If YOU want to take your
songwriting to a whole new level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE IFS or
CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS WITH IFS
SEND an EMPTY email to
difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Did you know in the IFS issues that have
SSS in the subject field
SSS means Singer Searching for Songs
those are pitch opportunities

where basically you send the singer an email that says

~ ~ ~

hello

I read in IFS that you're looking for songs
please drop by
http://songramp.com/ande
browse through my catalog and
let me know if you hear any you love

Ande

~ ~ ~

You could also name specific songs for an artist to check out

here's an example of a blurb and my response to the artist

~ ~ ~

From: a really good boy singer
Date: Jul 9, 2006 2:28 PM

Well I like what I hear. I would love to hear some other ballads you
may have. Power pop ballads....for a boyband. Something with an
acoustic guitar .... give me a message back when you can. I have a
major deal going on, on my end and we're searching for songs.
Talk to you soon!

~ ~ ~

my response to him was

hello singer,

I have several for you to check out
there's a piano vocal of "eventually" featured on my myspace site
and also a pop demo of
"Vividly" also on my myspace site

I have another pop demo of Eventually which you can find at
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=12740
Alex Anders from LA produced this demo
his brother is Adam Anders who cowrote "More than That for the
Backstreet boys and Alex produced many of Adams demos

Tumble
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=12547

you woke up my heart
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=12729

are you there yet
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=15006

guards at the gate of my heart
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=14393

If you wanna rock out I've got a really good rock song called
"Aint Gonna Stop"
here's the rough version
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=31697

here's a Kiss like demo
http://www.songramp.com/view.ez?sampleid=32584

I have other songs at
http://SongRamp.com/ande
browse through and you might hear something you love

let me know if you hear anything you love

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The thing is if you have great songs and let the artist know about
them, they might find a few they love.
PITCH PITCH PITCH

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you great.

I finally got around to loading a few of my pics up on
www.MySpace.com/anders

My Friend john Arthur now has a myspace site
please send him a friend invite
http://www.myspace.com/johnarthurmartinez


Wed June 28th I went to the NUTTY BROWN in Dripping Springs and met
Sandy Knox and saw the BomShels perform. They were truly terrific.
The lead singer Buffy Lawson is a dear friend of Sandy's. It was
wonderful to meet her
www.myspace.com/bomshel
Both are featured in my TOP 24 on
www.MySpace.com/anders


Sat July 15th - 22nd NYC
I'm going to be in NYC,
I'll be there with my family, I don't have my whole daily schedule
mapped out yet, but I'd love to meet IFS readers or catch one of
your gigs. Please send me an email
in the subject field please write
IFS NYC
my cell phone is 512-217-2728


Friday Aug 4 - Tuesday August 8th I'm going to be near Stanford CA
at the FINA world Masters championships
http://www.2006finamasters.org/v2/
I'll be spending most of my time at the stanford pool but if you are
an IFS reader or one of my swimblog readers I'd love to meet meet
you.
Please send me an email
in the subject field please write
IFS CA
my cell phone is 512-217-2728


mary beth stone songwriter/singer
nsai, nyc regional co-ordinator
stonepulse@...
let me know about the following gig

I'm hoping to catch Jeffery Steele Rivers Rutherford, and Bob
Dipiero on the 15th
July 15 - New York City, NY
Joe's Pub
Country Music Association Songwriter's Series
show times 6:30 PM & 9:30 PM
$20.00
For tickets, please call: 212-239-6202


"constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance and
sweeps away all obstacles."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

texas@... writes:
The Texas Chapter & The Producers & Engineers Wing of
The Recording Academy
Present:

Here, There & Everywhere:
A Conversation with The Beatles Engineer,
Geoff Emerick

Moderated by Chuck Rainey

Austin City Limits Studio
2504 B Whitis Avenue, Austin, TX

Saturday, July 15, 2006
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Special musical performance by Sarah Sharpe

Engineer Geoff Emerick was behind the sound board for some of the
greatest pop music ever made: the Beatles singles Strawberry Fields
Forever and Penny Lane, and their albums Revolver, Sgt. Peppers
Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour and Abbey Road. Just
19 when he began engineering for the Beatles, Emerick quickly became
renowned for creating groundbreaking sounds. A maverick who helped
bring record engineering into the modern era, he challenged
tradition and developed many of the recording techniques that todays
music-makers take for granted. In addition to his work with the
Beatles, Emerick is a four-time GRAMMY-winner with a lengthy roster
of credits that include America, Jeff Beck, Split Enz, Supertramp,
Paul McCartney, the Zombies, and Elvis Costello. His book, Here,
There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles,
(co-authored with Howard Massey), has just been released on Gotham
Books.
Chuck Rainey is one of the most recorded bass players in the history
of music. He has toured and/or recorded with artists including King
Curtis, Sam Cooke, Etta James, The Crusaders, The Supremes, Aretha
Franklin, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, Rickie Lee
Jones, the Rascals, and Steely Dan, to name a few. His unique bass
lines have accented hundreds of commercials and television and film
soundtracks, and throughout his career he has amassed numerous
composing, arranging and production credits. Rainey is also active
in music education as a textbook writer, magazine columnist,
teacher, and creator of instructional videos.
The Recording Academy, Texas Chapter invites you this very exclusive
evening.

