SSS = SINGERS SEARCHING FOR SONGS
which means you'll find 3 blurbs in the issue

TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
plus they do so much more it will truly blow you away as well as
take your songwriting to a whole new level.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this issue finds you well.
As I write this I'm super frustrated because yesterday I wrote an
entire IFS issue, sent it and for some strange reason it didn't go,
it didn't launch, I forgot to copy it before I launched it so I lost
it.

AAAARRRRGGG!!!

it was a really good one. so here I am now retyping it.

Thanks to everyone who replied to the last IFS issue.

On May 9th IFS will Celebrate it's 6th anniversary!

here's a little history on IFS

in 2000 I created a yahoogroup called
PitchOpps
short for pitch opportunities where I gathered "SInger Searching for
Songs" info and shared it with readers. I also started sharing
songwriting tips, suggestions and stories. At some point I decided to
separate the tips from pitch opps and named it "Daily Inspirations
for Songwriters" Then I got burned out on sending it out daily so I
changed it to Inspirations for Songwriters and I send out issues
whenever I feel like it or have the time to assemble a message of
have an urgent message I want to share. A few years ago I bought
www.SongWriterBlog.com and I pointed it to the IFS home page.

I think I continue doing IFS to share songwriting info with me peers
and to be a prodder and encourager for songwriters. My hope is you
will read something in IFS and it will inspire you into action. You
will do something that will help your songwriting.

There were times when I considered quitting, but so far I've always
managed to launch another issue.
if you'd like to read previous IFS issues you can find them at
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/messages

so thanks to everyone who reads IFS

I hope it helps you accomplish what you are capable of.

Ande

Several IFS readers have suggested to me that I should create and
offer a
Best of IFS
what do you think?
should I?

~ ~ ~

What the Artist Actually Heard

Are you a Songwriter with Major Label Cuts?

"What the Artist Actually Heard" was created by Ande Rasmussen the
editor and publisher of "Inspirations for Songwriters" /
http://www.songwriterblog.com/. Ande is collecting demo recordings
of the
actual demos major label artists heard that made them decide to cut
particular songs.

At this point his plan is to:
Listen to them,
Study them,
Write about them in his ezine http://www.songwriterblog.com/, and
Play them at songwriting events so beginning songwriters can hear
the same demos the artists heard,
Beginning songwriters need to know, how great their
songs and demos need to be

songwriters can email one mp3 at a time to
AndeRasmussen@...
IN THE SUBJECT FIELD WRITE
IFS WAAH
or
mail CD's and info to

Ande Rasmussen
835 martindale falls
martindale, tx 78655

if you like
Please include info about the Demo's

Song Title
cowriters
artist who cut it
Date written and date cut
CD it was on
how it the song did on the charts (if it was a single)
Publishers
songwriter contact info

Story behind the song
Story behind getting it cut
any other info you'd like to add

Thank you!

Ande Rasmussen
Please let other songwriters with cuts know
I've gotten a few so far and sincerely thank the writers who have
contributed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

today I found Serena Matthews on MYSPACE

she is a unique artist with some poignant dark songs
I love what she wrote on her page

http://www.myspace.com/serenamatthews

Hello out there.... welcome to my music place at myspace. Thanks
kindly for visiting and even more-so if you settle on in and stay for
awhile.

My name is Serena and I'm originally from Byrdstown, Tennessee.
(you've probably never heard of it, it's a super small town located
in the smallest county in Tennessee)

I now live just outside of Nashville and I work for a photography
company doing digital retouching and other interesting things
involving photoshop and ImageMatch. In my spare time I write music
and songs, play my guitar, and spend time with my family. (I am very
happily married and have a beautiful baby girl named Emma). I have a
soft spot in my heart for children, animals and the environment, and
I think it's important to be kind to all the people you meet in life,
because well, that's just how it should be. Imagine a world where
everybody was kind to one another.. would be nice wouldn't it?

I came to myspace originally to share my music with people and then
decided it's a nice place to find music by other people and to find
kindred spirits with similar insterests. If I've added you as a
friend it's because I took the time to look at your profile and
sincerely enjoyed what I found or heard there. I'm not a "serial
friend adder" that just clicks without reading/listening.

I'm a very simple gal. I'm a sucker for poetry (particularly Emily
Dickinson) and good music (see my list to the left and that only
scratches the surface), oh yeah and I live for good coffee and dark
chocolate..

My songs are pretty dark and sad sometimes, but honestly, I'm a
pretty happy person, I just do most of my writing when I'm a bit blue
because it tends to make me feel better. Something about sad songs
that just make me feel happy.

My CD's "Dreams for the Broken" and "Soul Searching" were recently
picked up and added to the artist catalog at Lost Cat Records.


