Take YOUR Songwriting to the next LEVEL drop by

http://www.SongU.com/ifs

Where you can:
+ PITCH your songs
+ Receive Professional critiques
+ Get Mentoring from industry pros
+ Network with talented songwriters at SongU and
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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SELL downloads of your songs and other creations at:
http://www.payloadz.com/rs/go.asp?rs_id=15854

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Soon IFS will celebrate it's 6th anniversary.
In the next issue I'd like to share stories of how IFS has helped
you over the years, so if IFS has helped you get cuts or make
contacts or not give up.

Please send yours in.

This past Monday I worked as a volunteer at Grammy Career Day held
by the Texas Grammy Chapter. While there I saw many friends and met
Arista recording artist Paula DeAnda, her manager Ed, her DJ Chris,
Amy Corbin who books for ACL Fest and Stubbs, and many more
wonderful folks. Sara Hickman and I facilitated 2 songwriting
workshops. I saw Terri Fann too.


Join the Grammy Org and get involved.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Grammys.
May 8th they are going to make some important announcements.


AMERICAN IDOL SONG CONTEST has announced their top 20
I suggest you drop by, register, hear them, study the lyrics and vote
http://songwriter.americanidol.com
at this point they aren't saying who the writers are.
I will tell you the person who wrote
TONIGHT
is an IFS reader and would very much appreciate a high score from
YOU.
JPFs Brian Austin Whitney posted his coments and all the lyrics at:
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?
ubb=showflat&Number=499283
just scroll down

maybe as you vote consider their criteria:

1) powerful melodic and emotional hook
make people want to dance sing or even cry

2) connect with the American Public
have a meaningful lyric that connects with the AI audience
lyrics and music must be accessable and appealing to the audience

3) make it feel like a fitting end to the series

4) reflect the emotional journey of contestants

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Gary Powell wrote an excellent blog post at:
The Career Studio Singer Job Description
http://www.garypowell.com/blogs/insight/studio-singer-job-
description/

http://JohnArthurMartinez.net wrote
It's official I have a new record deal with AGR TV Records
Distributed by Universal Records. The contract is signed sealed and
delivered to my office in my doublewide trailer. Plans set for
release of Rodeo Night in France and Germany.

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are you going to the kerrville folk festival

they offer an excellent Songwriting School
28th Annual Songwriters School
May 29 – 31, 2007



Directors:

Rick Beresford (Nashville TN);

Dr. Dick Goodwin (Columbia SC)


Faculty:

Steve Seskin (Richmond CA)

Jonathan Edwards (Austin TX)

Celeste Krenz (Nashville TN)

Jon Vezner (Nashville TN)

For the 28th consecutive year, the Texas Folk Music Foundation hosts
its annual Songwriting School at the Quiet Valley Ranch during the
36th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival. Both beginning and advanced
songwriters can benefit from this experience through shared examples
and break-out sessions with our guest faculty.

Directed by Nashville's Rick Beresford, the school lasts three days
and is designed to bring out each student's unique songwriting
style. There are many valid approaches to songwriting and such
differences are encouraged. All types of songwriting are addressed:
folk, rock, blues, and country. Students receive both large and
small group instruction using hands-on-teaching methods. Individual
song critiques and group songwriting are included

DAY 1 will focus on creative exploration: deriving and developing
physical and emotional lyric elements and song form expansion.


DAY 2 will address music exploration: discovering techniques for
creating and improving melodies. Note value and length, space,
chords, contrast and repetition.


DAY 3 will emphasize form, structure and rewriting. Poetic style,
symbolic writing, rhyme & meter tricks.

By pre-paid reservation only @ $180 per student (prior to May 10).
$215 after May 10. Your registration fee includes the course,
lunches, tent camping fees, a specially designed T-shirt, and
admission to Sundown Concerts for class days. Limited enrollment.
You may register on-line by visiting our Ticket Page, or call the
festival office at (830) 257-3600, or you may send your registration
check to:

Texas Folk Music Foundation
c/o Kerrville Folk Festival Songwriting School
PO Box 291466
Kerrville, TX 78029

make checks payable to the
Texas Folk Music Foundation

http://www.kerrville-music.com/songwritersschool.htm

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2007 GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE NEW FOLK FINALISTS

Congratulations to the following New Folk Finalists for 2007. These
songwriters were chosen from 800 outstanding submissions we received
from around the world. Sixteen will play the two songs they
submitted on Saturday, May 26 and sixteen on Sunday, May 27 during
the New Folk Concerts. This is the 35th year for New Folk and is
always one of the highlights of the Kerrville Folk Festival. Here's
the list of finalists and the date they are scheduled to play:


SATURDAY, MAY 26

Threadgill Theater (noon to 3 p.m.)

in order of appearance



Saturday, set 1

Danny Schmidt (Austin TX)

Datri Bean (Austin TX)

Kate Klim (Somerville MA)

David Llewellyn (Nashville TN)

porterdavis (Austin TX)

Noah Earle (Hallsville MO)

Scott & Michelle Dalziel (Maquoketa IA)

Raina Rose (Portland OR)

Saturday, set 2

Storyhill (Bozeman MT)

