Tuesday, June 2, 2020

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #219 JUNE 2020

Hello Songwriter,
           I hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and well. There are lots of changes going on in June starting with the roll out of our new blog site on the DSA website. Ben Halim has worked hard to set up the beautiful site and some DSA board members have contributed to the premier articles. It's a place where folks in the music community can express themselves and contribute by writing articles in the categories of Songwriting Tips, General, Humor, My Lyrics, Music Business, Music Promotion, Music Technology and Inspirational. I hope you will check out the blog site and read the new articles. Check it out here: https://blog.dallassongwriters.org

June is the month that our Annual International Songwriting Contest opens. The contest which offers more than $5,000 in prizes with winners in 8 categories will kick off on June 1.   In 2019, we had entries and winners from Iceland, Sweden, the UK, and all over the United States. https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com  We have a new category this year which will include our new Young Songwriters Song Contest for 18 and under. Entries can be submitted through the https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-contest/ website or through our Song Contest Submission Partner, https://broadjam.com.  A complete breakdown of the rules, and details about the 2019 winners can be found at https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/
Barbe presents TK Brown with Rising Star Award

The International Song Contest helps to fulfill the DSA mission to promote the craft of songwriting, provide realistic, educational opportunities to better navigate the music industry, and to provide exclusive performance opportunities, both LIVE and VIRTUAL.  It provides a benchmark for popular song writing competency.  The new “DSA Global” initiative is also a way to connect the international music community to the Texas music scene.  

The 2019 Grand Prize Judge, Roy Elkins, wrote, “It seems that every year the songwriters are ‘upping’ their game and the entries are getting better and better.” Elkins ranks the top songs based on specific criteria, including Lyric, Melody, Hook, Structure, Truth, and Originality.    

The 2019 Grand Prize Winning song, “Unless” was written by Dam Stasi and Kickbend with Mesus, who won a Casio Privia PX-S1000 Keyboard.  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=444966422937309

Semifinalists will be invited to play live at the DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner, which is scheduled to be held on January 16, 2021 at Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas. Last years event was attended by more than 70 people. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Ov2xo-Acs

In addition to our International Songwriting Contest, members can enter the Quarterly Lyric Contest https://www.facebook.com/DSALyricContest/, and monthly song critiques.  The DSA currently offers members 2 virtual workshops each month, 2 virtual showcases, a virtual open mic, as well as special events.  https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/
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

Monthly Events 
Recently 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 it here: https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/759687511526432/  

Live performances and camaraderie with fellow songwriters make up the soul of DSA.  Last months events have shown us that reaching out to the global community is hugely important to our mission to promote the craft of songwriting, provide realistic, educational opportunities to better navigate the music industry, and to provide exclusive performance opportunities, both LIVE and VIRTUAL.  For a quick look at our virtual events this month we have provided an events list at 
 https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com or you can tune into our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallassongwriters/events/  You'll find videos of last months meeting there from Harry's talk on Zooming on your iPad, our meetup group which was attended by Stephen Houpt, Harry Hewlett, Don Wall, Bobby Montgomery, Beau McDermott, Barbe McMillen, Alexis Tapp to the Zoomers on iPad showcase with Host Harry Hewlett HOST, Stephen Valenzuela,  John Jaggers, Cat McGee, Rickey Gene Wright, Michael Roth.


On June 4 at this month's 1st Thursday guest speaker is Sam Moore, who will talk about the state of the songwriting business.  At last month's first Thursday Meeting, on May 7, Harry Hewlett taught us all how to use Zoom with an iPad for the best performance experience.  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
*  3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison has ben discontinued
*  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 Global Virtual Open Mic - every Saturday 12 - 2 CT
  https://www.facebook.com/events/385918485667970/
  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87932958559

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

 Special Workshop
 On June 20 there will be a virtual Financial Planning For Creatives workshop at 9:30AM
It's conducted on Zoom and for more info: www.MusicMeetsTheBoardroom.com The workshop is hosted by Latoya Cooper, with Regina Diann and Candace Clark. DSA members were sent a code via the google member group to access the workshop for free. You can REGISTER HERE

 Life is starting to open up but you decide whats bess for you. We have really enjoyed our virtual events.

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/

STATE FAIR SHOW#CASE - 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.

WOW! Lot's of changes and lot's of events to keep us busy, yet safe at home.

