DSA E-News #92 Febuary 2009

Hello Songwriter,

Did you know if you are a semifinalist in the song contest you can showcase at the March Crossroads Showcase? We will be celebrating the contest winners. see below how to contact DSA President, Steve Sullivan.
----------

1. 2008 SONG CONTEST - WINNERS ANNOUNCED

http://www.dallassongwriters.com/songcontest/2008/2008winners.htm

Here is winning songs in a series of three podcasts at:

http://www.dallassongwriters.podomatic.com


SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCED

http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm

or direct link:


http://www.dallassongwriters.org/semifinalists.htm

Semifinalist are invited to showcase at the Saturday, March 7th Crossroads Showcase at the Varisity Grill.

Please contact Steve Sullivan, sullarch at verizon.net , to reserve your time. Live instruments only, no singing to tracks.

**********************
2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Our Concert is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend in the Dallas area.

Also, look for a podcast of the winners as soon as we have the last song produced for the CD.

Thanks to our judges : Lawrence Gelburd, Blake Milton, Sir Earl Toon, Barbara Farkas, Mark Menza, Steve Weingart & Mitch Paliga.
Thanks to our screeners: Mary Dawson, Ducado Vega, Trade-off, Mathew JC, Michael Gott, and Greg Dugan
Song are currently being produced for the new CD.
Read the latest story about this years winners
http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/

*******************************
3. DSA MEETINGS

MONTHLY MEETING - http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm

DSA Monthly Guest Speaker & Song Critiques
- Every Second Tuesday, except Aug.

At the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak, Dallas


The next meeting is Tuesday, FEB 10.

ADAM MITCHELL, PEER MUSIC STAFF WRITER WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER

http://www.peermusic.com/artistwriter/artistsdetail.cfm?artist_id=83

Critiques will follow.

Planned 2008 Speakers
MAR - Reagan Redfern - Promoting Your Songs Online (How to set up a Myspace page)
APR - Brad Dale from Dallas Audio Post , Preparing For A Recording Session
MAY - Co-writing Roundtables ( We did this last year and you asked for it again)
JUN - Beyond Open Mics - panel of local venue owners on how to get a paying gig

Have any suggestions? What kind of programs would you like?

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

DSA T-SHIRTS $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $15

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

Songwriting, Song Swap Workshop
FIRST MONDAY – Feb 3, 7-9
White Rock Coffee in East Dallas. http://www.wrcoffee.com/

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

4. SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS -
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/showcasesblog.htm

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Thurs. Feb. 19
OPEN MIC EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS - nothing currently scheduled
“In Their Own Words” Songwriters playing their own songs

Steve Sullivan's CROSSROADS SHOWCASE Every First Saturday
Varsity Grill, Plano, TX NW corner of Coit & Spring Creek
and the 2nd Thursday at the Filling Station, Preston Rd in N. Dallas
-----------------------------------------------

5. LYRIC CONTEST - SUMMER WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Summer 2008 Lyric Contest Winners

1. The Last Line by Mike Parrish, LaGrange, GA
2. Handy Heart by Kenna Zishka, Austin, Tx
3. Cheer On Our Country's Behalf by Genell Kelso
HM Strut My Country by Agnes "Gretta" Buntain, Cecilia, KY

Please see the lyric blog for winning lyrics and critiques.

LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION
Summer Contest Winners still to be announced.

Next Lyric Contest Deadline Extended to- March 15th, 2009 for Winter Lyric Contest
( Yes, we are catching up)
Entry fee is $10
Please see lyric contest webpage for details.
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontestblog.htm
-------------------------------------------------------
6. MEMBER NEWS -
The following 2009 directors were elected at the annual membership meeting on November 11, 2008. The offcers were elected by the board of directors at the annual planning board meeting on January 24, 2009.