Anthony da Costa (Pleasantville NY)

Michael McGarrah (Phoenix AZ)

Chuck E Costa (New Haven CT)

Donal Hinely (Springfield TN)

Dave Potts (Auburn AL)

Jessica Heine (Edmonton Alb, Canada)

Jan Smith (Afton VA)

SUNDAY, MAY 27

Threadgill Theater (noon to 3 p.m.)

in order of appearance



Sunday, set 1

Carla Gover (Richmond KY)

Owen Temple (Madison WI)

KC Clifford (Oklahoma City OK)

Ray Younkin (Houston TX)

Wil Maring (Cobden IL)

Siobhan Quinn & Michael Bowers (Alexandria VA)

Kevin McGee (Lexington SC)

Laura Zucker (Lafayette CA)

Sunday, set 2

Pat Wictor (Brooklyn NY)

Emily Kurn (Anchorage AK)

Eric Hansen (Tucson AZ)

Edie Carey (Boston MA)

Derek Aramburu (Cypress TX)

Elana Arian (New York NY)

John Wort Hannam (Fort Macleod Alb. CAN)

Lindsay Mac (Cambridge MA)




From the May 26 and May 27 performances, the SIX 2007 Grassy Hill
Kerrville New Folk Winners will be selected by judges Jonathan Byrd,
Johnsmith, and Cosy Sheridan and will be announced on Sunday, May 27
during the evening concert. These six winners will be invited to
return the following weekend to perform at the Grassy Hill Kerrville
New Folk Winners concert on Sunday, June 3.



2007 Regional New Folk Ballad Tree Performers

In addition to the above finalists, we selected regional performers
to appear at the BALLAD TREE to sing one of their songs.



Thursday, May 24 (host: The Laws) –
Randall Williams (Hickory Creek TX),
Emily Lively (Kerrville TX),
Johann Wagner (Austin TX)


Friday, May 25 (host: Jonathan Byrd) –
Tommy Byrd (Austin TX),
Matt Harlan (Houston TX),
Shelley King (Austin TX)

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

We will begin taking entries for the 2008 New Folk Contest on
December 1, 2007.

http://www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk.htm

their excellent songwriting school

~ ~ ~ ~
plus there's a

House Concert Seminar at the Kerrville Folk Festival
11:00 am, Saturday, June 11, 2005

Join this open panel discussion to see how you can take advantage of
the growing House Concert movement that's sweeping the country. The
panel of several veteran House Concert hosts will clue you in on
what it takes to book, promote, and even find a venue in your
community. This seminar is FREE to all those who want to join in and
will take place in the Threadgill Theater.



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Contest

The National Healthy Marriage (NHMI) Songwriting Contest
The NHMI invites songwriters to use their talents to help strengthen
marriages by entering this years songwriting contest. The NHMI is
looking for original songs that also teach a relationship skill or
insight the listener can use to strengthen their marriage.
Songwriters can win up to $500 in cash and may be included in a CD
release. There is no fee to enter and the deadline is August 1st
2007. Click here for more details.
http://www.healthymarriagetips.com/songwriting.htm

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

West Coast Songwriters is hosting a few song screening events:

Brian Rawlings from Back Nine Ent. San Carlos, Santa Cruz & San
Francisco on May 20th, 21st & 22nd respectively

BRIAN RAWLINGS recently left Disney Music to start his own company,
Back Nine Entertainment, along with Scott Shelte, former manager of
No Doubt, and Donald Markowitz. This is a great opportunity for WCS
members to get their foot in the door of Brian's new multimedia
company.

Brian was formerly vice president, Disney Music Publishing where he
was responsible for overseeing the pop songs, songwriters and
catalog acquisitions for the music publishing arm of the Buena Vista
Music Group. He worked extensively with the film, TV and record
areas of the company to provide music for all of The Walt Disney
Company's productions including Hollywood Records, Walt Disney
Records, the Disney Channel, Touchstone Pictures, and ABC.

Brian joined Disney Music Publishing in 1991. He enjoyed multi-
format success in his tenure at Disney Music Publishing with 21
number one singles and multiple gold and platinum records with such
diverse artists as Jesse McCartney, Uncle Kracker, Hilary Duff, Aly
and AJ, Travis Tritt, John Michael Montgomery, Deep Purple, All 4
One and Tyrese. Most recently Brian was responsible for the songs
for Disney's High School Musical, Cheetah Girls, Hannah Montana and
Jump.

Looking for: Great material in all marketable styles


LOS ANGELES ONLY....MAY 29TH - Marcus Barone Indie Film Supervisor

Looking For: Songs for SONY PICTURES Beverly Hills Ninja II
and "Title – TBD".

"Title – TBD": Major documentary in the style of the Tom Dowd film.
This film is produced by a major record company and will be released
in a worldwide market. "Title – TBD". Contact Executive of Music
Marcus Barone. Subject: The film follows the history of progressive
rock along with the daily life of the band Dream Theater. Bands in
the film include Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP, UK, Gentle Giant, Genesis,
Rush, Kansas etc.
Wanted: Prefer Instrumental but would accept vocals. Progressive
rock soundalikes, originals, and even covers. Music will be used for
score. Music will be used under the interview.

