Hello Songwriter,
Deadline for the Wildflower Contest is coming up Friday, April 3.
Deadline for Winter Lyric Contest is coming up Tuesday, April 14th.
This Saturday many of us are playing the Songwriters Stage at the Deep Ellum Festival. Come out and view the usual suspects. The Dallas Guitar Show is coming in a couple of weeks April 17-19, Wildflower has posted the details of the songwriter workshop in May.
SXSW RECAP
I tweeted out my moves during SX, so I thought I'd just mix them into my report. I got a late start on SXSW this year, I didn't leave Dallas until late Thursday morning. Tried to stop by and get my wristband at the Fader Fort, but there was no place to park within 10 blocks. My first stop on a glorious weekend was the ASCAP boat where I met my P_in_crime Suzette Becker. The weather was perfect and the river was glass. There we spoke to Richard Perma, thanked Ralph Murphy and Todd Brabec and found a new talent, Chastity Daw.
. Here's the one that got away. http://www.myspace.com/char... Met her on the ASCAP boat, but went brain dead and missed her show.12:14 PM Mar 24th from web
SX is about the music and networking. It's a place that I get to hang with my music peeps, make new friends, hear boocoos of music and discover new talent.
Next was the Grammy party on the lawn of the Four Seasons. Congrats to DSA Member James Cornelius for his 30 years membership recognition.
. Grammy party rad. Great groupo rockin Latino sound. Groupo fantasma at Four Seasons this afternoon12:27 AM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Great crepes at san jacinto & 2nd12:29 AM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Driskel quite tonight12:30 AM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Found fresh hip hop at red g feet @blind pig12:32 AM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Had enough of 6 ST. Great night12:34 AM Mar 20th from twitterrific
I started Friday at the BMI brunch, met up with Suz then cruised the Irish Breakfast, Berklee Showcase, Bug/JazzFest party, Manatoba party for BBQ and sunset.
. Awesome songwriter brandon chandler at red g fest @ Nunos Irish breakfast with ski bunnies.2:56 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Berklee showcase a little sparce. Go see WK at freinds on sixth.2:58 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Bug/JazzFest party & showcase a gasssssssssss then
. Caught the bus from soco to 6th then cab to caswell house manota part. Details just finished a rockin set. Sooo goooood.5:52 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Still at manitoba bedowin sound clash rocks. The best band.6:25 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. alejandro e was bad a. Musta been 20 band members9:27 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Caught last 3 songs of carlene carters set for direct tv live. She's still got it9:30 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Can't get into the felice bros. Is a fn ten & there is still no room but can hear them while waitin.9:41 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Went across street to creekside British showcase at the Bedford. Keean mcmillan is killing me his guitar virtuoso.9:44 PM Mar 20th from twitterrific
. Dripping ranch was serene this morning12:01 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
Saturday the Rachael Ray Party was the place to be. Her mac & cheese recipe is worth the download from her website. Great food, mojitas and music.
. In line for food at rachel rays. Listening to rob sneider.12:03 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. Shout out to ben burgess songwriter xtrod. Still at r ray party. Mac & cheese recipe worth the download from her website def a tx take12:41 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. Rachael ray rocks. Ancho chicken taco to die for. Guac recipe worth the download. Also great fresh salsa.1:13 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. The cringe rocks.1:24 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific (Rachael's boyfriend's band)
. Ok I know my peeps are into Ny dolls but I just can't warm to it.5:04 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. Check out tori sparks. Caught her at thirsty penny. Super. Check out her web site5:16 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. Watering at the Hilton listening to the sweet sounds of jackie bristow.5:27 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. 18th FL sylvie lewis was good. Caught last few songs. She's from Rome7:51 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. Medi got a lttle soul all by his lonesome. Surprise. For Frenchman.9:37 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
. OK last tweet was about 500 miles of pain sitting through Proclaimers set. I had to stop. Iphone low charge, needed it for drive to ranch.11:49 AM Mar 24th from web
Best Band Discovery: . Best thing of the last night of SX was Honey Ryder. Check video on youtube. http://tinyurl.com/cklbyl Incredible!11:51 AM Mar 24th from web
Suffering a listening: I just didn't get The Proclaimers from Scotland - even though when I was in the band, The Irish Texans, we covered their hit song "500 Miles". . I proclaim that I don't get the Proclaimers.10:22 PM Mar 21st from twitterrific
Best Venue: The Bedford Http://www.thebedford.co.uk
Regrets: These were too good to miss, but there was just too much to do. Little Steven's Underground Garage Party, NPR at the Parrish, Urban Meet & Greet, Yard Dog Shows on SOCO, Charity Daw, BBrovers, Badu Krewe at Aud Shores, Broadjam Party at Blind Pig (and the seminar on Wed), Miz Metro, Tori Sparks and most of the Invasion of the Girls, Trish Murphy, Saxon Pub, Gibson party, Justice Records showcase, Lisa Apple, Palo Duro Showcase at Waterloo, and the party at the French Legation.