2009 Officer & Direxctors
Officers
Steve Sullivan - President,
Steve Morgan - Vice President, ( Public Relations )
Paul Penrod - Vice President of Membership
Sherrie Davis - Vice President of Programs
Bob Paterno - Secretary
John Davis - Treasurer, ( Webmaster)

Board Members at Large
Barbara McMillen - Founding President Emeritus, Administration, Newsletter Editor
Nancy Rynders - Lyric Contest Director
William Brown - Military Song Contest Director
Don Ashley - DSA store manager
Cliff Munroe - Showcases
Vern Dailey - Media Publicity, Monthly Meeting Programs
Anna Terry - Marketing
Rick Yentsch - Public relations, song contest
vacant -

The following may or may not be directors. You do not have to be a director or a member to be a committee member

Committee Members
Workshop Committee - chair - No one - this could be you
Annie Benjamin - Cordinator Song Swap Workshop
James Pappas - Song Swap Workshop committee
Genell Kelso - Librarian, workshops
Ray Phillips - Monthly Meeting Critiques

Showcase Committee - chair Cliff Munroe
Rick Yentz
Craig St. Clair
Paul Zander

Public Relations Committee- chair - Buck Morgan
Anna Terry - Marketing

SSS Committee - chair, Will Brown
Barbara McMillen
Lisa Lazo
Jose Volante
Mike Dawson

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Steve Anderson, Ryan Galloway & Warren Lett

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: John Metz, Vern Dailey, Morri Hartgraves, Paul Penrod, Reagan Redfern, Nancy Rynders, Michael Roth

TIME TO RENEW: The following members owe dues:



OCT: Judith de los Santos, Tony Burroughs, Michael Hart, Adam Donmoyer, Rich Ellis, Danny Everitt, Mathew Marsh, Brad Price, William LLoyd.
NOV: Robert Couch, Joni Ringo, Donna Aylor, Jenna Drey, Mike Hyden, Richard Kirwin, Will Brown, Elizabeth KirchgatterAl Scroggins, Ian Dickson, Will Livingston, Clif Munroe, Jan Seides, Steve Smith, Alisha Jackson, Sharon Pisors, David Carter, Tim Dawson, Terry Fann, Jason Heald, Brad Henske, Forrest Lawson, Phillip Marcus, Linda Moroziuk, Paul Reaney, Walter Sargent, Andy Taylor, John T Wilson,
DEC: Jeff Sharp, Craig St Clair, Lisa Mickelson, Steve Morgan, Bil Basinski, Genell Kelso, Steve Hill, Ross Vick, Jeri Asernault
JAN: Mary Dawson, Jeff Moxcey, Beverly Houston, Kathy Davidson, Drew Harakal, Sidney Miller, Ann Abercrombie, Kay Seamayer
FEB: Carol Shaw, Jennifer Carson, James Pappas, Jason Winford & Bill Amos

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: http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7TE_LIVE&&
-------------------------------------------------------

7. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS ARE SPONSORED BY BMI
(Each month we have a workshop at our monthly meeting on the 1st Monday and 2nd Tuesday.)

SECOND TUESDAY GUEST SPEAKER & SONG CRITIQUES - see Monthly Meeting above

http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm


FIRST MONDAY SONG SWAP at White Rock Coffee for peer critiques

http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshops/workshopframe.htm

DSA will be giving a Saturday workshop at a college in the spring.

Current workshops: http://www.dallassongwritersworkshops.blogspot.com/


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

8. Events -

Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, & showcases. Click on the link #8 to the right or copy and paste this link in your browser.

http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
---------------

9. Featured Articles:

GRAMMY NOMINEES FOR SONG OF THE YEAR Who do you think will win? Weigh in below in the comments. You can hear these songs on mtv.com or youtube.com

Song Of The Year
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if
it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names
appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

AMERICAN BOY
William Adams, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John
Stephens, Estelle Swaray & Kanye West, songwriters (Estelle
Featuring Kanye West)
Track from: Shine

CHASING PAVEMENTS
Adele Adkins & Eg White, songwriters (Adele)
Track from: 19

I'M YOURS
Jason Mraz, songwriter (Jason Mraz)
Track from: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