Complimentary admission for Recording Academy members
Guests and non-members $50

Join as a member and receive complimentary admission

Please RSVP to 512-328-8176 or email texas@...

Hors doeuvres from Ranch 616
Hosted bar compliments of Capitol Beverage Company and Blackstone
Wine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Songwriter Opportunity

By: Editorial Dept
E-mail: writings@...

Company: Blue Mountain Arts, Inc
Address: PO Box 1007 Boulder CO 80306

Subject: Lyrics for Greeting Cards

Comment:
Blue Mountain Arts is interested in reviewing writings suitable for
publication on greeting cards. We are looking for highly original
and creative submissions on friendship, family, special occasions,
positive living, and other topics one person might want to share
with another person. We do not accept rhyming verse. Submissions may
also be considered for inclusion in book anthologies.
We pay $300 for all rights and $50 if your poem is used only in an
anthology.
To request a copy of our writer's guidelines,
please send a blank email to
writings@...
with
Send Me Guidelines
in the subject line, or
write to us at:
Blue Mountain Arts, Inc.
Editorial Department
Post Office Box 1007 Boulder, CO 80306.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

E-mail: Leprechaun_0317@...

Subject: Vocalist in need of songs

Comment:
Hi i am 18 and just started thinking about getting myself out there.
the problem is, i cant play any instrument (well, a little piano)
and i cant really write songs. if anyone can help me as far as songs
go that would be wonderful. i have been singing since i was 8. i can
sing almost anything but i do best with alternative rock, country,
bluegrass, things like that. my favorite band whos songs i love to
sing is nickel creek. if you even know who they are, if you have
songs along that line i wouldnt hesitate to listen. but other things
are fine too. im willing to try anything. but id like to hear even
just a demo for free. not really interested if i have to pay before
ive even heard the song. thank you so much! hope i get some replies
soon. Erin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A note from Austin Songwriters Group

Good afternoon ASG members, supporters and friends!

It's VP Brent Allen here and I just wanted to briefly remind you
about the upcoming special event we have going on next
Tuesday evening, July 11th at
Threadgill's World Headquarters
(301 West Riverside Drive -
Austin, Texas 78704 -
(512) 472-9304).

I wanted to be sure you were aware of this at least one more time,
due to its importance to the songwriting community as a whole.

ASG is proudly presenting

Bart Herbison
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
Executive Director

Erika Wollam Nichols
NSAI Director of Development and

James Dean Hicks
hit singer/songwriter
(www.jamesdeanhicks.com/discography.htm)

who will be joining us that evening for a workshop you really should
not miss. We'll kick it off with an open mic opportunity, so be sure
to bring your instruments if you'd like to play for a bit on the
Threadgill's stage. Their presentation will begin at approximately
8:00 pm, and they will be here to present some very important
information concerning new legislation in regards to your
copyrights, as well as Q & A afterwards. Please bring your songs
and your questions for this very rare opportunity.

That's all for now, my friends. Remember to take time out for
yourselves and each other whenever you can and support your fellow
songwriters around town. You never know where it may lead you.
Network, network, network! If you see any of us out, be sure and say
hello!

Take care and we'll see you Tuesday evening!

-brent

Brent Allen
Vice President
www.austinsongwritersgroup.com
brentallen@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Consider entering the DSA 2006 Song Contest
http://dallassongwriters.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Here's some Important
Recording Academy / Grammy
Grammy.com Dates and Events

July 26
Awards: Record Company Online Entry Process Closes (Round 1 of 2)

July 15:
"Here, There & Everywhere: An Evening With Beatles Engineer
Geoff Emerick" at ACL Studio in Austin

August 1:
Awards: Member Online Entry Process Opens

August 22:
Awards: Record Company Online Entry Process Opens (Round 2 of 2)

September 1:
Awards: Member Online Entry Process Closes

September 6:
Awards: Record Company Online Entry Process Closes (Round 2 of 2)

