take YOUR Songwriting to the next level drop by
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
where you can:
PITCH your songs at SongU
Get professional critiques and mentoring at SongU
Network with talented songwriters at SongU and
Plus you can TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

~ ~ ~

Many artists say the INDIE BIBLE
is a wonderful tool for independent artists
drop by
http://www.indiebible.com/swb
to check it out

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you want to RECEIVE IFS or CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS with IFS
SEND an EMPTY email to
difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

My wife and I will be in LOS ANGELES from
Friday Feb 9th - Monday Feb 12th to attend the Grammy's.
We're staying downtown not far from the Staples center.
I've set aside Saturday February 10th to meet with writers, artists
and producers. If you're in LA I'd love to meet with you and I'm
booking appointments. Saturday evening we're attending the Grammy
nominee reception. I hope to give y'all a full report.

Does any one have any suggestions of what we should do while we're
in LA?

3 new roughs and demos have arrived since I last wrote you

1 with Steve Mesropian, http://musicmez.com
1 with Steve Brooks, http://stevebrooks.net
1 with Tommy Byrd, http://byrdandstreet.com

here's where you can hear Katherine McPhee's version of Better Off
Alone that Austin Carroll and Susan Marshall wrote
http://tinyurl.com/37lkp4
you can hear Austin's at:

I love getting kind notes from IFS readers
Hey Ande:
Once again, you drop "jewels in my inbox" when I need inspiration. It
is hard when you are pursuing your dream and working a nine to five
to support two boys...giving up is not an option when IFS is on the
case!
Thanks again,
Steffan
www.myspace.com/blaqmagiqmusiq

I recently dropped by
http://tunesmith.net/forums/

and noticed they had a
Nashville Bound - Reach For The Bar!
forum

The Nashville Bound section is designed to post songs people feel
are ready to be pitched on Music Row right now, not for works in
progress (which is what the Audio section is for). In this section,
the bar is set higher. Performance counts. Prosody rules. Song
should be polished for pitching.

SO I started a thread about Pieces of Her Past that I cowrote with
Brock Goodwin and Donna Aylor. It received many favorable comments
and lead to an interesting discussion that you can find at:
http://tunesmith.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3019

Thanks for reading IFS I hope it helps you strive for your
songwriting dreams.

Ande

this invitation arrived in the mail

The recording academy
cordially invites you to attend the

Special Merit Awards Ceremony
&
Nominees Reception

Saturday, February 10, 2007

(where it was taking place)

6:00 p.m. Doors Open

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Special Merit Awards Ceremony
honoring the recipients of the
Lifetime Achievement Award
Trustees Award
Technical Grammy Award

8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Nominees Reception

Business Attire

RSVP by February 2 (via mail only please)



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to Cheley Tackett
she and her song "Play The One I Like" won
2006 Just Plain Folks Song Of The Year.
you can hear it at:
http://cdbaby.com/mp3lofi/tackett2-02.m3u

She's a superb writer and her catalog is well worth studying, If
you're hoping to get cuts in Nashville, your songs need to be as
great and sound as great as hers.

http://www.myspace.com/cheleytackettmusic

http://cdbaby.com/cd/tackett/from/ande

http://cdbaby.com/cd/tackett2/from/ande

Armed with a rich, soulful voice and songwriting talent that shines
even in the writing Mecca of Nashville, Cheley Tackett stands poised
to break into the mainstream while retaining her indie feel. Her
debut CD "When We Knew It All" earned the Just Plain Folks Award for
Country Song of the Year in 2001. Her song "Penny Wishes" won the
top prize in the country category at the 2002 Chris Austin
Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in North Carolina. She is also a
New Folk winner from the prestigious international Kerrville Folk
Festival, following in the footsteps of previous winners Lucinda
Williams and Lyle Lovett. Her new CD showcases her continuing growth
as a writer and performer, moving easily from swampy throwdowns to
tender ballads, all without losing the outlaw overtones that help
define her style.

"The first time I heard Cheley was around four years ago at a
writer's club in Nashville. I was instantly drawn to her voice. I've
heard literally thousands of singers during my career as a
songwriter/producer and I've heard a lot of very good singers. Every
now and then however, you hear someone who REALLY makes youwant to
listen to what they're saying and Cheley does that. I'm definately a
fan and once you hear her, you will be too."
- Reese Wilson, writer #1 single "She Can't Say I Didn't Cry"
recorded by Rick Trevino, #1 single "Not On Your Love" recorded by
Jeff Carson, Top 5 single "Places I've Never Been" recorded by Mark
Wills, Top 10 single "It's All In Your Head" recorded by Diamond Rio
as well as cuts by Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Clay
Walker, Aaron Tippin, and Neal McCoy.

"There are alot of singer/songwriters who try to copy what they've
heard and don't tap into what they feel. Cheley Tackett is NOT one
of these people. She has a great voice and a great talent for
songwriting that will kill you!"
- Chris Wallin, writer "I'm Tryin'" recorded by Trace Adkins (and
currently in the country Top 40), "That's What Brother's Do"
recorded by Confederate Railroad, and "3 Seconds" recorded by Sammy
Kershaw and Lorrie Morgan.

"In Nashville, they talk about a song giving you "chillbumps," and
that's what happens every time I hear Cheley Tackett. It's a
combination of her bluesy voice, sweet soulful ballads, uptempo
swampy grooves, and disarming wry humor. I've worked with Cheley at
a bunch of shows and she's always got something new, something that
makes me ask, 'How come more people don't know about this woman?'
For now, I'm grateful to be included in the secret."
- Steve Key, writer "33, 45, 78" recorded by Kathy Mattea and host
of Washington D.C.'s Red Rover Concert Series

"Cheley Tackett writes songs that actually matter. An artist with a
fresh approach, but with a respect for the tradition that is country
music."
-Michael Taylor, Director of A&R, Sony Music Australia

"In a music world of marketing hype and fluff it is always
refreshing to hear someone brave enough to sing a song for the
song's sake. Cheley Tackett is one of those artists. Even through my
ears I can feel her looking me dead straight in the eyes, and
letting me in on it as if I were the only one listening. She sings
from the earth, nothing watered down, all from the gut. Cheley
Tackett and a song seem to be one...listen to the final cut and it
will all become clear...That's when I knew it all."
-Thom Bresh, Award winning Guitarist/Producer/Fan

REVIEWS!
Click here to write a review about this CD!


Amazing songwriter!
Reviewer: Little Johnny Kantreed
Cheley Tackett is one of the best kept secrets in Nashville! But,
the world needs to know about this amazing songwriter/performer.
Songs from the heart, with a depth that is matched by few. This CD
is highly recommended!



Reviewer: Courtney A
It is a cd I love and listen to that reminds me of home and growing
up. The lyrics touch your heart with such passion and truth. If you
need convincing, see her live. You will not be disappointed!!


Fabulous!
Reviewer: Amy Brazelton
I was pleased that the arrangements of the songs on this CD were so
well done. I have several friends who play live and when they record
their own album it sounds totally different - the production takes
away from the essence of the song itself. This isn't the case with
Cheley Tackett. The productions are great and the songs are
incredibly well-written.


AWESOME
Reviewer: Kelly C
AWESOME!! I enjoyed every song on this cd! the songs on this cd made
me dance, laugh, and cry! Thanks Cheley for sharing your music!! I
recommend this cd to all who love well written music!!


A wide variety of songs, sharing a common thread of experience
Reviewer: Siobhan Dalrymple
The songs on the CD are diverse, but all seem to share an
emotionally honest, quintessentially human spirit-- one that will be
understood by anyone who has loved, aspired, or just grown up.
Tackett's soulful, evocative voice perfectly captures the varying
moods, from the earthy "Mississippi Sunshine" to the wistful "Penny
Wishes."


Her smooth, soulful voice is a comfort to anyone who hears it.
Reviewer: Tina Jett
A true, genuine, wonderful person with a beautiful soul and a voice
to match. Cheley's music and lyrics stirs something deep inside you
without even trying. She definitely has one of the most soothing,
comforting sounds you will ever hear.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

GRAMMY University Network: Texas Chapter has invited you to "Grammy
Telecast Viewing Party" on Sunday, February 11 at 5:30pm.

Event: Grammy Telecast Viewing Party
"Hosted by DJ Rapid Ric"
What: Jam Session
Host: GRAMMY University Network: Texas Chapter
When: Sunday, February 11 at 5:30pm
Where: Gibson Guitar Showroom

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2231690697

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy® presents

GRAMMY® Telecast Viewing Party

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Hard Rock Cafe
2601 McKinney Avenue ● Dallas, TX

5 p.m. Doors
6 p.m. Live Performance featuring Red Monroe
7 p.m. Telecast
10 p.m. Live Performance featuring PPT with Strange Fruit Project

Recording Academy Members and one guest receive complimentary
admission
Admission for non-members is $25
hors d'oeuvres, beverages & entertainment

Reservations Required
please e-mail
rsvp_texas@... or call 512.328.8176
no later than Wednesday, February 7

Proud Sponsors:
Verizon
Hard Rock Cafe
USA Today

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Songwriters are story tellers
thought you might enjoy this article

how to tell a great story
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2006/04/ode_how_to_tell.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ande's Lyric Writing Tips

1) there are no rules, there's only tools, you'll find exceptions to
everything below, but it's generally good to stick with them.

2) write a lyric the way you would say it
lyrics are conversational, don't reverse word order for the sake of
rhyme, only use words you'd use in a natural normal conversation
keep it simple, make it so people who are half listening can half
understand

3) lyrics have structure, there's usually a verse then a chorus then
the 2nd verse then the chorus
so the simplest song form is
V C V C
some songs have a Bridge
V C V C B C

4) songs have a title, the title is the most repeated phrase in the
chorus,
it's the phrase that sticks in people's heads,
find a phrase that DEMANDS ATTENTION
it usually summarizes the song
if a chorus has 8 lines

here's 5 examples of where the title can be placed in an 8 line
chorus

1) x
2)
3)
4)
5) x
6)
7)
8)


1) x
2)
3) x
4)
5)
6)
7)
8) x

1) x
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8) x


1)
2)
3)
4) x
5)
6)
7)
8) x

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8) x

some songs don't have a chorus
they just have a repeated hook line


5) the purpose of the verse is to lead the listener to the chorus
every line in the verse should be connected to or point at the title

6) use imagery, don't tell me, show me with images
write with all your senses, things you see, feel, hear, taste, and
touch

7) the opening line of the lyric should grab the listeners attention

8) avoid cliches, they are the kiss of death

9) the last line in each verse should transition the listener into
the chorus

10) a song contains
lyrics which are the words
the vocal melody which are the way you sing the words and
music

11) you don't need to be able to sing, read music, or even write
music to write songs

12) each line in a song needs to be concise
each syllable has to be sung,

13) some words don't sing well, avoid using them, avoid using
adverbs, find the verb, one and two syllable words are the backbone
of lyrics

14) verse 1 and 2 should have the same rhyme scheme
when you compare each line in verse 1 and 2, they should have close
to the same number of syllables and you should be able to sing the
same melody on each line
ie when you compare V1 L1 with V2 L2

15) study the songs you love and write similar songs

16) when an idea arrives allow it to flow out
write down what ever else arrives with it
just get it out
then go back later and edit it
if you have a strong idea you will think of many lines to go with it
you want to edit it down to the strongest most effect lines

17) a well written song will emotionally move the listener
a well written lyric will emotionally move the reader

18) songwriting can be pandoras box
if you start you might not be able to stop

19) have your song idea radar on at all times
when you find a song idea write it down

20) songs rarely arrive fully baked at once
they usually arrive in bits and pieces
it's up to you to put the lyric together
writing lyrics can be like solving a puzzle

21) you can tweak the song forever ad nauseum
a some point have the courage to say the song is done

22) start a songwriting journal and write down your ideas
keep pen and paper handy where you can't bring your journal
when you have enough of a song going
transfer it to your computer

23) it's ok to cowrite, songwriting is probably the second best
thing consenting adults can do to have fun creating something

24) avoid puns and being overly clever, a song should generate a
real emotion in the listener rather than make the reader say,
"my my my you are so clever"

25) keep a list of all the songs you've written, the date you
started, who you worked on it with, what the current status of the
song is

26) you dont have to use perfect rhymes, like rock and block,
you rhyme the vowel sound
an imperfect rhyme sound similar to each other like swim and win,

27) that's all for now but i'll probably write more later

I hope this helps you write your first song
once you do, write more.

so now I challenge you to write a lyric

ande rasmussen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Community Express Loans for Musicians
The City of Austin's Small Business Development Program is proud to
offer a Community Express Loan Workshop targeted to the music
industry.
In the past, these information sessions have resulted in
participants obtaining loans. In less than one hour, participants
will learn step by step how to apply for a Community Express Loan.
And, applications can be completed on the spot!

The workshop is scheduled:
Thursday, February 15
10:00 am to 12 noon
International Center of Austin (ICA)
201 East 2nd St

Registration is free, but required. Please call 512 974-7721 or
visit www.cityofaustin.org/sbdp to register.

Loans are available from $5000 to $25,000. These loans are SBA-
guaranteed loans, payable over ten years with no pre-payment penalty.

If you plan on attending, please bring the following documentation
so you are prepared:
- "Doing Business As" (d/b/a) documentation
- photocopy of driver's license or official ID
- Federal tax ID
- If not a US citizen, evidence of LPRA (Legal Permanent Resident
Alien) status
- info on your active business checking account
- a blank business check

If you've been searching for additional funds to further your music
career, this could be a great opportunity for you. For more
information, call Stacy Mason at 512 974-7721.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Music Mixer Welcomes the Austin Film Society
Talk about mixin' it up! Austin Music Foundation brings the music
and film communities together at next week's Austin Music Mixer when
we'll be joined by members of Austin Film Society.

Tuesday, February 6
6:30 to 8:30 pm
The Belmont, Dakota Lounge
West 6th St &; Lavaca

If you've ever wanted to talk to anyone who might be looking for
music for their film project, or just get to know some cool film
folks, this is the Mixer for you. Be sure to join us!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Here's the news and happenings with the Austin Songwriters Group:

NEW BOARD MEMBER - ASG member Betty Soo was elected and installed as
the newest ASG Director at our most recent Board meeting and we
could not be more pleased to have Betty Soo joining us and offering
her energy to the group.

SATURDAY, FEB. 3rd at the SAXON -Beginning at Noon on Saturday,
legendary Austin songwriters Bill Carter and Ruth Ellsworth, along
with Nashville powerhouse Austin Cunningham will conduct a 90-minute
workshop that will cover enough songwriting strategy to make the
nominal fee for attending worth it many times over. Truly, you
cannot go wrong by being in attendance for this one.

Bill Carter and Ruth Ellsworth have written songs that sold millions
for artists of varying degrees. They wrote "Crossfire" the only
number one song Stevie Ray Vaughn had. They also wrote the theme
song for the KIng of the Hill Christmas Episode, "Ballad of Hank
Hill". they have written country hits as well as songs for major
motion pictures, such as "From Dust Till Dawn", " The Secret Life
of David Gale" , "Once Upon a Time in Mexico". Their songs have
been recorded by artists such as: The Stray Cats, The Fabulous
Thunderbirds, Robert Palmer, Counting Crows, Waylon Jennings, The
Derailers, John Anderson, Toni Price, Storyville, and many many
more.

Austin Cunningham, one of Nashville's busiest and best songwriters,
who will regaling us with his vast experience. His songwriting
resume includes cuts by some of Nashville's A-List players,
including The Judds, Dolly Parton, Tracey Byrd, Martina McBride, and
Trisha Yearwood. His songs have also found there way onto movie
soundtracks, including "Where the Heart Is" and "Autumn In New York"
among others. He is also a past recipient of the prestigious Johnny
Mercer Award for Emerging Songwriters, an award which is given out
annually to one writer each from Los Angeles, Nashville and New
York. So, like with Bill and Ruth, there is little doubt that Austin
Cunningham's songwriter credentials are good as gold.

Doors open at 11:30 at the Saxon Pub
Workshop is from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Seating will be open and on a first-come first-served basis.
The cost $20 for current ASG members and $25 for non-members.


There will also be a limited number of "private" 15-minute sessions
that you can schedule with one or all of the songwriter instructors
after the completion of the master workshop. To be eligible for the
private session, you must have been an attendee of the master
workshop and you have to schedule the private sessions with Lee
Duffy in advance, so that she can properly schedule the instructors'
time.

You may use the 15-minutes any way you wish. You can pitch a song,
get feedback on one you are working on, or just ask any old
questions you wish about songwriting. If you wish to avail yourself
of the "private" sessions, you will need to email Lee Duffy at
leeduffy@... and schedule it in advance of
the workshop.

Lee Duffy and Austin Cunningham Concert Saturday Night !

Austin Cunningham will be performing at a house concert along with
ASG's very own Lee Duffy, as part of the Nexus Concert Series.
Providing additional music accompaniment for the event will be Floyd
Domino, Gabe Rhodes and Marvin Dykhuis. This promises to be a
stellar event in a very intimate setting.
Seating is limited to only 45 people so if you wish to attend
please go to www.nexusconcertseries.com and make your reservation
before all seats are gone! Suggested donation is only $15 per
person, but you can feel free to donate more if you wish. This
concert series has been a big supporter of the ASG so please
consider attending. You will be supporting your ASG President, our
Sponsor and, most importantly, independent artists like you.

Stay tuned for more events and we look forward to seeing as many of
you as possible this Saturday at The Saxon Pub at Noon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jeffrey Steele's Son In Fatal Accident
01/29/2007 Music Row News

Songwriter Jeffrey Steele's son Alex Levasseur died yesterday (1/28)
due to injuries suffered during an ATV accident in Franklin, Tenn.
He was driving around a curve on Lavender Rd. when he lost control
and was thrown from the vehicle. Despite wearing a helmet at the
time of the accident, the 13-year-old passed away after being life-
flighted to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Music Row offers
its deepest condolences to the Steele family at this difficult time.
Cards can be sent to
P.O. Box 214,
Franklin, TN 37065


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's an interesting thread about pitching songs
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=56129

internet songwriting forums

just plain folks
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm

songramp
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/index.php

tunesmith.net
http://tunesmith.net/forums

muses muse
http://www.musesmuse.com/forums/index.php

lets talk music
http://letstalkmusic.com/forum/index.php

taxi
http://taxi.proboards27.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

there is an international songwriting project called february album
writing month (fawm), that is about to begin.
anyone can participate for free. you can participate as either a
writer or a critic.

as a writer, you write and record 14 songs in the 28 days of
february. after you complete each song you upload it to the web and
post it under your account at http://www.fawm.org. other
participants from around the world listen to your songs and offer
encouragement and constructive criticism. last year there were over
300 participants from all over the world.

when you have an international community of like minded songwriters
cheering you on, it's amazing what you can accomplish. if you aren't
comfortable singing you can write 14 instrumentals.

if you can't participate in the writing then consider participating
as a critic. encourager is a better word then critic as we are only
looking for constructive feedback. it's like being on the water crew
when your friend is running a marathon.... you cheer them on and
provide them with water to keep them going. last year we had sooo
many songwriters and so few critics that the experience was a little
lopsided. the feedback really keeps the writers going. fyi, writers
can also be critics.

there are links to free recording software and suggestions for cheap
recording gear on the site.

this will be my 3rd year writing a fawm album. the past 2 have
helped me with:

-becoming a better songwriter
-becoming a better recording engineer
-becoming a better player
-learning a ton about effects and electric guitar techniques
-learning to really open up the type of songs i write
-discovering new approaches to getting the creative -wheels turning
-learning how to write quality music under a deadline
-learn to write through writers block
-learning to be a better singer
-learning to be a better arranger/producer
-making new friends and developing contacts throughout the US, and
Europe
-having something newsworthy (an interesting angle) to get
newspapers, magazines, tv shows, and radio stations to want to talk
to me about

if you'd like to hear what i've written and recorded during these
months, all the songs on my website song page (
http://www.stevenbacon.com )were written and recorded during either
fawm 2005 or fawm 2006.

if any of you would like to participate we can start a jpf string on
the forum and let our presence be known.

all the best,
-steven bacon

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

http://www.tunesmith.net/events/Tunesmithpartners.html


NEWS on All About Country Jan 24, 2007













AllAboutCountry.com NewMusic Station Puts Deal Together With
Tunesmith.net
Nan Cassidy (pictured) President/CEO of Tunesmith.net announces a
working relationship with AllAboutCountry.com NewMusic Radio.
Tunesmith will submit a Tunesmith Top Ten Songs of the month for
rotation on All About Country's New Music Radio Station. Tunesmith
is a grassroots songwriting organization rooted in the smokey
writers venues in Nashville where tomorrows songwriting stars are
perched on a stool every night singing songs to anyone who will
listen. Tunesmith's mission is to identify the cream of the crop and
showcase them to the world thru the monthly Spotlight Writers Space
on Tunesmith.net and now thru exposure on AllAboutCountry. . Nan
Cassidy recently joined Dennis Management 18th Ave S. in Nashville
as Vice President of Marketing and Promotions. The Dennis Management
Team consists of Cassidy, Sharon Dennis, President/CEO, Artist
Management and Donna Caldwell, of Paramount Studios in L.A. as Vice
President of Media Relations. This dynamic team will be making waves
in the Nashville music business beginning with Jarrod Birmingham, a
Texas native which has established himself as part of the fabric of
Texas Music. Jarrod will be coming to Nashville in February to co-
write with some professional songwriters to complete the song list
for his new CD. For information on how to submit songs for the
Tunesmith Top Ten, email info@... .

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE HEARD! IF YOUR PAYING MONEY TO HAVE YOUR
SONGS PITCHED, STOP DOING THAT NOW AND "PITCH" THEM TO THE TUNESMITH
TOP TEN!!!


















TUNESMITH . net has been invited to submit a Top Ten List to the
New Music Station beginning Friday JAN 26, 2007 for rotation
consideration. ONE Song out of the Top Ten will be chosen to go in
to rotation WEEKLY! What a great way to get your song in front of
the most popular sight on the internet for professionals in the
broadcasting industry!
There is a small song submission fee to cover the cost of screening
the songs. To submit your songs please click the Buy now button
below. You can submit 3 songs for 20.00. If your 3 songs pass the
initial screening we will notify you they are in the running for the
Top Ten. We will also notify you when they drop out. Just because
they don't make the Top Ten doesn't mean they are not still in the
running for the next month. We choose 20 songs to be submitted for
the Top Ten and as long as your songs remain in the Top 20 you are
still eligible to make the Top Ten.
THIS is a great time to get your songs in, we only have two days
until we submit the first Top Ten!!
ALL the top ten songs will be listed right here on Tunesmith!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

my friend Donna Gailbraith wrote an interesting blog

http://www.songramp.com/mod/blog/comment.php?postid=239

Year in Review- 2006

I thought it was a good thing to sit down and review 2006 and re-set
goals for 2007.

2006 was a great year. Family is doing great, health is good, I'm
growing in my spiritual life, and I feel like the goals I set, I
managed to do. Except one. I did want to finish ALL songs that I
hadn't finished from the previous year. I did maybe half. It's very
hard with all the cowriting I do online- the ones that are face-to-
face do seem to get finished first... :-)

I had five song contracts this year, and three Indie Cuts that made
it out of the studio. My songs are in the hands of some MAJOR record
label people (four songs). I should count how many songs I've
written. Probably about 20. Which isn't alot- but I work full-time
and have a family. I've been working on LANGUAGE. To me- that's what
seperates the Pros and the Amateurs. The WAY you say it (and still
make it rhyme!). I'm getting better. It's still a struggle. I had
someone tell me that my songs sound alike. So I guess I need to
explore that and break out of it. That is my goal for this year. But
I have to identify it before I can work on it- so that might be
hard, because I honestly thought my songs all sound vastly different.

I hope to move to Nashville this year. We will see if that happens.
It would require a transfer at work.

I'm SO excited that I FINALLY got ProTools to working (gave up on
Garage Band). So now I can do my own demos. That is going to be so
cool. I owe alot to the people here, for sure.

I plan on going to Nashville 4-5 times this year, and both Durango
Songwriters Expos. I'm making inroads.

In closing, I want to say something. It doesn't matter to me a bit
if my songs never get cut. I am actively pursuing that, but I'm
enjoying the "process" and I just LOVE songwriting, and I'll never
quit. So it's not like if I don't get any action in a few years,
I'll give up. It would be cool to hear Wynonna sing one of my songs,
and what a trip to win a CMA or Grammy, and can you imagine getting
a check for six figures? But that's certainly not why I do this and
doesn't drive me. It's just my passion- and you gotta do what you
are passionate about or you lose a big part of yourself. So for all
you passionate people out there.... keep on keeping on. And don't
let this world's definition of success define you.

Happy 2007!
Donna


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do you subscribe to

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/laFilmCasting/

if you want to get it
send an empty email to
LAFilmCasting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
you might want to get Daily digest

he also does
LIST ARCHIVE (need to see a message again?)
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send an empty email to
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SSS
CHRISTIAN SINGERS SEARCHING FOR SONGS
you'll find several ads at:
http://forum.christiansongwriters.org/viewforum.php?f=25

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Write On,

Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?