Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you healthy and happy.

Thanks to everyone who dropped by
http://songramp.com/ande
to listen to and comment on "The Only Bible"
We really appreciate it.

I have a cut coming out next week. Abi Tapia is having her CD release
party. Abi has done an AWESOME job filling up schedule on the week of
her CD release. drop by and check it out.
www.abitapia.com

Ande


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Inspirations For Songwriters (I F S)
IFS aims to INSPIRE YOU into ACTION
over 3,600 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

If you want to RECEIVE IFS or
If you want to CHANGE your email address
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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

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From: strousongs@...

Oh-oh! This is the final e-minder for the upcoming songwriting
workshop with Berklee's Pat Pattison who will be helping us all in
"Writing from a Title".
A few seats remain - reserve yours soon! It will be held at
St. Edward's University on
Saturday May 14 and
Sunday May 15 from
10am-5pm (both days).

Starting with a powerful and effective song title, this 2-day seminar
teaches you to build it into a completed lyric, including setting it
to appropriate rhythm and tempo, using its stressed vowel sounds to
brainstorm ideas, finding title placement, developing contrasting
sections, and developing your ideas to recolor your title or chorus.
These tools will make your writing process more efficient, and your
lyrics more effective. This is how Nashville writers write a song
every day--sometimes two!

Pat Pattison is a Professor at Berklee College of Music, where he
teaches Lyric Writing and Poetry. In addition to his three books,
Writing Better Lyrics, The Essential Guide to Lyric Form and
Structure, and The Essential Guide to Rhyming, Pat has developed
three online lyric writing courses for Berklee's online school,
available through patpattison.com. He has written over 30 articles
for Home &Studio Recording Magazine, and The Performing Songwriter.
Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the US, Canada,
and the UK. Several of his students have won Grammys, including John
Mayer and Gillian Welch.

Cost is $100 per person for this two-day workshop.

Joe Strouse

Questions? Contact Joe at:
strousongs@...

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From: stevethetruck@...

Someone broke into my car, popped the trunk and stole my precious
1966 Fender "Blackface" Super Reverb and and my rare 1973 Gibson L6S-
Deluxe "Cherry Red mahogony"guitar. I'm a bit heartbroken. If anyone
comes across these items on stage or in apawn shop, please let me
know. BOO-HOO! Steve

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From: jewel_hunter72@...

I just wanted to say that I love the song "Only Bible". I have been
a member of the yahoo groups for song writers for a long time but I
hardly have time to go through and read my emails anymore. I am a
devote christian and singer. I have found that singing christian
music has set me free. I used to be a shy reserved singer, but have
found that singing for my savior, leading others to him, is a much
more rewarding way to use the wonderful talents he has blessed me
with. The lyrics a beautiful! I think that the chorus needs harmony
added and you will have yourself a hit. Thanks for all you do and
for the beautiful songs that you write that do, in some way, allow
people to think about where they are and where they need to be.

Alison Wilson
Thomasville, Georgia

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From: Larry Seyer larry@...

Hey everybody,

I have my own Blog page setup now...

What's a blog?

A blog (which stands for WebLog) is a page where I can post my
thoughts about various topics... A diary, or journal... Viewable by
the public (but it could just as easily be private, or limited to
just a few people)

The technical definition of a blog is:

"A blog is information that is instantly published to a Web site. Blog
scripting allows someone to automatically post information to a Web
site. The information first goes to a blogger Web site. Then the
information is automatically inserted into a template tailored for
your Web site."

Click here to see my blog:

http://www.larryseyer.com/wordpress/index.php

My plan is to make posts often and share them with the people who are
interested. If you are receiving this email, I obviously think that
you MIGHT be interested in this... If not, throw this email in the
trash and don't think about it again.

Notice that I have categorized my thoughts into
various "categories"...
Click on any of the listed 'categories' to limit the blog page to
show only those posts that pertain to those categories.

Also, on the left hand side you can see a calendar. Each time that
I post a blog (also known as a 'thought') the system puts the date
and time with it... Clicking on the highlighted dates shown on the
calendar will show you the posts that I made on those date/times.

And finally, the default 'style' can be change by you so that the page
appears that way you want... ( look at the lower left hand side and
click on one of the words under "Style" ) You may have to scroll down
to see the "style" section.

Please feel free to make comments on my thoughts... (look for the
"comments" link near the bottom of each post)

Enjoy!

Best to you!

