SONGWRITERS NOTES E-NEWS #203, NOVEMBER 2018

Hello Songwriter,

FALL is here. Cool weather and rain has dominated big D. Many outdoor events were postponed and then cancelled. We managed to make it to the State Fair on one clear day. LOVE THE FAIR!  Our monthly meeting at Half Price Books is our membership meeting and election of Board of Directors. We'll have food and fellowship and talk about performance contracts. 

We've been busy with our annual song contest, getting the songs to the judges. We'll announce the semifinalist at the meeting on December 1st and post the semifinalists on the website. Thank you to those who entered our song contest via Broadjam, our submission partner, by mail, and via last minute email. We have some wonderful prizes like a Casio Privia keyboard and studio time.  This is the most wonderful keyboard. This keyboard donned the Wildflower Festival a couple of years. All the artist playing keys on the Courtyard Stage had wonderful things to say about the sound and the action!    

Joe Milton is offering a demo for all three grand prize winners. 



Plus we award cash prizes for each 1st ad second place category winners. http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com 

Other regular DSA monthly events are:
* the Monthly Meeting, which will be our Annual Membership Meeting and Election of our Board of Directors at Half Price Books followed by a discussion of a performance contract; * Extreme Co-writes on the first Monday, Nov 5, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas where you can help Barbara celebrate her birthday by joining her and others in writing a song or two - Harry Hewlett hosts; and 
* the 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison celebrating 14 years at Dunn Brothers. Let Us Eat Cake!

Check out the Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame website. I will continue to add to the posts but thought it needed it's own site to showcase our inductees. There is a new article, Two Pals by Billy Bob Hill, on the songs of Blind Lemon and Lead Belly. It's a fun read and listen with links to the songs on youtube. I'll let you know when to look for other updates.

This month Dallas Songwriters has a booth at the Amigo International Guitar Show in Ft Worth. Scheduled to work the booth are:
Saturday Morning: Ken Duren, Phillip Casteel, Bobby Montgomery
Saturday Afternoon: Gene Schillaci, Bobby Montgomery
Sunday Morning: Harry Hewlett, Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery
Sunday Afternoon: Bobby Montgomery

Bobby could still use help on Sunday afternoon.

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

DSA Members and Friends,
In case you missed the chance to donate on North Texas Giving Day last month, you can still donate directly to the Dallas Songwriters Association through our annual fundraising drive. We hope you will take this opportunity to help fund and keep alive this great association of songwriters! Our funds primarily come from dues and song contest fees, but those sources do not always cover what it takes to keep the DSA going. 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 keep all of the following activities, which makes us one of the largest and busiest musical associations in the country.

• Educational programs 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.
• Nationwide lyric contests four time a year.
• Nationwide song contest once a year featuring 8 song categories and industry judges.
• Open mics for anyone to perform original songs 3 times a month at Half Price Books, Dunn Brothers and Burger Edge
• Performance opportunities for members at the Wildflower Festival and the State Fair of Texas,
• Songwriting and Music Workshops
• Monthly on-line newsletter with music industry information and help for songwriters
• A DSA website that enables members to have 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. 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 www.dallassongwriters.org and click on the donation link.
Many thanks!
Michael Brandenberger
President
Dallas Songwriters Association

Thanks to Paul Zander, Jon Jaggers, Bobby Montgomery, Ginger Stanoia, Kenneth Shoemaker, and Kristi Myers for their recent contributions to our fall fundraiser. Other contributors include Ireland, Jon Jaggers, Bill Kapac, Rio King, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, and Jared LoStrato. There is still time to donate. Go to this link: https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association


A hardcopy of the Spring 2018 newsletter with 2017 contest winners named was distributed at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Wildflower Festival and Dallas Guitar Show. You can find a link to a pdf version at the top of the side bar to the right. 

 Did you know we are live streaming on Facebook? Thanks to Harry Hewlett you can view some of our open mics and guest speakers in a live stream on Facebook? See guest our guest speakers, and past Angela's showcases. Can't make it? Then tune into Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.