LOVE SONG
Sara Bareilles, songwriter (Sara Bareilles)
Track from: Little Voice

VIVA LA VIDA
Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris
Martin, songwriters (Coldplay)
Track from: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

----

PUBLICIST/PUBLISHER SEIZES OPPORTUNITY IN MICRO-BLOGGING CRAZE TO PROMOTE BLUES MUSIC; Micro-blogging
Is A Craze That Is Sweeping The Globe This is a good read for ideas in promoting your music
http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=114507

******

Twenty Ways Artists Can Increase Bookings in 2009 
 
  1.)  Answer your phone whenever possible.  If you are unavailable, a prospective client moves on to the next entertainer on their list and if they answer...you may miss out on a booking opportunity. 
 
2.)  It is perfectly fine if your home number is your business number.  However, ask  your children not to answer the phone unless they see that the incoming call is a family member or friend.  Also be sure that your partner/roommate/spouse is comfortable and skilled in taking a phone message on your behalf, if not, it is best to let the machine take the message.  Remember that everyone that answers your phone represents you and how you are represented may determine if you will be hired. 
 
3.)  Your message should simply state that the caller has reached Carolyn Michaels of The Jazz Trio and that you will return their phone call as soon as possible.  You should not clutter your answering machine message with information about others that live with you...your friends and family will know that they have also reached the home of John, Mary and Brian. 
 
4.)  Refrain from asking callers to leave an event date, how many people are to be expected, etc.  This is perceived as "screening" and in general clients find it off-putting.  One of the biggest mistakes that entertainers make is assuming that because they are being called the client has already made up his or her mind to hire them.  They haven't.  A phone call is merely an inquiry, often used as a chance to interview or audition the personality of the artist.  Once you receive an inquiry phone call, your job is to make the caller feel comfortable with you so that they will want to share your artistry with their clients, friends and family.  
 
5.)  Do not under any circumstances have a mechanical "canned" message or a curt "You have reached 708-123-4567."  You are selling yourself and first impressions count so make sure that your telephone message makes an excellent first impression.
 
6.)  Return all calls within 24 hours.  In this day and age there is no excuse not to.
 
7.)  Pick an e-mail address that is simple and professional. Resist the temptation to go with something like Mommyhoneysweetiepie8978@wherever.com
 
8.)  Don't make people fill out forms in order to send you an e-mail.  For every person that does...I can pretty much guarantee that ten have decided it isn't worth the time and they will surf over to the next artist.  Why would you risk losing even one potential client with this practice?
 
9.)  If you do have a website you must have a professional website.  When I see that an artist wants to send me to MySpace or Facebook I move on.  And so do hundreds of other producers and booking agents.
 
10.)  If you decide to have a website, you must have a private website. "Free" websites are not really free.   They make their money by allowing marketing firms to assault your visitors with pop up ads and then allowing them to attach tracking cookies.  Both of these practices slow down a computer immediately and if a client notices, they will not stick around to further explore your site and you will lose a potential job. 
 
11.) Take control of your career and design a website that reflects you and your life's work.  Gone are the days when you had to pay a web designer thousands of dollars to design and maintain a site for you.  Most hosting sites now have "Do it Yourself Website Builders" that allow almost anyone to design and build a professional looking website in just a few hours.  And it is very inexpensive.  Register.com can set you up for less than $150.00 a year.  Still not sure that you are up to this? Hire a teenager that has a Facebook or MySpace page to build your new website and show you how to edit and maintain it. It really is this easy...I promise.
 
12.)  Be careful not to design a website that needs special downloads in order for clients to view it.  Many people will not download anything from an unfamiliar site and they will have no choice but to move on to an artist that has a more accessible site.
 
13.)  Some sites are very impressive but who will see it if the download takes so long that people get impatient and move on to the next artist? 
 