It's a very nice little independent label with an emphasis on folk
rock and Americana genres. It's owned by Jerry Jodice, who is also a
singer/songwriter. He isn't too pushy and he lets me do my own thing,
and he really believes in my music which is why I signed a CD
contract with him.

Truthfully, I sing to get my feelings out, and to feel good inside,
and sometimes for no other reason than just to keep myself company
when I'm alone. That's enough for me. I'm not planning on making it
big, I don't think I would enjoy that ride anyway, I'm too
introverted and honestly I'm happy where I now stand. I love to
travel but I ain't the tour-bus type.

I have a wonderful husband, Jeff Hightower. He also has a spot here
at myspace, to visit him here, click here. Also, he is a music
columnist for nashvillerock.net. He has interviewed some wonderful
musicians such as Jeff Healey and John Cafferty, and is in the
process of interviewing Lisa Loeb. Check out his column and say
hello, tell him his wife sent ya. He's a good man.

If you want to know more about me then take a stroll over to my
website, goodness knows it gets lonely over there:

~*~Hear all the songs on "Dreams for the Broken" and "Soul Searching"
at CDBaby.com

~*~Click here to purchase an autographed copy of my new CD "Soul
Searching" for $8.50

If you're iTunes friendly, "Dreams for the Broken" and "Soul
Searching" are both there now available there as well, courtesy of
Lost Cat Records.


okay to blatant spamming advertisers please know this: If you send me
a private message and I don't know you and you are just promoting
your music and don't say anything at all about me in your message, in
a manner that is spam-like, well here's the thing I probably will
just delete it without listening to your music because that really
ticks me off when people do that.

I LOVE finding great new music, it is quite an addiction for me,
however I also like to connect with people on a much higher level
than being the obvious recipient of a bulk spam message that doesn't
even say Dear Serena...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SINGERS SEARCHING FOR SONGS

By: Jennifer McGrew
E-mail: JENNIFERMCGREW@...

Address: po box 3386
Telephone: 281-250-7055

Subject: aspiring singer looking for songs

Comment:
I am a young woman with a powerful voice. I am looking for
songwriters that have songs that have not been published for my demo.

SINGERS SEARCHING FOR SONGS

By: David
E-mail: dave@...

Title: Band Manager

Subject: Looking for country songs

Comment:
Looking for country songs. Well established country cover band ready
to take that next step. Seeking something modern. Great opportunity
for song writer willing to take a chance. Got a great song that you
think fits us? Lets talk! Below are a few url's for demo's recorded
live utilizing one microphone and a Tascam Porta Studio.
http://www.thenighttrainband.com/demos/turn_the_page.mp3
http://www.thenighttrainband.com/demos/freebird.mp3
http://www.thenighttrainband.com/demos/marie_lavoux.mp3
http://www.thenighttrainband.com/demos/bring_it_on_home.mp3
http://www.thenighttrainband.com/demos/stand_by_me.mp3


SINGER SEARCHING FOR SONGS

envisionseminar@... writes:
Ande,

Thanks for the advice. I will work on the article and check the
website. Very appreciated.

I am working on a country rock album with an independent Iowa-based
label very interested in working with me. They have affiliates in LA
and Nashville. I've been performing in Iowa for 15 years. I was
lead vocalist and founder of a country rock band for over 8 years,
and have performed with a couple of rock bands along the way. I'm
going solo and this album will be cut with studio musicians rather
than an organized band.



My vocal sound and style is versatile and energetic. I'm known not
only for my upbeat stage presence but my ability to bring a ballad to
life. People have likened my tonal quality and range to Wynonna
Judd, JoDee Messina, Terri Clark, Reba MacEntire, Trisha Yearwood,
Faith Hill, and Shania Twain. My band opened for the likes of Joe
Diffie, Ricky Van Shelton, and Jeff Carson. We were the featured
band for a national classic balloon festival in our area that draws
over 10,000 people every year, for four years straight, a national
rodeo event held in Iowa, as well as the National Quarterhorse Expo.
I have won 3 vocal competitions in the Iowa/Nebraska area. An
original piece I wrote a few years back was featured on an Iowa radio
station. I do write some of my own work and I am looking for material
that has “top 40” quality. The album project I am working on is
for sales distribution and I intend to put a publicity/marketing tour
together once the album is completed. I am looking for material that
is unique, and has a good hook. I am open to the possibilities and
would particularly like to hear material that has a good story and
empowers the listener.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jason Blume has a new Book

Billboard Books presents
Jason Blume's This Business of Songwriting,
the newest in their #1 best-selling "This Business of ...." series.
Pre-order your copy today!

Retail: $24.95

Order an autographed copy today for $21.95
with FREE SHIPPING (in the US)

PRE-ORDER AND SAVE $5.90

The first book to demystify the process of doing business as a
songwriter.

