SSS means there are singers searching for songs in this issue.

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
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/
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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

Please Allow IFS slide past your SPAM FILTERS.

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

Here's an easy way to find the IFS home page, type in:
www.SongwriterBlog.com or www.SongwritingBlog.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS readers

Hope you're doing well.
I've been real busy, but it's past time to launch the latest IFS
issue.
I hope 2005 is your most successful songwriting year yet.

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The IFS Featured Song is
"The Buffalo Grass" performed by IFS reader Willie McCulloch
written by Andi Crimmins, Clay Canfield, and Willie McColluch. Chris
Ledoux cut it. to hear it go to:
www.broadjam.com
then on the upper right click on "search"
type in the word
buffalo
then click
"the buffalo grass" Willie McCulloch should come up
please have a listen
send me your comments
I think it's a truly excellent song.

Here's where you can read more of the story
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/message/567

http://www.readthewest.com/interviewChrisLeDouxAUG2003.html

If you'd like one of your songs to be considered to be the
IFS Featured Song
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.
Include the songs story if you like.

Send your email to:
AndeRasmussen@...
In the subject field write
IFS FEAT

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS Readers I put one of my latest songs on songramp.com/ande
It's called "Blue Holiday."
So far it's received 24 reviews.
Thank you if you're one of them.
Please drop by and have a listen.
I'd love it if you'd write a review and give it a vote.

http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=25677

Also I'm looking for special artists to
work it up, try it out, and consider recording it.

If you wonder
How did Ande get 24 people to provide comments on "Blue Holiday"
I sent them a note asking them to and I went to their sites and
reviewed their songs
Here's the message I sent

~ ~ ~

Hello,

I loaded a new song up called "Blue Holiday."
I wrote it with John Gilliam also known as Missoula Slim
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=25677
http://songramp.com/ande

I'd appreciate it if you'd drop by and check it out
Maybe write a comment and give it a vote.

Thank you,

Ande
http://songramp.com/ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK and you may receive don't and you WON'T.
~ ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When I find something that might make a great feature on IFS, I
archive it in IFS_Ideas. Then go back later to assemble an issue.

Would you be interested in seeing IFS Ideas and not have to wait for
them to be assembled and launched in an issue?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Need to raise money for your upcoming project?
Why not presell your upcoming CD?

Here's what my friend and cowriter Abi Tapia is doing.
http://abitapia.com/preorder.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Here is Brian Austin Whitney's "My Take" from his Dec 31, 2004 issue
I totally agree with him on his point #2, It is definitely the way to
go! READ IT AND REAP!

My Take:
This is the time of year where folks love to give out advice and
suggest resolutions for next year we should consider. I guess I am
not different, so here goes:

My advice for a successful New Year:

1. Nurture your relationships, all the other factors pale in
importance.
Everything good that happens is because someone else helps you along
the way. There are few of us who don't already have friends in our
lives who can help us reach a lot of our goals. Nurture those
existing relationships. You can't expect to keep harvesting benefits
without feeding and watering the source. If you've neglected the crop
of friends you have in the last year, dedicate some time and
attention to them early and often in the coming year.

2. Reach the fans and professionals who get your talent, let the
others go.
I have a notion that we're turning a corner (or experiencing a swing
in the pendulum) where an artist who focuses on a smaller number of
fans and serves them with a high level of direct interaction and
communication will be the new model for success, even in the face of
new technology and the shift in old school music business procedures.
I think a new definition of success will be the artist who has 5000
passionate fans worldwide who spend 20-30 dollars a year on your
creative output. You'll communicate with weblogs, supply them with
regular unique songs and videos via digital files, share the details
on the creation of and motivation behind your work on a regular
basis, almost like your a unique reality show for your fans. You will
creatively serve them in a way that the "industry" can't and/or
won't. Rather than spending your time begging for recognition from
the mass media or trying to reach critical mass numbers to get
a "deal" and make a living, you'll do the opposite of the competition
and play "small ball." Earning 100-150K per year, while maintaining
100% control over your artistic vision and output is the way to do it
in the future. Releasing music as it's made and not on some corporate
schedule will free artists in a way we haven't been in our lifetimes.
Focusing only on those who get and appreciate what you do rather than
spinning your wheels trying to appeal to the masses will make you far
more artistically productive and will allow you to take more artistic
risks and to grow far more quickly and deeply than our current system
allows. Let those who don't get it go. They're just a drain on your
energy, time and creative life. And they aren't paying you anyway.

