Hello Songwriter,
After a wonderful weekend with friends and family, I find that I have so much to be thankful for. As I once again find myself writing to my fellow songwriters about the goings on of the DSA, I want to pause and thank all of you for being a part of my wonderful network of songwriters. I am so thankful for your friendship.
The biggest event in December is just one week away. Yes, we are having a Christmas Party that is not part of our awards show and all of you who live up north will love the location - McKinney, Tx. It is on Sunday, Dec 8, 4 - 8 at The Neathery in McKinney. Bring your instruments, and a side dish. We'll do some acoustic picking and grinning and DSA will provide a Christmas Han and some roasted chicken. The Neathery is a Bed and Breakfast and a great event venue. You may want to book an overnight stay. https://www.neatheryestate.com Please RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/810773789373016/
No meeting at Half Price Books on Thursday Dec 5.
We had a great showing again this month at the Monday Meetup on November 4th. A number of members and visitors shared their songs, including host Harry Hewlett, DSA director Ben Halim, Hugh Lehman, Miss Mattie Ager, David Lewis, Lee Whitney, and Kevin Frederickson.
At our first Thursday Meeting, we elected our directors for next year and had a blow out song critique with our last chance to submit for the year. We had 7 submissions.
We had decent number attending at the Opening Bell showcase on the 2nd Wednesday. Featured in October were: Host Allen Larson, along with performers Craig Langford, Gigi Gostas, Harry Hewlett, Bobby Dallas and Robin Willis.
You can catch the videos of the performers live on the DSA facebook page, just click on link on the name.
Attendance was up at Dunn Brothers for the Third Thursday Open Mic hosted by Harry Hewlett. Performers included Allen Larson, Andrew Plan, Carolina De Silva, Jessica Ewy, Buck Morgan, Jack Lee and Kerri Maddox. I was in attendance and really enjoyed the performances, It was a fun evening..
Our attendance at Love and War was up, It was a mild evening. Hosting was Stephenie Sammons, along with performers Jeff and Julie Cater, Jessica and Tim Ewy, and Bryan Adam Joyner. At the open mic were TK Brown, Joe Gerard and Buck Morgan closing the program.
You can find videos on each of these performers from our showcases and open mics on our facebook page in videos.
Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS:
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, Annual Christmas party is on a Sunday! at The Neathery in McKinney, Tx on Dec 8. https://www.neatheryestate.com
No meeting at Half Price Books on Thursday Dec 5.
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas
* the 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison hosted by Harry.
* the 2nd Wednesday Showcase at Opening Bell in South Side.
* the 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
SPECIAL EVENT COMING NEXT MONTH -
DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner
Saturday, January 18, 6Pm at Sons of Hermann Hall
DSA and Sons of Hermann Columbia Lodge has partnered to raise funds for the Larry Tutson Jr. Toy Drive to give bikes and toys to the kids of the South Dallas neighborhood at Christmas time. Columbia Lodge has been partnering with Gregg Smith, DJ at KNON, for the past few years, and this is the first year that DSA has been involved. Together we raised $875.33 from the Blue Christmas in July fundraiser and online donations. 750 of it came from Sons of Hermann Columbia Lodge and Grand Lodge.
Our LYRIC CONTEST has quarterly deadlines: March, June, September, December.
Winners from the Spring 2019 contest has been announced below.
ANNUAL SONG CONTEST closed on Sept 30th. Semifinalist were announced on November 7th. Winners to be announced at the Awards Banquet on January 18, 6PM, Sons of Hermann Hall.
YOUNG SONGWRITERS CONTEST - We have a new contest for youth 18 and under. Stay tuned for results.
https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com
DSA announces the songwriters and musicians that will be honored in 2020 Hall of Fame: John Denver, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Steve Wiseberg, Janie Fricke, and Gregg Smith.
Check out the book review by Allan Larson of the Terry Jennings book about his father Waylon Jennings. Read it here: https://dsabookstore.blogspot.com Anyone interested in doing a book or CD review, I will gladly post it. Please let us know what you are reading and listening to.
We still count on you for support with your membership and donations. But most of all we want you to take advantage of the educational opportunities and participate.
There is still a chance to donate for the new year. Your generosity keeps our organization going. Just go to www.dallassongwriters.org and click on the donation link.
Thanks to Paul Zander, Jon Jaggers, Bobby Montgomery, Michael Brandenberger, Phillip Casteel, Alexis Tapp, Don Wall, Harry Hewlett, Kery Maddox, 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. Go to this link: https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
Songcerely,
Barbe
___________________________________________
Category winners get cash prizes
Winners announced at our Awards Banquet.