14.)  Be careful about charging travel fees.  Most people are put off by them and it is best to skip them or roll them into the performance fee.  For many clients, a high travel fee is a deal breaker.
 
15.)  Work with clients in regards to pricing.  Only you can decide if you will let a $300.00 gig slip by because a client can only pay $250.00.  Remember, every time you perform you really are being given an opportunity to audition for future bookings.  If you take the gig at a $50.00 reduction and then perform in front of 50 people then you will have auditioned for 50 people that you now do not have to send promotional materials to.  It could be worth it in the long run. 
 
16.)  Don't put all your eggs into one basket in regards to advertising.  Many artists would be surprised how many people find the internet too expansive, instead preferring the traditional route of catalogs, magazines and newspapers.  Not everyone likes surfing the internet. 
 
17.)  Time your mailings carefully.  It doesn't pay to send anything around the holidays or during the summer vacation season.  Also consider addressing mailings to, for instance, The Principal rather than Mr. Jones.  If Mr. Jones has left his position, a secretary may return the mail to you.  Only send mailings to specific persons if you are sure that they are still holding that position.
 
18.)  Do follow-ups.  They really can bring in those clients that are still on the fence.  Follow-ups also are reminders to people that have very busy schedules and perhaps wanted to get back to you but haven't had the chance.
 
19.)  Even if you do not get the booking, be gracious and send a thank you for considering me message offering any assistance or services for future needs.  This is a very elegant way to extend a business relationship and after receiving a message of this kind, clients that "got away" will be much more likely to refer you to their associates, family and friends.
 
20.)  Above all remember that you have serious competition for every entertainment dollar that your community has to spend.  Make every contact that they have with you count.   
 
Thanks to Patricia Fleming, Publisher, Entertainer-Directory.com for this article. Get listed in her directory.

A rare PRINTED DIRECTORY exclusively designed for Professional Artists, Entertainers and Event Specialists

********************************************

10. Song Contests

http://songcontests.blogspot.com/

BW Stevenson Singer Songwriter Contest : Deadline March 31
Wildflower Singer Songwriter Song Contest
Broadjam Keyboard Contest
John Lennon Song Contest
USA Songwriting Contest

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

11. Songwriting Resources

Here's the spot to find links to the songwriting communtiy for your educational development. I'll be building this blog over the next few months, so let me know with your comments, who should be added to the links.

http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/

Jeff Moxey's book on How To Get Your Songs Recorded

Link to Guitar World featuring articles and lessons
-------

12. Best Songs of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting

JANUARY 2009

Vern Dailey- ???

To view past winners go to the Best Songs blog. http://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/
To hear the winners go to our myspace page.

Did you know that A&R reps from labels and music publishers are listening to our Myspace page each month?

-----

Thanks for reading this far. I have added new Resources & Best Songs pages to the newsletter. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.


Happy Valentines Day

Songcerely,
Barbara McMillen, Editor
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA

DSA E-News #91 January 2009

Hello Songwriter,

Ah, Another year come and gone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. It seems like I can't get caught up! As I type the newsletter, I am listening to the podcast of the winners of the song contest, a really great collection of songs. They're going out to our Grand Prize Judge. We should have the results in a week to 10 days. In the meantime check out the list of semifinalists.
----------

1. 2008 SONG CONTEST - SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCED

http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm

or direct link:


http://www.dallassongwriters.org/semifinalists.htm

Semifinalist are invited to showcase at the Saturday, March 7th Crossroads Showcase at the Varisity Grill.

Please contact Steve Sullivan, sullarch at verizon.net , to reserve your time. Live instruments only, no singing to tracks.

**********************
2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Our Concert is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend in the Dallas area.

Also, look for a podcast of the winners as soon as we have the last song produced for the CD.