Beverly Hills Ninja II - Sony Pictures

Any funny songs. Hip Hop/R&B preferred but will listen to anything
else. Subject matter: Black Ninja in Japan looking for father. Songs
wanted about Ninjas, Kung Fu fighting, funny songs about love, funny
songs about traveling on airplane, funny songs coming to America,
funny songs about Japan. Anything over the top!

Suggest looking at the Beverly Hills Ninja movie - The new movie is
based on the original with Chris Farley only it's a black/urban
version of the original hit. Male vocals only initially. No emails
or calls before the general call for songs - - go to the screening.

Executive of Music Marcus Barone
http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/events_songscreenings.htm

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What is DurangoSong.com
http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/Great_Connections-
backissues.html

Important News at DS.com
Hey Everybody, Jack Hayford here. After a three year experiment with
making our Expo recordings available to Members via online
subscription (Audio-on-Demand delivered by Live365 and Instant
Audio) we've decided to make a few fundamental changes.

1. The good news is that we are reducing the annual subscription fee
by over 50%. The new annual subscription rate is $12.97 instead of
$29.97. This has already been implemented. For CURRENT MEMBERS who
have already paid $29.97 for this year, we are offering a $25 credit
towards the Santa Barbara Expo (May 31-June 2) OR we will extend
your subscription to the Backstage Membership area by TWO EXTRA
YEARS. You need to take no action if you aren't planning to attend
the Santa Barbara Expo. Your subscription will be extended by our
system. But if you want to take the $25 credit on the Expo
Registration, please email jack@....


(Note: You may still see some references to the old price of $29.97
on a few pages that have yet to be updated, but you will see that
$12.97 is actually the price on the Order Form.)


2. The reason we are making this change is that we are doing away
with using Live365 Radio and all of our audios will be played using
Instant Audio. We will no longer offer a Live365 radio station and
play the music of our Members. We are streamlining the operation
based on what we see as the needs of our Members and potential new
members. Instant Audio gives more options to the listener without
any player issues that sometime are a problem using Live365. Instant
Audio is also less expensive for us...thus a reduction in price to
listen to these great programs.


If you don't know what I'm talking about click on the link below and
see Walt Aldridge's "Say Just What You Feel and Make it Rhyme." The
little blue player is Instant Audio. All our programs will use this
player soon.


We regret any inconvenience or disappointment this change may cause
but all new businesses face adjustments as they evolve. We think
this is a smart move and will allow us to provide even more programs
for less money, resulting in a better deal for songwriters.


We've just added the Steve Dorff - Bobby Tomberlin Songwriting
Workshop in the "Workshop" section in the Backstage. It's 57 minutes
long and it's really good. Steve and Bobby definitely offered up
some pearls at this workshop conducted at Santa Barbara in 2006.


More programs are coming soon, of course.


Thanks to ALL who support the Expo and DS.com. I'm looking forward
to seeing you all in Wine Country!

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DSA Launched their contest

DSA SONG CONTEST

The 2007 Song Contest - Deadline June 30th

Over $3,000 in prizes. Grand Prize Gibson Guitar! 8 Song
Categories. 3 Winners Each Category. Entry fee $25 per song, $20
DSA Members. Finalists in each category will be judged by music
industry professionals from record labels and publishing companies &
Grand Prize winners will be chosen by members of Broadjam.com. ENTER
ONLINE! Courtesy of BROADJAM.COM or Print Form from DSA website and
Enter by Mail. Details at:
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/scontest.htm

Categories for this contest are as follows:
1. Country
2. Singer/Songwriter
3. Christian/Inspirational
4. Novelty/Patriotic/Children's
5. Pop/Rock/Alt/R&B/Urban
6. Americana/Folk/Bluegrass
7. Love Songs/EZ Listening
8. Instrumental/TV/Film/Classical/Jazz

All finalists in each category will be judged by music industry
professionals from record labels and publishing companies.
Country, Norman Devasure - Owner of Sunset Ranch Music/Norman
Productions, Nashville. Norman has an extensive career in the
country music market, having been Senior Creative Director for
HoriPro Entertainment Group and Vice President and co-owner of RPM
Music Group. Norman placed Tracy Byrd's mega-hit "Keeper of The
Stars" and Jeff Bates' current single "Long Slow Kisses". He has
also had cuts by Lee Ann Rimes, John Michael Montgomery, Ty Herndon,
Billy Ray Cyrus, George Strait, Lorrie Morgan, Reba McIntire, Daryl
Singletary, Tanya Tucker, and Tracy Lawrence to name a few. He also
published, pitched and produced RCA artist Brice Long. Norman is
currently pitching a couple of new young female artists to the
labels.