JOHN LATINI WINS GRAND PRIZE IN THE 2018 DALLAS SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST
http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2019/03/john-latini-wins-grand-prize-in-2018.html
VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS
ED BURNET: May 2, 2019 Half Price Books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242191552781160/permalink/839986039668372/
BRUCE CHANNEL : https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1820749174645104/
There is a comprehensive list on this website of all submitted. So if you need reminding, check it out.
Winners announced at the Awards Dinner on Jan. 18, 6Pm Sons of Hermann Hall.
2. THAT’S JUST WHAT I’LL DO Craig Langford
DSA MONTHLY GUEST SPEAKER AND SONG CRITIQUES - No meeting on Dec 5th at 6:30pm - Half Price Books
We are having our Christmas Party
January 8 - 12 at Holiday Inn Midtown for the 2020 Texas Songwriter Symposium!
Sign up NOW for the discounted Early Bird Registration and save yourself $125 off of the full registration price. Registration prices will go up on Monday, December 16th!
You can follow along with my Collin College Songwriting Class in an online 10 week workshop.
Host takes 1st time slot 7-7:30 to start show and warm up stage.
During 6-month period, each qualified DSA performer gets at least 1 prime time 30 min slot - 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30 at Opening Bell (2nd Wed) or Love and War (4th Thur), not both. To qualify, must be current DSA member, have 1/2 hour of original songs, and be proven solo performer - no tracks, band, or complicated gear. [Note: 2 back-to-back acts can share stage for 1 hr, if arranged for in advance. ]
Each show ends with Open mic 9-10:00, signup at door, 1-3 original songs. DSA members, only.
Rotation of performers (assignment of time slots) starts again 1st half 2020.
Opening Bell - 2nd Wednesday, 7-10 - guest host each month
DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Addison
see review of
11th Anniversary DSA 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Bros.
2019
DEC
2 - DSA MEETUP Guitar Pull and Discussion at Half Price Books
5 - NO DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques
8 - DSA Christmas Party 5 - 8 at the Neathery, McKinney, Tx
DSA Special event.
11 - DSA Showcase at Opening Bell
19 - DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
26 - DSA Showcase at Love N War
JAN
4 - DSA Board Planning Meeting
2 - DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques MOVED to the 6th
6 - DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques at Half Price Books
8 - DSA Showcase at Opening Bell
16 - DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
18 - DSA Awards Dinner
23 - DSA Showcase at Love N War
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/
Local Blues events: Bluelisablues.blogspot.com
Local Jazz events: https://www.kntu.com/live-wire/
_________________________________
DSA LYRIC CONTEST
- Next deadline FALL CONTEST 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
SUMMER 2019 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED - There were 39 entries
Semifinalists
SPRING 2019 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED -
SEMIFINALISTS
https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html
WINTER 2019 -WINNERS ANNOUNCED -
We had a tie between Ireland and Harri Wolf
https://dallassongwriters.org/winners-ireland-and-harri-wolf-tie-in-the-2019-winter-lyric-contest/
FALL 2018 LYRIC CONTEST WINNER -
We've awarded Michael Roth the contest winner.
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest-winner-fall-2018
THE 2018 SUMMER WINNER IS .........
.https://dallassongwriters.org/2018-summer-lyric-contest-winners/
2018 Spring Winners: https://wp.me/p5ky4B-32R
2018 Winter Comments are posted here: http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html
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/
_________________________________
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.
2019 Directors elected at our Nov 1st 2018 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, Harry Hewlett, Craig Langford, Buck Morgan Ricky Gene Wright. New 2019 officers were elected at the planning meeting on Jan 5th.
Officers 2019
Michael Brandenberger - Prez
Bobby Montgomery - VP Programs
Phil Casteel - Treasurer
Jessica Ewy - Secretary
Alexis Tapp - Lyric Contest Director
Renee Sullivan, VP Membership
Barbe McMillen - Administration, Newsletter
Harry Hewlett - A/R
Ben Halim - Tech Director
Rickey Gene Wright - Showcase Co-Director,
Buck Morgan - PR Communications
James Pappas, Joe Milton, Ken Duren, Jack Allday - 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.
NEWS: Brook Malouf has written a song with Andrew Scot Wills that was cut by Noe Palma. Here's the video release. https://youtu.be/lg10gUfmF38
Joe Milton has turned out yet another children's musical, Open Heart Musicals new show, “More Power to You”, their fifth musical,( and two books) for Choristers Guild. These are Christian Youth musicals. This tune is called Joshua, is from the new show. It's kind of a jazzy thing about bringing down the great wall. Have a listen!