Thanks to our judges : Lawrence Gelburd, Blake Milton, Sir Earl Toon, Barbara Farkas, Mark Menza, Steve Weingart & Mitch Paliga.
Thanks to our screeners: Mary Dawson, Ducado Vega, Trade-off, Mathew JC, Michael Gott, and Greg Dugan
Song are currently being produced for the new CD.
Read the latest story about this years winners
http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/

*******************************
3. DSA MEETINGS

MONTHLY MEETING - http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm

DSA Monthly Guest Speaker & Song Critiques
- Every Second Tuesday, except Aug.

At the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak, Dallas


The next meeting is Tuesday, FEB 10.

ADAM MITCHELL, PEER MUSIC STAFF WRITER WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER

http://www.peermusic.com/artistwriter/artistsdetail.cfm?artist_id=83

Critiques will follow.

Planned 2008 Speakers
MAR - John Christopher Davis
Have any suggestions? What kind of programs would you like?

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

DSA T-SHIRTS $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or online by mail $15

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

Songwriting, Song Swap Workshop
FIRST MONDAY – Feb 3, 7-9
White Rock Coffee in East Dallas. http://www.wrcoffee.com/

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

4. SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS -
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/showcasesblog.htm

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Thurs. Feb. 19
OPEN MIC EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS - nothing currently scheduled
“In Their Own Words” Songwriters playing their own songs

Steve Sullivan's CROSSROADS SHOWCASE Every First Saturday
Varsity Grill, Plano, TX NW corner of Coit & Spring Creek
and the 2nd Thursday at the Filling Station, Preston Rd in N. Dallas
-----------------------------------------------

5. LYRIC CONTEST - SUMMER WINNERS ANNOUNCED


DSA wishes to apologize for the lateness of this post. Due to events out of our control, we just got behind and hope to catch up soon.

Summer 2008 Lyric Contest Winners

1. The Last Line by Mike Parrish, LaGrange, GA
2. Handy Heart by Kenna Zishka, Austin, Tx
3. Cheer On Our Country's Behalf by Genell Kelso
HM Strut My Country by Agnes "Gretta" Buntain, Cecilia, KY

Please see the lyric blog for winning lyrics and critiques.

LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION
Summer Contest Winners still to be announced.

Next Lyric Contest Deadline Extended to- January 13th, 2008
 for Fall Lyric Contest
( Yes, we are running slightly behind)
Entry fee is $10
Please see lyric contest webpage for details.
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontestblog.htm
-------------------------------------------------------
6. MEMBER NEWS -

The following people were elected to the DSA Board of Directors for 2009 at the membership meeting last November 11, 2008.

Nancy Rynders, Barbara McMillen, Steve Sullivan, Bob Paterno, Craig St. Clair, Anna Terry, Paul Penrod, James Pappas, Vern Dailey, John Davis, Sherrie Davis, William Brown, Don Ashley, Steve Morgan, Rick Yentz, & Cliff Munroe

Each director shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualified. A director may be elected to succeed himself or herself as director.

The directors will convene for a planning meeting on Saturday, Jan. 24th, at 1PM at the Sullivan offices.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Steve Anderson, Ryan Galloway & Warren Lett

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Vern Dailey, Morri Hartgraves, Paul Penrod, Reagan Redfern, Nancy Rynders, Michael Roth

TIME TO RENEW: The following members owe dues in this month:



OCT: Judith de los Santos, Tony Burroughs, Michael Hart, Adam Donmoyer, Rich Ellis, Danny Everitt, Mathew Marsh, Brad Price, William LLoyd.
NOV: Robert Couch, Joni Ringo, Donna Aylor, Jenna Drey, Mike Hyden, Richard Kirwin, Will Brown, Elizabeth KirchgatterAl Scroggins, Ian Dickson, Will Livingston, Clif Munroe, Jan Seides, Steve Smith, Alisha Jackson, Sharon Pisors, David Carter, Tim Dawson, Terry Fann, Jason Heald, Brad Henske, Forrest Lawson, Phillip Marcus, Linda Moroziuk, Paul Reaney, Walter Sargent, Andy Taylor, John T Wilson,
DEC: Jeff Sharp, Craig St Clair, Lisa Mickelson, Steve Morgan, Bil Basinski, Genell Kelso, Steve Hill, Ross Vick, Jeri Asernault
JAN: Mary Dawson, Jeff Moxcey, Beverly Houston, Kathy Davidson, Drew Harakal, Sidney Miller, Ann Abercrombie, Kay Seamayer

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: http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7TE_LIVE&&
-------------------------------------------------------

7. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS ARE SPONSORED BY BMI
(Each month we have a workshop at our monthly meeting on the 1st Monday and 2nd Tuesday.)