Includes samples of virtually every contract a songwriter would ever
likely encounter and Translates each paragraph from legalese into
plain English. Includes:


SINGLE SONG PUBLISHING AGREEMENT
STAFF-WRITING CONTRACT
MECHANICAL LICENSE
COLLABORATORS AGRMT
TV/FILM SYNC LICENSE
CO-PUBLISHING AGRMT
ADMINISTRATION AGRMT
COPYRIGHT FORM
FOREIGN SUB-PUBLISHING

The book also explains: how to successfully do business as a
songwriter; how to pitch your songs; how to get a publisher �" and
why; performance rights organizations; understanding and monitoring
royalties; placing music in TV and films, AND MUCH MORE.

To receive your autographed copy as soon as it is released, contact
Neil Rice at JBSongdoc1@... or 615-665-2381. Check out the
additional songwriting products at http://www.jasonblume.com/. For
Mastercard or Visa orders, I'll need the card number, expiration
date, and three digit security code. Mail orders (charge, check, or
money order) should be sent to:

Moondream Music
PMB 352
9 Music Square South
Nashville, TN 37203-3203


Jason Blume has created songwriting's Rosetta Stone. Encyclopedic in
scope, This Business of Songwriting unravels industry enigmas and
firmly imparts a sense of direction to tomorrow's hit makers.
- Paul Corbin, VP BMI Writer/Publisher Relations

* * *

If you are serious about being a professional writer, Jason has
compiled the most comprehensive how-to guide I have ever read. All
the way from getting a writing deal to understanding it once you get
one. This is a must read!

- Tom Luteran, Director of A&R, EMI Music Publishing


* * *

Author/songwriter Jason Blume has produced one of the most
comprehensive, no-nonsense, true-to-life guides for understanding and
succeeding in the highly competitive world of professional
songwriting and music publishing. For anyone seriously considering a
career in professional songwriting, This Business of Songwriting is
the quintessential resource you don't want to be without.
- Kirk Boyer, Director, A&R, Disney/Lyric Street Records


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS reader Gina Fant Saez has started a new company for professional
musicians and producers called essession.com, the Austin paper ran an
article about it.

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/
05/3esession.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Special Event!

NSAI, NYC

presents

hit Nashville songwriter

DAVE BERG



#1 for Reba with Somebody
Top-5 for Ty Herndon with I Want My Goodbye Back
Critically-acclaimed alt rock singer-songwriter
Cal IV staff writer in Nashville
Rising on the charts NOW (#26 last week, this week #23!) with
If You're Going Through Hell by Curb recording artist, Rodney Atkins
Other singles by Tracy Byrd and Aaron Lines
Cuts by Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Terri Clark,
Tracy Lawrence and Meredith Brooks
Upcoming cuts by Emerson Drive, Sarah Buxton and Gary Nichols
First-place winner in International Songwriting Contest AAA Category
First-place winner in USA Songwriting Competition in Rock Category

----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------

OPEN MIC/SHOWCASE featuring Dave �" 6 PM, Sunday, May 21st
The Baggot Inn, 82 W. 3rd Street
$5 admission; 2-drink minimum; open to all.
a Bring your acoustic guitar (pick-up preferred); we'll have a
keyboard; sorry, no live-to-track; arrive early to sign up..
SONGWRITING WORKSHOP with Dave 6 PM, Monday, May 22nd

520 8th Avenue, Room 17C

$25 for NSAI, SGA, NAPM members; $35 for non-members

a For a critique, bring your song on cued tape or CD with track
number marked, along with a typed lyric sheet�"both recording and
lyric sheet must contain your name, phone number and the song name.

To register for the workshop, send a check payable to
NSAI to
Randi Drucker,
17 Wayne Dr.,
Plainview, New York 11803,
including your full name, phone number, e-mail address and
organization affiliation (if any).

For more information: 212/740-2072 or 516/822-7942 <>
stonepulse@... or nashrand@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this from Steve Seskin

Sunday, May 7 - In concert with Allen Shamblin at the Throckmorton
Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Avenue in Mill Valley, CA. The show starts
at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 general and $15 students/seniors. For more
info and advance tickets go to www.throckmortontheatre.com or call
415-383-9600.

Friday, May 12 - In Concert with Amy Speace at the Ukiah Players
Theatre, 1041 Low Gap Road in Ukiah, CA. The show starts at 8 pm. For
more info call 707-462-1210

Saturday, May 13 - House Concert in Cotati, CA. For location and more
information, email Matt Kramer at mkramer@...

Saturday, May 20 - benefit for Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue
Foundation. Two solo shows at noon and 2 pm at Broadway Plaza in
Walnut Creek, CA. This show is free - unless you take home a pet, in
which case it will cost plenty but will be well worth every penny.
Call 925-256-1273 or go to www.arf.net for more information.