DSA friend Helene Cronin, former song contest winner and Song of the Year winner has released her new album, Ghosts and Lost Causes.
Stephen Houpt recently released his new album, Light On The Mountain.
Bobby Montgomery now has physical CDs in hand from his album, All My Forevers, newly released last summer on CD Baby with the help of Harry Hewlett. The songs were recorded and mastered with the help of Joe Milton of JoMusik and includes a collaboration with Barbara McMillen.
DSA Member, Brook Malouf is celebrating a cut with Maddie Wilson called RIP. You can check out the song here:
https://www.maddiewilsonmusic.com/music/ RIP.
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: Bill Sibley, David Case, Phillip Ward, Susan Hanlon, Mattie Ager, William Grant, Natasha Blanton, Leah Mesiah, Jeff Groce, Mary Logan, Hugh Lehman, Robert Ehlert, Bill Martin, Nichol Daniels, Jana Stanfield, Amanda Banks, Pamela Musgrove, Beau McDermott, Christopher Kuhn, Jade Nichol, Stephanie Sammons, Mathew Carroll, Ainsley Lornds, Ben Halim, Keith A Dodson, Julie and Jeff Carter, Steven Lowden, Ted Vahovius, David Lewis, Anna Xiong, Jane Fallon, Caera Thornton, Robert Long, Michael Richards, Teresa Ann Turner, Katie Dundas
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Bernard Groll, Andrew Plan, Allen Larson, Joanna Endsley, Cat McGee, David Banning, Brook Malouf, Alexis Tapp, Gigi Gostas, Anthony Groom, Ken Duren, Randy Overton, Carol Shaw, Lance French, Dori Weaver,Rob Case, Steve Ledford, Ryan Mahoney, Raquel Linderman, John Nelson, Ron Young, James Pappas, Jacquelyn Schwartz, Aaron Shook, Gene Schillaci, James Foster, Stephen Valenzuela, Johnny Cromer, Terry Bloss, Don Wall, David Clearr, Phil Casteel, Ryan Galloway, Rick Babb, Ken Golden
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: Jeff Moxcey, Joseph Lopez, Mitch Horner, Shanna Stallworth, Ross Miller, Jane Fallon, Yulia Petrova, Deb Weedekind, Lucia Commes, Bernard Groll
EXPIRED IN FEB: Melanie Stever, Tim Sharp
EXPIRED IN MARCH: Melissa Standifird
EXPIRED IN APRIL: None, Thanks for renewing
EXPIRED IN MAY: Alejandro Dominguez, Steve Brown
EXPIRED IN JUNE: Donette Murphy, Jack Simmons, Robert Long
EXPIRED IN JULY: Mary Guthrie, Haley McDaniel
EXPIRED IN AUG:Michael Richards, Trevor Dahlen
EXPIRED IN SEPT: Katie Dundas, Teresa Ann Turner, Jane Fallon, Cara Thornton, Ken Golden, Stephen Houpt, Scott Mendenhall, John Mason
EXPIRED IN OCT: Nitanie Paris
EXPIRED IN NOV: Ryan Galloway, Anna Xiong
TIME TO RENEW: David Lewis
Renew your membership online.
RECORDING
https://weheartmusic.typepad.com/blog/musicians-who-died-in-2019.html
VIDEO
BOOK REVIEW
Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting
FARM | Folk Alliance Region Midwest
Official Showcase applications due June 10
October 24 - 27, 2019
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, 2019
Stamford, Connecticut
*Look for FAI staff at this event!
SWRFA | Southwest Regional Folk Alliance
Official Showcase application due July 15
September 26 - 30, 2019
Austin, Texas
*Look for FAI staff at this event!
FAR-West | Folk Alliance Region West
Summer Registration Rate ends August 31
October 10 - 13, 2019
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!
https://www.folk.org/page/Regions
Your gift enables us to meet our mission.
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.
After a wonderful weekend with friends and family, I find that I have so much to be thankful for. As I once again find myself writing to my fellow songwriters about the goings on of the DSA, I want to pause and thank all of you for being a part of my wonderful network of songwriters. I am so thankful for your friendship.
The biggest event in December is just one week away. Yes, we are having a Christmas Party that is not part of our awards show and all of you who live up north will love the location - McKinney, Tx. It is on Sunday, Dec 8, 4 - 8 at The Neathery in McKinney. Bring your instruments, and a side dish. We'll do some acoustic picking and grinning and DSA will provide a Christmas Han and some roasted chicken. The Neathery is a Bed and Breakfast and a great event venue. You may want to book an overnight stay. https://www.neatheryestate.com Please RSVP on the facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/810773789373016/No meeting at Half Price Books on Thursday Dec 5.