Songcerely,
Barbe

___________________________________________

DSA SONG CONTEST - 2018 contest closed Sept 30th 

Semifinalist will be announced in about a month online http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com 

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

Cash Prizes +

THANKS TO OUR SONG CONTEST SPONSORS

 

GRAND PRIZE  -   A Casio Privia Piano
https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments/stage-pianos/px-360

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

Winners announced at our Awards Banquet on December 8.

Mike P Ryan playing his
grand prize Casio  Privia  keyboard

INTERVIEW WITH 2017 GRAND PRIZE WINNER MIKE P RYAN 
Mike talks about songwriting, Texas and Louisiana lullabies 
https://dallassongwriters.org/press/dsa-song-contest-winner-mike-p-ryan-talks-about-texas-louisiana-lullabies-and-songwriting/

AWARDS DINNER

  Our Awards Banquet was held on Friday December 8, 2017 at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall celebrating with top songs of the year performed by first rate talent. Some of our DSA Song Contest Semi finalists and Best Songs of the Meeting Finalists performed, including local artists Loralai Milton, Ireland, Megan Sullivan, Don Wall, Al Lumbreras, Allen Larson and Virginia native, Mike Ryan. 

Here is a recap in pictures in case you were unable to  attend. Thanks to Gene Schillaci for taking these photos at the awards.   https://dallassongwriters.org/2017-awards-banquet-recap/

Here is a pdf of the program hard copy handed out at the event.  https://dallassongwriters.org/2017-awards-banquet-program-pdf/

See the 2017 song contest winners here:  https://dallassongwriters.org/2017-song-contes…inners-announced/

Hear the song contest winners playlist: https://dallassongwriters.org/album/2017-song-contest-finalists/

_________________________________

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

Professor Barbara McMillen is Speaker for Thursday, Nov 1, at Half Price Books.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION - PRESENTATION ON PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS

November is our Annual Membership Meeting and Election for our Board of Directors. Everyone is welcome. FOOD and FUN! . If you are a member and are not planning to attend, please give your proxy to someone attending. 

Following, there will be a brief presentation on performance contracts for Singer-Songwriters by Barbara McMillen, professor of Music Business and Songwriting at Collin College. Get what you’re due for performing and protect yourself from cancellations. 
Come on out for fellowship.

VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS

BRUCE CHANNEL : https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1820749174645104/

Thanks to Harry Hewlett we have a video of the Sept 6th 2018 meeting with Bruce Channel. Bruce received an award from BMI for two million radio performances of Hey! Baby. His original record of Hey! Baby is featured in the hit movie, Dirty Dancing, and on the international sound track album, listed in BILLBOARD’s Pop Album for over three months with sales of over twelve + million units.

Location: Half Price Books/Northwest Highway in Dallas
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet. 

Down the Line:
Dec 8 - DSA Christmas Party and Awards Banquet at Sons of Hermann Hall

___________________________________________ 

BEST SONGS of the Meeting - 

2018

OCT MEETING LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

02 Feb
BEFORE I FALL Melanie Steven
GONNA LOVE ON YOU Harry Hewlett
DAGGERS and ICE Ron Young
NAMESAKE Carol Shaw
SON I HAD ENOUGH OF YOU Doug Loyd
IT’LL BE ALRIGHT Craig Langford
THAT’S JUST WHAT I’LL DO Craig Langford

03 March
BLOOD and BONES Ron Young
IF I Barbe McMillen
LONELIEST JUKEBOX IN TOWN Craig Langford

04 Apr
A COWBOY SONG Ron Young
DON’T SAY IT Bobby Dallas
I SHOULDN’T BUT I DO Alexis Tapp
THE MATTER OF RISK & REWARD Mitch Horner
TELL ME WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND Michael Francis

