Wednesday, August 5, 2020

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #221 AUGUST 2020

Hello Songwriter,
           Still in lockdown here! But thanks to Harry we are still having most of our events virtually. Please join us. Two weekly events and 3 monthly events. Join our online community weekly for the Wednesday Open Mic and get in line for the Saturday Showcase. Check out our details below in #5.

 Check out the new blog for DSA website. There are eight categories: Songwriting Tips, General, Humor, My Lyrics, Music Business, Music Promotion, Music Technology and Inspirational. Don Wall has a new blog post entitled My COVID Road Trip in the Inspirational section. https://blog.dallassongwriters.org/my-covid-road-trip/
Please check out the blog site and read the new articles: https://blog.dallassongwriters.org

Our Annual International Songwriting Contest is open with a deadline of Sept 30th. The contest which offers more than $5,000 in prizes with winners in 9 categories which includes the new category of Young Songwriters Song Contest for 18 and under. We now have the proper link to enter through our Song Contest Submission Partner, https://broadjam.com  https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com  Entries can also be submitted through the DSA website https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-contest/.   In 2019, we had entries and winners from Iceland, Sweden, the UK, and all over the United States. A complete breakdown of the rules, and details about the 2019 winners can be found at https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/

We've added a new category to our contest so spread the word to your young friends.
DSA Young Songwriters Contest - for youth 18 and under.   June 1 - Sept 30
https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com

In addition to our International Songwriting Contest, members can enter the Quarterly Lyric Contest https://www.facebook.com/DSALyricContest/, and monthly song critiques. 

Monthly Events 

 The new “DSA Global” initiative is a way to connect the international music community to the Texas music scene. Live performances and camaraderie with fellow songwriters make up the soul of DSA. The DSA currently offers members 2 virtual workshops each month, 4 virtual showcases, 4 virtual open mics, plus a live open mic streamed to Facebook and other special events.Watch a live stream on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/
 Wanna join us online for our events via Zoom? It's easier than you think ! Here is a how to video: ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588

SPECIAL EVENT THIS MONTH- Instead of our monthly meeting, we will be having a Virtual Party this Saturday, Aug 8, 2-5 - See number 5 below for details 

Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS have gone virtual
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, with guest speaker and song critiques resumes next month
   https://zoom.us/j/907852000
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, virtual
   https://zoom.us/j/881960764
* Every Wednesday Virtual Open Mic 
   https://www.facebook.com/events/717703665629658/
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86341155881*  
* 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
   will be live at Love and War and streamed live to FB
   https://www.facebook.com/events/2592301734332269/
•  DSA Global Virtual Showcase - every Saturday 12 - 2 CT
  https://www.facebook.com/events/385918485667970/

SPECIAL EVENTS DOWN THE LINE

CITYLINE COURTYARD – Aug 29th 6 - 9, Sept 10 6-9 , Oct 8, 6-9

DSA Hall of Fame - call for Rising Star performers
This year, our annual DSA Hall of Fame Event, which honors outstanding songwriters with North Texas ties, has been postponed until April 19, 2021.  

Deep Ellum Festival Cancelled

Here's a list of monthly events and the Facebook event links. Mark it in your browser for easy access to the Zoom links to participate  https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com
Also, to watch go to our Facebook page and click on LIVE button at the top. https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters

SAVE THE DATE




FALL SONGWRITING CLASSES at Collin College
If you are interested in taking a class but want to do it as Continuing Ed, let me know and I will direct you to the right person.
CRN:
Duration: Aug 24, 2020 - Dec 13, 2020
6:00 pm - 8:45 pm.   Monday
Plano Campus-Spring Creek B154


CRN:
Duration:
Aug 24, 2020 - Dec 13, 2020
11:30 am - 12:45 pm.   TR
Plano Campus-Spring Creek B154

We are migrating our member forum from yahoo to google groups. Here is the new google group. https://groups.google.com/d/forum/dallas-songwriters-members

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, John Jaggers, Bobby Montgomery, David Lewis, 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, John Jaggers, Bill Kapac, Rio King, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, and Jared LoStrato. Go to this link: https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
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.

Stay at home and stay safe.

Songcerely,
Barbe

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Monday, June 29, 2020

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #220 JULY 2020

Hello Songwriter,
           Two steps forward 3 steps back. We're doing the Texas Two Step. We thought we were opening up and then naughty people gathered in close quarters without a mask. We don't know when we are going to be able to leave our homes. But never fear, Harry's here hosting our virtual events. Please join us. Two weekly events and 3 monthly events. Please join our online community for the Wednesday Open Mic and get in line for the Saturday Showcase. Check out our details below.