----------
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
Drawing for the IPod. Number 66 was drawn by our guest speaker at the meeting. Congratulations to Gaylon Embrey for his entry, Little Angel Faces, being the 66th song contest entry.
Retweet: Contest winner, Ray Phillips, has shared some good news with us. Hot Seat Music www.hotseatmusic.com has listed one of Rays songs as song of the month on their website and are going to be pitching them in Nashville.
SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCED
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm
or direct link:
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/semifinalists.htm
**********************
2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Our Concert is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday May 23rd at the Neotropolis in the North Carrollton area.
I'm looking for donations for our silent auction and raffle. I can offer a free DSA membership for your donation of equal value, or you can deduct your donation from your taxes - we are non-profit. Larger items, not necessarily just music items, because we will have a public performance. Smaller items, such as discounts to resaurants, cds, swag, etc. for the raffle. contact infoatdallassongwriters.org or reply to this email.
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, April 14th.
If you haven't recorded, how do you know how to prepare for your first session? Chances are you're investing your money and a lot of time.
Brad Dales of Dallas Audio Post will explain what to expect and how to prepare for a studio recording session.
Critiques will follow.
Planned 2008 Speakers
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
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshops/workshopframe.htm
FIRST MONDAY – APRIL 6, 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. APRIL 16th
OPEN MIC EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Steve Sullivan's CROSSROADS SHOWCASE Every First Saturday
Varsity Grill, Plano, TX NW corner of Coit & Spring Creek
Featured April 4th - Cliff Munroe & Drew Harakal
also performing, Public Relations Director, Buck Morgan
and the 2nd Thursday at the Filling Station, Preston Rd in N. Dallas
-----------------------------------------------
5. LYRIC CONTEST - SUMMER WINNERS ANNOUNCED
WINTER LYRIC CONTEST DEADLINE IS APRIL 14. There is still time to submit your lyrics.
FALL LYRIC CONTEST WINNERS WIL BE PUBLISH BY NEXT WEEK
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 -
There are two Director seats on the DSA Board open. Please contact Steve Sullivan, sullarch at verizon dot net, to express your interest in serving.