05 May
LOVES LONESOME SHOES Rickey Gene Wright
SI QUISIERAS Alejandro (Alex) Dominguez

06 Jun
BUT HOW Donette Murphy

07 Jul
LUCKY SWEATER Michael Brandenberger
THE FALLEN Randy Overton

09 Sept
BRANDY BLUES Rio King
LUCKY MAN Craig Langford
WHEN LOVE COMES BACK TO YOU Michael Brandenberger

10 Oct
SECOND CHANCE Craig Langford
WHERE IS THE LOVE Craig Langford
HE LOOKED LIKE WAYLON SOUNDED LIKE CASH Ricky Gene Wright
MEMORIES OF DECEMBER Ricky Gene Wright
A TIME FOR LOVE  Michael Brandenberger

Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner. Oct is last meeting to accept songs. Bring your songs to the meeting for review, no need to have a recording, you can play them live, then use the benefit of the critique to rewrite if need be, or record and then turn in your songs in fall for the judge. 

2017 Song of the Year - Lucky Man by Craig Langford, Dallas, Tx

2017 Winner Songwriter of the Year - Craig Langford

See the Best Songs of the Meeting and Songwriter of the Year 

Winners here:  https://dallassongwriters.org/best-songs-songw…r-year-announced/

https://dallassongwriters.org/best-songs-songwriter-year-announced/

Finalists - https://dallassongwriters.org/song-year-finalist-announced/

_____________________

WORKSHOPS

Ist Thursday at Half Price Books - OCT 4, 6:30PM - Barbara McMillen - performance contract

1st Monday at Half Price Books - NOV 5, 6:30PM, hosted by Harry Hewlett - co-writes

NO HOLDING BACK Music Industry Workshop - Nov 4 - member discount offered

Emmy Award Winning,#1 Hit Music Producer and Songwriter, Michèle Vice-Maslin is coming to Dallas, Sunday November 4th and teaming up with local Performing Artist Consultant and Author, Brianna Ruelas to present their NO HOLDING BACK Music Industry Workshop and Q&A. Supporting all music creators and bridging the gap between education and the professional world!
This workshop is your opportunity to create clarity on your vision as a music industry professional, and get your questions answered on all things MUSIC! With over 5000 songs placed across film and tv, Michèle's expertise is invaluable! From producing to songwriting. performance, strategic career planning, networking and music licensing, you will walk away ready to take action in your music career.
        Use DALLAS20 at checkout to get $20 OFF.
Secure your seat for this Event at http://bit.ly/NoHoldingBackDallas
OFFICIAL FB EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/542294116229760

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SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS

OPEN MICS

 HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC and co-writes - NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - 

EVERY 1ST MONDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm hosted by Harry Hewlett
Open mic has changed to an old fashion guitar pull and group discussion about creation to biz. Bring your guitar of pull one from Harry. Play your recorded songs from your phone. 

If you want peer feedback on a song bring a few lyric sheets

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Addison

EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Hosted by  Harry Hewlett

In November 2018, DSA is celebrating 14 years at Dunn Brothers

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

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://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
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EVENTS - Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, and showcases.

2018

NOV

1 -  Monthly Meeting  and Critiques - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections at Half Price Books
1 - DSA Semifinalist for Song Contest Announced
3 - Bosque Arts Center Texas Troubadour Songwriters Classic with Michael Murphy
4 - NO HOLDING BACK Music Industry Workshop
5 - DSA Guitar Pull and Discussion at Half Price Books - Let's Celebrate Barbara's Birthday
14 - CMA Awards, Nashville, TN

15 -  DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers

Coming in Dec.  

Saturday, December 8^th  Hill House Concert in Denton will feature a Texas songwriter, David Lee.  You’ve all heard his music at some point over the last 25 years, like ‘It’s 19 (seventy) Something’ (Mark Wills), ‘Letters From Home’ (John Michael Montgomery), ‘I Need You’ (Tim & Faith), ‘Hello World’ (Lady Antebellum) and ‘Lucky Man’ (Montgomery/Gentry). He has songs covered by Country stars like those already mentioned along with Trace Adkins, Terry Clark, Easton Corbin, Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Lee Ann Womack and a guy nicknamed ‘The King’… George Strait. He's got number one Country Hits and I think you'll love to come and hear him.