We had a great showing again this month at the Monday Meetup on November 4th. A number of members and visitors shared their songs, including host Harry Hewlett, DSA director Ben Halim, Hugh Lehman, Miss Mattie Ager, David Lewis, Lee Whitney, and Kevin Frederickson.
At our first Thursday Meeting, we elected our directors for next year and had a blow out song critique with our last chance to submit for the year. We had 7 submissions.
We had decent number attending at the Opening Bell showcase on the 2nd Wednesday. Featured in October were: Host Allen Larson, along with performers Craig Langford, Gigi Gostas, Harry Hewlett, Bobby Dallas and Robin Willis.
You can catch the videos of the performers live on the DSA facebook page, just click on link on the name.
Attendance was up at Dunn Brothers for the Third Thursday Open Mic hosted by Harry Hewlett. Performers included Allen Larson, Andrew Plan, Carolina De Silva, Jessica Ewy, Buck Morgan, Jack Lee and Kerri Maddox. I was in attendance and really enjoyed the performances, It was a fun evening..
Our attendance at Love and War was up, It was a mild evening. Hosting was Stephenie Sammons, along with performers Jeff and Julie Cater, Jessica and Tim Ewy, and Bryan Adam Joyner. At the open mic were TK Brown, Joe Gerard and Buck Morgan closing the program.
You can find videos on each of these performers from our showcases and open mics on our facebook page in videos.
Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS:
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, Annual Christmas party is on a Sunday! at The Neathery in McKinney, Tx on Dec 8. https://www.neatheryestate.com
No meeting at Half Price Books on Thursday Dec 5.
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas
* the 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison hosted by Harry.
* the 2nd Wednesday Showcase at Opening Bell in South Side.
* the 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
SPECIAL EVENT COMING NEXT MONTH -
DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner
Saturday, January 18, 6Pm at Sons of Hermann Hall
DSA and Sons of Hermann Columbia Lodge has partnered to raise funds for the Larry Tutson Jr. Toy Drive to give bikes and toys to the kids of the South Dallas neighborhood at Christmas time. Columbia Lodge has been partnering with Gregg Smith, DJ at KNON, for the past few years, and this is the first year that DSA has been involved. Together we raised $875.33 from the Blue Christmas in July fundraiser and online donations. 750 of it came from Sons of Hermann Columbia Lodge and Grand Lodge.
You can still donate to the DSA Toy Drive up to Dec 21
if you did not make it to our Blue Christmas in July fundraiser
Winners from the Spring 2019 contest has been announced below.
ANNUAL SONG CONTEST closed on Sept 30th. Semifinalist were announced on November 7th. Winners to be announced at the Awards Banquet on January 18, 6PM, Sons of Hermann Hall.
YOUNG SONGWRITERS CONTEST - We have a new contest for youth 18 and under. Stay tuned for results.
https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com
DSA announces the songwriters and musicians that will be honored in 2020 Hall of Fame: John Denver, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Steve Wiseberg, Janie Fricke, and Gregg Smith.
Check out the book review by Allan Larson of the Terry Jennings book about his father Waylon Jennings. Read it here: https://dsabookstore.blogspot.com Anyone interested in doing a book or CD review, I will gladly post it. Please let us know what you are reading and listening to.
We still count on you for support with your membership and donations. But most of all we want you to take advantage of the educational opportunities and participate.
There is still a chance to donate for the new year. Your generosity keeps our organization going. Just go to www.dallassongwriters.org and click on the donation link.
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.
WOW! Can you believe Christmas is around the corner. I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas.
WOW! Can you believe Christmas is around the corner. I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas.
Songcerely,
Barbe
DSA SONG CONTEST - 2019 Contest Closed - Semifinalists announced. Winners to be announced on January 18, 6PM at Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas Tx.
Scott Throne Cashes In On His Prize - as one of the grand prize winners of the 2018 DSA Song Contest.
One of last years DSA international song contest winners was Scott Thorne. One of his prizes was 5 hours of studio time at JOMUSIK. He sent Joe a rough demo of "Daughter of a Gun.” When he heard the rough, Joe Milton said, "Very cool tune, with a nice twist."
Joe continues to explain, about the process of the final master, "Scott was out of state, which meant no using him or his singer. So with about 5 hours to work with, I listened to the tune and immediately heard upright bass, brush drums, and a kinda quasi bluegrassy feel. Did rhythm guitar first, then bass and drums. Decided on electric piano to fill it in-sounded really good and a little different. That took the most time-making that call.