To view a list of the 2009 Officer & Directors and Committees go to this link:
http://dsadirectors.blogspot.com/
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Mark Glasmire, Trevor Dahlen, John Chandler, Peter Robinson, Allan Von, & Jack Hackworth, Peter Bullen, Warren Lett, Matt Pitcher, Bobby Jo Chandler, Lisa Warner
song contest winners:Natalia Pikoul, Will Hopkins, Mark Glasmire, Michael Hollingsworth, Dennis Carlan, Emile Pandolfi, Marc McClure, Darren Speed, David Firman, Kate McGunnigle, Dan Morehouse, Melinda Starnes, Richard Gardzina, Jose Gomez, Noel Cohen, Bryan Bryant, Casey Desmond, Michael Constiatineo, Chris Liddard, Sean Murphy, Brandi Sidoryk, MarkStepakoff, Jen Carter-Kelly, Donna Lisa, Frank Fulton, Kevin McSpadden, Lisa Simmons, Bill DiLuigi, John Mears, Joey Avalos, Niel Nasset, Garrison Doles, Steven Richards (If you won more than once you were awarded a year per win)
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: John Metz, Vern Dailey, Morri Hartgraves, Paul Penrod, Reagan Redfern, Nancy Rynders, Michael Roth, John Metz, Mary Dawson, William Lloyd, John Tracy Wilson. Song Contest winners: Louie Cates, Ray Phillips, Richard Davis
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
NOV: Robert Couch, Joni Ringo, Donna Aylor, Jenna Drey, Mike Hyden, Richard Kirwin, Will Brown, Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Al 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,
DEC: Jeff Sharp, Lisa Mickelson, Steve Morgan, Bil Basinski, Steve Hill
JAN: Jeff Moxcey, Beverly Houston, Kathy Davidson, Drew Harakal, Sidney Miller, Ann Abercrombie, Kay Seamayer
FEB: Carol Shaw, Jennifer Carson, Jason Winford & Bill Amos
MARCH: Helene Cronin, Mark Hughey, Barbara Seiler, Michael Franceus, Neal Fletcher, Troll Mallow, Rory Moore, Kathy Nichols.
APRIL: Mike Parrish, Stephen Boon, Ed Williams, Akin Akintola
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
OTHER WORKSHOPS
Wildflower Songwriting School May 15-17
DSM Musical Workshops in May and June
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.
APRIL:
3-4 NSAI Spring Training Symposium
5th, The Grind Extreme Sports & Music Festival
3-5 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Dallas, DSA showcases
17-19 32nd Annual Dallas International Guitar Show at Market Hall,
17-19 Coachella Valley Music Fest
23-25 ASCAP I Create Music Expo, Hollywood
24-26, 30-May 1 New Orlean Jazz Fest
24-25, May 1-2 Sync Up: The Jazz & Heritage Talent Exchange Conference
MAY:
15-17 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, Tx
23rd Song From the Soul of Service Concert, Carrollton, Tx
30th Sweet Southern Music Festival
JUNE:
17-21 NXNE Seatle
19-21 SongWritersFestival.com, Nashville
For more details visit the events page.
Also, hear the song contest winners podcast from this page.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
---------------
9. Featured Articles:
VIDEO: Interview With Rob Thomas from ASCAP's New York Sessions
ASCAP's Erik Philbrook conducts a facinating converstation about the creative process with the primary songwriter and lead singer of the band matchbox twenty. more-
http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/events/sessions/nysessions/2009/coverage.aspx
Robo-Voice's Greatest Hits, or How Advanced Spy Tech Topped Music Charts
By Brian Raftery -- From Lil Wayne's cyborg-slick singing on "Lollipop" to the Twiki-tweaked vocals of T-Pain, use of the voice-enhancing software Auto-Tune has reached a fever pitch. But it turns out that the irresistible robot sound was also a big hit with the allies way back in World War II... more-
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/17-03/pl_music
Indie Labels Talk Survival at South by Southwest
Executives who gathered for the (SXSW) confab said they were grappling with the same sorts of fallout from the worsening economy and breakdown of traditional business models -- declining album sales, online piracy and rampant layoffs -- that have been afflicting their corporate counterparts for the last decade. "Everything you've heard [about the troubles of major labels], it's probably worse (for us)," said Nan Warshaw, co-owner of Chicago's Bloodshot Records more-
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cotown-indiemusic20-2009mar20,0,3070037.story
Record Labels Forge New Business Blueprint with MySpace
For decades, record labels have competed fiercely ... But circumstances have changed the lay of this land, and labels often work together now to find reliable, innovative methods for generating revenue from the consumer's online listening experience. A new deal with MySpace Music sets the tone for one such collaboration. more-
http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6098
At SXSWi, How Much Should Big Media Be Listening?