Songcerely,
Barbe

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DSA SONG CONTEST -   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, June 4, 6:30

Current State of Songwriting Industry with Sam Moore     
Sam Moore, a regional television executive for Associated Press International (API)and Coordinator for the Dallas Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)  will give a perspective of the current status of the songwriting industry through his experience with the NSAI.  We are also fortunate that Sam is a new member of the Dallas Songwriters Association so you won’t want to miss what he has to say. 

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:
JULY 2 - Producer and Recording Artist, Brad Davis
             http://www.braddavismusic.com/bio/
AUG 8 -  Pool Party
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 - TBA
NOV 5 - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
DEC 3 DSA Christmas Party

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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
? by John Jaggers

 MAY 
Cape Cod by Don Wall
Keanu Reeves by Beau McDermott
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


















_____________________


WORKSHOPS and CONFERENCES

DSA MEETUP - 1st Monday - Zoom - Monday, June 1, 7PM, hosted by Harry Hewlett 
https://zoom.us/j/881960764
DSA MONTHLY GUEST SPEAKER AND SONG CRITIQUES -  on Thursday, June 4 at  6:30pm - Zooming into DSA Events

The dates for the 2020 ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop have been rescheduled for June 16, 17 and 18. The venue is still the Wallis Theatre in Beverly Hills and the evenings begin at 7:30.
____________________
Financial Planning For Creatives!
Music Meets The Boardroom Present:
Financial Planning For Creatives
A conversation with and for recording artists and musicians navigating financial literacy in this new climate.  https://www.facebook.com/MusicMeetsTheBoardroom/
Featuring Latoya Cooper, Regina Diann and Candaice Clark
Date: Saturday, June 20th
Time: 9:30 am CST (10:30 pm EST)
*Early Bird Rates Available*
Conversation will be broadcast via Zoom
DSA MEMBERS WERE GIVEN A CODE to attend the workshop for free
===============================================

28TH CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT LAW SEMINAR - AUGUST 20 - 22, 2020
Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM
- to -
Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 12:30 PM (CDT)
InterContinental Hotel
444 St Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
View Map
Share this event:
FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

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SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS

SHOWCASES: DSA SPOTLIGHT

Harry will be hosting these events as an open mic on Zoom for the month of May. We will perform in the round in the order that you come into the meeting.

 Love and War - 4th Thursday, 7-10, June 25
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/626978661

DSA FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT STAGES

Deep Ellum Arts Festival dual stages moved to Sept 11-12 at Sons of Hermann Hall and DSA Street Stage on Main. https://www.facebook.com/events/1501080823389755/

DSA STREET STAGE lineupFRIDAY, SEPT 11
7:00 Jade Nickol
7:30 Rickey Gene Wright & Denise Owen
8:00 T K Brown
8:30 Lance French with Mandy & Jonathan Banks
9:00 Raquel Nguyen-Lindemann
9:30-10:00 Rio King

SATURDAY, SEPT 12:
7:00 Stephen Valenzuela
7:30 Ireland
8:00 Joe Milton
8:30 Jessica & Tim Ewy
9:00 Craig Langford
9:30-10:00 Allen Larson

https://facebook.com/events/s/deep-ellums-dallas-songwriters/1501080823389755/?ti=icl

Dallas Songwriters Association list of players for Deep Ellum Arts Festival @ Sons of Hermann Hall - Bowling Alley Room, Sept 11-12, 2020: https://facebook.com/events/s/dsa-deep-ellum-songwriters-sho/624936004966130/?ti=icl

FRIDAY - SEPT 11 2020
12:00 Michael Brandenberger
12:30 Jeff Groce
1:00 Ashley Andrade
1:30 Phil Ward
2:00 Natasha Blanton
2:30 David Case
3:00 Trisha James
3:30 Buck Morgan
4:00 Don Wall
4:30 John Jaggers
5:00 Rickey Gene Wright & Denise Owens
5:30 David Lewis
6:00 Rickey Gene Wright
6:30 Johnny Cromer
7:00 Jeff & Julie Cater (Justus)
7:30 Allen Larson
8:00 Rio King
8:30 Bill Martin
9:00 Beau McDermott
9:30-10:00 Harry Hewlett


SATURDAY - SEPT 12, 2020
12:00 Bobby Dallas
12:30 Jeff Groce
1:00 Caera Thornton
1:30 Craig St Clair
2:00 Buck Morgan
2:30 Stephen Houpt
3:00 Cat McGee
3:30 John Mason
4:00 Jade Nickol
4:30 Stephen Valenzuela
5:00 Jell & Julie Cater (Justus)
5:30 Ireland Casteel
6:00 Barbe McMillen
6:30 Kyle Short
7:00 TK Brown
7:30 Craig Langford
8:00 Dorinda Weaver
8:30 Bill Sibley
9:00 Don Wall
9:30-10:00 Harry Hewlett

Deep Ellum Best Parking Guide
https://cravedfw.com/2014/08/08/deep-ellum-best-parking-guide-ever/

State Fair Stage in Oct 2020

OPEN MICS - these events will be on Zoom.

 HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC and co-writes - NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - VIRTUAL
EVERY 1ST MONDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm hosted by Harry Hewlett. June 1
  https://zoom.us/j/881960764
Open mic has changed to an old fashion guitar pull and group discussion about creation to biz. Bring your guitar or pull one from Harry. Play your recorded songs from your phone. 
If you want peer feedback on a song bring a few lyric sheets 

 DSA VIRTUAL OPEN MIC every Wednesday, 7-9, June 3,10, 17, 24
Hosted by Harry Hewlett - streamed live to Facebook
DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Addison. 
Has been discontinued in June 2020 and beyond until further notice
In November 2019, DSA celebrated 15 years at Dunn Brothers. Check out our facebook page for performance videos

DSA GLOBAL VIRTUAL OPEN MIC - every Saturday 12 - 2

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
_________________________________

EVENTS - Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, and showcases. A List of DSA events only can be found at https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

2020

JUNE
1 - DSA Song Contest Opens
1 - DSA 1st Monday Meetup at Half Price Books
4 - DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques at Half Price Books
6 - Harry's DSA Virtual Open Mic
10 - DSA Showcase at Opening Bell
13  - Harry's DSA Virtual Open Mic
18 - DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
      Has been discontinued in June 2020 and beyond until further notice
20- Financial Planning for Creatives  - zoom
      www.MusicMeetsTheBoardroom.com
20  - Harry's DSA Virtual Open Mic
25 - DSA Showcase at Love N War
27  - Harry's DSA Virtual Open Mic

JULY
30- Aug 2 - Dallas International Guitar Show - DSA booth

AUG
20 - 22 Cutting Edge Seminar - NOLA
28-30 DIY Musician Conference, Austin, TX


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 WINTER CONTEST postmarked June 30
https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html
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

WINTER 2020 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Thanks to Lyric Contest Director, Alexis for these comments.

DETAILS and COMMENTS ON THE WINNERS  - https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com/p/lyric-contest.html

SEMIFINALISTS
Strawberry Moon by Ynana Rose, San Lius Obispo, CA
Dying In The Distance by Michael R. J. Roth, Rio Rancho, NM
Blue Sea by Bill Kapac, Wildwood, NJ
Your Prints in the Sand by Ben Halim, McKinney, Tx
Where You Belong by Ben Halim, McKinney, Tx

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

_________________________________
 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.

2020 Directors elected at our Nov 4 2019 Annual Membership Meeting were:
Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Phillip Casteel, Barbe McMillen, Ben Halim, Joe Milton, Rene Sullivan, Ken Duren, Jessica Ewy, Alexis Tapp, Harry Hewlett, Buck Morgan, Jack Allday, Don Wall and Ricky Gene Wright. New 2020 officers were elected at the planning meeting on Jan 4th.

Officers 2020
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 - VP of A/R, showcases
Ben Halim - VP of Technology
Rickey Gene Wright - Showcase Co-Director,
Don Wall - PR Communications
James Pappas, Joe Milton, Ken Duren, Buck Morgan, 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 Workshops

Lyricists are invited to co-write with music writers by submitting your lyric through the member forum group. We are currently migrating the yahoo group to a google group. 


Members have a chance to play in local venues and festival stages.

MEMBER NEWS

Allen Larson released a video of his song, I Can't Breath" on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=allen%20larson&epa=SEARCH_BOX

NEW MEMBERS: Have you joined our member only google group where you can talk with the group and get special offers and last minute updates on events? subscribe: https://groups.google.com/d/forum/dallas-songwriters-members

PATRON SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER, BOBBY MONTGOMERY, JOHN JAGGERS, BEN HALIM

Patron Sponsor L3: Michael Brandenberger, Bill Honker, John Stone, David Lewis
Patron Sponsor L1: Cliff Monroe, Suzi Morse, Rio King, Ginger Stanoio
Patron Sponsor: Mimi Balkey, Kristi Myers