 Check out the new blog for DSA website. There are eight categories: Songwriting Tips, General, Humor, My Lyrics, Music Business, Music Promotion, Music Technology and Inspirational. I hope you will read my blog post entitled The Power of Stay at Home in the Inspirational section. Please check out the blog site and read the new articles: https://blog.dallassongwriters.org

Our Annual International Songwriting Contest is open with a deadline of Sept 30th. The contest which offers more than $5,000 in prizes with winners in 9 categories which includes the new category of Young Songwriters Song Contest for 18 and under. We now have the proper link to enter through our Song Contest Submission Partner, https://broadjam.com  https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com  Entries can also be submitted through the Dsa website https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-contest/.   In 2019, we had entries and winners from Iceland, Sweden, the UK, and all over the United States. A complete breakdown of the rules, and details about the 2019 winners can be found at https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/

In addition to our International Songwriting Contest, members can enter the Quarterly Lyric Contest https://www.facebook.com/DSALyricContest/, and monthly song critiques. 

Monthly Events 

 The new “DSA Global” initiative is a way to connect the international music community to the Texas music scene. Live performances and camaraderie with fellow songwriters make up the soul of DSA. The DSA currently offers members 2 virtual workshops each month, 4 virtual showcases, 4 virtual open mics, plus a live open mic streamed to Facebook and other special events.  https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/


In May, DSA went back to being physically live in our partner venue, Love and War, and also live streamed on Facebook with a watch party. You can see the performances in the video section of the DSA Facebook page.
We've dropped our Dunn Brothers open mic after 15 straight years at the venue. Dunn Brothers is open day time until 4. We hope to go back there and to Opening Bell when things go back to normal.
On July 2nd at this month's 1st Thursday our guest speaker is Brad Davis, who will be talking about the recent new changes in the music industry that directly effects independent songwriters and performers.   To fulfill our mission, the Dallas Songwriters Association invites guest speakers to address our virtual audience for now, and to join our monthly workshops in the future.  These workshops offer educational information from accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, everything from jingle writing, to do it yourself videos, to the new economics of the music industry.  If you would like to conduct a workshop, please contact: info@dallassongwriters.org. 
 Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS have gone virtual
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, with guest speaker and song critiques.
   https://zoom.us/j/907852000
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas
   https://zoom.us/j/881960764
* Every Wednesday Virtual Open Mic 
   https://www.facebook.com/events/717703665629658/
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86341155881*  
* 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
   will be live at Love and War and streamed to FB

DSA Hall of Fame - call for Rising Star performers
This year, our annual DSA Hall of Fame Event, which honors outstanding songwriters with North Texas ties, has been postponed until Sep 19, 2020.  Live performances of the inductees songs by DSA Rising Star Students, DSA Members, and the BYO Musicians Network will be broadcast LIVE to a global audience.  We've opened up the audition process again because we have more planning time for the event. If you are interested go to the Hall of Fame website for audition procedures. Rising Stars who would like to perform can send audition videos to DSA HOF Audition Video.
2020 Hall of Fame inductees: John Denver, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Steve Wiseberg, Janie Fricke, and Gregg Smith. Last year, DSA initiated a new Rising Star program to encourage young aspiring musicians to celebrate our legends with performances of songs by our inductees. DSA is reaching out to the local music schools and asking for auditions at each school for the honor to perform. These students will be backed up by the BYO Hall of Fame band consisting of highly respected local musicians. The band members and special guests will also perform songs by our inductees.

WHAT: DSA Hall Of Fame
WHERE:  Sons of Hermann Hall
WHEN: Sept 19th, Doors open 6:30PM  Show Starts at 7PM
TICKETS: General Admission - 15 in advance, 18 at the door
                   Students:   10 in advance,  12 at the door
More Info: http://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com

Here's a list of monthly events and the Facebook event links: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com
Wanna join us online for our events? It's easier than you think ! Here is a how to video:
ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588

 We are really enjoying our virtual events. Life right now is unpredictable, but here's what we have planned down the line.

SPECIAL EVENTS DOWN THE LINE

DEEP ELLUM DALLAS SONGWRITERS SPOTLIGHT STAGE -has been rescheduled SEPT 11 - 12, 7-11pm
Check out the line up on the event page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/624936004966130/

CITYLINE COURTYARD – Aug 29th 6 - 9, Sept 10 6-9 , Oct 8, 6-9
STATE FAIR SHOWCASE - OCTOBER

We are migrating our member forum from yahoo to google groups. Here is the new google group. https://groups.google.com/d/forum/dallas-songwriters-members

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, John Jaggers, Bobby Montgomery, David Lewis, 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, John Jaggers, Bill Kapac, Rio King, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, and Jared LoStrato. Go to this link: https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
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.

Stay at home and stay safe.

