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Inspirations For Songwriters (I F S)
IFS aims to INSPIRE YOU into ACTION
over 2,600 songwriters, music publishers, artists, and music fans
receive IFS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/
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Please FORWARD IFS to your songwriting friends

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IFS hopes to help you E N L A R G E your
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DID YOU KNOW THAT All IFS messages are archived on
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/messages

Once you're in the IFS archive, if you're looking for something in
particular, you can do a key word search

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Wanna know the easy way to find the IFS home page?
Type in
www.SongwriterBlog.com
or
www.SongwritingBlog.com

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hey guys

I hope you're doing well
how's your songwriting going?

I love to hear feedback from IFS readers.
so if IFS inspired you or led to something cool
let me know

I'm excited because I have a new cut coming out with Kristyn Leigh
http://kristynleigh.com/
When you arrive on Kristyn's website click "audio"
it's track # 4 called "Becoming the Me"
it was inspired from reading an email written by the artist
She wrote I want to become the person God wants me to be"
Which I modifyied to "Becoming the Me God Wants Me to Be"
I wrote a first draft lyric then sent it to her producer Eric
Copeland.
www.MasterScoreMusic.com


Right now I'm digging the Olympics, especially the swimming. Eddie
Reese, my coach from college, is the head Olympic Coach.
http://www.athens2004.com/en/resultsSwimming/results


Wednesday, August 18th Austin Songwriters Group is offering a
recording workshop, for details drop by:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/ASGInfo/message/126

Austin Songwriters Group is also offering a $525 scholarship to
attend the old number 9 with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Mianes.
for most details drop by
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/ASGInfo/message/125
to read the rules modification drop by
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/ASGInfo/message/126

for more details drop by
http://oldno9.org/

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Recently I rediscovered Songwriters Directory
http://songwritersdirectory.com/
you might want to register there
they have an excellent
Musician Classifed Section
http://songwritersdirectory.com/BULLETIN.CFM
Post an Ad or answer an ad
or contact someone from an ad

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Anyone Going to ACL Fest Sep 17 -19?
www.aclfest.com
I got my tix

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I heard great things about an Austin
Learning center / spa / retreat called The Crossings
http://www.thecrossingsaustin.com/home.html
here's their line up of programs
http://tinyurl.com/6x3xv

here's a few I noticed

Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Songwriting
November 14, 2004 - November 19, 2004

Julia Cameron:
A Workshop on the Artist's Way:
True North: Mapping Your Authentic Creative Trail
January 21, 2005 - January 23, 2005

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Music Dish had an Excellent article on myspace
drop by and check it out
http://www.musicdish.com/mag/?id=9546

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chick singer Night is looking to launch in austin
If you're an excellent Chick Singer contact my buddy Ronda Wynn


Hey Ande!

How in the world are you doing???? Thanks for always keeping me in
the loop with IFS. I have an inquiry of you; CSN is now in 9 cities
nationwide and we're looking to launch in AUSTIN, TX!!!!!!!!!

I thought, with your contacts of savvy female singer/songwriters in
Austin, you might be able to forward this info to possible candidates
that would be interested to take on this position. The pay is not
great but the other rewards such as the networking and contacts are
outstanding and if the candidate treats CSN as a business, then there
is potential to make $$$$ from it and since CSN recently received a
grant from NAMM, NAMM will be looking at the markets that are able to
become self-sufficient within the year!!!!


Here is the criteria CSN is looking for:

CSN, a national showcase for female artists is looking for Directors
to set up, launch and host additional cities! Current markets
possibilities include Atlanta Georgia, Seattle Washington, and Austin
Texas. www.chicksingernight.com

The position of Director will require, preferably, an established
artist who has a sincere appreciation for all female artists as well
as all GENRES of music.


PC skills should include at least, proficient publishing software
experience, some spreadsheet, document and Internet applications.
Must have dynamic communication skills, both oral and written. Anyone
afraid of the public, especially the media need NOT apply!
Must be a positive team player and flexible with the growth and
change of this ever - expanding organization.
Great organizational skills, ability to Multitask and/or delegate.
Ability to improvise creatively and professionally with a good sense
of humor which is always cool and appreciated!
Director will be booking the venue, the talent based on submissions
via POBox established in the CSN City and will coordinate musicians,
rehearsals, follow up, etc.
Director should be available to host the shows or coordinate a host
for the monthly show.
Will continue the flow of communication with CSN Founder Lori Maier
and keep the market within the template and forum that she has
established nationwide. Interested candidates should reply to
chixsing@.... Ande, please advise if you need any
additional information and please let us know at CSN how we may be of
service to you and IFS. Thanks again, Ande for all you do and I look
forward to hearing from you soon!!!

Sincerely,

Ronda Wynn
National PR Manager for Chick Singer Night
www.chicksingernight.com

if you're interested and qulified email Ronda at
Rrbj1299@...

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got this email from Jason Blume
he's doing a workshop in Fort Worth

HIT SONGWRITER/PUBLISHER JASON BLUME
TO PRESENT WORKSHOP

One of the nation's top songwriters and songwriting teachers, Jason
Blume, will present a songwriting workshop Saturday, October 2, in
the Dallas/Ft. Worth area sponsored by the Fort Worth Songwriters'
Association (www.fwsa.com). The workshop will be 9 AM – 4:30 PM at
Holiday Inn South, 100 Alta Mesa Blvd. in Fort Worth. 

Best known for his work with superstar, Britney Spears, his top 5
country single, "Change My Mind," and his five cuts with country
star, Collin Raye, Blume is one of the few writers to ever have songs
on Billboard's pop, country, and R&B charts—all at the same time. 
His songs are on albums that have sold more than 45 million copies
and he teaches acclaimed workshops for BMI and NSAI throughout the US
and internationally.

The Fort Worth seminar is based on Jason Blume's #1 best-selling
book, 6 Steps to Songwriting Success: The Comprehensive Guide to
Writing and Marketing Hit Songs (Billboard Books), his new book,
Inside Songwriting: Getting to the Heart of Creativity (Billboard
Books), and his series of instructional songwriting CDs.  It is
designed to help aspiring songwriters at all levels to acquire the
skills and techniques that are typically found in successful songs
and to learn how to market their work successfully.  Blume
states, "Successful songwriting is not the result of luck or magic. 
It's about learning how to craft and communicate our ideas, both
lyrically and melodically, in ways that can touch millions of hearts—
and then, learning how to get your songs into the right hands." 

Topics will include: Acquiring the Lyric and Melodic Tools to Write
HITS; Writing from Your Heart—and For the Radio; Strategies for
Getting Your Songs to Artists; Publishing Your Songs; and Finding
Time and Energy for Creativity.

The workshop will include an opportunity for selected participants to
share a song and receive constructive input.  It is open to anyone
and it is suggested that participants desiring feedback bring a song
recorded on CD or cassette (even a rough, a capella version is fine)
and a typed or printed lyric sheet. 

An entertaining, inspiring speaker, Blume states, "I know it can be
frustrating and that it can seem impossible to ever achieve our
goals.  I spent more than eleven years struggling—at times, so poor I
ate cat food to survive.  But in the past year, I've had students get
their first cuts with songs recorded by artists including Reba
McEntire, Randy Travis, and Martina McBride--and sign publishing
contracts, staff writing, and record deals.  So, it is impossible!

The registration fee is $40 for FWSA members; $60 for non-members.
Space is limited  To register for this excellent educational and
networking opportunity, sign up at www.fwsa.com.

On the following Sunday, Oct 3, Jason will conduct a limited number
of 55 minute private consults in the Dallas/Ft.th area. These are
$95. To check availability for a private consult contact Neil Rice at
JBSongdoc1@... or 615-665-2381. Visit www.jasonblume.com for
additional information about Jason Blume, his books, and
instructional CDs.

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ever checked out
Primetones.com?
why not sell your tunes as tones for Cell Phones?
https://www.primetones.com/signup.asp?level=artist&CT=US

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SEASON 4 AUDITIONS! (dates tentative)
http://idolonfox.com/home.htm

Washington, D.C. - August 18, 2004
Orlando, Florida - August 26, 2004
New Orleans, Louisiana - August 31, 2004
Las Vegas, Nevada - September 12, 2004
Anchorage, Alaska - September 28, 2004
San Francisco, California - October 5, 2004

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I've heard lot's of great things about
www.SongU.com

Does any one know anything about Song Journey?
www.Songjourney.com
Founded by Kye Fleming and Mark Cawley
It's looks interesting

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I received this update from IFS reader and hit writer Byron Hill

Here is the link and some info: www.byronhillmusic.com
 
THE LATEST.....Brooks & Dunn were just in the studio (July 14) and
have just recorded a song written by Byron Hill and Tammy Kidd. Byron
has just been appointed to Vice-President of the Nashville
Songwriters Association. "Working with current President Bob Regan
and Executive Director Bart Herbison has been a pleasure and a great
learning experience. The NSAI is doing more for songwriters than it
ever has, and I'm proud to be a part of an organization that so well
serves it's members" -BH Randy Travis has just recorded "A Place To
Hang My Hat" for his upcoming album. Byron co-wrote the song with
Shawn Camp and Brice Long. The song was apparently pitched by
Sherrill Blackmon a long time ago. "It was a surprise to us. Nothing
like skipping the "hold" process entirely, getting a call saying the
song has already been cut!"-BH. Listen for Gary Allan's current
single "Nothing On But The Radio" (Hill/Blackmon/Long). Click HERE to
listen and watch a Radio Promo clip about it:
http://www1.allaccess.com/images/mailing/ga/ Byron has just signed an
agreement with Compadre Records to be one of the vocalists on the
upcoming George Strait Tribute album, a collection of songwriters
performing their prior George Strait hits. Byron will be
singing "Fool Hearted Memory", which was Byron's first #1 single as a
songwriter, and George's first #1 single as an artist. More on George
Strait.....look for George Strait's "50 Number Ones" in the stores
October 5th. The CD will include "Fool Hearted Memory", written by
Byron Hill and Blake Mevis way back in 1981. It was George's first #1
single! Look for new cuts by...Billy Yates (M.O.D.), Joe Nichols
(Universal/South), Morgane Hayes (Arista), and two cuts on Norwegian
artist Arly's new album. The new Gil Grand single "Burnin", has just
been released in Canada on Spin Records. TC Taylor has just
released "Spilled Perfume" as his new single on Palo Duro Records,
and Shelley Laine has just released "Back To Austin" as a single on
Palo Duro Records. Two new production projects....Nashville
Americana/Alternative Country artist Allen Ramsey's album was
released May 6th on Wooden Pickle Records. Also, production is
complete on Canadian country artist Gord Bamford. Gord has had
considerable chart success in Canada. His next album is set for
September release.

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Get your songs online

"Ande, How do I put my songs Online and
Why should I put my songs online?"

here's a short article that might help you

It's free and easy to put your songs online.

It's handy to have your songs on line, because:

1) if you're an artist, fans can drop by to listen, discover you, and
buy your CD or do legal downloads, also people who might want to
book you for gigs can drop by to check out your material.

2) artists who may be looking for songs can drop by and browse
through your catalog, you won't have to burn a cd, stick it in the
mail then wait. Many times you might hear back the same day if an
artist loves your song and wants to perform it or record it.
I have my songs up on
http://songramp.com/ande

3) potential cowriters can drop by and check out your material to
decide if they'd like to collaborate with you.

Here are the steps to putting your songs online:

1) Get a CD of your song/s

2) Convert the songs into MP3 files and
remember where you placed them on your hard drive
There's many programs that can do this,
I use www.MusicMatch.com
also there are people out there who can convert a cassette into
an mp3 and CD

3) Select an online mp3 host site
There are many online mp3 host sites that you can use for free to
cheap
Soundclick.com and songramp.com are two easy to use sites
First you register as an artist, songwriter, or writer
Then you load up your songs
Songramp.com is about the easiest and fastest I've used
ASG's contest sponsor Taxi partnered with www.BroadJam.com

It helps if you have a fast computer and a high speed internet
connection
If you don't maybe a friend does.

Mp3 files tend to be around 3 meg in size,
With a high speed connection you usually can load up a song in
under 2 minutes.
Get permission from your cowriters

If you're not performing on the song, let the producer and
vocalist know what you
want to do and get their permission. Most don't have a problem
with it.

On all of those sites you can choose whether you want to allow
people to be able to download your songs or just stream them. I
don't allow people to download most of my songs.

If you're a singer songwriter with a FOR-SALE-Cd,
you really ought to have your CD for sale on line.
I've read nothing but good things about www.CDBaby.com
Drop by www.CDBaby.net to learn how you sell your CD through them.

You could create your own website,
ie
www.yourname.com
if you need to acquire www.yourname.com
drop by www.godaddy.com
their prices are terrific
I own
www.AndeRasmussen.com
and you should own your name too
if you have a common name you might have to add something to your
name

like
planetyourname.com
or
theYourNameZone.com
or
YourNameUniverse.com


some artists use ASCAP WEB TOOLS
to create their own websites
http://www.ascapwebtools.com/
some people like
www.CityMaker.com
there's many others out there


If you do set up your own website, I suggest you avoid making a cheap
cheezy amateur first impression. I'm not saying you need a zillion
dollar website, but it's best not to have a site that makes an awful
impression.

If all this is too difficult, ask a friend to come over and help you.
It's time you got your songs online.
They should be up in no time.

good luck, hope this helps.
written by
Ande Rasmussen

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Write on!
Ande Rasmussen
Editor and Publisher of I F S, Inspirations For Songwriters

Contact info is:

Ande Rasmussen
835 Martindale Falls
Martindale, TX 78655
AndeRasmussen@...

You can read my Bio at:
http://www.AndeRasmussen.com/

You can hear a few of my tunes at:
http://songramp.com/ande
http://www.soundclick.com/anders

If you want receive IFS or change your email address with IFS
send an email to difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

FORWARD IFS to your songwriting friends!

IFS home page is
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS


I F S stands for Inspirations for Songwriters,
I F S is an ezine for songwriters filled with
inspirational and practical information about
the art, craft, and business of songwriting.
We want to help YOU
become a more successful songwriter.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
The entire text of
"Inspirations for Songwriters"
(c) 2004 Anders Rasmussen