September 6:
ADVOCACY: Recording Arts Day on Capitol Hill

September 26:
7th Annual Latin GRAMMY Nominee Press Conference

September 29:
Awards: Last day to join The Academy and receive voting ballot

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

allison sattinger is going to be one of Will Ferrell's backup
singers at the ESPY awards, July 16th
http://www.myspace.com/allisonsattinger

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Check out Kelly Sweet
I love her We Are One song
http://www.myspace.com/kellysweetmusic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever checked out
Donna Galbraith's songs
I think she is a wonderful songwriter and singer
http://songramp.com/donnagalbraith

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anyone ever heard of
www.chilenmusic.com
what are your thoughts?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm super impressed with Gregory Watton's
Accomplishments and MySpace site
He's made himself a MAGNET for artists
http://www.myspace.com/prosongwriter

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever dropped by
http://www.myspace.com/143records

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE


LAURA asked me
In a message dated 7/7/2006

I had a question...
i want to give it a shot a being a songwriter,
is there a process to it, or
do you just submit your songs in hopes it gets noticed, or
hopefully not stolen? I have no idea where to begin...
It wouldn't be Christian songwriting, more of love songs, breakup
stuff, life, etc... or who know, maybe ill give it a shot in
Christian music... but where does one start when they just decided
they want to do this as a career? (ive been writing poetry, and
stories for years, but not songwriting, so i am clueless)

Laura

~ ~ ~

my reply was

hello Laura,

nice to hear from you

the first thing I suggest is don't get into songwriting for the
money, it's really hard to come by and might take years to get any
cash flowing from songs you've written

Write songs because you have to write
because you can't not write

if you want to write commercial songs
you must strive to be great


the first thing I suggest you do is study:

+ read books about commercial songwriting
start with Jason Blume and Sheila Davis

+ go to conferences

+ study the kind of songs you want to write

+ Listen to songs and write out the lyrics by hand

+ search for incredible song ideas

+ if you just do lyrics you must find talented collaborators

+ write every day

+ begin a songwriting journal

+ begin a list of song ideas and titles


I've also written about much of the songwriting process in my ezine
drop by
http://songwriterblog.com
and read through the message archive
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/messages

I suggest you read every message

It's gonna take a while but
you will know much more about songwriting after you do that

also drop by just plainfolks and read many of those threads
http://www.justplainfolks.org/cgi-bin/forumdisplay.cgi?
action=topics&number=2
http://www.justplainfolks.org/cgi-bin/forumdisplay.cgi?
action=topics&number=4

http://www.justplainfolks.org/cgi-bin/forumdisplay.cgi?
action=topics&forum=Lyric+Feedback+Forum+3&number=112

post your lyrics online
critique the lyrics of other writers

My suggestion is, if you're good at something else, do that,
build a career, earn a living, have health insurance, and create a
retirement then write songs and persue music on the side.

good luck

hope this helps

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The 2nd Annual Texas Songwriters Cruise is a event where aspiring
songwriters attend a songwriting conference aboard the Carnival
Funship "Ecstasy". Participants will hear discussions on the craft
and business of songwriting from some of the most successful
professional songwriters, publishers, and A&R reps in the music
industry. Participants will also receive opportunities to pitch
their songs to these pro's while on board ship.

The cruise will leave from Galveston Texas on December 2nd, 2006,
for a 5-day cruise to Cozumel and Progresso in the eastern Carribean.

Songwriters from New York, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, Pennsylvania,
Oklahoma, Utah, Tennessee, California, and Texas, as well as
Australia, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands, have already reserved
their cabin for this event. Put your name on a cabin too while
they're still available.

Some of the confirmed attending Music Industry Pro's include:

Ted Lowe, President-ChoiceTracks, Inc., Los Angeles.
Placements include spots for "16 Blocks" and "Take The Lead" movie
trailers, Ad music for clients such as Coors and Honda; Television
shows including " Without A Trace", "Ghost
Whisperer", "Numb3rs", "Las Vegas", "Bones", "The
Shield", "America's Next Top Model", and extensive placements on
numerous MTV Network's shows.

Norman De Vasure, Owner-Sunset Music/Norman Productions, Nashville.
Placed Tracy Byrd's mega-hit;
Keeper of the Stars &
Cuts with Montgomery Gentry, Ty Herndon, George Strait, Reba
McEntire, Jeff Bates, and many more.

Mike Geiger, Hit songwriter, Nashville, Penned Niel McCoy's "City
Put The Country Back In Me" and George Strait's "Adalida", and many
more.