Singer/Songwriter, Al Johnson- Singer/Songwriter Venue Manager,
Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival - As Director of Parks and
Recreation for the City of Richardson Al was part of the team that
started the Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival in 1993 and
instrumental in creating and growing the Wildflower
Singer/Songwriter Venue and the Singer/Songwriter Contest. Since
his retirement after 37 years, Al has devoted his festival time
exclusively to booking the Singer/Songwriter Venue and managing the
Singer/Songwriter Contest. Through his network with over 20
Singer/Songwriter venues across the state of Texas and his
partnership with the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Dallas
Songwriters Association he has had the opportunity to know, hear and
appreciate the songwriting talents of many songwriters from across
the USA and Canada. http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/
Novelty/Patriotic/Children's Susie Luchsinger - Her smile is a
genuine one -- and a familiar one. With more than a passing physical
resemblance to her sister, singer/actress Reba McEntire, Susie also
shares her big sister's musical giftings. But Susie has directed her
talents to the country/gospel music field over the past few years,
garnering much acclaim from her peers and fans alike. In addition to
numerous awards and nominations from TNN, GMA, and CCMA, Susie has
been named "Artist of the Year" several times in the field of
Positive Country Music. She has also scored four #1 singles on the
Positive Country radio charts. However, more than her notoriety, it
is Susie's faithfulness in the midst of difficulties and her genuine
compassion for others that inspires the people around her.


Love Songs/EZ Listening, Pamela Phillips Oland - Aretha Franklin,
Whitney Houston, Selena, Frank Sinatra, Peabo Bryson, Reba McIntyre,
The Jacksons, and Gladys Knight are among the artists who've
recorded more than 400 Pamela Phillips Oland songs. Anne Murray and
Dave Loggins' Grammy-nominated record of her #1 song "Nobody Loves
Me Like You Do" has logged well over 1,000,000 airplays. Pam shares
her expertise as a mentor, for consultations, go to her site
http://www.pamoland.com/

Christian/Inspirational, Jeff Ferguson is a minister of 27 years,
gospel-recording artist and songwriter. Jeff's music has been
nominated many times over nearly a decade for the Dove, Grammy, and
Stellar Awards and was nominated two successive years, in 2004 and
2005, for songwriter of the year and is a 2007 Stellar Award
nominee. Jeff's songs have been recorded over 600 times in the past
seven yearsby Christian artists including T.D. Jakes, Bishop Paul
Morton, Dottie Peoples, Micah Stampley, Beverly Crawford, Clint
Brown, Vicki Winans, Heritage Christian Center (Bishop Leonard),
Vicki Yohe, Mike Purkey, Karen Peck And New River, Edith Tripp, The
Lesters, The Greenes, The John Hagee Family, Ernie Haase, Kelly
Nelon Thompson, LuLu Roman, The Haire Family, The Hoskins Family and
many more. Some of Jeff's more popular songs include "Woman Thou Art
Loosed", "Potter's House Theme Song", "At Your Feet" and "Christmas
Around the World". Jeff also has two songs on Bishop Jakes new
project "He-Motions", "It Doesn't Matter Who You Are", and "Brother
and Friends". . Jeff mentors songwriters through his workshops. To
attend one go to his website jeffferguson.com

Americana/Folk/Bluegrass, Alan Rhody's hit song, "I'll Be True To
You", performed by the Oakridge Boys became a standard by the late
eighties ringing up more than four million in sales and eventually
over one million airplays. He has spent three decades writing and
singing with the passion of someone who is not only highly gifted,
but who is driven to create. His poignant ballads and gutsy rockers
have also garnered over a hundred recordings by a long list of major
artists in country, folk, and bluegrass. Rhody's newest new
album, "Rhody In Black & White" (Ashwood Recordings), is a 21 song
retrospective ranging from his beginnings in the Canadian folk scene
of the early seventies through brand new material and his own
arrangements of his hits by others including Del McCoury, Lorrie
Morgan, Murray McLauchlan, Kevin Welch, Hoyt Axton, The Oak Ridge
Boys, and Tanya Tucker.. www.alanrhody.com

Pop/Rock/Alt/R&B/Urban, Rick Beresford is an award-winning
songwriter, coach, teacher, author, & lecturer, producer. Rick has
been coaching individual songwriters since 1985 and teaches
commercial songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. He is
the director of the Kerrville Folk Festival Song School held in
Kerrville, Texas each year and a curriculum writer and lecturer for
The Nashville Songwriters Association International's song camps and
Workshops. Rick has conducted 3 hour to 3 day seminars for
songwriter's groups and conventions across the United States, Canada
and England. http://www.rickberesford.com/

Instrumental/Classical/TV/Film/Jazz, Crickets legend, Sonny Curtis
is a native West Texan who currently resides in Nashville. Early
in his career, he penned ,"Walk Right Back," which was recorded by
the Everly Brothers and topped the charts in the U.S. and England.
Sonny also wrote numerous nationally-known jingles for clients
including McDonald's, Buick, Western Airlines, Mattel Toys, Honda,
Olympia Beer, and Bell Telephone. He also wrote and sang the theme
song for the Mary Tyler Moore Show, "Love Is All Around." Sonny is
a member of BMI's "Million Airs Club" in recognition for "I Fought
the Law," "More Than I Can Say" (co-written with J.I.
Allison), "Walk Right Back," "The Straight Life," and "I'm No
Stranger to the Rain," each of which has logged over a million
airplays – over 50,000 radio hours apiece. www.sonnycurtis.com