Songcerely,
Barbe

___________________________________________

DSA SONG CONTEST -   NOW OPEN  June 1 - Sept 30th

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



1st, 2nd and 3rd place 

wins recording time at 
Jo-Musik

Grand Prize winners receive:
($199.95 Value) 
Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr. Hosting


Category winners get cash prizes
Winners announced at our Awards Banquet.

2019 Winner
Mesus and Dam Stasi with grand. prize Casio Privia PX-S1000 keyboard 
Dam Stasi and Kickbend with Mesus is Grand Prize Winner with song "UNLESS". Runner up Comrad (Arthur Revechkis) wins with "A THOUSAND LIVES" and Debra Gussin is second runner up with 'LOVE IS NOT". Read about these winners and the interviews with these artists here on our press page.  MORE: https://dsapress.blogspot.com/2020/04/dsa-2019-song-contest-grand-prize.html

Hear the winning song, "UNLESS".
 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=444966422937309

Hear the grand prize runner up, "A THOUSAND LIVES". https://www.broadjam.com/songs/comrad/a-thousand-lives

Hear second grand prize runner up "LOVE IS NOT".  https://www.broadjam.com/songs/debragussin/love-is-not

Here is a link to a complete list of the winners: https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

The DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner that was held on Saturday, January 18, at Sons of Hermann Hall was well attended with 70+. Awards were presented for the Song Contest, Lyric Contest, Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Semi-finalists  Eddie Bowers, Charles Carter, Addison Havens, David Lewis, Bill Martin, Kyle Short and Stephanie Sammons will be performing, as well as, young songwriters Jade Nichol and TK Brown, who received 18 and under Rising Star Awards, plus Harry Hewlett and Barbara McMillen.
Robert Ehlert won the Fall lyric Contest.
Sorry you were not able to appear in person. Here is a link to a video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Ov2xo-Acs
And there are oodles of photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallassongwriters/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2883673535018186
Here is a link to the pdf of the Awards Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12U21eMdAYS13sS4Z5smSL3AD059xYUVt/view?usp=sharing

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

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, July 2, 6:30

New Changes in the Songwriting Industry with Brad Davis     
Producer, engineer, session musician, recording artist Brad Davis,  will be talking about the recent new changes in the music industry that directly effects independent songwriters and performers. 

• Thriving in The New Digital Music Industry 
• The Real Value of Broadcast Quality Demos and Masters
• Radio is no More Radio
• Master Ownership the Financial ticket 
• Building The Perfect Online Presence 


 For more info: 
braddavisrecordingstudio.com

Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Your home
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/shop/dsa-meeting-song-critique-entry/
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:

AUG 8 -  Pool Party CANCELLED
SEPT 3 -  Brianna Ruelas  https://www.briannaruelasmusic.com/
              Empowering Indie Performing Artists With Online Business Strategies and A Clear Plan for Their Personal Music Career Success.
OCT 1 - Kathy Baldwin, publisher
NOV 5 - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
DEC 3 DSA Christmas Party 

---------------

VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS
Don Wall about DIY Music videos, Feb 6, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/564837404103111/

John Jaggers about the Colorado capo, January 6, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/615703919198867/
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 -  2020
https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com

There is a comprehensive list on this website of all submitted. Also, past winners can be located at the above url.

2020
JAN
Take Another Chance by  David Lewis
Must Be Present to Win by  John Jaggers
Light On The Sand by  Beau McDermott

FEB
Full Moon by  Barbe McMillen
Red White and Blue by  Don Wall
The Forgotten Vet by  Don Wall
Another Whiskey by  David Case

MARCH
I Can't Breathe by Allen Larson
I Could Never by  Bill Martin
Humble Refugee by  Kerry Maddox
Home in My Dreams by  Don Wall

APRIL
Don't Sweat Tomorrow by Don Wall
I Don't Know Much About Love by Bill Martin
That Summer Song by Bill Martin
Old Lubbock Lover 2 by Harry Hewlett
Two Bald Heads by John Jaggers

MAY
Cape Cod by Don Wall
Keanu Reeves by Beau McDermott

JUNE
Dusty Devil by Harry Hewlett
Gun For Hire by Michael Roth
Lipstick and Bullets by Allen Larson
Winds of Change by Kerry Maddox

2019 SONG OF THE YEAR WINNERS
THE STORY OF BONNIE and CLYDE - Barbe McMillen
WATERING HOLE - Harry Hewlett
 MONAHANS by Randy Overton

WINNER OF BEST SONGS OF THE MEETING

SONG OF THE YEAR
THE STORY OF BONNIE AND CLYDE - Barbe McMillen

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR - Harry Hewlett

Jack Allday, Judge, Barbe McMillen, Harry hewlett


















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