We'll open the doors around 6 and David will perform around 7. You must RSVP to attend.

Check out David’s website and see more about his music and career.

davidleemusic.com

DEC

3 - DSA Guitar Pull and New Song Workshop at Half Price Books
8 - Hill House Concert with David Lee.
8 -  DSA Awards Banquet and Christmas party at Sons of Hermann Hall

20-  DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers

See Texas Music Office events calendar https://gov.texas.gov/music/events

Moses Avalon's List of Top Ranked Music Conferences.

See house concerts and coffee houses here: http://unclecalvins.org/

 _______________________

DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked Dec 31st

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

 or https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association

or by mail
Dallas Songwriters Lyric Contest, 
Sammons Center For The Arts
3630 Harry Hines Blvd #20 Dallas, Tx 75219


See comments: https://wp.me/p5ky4B-32R

2018 Winter Comments are posted here: http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html

Thanks to Lyric Contest Co- Director, Alexis Tapp

 SPRING 2018 -WINNERS ANNOUNCED 

SEMIFINALIST

Say a Little Prayer by Lisa Vincent, Fresno, CA
Ten Feet Tall by Bill Kapac, West Wildwood, NJ
Man-Kind by Bill Kapac, West Wildwood, NJ
Carry A Cross by Bill Kapac, West Wildwood, NJ

AND THE 2018 SPRING WINNER IS:
First Place:: Ten Feet Tall by Bill Kapac, West Wildwood, NJ

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.

http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html

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

 2017 FALL WINNERS ARE.........  https://dallassongwriters.org/winners-2017-fall-lyric-contest/

_______________

 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 6th 2017 Annual Membership Meeting were:

Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Phillip Casteel, Barbe McMillen, Joe Milton, Marcus Belmore, Steve Sullivan, Ken Duren, James Pappas, Jessica Ewy, Rod Phelps,Gene Schillaci and Harry Hewlett. New officers were elected at the planning meeting on Jan 6th. 

 Officers 2018

Michael Brandenberger -  Prez

Bobby Montgomery - VP Programs

Phil Casteel - Treasurer
Jessica Ewy - Secretary

Alexis Tapp - VP Membership, Lyric Contest Director

Barbe McMillen - Administration, Newsletter
Harry Hewlett - A/R 
Gene Schillaci - Lyric Contest Director, Webmaster

Steve Sullivan, James Pappas, Joe Milton, Ken Duren - At Large

If you are not a DSA Member, you missed these tips sent out through our yahoo group:

* Publisher looking for 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, BOBBY MONTGOMERY, JOHN JAGGERS

Patron Sponsor L3: Michael Brandenberger, Bill Honker, John Stone

Patron Sponsor L1: Cliff Monroe, Suzi Morse,  Rio King, Ginger Stanoio

Patron Sponsor: Mimi Balkey, Kristi Myers

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Jane Fallon, Caera Thornton, Robert Long, Michael Richards, Teresa Ann Turner, Katie Dundas, Donette Murphy, Alejandro Dominguez, Jack Simmons, Steve Brown, Terry Jennings, Todd Catham, Jack Allday, Josh Goode, Ryan Mahoney, Steve Ledford, Lance French, Melissa Standifird, Douglas Lloyd, Mitch Horner, Kerry Maddox, Brandon Elliott, 

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: ken Golden, Scott Mendenhall, Stephen Houpt, John Mason, Trevor Dahlen, Ginger Stanoui, Gigi Gostas, Alexis Tapp, Suzi Morse, Ricky Gene Wright, Cat McGee, Aaron Shook, Ken Duren, Raquel Linderman, Phillip Wildman, Greg Waits, Randy Wallace, Ryan Galloway, Phillip Casteel, Joseph Lopez, Don Wall, David Claerr, Stephen Valenzuela, Gene Schillachi, Ricky Gene Wright, Aaron Shook, Jacquelyn Schwartz