SECOND TUESDAY GUEST SPEAKER & SONG CRITIQUES - see Monthly Meeting above

http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm


FIRST MONDAY SONG SWAP at White Rock Coffee for peer critiques

http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshops/workshopframe.htm

DSA will be giving a Saturday workshop at a college in the spring.

For other workshops around the country, please click on the workshop link to your right.
or paste this in your browser: http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshopsblog.htm

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

8. Events -

Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, & showcases. Click on the link #8 to the right or copy and paste this link in your browser.

http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
---------------

9. Featured Articles:

MIDEM, the international music business conference in Cannes, France is convening as I write. I went to the conference every year from 1986-2001. I really miss this conference which was the single biggest influence in my network, education, and POV of the music industry. Many of my peeps still attend each year. This article tells how the industry is still a rapidly changing beast, a slave to developing technology, as well as, pop culture. You'll need to sign up, if you have not already. It's free!

Music Industry Imitates Digital Pirates to Turn a Profit By ERIC PFANNER

Online and mobile services offering listeners unlimited "free" access to millions of songs are set to proliferate
in the coming months, according to music industry executives.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/business/worldbusiness/19digital.html?th&emc=th

******

Read about IRAA lawsuits and Itunes new pricing:

Amazon, Apple & The Price Of Music

Ever since Amazon began selling digital music and offering lower prices than rival Apple, the suspicion by many iTunes fans is that the music industry was in cahoots with Amazon. In the comments section of our scoop Monday on Apple's MacWorld announcement that it was doing away with copy-protection software and changing its pricing policy, many iTunes fans asserted the often repeated allegation that the four largest recording companies were giving Amazon a price break.

Not so, according to two music industry insiders with knowledge of the negotiations.

Read the rest here: http://tinyurl.com/8brqxw

-----

10. Song Contests

http://songcontests.blogspot.com/

BW Stevenson Singer Songwriter Contest : Deadline March 31
Broadjam Keyboard Contest

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

11. Songwriting Resources

Here's the spot to find links to the songwriting communtiy for your educational development. I'll be building this blog over the next few months, so let me know with your comments, who should be added to the links.

http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/

Jeff Moxey's book on How To Get Your Songs Recorded

Link to Guitar World featuring articles and lessons
-------

12. Best Songs of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting

JANUARY 2009

Vern Dailey

To view past winners go to the Best Songs blog.
To hear the winners go to our myspace page.

Did you know that A&R reps from labels and music publishers are listening to our Myspace page each month?

-----

Thanks for reading this far. I have added a new Contests page to the newsletter. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.
On a final note, my songwriting class at Collin College will begin soon. You can still audit my Monday class on the Preston Ridge Campus.

Happy New Year

Songcerely,
Barbara McMillen, Editor
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA

DSA E-News #90 December 2008

Hello Songwriter,

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving with family. I can't believe Christmas Season is here. WOW! College is out this week. What a semester. DSA has a lot of work to do this season with the late closing of our song contest. This will be the latest we have ever concluded the contest.
----------

1. 2008 SONG CONTEST - CONTEST CLOSED - DEC 1ST


http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm

ANNOUNCEMENT DATES HAVE BEEN MOVED TO JANUARY.