Larry Seyer

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From: VNCNTJAMES

Hey Ande...congrats on 5 years...its funny I launched LoveSongs.com
on May 1st, 2000 like 8 days after I purchased the domain (what a
nutty 8 days that was). As I market IndieArtists.com seminars more
I'll definitely be plugging DIFS along the way.

Hope you and family are having a nice Mothers day!

~Vincent

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Subscribe to Nashvilles Bluebird café's email list

To change your address, send a message to dbluebird@...

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Subj: The Uptown Marble Theater this weekend!
From: info@...

Hello Ande,

The Uptown Marble Arts Alliance proudly presents:

Tejas to Tennessee
Songwriter Series
Saturday May 14
8pm

This month our guest singer/songwriters will be Kevin Welch and Walt
Wilkins. John Arthur Martinez will host. This will be John's last
show as host for the summer so come on out.

If you didn't know, Tejas to Tennessee brings together some of the
world's best songwriters from Nashville, Memphis and all over Texas
for an evening of beautiful songs in the intimate surroundings of the
Uptown Marble Theater. You may not always know the performers names,
but you will know some of their songs.

Visit our website http://www.uptownmarble.com for more information on
Kevin, Walt and upcoming Tejas to Tennessee shows.

We need the support of the community to continue this great series,
so come on out and please spread the word.

Thats:
Tejas to Tennessee
Sat May 14 8pm
Kevin Welch, Walt Wilkins and John Arthur Martinez
The Uptown Marble Theater
218 Main Street
Marble Falls, Texas
Tickets $20 floor &$30 Orchestra
Available at the door or in advance at:
http://www.uptownmarble.com
or 1-888-512-SHOW

Thanks for being on our mailing list!

See ya Saturday!!

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Let the World Know
Let the World Know
Let the World Know

From: lilgirl@...

Aloha Ande ~ congrats on 5 years of inspiring & empowering others in
their creative passion for songwriting!

I know I've been out of the loop with you in a while, but I know like
you, things just keep rolling & more & more of our music gets out
there.


Always more greatness to step into...so go for it &thank you for
making
a difference!

Love,

Faith

=================

Please include me in the "Let the World Know" newsletter

Faith Rivera
Emmy-winning Singer/Songwriter
Released 4 artist albums, 2 with LA Carpool, + numerous releases on
other artists, tv, &compilation projects

Looking for a reputable Christian music publisher and/or connections
into the music worship industry. I have a few strong worship type of
songs & one in particular "Colors of Praise" is already being sung in
Presbyterian, Baptist, Unitarian, Christian, & New Thought churches &
I would love to share it with even more worship leaders around the
country. You can a snippet of "Colors of Praise" at
www.cdbaby.com/cd/faithr2

www.FaithRivera.com
faithgroover@...
(310) 712-3946

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From: webmaster@...

Are you looking for pop/rock songs with catchy hooks that will stick
in the listeners head for days on end?

My name is Keith LuBrant and I am a singer/songwriter. I have had
songs placed on Joan Of Arcadia (CBS), Real World (MTV), Road Rules
(MTV), Road Trip (Discovery Channel), among other shows....

I specialize in pop/rock, but can write in any genre. Please check
out the following samples. I also have more on my website,
www.keithlubrant.com

http://www.keithlubrant.com/samples/If_you_see_mary.mp3
http://www.keithlubrant.com/samples/too_late.mp3
http://www.keithlubrant.com/samples/all_i_want_to_be.mp3
http://www.keithlubrant.com/samples/lonely_sunday.mp3
http://www.keithlubrant.com/samples/gone_for_good.mp3
http://www.keithlubrant.com/samples/where_do_we_go_from_here.mp3

Thanks for your time!
Keith
www.keithlubrant.com

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From: girlsvillage@...

Hi Everybody - well after four years of songwriting adventure I am
proud to say I got lucky enough to get a track on an actual CD
release along with many fine artists (some you may even recognize
(Bill Lloyd, Sex Clark Five, DM3). My song was mixed by Mickey Leigh
brother of the late, great Joey Ramone. The CD is called This Is Rock
n Roll Radio Vol.1 and it’s a joint project put out by JAM Records
and Syracuse NY's finest DJs Dana and Carl of WXXE-FM. It can be
checked out here:

JAM Records www.jamrecordings.com - Not Lame Records www.notlame.com
Kool Kat Musik www.koolkatmusic.com - CD baby www.cdbaby.com

While I am delighted to be a part of this project as an artist, my
primary objective is to be a songwriter providing material for
others. I write rock n roll, country, pop-rock, power pop and
general pop songs for both male and female singers. I am a member of
ASCAP and have also worked in the past with Josh Silver of the band
Type O Negative. I am a member of the DIFS mailing list since August
2004. If you need songs...

Contact me at : girlsvillage@...

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From: CCFG4@...

Hello,

My name is Cheryl and I am a gospel lyricist/artist looking for a
producer or an A&R person I can pitch my music (songs/lyrics) to. I
would love for Donnie McClurkin to take a look at my lyrics. Here is
some information about myself.

Thank You, Enjoy Your Blessings

At a young age I has always had a love for all types of music,
especially gospel.
I participated by singing in the school and church choirs. I turned
away from singing/music to pursue other options.

Over the years God was speaking to me, but she did not listen. Then
one quite night while I was driving to pick up my daughter another
car came down the wrong side of the road and collided with me head
on. My car was totaled, but Gods hand was still on me. While I was at
home recovering from the accident, it was during that time God began
preparing me for my destiny.

Anointed and favored with the call of God on my life. I became a new
creature in Christ. Humbled in spirit yet bold in my love for music I
began writing what God placed on my heart. I have a style of writing
that is very unique and direct. The music I write evokes you into the
presence of God and creates an atmosphere of praise and worship.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of collaborating with various
producers, singers, and songwriters. I wrote a titled song Rest For
Your Soul for Karen Jones second cd. I have been called for such a
time as this, for Gods purpose. Stepping out into a role and vision
God has given me. With a humble heart I am committed to obeying the
word of God and not compromising the ministry of music God has
entrusted me with, putting my all into what I do.

But I understands I cannot take credit for my gifts or talents. I
give all honor and glory to God.

Cheryl Acklin
(757) 270-5144 or (757) 473-0162
ccfg4@...

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I am a singer/songwriter looking to get my music
published, recorded, HEARD! I am 45 and have been
writing and playing since I was 13. I slowed down for
awhile to raise 3 kids but ready to go now. I write a
variety of music from country, blues, contemporary
christian, rock. Anything to help me would be greatly
appreciated. Steve Wills - jeshandra@...
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From: Girlintheband@...

hiya Ande! Here's my blurb for your next issue:

Lynn 'Julian' is Cookie 'Cutter' Girl, a Superhero for *our* times
who packs her Power POP with a PUNCH! Cutter is freeing women from
the mold in which society holds them captive, asking, are *you*
a 'cookie cutter' girl... or did you break the mold?

I am currently seeking a new BASS &KEYBOARD PLAYER for this project.
My new CD, "Cookie Cutter Girl, is recieving airplay on 100's of
stations nationwide and I've placed 7 songs from the CD on 7 other
nationally released CDs so far.
I'm based in Maine, but am moving to MASS this year. I am also
seeking GRANT INFORMATION for any projects focused on EMPOWERING
YOUNG WOMEN.
I'm currently CO-writing the "Cookie Cutter Girl" GIRL POWER comic
with Ron Fontes, the ex-art director for Marvel Comics. The story
focuses on overcoming life's obstacles and I'm looking for a grant to
give the book and CD away together to school systems and crisis
centers to help reach impressionable girls from 9-15. Cutter is a
role model that they will listen to and her music sends a positive
message.

thanks again Ande!
Julian

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From: neil@...

Hi Ande,

05-09-2005

I met you at the Saxon some time ago and at Randy Willis' home at
a house concert with Sonny Throckmorton, Deborah Allen, etc. I'm
the 'Gray-Greene Texas Sage'. I published a book last year, THE
BADGERTOTS, (Authorhouse.com) Joe Strause and Polk Shelton have
copies, about growing up in the 30's, 40's, and 50's, with Buddy
Knox, Buddy Holley, and Waylon, and I've seen Hank. I just turned 70
and still have all my teeth. (In a Prince Albert can in my dressr
drawer)

I wanted to send in the lyrics to a song to see what you think. I
sang it at our ASG meeitng last month. I at present, don't have any
way of recording it on a CD. We try to do a new one each month.
Anyway, I'll send the poem in this email.

Thanks for your time,

Neil Greene
6117 Cimmaron Trail,
Lago Vista, Texas 78645
512-267-1933

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From: moxceysongs@...

Hi Ande,
I'm a songwriter with modern country songs who's looking for artists
who are searching for material to record. I'm also a big fan of yours
and enjoy reading your newsletter. And I finally took your advice and
am now uploading my songs to SongRamp. IFS readers can check them out
at http://songramp.com/moxcey I have also released a country/folk
comedy songs CD. Readers, please check out my gay wedding song
called, "Who Gets To Throw The Garter (At A Gay Wedding). You can
listen to it at www.cdbaby.com/moxcey Thanks for letting me let the
world know.

Sincerely,
Jeff Moxcey
moxceysongs@...

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From: jessmhayes32@...

My name is Jessica Hayes. I am a 42 year old mother of 3 wonderful
girls, living in Falling Waters, WV.

I am a recreational singer and I also write lyrics. I am interested
in finding a co-writer who can write melodies.

I write country lyrics which reflect my life experiences and I would
say would fit the style of Shania Twain or LeAnn Rimes.

I have the lyrics completed right now for a song that I believe with
the right melody could become #1 on the Country charts.

I am interested in learing how to find co-writers and how to market
my songs.

Thanks,

Jessica Hayes

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From: thavill@...

Ande,

Below is the info on myself I would like you to share with everyone.

My name is Brandt Havill and I am searching for someone to write
catchy melodies for my lyrics. I have written lyrics for several
years and have a lot of things already written. Many of them would
work in various musical formats. If you're interested in trying to
write a hit with me just send me an e-mail at Thavill@...

Thanks,

Brandt

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IFS STO

From: lzaleta@...

Ande has always provided sparkling songwriting advice in IFS. One of
his key words is COLLABORATION. He drove that word home to me in all
of our correspondence. As a result, after years of stagnation, I am
off to my best songwriting start ever in 2005:

* A 13-song CD collaboration with KEPHAS from Miami, Florida (IN THE
FACE OF SIN) is in the final mixing/mastering stages. Kephas's
soaring guitar solos and his studio wizardry take my writing light
years further than I ever could on my own. Demos of "Serpents of
Fire," "Narrow Bed," "DEFIANCE," and more are at
www.mixposure.com/bandpage.php?bandid=531 (an excellent site for
anyone looking for more exposure and quality reviews).

* A collaboration CD is in the works with Guy Michetti, a supremely
talented singer/songwriter from NYC who has just released two CDs of
his own material, AT THE CROSSROADS and ALL IN MY MIND.

* I am four songs away from completing a collaboration CD with Jan
Destner from Sweden, another tremendously talented performer and
producer. He has just signed with Satellite Records with his group
UNICE AND UGLY, and their first single, "All Your Crying" was
released on May 5.

* Directly because of my involvement with Jan Destner, the
management for a Swedish performer, Lizette Palsson, has put a hold
on four songs that Jan and I collaborated on ("Medusa's
Wild," "Filling in for Jesus," "The Great Gray Sky," and "How Much
Does It Cost to Be Free?"). There is talk of having us write and
produce the entire album - scheduled for September of 2005.

* National recording artists, The Badlees, played all of the backing
tracks for me on "Only a Mother Knows," a song currently being
strongly considered for placement on the next CD from a male country
giant.

I'm not saying that Ande Rasmussen has all of the answers, but he has
enough of them for me. He also has many of the right questions to
help you find your own answers.

Thanks for everything, Ande -- and Happy Fifth Anniversary to IFS!

Lex Zaleta
www.soundclick.com/lexzaleta

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From: cledford@...

Hello Ande,
I keep up with IFS on a regular basis. I have spoken with you
several times via e-mail. I am a full-time gospel songwriter living
in North Carolina. I even archive all IFS info on 3.5 floppy! In
every issue, I find something that is of interest to me. I even name
each saved issue as it pertains to my needs!

I know that you cannot make everyone happy when you strive to send
out information that will help others. I salute you regarding your
efforts to place factual information before many songwriters across
the country! I do not have another source that I receive mailings
from as often as I receive them from you. This speaks volumes! The
information is always very interesting to read.

Keep up the great work! Maybe by the time five more years roll
around, many of us "want-to-be" songwriters will have achieved
success. Speaking as "one" songwriter, if that happens to me, I am
sure that I will owe part of that success to your willingness to help
others!

Craig W. Ledford
Gospel Songwriter
http://www.CraigWLedford.com

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Write On,

Ande Rasmussen