3. Constant motion forward is the solution to most hurdles in your
way. I've written about persistence many times. It's still the single
most important attribute behind the greatest success stories. Even
weak
ideas with a lot of persistence behind them seem to find success
whereas even the most brilliant idea will fail if you give up. Find a
way to push tangibly forward every single day next year and success
will come and hurdles will be overcome. Others will give up and if
for no other reason, you'll succeed simply through attrition. It
works and always has throughout history in every field. Try it.

For our part:
We had a wild ride in 2004 with the record breaking Just Plain Folks
Music Awards and some big victories and advancements in political
issues thanks to all our allies involved with the Future of Music
Coalition and we plan to increase our successes and efforts in both
of those areas next year. In 2005 we also plan to focus a great deal
on nurturing our existing Chapter program, getting back out on the
road in person via Roadtrips and to start work on our 2 year
documentary project on the Grassroots Music community. We also plan
nurture and increase the communication level on our message boards
for the entire organization. Weblogs and regular direct communication
are a positive movement in the world and we want to emphasize and
improve our efforts as well. We plan to move forward on a lot of
projects we've been sitting on too long including an updated JPF
Member Demographic Survey which has been on hold for a couple of
years. Yes, we're going to work hard to take our own advice and we
look forward to nurturing and interacting with our friends in the
community more than ever going forward. Have a safe start to the New
Year and we'll look forward to seeing and/or hearing from you all in
2005!
Brian Austin Whitney
December 31st, 2004

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Vote in the Austin Chronicle music poll
http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/musicpoll/05/

A couple of my cowriters deserving of your vote are

John Arthur Martinez "Lone Starry Night"
Adam Donmoyer: keyboards

Suggestions for RELATED CATEGORIES

LOCAL MUSIC TV SERIES
Local Program: "In The Round" on AMN

RADIO MUSIC PROGRAM
Show: Humble Time

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I believe these are the Nashville Star 3 finalists

Finalists:

Justin David Bertoldie
www.justindavidmusic.com

Jody Evans
www.jodyevans.com

Jenny Farrell
www.jennyfarrell.com

Erika Jo Hergies
http://www.colgatecountryshowdown.com/national_finals.asp

Christy McDonald
www.christymcdonald.com

Jason Meadows
www.JasonMeadows.com

Josh Owen
www.joshowen.net

Casey Simpson
www.caseysimpson.com

Tamika Tyler
www.tamikatyler.com

Jayron Weaver
www.ksusentinel.com/news/2004/09/01/Features/Move-Over.American.Idol-
708712.shtml


Alternates:

Bob Neace
www.pizzabob.com

Carrie Hickman
www.purevolume.com/carriehickman

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lately I've received a flurry of artists requesting to record some of
my songs, some of them have been asking me to provide them with the
track.

Here's my take:

I will provide tracks if they are available so an artist can try out
and practice one my songs but I much prefer artists who get new
tracks created; it shows a higher level of dedication, determination,
and desire. Plus the new track is more likely to perfectly fit the
artist and her genre.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

OK here's my votes for the MYTexasMusic Awards plus my REASONS,
I encourage you to VOTE!

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

http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards/voting/


FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jen Rathbun
REASON: jen is my friend and cowriter
I cowrote 3 songs on her latest CD including the title track, Coffee
Chocolate and Men

VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Mike Blakely and The Whiskey Traders
REASON: Mike is an excellent writer and entertainer plus he performs
and cowrites with john Arthur

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Robert Metzgar and Tony Migliore
Coffee, Chocolate and Men
Jen Rathbun
REASON: she's a friend and I cowrote 3 songs on this project

SINGER / SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Steve Brooks
Austin, TX
REASON: Steve is a cowriter and friend of mine

RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Home Made Of Stone"
John Arthur Martinez
John Arthur Martinez, Ande Rasmussen, and Steve Seskin, Songwriters
REASON: I'm nominated and it's john Arthur plus a song we wrote while
he was on the first NS show from something he said on a NS show.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
John Arthur Martinez
REASON: john Arthur is very entertaining

Ande

http://www.mytexasmusic.com/awards/2005nominees.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Unexpected involuntary emotional responses while listening to a song
are a positive signs, reactions like tears, goose bumps, laughter,
toe tapping, smiling, or the compulsive desire of the listener to
play the same song again.
~ Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jason Blume is coming to do a workshop in Dallas

The Septien Vocal and Studio Group will present an all-day
songwriting workshop with hit songwriter/publisher/best-selling
author Jason Blume on January 29th from 9 AM - 6:00 PM. With songs on
albums that have sold more than 45 million copies, Jason Blume is one
of the country's most successful songwriters and respected
songwriting teachers.