By Caroline McCarthy -- ...South by Southwest Interactive is the must-attend conference for geeks who want to shake things up. ... (But), according to Avner Ronen, CEO of the video software start-up Boxee, the sense of uncertainty over profits is what's holding back some of the innovation that SXSWi's masses are so eager to set in motion. more-
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10198523-36.html
VIDEO: Bands, Fans and Twitter Overrun Music Fest
[Never been to SXSW? --- here's a taste.] more-
http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2009/03/sxsw-music-twee.html
@SXSWi: Is Music Recommendation Broken?
By Jemima Kiss -- Music recommendation is not doing its job ...However long the long tail of music, mechanical recommendation is biased towards what the majority of listeners do because brand new bands have very little audience and little related data. more-
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2009/mar/17/sxswi-recommendation-sites
On My Mind: The State of the Music Business
By John Mellencamp -- People remember when music existed as an art that motivated social movements. Artists and their music flourished in back alleys, taverns and barns until, in some cases, a popular groundswell propelled it far and wide. These days, that possibility no longer seems to exist. After 35 years as an artist in the recording business, I feel somehow compelled, not inspired, to stand up for our fellow artists and tell that side of the story as I perceive it. more-
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mellencamp/on-my-mind-the-state-of-t_b_177836.html
Social Networking Rocks – But Only for Some Bands
By Eliot Van Buskirk -- Two years after South by Southwest bands first embraced Twitter to reach out to fans, many of them are taking every opportunity to use social networking. We expected that. What caught us off-guard was other artists' reluctance to embrace these tools despite expert assertions that such activity grows a band's fan base and, ultimately, its revenue. more-
http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2009/03/sxsw-bands-spli.html
Music City's Biggest Recording Gig: iHymns
By Bob Smietana -- Joe Christian, the music minister at Una Baptist Church in Nashville, is one of more than 12,000 people who have signed up for a new iTunes-like Web site called LifeWayworship.com. Along with buying recordings of worship songs and hymns, users can create and download sheet music for church bands and choirs. LifeWay officials hope their new site will make life easier for music ministers, while following copyright laws. more-
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090323/LIFE/903230306/1005/LIFE
RECORDING YOUR MUSIC!
Part 2: Preparing For Your Session
By Eric Tunison, Owner of Groove Tunes Studios - www.groovetunes.com
Selecting a studio that’s right for you.
Now that you’ve decided to have a professional recording made you will need to decide where to go to get it done. Most musicians choose studios located close to their homes. Atlanta residents have a multitude of choices. A recent search of “Recording Studios” for the greater Atlanta area on www.kudzu.com brought up 298 hits! You can enter your zip code on this site and then search “by distance” from your home. Better yet, sort the list “by rating”, find the highest rated studios close to your home, and go from there. Call a few studios and talk to their owner or chief engineer about your project and try to get a feel for whether you think there’s a fit. Ask what types of music the studio specializes in. The engineer should know and understand your music just as much as he knows and understands how his studio works.
These days 99% of all music is recorded digitally – gone are the days of reel-to-reel analog tape decks. You should ask the studio if they use the digital ProTools HD recording system, which is the industry standard. Avoid falling into the trap of asking about costs until after you have visited with your prospective engineer and toured the facility in person. You should have an overall budget in mind but try to remain flexible on pricing as each project is different. Your engineer should be able to provide an overall cost estimate after you’ve met with him. Be prepared to answer basic questions that your engineer may have to help him estimate the costs, including: What Genre Is Your Music, How Many Songs Will You Be Recording, How Many Band Members Are There, What Instruments Will Be Recorded, Approximately How Many Tracks per Song are Expected, How Many Vocals and Backup Vocals per Song, and Will You Need the Studio to Provide Any Session Musicians? Groove Tunes Studios is one studio that many musicians in the greater Atlanta area have come to know and trust. Find out more at www.groovetunes.com or call Eric Tunison at 770-842-5511.
Be prepared!
Once you’ve selected your studio and have scheduled a recording date you will need to prepare for your session. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you get ready for your big day:
• If possible, record your songs during live gigs or at rehearsals, and then listen to them. This is where those Open Mic live performance CDs come in handy! Determine whether there are weak spots in the song or performance and fix those before your session date.
• Have all the instrumental and vocal parts already worked out, and rehearse your guitar solos!
• Check with the studio in advance about guitar amps or other equipment you may be using.
• Practice to a click track or metronome during pre-production rehearsals! Each musician should practice alone to the click, and then together as a group. Most rock and pop music is recorded one track at a time, one instrument at a time, so know how to play your parts to the click track. Being able to do just this much will save you time and money on your project. You should be able to play all your parts exactly the same way, every time.
• Rehearse more songs than you plan to record. There might be a technical or performance problem with a particular song when you arrive at the studio, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup song or two.
• Change your guitar strings two or three days before the session. It’s best if they are just a few days old and not so new that they are still stretching out.
• Know your lead guitar solos! I know this is a repeat. It’s important.
• Prepare lead sheets for the songs you plan to record. Lead sheets are helpful to the engineer and musicians and they make your sessions go smoother. Lead sheets are typed pages containing all the song lyrics with the chords typed or written above the words where each chord changes. Lead sheets should also notate the number of measures and chords for intros, instrumental solos, and other instrumental portions. The lead sheet is the road map for the recording session.
• Take care of your body before your recording sessions. Eat well, get enough sleep, and keep your ears rested.
- ET
********************************************
10. Song Contests
http://songcontests.blogspot.com/
Art of Music Contest: Deadline: June 30th
Wildflower Sing Songwriter Contest
John Lennon Song Contest
USA Songwriting Contest
TOCRA
----------------
11. Songwriting Resources
http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/
New link added for Acoustic Music Scene
AcousticMusicScene.com is an online publication launched in January 2007 to provide news & commentary for the folk, roots and singer-songwriter communities. They provide their readers with links to other websites where they can learn about folk and other acoustic music organizations, venues, and artists performing in areas in which they live, work or travel.
-------
12. Best Songs of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting
JANUARY 2009
Cross My Heart by Vern Dailey
FEBRUARY
Easy For You by Ray Philips & Richard Davis
MARCH
1st. Shined On Me by Ray Phillips & Richard Davis
2nd Look Beyond by Jerry Dobson
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. 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, DSA
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
DSA E-News #93 March 2009
Hello Songwriter,
Grand Prize Winner, Mark Glasmire will be the featured performer at the March Crossroads Showcase, this Saturday, March 7th. We will be celebrating the contest winners. Also performing are semifinalists Jackie Doss, and Scott Hoying. Please come out if you are in the area.
----------
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
**********************
2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Our Concert is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday May 23rd at the Neotropolis in the North Carrollton 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, March 10th.
BOB PATERNO WILL SPEAK ON PROMTING YOUR MUSIC VIA ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS SUCH AS MYSPACE
Critiques will follow.
Planned 2008 Speakers
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
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshops/workshopframe.htm
FIRST MONDAY – APRIL 6, 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. MARCH 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
Featured March 7th
Mark Glasmire - Grand Prize Song Contest Winner
Scott Hoying - semifinalist, Bare Bones
Jackie Doss - semifinalist, Love Songs
Also performing:
Barbara McMillen
Texas LaReaux
Ian Dickson
Craig St. Clair
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.
FALL LYRICS BEING JUDGED
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 -
There are two Director seats on the DSA Board open. Please contact Steve Sullivan, sullarch at verizon dot net, to express your interest in serving.
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 - resigned recently
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: Mark Glasmire, Trevor Dahlen, John Chandler, Peter Robinson, Allan Von, & Jack Hackworth.
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: John Metz, Vern Dailey, Morri Hartgraves, Paul Penrod, Reagan Redfern, Nancy Rynders, Michael Roth, John Metz
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 Kirchgatter, Al 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
MARCH: Helene Cronin, Mark Hughey, Barbara Seiler, Michael Franceus, Neal Fletcher, Troll Mallow, Rory Moore, Kathy Nichols.
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.
MARCH:
7-8 Amigo Guitar Show Nashville
13-22 SXSW, Austin
14 Urban Network Indie Label Festival, Industry Hill, CA
18-21 Red Gorilla Music Fest, Austin
21-22 Amigo Texas Guitar Show, Austin
APRIL:
3-4 NSAI Spring Training Symposium
5th, The Grind Extreme Sports & Music Festival
3-5 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Dallas, DSA showcases
17-19 32nd Annual Dallas International Guitar Show at Market Hall,
17-19 Coachella Valley Music Fest
23-25 ASCAP I Create Music Expo, Hollywood
24-26, 30-May 1 New Orlean Jazz Fest
24-25, May 1-2 Sync Up: The Jazz & Heritage Talent Exchange Conference
MAY:
15-17 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, Tx
23rd Song From the Soul of Service Concert, Carrollton, Tx
30th Sweet Southern Music Festival
JUNE:
17-21 NXNE Seatle
19-21 SongWritersFestival.com, Nashville
For more details visit the events page.
Also, hear the song contest winners podcast from this page.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
---------------
9. Featured Articles:
M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2009 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission
This past Christmas season, my husband and I attended an event
which has become an annual tradition for many Canadians. Stuart
McLean is a broadcaster with the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation) and every Sunday we tune into his "Vinyl Café" on
CBC Radio. He often tours the country with the show, and during
the month of December he has a live Christmas show that he brings
to many cities across the country. His show is also broadcast on
NPR in the US and can be heard online through a podcast:
http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/home.php
The Vinyl Café is a collection of "stories, essays and music
(both live and recorded)" and Stuart McLean is a wonderful
storyteller. Not only does he read his own writings on air, but
he encourages listeners to submit their own stories and he will
usually read one or two of them each week as part of the show. A
song usually follows the story, and often the song relates to the
story topic. The show is folksy in nature and always fun to
listen to and Stuart McLean is a distinctive voice who never
fails to entertain.
Whatever style you write in, however you think of your
songwriting, you are always telling a story. The story might
only be about a moment in time or painting an emotional
landscape, but the best songs have a great beginning, middle and
end, just like a great story. Storytelling itself has become
almost a lost art in our technically-obsessed world, but it is
something every songwriter should think about when penning
lyrics, and the Vinyl Café is a great re-introduction to the
world of telling stories.
You can get the latest podcast from the website by either
subscribing or downloading straight on to your computer. Listen
to just one of these shows and I guarantee you'll be inspired!
---
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in
Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also
maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles
and a songwriter's messageboard.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com
Songs: http://www.soundclick.com/irenejackson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RECORDING YOUR MUSIC!
Part 1: Why record? By Eric Tunison, Owner of Groove Tunes Studios - www.groovetunes.com
This is the first of five articles in the series 'Recording Your Music!'. In this installment we will discuss some reasons why you should consider recording your music. - ET
Demonstrate!
Every performing musician looks for effective ways to market themselves. If you are actively seeking gigging venues around town you need a calling card. You need to sell yourself to club owners and show them how great you are. They're going to want to meet you, but they're not going to ask you for a live audition. They're going to ask you for a demo CD. Yep, your best chance to land that gig is to have a killer sounding demo CD ready to give out the instant someone asks for it. And if you've recorded your demo at a professional recording studio you'll have a huge competitive edge over 95% of the competition who bring in amateurish mixes created in their cousin's bedroom. If you're serious about selling yourself, you will need a professionally recorded demo. If it wasn't recorded, it never existed. Even if you don't plan to gig out there are other reasons why you should record your music. For one, your music and your sound is your legacy. Hey, you're not going to live forever. A recording is a 'record' of your talent. It's a living and timeless document of who you are and what you did. Consider if Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix hadn't recorded their works when they were in their early twenties. Nobody except their family and a few friends would remember them today. What if a would-be author never bothered to write down his thoughts? What if a visually creative artist never purchased a camera, or a paint brush and easel? Recorded sound is the legacy of all musicians. Without a recording your musical existence is only hearsay. It's like it never existed.
You owe it to yourself!
Recordings that are produced professionally can make you sound amazing, as good as you've ever sounded. Your professional recording is something to be proud of, something that you will want to show off and give to loved ones. And if you're really good, your recordings can lead to financial gain. The only downsides to recording are the time and cost it takes to do it. But compared to all the time and treasure you expend during your lifetime perfecting your craft and buying your instruments, the cost of a professional recording is a very, very small investment, and one that can reap emotional - if not financial -rewards. In the next article we will examine how to prepare for your recording session. - ET
********************************************
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
http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/
New link added for Acoustic Music Scene
AcousticMusicScene.com is an online publication launched in January 2007 to provide news & commentary for the folk, roots and singer-songwriter communities. They provide their readers with links to other websites where they can learn about folk and other acoustic music organizations, venues, and artists performing in areas in which they live, work or travel.
-------
12. Best Songs of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting
JANUARY 2009
Cross My Heart by Vern Dailey
FEBRUARY
Easy For You by Ray Philips & Richard Davis
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. If you have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let me know. Also, let me know what you wil be doing at SXSW. I'll be there. You'll be able to follow me on Twitter. Give me a tweet.
Happy St Patrick's Day
Songcerely,
Barbara McMillen, Editor
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA
Grand Prize Winner, Mark Glasmire will be the featured performer at the March Crossroads Showcase, this Saturday, March 7th. We will be celebrating the contest winners. Also performing are semifinalists Jackie Doss, and Scott Hoying. Please come out if you are in the area.
----------
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
**********************
2. SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Our Concert is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday May 23rd at the Neotropolis in the North Carrollton 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, March 10th.
BOB PATERNO WILL SPEAK ON PROMTING YOUR MUSIC VIA ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS SUCH AS MYSPACE
Critiques will follow.
Planned 2008 Speakers
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
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/workshops/workshopframe.htm
FIRST MONDAY – APRIL 6, 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. MARCH 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
Featured March 7th
Mark Glasmire - Grand Prize Song Contest Winner
Scott Hoying - semifinalist, Bare Bones
Jackie Doss - semifinalist, Love Songs
Also performing:
Barbara McMillen
Texas LaReaux
Ian Dickson
Craig St. Clair
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.
FALL LYRICS BEING JUDGED
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 -
There are two Director seats on the DSA Board open. Please contact Steve Sullivan, sullarch at verizon dot net, to express your interest in serving.
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 - resigned recently
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: Mark Glasmire, Trevor Dahlen, John Chandler, Peter Robinson, Allan Von, & Jack Hackworth.
THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: John Metz, Vern Dailey, Morri Hartgraves, Paul Penrod, Reagan Redfern, Nancy Rynders, Michael Roth, John Metz
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 Kirchgatter, Al 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
MARCH: Helene Cronin, Mark Hughey, Barbara Seiler, Michael Franceus, Neal Fletcher, Troll Mallow, Rory Moore, Kathy Nichols.
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.
MARCH:
7-8 Amigo Guitar Show Nashville
13-22 SXSW, Austin
14 Urban Network Indie Label Festival, Industry Hill, CA
18-21 Red Gorilla Music Fest, Austin
21-22 Amigo Texas Guitar Show, Austin
APRIL:
3-4 NSAI Spring Training Symposium
5th, The Grind Extreme Sports & Music Festival
3-5 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Dallas, DSA showcases
17-19 32nd Annual Dallas International Guitar Show at Market Hall,
17-19 Coachella Valley Music Fest
23-25 ASCAP I Create Music Expo, Hollywood
24-26, 30-May 1 New Orlean Jazz Fest
24-25, May 1-2 Sync Up: The Jazz & Heritage Talent Exchange Conference
MAY:
15-17 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, Tx
23rd Song From the Soul of Service Concert, Carrollton, Tx
30th Sweet Southern Music Festival
JUNE:
17-21 NXNE Seatle
19-21 SongWritersFestival.com, Nashville
For more details visit the events page.
Also, hear the song contest winners podcast from this page.
http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/
---------------
9. Featured Articles:
M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2009 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission
This past Christmas season, my husband and I attended an event
which has become an annual tradition for many Canadians. Stuart
McLean is a broadcaster with the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation) and every Sunday we tune into his "Vinyl Café" on
CBC Radio. He often tours the country with the show, and during
the month of December he has a live Christmas show that he brings
to many cities across the country. His show is also broadcast on
NPR in the US and can be heard online through a podcast:
http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/home.php
The Vinyl Café is a collection of "stories, essays and music
(both live and recorded)" and Stuart McLean is a wonderful
storyteller. Not only does he read his own writings on air, but
he encourages listeners to submit their own stories and he will
usually read one or two of them each week as part of the show. A
song usually follows the story, and often the song relates to the
story topic. The show is folksy in nature and always fun to
listen to and Stuart McLean is a distinctive voice who never
fails to entertain.
Whatever style you write in, however you think of your
songwriting, you are always telling a story. The story might
only be about a moment in time or painting an emotional
landscape, but the best songs have a great beginning, middle and
end, just like a great story. Storytelling itself has become
almost a lost art in our technically-obsessed world, but it is
something every songwriter should think about when penning
lyrics, and the Vinyl Café is a great re-introduction to the
world of telling stories.
You can get the latest podcast from the website by either
subscribing or downloading straight on to your computer. Listen
to just one of these shows and I guarantee you'll be inspired!
---
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in
Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also
maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles
and a songwriter's messageboard.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com
Songs: http://www.soundclick.com/irenejackson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RECORDING YOUR MUSIC!
Part 1: Why record? By Eric Tunison, Owner of Groove Tunes Studios - www.groovetunes.com
This is the first of five articles in the series 'Recording Your Music!'. In this installment we will discuss some reasons why you should consider recording your music. - ET
Demonstrate!
Every performing musician looks for effective ways to market themselves. If you are actively seeking gigging venues around town you need a calling card. You need to sell yourself to club owners and show them how great you are. They're going to want to meet you, but they're not going to ask you for a live audition. They're going to ask you for a demo CD. Yep, your best chance to land that gig is to have a killer sounding demo CD ready to give out the instant someone asks for it. And if you've recorded your demo at a professional recording studio you'll have a huge competitive edge over 95% of the competition who bring in amateurish mixes created in their cousin's bedroom. If you're serious about selling yourself, you will need a professionally recorded demo. If it wasn't recorded, it never existed. Even if you don't plan to gig out there are other reasons why you should record your music. For one, your music and your sound is your legacy. Hey, you're not going to live forever. A recording is a 'record' of your talent. It's a living and timeless document of who you are and what you did. Consider if Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix hadn't recorded their works when they were in their early twenties. Nobody except their family and a few friends would remember them today. What if a would-be author never bothered to write down his thoughts? What if a visually creative artist never purchased a camera, or a paint brush and easel? Recorded sound is the legacy of all musicians. Without a recording your musical existence is only hearsay. It's like it never existed.
You owe it to yourself!
Recordings that are produced professionally can make you sound amazing, as good as you've ever sounded. Your professional recording is something to be proud of, something that you will want to show off and give to loved ones. And if you're really good, your recordings can lead to financial gain. The only downsides to recording are the time and cost it takes to do it. But compared to all the time and treasure you expend during your lifetime perfecting your craft and buying your instruments, the cost of a professional recording is a very, very small investment, and one that can reap emotional - if not financial -rewards. In the next article we will examine how to prepare for your recording session. - ET
********************************************
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
http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/
New link added for Acoustic Music Scene
AcousticMusicScene.com is an online publication launched in January 2007 to provide news & commentary for the folk, roots and singer-songwriter communities. They provide their readers with links to other websites where they can learn about folk and other acoustic music organizations, venues, and artists performing in areas in which they live, work or travel.
-------
12. Best Songs of the 2nd Tuesday Meeting
JANUARY 2009
Cross My Heart by Vern Dailey
FEBRUARY
Easy For You by Ray Philips & Richard Davis
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. If you have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let me know. Also, let me know what you wil be doing at SXSW. I'll be there. You'll be able to follow me on Twitter. Give me a tweet.
Happy St Patrick's Day
Songcerely,
Barbara McMillen, Editor
Songwriter Notes
Founding President Emeritus, DSA
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)