Brian Rawlings, Vice President-Creative, Disney Music Publishing, Los
Angeles Current credits include the platinum "High School Musical"
soundtrack, the "Shaggy Dog" soundtrack, Santana featuring Steven
Tyler "Just Feel Better", and responsible for cuts on Aly and AJ,
Jesse McCartney, JoJo, Lonestar, and Travis Tritt. (to name a few).

Monte Warden, Hit Songwriter, Austin, Texas.
Warden's biggest success in recent years has been as a professional
songwriter, landing cuts in several movies and television shows, as
well as with artists like Kelly Willis, Patty Loveless, George
Jones, Bruce Robison, Travis Tritt, and George Strait, to name a
few. Warden co-wrote Strait's smash, "Desperately".

Perry Howard
Songwriter/Publisher Relations BMI, Nashville

Jason Blume, Hit Songwriter/Songwriting Author With credits for
writing songs that have been on albums with more than 50 million
sales and the author of best-selling songwriting books, Jason will
headline our teaching faculty. Click Here for Jasons Bio and
Credits. Jason will speak on a variety of topics regarding the craft
and business of songwriting and expand on topics presented at last
years conference.

Carie Long, A & R Representative, Sony/BMG, Nashville

Max T. Barnes, Hit Songwriter, BRO 'N SIS Music, Nashville Wrote his
first hit song at the age of 19, Vern Gosdin's "Way Down Deep".
Since then, he's had cuts with John Anderson, John Schneider, Randy
Travis, and Joe Diffe. Max T. also wrote the #1 hit "Thats How Your
Love Makes Me Feel" by Diamond Rio, and Colin Raye's CMA Song of the
Year Nominee "Love Me". Max T. is in business now with BRO N' SIS
MUSIC , who copyrights hundreds of huge standards from "I'll Be Home
for Christmas" to "Back in Black". His production experience comes
from 24 years in the studio as a guitar player and songwriter, as
well as producing Jeff Carson, Rodney Atkins, Blake and Brian and
Amy Dally for Curb Records and The Marie Sisters for Universal.

Cabin prices start at $476 per person. Enter the Texas Songwriters
Cruise Songwriting Contest for a chance to win a free cabin,
conference, and transportation to and from the cruise within the
continental US.

Visit
www.txsongwriterscruise.com
for more info. We'll see you there!

Lealean Peace
founder - Texas Songwriters Cruise

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

friends

my wife asked me the following

Can you help me think of songs that go with the theme persistence?
Megan may use it as her theme for this year's show.

Songs like
the theme song from Rocky,
We are the champions,
climb every mountain?...
just songs about succeeding .

Can you think of any incredible songs on the topic
Please send your list to

AndeRasmussen@...
in the subject field write
IFS SUCCESS

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I went with my wife to get her hair cut
as I waited in the lobby there was an article about
Linda Septien in the July 2006 Texas Monthly Mag

http://www.texasmonthly.com/preview/2006-07-01/feature4

http://www.theseptiengroup.com/index.html

http://www.theseptiengroup.com/about_us/linda.html

http://www.dallasobserver.com/Issues/2006-03-02/news/feature.html




THE SEPTIEN MUSIC CONFERENCE FOR SINGERS AND SONGWRITERS DALLAS,
TEXAS.
"The New Age of Music and Self-Promotion! It's Working!"
August 25th-27th, 2006
Embassy Suites Hotel Dallas-Frisco
ONLY $189 if you register before July 15th!
INCLUDES $75 KEYNOTE DINNER FREE!!!


Special classes for Parents of Young Artists! ONLY $100!


* Experts from Disney will share what TV and record companies are
really looking for in young artists!

* Get tips for getting gigs, booking tours and managing your
musicians!

* Learn how to encourage children without pushing them too hard!
University experts who specialize in performance anxiety and the
psychology of young performers will be teaching invaluable tips for
life!

* Getting a manager when you are not a paid performer!

* Music contracts--What you need to know and how to negotiate the
best deal!

COMPETITION INFORMATION

Over 20,000 in Prizes!!!


SINGER competition!

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
1st Place
$1,000 Cash!
6 months of voice lessons at the SEPTIEN CENTER FOR ARTISTS TRAINING
1 private consultation and voice lesson with Linda Septien
1 private consultation with a panelist of your choice
2-song vocal demo at Septien Recording Studios
A Feature story on the Septien Music Conference Website

1st Runner-up
6 voice lessons at the SEPTIEN CENTER FOR ARTISTS TRAINING
1-song demo at Septien Recording Studios
1 voice lesson with Linda Septien
A Link on the Septien Music Conference Website

2nd Runner up
3 voice lessons at the SEPTIEN CENTER FOR ARTISTS TRAINING
1 Septien Vocal Boot Camp
6-CD training set
A Link on the Septien Music Conference Website

A CD, DVD or VHS (no audio cassettes) of you performing the song you
would like to be considered for the showcase must be mailed in by
August 9th, 2006. One song only will be considered.
The entry MUST have your name and CONTACT information on the entry.