Workshop topics will include:

Writing lyrics that express what's in your heart
Learning how to make time for your creativity
Composing memorable melodies (even if you don't play an instrument)
Producing successful demos
What publishers and record labels are looking for
Getting your songs published and recorded
(A limited number of song critiques will be done during the
workshop. However, these will only be available for members of the
Septien Group's Master Class.)

For Aspiring Recording Artists:

The Importance of Songs in Defining Your Unique Artistic Identity
How to Find Hit Songs (If You Don't Write Them)
How To Be What the Labels Want - While Being Yourself
Artist Demos - Using Technology to Capture Your BEST Performance

This will be an excellent chance for songwriters to network with up
and coming singers from the Master Class at the Septien Vocal School.
(Previous clients have included Destiny's Child, Ashlee &Jessica
Simpson, and Nick Lachey.)

TO SIGN UP FOR THE WORKSHOP:
Contact: by e-mail : info@... or call Cory Ferguson
at 972-392-2810. If you reply to this e-mail, I can send you an
application in Adobe file format.

Songwriters Workshop January 29, 2005
The Septien Vocal Group 9 AM - 6 PM
15620 Quorum Drive
Addison, TX 75001
Price : $95.00 (after 1/19, $125.00)

NOTE:
On the Sunday, Jan. 30th there will be a limited number of private,
55-minute consultations available at an additional fee of $95.
During these consults Jason Blume will do in-depth critiques, answer
questions, and provide career direction. For information or to
schedule a private consultation with Jason Blume contact
JBSongdoc1@... or call Neil Rice @ (615) 665-2381.


One of only a few writers to ever have singles on Billboard's Pop,
R&B, and Country charts - all at the same time, Jason Blume's songs
are on Grammy-nominated albums by Britney Spears and the Backstreet
Boys, and have been recorded by artists such as Jesse McCartney,
Leslie Mills, LMNT, Boyz 'n Girlz United, and country stars including
the Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye (5 cuts), John Berry (top 5 "Change
My Mind"), and Steve Azar - as well as on TV and in films such
as "Barbie of Swan Lake," "The Miss America Pageant," "First
Kid," "Dangerous Minds," "The Guiding Light" and more.

Jason Blume is the author of the #1 best-selling 6 Steps to
Songwriting Success: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing
Hit Songs (Billboard Books) - now in its revised and expanded 2nd
edition and Inside Songwriting: Getting to the Heart of Creativity
(Billboard Books). Jason was formerly Asst. to the Director of A&R
for RCA Records and Production Coordinator for artists including
Randy Travis and Aaron Tippin. He teaches the acclaimed BMI
Nashville Songwriters and Artists Workshop Series. He has also
produced the "Writing Hit Melodies" and "Writing Hit Lyrics"
instructional CDs and "The Way I Heard It," his own vision of his
songs recorded by major artists, available along with free
songwriting tips and additional information at www.jasonblume.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Yesterday I read a great article / interview in Country Standard Time
with Lee Ann Womack. Lee Ann Womack finds there's more of where that
came from. By Jeffrey B. Remz, January 2005 In much of the article
she discusses her thoughts on song selection:

Picking songs is not an exact science, of course.

"Sometimes it's a lyric," says Womack about the process. "Sometimes
it's a melody. But usually if I like both and if I think the lyric
fits the melody and if it sounds like something I would say and a
melody I would sing, if I can hear myself singing it right away, I'm
probably going to cut that one or at least hang on that one for
awhile."

"Sometimes it's easy to know it right away, and sometimes I have to
sit down and listen to it and sit down and ' play it on the guitar it
and sing it a capella around the house and see what I would do with
the song."

http://countrystandardtime.com/leeannwomack4FEATURE.html

You'll find many great articles on:
http://countrystandardtime.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One of the biggest honors a songwriter can receive is when a fellow
artist asks to cover your song. Trying out a song comes before
cutting it.