Wednesday, June 7 - The Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas.
Teacher in-service during the day about Operation Respect. Evening
concert with the Dreamsicles at the Threadgill Theatre. Call 830-257-
3600 for more info.

Friday or Saturday, June 24 or 25 - The San Francisco Free Folk
Festival. I'm not sure what day yet. Details in next email

Sunday, July 16 - Friday, July 21 - Five day Songwriting Seminar with
Pat Pattison, Kathy Mattea and Jon Vezner in beautiful British
Columbia. For more info or to sign up contact Jill Klosowski,
REO Rafting Resort (jill@...) or call 604-461-7238 or 800-
736-7238.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Songwriter AMANDA GHOST is grateful she co-wrote JAMES BLUNT's
phenomenally successful single YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL, because otherwise
she might never have revitalised her stagnant career.

Ghost was nominated for two Ivor Novello awards last week
(ends28APR06), for co-writing the song, after years of unsuccessfully
trying to break into the music industry.

And now she finds herself in high demand. Ghost says, "Nobody
thought I could write a song. 'Oh, she's got a great voice but she
can't write a hit. We need somebody who can write a hit, then it will
be fine.'

"Now I'm written one, and everyone's saying, 'Great songwriter, can
she be an artist?'
"I've been an artist all my life. I'm being asked to write with all
these humongous stars, and I won't do it unless I think they're
great. I'm not a musical whore. How soulless would that be?
"I'd hate to be called a professional songwriter." (FA/WNSTIS/GES)

Entertainment News by: www.pr-inside.com
Contact information: e-mail



http://www.pr-inside.com/blunt-songwriters-career-boost-r3861.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

http://www.ascap.com/about/specialawardsinfo.html

ASCAPLUS is an awards program that provides cash and recognition to:

1) Active writers in the early and mid stages of their careers, and

2) To established writers whose main activity is outside of broadcast
media.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE
The ASCAPLUS Awards Program is for writer members of any genre whose
performances are primarily in venues not surveyed; and/or writer
members whose catalogs have prestige value for which they would not
otherwise be compensated.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
To be considered for an ASCAPLUS Award, complete the application
form. All applications must be postmarked by JUNE 1.

WHO DETERMINES AWARDS
ASCAPLUS Awards are determined annually by a panel of distinguished
music experts who are neither members, nor employees of ASCAP, and
are completely independent in their Award adjudication.

HOW AWARDS ARE DETERMINED
ASCAPLUS Awards are based on panel review of recent activity of
writer applicants. Each applicant is considered on merit and in the
context of all others applying. ASCAPLUS is not a contest or
competition involving the critical evaluation of any specific work or
works. The primary basis for panel determinations is the activity
generated by each member's catalog, with emphasis on recent
performances.

Please take a few moments to review the Application Form and
Guidelines.
If you qualify, we encourage you to apply.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 1





ELIGIBILITY
The ASCAPLUS Awards Program is available to those writers who earn
less than $25,000 in annual domestic performance royalties.

AREAS REVIEWED BY DIVISION


Concert: Symphonic, Chamber, Operatic, Choral, Electronic, Liturgical
(formal), Educational, Solo Vocal and Instrumental, etc. (Concert
performance information should be sent timely to the Concert Music
Department. Performances in non-traditional venues such as clubs,
restaurants, etc., should be listed on the application form.)


Jazz: All styles of music within the jazz idiom, including jazz works
used in educational settings.


Popular: Pop, Rock, Rap, Reggae, R&B, Dance/Techno, Folk, Country,
Bluegrass, Latin, Hawaiian, World, Gospel/Contemporary Christian, New
Age, Musical Theatre, Cabaret, Works for Children, etc.

HOW TO APPLY


Select ONE division to review your activity, in accordance with the
outline above. If you have activity in more than one area, select the
panel that represents the majority of your performances to consider
your application.


All information should be typed or printed CLEARLY.


Include your name exactly as it appears on ASCAP records.


DO NOT refer to your website in lieu of providing the information
requested on the form.


ASCAPLUS Awards are made on an annual basis, therefore, report only
activity which has taken place over the past year. Be sure to
complete the Awards application form in as much detail as possible.
DO NOT include information that has been previously submitted.


Please summarize your performance activity on the application form.
DO NOT submit programs, flyers, or other printed material as a
substitute for a performance summary. Supplementary materials should
be limited to a small, representative sample. Supplementary materials
will NOT be returned unless specifically requested at the time of
submission. Unsolicited scores and recordings will not be reviewed by
the panel.

PAYMENT OF AWARDS
ALL AWARDS WILL BE PAID IN FULL IN THE JANUARY DISTRIBUTION.

* Note: all information submitted for awards consideration is used
solely within that context. it is not a substitute for registering
works with our repertory department, or for advising the society of
performances which may be credited through the surveys.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,

Ande Rasmussen
Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?