallassongwriters.org/event/2nd-tuesday-monthly-dsa-meeting-2016-12-13-2/2016-12-13/

Enter by Mail  http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/

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. 

1st Runner Up

 wins studio time at

2nd Runner up

wins recording time at 

Grand Prize winners receive:

1 Yr. Broadjam Primo MoB Membership

($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. ❤ 

https://dallassongwriters.org/t-edwin-doss-wins-2015-song-contest-jessie-brown/

Did you miss the Awards Dinner? Here's a blow by blow courtesy of Dan Roark

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-song-contest-awards/

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

https://dallassongwriters.org/2015-dsa-song-contest-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

Listen to the 2014 winners on Soundcloud at:

https://soundcloud.com/dallas_song_contest/sets/dsa-2014-song-contest-winners

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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 IN DECEMBER IS OUR AWARDS BANQUET AND CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SONS OF HERMANN HALL. $10 online $12 at the door

  https://dallassongwriters.org/event/2nd-tuesday-monthly-dsa-meeting-2016-12-13-2/2016-12-13/$10

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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

https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1219779574740932/

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/

Nov 2015 RonSowell https://dallassongwriters.org/ron-sowell-and-board-nominations-at-2nd-tuesday-dsa-meeting/

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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.

http://songswapworkshops.blogspot.com/

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

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
July - none
Aug - no meeting
Sept - Play Me Sump'm Like Dat - Rio King
Oct - no critiques 
 Nov - That Window Closes Fast by Rio King

Find out who wins the Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year for 2016 at the Awards dinner on Dec 13.

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

QandA With Rio
https://dallassongwriters.org/rio-king-vern-dailey-award-winner-songwriter-year-2015/

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

11th Anniversary DSA 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Bros.

KITCHEN CAFE' - North Dallas

EVERY LAST MONDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Hosted by Michael Brandenberger

BURGER EDGE - North Dallas

EVERY 2ND THURSDAY - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Hosted by Michael Brandenberger

The DSA is happy to announce a new performing opportunity!  There is now an open mic scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of every month at Burger Edge in Dallas.  The first one is scheduled for November 10 and will start a little earlier than usual.  The time will be from6:30 to 8:30.  It is open to DSA members as well as non-members.  

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.  

We also plan to have a rotating host so if you are interested in hosting an open mic, let me know.

Burger Edge is located in the Coit Rd/Campbell Rd area (near Marshall's), the address is 7529 Campbell Rd, Dallas, TX.

SHOWCASES

ANGELA'S AT THE CROSSWALK in downtown Plano
4th Saturday 7:30 - 11:00 Check out our facebook page where Harry is posting live streaming.

http://dsashowcases.blogspot.com/

Hosted by Buck and Harry

Because of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we're scheduling the Saturday Showcases at Angela's in downtown Plano for the 3rd Saturdays of November and December.

Other area open mics OPEN MICS

http://www.openmicdallas.com/

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5. DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked DEC 31

Enter onine https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/lyric-contest-entry/ 

or by mail
 SUMMER 2016 -WINNERS ANNOUNCED

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

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

CRITIQUES FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2016
https://dallassongwriters.org/song-critiques-summer-2015-lyric-contest/

PAST WINNERS and LYRICS POSTED ON THE OLD  WEBSITE

LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION

Next Lyric Contest Deadline is June 30th for Spring Lyric Contest

Entry fee is $10

Please see lyric contest webpage for details.

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

HARD COPY OF 2012 WINNERS IN SPRING 2013 ISSUE OF SONGWRITERS NOTES.

HARD COPY OF 2013 FALL ISSUE INCLUDES SPRING AND SUMMER WINNERS 2013

HARD COPY OF SUMMER AND FALL 2013 WINNER ARE IN THE 2014 SPRING ISSUE OF SONGWRITERS NOTES

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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, Malini Shaw and Harry Hewlett. New officers to be elected at the planning meeting on Jan 7th.