Let artists know your songs are available.

Here's how I put it:

All of my songs are available for artists and singers to try out,
perform and record.
Browse though my catalog, find one or a few you love, work them up,
try them out, see how your fans respond, let me know. I hope you
find the song that takes your career to the next level.

Sometimes it helps if you invite an artist to listen to and record a
particular song of yours.
Only ask is your song is really good and you have the impression it
would be a perfect fit.
They will either say yes, no, maybe, or later.

Sometimes it helps to tell the artist the story of why you wrote a
particular song, it might connect them on deeper level and make them
more committed to the song.

Sometimes it helps if you know what is going on in an artists life.
Last year, Tim McGraw lost his dad and the huge song on his CD
was "Live Like You Were Dying." A friend of mine knew an artist was
going through a tough divorce. This artist was considering cowriting
with her. He requested to hear a few of her songs. Knowing where he
was emotionally she put several break up songs on the CD. He listened
to them and one touched him so deeply, he cut it.

It's important to perform live. Garth Brooks was sitting in the
Bluebird in Nashville when Tony Arata started playing "The Dance,"
Garth loved that song so much he told Tony if I ever get a deal, I'm
gonna cut that song. I met a publisher in Austin who told of how
years ago he walked into a bar and heard some unknown singer
songwriter performing "she believes in me." The publisher loved the
song so much he asked the writer if he could publish it. The writer
said yes, the publisher got it cut by Kenny Rogers.

Write with an artist.

Write with a producer.

Write with a successful songwriter.

Be tactful in how you approach the above three, get permission first.
If you do it right you're smart, if you do it wrong you're a germ.

I you want to get cuts, you must take action.
1) write great songs
2) get an excellent demo made
3) pitch the song or get a publisher who will pitch it for you

What are you doing to get your songs cut?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singer Searching for Songs

Subj: original material needed
From: thunter@...

We are seeking original pop, r&B, hip-hop &rock oriented material for
some of our managed artists (females ranging 16-21). These artists
are professionally trained and are being promoted aggressively by
management. Original material needed for recording
and live performance. Instrumental versions must be available,
preferably in a format compatible with Sonar or Protools for key
changes, etc. if necessary. All submissions must be copyright
protected. This is a good opportunity for songwriters who want to get
their music actively marketed.

Serious inquiries only.
All submissions should be directed to Executive
Producer/Manager Tony Mitri, mrmitri@....

Tracy Hunter
Marketing Director
Solfege Entertainment Group
727-397-7004

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singer Searching for Songs

Jason Blume is developing a Male artist who is very close to signing
a major label deal. In an email Jason sent me he wrote the following:

FYI, I'm looking for smash hits for my artist. We've been writing
with some top writers (Skip Ewing, Gary Baker, Greg Barnhill, etc.)
but are still searching for those "first-single-career-breaking"
hits. I've been pitched countless songs from all the top publishers
and am learning just how hard it is to find that one that jumps off
the CD and screams HIT -- as opposed to another perfectly crafted,
really good song. It's been an incredible perspective shifter for my
own writing and pitching. Anyway, here's what I'm looking for:
quirky, edgy, NOT slick or predictable (lyrically and melodically);
the rockin' (not artsy) side of Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Dierks
Bentley, or Keith Urban:

"Real Good Man,"
"If You Ever Stop Lovin' Me,"
"What Was I Thinkin',"
"How Am I Doin'."

UPTEMPO ONLY with "can't-get-'em-out-of-your-head" grooves and
melodies.

You can't imagine how hard it is to find this -- even from the top
Nashville publishers. They pitch me lots of good album cuts and very
cool songs -- but I need FIRST singles. If you've got one let me
know!

If others would like to send songs, they can feel free to do
so.Here's the blurb:

Two songs max, on CD, NO BALLADS.
The artist is writing with Grammy winners,
so ONLY send smash hit, sexy, edgy, UPTEMPO career-making "first
singles"

Because of the quantity of CDs we're receiving,
only the writers of those songs we are interested in will be
contacted.

Our address is:
Moondream Music
PMB 352
9 Music Square South
Nashville, TN 37203-3203

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

singer searching for songs

I'm still working on recording songs for my national release cd with
a Nashville Indie Label called Labeless Records. I have 7 great songs
recorded, all originals. I need about 3 or 4 more tunes to complete
the project - some upbeat, country gal tunes if your readers would
like to submit any songs for consideration, that would be most
welcome.
They can visit the above site to get a feel for my vocals, range,
style, etc.
www.LoganWells.com
for bio info, etc.
Thanks!!!
Logan ;o) Happy New Year!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Announcing Performing Songwriters
Be Heard Scholarships to the Kauai Music Festival

Songwriters are invited to apply for one of Performing Songwriter
magazines
Be Heard Scholarships to the Kauai Music Festival, held May 26-29.
Sponsored by BMI and Songwriter101.com, each scholarship (valued at
over $2,000) will cover airfare, hotel costs, a per diem and
registration fees to this event where small group workshops, master
classes, instructional panels, seminars and concerts are presented by
hit songwriters and industry leaders.

As an added bonus, every applicant will receive a one-year
subscription to Performing Songwritermagazine, starting with the May
2005 issue (if you're already a subscriber, a year will be tacked on
to your existing subscription).

Simply go to Songwriter101.com, sign up if you're not already a
member, download the application form, and send in your song along
with an application fee of $15 to Performing Songwriter(see site for
official rules). Submissions must be received by February 25, 2005.
Scholarship winners will be chosen by members of the
Songwriter101.com faculty and announced on March 18, 2005. So apply
now, and hopefully we'll see you in Kauai!

Songwriter101

Performing Songwriter

Performing Songwriter
2805 Azalea Place, Nashville, Tennessee 37204

P: (615) 385.7796 | F: (615) 385.5637
www.performingwriter.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From: lara@...

Hey! It's great to receive your IFS. As you know from a previous
email, I just released my first CD and would love to get the word out
there. Here's a little blurb on it from CDbaby.com:

"#1 female vocalist-soaring POP vocals-sexy-sincere honest lyrics-
driving rhythms that make you dance-incredible musicianship-fresh new
sound rivaling today's TOP 40-this album is so irresistibly addicting
it's like holiday candy. "

They can check out my website at: www.larajanine.com and there is a
link about the CD. Thanks! Keep up the great work!

All the best and happy new year,
Lara Janine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS CO

Here's IFS reader responses on the cowriting question

From: dougshaw@...

I was in a class that had hit writer Jeffery Steel as the evening's
guest.

During the evening, Jeffery covered many subjects, including how he
decided who got what percentage of the writing credits. He said that
he always opted for even shares. His observation was that, somedays
he may come up with the majority of the material, but other days he
didn't do as well and his co-writer(s) came up with the majority of
the material. He pointed out that, eventually, it averages out, so
writers should concentrate on writing, not who gets how much.

I have not ascended to the point where I have to be concerned with
who gets how much (XX% of $0 is $0) but I have taken his advice to
heart, and the only thing I worry about is getting along with my co-
writers... who have all become good friends.

Douglas Shaw
Nashville, TN
--
Music, lyrics, and short stories... http://www.DugzInk.com/

~ ~ ~

From: Wolframs3@...

In response to the question about co-writes and percentages: It is
probably one of the hardest questions to rationalize for
songwriters. In a nutshell what conclusion I have come to for my own
songwriting co-writes is that it is virtually impossible to determine
what part of the song will ultimately make it successful. Sometimes
the intro rif is the songs saving grace or at least it's most
outstanding feature, consider Rock greats like "Barracuda" by heart
or "Sweet Home Alabama". I'm not suggesting they are the only great
parts of the song but that the contributory effect of those opening
rifs are undeniable.

It's best to enter into a co-write with equality. Otherwise it can
stifle
one's creativity or cause critical decisions to be made based on
monetary
gain for a particular writer. Unequal percentage can make someone
reluctant
to choose the best revision for fear of getting less of the
royalties. If
you are concerned that you are doing a disproportionate amount of the
work for the pay then you need to find new co-writers that you feel
are as
accomplished as you.

Just a personal choice :-)

Liz Rogers Wolfram

~ ~ ~

ANDE's response:

enter cowriting with a generous spirit.

like you're going to dinner with a much loved friend
the bill arrives, y'all decide to go dutch
suppose each of you ordered items that were close in price and shared
a bottle of wine and a few appetizers. Instead of creating an awkward
moment and calculating shares to the penny, you just decide to split
it and things will work out the next time you get together or the
time after that.