**********************
2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
WINNERS ANNOUNCED ,
Thanks to our judges : Lawrence Gelburd, Blake Milton, Sir Earl Toon, Barbara Farkas, Mark Menza, Steve Weingart & Mitch Paliga.
Thanks to our screeners: Mary Dawson, Ducado Vega, Trade-off, Mathew JC, Michael Gott, and Greg Dugan
Song are currently being produced for the new CD.
Read the latest story about this years winners
http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/

*******************************
3. DSA MEETINGS

MONTHLY MEETING - http://www.dallassongwriters.com/meetingblog.htm

DSA Monthly Guest Speaker & Song Critiques
- Every Second Tuesday, except Aug.

At the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak, Dallas


The next meeting is Tuesday, DEC. 9

DSA CHRISTMAS PARTY - FOOD AND FUN - NETWORKING
Our Program will be a surprise video short - a must see

Bring a sweet or chips and dip.
Barbara is bringing beef and chicken taquitos and a vegetable tray

Critiques will follow.
Planned 2008 Speakers
JAN - Rayan Callaway
FEB - Adam Mitchell
MAR - John Christopher Davis
Have any suggestions? What kind of programs would you like?

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

DSA T-SHIRTS $10 christmas special at the meeting or online by mail $15

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

Songwriting, Song Swap Workshop
FIRST MONDAY – Jan 5, 7-9
White Rock Coffee in East Dallas. http://www.wrcoffee.com/

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

4. SHOWCASES & OPEN MICS -
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/showcasesblog.htm

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Thurs. Nov. 20
OPEN MIC EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

SONGWRITERS CONNECTING TO SENIORS - nothing currently scheduled
“In Their Own Words” Songwriters playing their own songs
-----------------------------------------------
5. LYRIC CONTEST
LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION
Summer Contest Winners still to be announced.

Next Lyric Contest Deadline Extended to- January 13th, 2008
 for Fall Lyric Contest
( Yes, we are running slightly behind)
Entry fee is $10
Please see lyric contest webpage for details.
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontestblog.htm
-------------------------------------------------------
6. MEMBER NEWS - Membership Meeting & elections report
Monthly Meeting on November 11.


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Tommy Byrd, Jeremy Ellis, Roger Russell, Adrian Hall and SSS Contest Winners: Sergent Paul Cataldi, Capt. Morgan Greene, Lt Billy Roberson, Specialist Robert Charles, Specialist Greg Pritchard, Capt. Steve Wilson, Airman Jane Cumberland, SSG Adrian Taylor, Specialist Pam Barragan, Capt Michael Del Palazzo, Specialist Zach Johnson, Specialist Frankie Cleary, Col. Curtis Goho,
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Paul Penrod, Reagan Redfern, Nancy Rynders, Michael Roth

TIME TO RENEW: The following members have an
anniversay month in:


MARCH: Jack Gullege, Matt Martindale, Fred Christoffer


APRIL : Glitter Rose, Nataliya Stinson


MAY: Max Stalling, Steve Samuels, Susan Fowler, JR Byrd, BonJean Rush,


JUNE: Jose Volante, Dyanna Kristie, Scott White,
 Mike Dawson, Anne White, Bobby McBride
JULY: Austin Cunningham, Bill Honker, Charlotte Ryerson, Alex Townes, Sally Ritchie, Randy Wallace, Jackie Doss, Aaron Corey, John Gasperic
AUG: Emily Elbert, 


SEPT: Tina Marzola, Pat McGuire, David Kenoly, Kevin Sproul, Charles Sterling, Sylvia Urech, John Metz, Debra Lane
OCT: Judith de los Santos, Morri Hartgraves, Tony Burroughs, Michael Hart, Adam Donmoyer, Rich Ellis, Danny Everitt, Mathew Marsh, Brad Price, William LLoyd.
NOV: Robert Couch, Joni Ringo, Donna Aylor, Jenna Drey, Mike Hyden, Richard Kirwin, Will Brown, Elizabeth KirchgatterAl Scroggins, Ian Dickson, Will Livingston, Clif Munroe, Jan Seides, Steve Smith, Alisha Jackson, Sharon Pisors, David Carter, Tim Dawson, Terry Fann, Jason Heald, Brad Henske, Forrest Lawson, Phillip Marcus, Linda Moroziuk, Paul Reaney, Walter Sargent, Andy Taylor, John T Wilson,
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: http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7TE_LIVE&&
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7. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS ARE SPONSORED BY BMI
(Each month we have a workshop at our monthly meeting on the 1st Monday and 2nd Tuesday.)
DSA will be giving a Saturday workshop at a college in the spring.