The 2006 Song Contest winners announced - see website

Semifinalists:
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/songcontest/2006/2006semi.htm

Winners:
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/songcontest/2006/2006winners.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this note from my friend and cowriter Abi Tapia

Hello Ande,

Welcome to all the new people on my list! My little April tour to
the Southeast was such a success. I got to see all sorts of friends
and family and meet lots of new people and sing some of my new
songs. I loved the traveling, too and was reminded of why I wrote
all those road songs. There are a couple more bubbling under the
surface now. If you want more tour details, stories and pics, check
out my journal. http://www.abitapia.com/journal.htm

It's also really nice to come home, but I don't have a minute to
relax. May is going to be a very busy month. Here's the deal:

*Recording starts next week!
*Pre-order now
*New band member
*May Shows

*Recording next week!
We've got about 10 days blocked off in May to get this record done.
I'm so excited to work with Chris and hear the band on my songs. I
just can't wait. I'll be journaling all about it and previewing
songs on myspace. Stay tuned!

*Pre-Orders
I almost cried when I checked my PO Box this week and saw all of
your orders! I'm so overwhelmed and grateful, not just by the money,
which is a HUGE help, but by the fact that you believe in me and
want to hear my creations. I can't even begin to thank you all
enough. Sampler EP's are on their way for a little preview and thank
you.

You can still pre-order and get the Sampler and Limited Edition
artwork. All the details are here:
http://www.abitapia.com/preorder2.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Blake Mentioned ableton live on the last AI show
http://www.ableton.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Music foundation is hosting a series of workshops
http://austinmusicfoundation.org

Schedule

Book Your Own Small Tour


Wednesday, May 9
7:00 pm
Gibson Showroom
3601 South Congress, #G400 @ Penn Field

Instructor: Brandon DeMaris, Agent, Nancy Fly Agency

Join a discussion about determining if you're really ready,
designing an effective route, approaching talent buyers, organizing
your efforts, keeping the value in your market, and more.


Press Kit Basics


Monday, May 14
7:00 pm
The Parish
214 E 6th St

Instructor: Danielle Thomas, Manager, White Ghost Shivers and The
Jungle Rockers, Owner of Big Green House Presents

How do you best "sell" your music? Your press kit should reflect
your art at its finest. Learn how to create a compelling
presentation by discussing topics such as what info should be
included, what a one-sheet can do for you, the electronic kit vs.
the tangible type, how to write a bio, when and who to target, and
more.


Grassroots Marketing After You've Got the Gig


Wednesday, May 30
7:00 pm
Gibson Showroom
3601 South Congress, #G400 @ Penn Field

Instructor: Ray Flowers, Owner, Fifth Column, Artist Development and
Independent Marketing

Getting the gig is only the beginning. How do you prepare for the
big night? What should you do to effectively market and promote a
show? How can you build your fan base outside of Austin? Come learn
how promotional plans are developed and executed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Area - Nashville Songwriters Association International
(NSAI ) Regional Workshop


Dear Past, Present & Potential NSAI Members,

Ashleigh Wehmeyer & Cody Cotton, Co-coordinators, of the
Austin Area - Nashville Songwriters Association International
(NSAI ) Regional Workshop
http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
are pleased to announce that the

Austin Area-NSAI Regional Workshop will hold it's first monthly
meeting on

May 16th from

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the

Fern Bluff Municipal Utility District Cochran Community Center
located at

7320 Wyoming Springs Rd Round Rock, TX
(which is off County Road 620 (Exit 252B off of I-35) just past
Round Rock Medical Center
drop by http://www.fernbluffmud.org/ for directions

Non-members my attend two meetings for FREE.

future meetings will be held the 4th Wednesday of each month
except for July and December

the first part of the meeting will be devoted to the monthly
songwriting curriculum
(See below for the year's lessons) and
the second part of the meeting will the devoted to peer critiques.
Bring at least 6 copies of lyric sheets,
we'll play a CD or cassette of your song or you can perform it and
you'll receive feedback from other songwriters


The purpose of the NSAI Regional Workshop program is “to further
the knowledge and craft of songwriting among participants through a
series of specific songwriting lessons; to provide members who live
outside of Nashville with a network of other songwriters, lyricists
and composers; to keep members informed about issues and changes in
the music industry; to establish unity among songwriters
everywhere.ť (NSAI Coordinator Manual) We are committed seeing this
workshop back up and running in the Austin Area. We are part of a
network of over 100 regional songwriting workshops in the United
States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. We are pleased
to be a part of a not-for-profit organization that lobbies for all
songwriters rights (not just members) in Washington, D.C. We really
hope to see you come out to the monthly meetings. Once we get re-
established as a regional workshop, we will be able to plan special
events with guest speakers from across Texas, Nashville, and beyond.



Attached to this email is a file with a Workshop Meeting
Announcement. Please feel free to print it off and post it (with
permission, of course) in your local music store, coffee shop,
library, grocery store, etc. We will be doing the same. We want
you and all your great songwriter/musician/artist friends to come
out and see what NSAI is all about. We've both been members for
several years, and we can truly say the people working at the NSAI
Office in Nashville are the most enthusiastic and dedicated we've
seen. It's an exciting time to be a part of NSAI and a Regional
Workshop is a big part of our member benefits. Let's take advantage
of it together!



Sincerely,

Ashleigh Wehmeyer & Cody Cotton
Co-coordinators, Austin Area-NSAI
Adw246@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

http://songu.com/ifs

Hats off to the following members who (in April) received single
song contract offers or notes that guests were interested in
recording their songs...
Shelley Jacobson "Good At Getting Up"
Shelley Jacobson "Forever Never Looked So Good"
Vaughan Daniel "If Wishes Were Wings"
Jon Philibert "IT'S CHRISTMAS (FOR EVERYONE BUT ME)"
Jon Philibert "I ONLY WANT TO LOVE YOU FOREVER"
Steven Sutcliffe "Santa's Big Fat Ass"
Kent Forward "Just Look At Me"
Jon DAgostino "HOW DO I FIND THE WORDS (DUET)"
Roosevelt Isaac "Smile Baby"
Marc Kuchner "Start Now (Best of SongU)"
Marc Kuchner "I'm Still Growing Up"
Mitch Townley "Oorah Up!"
Mitch Townley "That's Gonna Be Me"
Tom Bohn "HE'D FIGHT AGAIN"
Tom Bohn "BEAUTIFUL"
Tina Tufts "All The Little Things"
Pat Kelley "Did You Think Of Me Today"

I'd also like to add a high-five to those members who had their
songs forwarded for recent street pitches:
Dempsey Watson "Shook Me From My Grace"
Bobby Daltry "I Close My Eyes"
Steve Hostetler "I'm Gonna Fly"
Lorna Flowers "We Will Honor You"
Rita Case "Always Room In His Heart"
Kara Clark "Murder or Suicide"
Donna Opfer "This Tattoo"
Joe Quaranto "In Your Hands"
Joe Quaranto "No Love In The World"
Joe Quaranto "Teach Me How To Love"
Vaughan Daniel "You Brought The Love"
Vaughan Daniel "Hurtin' For Certain"
Vaughan Daniel "Past Yesterday"
Vaughan Daniel "I'm The Girl I Warned Your Mama About"

And last but not least, a round of applause to those members who our
special connections guest, Tammy Brown of Ole Music flagged as
having very competitive songs:
Tom Bohn "THAT'S WHEN I KNEW"
Mitch Townley "My Family Tree (single song contract)"
Juan Albarran "Boondockin'"
Paul McIntosh "MILES BETWEEN THE PLACES"
Kendra Legare-Jackson "Pinacolada"
Cathy Kent "WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD BE"
Tina Tufts "HEAVEN HELP HANNAH"
Kent Forward "Yee Haw Mardi Gras"
Steve Hostetler "We're Not Getting Anywhere"

http://songu.com/ifs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Cactus Cafe in Austin TX is featuring

Monday, May 7
Cream of the crop
OPEN STAGE SHOWCASE
featuring the best of Open Stage
hosted by Abi Tapia & Graham Weber
7:30pm * Free show

Friday, June 8
TOM RUSSELL & Gretchen Peters
$18.00 * 9pm

Saturday, June 9
cd release
BRUCE ROBISON
& special guests
$15.00 * 9pm


Wednesday, June 13
live @ the cactus * legendary songwriter
Author of: "MacAthur Park" * "By the Time I get to Phoenix"
* "Galveston"
"Up, up & away" (Beautiful Balloon), etc. wow!
JIMMY WEBB
http://www.jimmywebb.com/jimmy.html
$35.00 * 8pm
Tix now on sale @ all Heb's, The Erwin Center Box Office (No service
charge),
Central Market (north) * (512) 477-6060 or online @
texasboxoffice.com

Monday, June 25
Cactus presents * In concert
GUY CLARK
http://www.guyclark.com/
with special guest
TEXAS UNION BALLROOM
7:30pm
$28.00
Tix now on sale @ all Heb's, The Erwin Center Box Office (No
Service charge) Central Market (north) * (512) 477-6060 or online
@ texasboxoffice.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I very much enjoyed
WE ARE
by
http://www.myspace.com/omartorrez

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

have you heard
"Betrayed" Written and performed by
Alex Alberti of Miami, FL.
Websites: www.myspace.com/alexalberti
http://songwriteruniverse.com/contestwinner44-123.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here was a note I wrote to a songwriter who's won some contests and
now wonders what's next

because you're finaling in contests and winning contests you're a
strong writer
I rarely enter contests anymore but I did enter a few in the
American Idol contest

sometimes my cowriters throw songs in contests

but now you need to go to the next step,
focus on getting cuts
the problem is you can't just
write a good song
get a good demo
fill out a form,
burn a Cd and
drop a check in the mail

getting cuts takes new approaches
you still have to find great ideas, write strong songs, and get
awesome demos
the problem is you need to break through and it takes an AMAZING
SONG or AMAZING LUCK

you also should investigate the songs that PRO's are writing
here's a little article I started a while back
http://tunesmith.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3397

getting cuts requires additional actions, beyond writing strong
songs on your own and getting them heard. "your first cut" has a
great questionaire and I put it at the bottom of this email for you
to take and score.

I've finally started getting small ASCAP checks and one of my songs
was
#56 on the Billboard country chart. I've got lots of cuts in the
works.

what's really helped me was

+ making friends with writers, artists and producers

+ cowriting

+ getting the door opened to send songs and song ideas to writers,
artists and producers

i try to find and meet up and coming writers and artists plus A&R
reps and producers.
i tend to be patient and do favors for them with out asking them to
help me.

what we most want to do is
talk about ourselves and talk about our writing
ask industry pros to listen to our songs and hopefully they'll like
some
but that needs to wait till the timing is great

when you cowrite suddenly there's one or two more people who care
about the success of the song and your success.

I'm happy to get any cut because we don't know the future, or what
odd set of circumstances might lead to success. The more artists
out there performing my songs, the more my chances go up for finally
getting a big cut and single.

I encourage you to start cowriting and start meeting other great
writers, in person and online and write awesome songs with them.

are you on songramp.com?

are you a taxi member?

are you making trips to nashville

have you found any great local singers and artists?

are you participating on online communities?

Ande


(A questionnaire)
How close are you to getting your first cut?

1. You play guitar or piano. ____ (2 pts)

2. You set aside at least a three-hour block once a week to write.
____ (3 pts)

3. You also set aside at least a three-hour block once a week to co-
write. ____ (3 pts)

4. You are involved in a local songwriting organization (not just a
dues-paying member). ____ (3 pts)

5. You do at least one thing each day, no matter how large or small,
to further your songwriting career. ____ (5 pts)

6. You visit a major music center (Nashville, New York or Los
Angeles) to attend and play writer’s nights, co-write, and network
at least three times a year. ____ (4 pts)

7. You actively drop off CDs or tapes of your songs to a music
center publisher who has agreed to listen to them. ____ (4 pts)

8. You have pitched your songs in person to a music center
publisher. ____ (4 pts)

9. You perform your songs, either solo or in a group or band, in a
major music center at least once every two months. ____ (3 pts)

10. You live and frequently participate in music industry events
within 100 miles of a major music center. ____ (10 pts)

11. You co-write on a regular basis with someone who has signed a
single-song contract. ____ (4 pts)

12. You have signed a single-song contract with a music center
publisher. (Add 5 points for every additional single song contract
with a different publisher, but not more than 15 more points â€"
total possible = 20 pts). ____
(5â€"20 pts)

13. You co-write on a regular basis with a writer who has an
exclusive songwriting agreement with a music center publisher. ____
(5 pts)

14. You have signed an exclusive songwriting agreement with a music
center publisher that involves an advance and a demo budget. ____
(15 pts)

15. You co-write with a major label recording artist. ____ (8 pts)

16. A publisher has dropped off your song to a major label A&R
representative, producer or manager. ____ (5 pts)

17. A publisher has played your song to a major label A&R
representative, a producer’s assistant or the manager of a major
label recording artist. ____ (7 pts)

18. A publisher has played your song to a producer of a major label
recording artist. ____ (9 pts)

19. An A&R rep, artist manager, or a producer has played your song
to a major label recording artist. ____ (11 pts)

20. A publisher has played your song to a major label recording
artist. ____ (12 pts)
Total ____


Your score:

0 - 20: Now don’t be discouraged. Not everyone starts at the top.
All hope is not lost. Look at it this way: there’s lots of
opportunity for improvement. You need to discipline yourself to
write and pitch your songs. No excuses, just hunker down and get to
work.

21-44: You do have a steep climb ahead of you, but there’s still
hope. We know there doesn’t seem to be a light in the tunnel yet,
but you have begun to build the foundation for your songwriting
success. Seriously look at the answers in which you could not give
yourself a score and begin working toward making those goals happen.

45-64: You are moving in the right direction but it's still not
enough yet. Get out there and exert yourself. Expand your writing
and co-writing experiences. Do some networking with other writers
and people in the business.

65-84: You are on the cusp of seriously making it happen. This is a
critical junction for you. Honestly examine your songs and find ways
to improve your writing and enhance and expand your business
relationships.

85-104: This is the place where persistence, determination and your
ability to take rejection and move on needs to kick in. Continue to
take an attitude that there is always room for growth and
improvement. Don't give up now.

105-130: It's just a matter of time here coupled with a lot of luck
and a great song. Keep at it. Keep writing.

© Copyright 2002, Jerry Vandiver and Gracie Hollombe. All Rights
Reserved.
from
http://yourfirstcut.com/questionnaire.php


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Barbara Cloyd is now taking applications for her next Play for
Publishers workshop with Kos Weaver of Warner Chappell, Scott Gunter
of Universal Publishing, Rusty Gaston of This Music, Jennifer
Johnson of Midas Music, Mike Doyle of Major Bob Music and Nate
Lowery of Oglesby Writer Management. Barbara has held 16 of these
workshops over the past 6 years and they have opened important
industry doors for many of the writers who attended. Most of the
participants also come away with new songwriting friends and co-
writers as well as a better understanding of the demands of the
commercial Country market. You can apply until May 15th. Fifteen
writers will be selected to attend the three day event June 28-30.
For complete details and application instructions, visit
http://www.barbaracloyd.com/ .




Applications are now open for
PLAY FOR PUBLISHERS
a Barbara Cloyd Songwriting Workshop
THURS JUNE 28 through SAT JUNE 30
with
Scott Gunter, Universal Music Publishing
Rusty Gaston, This Music
Mike Doyle, Major Bob Music
Nate Lowery, Oglesby Writer Management
Jennifer Johnson, Midas Publishing
Kos Weaver, Warner Chappell
and hit songwriter Walt Aldridge
(For complete details including bios of the publishers, visit
www.barbaracloyd.com )

This three-day event will be held in Nashville and applications are
open to any writer with a desire to write for the commercial Country
market. Fifteen applicants, carefully selected for their
originality, creativity and craftsmanship, will be selected to
attend the three day event.
During the workshop there are three different listening sessions,
each attended by two established publishers or professionals who are
actively involved in the day to day business of getting songs
recorded. Each participant presents one song at each listening
session (live or a recording) and the group listens to the
publishers and Barbara give feedback on the craft and commercial
potential of the songs.

This gives every writer who attends a chance to spark the interest
of six different publishers, and, equally important, by listening to
the feedback on all the songs, it gives them incredible insight into
what qualities a song needs to have in order to get cut. The
workshop also introduces the participants to other talented writers
who are serious about their careers.

To round out the experience, the workshop participants are given the
opportunity to play at a local writers night and attend a show with
hit writers at The Bluebird Cafe.

(For more information visit www.barbaracloyd.com or email
barbara@... )

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The deadline is Tuesday May 15th. All applications received by 5 PM
will be considered.
To apply send -
1. Three songs
2. Lyrics
3. Contact information including email address if possible
4. A $10 non-refundable application fee

If applying by mail:
Send the songs on cassette or CD, lyric sheets and a check or money
order to:
Barbara Cloyd's Songwriting Workshop
PO Box 121497
Nashville, TN 37212
Please makes checks payable to Barbara Cloyd.
If you need to send your package over-night, please use the US
Postal Service and send it to the PO Box address. If you need to use
Fed Ex or UPS, please call or email for the street address as they
will not deliver to a post office box.

If applying on line:
Email an mp3 of each song to barbara@.... To avoid
delivery problems, send each mp3 in a separate email. Please type or
paste the lyrics into the body of the email. Be sure to include your
phone number. Pay on line with Pay Pal at
http://barbaracloyd.com/workshops.htm#payonline .

RECEIVING NOTIFICATION:
All applicants will be notified whether or not they have been
accepted. Notice will; be sent by email no later than 5 PM on Friday
May 18.

TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK:
Applicants who would like to receive feedback on their songs instead
of just a "Yes" or "No" can pay an additional $25 for a total of
$35. Feedback will be sent within 3 weeks of the close of the
application process.

AUDITING:
In addition to the fifteen applicants who are chosen to present
songs to the publishers, up to ten writers will be allowed to audit
the workshop. Auditors will participate in all activities of the
workshop except for presenting their songs to the publishers.
Applicants who would like to be considered for an opening to audit
should make that known when they apply.

ADDITION INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYING:
* It's okay to submit co-written songs
* The demos can be fully produced studio demos, work tapes sung into
a hand-held tape recorder, or anything in-between. Songs will be
judged on the quality of the writing, not the quality of the demo.
Just before sure the vocals and chords can be heard.
* The goal of the workshop is to connect publishers with talented
writers who are interested in writing for the commercial Country
market. Feel free to submit your very best songs in any genre, even
if they may not fit the Country market - we are looking for
songwriters with personality, creativity and originality who want to
apply their talents to the Nashville market - not just those who
already write Country songs.

WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Location: Days Inn - Vanderbilt, 1800 West End near Music Row

Cost: $275 (Does not include lodging. Financial assistance
available) The fee to audit is $125.

Rooms: $65/night single or double. (Applicants may secure their own
lodging.)

SCHEDULE:
Thurs June 28
9 AM Introduction to writing for Music Row by Barbara Cloyd
3:30 PM Question & Answer session with Walt Aldridge
7 PM Writers Night at Lyrix Music Bar and Cafe - participants get a
taste of the local songwriter night scene and those who wish can be
scheduled to perform.

Fri June 29
9 AM Listening session with 2 publishers
12:30 Lunch break
2 PM Listening session with 2 publishers
6 :30 PM Show at The Bluebird Cafe with hit writers

Sat June 30
10 AM Listening session with 2 publishers
7 PM Dinner and song swap at Barbara's house

(For more information visit www.barbaracloyd.com or email
barbara@... )


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever heard of
http://www.hitsongscience.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write ON,

Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?
sometimes there might be a tip worth reading like this one below:


SSS SINGER SEARCHING FOR SONGS

from
http://www.myspace.com/ryansingsmusic
Ande do you know of anyone who has some material like
a big celine dion style song ... or
an edgy josh groban, more like his new album "awake"....
Ryan