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 JAN: Conrad Shwartz, Chris Sjostrom, Lauren Paley, Pam Oliver, Yulia Petrova, Bonnie Warren, Don Coyne 
EXPIRED IN FEB: Bianca Rodrequez
EXPIRED IN MARCH: Al Lumbreras, Charles Barrale, Jeff Stachowesky, Victoria Bouton, Julia Pauletti, David Byboth
EXPIRED IN APRIL: Aubrey and Audie Teeter, Claude Webb
EXPIRED IN MAY: Rob Case, Dan Roark, Dickey Johnson, Kevin Brennan, Matt Brent, Stephanie Sammons, Charles Leftwich, John Nelson.
EXPIRED IN JUNE: Brad Banning, Davis Banning, Bill Honker, Robert Tomberlin, Malini Shaw, Marcus Belmore.
EXPIRED IN JULY: JR Rosenberger, Bob Sullivan, Mike Mullins, Bill Cox, Bill Sibley
EXPIRED IN AUG: Robert Graham, Lanny Sherwin, Wayne Willingham, Minnie Murray
EXPIRED IN SEPT::Serges Himbaza, Doc Parker, Lezleigh Kleibrink
EXPIRED IN OCT: Christine Winburn, Morri Hartgraves
TIME TO RENEW: Martha Myer, Ryan Galloway, Greg Waits, Randy Wallace

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://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association

_____________________

Featured Articles:

The Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act

By Regan A. Smith, General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights (Library of Congress) Read to learn what the bill does, and what happens now that it has been enacted. Continue Reading 

Music Modernization Act Is Signed Into Law!

If you're not familiar with this important piece of legislation, the gist is that this is the first substantial reform to U.S. Copyright law since 1909!

Some of its key points include:

* the creation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective which will provide a centralized location for musical works and make for an easier royalty payment process

* improved royalty payouts for producers & engineers

* a new standard for setting digital royalty rates with a more favorable free market value standard and a random rotation of judges who oversee Copyright hearings

While there are still nuances to be worked out, boards to be put in place, and technology to be designed and developed, this new law is definitely a step in the right direction for ALL music creators and publishers.

So three cheers for GOOD digital music news! :-)

The law goes into effect on January 1, 2020.

Producers, engineers to benefit from Music Modernization Act

Codifying—among other significant provisions—the right of music producers and engineers to collect digital royalties through a consistent, permanent process, the Music Modernization Act (MMA) was signed into law on October 11 following its unanimous passage through the House and the Senate. – by Nosheen Iqbal /  The Guardian

Willie Nelson To Be Honored By Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing

LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) – The Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing will be honoring Willie Nelson in the days leading up...

4 Ways You Can Make Your Own Happiness In Life Using Music By Kevin Gardner (Music Think Tank)

How have you been feeling lately? If you've been a little lost, lonely, or sad, you're not alone. Everybody goes through rough patches in life. ... Here are four more ways you can start to make your own happiness and meaning in life.  Continue Reading 

MUSIC BUSINESS

The S.T.A.G.E.S. Of Email Marketing

By Cheryl B. Engelhardt (Tunecore)

Musician and manager of a career consultation sight Cheryl B. Engelhardt breaks down the steps to successful email marketing, and outlines how to effectively gather and engage with fans.  Continue Reading 

The war over music copyrights

VC firms haven’t been the only ones raising hundreds of millions of dollars to invest in a booming market. After 15+ years of being the last industry anyone wanted to invest in, the music industry is coming back, and money is flooding in to buy up the rights to popular songs.  – by Eric Peckham / TechCrunch

How to Write A Great Musician Bio By Yourself [With Examples]

By David Andrew Wiebe (Music Industry How To)

Pitching to Film and Television

By Rick Goetz (MusicConsultant)

Rebecca Rienks is the music supervisor at E! Entertainment. ... I talked to Rebecca about her responsibilities and experiences as a music supervisor at a major cable network and how artists can prepare their music to pitch to film and television. She also shared some critical advice for musicians that want to get their music heard by the gatekeepers at film studios and television networks.  Continue Reading 