I could have sung it, but I really thought a girl should sing-called him and said for $100 bucks, we can do a female lead vocal, which he was fine with. Did vocals, a little harmony, and threw down some harmonica cause we have that in house, and a second guitar. So, instead of free, it cost $100.
Maybe he could have used his demo (I don’t believe that was ever his intention), but in roughly 6 hours, he got a good recording, a producer, and something ready to drop in whatever. Simple, cheap, but effective and competitive. I would have loved to put in another 10 hours with all live players and more stuff, but to my ear, this “Daughter of a Gun Done” sounds pretty damn good."
Joe concludes by saying, "Have a listen to the old and the new, and give a call, lets do some tunes."
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com Cash Prizes +
DSA is proud to announce that this years Grand Prize Casio Privia Keyboard is the new PX-S1000. This new electronic keyboard sounds and feels like a real piano and it is lighter weight than other keyboards with the same features. This “world’s slimmest digital piano” weighs in at just 24.7 pounds. The back panel includes a USB port, an audio (stereo mini-jack) port, and two 1/4 inch outputs, (stereo and mono). The Privia PX-S1000 contains 18 different "bread and butter" sounds, including numerous acoustic pianos, Rhodes and Wurlitzer-type electric pianos, vibes, string patches, organs, harpsichord, and acoustic bass. You can also layer and split these sounds.
Every working pianist in a metropolitan area where space and portability are paramount should try Casio's Privia PX-S1000 for themselves. From its realistic piano sound and touch, to its extreme portability and modern connectivity it’s truly a marvel.
Read full review at Keyboard Magazine.
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, 2nd and 3rd place
wins recording time at
Grand Prize winners receive:
($199.95 Value)
Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr. Hosting
Category winners get cash prizes
JOHN LATINI WINS GRAND PRIZE IN THE 2018 DALLAS SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST
http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2019/03/john-latini-wins-grand-prize-in-2018.html
_________________________________
DSA MEETINGS - http://dsameetings.blogspot.com
DSA Christmas Party Sunday, December 8, 4 - 8 at The Neathery in McKinney
- No Meeting at Half Price Books
In December we are changing up our schedule a bit. Instead of having the Christmas party and Awards Banquet combined, we are having our Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec 8, 4 - 8 at The Neathery in McKinney. Bring your instruments, we'll do some acoustic picking and grinning . This is a Bed and Breakfast and a great event venue. You may want to book an overnight stay. https://www.neatheryestate.com No meeting at Half Price Books on Thursday Dec 5.
---------------
VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS
JANA STANDFIELD: JUNE 6, 2019 Half Price Books
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/2413755892187746/ ED BURNET: May 2, 2019 Half Price Books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242191552781160/permalink/839986039668372/
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.
___________________________________________
BEST SONGS of the Meeting - 2019
https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com
There is a comprehensive list on this website of all submitted. So if you need reminding, check it out.
Winners announced at the Awards Dinner on Jan. 18, 6Pm Sons of Hermann Hall.
NOVEMBER
Love's Lonesome Blues by Ricky Gene Wright
A Woman's Smile by Ricky Gene Wright
He Looked Liked Waylon by Ricky Gene Wright
Millie From Oklahoma by Charles Carter and Joe Milton
Music Was A Miracle by Alexis Tapp
Santa Always Hits East Texas Last by Don Wall
Marie by Don Wall
2018
Winners were announced at the Awards Dinner.
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR IS CRAIG LANGFORD
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR IS CRAIG LANGFORD
SONG OF THE YEAR WINNNERS
1. A TIME FOR LOVE Michael Brandenberger
 |
| Michael Brandenberger |
3. BRANDY BLUES Rio King
See the Best Songs of the Meeting and Songwriter of the Year
Past Winners here:
WORKSHOPS and CONFERENCES
DSA MEETUP - 1st Monday at Half Price Books - Monday, Dec 2, 7PM, hosted by Harry Hewlett
DSA MONTHLY GUEST SPEAKER AND SONG CRITIQUES - No meeting on Dec 5th at 6:30pm - Half Price Books
Sunday, Dec 8 - DSA Christmas Party 5 - 9 at The Neathery in McKinney - You may want to book an overnight stay. https://www.neatheryestate.com
Sign up NOW for the discounted Early Bird Registration and save yourself $125 off of the full registration price. Registration prices will go up on Monday, December 16th!
