Hello Songwriter,
I hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and well. There are lots of changes going on in June starting with the roll out of our new blog site on the DSA website. Ben Halim has worked hard to set up the beautiful site and some DSA board members have contributed to the premier articles. It's a place where folks in the music community can express themselves and contribute by writing articles in the categories of Songwriting Tips, General, Humor, My Lyrics, Music Business, Music Promotion, Music Technology and Inspirational. I hope you will check out the blog site and read the new articles. Check it out here: https://blog.dallassongwriters.org
Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS have gone virtual
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, with guest speaker and song critiques.
https://zoom.us/j/907852000
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas
https://zoom.us/j/881960764
* 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison has ben discontinued
* Every Wednesday Virtual Open Mic
https://www.facebook.com/events/717703665629658/
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86341155881* 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
will be live at Love and War and streamed to FB
• DSA Global Virtual Open Mic - every Saturday 12 - 2 CT
https://www.facebook.com/events/385918485667970/
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87932958559
Here's a list of monthly events and the Facebook event links: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com
Wanna join us online for our events? It's easier than you think ! Here is a how to video:
Special Workshop
Life is starting to open up but you decide whats bess for you. We have really enjoyed our virtual events.
SPECIAL EVENTS DOWN THE LINE
DEEP ELLUM DALLAS SONGWRITERS SPOTLIGHT STAGE -has been rescheduled SEPT 11 - 12, 7-11pm
Check out the line up on the event page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/624936004966130/
STATE FAIR SHOW#CASE - OCTOBER
We are migrating our member forum from yahoo to google groups. Here is the new google group. https://groups.google.com/d/forum/dallas-songwriters-members
We still count on you for support with your membership and donations. But most of all we want you to take advantage of the educational opportunities and participate.
There is still a chance to donate for the new year. Your generosity keeps our organization going. Just go to www.dallassongwriters.org and click on the donation link.
Thanks to Paul Zander, John Jaggers, Bobby Montgomery, David Lewis, Michael Brandenberger, Phillip Casteel, Alexis Tapp, Don Wall, Harry Hewlett, Kery Maddox, Ginger Stanoia, Kenneth Shoemaker, and Kristi Myers for their recent contributions to our fall fundraiser. Other contributors include Ireland, John Jaggers, Bill Kapac, Rio King, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, and Jared LoStrato. Go to this link: https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association
Songcerely,
Barbe
___________________________________________
Hear the grand prize runner up, "A THOUSAND LIVES". https://www.broadjam.com/songs/comrad/a-thousand-lives
Hear second grand prize runner up "LOVE IS NOT". https://www.broadjam.com/songs/debragussin/love-is-not
Here is a link to a complete list of the winners: https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com
The DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner that was held on Saturday, January 18, at Sons of Hermann Hall was well attended with 70+. Awards were presented for the Song Contest, Lyric Contest, Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Semi-finalists Eddie Bowers, Charles Carter, Addison Havens, David Lewis, Bill Martin, Kyle Short and Stephanie Sammons will be performing, as well as, young songwriters Jade Nichol and TK Brown, who received 18 and under Rising Star Awards, plus Harry Hewlett and Barbara McMillen.
Robert Ehlert won the Fall lyric Contest.
Here is a link to the pdf of the Awards Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12U21eMdAYS13sS4Z5smSL3AD059xYUVt/view?usp=sharing
JOHN LATINI WINS GRAND PRIZE IN THE 2018 DALLAS SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST
http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2019/03/john-latini-wins-grand-prize-in-2018.html
Current State of Songwriting Industry with Sam Moore
Critiques will follow:
DOWN THE LINE:
JULY 2 - Producer and Recording Artist, Brad Davis
http://www.braddavismusic.com/bio/
AUG 8 - Pool Party
SEPT 3 - Brianna Ruelas https://www.briannaruelasmusic.com/
Empowering Indie Performing Artists With Online Business Strategies and A Clear Plan for Their Personal Music Career Success.