No New Copyright for Digital Remasters

By Jodi Benassi (McDermott Will & Emery)

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in reversing a grant of summary judgment in favor of defendants, found that digitally remastered pre-1972 sound recordings were not entitled to protection under federal law as new copyrighted songs. ABS Entertainment, Inc. v. CBS Corporation et al., Case No. 16-55917 (9th Cir. Aug. 20, 2018) (Linn, J, sitting by designation). ... The decision is a victory for owners of pre-1972 songs who, for many years, have battled broadcasters over royalties.  Continue Reading 

What Is Branding? A Guide For Independent Musicians

By Brandon Jackson (Music Think Tank)

One word that is often associated with marketing is Branding. What is a brand? If you ask most people, they'll tell you that branding is about your colors, product names and logo. These people are wrong. Let's look a little closer at what makes up your brand. Continue Reading 

Why Uploading Your Music Online Doesn't Get You Tons Of New Fans

By Tom Hess (MusicThinkTank)

Gaining tons of people to hear your music takes more than just uploading it to common music websites. Here is what you should do in addition to this ...  Continue Reading 

Top 5 Mistakes That Musicians Make on Their Websites

By Cody Slingerland (SonicScoop)

LISTEN 

Read the article by Billy Bob Hill about the friendship between Blind Lemmon Jefferson and Ledbelly. This was so much fun to read and listen to the links to the covers of their songs. Thanks so much, Billy, for an entertaining read and listen.

Pickleball  by Harry Hewlett 

Harry song has become adapted by the city of Plano as the official Pickleball Song. His song was recently performed a a school concert in Plano, Tx

VIDEO

The New American Songbook

(Slate)

Here are the hits of the past 25 years that we'll be listening to for the next 100.  Continue Reading 

RECORDING

Tracking Vocals One Phrase At A Time

By Michael Gallant (Disc Makers)

It's great when a vocal performance can be recorded in one cohesive take, but not every session will succeed with this approach. Sometimes, a modular strategy is required when tracking vocals.  Continue Reading 

A Crash Course In Music Production Software, Hardware, and Cloud Storage

By Melissa Pallotti (Digital Music News)

Technology has made it possible for more people than ever before to get into the music game. This is not a guide for music-making experts– this a crash course in the tools you need to get off the ground making music. In this article, we'll cover all of the basics.  Continue Reading 

Preparing Your Mixes For Mastering

by Fett

PERFORMANCE 

NBC Announces Songland, A New Musical Talent Show Aimed At Songwriters

 Read More 

CRAFT OF SONGWRITING

7 Songs That Prove Streaming Has Changed Song Structures

By Martin Connor (Output)

Online streaming today is popular, quick, and cheap. Because of this, streaming is changing how songs are structured. Here are 7 ways the Internet era and consumer trends have changed today's hits. 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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 Song and Talent Contests

 DSA Quarterly Lyric Contest https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/

Next deadline - Dec 31

Best Songs of the Meeting - for DSA Members only - next chance to submit in January.
  

DSA Song Contest CLOSED

http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

FAI's Regional and International Events and Deadlines

FARM | Folk Alliance Region Midwest
Official Showcase applications due June 10
October 25 - 28, 2018
Grand Rapids, Michigan
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

NERFA | Northeast Regional Folk Alliance
Semi-Formal Showcase applications due July 9
November 8-11, 2018
Stamford, Connecticut
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

SWRFA | Southwest Regional Folk Alliance
Official Showcase application due July 15
September 26 - 30, 2018
Austin, Texas
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
Official Showcase application due August 15
February 13 - 17, 2019
Montréal, Québec, Canada

FAR-West | Folk Alliance Region West
Summer Registration Rate ends August 31
October 11 - 14, 2018
Woodland Hills, California
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

SERFA | Southeast Regional Folk Alliance
More Info Here
May 15 - 19, 2019
Chattanooga, Tennessee
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com

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