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:  David Dix, John Pronk, Prudence Huskey, Sam Moore, Stephen Tran, Kevin Brennan, Allison Becker, Morgan Bennett, Denny Mackey, Kyle Short, Trisha James, Carl Roberts, Greg Hinds, Richard Kirby, William Lee, Adam Rekerdres, William Wheeler, TK Brown,

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Chris Albert, Ian Dickson, Cat McGee, Ken Duren. John Mason  Raquel Linderman, Gene Schillaci, Stephen Houpt,  Beau McDermott, Minnie Murray, Don Wall, Gene Schillaci, Julie and Jeff Cater, Johnny Cromer, Kerry Maddox, Cara Thornton, Ron Young, Ben Halim, Keith Dodson, Stephanie Sammons, David Lewis

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 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, Scott Mendenhall
EXPIRED IN OCT: Nitanie Paris
EXPIRED IN NOV: Ryan Galloway, Anna Xiong
EXPIRED IN DEC: none
EXPIRED IN JAN:Ginger Stanoiu, Bobby McCormick, Ted Vahovious, Steve Lowden, Randy Bell, Andre Kerek, Stephen Valenzuela, Terry Bloss, Denise Roster, David Claerr, Renee Saffier, Scott Thorn, Clark Ford, Stephanie Johnson, Mark Patterson
EXPIRED IN FEB: Josh Goode, Mathew Carroll, Ashley Sounds
EXPIRED IN MARCH: James Foster, Lance French, Jessica Ewy, Chris Kuhn
EXPIRED IN APRIL:  Suzi Morse, Nichol Daniels, Amanda Banks, Pam Musgrove, Phillip Casteel, 
EXPIRED IN MAY:  John Nelson, Randy Overton, Robert Ehlert, Rob Case, Anthony Groom
TIME TO RENEW: Allen Larson, Dorinda Weaver, Joanna Endsley, David Banning, Hugh Lehman, Jeff Groce, Todd Cotham
Renew your membership online.
You'll find the link to the store on the panel to the right
https://dallassongwriters.org/join-dsa/
Or https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
_________________________________

Featured Articles:  Visit the new DSA blog site at: https://blog.dallassongwriters.org

(Billboard)
The coronavirus pandemic has left countless members of the music community facing an uncertain future, as festivals and tours are canceled, studio sessions are called off and business travel is restricted. To help music professionals and their loved ones navigate the crisis, Billboard has compiled a list of resources at both the national and state levels, including more than four dozen relief funds.

By Steve Knopper (Billboard)
From Dua Lipa to Blue Oyster Cult to Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, bands have been figuring out how to perform remotely during the pandemic. 

By Christine Elise Occhino (Flypaper)
With many artists unable to perform live, and often stuck at home facing a profound lack of structure, effective time management can be a challenge. Here we look at how to develop a good quarantine practice routine, including a sample schedule.


MUSIC BUSINESS

By Magnolia Potter (Music Think Tank)
Is it as simple as waking up and deciding that you’re going to be a successful music industry leader? Probably not.

PERFORMANCE 

By Patrick McGuire (TuneCore Blog via Soundfly) 
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on musicians and the music industry has been immense, and while it’s hard to find any upside to the crisis for artists, this mandatory downtime is a great opportunity for artists to master some new music skills.

By Sirma (Sonicbids)
 Everyone is on Zoom nowadays. From webinars to happy hours, Zoom has become the hot spot for not just business meetings, but also collaborations and social calls.But did you know that Zoom is one of the best options out there for music lessons, co-write sessions and live shows as well?

By Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan (Disc Makers)
This article will focus on how to make your videos and live broadcasts stand out from the pack by building in great audio.

RECORDING
By Michael Hahn (Flypaper)
The development of a song from basic idea to finished release is a long process. Each stage requires specialized skills to get the best end result. If you mostly identify as a songwriter, stepping into one these other roles can feel intimidating. But there are major benefits to learning new skills from other disciplines in music.

By Efa Etoroma (Flypaper)
Sampling unusual objects to create percussive rhythms and abstract sound collages has actually been in practice for over half a century — with composers such as John Cage, Pamela Z, Brian Eno and The Beach Boys employing various techniques and pushing the electronic music envelope forward into different sound worlds. But these days, with so much audio production being possible from your own home, it’s never been easier to turn any random sound into a useful instrument.

By Caleb J. Murphy (Sonicbids)
Looking to buy a new mic? Make sure you do your research. If you spend $500 on a new mic, you’ll end up with a great mic regardless. But with cheaper prices comes a higher chance of low-quality mics. So I want to go over five of the best studio microphones under $100.