OCT 1 - TBA
NOV 5 - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
DEC 3 DSA Christmas Party
VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS
Don Wall about DIY Music videos, Feb 6, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/564837404103111/
John Jaggers about the Colorado capo, January 6, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/615703919198867/
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/2413755892187746/
ED BURNET: May 2, 2019 Half Price Books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242191552781160/permalink/839986039668372/
BRUCE CHANNEL : https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1820749174645104/
Another Whiskey by David Case
MARCH
I Can't Breathe by Allen Larson
I Could Never by Bill Martin
Humble Refugee by Kerry Maddox
Home in My Dreams by Don Wall
APRIL
Don't Sweat Tomorrow by Don Wall
MAY
Cape Cod by Don Wall
Keanu Reeves by Beau McDermott
_____________________
I hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and well. There are lots of changes going on in June starting with the roll out of our new blog site on the DSA website. Ben Halim has worked hard to set up the beautiful site and some DSA board members have contributed to the premier articles. It's a place where folks in the music community can express themselves and contribute by writing articles in the categories of Songwriting Tips, General, Humor, My Lyrics, Music Business, Music Promotion, Music Technology and Inspirational. I hope you will check out the blog site and read the new articles. Check it out here: https://blog.dallassongwriters.org
June is the month that our Annual International Songwriting Contest opens. The contest which offers more than $5,000 in prizes with winners in 8 categories will kick off on June 1. In 2019, we had entries and winners from Iceland, Sweden, the UK, and all over the United States. https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com We have a new category this year which will include our new Young Songwriters Song Contest for 18 and under. Entries can be submitted through the https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-contest/ website or through our Song Contest Submission Partner, https://broadjam.com. A complete breakdown of the rules, and details about the 2019 winners can be found at https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/
 |
| Barbe presents TK Brown with Rising Star Award |
The International Song Contest helps to fulfill the DSA mission to promote the craft of songwriting, provide realistic, educational opportunities to better navigate the music industry, and to provide exclusive performance opportunities, both LIVE and VIRTUAL. It provides a benchmark for popular song writing competency. The new “DSA Global” initiative is also a way to connect the international music community to the Texas music scene.
The 2019 Grand Prize Judge, Roy Elkins, wrote, “It seems that every year the songwriters are ‘upping’ their game and the entries are getting better and better.” Elkins ranks the top songs based on specific criteria, including Lyric, Melody, Hook, Structure, Truth, and Originality.
The 2019 Grand Prize Winning song, “Unless” was written by Dam Stasi and Kickbend with Mesus, who won a Casio Privia PX-S1000 Keyboard. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=444966422937309
Semifinalists will be invited to play live at the DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner, which is scheduled to be held on January 16, 2021 at Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas. Last years event was attended by more than 70 people. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Ov2xo-Acs
In addition to our International Songwriting Contest, members can enter the Quarterly Lyric Contest https://www.facebook.com/DSALyricContest/, and monthly song critiques. The DSA currently offers members 2 virtual workshops each month, 2 virtual showcases, a virtual open mic, as well as special events. https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/
DSA Hall of Fame - call for Rising Star performers
This year, our annual DSA Hall of Fame Event, which honors outstanding songwriters with North Texas ties, has been postponed until Sep 19, 2020. Live performances of the inductees songs by DSA Rising Star Students, DSA Members, and the BYO Musicians Network will be broadcast LIVE to a global audience. We've opened up the audition process again because we have more planning time for the event. If you are interested go to the Hall of Fame website for audition procedures. Rising Stars who would like to perform can send audition videos to DSA HOF Audition Video.
2020 Hall of Fame inductees: John Denver, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Steve Wiseberg, Janie Fricke, and Gregg Smith. Last year, DSA initiated a new Rising Star program to encourage young aspiring musicians to celebrate our legends with performances of songs by our inductees. DSA is reaching out to the local music schools and asking for auditions at each school for the honor to perform. These students will be backed up by the BYO Hall of Fame band consisting of highly respected local musicians. The band members and special guests will also perform songs by our inductees.
WHAT: DSA Hall Of Fame
WHERE: Sons of Hermann Hall
WHEN: Sept 19th, Doors open 6:30PM Show Starts at 7PM
TICKETS: General Admission - 15 in advance, 18 at the door
Students: 10 in advance, 12 at the door
More Info: http://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com
Monthly Events 2020 Hall of Fame inductees: John Denver, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Steve Wiseberg, Janie Fricke, and Gregg Smith. Last year, DSA initiated a new Rising Star program to encourage young aspiring musicians to celebrate our legends with performances of songs by our inductees. DSA is reaching out to the local music schools and asking for auditions at each school for the honor to perform. These students will be backed up by the BYO Hall of Fame band consisting of highly respected local musicians. The band members and special guests will also perform songs by our inductees.
WHAT: DSA Hall Of Fame
WHERE: Sons of Hermann Hall
WHEN: Sept 19th, Doors open 6:30PM Show Starts at 7PM
TICKETS: General Admission - 15 in advance, 18 at the door
Students: 10 in advance, 12 at the door
More Info: http://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com
Ticket link
Recently DSA went back to being physically live in our partner venue, Love and War, and also live streamed on Facebook with a watch party. You can see it here: https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/759687511526432/
Live performances and camaraderie with fellow songwriters make up the soul of DSA. Last months events have shown us that reaching out to the global community is hugely important to our mission to promote the craft of songwriting, provide realistic, educational opportunities to better navigate the music industry, and to provide exclusive performance opportunities, both LIVE and VIRTUAL. For a quick look at our virtual events this month we have provided an events list at
https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com or you can tune into our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallassongwriters/events/ You'll find videos of last months meeting there from Harry's talk on Zooming on your iPad, our meetup group which was attended by Stephen Houpt, Harry Hewlett, Don Wall, Bobby Montgomery, Beau McDermott, Barbe McMillen, Alexis Tapp to the Zoomers on iPad showcase with Host Harry Hewlett HOST, Stephen Valenzuela, John Jaggers, Cat McGee, Rickey Gene Wright, Michael Roth.