The split in 99.99% of cowriting situations doesn't determine how to
split the income, but how to split the expenses!

Enter a cowriting situation with the intent that you are beginning a
relationship where each song has the following factors in it's life.

1) being born
2) taking form
3) fine tuning
4) creating a demo
5) pitching it to artists

keep it fun and fair, things are likely to work out

keep communications open and honest

keep pouring energy into the ideas you're working on

sometimes take a break, then revisit things you started
it might wind up much better

some people use collaboration agreements to define each others
obligations.

i'll share more soon

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Hi there, I'm Teresa Ferguson, DJ/producer at KUT 90.5 in Austin. I'm
also the 2005 chair of AIR Interactive for the Arts.

AIR Interactive for the Arts is a project in which Web developers
volunteer their time to build Web sites for art groups and musicians.
The purpose of the project is 1) to communicate the need
for "accessible" Web sites (accessibility for people with
disabilities) and 2) to help artists.

Do you know any artists, art groups, musicians or bands that could
use a new Web site?

Timeframe to build the site is February to March with results, i.e.
best site winners, announced during the SXSW Interactive festival.
Over the past three years (this is our 4th AIR Interactive), we've
built sites for the

Austin Lounge Lizards
http://www.austinloungelizards.com/

Will Taylor
http://www.stringsattached.org/

Suzi Stern
http://www.suzistern.com/

Forklift Danceworks
http://www.forkliftdanceworks.org/ -- and others.

It's been fun and has attracted international exposure for the cause
and the artists.

The cost to have a complete, multimedia site built is just $100, plus
a few hours spent with the Web developers to give them guidance.

Sound good? Here's the link for more details about what we're doing:
http://www.knowbility.org/air-interactive/. This site includes a
registration form.

Feel free to pass this note on to anyone you know who might be
interested!
We'd like to hear from interested artists/groups soon -- no later than
January 25.

Thanks and take care,
Teresa Ferguson
sanferg@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ALW is a lyric critique community to help advanced songwriters write
better commercial songs. We're looking for positive people who are
strong lyric writers and can constructively critique lyrics.

AWL also welcomes:
1) talented melody writers,
2) performing and recording artists, and
3) producers.

We want active participants. Meaning, critique others lyrics and
offer your lyrics for critique.
Please only post ONE lyric per day and comment on at least 4 other
lyrics for each one you post.
No spamming, No slamming and No bashing, Be friendly and professional
We're looking for constructive feedback.
No off topic chat, posts need to be connected to songwriting or
music.

If a writer violates one of these policies
She will receive a warning, if it happens again
We simply REMOVE that person from this group.
We hope to create an community where writers feel comfortable posting
their creations and asking for feedback.

Membership is restricted and is granted on a case by case approval
basis.

ALW is for serious songwriters
To qualify members need to have
1) written at least 50 songs
2) gotten at least one cut (indy's OK) or had a song win a song
contest
3) thoroughly grasp advanced lyric writing concepts; or
4) belong in one of our exception categories

If you'd like to be considered here's the process

1) read the criteria on
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AdvancedLyricWriters

2) Send us a short email about you
why you qualify, your bio, and website
where we can read your lyrics or hear your tunes
AdvancedLyricWriters-owner@yahoogroups.com
In the subject field write:
ALW APP

3) Send an empty email to
AdvancedLyricWriters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

let's write some great songs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Songwriting Seminar and house concert –
February 26th with Dave Gibson and
Byron Hill. Another date added by popular demand (January event sold-
out)!
Dave Gibson www.dave-gibson.com (Lonely and Gone), (Jukebox in my
Mind),
(Ships that Don't Come In) and Gibson-Miller Band and Byron Hill
www.byronhillmusic.com (Fool Hearted Memory), (Born Country),
(Nothin' On But the Radio) and 487 cuts. Dave will teach "Writing to
a Groove or Guitar Lick" and Byron will instruct

"The Art of Co-writing".

A "33 and 1/3" session - one participants song idea will be chosen
for Byron and Dave to write a song to that idea. The person is 1/3
writer on the song as everyone watches the pros in the "Fly on the
Wall" session.

The event is at Dave's house in Nashville. A house concert with Dave
and Byron is Saturday evening for the participants. Contact
doakt@... for complete details on the seminar or
www.nashvillemuse.com on the events page. Limited to 25
songwriters. Lunch is included. Send a check for $145.00 to reserve
your place in the seminar to:
Doak Turner
PO Box 121456
Nashville, TN 37212

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The South Florida chapter of NSAI and Chrystal Hartigan present
SONGWRITER SEARCH
a Barbara Cloyd Songwriting Workshop
Fri Feb 25 through Sun. Feb 27
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
with
Scott Gunter of Universal Publishing
Chris Oglesby of Oglesby Writer Management and
Rusty Gaston of Song Garden Music

These publishers have all spent years working with hit songwriters
and developing new writers. They pitch and regularly place songs with
major label artists. They know that their success depends on their
ability to continue finding and nurturing new talent and they believe
that traveling outside of Nashville can be a good way to find writers
with a fresh, unique approach.

Applications are now being taken for this weekend workshop and twenty
applicants will be selected on the basis of their originality,
creativity, and craftsmanship. Any songwriters who have a desire to
get their songs recorded in the Nashville market, even those who
currently write in different styles such as pop, rock, alternative or
folk, are invited to apply. The emphasis is on finding writers wth
potential and by the end of the weekend anyone who attends will have
a clear idea of the demands of the Nashville market and will gain
insight into how to adapt their individual style to meet those
demands. Writers do not need to be able to perform live. Co-written
songs may be submitted.

Those who attend will:

Be heard by established publishers who have the ability to get songs
cut and sign staff writers
Get feedback on their writing from professionals who know the market
Find out what Nashville record labels, artists and producers are
looking for
Learn about the business from people who have succeeded in it
Meet other writers serious about their careers

To apply: Send 3 songs on CD or cassette with lyric sheets and a $10
non-refundable application fee to
Barbara Cloyd's Songwriting Workshop,
PO Box 121497,
Nashville, TN 37212.
Include phone numbers and email address.

Writers who prefer can apply on line by emailing mp3's with lyrics
and paying the application fee through PayPal at
http://barbaracloyd.com/workshops.htm . Please send each mp3 in a
separate email.

Applications must be received by Wed. Jan 19th. Tapes and CD's will
not be returned.

Those who would like to get feedback on their writing rather than
just a yes or no may enclose an additional $15 for a total of $25.
All applicants will be sent a reply by email no later than 5 PM
Friday Jan. 21st. Those who do not have an email address will be
notified by regular mail.

LOCATION: Bukstel's Shack-in-the-Back in South West Broward County,
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
COST: $140 (This covers air fares, hotel and other expenses. The
publishers are not being paid for their time. Financial aid
available.)
ROOMS: A discount rate of $109/night is available. Writers may secure
their own lodging.

For more information call Barbara Cloyd at 615-383-5616 or email;
barbara@...


~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi Ande,

It's been a while since I have been in the Austin music scene. I am
a past member of the ASG, and a subscriber to the DIFS. Great work,
I must say.

I wanted to let you know, and if you can pass this information on to
our songwriting family about great Songwriter's Open Mic events at my
coffee house.
It's officially called Songwriter's In The Round, and the place is
Java Rocks Coffee House in Hutto, TX. Our place is new, and our
crowds are small but we can pack a punch when the timing is right!
We host the event every Saturday from 1-5p and every Sunday from 1-
4p. Folks can check it all out at
www.java-rocks.com. There is a link for the event and a sign up form
there.
We do limit this to original material only, where the performer has
been at least one of the contributors to the song. Acoustic is
preferred and small bands are welcomed.

So here is the official information:

What: Songwriters In The Round
Where: Java Rocks Coffee House, Hutto, TX
When: Saturdays, 1-5p and Sundays 1-4p
For more info: www.java-rocks.com or call 512-846-1880

Thanks for your assistance. Here's to a prosperous writing year in
2005!

Best,

Tony DiCorpo
Singer/Songwriter
Owner, Java Rocks Coffee House, Hutto, TX

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Subj: Happy NEW YEAR!
Date: 1/12/05 10:01:19 PM Central Standard Time
From: info@...