STEVE SESKIN
You can follow along with my Collin College Songwriting Class in an online 10 week workshop.
Online Songwriting Workshop - http://www.barbaramcmillen.com/p/workshops-online-classes.html
COMING SOON!
Looper Workshop at Sam Ash
_________________________________
SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS
SHOWCASES: DSA SPOTLIGHT
DSA SPOTLIGHT PERFORMERS JULY-DEC 2019 SIGNUP and GUIDELINESHost takes 1st time slot 7-7:30 to start show and warm up stage.
During 6-month period, each qualified DSA performer gets at least 1 prime time 30 min slot - 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30 at Opening Bell (2nd Wed) or Love and War (4th Thur), not both. To qualify, must be current DSA member, have 1/2 hour of original songs, and be proven solo performer - no tracks, band, or complicated gear. [Note: 2 back-to-back acts can share stage for 1 hr, if arranged for in advance. ]
Each show ends with Open mic 9-10:00, signup at door, 1-3 original songs. DSA members, only.
Rotation of performers (assignment of time slots) starts again 1st half 2020.
Opening Bell - 2nd Wednesday, 7-10 - guest host each month
Love and War - 4th Thursday, 7-10 - guest host each month -
Deep Ellum Arts Festival dual stages this April at Sons of Hermann Hall and DSA Street Stage at Malcom X and Main.
City Line Wildflower Stage in May
City Line - Saturday June 6, 6-9.
State Fair Stage in Oct 2020
Deep Ellum Arts Festival dual stages this April at Sons of Hermann Hall and DSA Street Stage at Malcom X and Main.
City Line Wildflower Stage in May
City Line - Saturday June 6, 6-9.
State Fair Stage in Oct 2020
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.
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 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Hosted by Harry Hewlett
In November 2018, DSA is celebrated 14 years at Dunn Brothers. Check out our facebook page for performance videos
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.
DEC
2 - DSA MEETUP Guitar Pull and Discussion at Half Price Books
5 - NO DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques
8 - DSA Christmas Party 5 - 8 at the Neathery, McKinney, Tx
DSA Special event.
11 - DSA Showcase at Opening Bell
19 - DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
26 - DSA Showcase at Love N War
JAN
4 - DSA Board Planning Meeting
2 - DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques MOVED to the 6th
6 - DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques at Half Price Books
8 - DSA Showcase at Opening Bell
16 - DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
18 - DSA Awards Dinner
23 - DSA Showcase at Love N War
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/
Local Blues events: Bluelisablues.blogspot.com
Local Jazz events: https://www.kntu.com/live-wire/
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DSA LYRIC CONTEST
- Next deadline FALL CONTEST 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
SUMMER 2019 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED - There were 39 entries
Semifinalists
The Miracle Man by Mike P Ryan, Fairfax, Va
Fishnet Hose by Mimi Balkey, Plano, Tx
Marie by Don Wall, Dallas, Tx
Free Piano by Bill Kapac, Wildwood, NJ
Seaside Serenade by Bill Kapac, Wildwood, NJ
SPRING 2019 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED -
SEMIFINALISTS
First Place: She’s So Mysterious by Mimi Balkey, Plano, Tx
WINTER 2019 -WINNERS ANNOUNCED -
We had a tie between Ireland and Harri Wolf
https://dallassongwriters.org/winners-ireland-and-harri-wolf-tie-in-the-2019-winter-lyric-contest/
FALL 2018 LYRIC CONTEST WINNER -
We've awarded Michael Roth the contest winner.
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest-winner-fall-2018
THE 2018 SUMMER WINNER IS .........
.https://dallassongwriters.org/2018-summer-lyric-contest-winners/
2018 Spring Winners: https://wp.me/p5ky4B-32R
2018 Winter Comments are posted here: http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html
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/
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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.
2019 Directors elected at our Nov 1st 2018 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, Harry Hewlett, Craig Langford, Buck Morgan Ricky Gene Wright. New 2019 officers were elected at the planning meeting on Jan 5th.
Officers 2019
Michael Brandenberger - Prez
Bobby Montgomery - VP Programs
Phil Casteel - Treasurer
Jessica Ewy - Secretary
Alexis Tapp - Lyric Contest Director
Renee Sullivan, VP Membership
Barbe McMillen - Administration, Newsletter
Harry Hewlett - A/R
Ben Halim - Tech Director
Rickey Gene Wright - Showcase Co-Director,
Buck Morgan - PR Communications
James Pappas, Joe Milton, Ken Duren, Jack Allday - 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.