LISTEN 

John Denver- Greatest Hits 

England Dan - John Ford Coley

John Ford Coley - You Almost Loved Me

Danny Seals - It's Gonna Be Easy Now

Steve Wiseberg - John Denver singing Christmas For Cowboys

Gregg Smith - Don't Cry No More

Janie Fricke - Greatest Hits

(ASCAP) Podcast 


IN MEMORIAM

By Philip Fagan (Forbes)
As music fans around the world mourned the passing of legendary folksinger-songwriter John Prine on April 7, another Coronavirus-related death on the same day similarly marked the end of an era for the American music industry. Maverick producer, event organizer, and all around “showman” savant Hal Willner had just turned 64 the day before his passing in New York City. As a visionary record producer, engineer, and eclectic live event organizer, Willner consistently collaborated with a stable of the most progressive and offbeat recording artists operating on the outer edges of the mainstream establishment...

 VIDEO

By Alone Together
Welcome to the #AloneTogetherAlbum project - a record created collaboratively by independent musicians self-isolating across the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.




 BOOK REVIEW - looking for book reviews

We have a 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
By Charlotte Yates (Bandzoogle)
If you’re in self-isolation right now, or trying to figure out, well, “what now?” with live performances and recording sessions all but stalled for the moment, you’re not alone. Many musicians are stuck at home these days wondering the same thing, and many have taken to going back to the somewhat ancient art of songwriting, in the hopes that one day they’ll be able to share this new material with an audience. Let’s talk about how to build your confidence in your songwriting abilities, and why it’s even something to consider in the first place.


This story of being a songwriter today isn’t limited to Nashville … it’s universal …
By Annie Reuter (Forbes) 
Songwriters are the heartbeat of Nashville and as the city continues to expand, so do the creatives and the way in which they make music. … No longer is it just two friends in a room writing a song to pitch to an artist.


By Charlotte Yates (Flypaper)
How you can practically foster inspiration from the songwriters you love without blindly ripping them off or spawning sound-a-likes? 

Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting

Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary

Great web tool for lyric writing

Music Theory Resource
http://www.hooktheory.com/

________________________________
 Song and Talent Contests

 DSA Song Contest OPENS JUNE 1 
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

Next deadline - Mar 31st

Best Songs of the Meeting - for DSA Members only - submit your song for critique on the 1st Thursday,  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.  Opens June 1
https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com

___________________________________________________
Texas Troubadour Songwriters Contest 
Currently taking entries for our Texas Troubadour Songwriters contest to be held November 7th, 2020 in Clifton Texas. Entries may be submitted thru August 3, 2020. This is a monied contest with amounts of $1500, $1000 and $500. We invite nationally known country singer/songwriters to do the judging. This year we will have ‘Whispering’ Bill Andersen.
Please visit our site at BosqueArtsCenter.org for information on the contest.
____________________________________________________
BW STEVENSON SONG CONTEST - poordavidspub.com
DEADLINE EXTENDED

TO ENTER, SEND MP3 OR CD OF TWO ORIGINAL SONGS
ALONG WITH A $25 ENTRY FEE TO:

POOR DAVID'S PUB
1313 S. LAMAR ST.
DALLAS, TX 75215

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND SONG TITLES
__________________________________________
FAI's Regional and International Events and Deadlines
FARM | Folk Alliance Region Midwest
Official Showcase applications due June 10
October 22 - 26, 2020
Grand Rapids, Michigan
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

NERFA | Northeast Regional Folk Alliance
Semi-Formal Showcase applications due July 9
November 12-15, 2020
Stamford, Connecticut
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

SWRFA | Southwest Regional Folk Alliance
Official Showcase application due July 15
September 23 - 27, 2020
Austin, Texas
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

FAR-West | Folk Alliance Region West
Summer Registration Rate ends August 31
October 8 - 11, 2020
Woodland Hills, California
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

SERFA | Southeast Regional Folk Alliance
More Info Here
cancelled
Chattanooga, Tennessee
*Look for FAI staff at this event!

https://www.folk.org/page/Regions

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. 
 **************
Thanks for reading this far. If you have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let me know. Follow me on Twitter @barbemcmillen. Give me a tweet.

Songcerely,
  Barbara McMillen, Editor
  Songwriter Notes
  Founding President Emeritus,
  Online Songwriting Workshop
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