On June 4 at this month's 1st Thursday guest speaker is Sam Moore, who will talk about the state of the songwriting business. At last month's first Thursday Meeting, on May 7, Harry Hewlett taught us all how to use Zoom with an iPad for the best performance experience. To fulfill our mission, the Dallas Songwriters Association invites guest speakers to address our virtual audience for now, and to join our monthly workshops in the future. These workshops offer educational information from accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, everything from jingle writing, to do it yourself videos, to the new economics of the music industry. If you would like to conduct a workshop, please contact: info@dallassongwriters.org.
Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS have gone virtual
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, with guest speaker and song critiques.
https://zoom.us/j/907852000
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas
https://zoom.us/j/881960764
* 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison has ben discontinued
* Every Wednesday Virtual Open Mic
https://www.facebook.com/events/717703665629658/
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86341155881* 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
will be live at Love and War and streamed to FB
• DSA Global Virtual Open Mic - every Saturday 12 - 2 CT
https://www.facebook.com/events/385918485667970/
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87932958559
Here's a list of monthly events and the Facebook event links: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com
Wanna join us online for our events? It's easier than you think ! Here is a how to video:
ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588
Special Workshop
On June 20 there will be a virtual Financial Planning For Creatives workshop at 9:30AM
It's conducted on Zoom and for more info: www.MusicMeetsTheBoardroom.com The workshop is hosted by Latoya Cooper, with Regina Diann and Candace Clark. DSA members were sent a code via the google member group to access the workshop for free. You can REGISTER HERE
Life is starting to open up but you decide whats bess for you. We have really enjoyed our virtual events.
SPECIAL EVENTS DOWN THE LINE
DEEP ELLUM DALLAS SONGWRITERS SPOTLIGHT STAGE -has been rescheduled SEPT 11 - 12, 7-11pm
Check out the line up on the event page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/624936004966130/
STATE FAIR SHOW#CASE - OCTOBER
We are migrating our member forum from yahoo to google groups. Here is the new google group. https://groups.google.com/d/forum/dallas-songwriters-members
We still count on you for support with your membership and donations. But most of all we want you to take advantage of the educational opportunities and participate.
There is still a chance to donate for the new year. Your generosity keeps our organization going. Just go to www.dallassongwriters.org and click on the donation link.
Thanks to Harry Hewlett you can view some of our open mics and guest speakers in a live stream on Facebook? See guest our guest speakers, and past Angela's showcases. Can't make it? Then tune into Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.
WOW! Lot's of changes and lot's of events to keep us busy, yet safe at home.
WOW! Lot's of changes and lot's of events to keep us busy, yet safe at home.
Songcerely,
Barbe
DSA SONG CONTEST - June 1 - Sept 30th
Category winners get cash prizes
Winners announced at our Awards Banquet.
2019 Winner
Dam Stasi and Kickbend with Mesus is Grand Prize Winner with song "UNLESS". Runner up Comrad (Arthur Revechkis) wins with "A THOUSAND LIVES" and Debra Gussin is second runner up with 'LOVE IS NOT". Read about these winners and the interviews with these artists here on our press page. MORE: https://dsapress.blogspot.com/2020/04/dsa-2019-song-contest-grand-prize.html
http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com Cash Prizes +
DSA is proud to announce that this years Grand Prize Casio Privia Keyboard is the new PX-S1000. This new electronic keyboard sounds and feels like a real piano and it is lighter weight than other keyboards with the same features. This “world’s slimmest digital piano” weighs in at just 24.7 pounds. The back panel includes a USB port, an audio (stereo mini-jack) port, and two 1/4 inch outputs, (stereo and mono). The Privia PX-S1000 contains 18 different "bread and butter" sounds, including numerous acoustic pianos, Rhodes and Wurlitzer-type electric pianos, vibes, string patches, organs, harpsichord, and acoustic bass. You can also layer and split these sounds.
Every working pianist in a metropolitan area where space and portability are paramount should try Casio's Privia PX-S1000 for themselves. From its realistic piano sound and touch, to its extreme portability and modern connectivity it’s truly a marvel.
Read full review at Keyboard Magazine.