NEWS: Brook Malouf has written a song with Andrew Scot Wills that was cut by Noe Palma. Here's the video release. https://youtu.be/lg10gUfmF38
Joe Milton has turned out yet another children's musical, Open Heart Musicals new show, “More Power to You”, their fifth musical,( and two books) for Choristers Guild. These are Christian Youth musicals. This tune is called Joshua, is from the new show. It's kind of a jazzy thing about bringing down the great wall. Have a listen!
DSA friend Helene Cronin, former song contest winner and Song of the Year winner has released her new album, Ghosts and Lost Causes.
Stephen Houpt recently released his new album, Light On The Mountain.
Bobby Montgomery now has physical CDs in hand from his album, All My Forevers, newly released last summer on CD Baby with the help of Harry Hewlett. The songs were recorded and mastered with the help of Joe Milton of JoMusik and includes a collaboration with Barbara McMillen.
DSA Member, Brook Malouf is celebrating a cut with Maddie Wilson called RIP. You can check out the song here:
https://www.maddiewilsonmusic.com/music/ RIP.
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: Bill Sibley, David Case, Phillip Ward, Susan Hanlon, Mattie Ager, William Grant, Natasha Blanton, Leah Mesiah, Jeff Groce, Mary Logan, Hugh Lehman, Robert Ehlert, Bill Martin, Nichol Daniels, Jana Stanfield, Amanda Banks, Pamela Musgrove, Beau McDermott, Christopher Kuhn, Jade Nichol, Stephanie Sammons, Mathew Carroll, Ainsley Lornds, Ben Halim, Keith A Dodson, Julie and Jeff Carter, Steven Lowden, Ted Vahovius, David Lewis, Anna Xiong, Jane Fallon, Caera Thornton, Robert Long, Michael Richards, Teresa Ann Turner, Katie Dundas
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Bernard Groll, Andrew Plan, Allen Larson, Joanna Endsley, Cat McGee, David Banning, Brook Malouf, Alexis Tapp, Gigi Gostas, Anthony Groom, Ken Duren, Randy Overton, Carol Shaw, Lance French, Dori Weaver,Rob Case, Steve Ledford, Ryan Mahoney, Raquel Linderman, John Nelson, Ron Young, James Pappas, Jacquelyn Schwartz, Aaron Shook, Gene Schillaci, James Foster, Stephen Valenzuela, Johnny Cromer, Terry Bloss, Don Wall, David Clearr, Phil Casteel, Ryan Galloway, Rick Babb, Ken Golden
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: Jeff Moxcey, Joseph Lopez, Mitch Horner, Shanna Stallworth, Ross Miller, Jane Fallon, Yulia Petrova, Deb Weedekind, Lucia Commes, Bernard Groll
EXPIRED IN FEB: Melanie Stever, Tim Sharp
EXPIRED IN MARCH: Melissa Standifird
EXPIRED IN APRIL: None, Thanks for renewing
EXPIRED IN MAY: Alejandro Dominguez, Steve Brown
EXPIRED IN JUNE: Donette Murphy, Jack Simmons, Robert Long
EXPIRED IN JULY: Mary Guthrie, Haley McDaniel
EXPIRED IN AUG:Michael Richards, Trevor Dahlen
EXPIRED IN SEPT: Katie Dundas, Teresa Ann Turner, Jane Fallon, Cara Thornton, Ken Golden, Stephen Houpt, Scott Mendenhall, John Mason
EXPIRED IN OCT: Nitanie Paris
EXPIRED IN NOV: Ryan Galloway, Anna Xiong
TIME TO RENEW: David Lewis
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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Featured Articles:
By David Ehrlich (IndieWire)
Oscar-winning actress Mary Steenburgen went under the knife for a routine surgery in 2009. Hours later, she woke up as a different person — and became a great songwriter. Continue Reading 
By James McCarthy (Gramophone)
Advances in technology and an increasing openness to new ideas has radically changed the craft of composing film scores. Continue Reading
By Christa Sampson, Alan Cross and Michael Hainsworth (Geeks and Beats)
Lyrics are the most popular and most widely searched music content on the Internet. When listeners bought physical albums, finding lyrics wasn't a problem; they were usually printed on the inside of the CD, cassette or record insert. But since the dawn of the digital download, the lyric has been left behind. One Canadian company is looking to change that. Continue Reading
MUSIC BUSINESS
By Angela Mastrogiacomo (HypeBot)
You know, the tools that have us saying "how did I ever live without this?!" Continue Reading
By Camille Barbone (Symphonic Blog)
If you are being asked to sign a legal document, one that is heaped in legal language and cross-referenced terms and conditions, the need for legal counsel is essential. Many excited and anxious artists have signed a document that turned out to be a nightmare for their career, their peace of mind, their bank account, and even worse, ended their career. Continue Reading
By Janet Fries and Jennifer Criss (Copyright Alliance)
The U.S. Copyright Act is a strict liability statute. In other words, following a "rule" that you believe to be true but which turns out to be a myth will not excuse you from liability for infringement. ... Here are four of the most common copyright myths—debunked. Continue Reading
PERFORMANCE