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
VACANCY - 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, Bill Honker

Patron Sponsor L1: Cliff Monroe, Suzi Morse, Jon Jaggers, Rio King

Patron Sponsor: Mimi Balkey

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Scott Mendenhall, Patrick Deasey, Stephen Houpt, Haley McDaniel, Joe Austin, Robin Dossey, Ginger Stanoiu

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Suzi Morse, Adriana Braddom, Ken Golden, Alexandra Brinkley, Marcus Belmore, JR Rosenberg, Michelle Boulden, Allen Larsen, John Mason, Mary Guthrie, Dorinda Weaver, 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 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 FEB: Anthony Castillo, Mark Pierce, Katrina Pitts
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 
TIME TO RENEW: Michael Brandenberger, Buck Morgan, Ross Vick, Anthony Groom, Kathryn Taylor, David Morales, Ashley Sichler, Brad Davis, Scott White

  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://dsameetings.blogspot.com

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


Songwriter Symposium 2017: JAN 11 - 15. Your chance to pre-register for ASG's Songwriter Symposium 2017 at the discount price of $225 expires at midnight on Wednesday, the 30th of November. On Thursday, the 1st of December the price to register will increase to $375.00. For details and to register, visit the Symposium 2017 page at the ASG website. http://austinsongwritersgroup.com/asgs-13th-annual-songwriters-symposium-2017-registration/
 
Steve Seskin's 13th Annual Songcrafting Seminar at the Bluebird Cafe. JAN 27 - 29 . This year is going to be better than ever with new workshops and our very special guests including hit songwriters JT Harding (Kenny Chesney “Somewhere With You"), Heather Morgan, (Brett Eldredge “Lose My Mind”), and publisher Dan Hodges. The details about the event are below.  For more information please email Phil Goldberg at pgoldberg999@gmail.com.  Or you can jump right in and REGISTER HERE!

 Review of Larry Beaird Workshop

https://dallassongwriters.org/larry-beaird-arranging-the-hit-songwriting-workshop/

Read the Review of the Roy Elkins Workshop

Roy Elkins’ Your Music and Your Business Workshop – Informative and Entertaining

For those of you who could not make it to the 2015 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, Video Access is now available for only $99!

More at:    http://dallassongwritersworkshops.blogspot.com/

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.

http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/

2015

Review of the Arlington Guitar Show

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-booth-at-arlington-guitar-show/

2016

DEC

1 DSA Open Mic at Half Price Books
4 Bob Livingston at Southwest Gallery, Dallas, TX  4PM 3moonhouseconcerts.com 

5 DSA Song Swap at Half Price Books
8 - 9 Blue Rock Christmas with Amy Speace and Billy Crockett, Wimbersly

11 - 6:30pm - Bill Ward & Tom Prasada Rau - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series MCL Grand Lewisville

13 DSA Awards Dinner and Christmas Party at Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas, TX

19 Song Swap at Tinos

15 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers

17 DSA Showcase at Angelas 

26 DSA Open Mic at Kitchen Cafe

 2017

JAN

2 DSA Song Swap at Half Price Books

6 DSA Open Mic at Half Price Books

10 DSA Second Tuesday Meeting

11 - 15 ASG Songwriters Seminar - Austin, Tx

14 - 8pm - Radney Foster - Texas Tunes Concert Series MCL Grand Lewisville

16 Song Swap at Tinos

18 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
27 - 29 Steve Seskin's Songcrafting Workshop at Bluebird, Nashville, TN

28 DSA Showcase at Angelas 

30 DSA Open Mic at Kitchen Cafe

Down the line in Lewisville

Saturday April 8, 2017 - Terri Hendrix/Lloyd Maines Songwriting Workshop 
Sunday, April 9, 2017 - 6:30pm - Terri and Lloyd - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series 

May 17 - Joe Ely - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series 

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:

The opening picture of Les Paul is worth the click ... and the story is great fun! Les Paul, Pirate of the Airwaves? By Nick Lerman Les Paul considered his best accomplishment to have happened back in the ‘30s, well before he even adopted the name “Les Paul.” … His self-proclaimed greatest achievement was as a “radio guy” with Booger Brothers Broadcasting System: an illegal radio station he set up in his Queens apartment building’s basement, near the furnace room. Continue Reading  2016: The Year Pop Went Country All Things Considered 2016 will be remembered for a lot of things. But for me, 2016 will be the year that everyone made a country album — including Lady Gaga. OK, so not everyone made a country album this year. But artists who you would never expect to dip into the Americana pool have done exactly that. Continue Reading  Projecting Trends: Moving Beyond the Static Music Experience Bas Grasmayer takes a look at the changing role of the consumer, the ways in which music is evolving, and some of the business models attached to it.  Continue Reading  Mouse over to enlarge The World Song Map Map by Dorothy Every single name on this entrancing map is a music reference. ... You're likely to get lost in the World Song Map. There's plenty of terrain to traverse—and a lot of songs to revisit as you go. Continue Reading  MUSIC BUSINESS The 7 Essential Musical Credits You Need to Keep Track Of By Hugh McIntyre You might not think it's that big of a deal, but if you fail to properly credit someone for their work, you run the risk of alienating that person, losing a contact, and even getting yourself into some legal troubles. While you're working, follow this checklist to make sure you're keeping track of every credit.  Continue Reading  How to Get People to Give You Money for Your Music By Angela Mastrogiacomo Protecting Your Digital Life in 7 Easy Steps By Jonah Engel Bromwich In a recent Medium post, Quincy Larson, the founder of Free Code Camp, an open-source community for learning to code, detailed the reasons it might be useful for people to make their personal data more difficult for attackers to access. Continue Reading  3 Reasons Why You Definitely Need a Dedicated Workspace as a Musician By Hugh McIntyre 4 Music Communities You Didn't Know Existed By Angela Mastrogiacomo The music industry can be a lonely place if you don't know where to meet people. Thankfully, there are some amazing communities both online and in person to help you connect with others who truly want to support you. They turn the ever-scary thought of networking into what it's really meant to be – a way to build relationships and form friendships. Continue Reading  Billboard's 2016 A&R Power Players List Revealed By Billboard Staff RECORDING Why The Rebirth Of Liner Notes Matters For Music By Deborah DeLoach In the old days, consumers of music were able to flip through liner notes of an album in order to ascertain precisely who was behind their favorite tracks. Now, after a digital hiatus, new technology could make this information, plus more, easily accessible once again.  Continue Reading  When Less Is More: 3 Reasons Why Smaller Arrangements Can Make Your Tracks Sound Bigger By Casey van Wensem Find A Copyright Owner Copyright Alliance Are you looking to identify or locate a particular copyright owner or creator in order to license their copyrighted work(s) or to hire them to create something for you, but are having trouble tracking them down? If so, we may be able to help.  Continue Reading  PERFORMANCE How I Reduced My Stage Setup Time By Half In this bit of music tech DIY advice, Matthew Ebel outlines how to construct a snake capable of running pedals, USB, video and more, as opposed to simply just audio, and how it can help an artist to massively reduce their setup time.  Continue Reading  LISTEN IN MEMORIUM Leonard Cohen Dead at 82 By Richard Gehr Leonard Cohen, the hugely influential singer and songwriter whose work spanned five decades, died at the age of 82. "Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candor, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed," his manager Robert Kory wrote in a statement. "I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit firsthand, was a privilege and great gift. He leaves behind a legacy of work that will bring insight, inspiration and healing for generations to come." “Hallelujah” Continue Reading  Leon Russell, Musician Known For Dynamic Performances, Dies At 74 By Bill Trott Leon Russell, who emerged in the '70s as one of rock'n'roll's most dynamic performers and songwriters after playing anonymously on dozens of pop hits as a much-in-demand studio pianist in the 1960s, died on Sunday at the age of 74. Russell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.  Continue Reading  Celebrated Jazz Musician Mose Allison Dies At 89 NPR Staff Mose Allison had a sharp eye for the way the world works, and doesn't. The pianist, singer and composer's acerbic lyrics, syncopated piano playing and distinctive southern drawl were beloved by jazz fans — and by the British rockers who covered his songs, from The Who to The Clash to Van Morrison. Continue Reading  Mentor Williams, Writer of Dobie Gray's 'Drift Away,' Dies at 70 By Gil Kaufman Country songwriter Mentor Williams, best known for penning Dobie Gray's 1973 No. 5 smash "Drift Away," has died at age 70. Williams' death was reported by the Taos News, which said that a family member confirmed that the writer of songs by Alabama, Jackie DeShannon and The Ventures passed away from undisclosed causes at 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 16). The brother of singer/songwriter/actor and ASCAP President Paul Williams was also known for co-writing such tunes as Randy Travis and George Jones' "A Few Ole Country Boys" in 1990, and Alabama's 1984 hit "When We Make Love."  Continue Reading  Be sure to read Paul Williams's loving comments about his brother in the article. Hear: Dobie Gray - “Drift Away” In addition to his immense talent, Milt was one of the most honorable gentlemen I have known in the music industry. Milton Okun, Legendary Producer & Cherry Lane Founder, Dies at 92 By Colin Stutz Legendary producer Milton "Milt" Okun, who produced for John Denver and Peter, Paul and Mary and founded the highly successful Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, has died. He was 92. ... Okun has been called one of the most important music producers of all time. .  ... Over the span of his career, Okun earned more than 75 gold and platinum records and 16 Grammy nominations for his work.  Continue Reading  VIDEO This might work if you OWN 100% of the copyright. If you've assigned your rights to a third party ... say a music publisher ... be sure to get their approval before proceeding. How to Turn Your Back Catalog of Songs Into Tons of YouTube Videos By Hugh McIntyre If you're looking to get more out of your back catalog, here are a few tips that could all come in handy.  Continue Reading  Best polka I've ever heard ... and, believe me, I've heard a lot of 'em. How A Ukrainian Accordionist Video Went Viral By Shinjoo Cho In this article Shinjoo Cho delves deep into the success of the recent viral video of a Ukrainian accordionist playing 'Summer' from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, breaking down how the accordion functions and what makes the video so compelling. Continue Reading  CRAFT OF SONGWRITING

What Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' and Other Earworm Songs Have in Common

By Joanna Klein

You should stop reading this now. No really, just don’t. You’re still reading. O.K., you asked for it: “Rah rah ah-ah-ah!/ Ro mah ro-mah-mah!/ Gaga ooh-la-la!” There’s your “Bad Romance.” Like the “ugly” “disease” Lady Gaga sings about wanting in this song, an earworm has likely just lodged itself deep inside the auditory cortex of your brain. There it will sit, sucking up your precious brain energy, for the next hour, day, month or even a whole year. (I had Hall and Oates’ “Maneater” in my head for most of 2005.) You are not alone. Continue Reading 

Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting

http://craftofsongwriting.blogspot.com/

Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary

http://www.rhymezone.com//

http://thesaurus.reference.com/

Great web tool for lyric writing

http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

Music Theory Resource

http://www.hooktheory.com/

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10. Song and Talent Contests

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

Next deadline - Dec 31

DSA Song Contest Closed - Semifinalists Announced Nov. 8

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

A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com

http://www.musesmuse.com/muselinks/Songwriting/Contests/index.html

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11. Songwriting Resources -  Now accepting book reviews

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://dsabookstore.blogspot.com/

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12. Archives of Past Programs and Activities

DALLAS SONGWRITERS OLD WEBSITE WITH ARCHIVED LINKS TO PAST PROGRAMS

http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE

http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/

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

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/

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,

  Songwriting Consulting Services

  Online Songwriting Workshops and Classes