THANKS TO OUR SONG CONTEST SPONSORS
GRAND PRIZE - A Casio Privia Piano
https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments/stage-pianos/px-360
1st, 2nd and 3rd place
wins recording time at
Grand Prize winners receive:
($199.95 Value)
Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr. Hosting
Category winners get cash prizes
2019 Winner
 |
| Mesus and Dam Stasi with grand. prize Casio Privia PX-S1000 keyboard |
Hear the grand prize runner up, "A THOUSAND LIVES". https://www.broadjam.com/songs/comrad/a-thousand-lives
Hear second grand prize runner up "LOVE IS NOT". https://www.broadjam.com/songs/debragussin/love-is-not
Here is a link to a complete list of the winners: https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com
The DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner that was held on Saturday, January 18, at Sons of Hermann Hall was well attended with 70+. Awards were presented for the Song Contest, Lyric Contest, Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Semi-finalists Eddie Bowers, Charles Carter, Addison Havens, David Lewis, Bill Martin, Kyle Short and Stephanie Sammons will be performing, as well as, young songwriters Jade Nichol and TK Brown, who received 18 and under Rising Star Awards, plus Harry Hewlett and Barbara McMillen.
Robert Ehlert won the Fall lyric Contest.
Sorry you were not able to appear in person. Here is a link to a video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Ov2xo-Acs
And there are oodles of photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallassongwriters/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2883673535018186Here is a link to the pdf of the Awards Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12U21eMdAYS13sS4Z5smSL3AD059xYUVt/view?usp=sharing
JOHN LATINI WINS GRAND PRIZE IN THE 2018 DALLAS SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST
http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2019/03/john-latini-wins-grand-prize-in-2018.html
_________________________________
Current State of Songwriting Industry with Sam Moore
Sam Moore, a regional television executive for Associated Press International (API)and Coordinator for the Dallas Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will give a perspective of the current status of the songwriting industry through his experience with the NSAI. We are also fortunate that Sam is a new member of the Dallas Songwriters Association so you won’t want to miss what he has to say.
Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton. Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well. You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.
Location: Your home
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or
https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-meeting-song-critique-entry/
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet.
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet.
http://www.braddavismusic.com/bio/
AUG 8 - Pool Party
SEPT 3 - Brianna Ruelas https://www.briannaruelasmusic.com/
Empowering Indie Performing Artists With Online Business Strategies and A Clear Plan for Their Personal Music Career Success.
OCT 1 - TBA
NOV 5 - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
DEC 3 DSA Christmas Party
---------------
VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS
Don Wall about DIY Music videos, Feb 6, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/564837404103111/
John Jaggers about the Colorado capo, January 6, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/615703919198867/
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/2413755892187746/
ED BURNET: May 2, 2019 Half Price Books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242191552781160/permalink/839986039668372/
BRUCE CHANNEL : https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1820749174645104/
Thanks to Harry Hewlett we have a video of the Sept 6th 2018 meeting with Bruce Channel. Bruce received an award from BMI for two million radio performances of Hey! Baby. His original record of Hey! Baby is featured in the hit movie, Dirty Dancing, and on the international sound track album, listed in BILLBOARD’s Pop Album for over three months with sales of over twelve + million units.
___________________________________________
BEST SONGS of the Meeting - 2020
https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com
There is a comprehensive list on this website of all submitted. Also, past winners can be located at the above url.
2020
JAN
Take Another Chance by David Lewis
Must Be Present to Win by John Jaggers
Take Another Chance by David Lewis
Must Be Present to Win by John Jaggers
Light On The Sand by Beau McDermott
FEB
Full Moon by Barbe McMillen
Red White and Blue by Don Wall
The Forgotten Vet by Don WallAnother Whiskey by David Case
MARCH
I Can't Breathe by Allen Larson
I Could Never by Bill Martin
Humble Refugee by Kerry Maddox
Home in My Dreams by Don Wall
APRIL
Don't Sweat Tomorrow by Don Wall
I Don't Know Much About Love by Bill Martin
That Summer Song by Bill Martin
Old Lubbock Lover 2 by Harry Hewlett
That Summer Song by Bill Martin
Old Lubbock Lover 2 by Harry Hewlett
? by John Jaggers
MAY
Cape Cod by Don Wall
Keanu Reeves by Beau McDermott
2019 SONG OF THE YEAR WINNERS
THE STORY OF BONNIE and CLYDE - Barbe McMillen
WATERING HOLE - Harry Hewlett
MONAHANS by Randy Overton
WINNER OF BEST SONGS OF THE MEETING
SONG OF THE YEAR
SONG OF THE YEAR
THE STORY OF BONNIE AND CLYDE - Barbe McMillen
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR - Harry Hewlett
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR - Harry Hewlett
 |
| Jack Allday, Judge, Barbe McMillen, Harry hewlett |
_____________________