For other workshops around the country, please click on the workshop link to your right.
or paste this in your browser: http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshopsblog.htm
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8. Events - Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, showcases, and contests. Click on the link #8 to the right or copy and paste this link in your browser.

http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
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9. Featured Articles:

Texans Grab Grammy Nominations
The nominations for the 51st annual Grammy Awards were announced Wednesday, December 3, with several Texas artists in the running.
T Bone Burnett - Album of the Year and Record of the Year, ( for his role in producing the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album Raising Sand).
George Strait - Best Country Album (Troubadour), Best Male Country Vocal Performance (for the same album’s title track), Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (for which he was nominated twice — for “House of Cash” with Patty Loveless, and “Shiftwork” with Kenny Chesney).
Lee Ann Womack - Best Female Country Vocal Performance (for “Last Call”)
LeAnn Rimes - Best Female Country Vocal Performance ( “What I Cannot Change”)
Rodney Crowell’s Sex & Gasoline - Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album.
Grupo Fantasma - Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
Marcia Ball - Best Contemporary Blues Album
Pinetop Perkins - Best Traditional Blues Album
Ruben Ramos & the Mexican Revolution - Best Tejano Album
Brooks & Dunn - Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
the Mars Volta - Best Hard Rock Performance
Trout Fishing in America - Best Musical Album for Children
Kirk Franklin - Best Gospel Song and Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album-
Beyoncé - Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Don Henley’s the Eagles - Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, Best Pop Instrumental Performance and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and
Jonas Brothers - Best New Artist ( who bought a house in Dallas earlier this year)
The Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast
on CBS.
On another Grammy note, There's a new museum. The GRAMMY Museum is more than just a celebration of the music industry's most prestigious award. It's a one-of-a-kind experience where music fans are invited to look behind the curtain at how today's music is created and produced. As a GRAMMY Museum Charter Member, your support will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Museum, as well as music around the world, starting right here in Los Angeles.

In this exciting year of firsts, your membership will be your backstage pass to explore a world of intimate performances, lectures, classes and events.
Plus as a Recording Academy member you will receive a 20% discount!
In order to get your 20% discount please enter the promotional code CHARTER when applying for membership.

There are four easy ways to join:
1. Call the membership office: 213.765.6800 (press 3 for Membership)
2. Send us an e-mail: membership@grammymuseum.org
3. Join online: www.grammymuseum.org/membership
4. Send a check to:
Membership Department
714 W. Olympic, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Songwriter Spotlight

Arlos Smith had his first #1 hit with John Michael Montgomery's 'Home To You' and was named Songwriter of the Year back in 2000. Smith hit #1 again in 2004 with Rascal Flatt's 'Mayberry', which gained him SESAC's Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. Read more in Music City News.........
http://www.nashvillemusicguide.com/nmg_052.htm


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Thanks for reading this far. I have added a new Events page to the newsletter. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.
On a final note, my songwriting class at Collin College will be performing their final song at the Abbey Grill in Frisco Monday Dec 8 at 7PM.
I'm sorry I missed those of you who may have come out to see me at the Crossroads showcase last Saturday night. I'm sick with a bad soar throat and did not want to spread my germs. I know the showcase was wonderful anyway. The Crossroads showcase is each first Saturday night at the Varsity Grill in Plano and each Thursday at the Filling Station.

Happy Holidays

Songcerely,
Barbara McMillen, Editor
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA