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Inspirations For Songwriters (I F S)
IFS aims to INSPIRE YOU into ACTION
over 2,400 songwriters, music publishers, artists, and
music fans receive IFS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/
<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>

Please FORWARD IFS to your songwriting friends

If you want to RECEIVE IFS or
If you want to CHANGE your email address
SEND an EMPTY email to

difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Allow IFS slide past your SPAM FILTERS.

IFS hopes to help you E N L A R G E your
songwriting ability and results.

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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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Dear IFS Friends,

I hope 2005 has started well for you and you enjoy today's IFS issue.

Ande

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The IFS Featured Song of this Issue is
"Here I Am" a touching song about a

http://www.songu.com/yearbook/songs.aspx?id=109
submited by IFS reader Jim Oliver.

If you'd like one of your songs to be considered as the
IFS Featured Song of the Issue
send me one email with one link to one song.
I won't download attachments.
I just want hear and point IFS readers to great songs.
Send your email to:
AndeRasmussen@...
In the subject field write
IFS FEAT

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I spoke with Texas artist manager Terry Mc Laughlin with
www.hillcountrytouch.com who told me to tell y'all

If you're in or Near Nashville tonight
Brian Hankins is doing Showcase for RCA at
The Mercy Lounge
Monday Jan 10 at 6:00pm
Brian is a country artist from central Texas who's being seriously
considered by major labels and he's been cowriting in Nashville with
many A list writers.

We would really appreciate your attendance at the showcase and bring
your friends. You can bring others but not any record labels for
obvious reasons.

**The Mercy Lounge
(615) 251-3020
1 Cannery Row
Nashville, TN 37203
1.0 mi S - Directions

Terry E. McLaughlin
Brian Hankins
www.brianhankins.com

Hill Country Touch Mgt. LLC
4500 Williams Dr. Ste.212
Georgetown, Texas 78628
terry.mclaughlin@...
www.hillcountrytouch.com

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Downloading and illeagal copying is a rampant Problem.
Some estimate that 2.6 billion songs are downloaded illegally each
month.

have you checked out

http://www.musicunited.org/

The explosion in illegal copying is affecting the entire music
community. And contrary to what some people would tell you, it's
having a very real and harmful impact on countless musicians,
songwriters, and performers—virtually everyone, from recording
engineers to record-store clerks, who dreams about making a living
providing music to the public.

http://www.musicunited.org/3_artists.html

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS Reader and Houston Artist Jen Rathbun
received a great review from Jazz Review for her
Coffee, Chocolate & Men CD
http://jazzreview.com/cdreview.cfm?ID=8381

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NSAI's ENHANCED Membership is here!

NSAI is pleased to debut their Enhanced General Membership -- their
next generation of programs and services designed to deliver more of
what we do directly to you! [For details, click on the link below)

http://www.visionsphere.com/newswire/Fall%202004%20Newsire.pdf.

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IFS PRAISE

From: abld@...

Ande I just had to write and tell you again how much love I the
amazing quotes and articles you always find to inspire us on our
way...i read my favorite quote and words i live by in one of your
newsletters "reality is for those who never dare to dream" and your
last newsletter was also so very inspiring to me...I always say I
want to give at least as much and hopefully more than I ever need to
take from this world....it does get hard to believe
sometimes...especially when you happen to find yourself in a world of
non-believers but somehow God helps us find the way...and as Rory Lee
said at an NSAI songcamp "Why would God give us this dream if he
didn't want us to make it come true??? Rory is such an amazing man!
I guess we just have to remember we are all exactly where we are
meant to be at any moment...but it's up to us to find out why? I hope
you had a very merry Christmas and all the best to you and yours in
the new year..
thank you so much for all you give to us Ande

Annette

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From: greg@...


Hi Ande,
Happy New Year! Congratulations on your recent successes with JAM,
and I hope everything continues to goes well for you in 2005.

When you get a chance, I'd appreciate it if you could "let the world
know" that our NSAI Chapter here in Greenville, SC just released a
CD - "Greenville Songwriters - Volume I" - consisting of songs
written by our members. The CD has Country, Bluegrass, Jazz & Rock
songs on it.

We're donating 1/2 the proceeds from sales of the CD to charity. The
balance, after expenses (if there is any balance) will be put towards
songwriting events here in Greenville (e.g. workshops, speakers).

We'd appreciate anyone stopping by our web site -
www.NSAIGreenville.com -

to have a listen and consider buying a CD.
If you like, you can select
"Tsunami Relief Fund" as the recipient for your donation.
Those donations will be given to the Red Cross or another
international agency supporting the Asian tsunami disaster relief
effort. Thanks Ande.
All the best,
Greg

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From: sarah@...


Hi Ande,

I hope you are well. I just got word that Berklee is sending Pat
Pattison here for a songwriting seminar for Berklee College of Music
Alumni on Feb 6. I am president of the Texas Berklee Alumni
Chapter. I try to help Berklee keep accurate contact info for our
Texas alumni so that we can invite them to these events.

Would you mind putting the word out on DIFS that if any songwriters
in Texas went to Berklee (even for one semester) they can come to
this seminar?

They can email me or
momalley@...
with their current address, phone, and /or email.

http://www.berklee.edu/bt/131/faculty_profile.html

Sarah
www.sarahsharp.com

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IFS Reader John Condrone's has some great news!

I've been nominated for the 2005 GMA Dove Awards for "County Song Of
The Year" for my song "But Then" recorded by Young Harmony on their
Faith, Hope, Joy album on Lamon Records. Please keep me in your
prayers - keep your fingers crossed - and whisper good comments in
any of the GMA voters' ears that you know!!!

Stand On Your Dreams And Reach For The Stars!

John Condrone
http://hometown.aol.com/johncondrone/mainpage.html

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Hello Ande,

Happy New Year to you !

Ande, I have been developing my co-writing network and hopefully,
seeds planted last year will come to fruition in the coming months.
I know that you have gathered a lot of co-writing experience and I
would love to know, if you would have thoughts to share,on how to lay
out the 'ground rules' for a collaboration.

I find it difficult, though for different reasons, whether the co-
writer is a virtual stranger (such as at a workshop) or if it is a
friend or aquaintance, to approach this issue. I have swayed between
feeling too litigious of mind if I bring it up the subject of how
share's get broken down too early ,and also signed over 50% of a song
to someone who truly, solely came up with the intro riff.

I appreciate, that only experience will ultimately, be the best
teacher but I would be so thankful for any guidance. I have heard
mention of 'top ten golden rules for successful collaboration' type
lists etc, but I would be grateful for any interesting
articles/thoughts you may have to share.

Endless thanks, for your endless enthusiasm for songwriting and
songwriters.

Allen

~ ~ ~

Hi Allen,

I'm going to write a response
but I thought I'd let IFS readers send their thoughts to me first.

so if any IFS readers care to comment send your response to me with
the subject field "IFS CO"

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Just a little jAm news from the ezboard

1. jAm has been nominated in two categories for a My Texas Music
award. You can vote for "Home Made of Stone" for Record of the Year
and jAm for Entertainer of the Year. Link below.
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards/

2. jAm's "Don't Feed the Storm Drain" PSA jingles win awards. See
link below.
http://www.enviromedia.com/article24.php

3. Fun poll for Favorite Male Country Singer at about.com. vote link
below.
http://countrymusic.about.com/library/blfavemale.htm

We'd love to have you join as at one of the jAm message boards.

http://p205.ezboard.com/bjamfans

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IFS Singer Searching for Songs

From: Cmlact@...

Name: Cory Lloyd
Age: 17, almost 18
Location: Oklahoma / California(able to travel)
Bio: Since a young age, I have been both acting and singing. I have
been in numerous televisions shows, commercials, and movies, holding
lead and supporting roles (for a greater list, you can search my name
on yahoo.com). I have also done print work for various companies.
As far as music goes, I have preformed in many theatrical productions
as well as various benefits, and received honors in both All-state
and Honor Choirs. I have been featured at the Oklahoma Opry, and in
Branson, Mo.. I have been professionally trained in both aspects and
have worked in Oklahoma, Texas, and California.

My website, www.corylloyd.com, is currently under construction, but
should be up with pictures and more information shortly. For now, I
have a picture at www.xanga.com/ferrarispider06 (I am the one in the
middle. I know that it is not very professional, but it is all that
I have online right now.

I am currently working with Big Mamma Recording Studio, a division of
Tennessee Production Center, along with James Malone and Dale Smith
in Oklahoma City. I am represented by agencies in OKC, TX, and LA.

I am currently in need of songs for a performance that I am doing in
early Feb. I would like a song that deals with relationships, maybe
a hope for a relationship that is out of reach. I have and enjoy the
Gavin DeGraw, John Mayer, Jason Mraz style. Piano, Guitar, Drums-
very live. I will also use some/all of the songs for my new demo that
I will be recording in the spring in Tennessee. I really need faster
songs, some pop, some acoustic. I also need some slower. Some
Christian and Country are fine, but please no rock and nothing that
involves themes that would not be realistic for my age.

I will be performing these songs for various events, but the most
important at this time is the benefit in Feb. There will be some
executives there (of whom have not been released), therefore I need
to be able to choose the song quickly so I can make sure it is right
and have plenty of time to practice. I have the ability to receive
songs through websites like I have previewed some already.

I believe that with your help, I can take the next steps in this
industry. I have come a good ways with covers, but I believe that
having songs that are mine will take me the rest of the way. I
apologize that I cannot provide all of the information that you need,
please check my website soon to hear and see more of me.

Lastly, I ask that you respond Quickly...I I have said numerous
times, I need this as soon as possible. I will need songs by then
end of the month (Jan. 25). Thank you, hope to hear from you soon.

Cory

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"Women Writing at the Ranch" Feb 5th songwriting seminar
From: doakt@...

Saturday, Feb. 5th, 2005

A New Song for a New Year

"Women Writing at the Ranch" with Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Rose and Pat
Bunch. This threesome wrote "Safe in the Arms of Love", "I'll Still
be Loving You", "Love Like This" and other great hit songs. The
seminar will take place at Mary Ann Kennedy's 100 acre ranch west of
Nashville, TN and is limited to 16 songwriters.

The day will include:

"Fly on the Wall" session - Observe the Pros writing a song

"From Creation to Cut" their songs and stories

"How to Choose the Magic Co-writing Situation"

"Writing in 2's, Writing in 3's".

Question and answer session with the pros.

Costs include fabulous lunch and dinner and an evening performance
with Kennedy-Rose.

1 on 1 sessions available on Sunday, Feb. 6th.

Send a check for $220.00 to Mary Ann Kennedy and your current e-mail
info to:
TONKA Records PO Box 120 Fairview, TN 37062

For more information contact info@...

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INXS-Lead Singer Auditions

From: brenda@...

Please forward to any musicians you know.

Hi, my friend is working on the below show and asked me to help
spread the word about the auditions.
I am going to be taking appointments for the
AUSTIN LOCATION AUDITIONS.
So, if you know any great singers looking for a band,
well...here you go.
Also,
Please feel free to forward and help spread the word!!
thanks- J


INXS, the multi-platinum international Rock band is looking for their
next lead singer. Mark Burnett Productions, the creator of Survivor
and The Apprentice has created a new TV reality series on CBS that
will give singers and songwriters the opportunity to become the next
lead singer of INXS. We are looking for Men and Women of all styles
that are ages 21 and up. Auditioners will be asked to perform up to 3
songs (INXS songs are NOT required.) They may perform to a CD track
(w/ no vocal) or with 1 musical instrument.

To schedule an audition or for more information, contact:
Jmel Burgos
jmel@...


Audition cities:
Atlanta, GA - 1/21/05
Orlando, FL - 1/23
Charlotte, NC- 1/26
Nashville, TN- 1/28
New York, NY- 1/31
Minneapolis,MN- 2/2
Toronto, ON - 2/5
Chicago, IL- 2/7
Boston, MA- 2/10
Omaha, NE- 2/12
New Orleans,LA- 2/15
Austin, TX- 2/17
Seattle, WA- 2/20
Los Angeles,CA- 2/26
London, England -TBD
Sydney, Australia-TBD

Jmel Burgos

cell: 214.732.7054
jmelburgos@...
www.rockit.biz - COMING SOON
www.starkisser.com
Alternate email : jmelburgos@...
im: jmelstarkisser

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ever looked at Steve seskin's calendar?
He keeps busy

http://steveseskin.com/calendar.php

01/21 Nashville, Tennessee Douglas Corner Cafe
2106 8th Avenue South
9:30 pm
$10
615-298-1688

01/22 The Basement
Day 1 - First Annual Steve Seskin SongCrafting Seminar (two days)
1604 8th Ave South
Nashville, TN
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
$225 for both days
615-309-9449

01/22 Nashville, Tennessee The Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Road
9:30 pm $10 615-383-1461
more info

1/23 Nashville, TN The Bluebird Cafe
Day 2 - First Annual Steve Seskin SongCrafting Seminar (two days)
4104 Hillsboro Road
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
$225 for both days
615-309-9449

1/28 Louisville, CO
Louisville Center for the Arts
The Louisville Colorado Coffeehouse Concert Series
801 Grant Street Louisville, CO 80027
Doors open at 7:30 pm
Show starts at 8:00 pm
$10 303-666-5668
more info

1/29 Denver, Colorado
Songwriting Seminar for NSAI
all day
303-875-7373

1/29 Boulder, Colorado H ouse Concert
Home of Jon & Lu Eckhard
7:30 pm
$15
303-673-0965

1/30 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Community for Spiritual Living Church
Colorado Springs Concert at Jeanine Drive & Academy Blvd.
Doors open at 5:00 pm
Show starts at 6:00 pm $12/$6 719-277-0509

2/1 Louisville, Colorado Monarch School
School Assembly 263 Campus Drive
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

2/2 Fairplay, Colorado Edith Teter Elementary
School Assembly

2/3 Fort Collins, Colorado
Shepardson Elementary School
School Assembly
1501 Springwood Drive
2:30 pm

2/4 Denver, Colorado Swallow Hill in Daniels Hall
71 East Yale Avenue
8:00 pm $12
303-777-1003

2/5 Fort Collins, Colorado Avogadros Number
605 South Mason Street
8:00 pm
$15/$17

2/11 Richmond, California House Concert
929 36th Street Richmond, California 94805
7:30 pm
$15
510-236-9666

2/18 Calgary, Canada The Calgary Folk Club

2/18 Calgary, Canada The Calgary Folk Club

4/8 Waring, Texas Old No. 9 Road House
Old No. 9 Music Series Songwriter Workshop
three day workshop, April 8 - 10
(7 miles from Comfort)
$475 inc. room & board
830-995-4413

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From keith lubrant

Thanks for always supplying us with great information and a great
outlook! As we all know, songwriters can get down...get into a
funk...whatever.... I always seem to get "recharged" after reading a
DIFS...
Thanks for everything!
Keith
www.keithlubrant.com

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austinmusicfoundation.org writes:

Greetings AMF Fans & Friends!

We have been amazed by the overwhelming response from the community
after announcing the 2nd Incubator program just a few weeks ago. The
Austin Music Incubator is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for independent
artists, and AMF is very proud to be able to offer a second term of
the Incubator for 2005/06 for Austin's amazing artists. Musicians are
encouraged to apply online on our website, and don't forget that the
deadline is January 13th, 11:59pm, CST.

The Austin Music Incubator is AMF's signature comprehensive 18-month
mentoring, training, and financial assistance program. It has been
made possible through the generous support of Wofford Denius and the
Cain Foundation.

There are some exciting changes from the first Incubator term to this
one - broader genre categories, and an expansion of the program in
which we are proud to present the 6 Finalists as well as the 3
Awardees with a financial award!

This opportunity only comes once every 2 years - don't miss it!

Musically yours,

The AMF Team
Application Recap

The Austin Music Foundation is now accepting artist applications for
the Incubator and final deadline for submission is January 13th,
2005. Applications are available online at

www.austinmusicfoundation.org

or in some area locations. The Incubator gained local and national
recognition in 2003/04 as a unique and innovative model for providing
comprehensive assistance to Austin's independent artists.

For those without access to the Internet, the AMF has paper
applications at Waterloo Records and Cheapo Discs so you can apply
for the Incubator old-school style.

Please remember that we are STRONGLY encouraging applicants to submit
all materials electronically to reduce our adminstrative overhead for
the program.

'All materials' includes the payment of fees, uploading of Mp3s,
JPEG/GIF picture, submission of an EPK & the completion of all forms
& essays through the Incubator Application website. If you do not
already have an EPK, check out the SonicBids link below to learn more
about the special AMF rate offered for Incubator applicants.

To incent you even further to complete your application
electronically we have set the application fee at $20 instead of $30
for those who submit an EPK instead of mailing us a paper press kit.

Incubator Awardees for each category are selected by AMF's Advisory
Board, which is a high-caliber group of industry experts from Austin
and around the country. However, only Austin-based Advisors vote on
Incubator Awardees along with outgoing Alumni Incubator Artists. The
genres are as organized as follows:

Category I: Blues/Jazz, Hip-Hop/Urban, Latin/Tejano, R&B, and Reggae

Category II: Alt-Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Folk, and
Singer- Songwriter

Category III: Alternative, Heavy/Metal, Indie, Pop, Punk, and Rock.

All of the Finalists will perform at a showcase on March 5th, 2005
where one Finalist from each genre will be chosen as the Austin Music
Incubator Awardees for 2005-2006. Final selection of the Awardees
will be announced during this year's SXSW Music Conference.


email: members@...
voice: 512-323-0787 (AMF Office)

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Welcome to MyTexasMusic.com's music ezine
The MTM Armadillo
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Vol. 4, No. 1 January 3, 2005
---------------------------------------------------------------------

In This Special Texas Music Awards Issue:

* MTM Texas Music Awards -
Nominees Announced!
* Tunes - n - Trivia Calendar & CD is here!
* Who's New on MTM?
* What's New on MTM?
* Who's Hot? (Recent Popular Purchases)
* News
* In Closing
* Classifieds
* Subscribe/Unsubscribe

-------------------------------------------------------
MTM Texas Music Awards...
Nominees Announced!
---------------------------------------------------------

The annual MTM Texas Music Awards are being held
on Sunday, February 20th at Big Texas Dancehall and
Saloon in Webster, Texas (Nasa Road 1)! (That's south of Houston).
If you thought the awards show last year was something - just you
wait! Tickets will go on sale in two weeks - ezine subscribers will
be the first to know.

Unlike most other awards, the MTM Texas Music Awards are NOT
a popularity contest. And although the public is permitted to vote,
that totals about 10% of the total vote. The rest comes from the
Voting Board, which is made up of all past award winners, plus the
two co-founders of MTM. Each voting board member gets one vote,
with the public vote totalling the equivalent of three votes. Each
voting board member is sent a complete voting guide including song
clips, photos, and material. They are then asked to grade each
nominee with a score of 1-5, 5 being "first choice". All of these
voting submissions are then tallied along with the public votes.
This process is based loosely on the Grammys and the People's Choice
awards, and the results are verified by an accounting firm.
Why so serious? Because part of the reason MyTexasMusic exists is
FOR THE MUSIC. So many other contests seem to have the same
folks listed year after year after year. Those folks are fabulous
artists, no doubt, but we feel there are SO many talented Texas
musicians out there, don't you?
So, without further ado, the results from the nomination process -
and your final list of NOMINEES for the 2005 MTM TEXAS MUSIC AWARDS!
(Note: Many categories require that the nominee appear on a
qualifying release, which is a project released between December 1,
2003 and November 30, 2004, and carried on the MyTexasMusic.com
website)

Complete awards guidelines
can be found at:
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards
(nominees/songs listed alphabetically)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Jason Allen for "3 A.M." (Texas Renegade Band)
Billy High for "White Man's Blues" (Smokey Wilson)
Robert Metzgar/Tony Migliore for "Coffee, Chocolate & Men (Jen
Rathbun)
Chris Nichols for "It's A Wonderful Life" (Mercury Legion)
Larry Nye/Mike Blakely for "Any Sky" (Mike Blakely)

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
(for outstanding performance on a 2004 release)
Brian Duarte - Lead Guitar - Lil' Bit & The Customatics
Jim Harrington - Bass Guitar - Jay Johnson Band
Kasey Klepfer - Harmonica - Texas Renegade Band
Mark LaFon - Lead Guitar - Jay Johnson Band
Matt Otavka - Lead Guitar - Mercury Legion

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
(for outstanding performance on a 2004 release)
Mike Clifford
Craig Dillingham
Quincy Harper
Jay Johnson
Mark Jungers

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
(for outstanding performance on a 2004 release)
Mindy Hughes
Brennen Leigh
Lynn Logan
Jen Rathbun
Jean Synodinos

VOCAL GROUP or DUO OF THE YEAR
(for outstanding vocal performance on a 2004 release)
Back At The Ranch
Mike Blakely & Whiskey Traders
Jiggernaut
Lil' Bit & The Customatics
Sprague Brothers

RISING STAR AWARD
5 Mile Band
Robby Abel & Gringo All-Stars
AntHill Society
Dog Men Poets
Highspeed Hayride

SINGER/SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Steve Brooks
Tommy Elskes
Ken Gaines
Lu Mitchell
Gary Taylor

SONG OF THE YEAR
(song on a qualifying release that sets an example for all
songwriters - award given to MTM member AND songwriter)
"Best I Can" - Jarrod Birmingham (Jarrod Birmingham, songwriter)
"I Forgot I Don't Live Here Anymore" - Sherwin Phillips (Brian
Burns, songwriter)
"Josephine" - Jay Johnson (Jay Johnson, songwriter)
"Nothin' To Say (Austin vs. Nashville) - Brian Burns (Brian Burns,
songwriter)
"Stepping Stone" - Smokey Wilson (Smokey Wilson, songwriter)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(qualifying album)
Birth Of The Cool - Dog Men Poets
Heavy Weather - Brian Burns
Live & Kickin' At Schroeder Hall - Jarrod Birmingham
One For The Crow - Mark Jungers
Royal Blue Moon - Jay Johnson Band

RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Call Me Sometime When You've Been Drinking" - Craig Dillingham
"Comin' Home" - John Vandiver
"Home Made Of Stone" - John Arthur Martinez
"Leave Me A Lone Star" - 5 Mile Band
"Texas Dancehall" - Smokey Wilson

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
(Member artist who exemplifies the true spirit of Texas music -
lots of criteria - can be read at: _www.mytexasmusic.com/awards_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards) )
Tommy Alverson
Jarrod Birmingham
Cosmic Dust Devils
Jay Johnson
John Arthur Martinez

(and some Founder's Awards and other surprises as well
at the show!)


Well, folks, there you have it! And for those of you wondering where
Pat and Willie are, unfortunately, they're not members of the
Academy of Texas Music, like these other fine artists (who are MTM
members)! Maybe next year?

NOW - it's your turn. Voting started at midnight on Monday
night.....and will last through the day of January 21st until
midnight. We encourage you to carefully read the award criteria and
guidelines for each award. You will be able to hear song clips of
each nominee. We hope you take your role seriously! The MTM Texas
Music Awards will one day be the standard for all others. We thank
you for being a part of history in the making!

To vote: http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards

The results will be announced LIVE at the MTM Texas Music Awards
on Sunday, February 20th at Big Texas Dancehall and Saloon in Webster
Texas (Nasa Road 1). Tickets go on sale in two weeks, which will be
announced in the next Armadillo Ezine.

We are seeking financial sponsors and Friends of MTM...
to see all sponsorship levels and the great packages that come with
each, go to:
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards
and click on "BE A SPONSOR".

While at http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards, you will also be able
to see a list of past nominees and winners, a list of the Voting
Board, award guidelines, and even an 18-minute video montage of last
year's show.
---------------------------------------------------------
Tunes - n - Trivia Calendar & CD
--------------------------------------------------------
The annual MTM Tunes - n - Trivia Calendar and CD
is here! The top-selling artists from last year all appear
on one month of this wall calendar, with Q&A's for each.
Then, there is Texas-based trivia for every single day of the
year! AND, tucked inside the back cover, is a compilation CD,
containing a popular song by each top-selling artist!
It's the perfect gift for any music lover in your life, and a great
treat for yourself.
The 2005 TNT (Tunes - N - Trivia) Calendar/CD!
Featuring: Jay Johnson, Jarrod Birmingham, Double Bar Tee,
Mark Jungers, Chunky Nelms, John Arthur Martinez,
Skunkweed, Wrecks Bell, John Vandiver, Wade Bowen,
Shake Russell, and Lil' Bit & The Customatics!
These projects are also sent to every Indie radio station
in Texas, other states and overseas. (NOTE: IF you
are a radio station that plays TX Indie music in Texas and
have not yet received your copy, please phone us at:
1-866-49-TEXAS!)
A limited number are made available to the public.
Get your copy while they last at:
www.mytexasmusic.com/calendar

----------------------------------------------------------
Who's New on MTM?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Please welcome our newest Platinum
members to the MyTexasMusic family:



Tom Tranchilla (Houston, Texas)
Tom's music focuses on acoustic folk with a bit of
country, bluegrass, and blues flavors. "This is another
fine example of multiple influences shaping Texas music."
Recorded at MTMer Chris Collins and Saylor White's
A Songwriter's Studio! Great job, guys.
Read our review and hear song clips at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/tomtranchilla_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/tomtranchilla)

Broose (Splendora, Texas)
"Pink Floyd and the Beatles had a baby...it
was psychedelic and musical, sort of psycho-
musical, if you will...it was Broose...exceptional...
a massive mind ride!" Broose is a proud
member of HAAM.

Read our review and hear song clips at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/broose_ (http://www.mytexasmusic.com/broose)

Monday Forecast (Santa Fe, Texas)
"Dominant piano melodies coupled with aggressive
bass licks and perfectly matched percussion and strings
make this album a great put-it-on-and-leave-it project..."
You can find this group all over the Houston area! Plus,
Lisa and Ken are the bomb. :-)
Read more and hear song clips at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/mondayforecast_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/mondayforecast)

Lix (Tyler, Texas)
If you were a rock fan in the North/East Texas region in the mid-
eighties,
you're probably scratching your head and saying, "That CAN'T be the
LIX I remember!" Lo and behold, it IS, and that great big-
haired '80's
rock music is offered up again - right here! "This is the stuff
that Marshall stacks were invented for!"
Read the rest of our review and hear song clips at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/lix_ (http://www.mytexasmusic.com/lix)

Hobbit (Tyler, Texas)
YES, 80's rock fans - this is THE Hobbit you remember!
All you Tolkien-fantasy junkies will be in Frodo heaven!
For those unfortunate souls who have no idea who Hobbit
was, think early, early Styx sounds. As one of their CDs
boldly states, "A 74 minute Fantasy Rock journey through
Middle Earth"....what a trip!
Read our review and hear song clips at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/hobbit_ (http://www.mytexasmusic.com/hobbit)

------------------------------------------------------
What's New On MTM?
-----------------------------------------------------

Canadian-based Texas Troubadours,
THE LAWS have released their new album, and
we proudly carry it right here! Check out the
song clips from "Another Road" at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/thelaws_ (http://www.mytexasmusic.com/thelaws)

Country crooner DAVID CLINE has released his
fifth (yes, fifth) album, and it's a Gospel gem!
Hear some great song clips from "The Gospel Side
Of David Cline" at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/davidcline_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/davidcline)

MTM has and continues to be involved with Austin's WB Network in
raising
much-needed funds for the Austin Children's Shelter...we are still
carrying
the compilation CD called "Holiday Songs" - it's only
$ 5 - and EVERY PENNY goes to the Austin Children's Shelter!
12 Holiday songs by 12 Texas artists, including John
Arthur Martinez, the Austin Lounge Lizards, The Shakin' Apostles,
and more!
ONLY FIVE BUCKS - it's a great cause. We know the holidays
are over, but it's a great project you can have on hand every single
year when they roll around again!
Learn more about this project, hear song clips and order at:
_www.mytexasmusic.com/austinswb_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/austinswb)
(We have no minimum credit card order, so you most certainly
can order just one copy if you like!)
You can also read more about the project at:
_www.austinswb.com_ (http://www.austinswb.com/)


We have NEW bumper stickers - they're only
$ 2 .....and they're big 'uns! Throw one in with
your next order....on any member's page, you will
see the sticker in the left-hand margin of the page.
"TEXAS MUSIC KICKS A**!"
Just click and add it to your shopping cart!
Or go to: _www.mytexasmusic.com/gear_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/gear) to order
the sticker and hats, disc wallets, shirts, etc.!
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
------------------------------------------------------
Who's Hot?
--------------------------------------------------------
The most popular purchases in the last
few weeks:

Shake Russell
Island Nights CD - $13.99 (pre order)
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/shakerussell

Austin's WB
Holiday Songs Compilation CD - $5.00
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/austinswb

John Vandiver
I Found A Dream CD - $14.99
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/johnvandiver

-------------------------------------------------------------------
News
-------------------------------------------------------------------
We just got word that Opie Hendrix has made it through the
preliminaries of the Nashville Star TV Show auditions, and performed
this evening in Austin for the regional contest! Opie - let us know
how you did! FYI: We are proud to carry the music of past Nashville
Star finalists, Prentiss Varnon, and John Arthur Martinez! Our own
Brennen Leigh also made it to the finals and performed on the show
last year! To all the Texas musicians who try out for this event each
year - don't give up - don't EVER give up - it's because of YOU that
Texas is getting more and more attention these days for our music!
You should ALL be congratulated.

The Musician's Benevolent Society of Houston helps local working
musicians in times of dire need (I know, because they really helped
Lucky and I through some tough medical times last year!) so they
always need support. HAAM (Houston Association of Acoustic
Musicians) is offering up a Slice of HAAM on Saturday, January 29th
at Anderson Fair in Houston. This benefit will feature the live
music of MTM/HAAM members, Mark Zeus, Sarah Golden,
Smythe And Taylor, Lucky Boyd, and Jen Rathbun to name a few, and ALL
proceeds will go to help the MBS of Houston! Donation at the door
is only $10 - so please mark your calendar for this very worthwhile
event!
http://www.andersonfair.com

MTM WILL BE THERE!
(This all-volunteer organization runs on individual, corporate, and
special event donations. All donations are tax-deductible. For
more info or to make a direct donation to the Musicians Benevolent
Society of Houston, contact Steve Sucher
at: 713-528-8576) Start your karma off the right way this year!

We've just learned that MTMer GARY TAYLOR has won Songwriter of the
Year from the Houston/Fort Bend Songwriters Association! Congrats,
BIG G!

There's a great Texas music radio station operating out of
Waxahachie, Texas
called Texas Music Theater Radio (TMTR) - they play ONLY Texas music
24 hours a day, 7 days a week over the Internet! Check them out at:
_www.tmtr.net_ (http://www.tmtr.net) and tell Gary Barton that MTM
sent ya!

MTM members on the Texas Top 40 Internet
Radio chart - http://www.texastop40.com
(as of midnight, 12/1/04)
# 2 - Myrna Sanders - Nice Girls
# 8 - David Brake - 101 Tattoos
#12 - Opie Hendrix - My Favorite Waitress
#14 - Plan B Band - Bad Luck Girl
#23 - Joey D - Keep On Movin'
#25 - Rick Busby - Just Like Angels
#36 - Rick Busby - Pray
#37 - Sugar Bayou - Nowhere But Gone
#38 - Joe Britt - Little Diamond Ring
ALMOST in there:
New Jack Hippies, Double Bar Tee, Lucky Boyd,
Tim Rogers, Jen Rathbun, Mark Zeus!

MTM members on Roots Music Report
_www.rootsmusicreport.com_ (http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/)
TOP 100 ROOTS REPORT:
# 22 - Mark Jungers - One For The Crow CD
ROOTS FOLK CHART
# 3 - Mark Jungers - One For The Crow CD
(Get this CD at: _www.mytexasmusic.com/markjungers_
(http://www.mytexasmusic.com/markjungers) )

Happy BELATED Birthday to MTM members:
Barbara Dunn, Barry Kooda, Brian Burns, Shannon Cutts,
Jim Kam, Gene Neptune, Ty Phillips, Eddie Reddic, David
Cline, Mark Beets, Christy Claxton, Matt Thigpen, Stephen
Jamail, JoAnn Guest, Allison Branan, John P. Barton, Mark
Hughey, Paige Stroman, Jan Seides, Joe Bray, David Tonsall
and Kat Rose!

Happy ON TIME Birthday to MTM members:
Roger Prater, Frank Sprague, Hayes Carll, Lijah Cane, Danny
Mack, Robbie Wagnone and Teresa Kolo!
----------------------------------------------------
In Closing
-----------------------------------------------------
Hard to believe another year has come and gone. We were just
reminiscing the other day about how we started with an idea that
we began implementing in the spare bedroom of the house - over
four years ago! Little did we know that this "baby" would turn into
an over-sized, hungry entity that must be fed and burped 24 hours
a day, seven days a week! We've never worked harder, but never
been happier. Did you know that to-date, our member's music has
been shipped to more than 22 different countries, and 49 of the 50
United States? (Come on, Vermont - why the hold out?)
So if we haven't said it enough, THANK YOU for the support you have
shown and continue to show to our wonderful stable of fine Texas
musicians.
(Over 400 and counting!)
This year look for the unveiling of the MTM Music Club, and many
other cool surprises. We are in the process of relocating to the
Northeast part of Texas (day job calls!) to keep the bills paid, but
service on the website will never be interrupted. We promise!
Go forth, Texas music soldiers - and make your voices known....
BUY TEXAS MUSIC BY TEXAS ARTISTS!!!

Until next time, ya'll be safe - smile a little bigger,
hug a little longer, and play Texas music
a little louder!

Buy Texas Music By Texas Artists
We're PROOF that Texas has more than
one star.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
©2005 Payline Productions
Jinelle Boyd, Editor
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Classifieds
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-----------------------------------------------------------
If you're reading this sentence, you know
thousands of other subscribers are, too!
Support a great cause and advertise with
us! An ad similar to this one is less than
the cost of lunch.
Details at:
http://www.mytexasmusic.com/advertising)
Come on "help a brother out!
---------------------------------------------------------
Want to see one of the best sites for
all things Texas? Visit our friend
Miss Lana at: _www.misslana.com_ (http://www.misslana.com/)
Now looking for reviewers......
---------------------------------------------------------
HAAMsters Unite!
Visit the site of the hottest new coalition
of Houston acoustic artists....
www.haam.us
or click on the spinning haamster on the
MTM website!
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
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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) 2005 Anders Rasmussen

If you read IFS to the VERY end?
You could need therapy.