The DurangoSong.com Newsletter for Songwriters
Come Alive in 2005!
January, 2005

Dear ande,

In looking back over the last year, and forward to the New Year, we
can't help but be impressed with what the writers and performers in
our little community are accomplishing in furthering their careers.
Nancy Sirianni and the Scoldees (featured Member last month) are up
for multiple Grammys. Chuck Nash, featured in this issue, looks to
have a ROCKIN' 2005. Jimmy Muffin has a cut (co-write with #1 writer
Gary Baker) on the "Inspiration New York" CD (see below). Our good
friends at Ash Street Music have a cut (written by Irene Kelley) on
the new Pat Green record (he is hot as a pistol!). Dillon Dixon has a
number of major-motion- picture soundtrack cuts. Jack Sizemore (of
BrittonJack) has been on the road for the past year with Lonestar.
Amy Dalley is high on the country charts. So many great things are
happening for so many Expo-ites! Not to mention Jeffrey Steele! Man,
you can't turn on the radio or walk in a club without hearing "My
Town," "That's What I'm Doing These Days," or "Hell Yeah!" Tia
Sillers (featured last month and at DSE Telluride) has set the world
on fire with "I Hope You Dance" and many other big hits. There are
just too many success stories to tell them all here. Bottom line, you
guys and gals ROCK! What an inspiration to be a part of such a
talented and ambitious group. And if you're just getting started in
this crazy business, seize the day! Get out to one of our Expos
(DSE/Santa Barbara Wine Country is scheduled for June 2-4, 2005 -
Registration Forms will be available soon) or listen to all the great
recorded workshops from past Expos online at DS.com... and COME ALIVE
IN 2005!

What is DurangoSong.com?

Not everyone can join us in Durango each year to be educated and
inspired by our panelists and hit songwriters. But every songwriter
can now have access to the next-best thing- DurangoSong.com- and
benefit from many of the same resources provided each year at the
Durango Songwriter's Expo. DurangoSong.com offers Members a chance to
hear writers, publishers, producers, managers and executives who
decide what songs and artists make it to the big leagues. We offer
columns, advice, interviews, tips and recorded seminars from people
who can show you just what it takes to be successful in the music
business. There are now over TWENTY HOURS of radio programs in the
BackStage Members area (and lots more to come!).


Featured Member Chuck Nash Headlines FreeBird Live

Jacksonville (FL)-based singer/songwriter Chuck Nash (and DS.com
Member!) and his band will be hosting a CD release show at the
nationally known concert venue FreeBird Live (owned and operated by
Judy Van Zant) at 200 N. 1st St., Jacksonville Beach on Thursday
evening, January 20th, 2005. Guest performers include Alien 11 and
Spacebar. This is an "all ages" show. Doors open at 8:00 PM.
Admission is $5.00. Tickets can be purchased in advance at
www.chucknashmusic.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. ABOUT CHUCK
NASH: Chuck Nash is a Florida native. Born in Gainesville, raised in
Jacksonville, Chuck wrote his first song at the age of eleven. At
nineteen, he began playing as a solo act and in bands around
Northeast Florida. Chuck's distinctive vocals, poignant writing style
and self-effacing sense of humor have earned him the reputation as
one of the premier performing songwriters in the region. His talents
also helped him sell over 14,000 CDs, prior to his label debut
(Dressed In Yellow Light), and in 1998 earned his band (Kingpins)
Musician Magazine's Best Unsigned Band competition (chosen from over
1800 bands nationwide).

Nash recently signed a recording contract with Jacksonville-based
independent record label, Down In Front Records. "Dressed In Yellow
Light," the premier Nash release on Down In Front, has received
favorable national reviews and airplay on more than 30 college and
small commercial radio stations.

"Chuck Nash is the real deal. Every element is there: songcraft,
performance, conviction and imagination, framed with an intuitive and
sophisticated melodic sensitivity. I like the first-person
narratives; the range from rhythm and humor shadowing to a black and
white mini-movie of an ending song. The arrangements and production
are similarly captivating: I especially like the unexpected musical
flourishes." --Dan Kimpel (Los Angeles - columnist for Billboard and
Performing Songwriter Magazine - and a frequent panelist at the
Durango Songwriter's Expo!)

Check out Chuck's Website!

Quick Links... Dave Magoun's EXPO 2004 Photos

ASCAP
BMI
SESAC
Team Twin Towers
USA Songwriting Competition

Join our mailing list!
email: info@...
voice: 904-280-7666
web: http://www.durangosong.com

DurangoSong.com LLC
PO Box 24375
Denver CO 80224

Forward email

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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 might need therapy.