By Patrick McGuire (Hypebot)
When performing on stage or learning a new piece of music, musicians typically view their playing one of two ways, good or poor. Unfortunately, this binary way of look at music can do real harm to our growth as an artist, harm which can be rectified through the power of innovation. Continue Reading
By Brooke Chaplan (Music Think Tank)
Vocal cord injuries are dangerous, but there are a few simple steps that you can take to speed up your recovery. Continue Reading
(MusicTech)
Often the best method of really understanding the mastering process is to speak to a seasoned mastering engineer, and the following individuals more than fit that bill. Let's turn it over to them... Continue Reading
LISTEN
John Denver- Greatest Hits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vrEljMfXYo&list=PLfDF7WcaaE8-6fo_0X7vnGN7OvNMIB7b3
England Dan - John Ford Coley
IN MEMORIAM
https://weheartmusic.typepad.com/blog/musicians-who-died-in-2019.html
We have a new book review by Allan Larson of the Terry Jennings book about his father Waylon Jennings. Read it here: https://dsabookstore.blogspot.com
CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
By Alper Tuzcu (Flypaper)
Your chorus — or as some seasoned songwriters like to refer to it, your hook — is possibly the most important part of your song from the listener's perspective. It's the central component for driving listener engagement (i.e., people singing along, and how they'll best remember your track). Therefore, your hook has to be catchy, memorable, and encapsulate the essence of the song, all at once. Continue Reading
By Chris Molanphy (Slate)
Apparently the whole world is jonesing hard for some piano-based melodrama sung by a heartbroken torch singer with a wicked sense of humor. Continue Reading
By Caleb J. Murphy (Sonicbids)
What are "fundamental frequencies?" And why are they important? Here's why you need to know about them in order to record a great song Continue Reading
By Kashmira Gander (Newsweek)
Between 100 to 300 milliseconds after hearing the short clip of the familiar song, the participants' pupils dilated. The part of their brains linked to memory also lit up. Continue Reading
By Liam Duncan (DIY Musician)
Songwriting is personal and vulnerable. For that reason, working on your songwriting chops can be hard. A lot of the time, it's harder than practicing an instrument! But you become a better songwriter. Continue Reading
By Dorian Lynskey (GQ)
Credit listings can now run to 30 names. Music Week found that it took an average of 5.34 people to write the 100 biggest hits of 2018. Here are the hidden reasons why... Continue Reading
Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary
Great web tool for lyric writing
Music Theory Resource
Song and Talent Contests
DSA Song Contest CLOSED - Winners announced Jan. 18th
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com
DSA Quarterly Lyric Contest https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/
Next deadline - Dec 31st
Best Songs of the Meeting - for DSA Members only - last chance to submit is Thursday, Nov 7 at the Monthly Meeting at Half Price Books.
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 or https://dallassongwriters.org/song-critique/
Best Songs of the Meeting - for DSA Members only - last chance to submit is Thursday, Nov 7 at the Monthly Meeting at Half Price Books.
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 or https://dallassongwriters.org/song-critique/
DSA Young Songwriters Contest - for youth 18 and under. Deadline Nov. 15th
Fall 2019 Music City SongStar contest
You will receive a detailed song evaluation and might win some awesome prizes, like $3,000 cash and a Bluesman Vintage guitar. Click here to enter and check out the other prizes! December 15th
ASCAP members, click here to receive a discount coupon code!!
FAI's Regional and International Events and Deadlines
Official Showcase applications due June 10
October 24 - 27, 2019
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, 2019
Stamford, Connecticut
*Look for FAI staff at this event!
SWRFA | Southwest Regional Folk Alliance
Official Showcase application due July 15
September 26 - 30, 2019
Austin, Texas
*Look for FAI staff at this event!
FAR-West | Folk Alliance Region West
Summer Registration Rate ends August 31
October 10 - 13, 2019
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!
https://www.folk.org/page/Regions
A comprehensive list of Song Contests
https://www.ghostswelcome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Songwriting-Competitions-2019.png
https://www.ghostswelcome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Songwriting-Competitions-2019.png
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.
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
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