Septien Singing Competition
PO box 800887
Dallas, TX 75380

All genres and ages will compete against one another, and
contestants will be judged on vocal quality and commercial
potential. The finalists will be notified at the Friday Night
Keynote dinner and will perform Saturday night for the competition.
ALL artists in this competition MUST come to the Conference prepared
to sing, and must bring with them a KAROKE TRACK on CD of the song
they wish to perform with their name on the CD, and the Track number
of the song. The track must be clear with no lead vocals. Anyone
with Lead vocals will be disqualified. Finalists may accompany
themselves as well. They do not have to sing with a track. The
finalists will sing for a panel of industry pros and record
companies. A written evaluation will be given to all finalists.

SONGWRITING competition!

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:

1st place
$1,000 in Cash!
A meeting with panelist of their choice
1 Co-writing session with a Grammy award-winning songwriter
A featured story on the Septien Music Conference Website
1 Consultation with Linda Septien

2nd Place
Lyrics featured on the Septien Music Conference Website
1 consultation with Linda Septien

3rd Place
Lyrics featured in the Septien Music Conference Site

All entries (CD of song{s} with title{s} and contact info written ON
the DISC-quality is NOT important, and typed lyrics)

must be mailed by August 9th, 2006 to:

SEPTIEN SONGWRITING COMPETITION
PO Box 800887
Dallas, TX 75380

All entries are considered, although one prize per writer is allowed
(1st, 2nd or 3rd). All Genres and ages will compete against one
another. All entries will be professionally evaluated on the
grounds of form, originality and commercial potential; and the
evaluations will be sent to the writers post-event. Materials WILL
NOT be returned.



THE BAND COMPETITION

A CD, DVD or VHS containing ONLY your original song (appearance is
NOT a factor) must be mailed by August 9th, 2006 to:

Septien Band Competition
PO box 800887
Dallas, TX 75380

or an EPK can be sent to info@... by the same date
specifying the song you would like considered.

The title of the song and your contact info must be written on
physical submissions.

Finalists will be notified by August 12th, 2006. Bands will be
required to bring guitar and keyboard equipment. Bass amp and drums
will be provided. All genres and ages will compete against one
another and finalists will receive written evaluations by industry
professionals following their performance at the Saturday Night
Showcase. All entries will be judged on musicality, originality and
commercial potential.
Once again, all members must 16 or over.

PRIZES INCLUDE: WINNER -
$1,000 in cash
6 voice lessons at the SEPTIEN CENTER FOR ARTISTS TRAINING
1 private consultation with Linda Septien
1 private consultation with a panelist of your choice
1 co-writing session with a Grammy-award winning songwriter
A Feature story on the Septien Music Conference Website

RUNNER-UP: -

3 voice lessons at the SEPTIEN CENTER FOR ARTISTS TRAINING Linda1
Septien Vocal Boot Camp 6-Cd training set3 lessonsLink on the
Septien Music Conference Site

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singer SEARCHING FOR SONGS

Tarintay writes:
Hi.

Thank you so much for the blurb you put on your IFS site. I've had
lots of responses. I was wondering if you could do me a favor and
let's de-emphasize the smooth-jazz and put more emphasis on
funk/rock/pop. I'm re-focusing my direction a bit.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your assistance.

Tari

Funk/Rock/Pop songs needed for recording project.

My Background:
have been a part of opening act for: (Not in any order)
Loggins and Messina
Dave Mason
Albert King
J Giles Band
Elvin Bishop
Ricky Nelson
John Mayhall
Lydia Pense &Friends
The Pointer Sisters
Jackson Browne
some I've forgotten

Have performed with: (Not in any order)
Elvin Bishop
Dave Mason
Tommy Castro Band
Lydia Pense &Friends
Pete Escovito &Sheila E.
Bruce Conti
John Mayhall
many I've forgotten

Recorded a movie soundtrack with Ronnie Montrose

Most Complimentary Genre: funk/rock/blues/r&b

voice(s) I most resemble: Ruthie Foster / Bonnie Raitt / Lydia Pense
I don't look like any of them.

Project to be "for sale" and submitted to labels.

Web Site coming soon.

In the meantime contact info is:

Tari LaCourt
2175 Norse Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

tarintay@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

Tell me What you like about IFS?

Do you have any success stories because you acted on INFO you found
in IFS?