Take YOUR Songwriting to a WHOLE NEW 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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every songwriter should have a songwriting library
Drop by:
http://astore.amazon.com/ifsande-20
find what's missing from yours
I recommend books by Jason Blume and Sheila Davis

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

The Folks at INDIE BIBLE just released a brand new directory called 
The Indie Venue Bible.

The Indie Venue Bible is a unique, comprehensive directory of live 
music venues. It is in electronic (.pdf) format and lists 26,000 
venues and 2000 booking agents in the US and Canada. The 
listings are arranged by area, making it easier for artists to 
route and plan their tour. 
check it out at:
https://nt4.magma.ca/bigmeteor/ivbaras_order.cfm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

It's been entirely too long since I've launched an IFS issueDear
friends,

How's your songwriting going?
Really write me and let me know

I've written a few songs lately, like
"Build a Dream" with
Tammy Edwards http://www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2 that
we wrote for www.AmericanYouthWorks.org
you can hear it at
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewprivtrack.php?trackid=52740

I'm sad to say that my Term as a Texas Grammy Governor ended
yesterday
I applied to serve again but wasn't chosen to be on the ballot.
It's great organization, I met many wonderful people and had many
awesome experiences.
I encourage you to join and get involved with your chapter.

in May my songwriting slowed down a bit because I competed in the
Masters National Swimming Championships in

here's a photo of me diving in at practice
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/stories/2008/04
/BRS-swim-001_1.html

here's my 50 fly I'm in lane 6
http://www.flocasts.org/floswimming/coverage.php?c=258&id=14162

my 100 IM I'm in lane 6
http://www.flocasts.org/floswimming/coverage.php?c=258&id=14300

photos from the 50 back
http://kirktuck.smugmug.com/gallery/4872510_hsurx#P-31-15
http://kirktuck.smugmug.com/gallery/4872510_hsurx#P-32-15

here's where my results are posted
http://www.usms.org/comp/meets/meetsearch.php?
c=120940&MeetID=20080501SCNATSY

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Coors has a song contest
catch the 4:53
http://rhapsodyextras.com/coorslight/contest/
Read the rules, no one with cuts can enter

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SSS Singer Searching for Songs

Maurice DeBonnett, Manager for the group "Double Praise", is looking
for original songs for this powerful gospel duo. Please check out
their song on their website below and only submit fully demoed songs
to

MDebonnett@...

http://doublepraise.com/

The song is currently on the charts in Philadelphia.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

www.SongU.com/ifs
has given many writers opportunity through their SPIN N' PITCH program

As you probably know, several of the good news items from above were
also connected to Spin N' Pitch listings. It's been a great few
months for Spin N' Pitch and we'd like to extend congratulations to
the following members who had some good things happen through Spin N'
Pitch. Rock on!

#64 -The Slideshow Company expressed interest in the following
members songs:

Rebecca Peaden "Just Beautiful (Work Tape)"
Gerri Rowan "LETS JUST LAY HERE AWHILE"

#284 - Pitch to Publisher. This is a new independent Nashville-based
publisher who is looking to sign songs to their catalog. Pitch great
songs in any of the following genres: Country, Indie Rock, Hip-Hop,
Christmas, Alternative and Instrumental. They expressed interest in
the following members songs.
Bruce Scism "Guide Me Home (Note: Vocal version)"

#298 -All genres. Pitch to Publisher. Nashville-based music publisher
with world wide contacts has expressed interest in the following
songs.
rochelle Bartram (Bucher) "Convince Me"
Kevin Clements "After All"
Terri Fann "Dreamin' Bout Dancin'"
Monty Harper "Harper, Monty, Can You Guess"
Christopher Jones "Little league baseball"
Perry Smith "She Walked Away"
Jamie Southworth "Happily Ever After"

#300 -Country. Indie artist, early 30's, who is looking for mid &
uptempo original country songs for live shows and eventual showcase
expressed interest in the following members songs.
Scott Hamilton "Real Tough"
Steve Hostetler "Old Navy"
Kent Forward "Blown Away"

#323 -ETNC's, Joe Quaranto expressed interest in the following
members' songs.
Rochelle Bartram (Bucher) "Convince Me"
Germain Brunet "NOT-(Best of SongU)"
Bob Burrows "Done Her Wrong"
RITA CASE "I WANT ONE OF THOSE"
TJ Dickson "Live 'n' Let Loose"
James Oliver "The Ho-Ho-Ho Song"
Gerri Rowan "Red,White,Green And Blue"
Rolf Schnyder "Yesterdayā€™s News"

#357 -Contemporary Christian (Not Country Christian). FEMALE
expressed interest in the following songs:
RITA CASE "ALWAYS ROOM IN HIS HEART (Female version)"
Lorna Flowers "We Will Honor You"
Will Hopkins "Stumble & Rise"
Steve Hostetler "For Goodness Sake (version 2)"
James Eric Myers "You Are My Everything"
James Eric Myers "You Are There"
Kara Smith "Business 240-LOVE CANNOT LIVE"

#363 -Film/TV/Advertising/Media. Pitch to Publisher. This European-
based publishing company works with all major broadcasters and
production houses in the UK & Ireland (including
BBC/ITV/Granada/RTE/Channel's 4 & 5 etc) expressed interest in the
following members songs.
Carol Coffey "SOMEDAY AIN'T NO DAY OF THE WEEK"
Carol Coffey "NOTHIN' AT ALL"
Carol Coffey "JUMP START MAMA'S HEART"
John Condrone "Come On And Dance"
Lorna Flowers "I'll Only Be Gone A Little While"
WAYNE GAMACHE "K.I.S.S. ME"
WAYNE GAMACHE "ARMED & DANGEROUS"
WAYNE GAMACHE "MY LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING"
Jerry Glidewell "IT'S LOVE YOU TIME"
Shelley Jacobson "Quick & Dirty"
Scott Jarman "Livin in the 'Ville"
Moker Jarrett "It will Come Back to You"
Moker Jarrett "The Apple Barn"
Tony Lock "Here it is again"
Troy McMullen "Prelude in B"
Troy McMullen "Prelude in G No. 2"
carey moore "Perranoski (instrumental)"
carey moore "Osteen (instrumental)"
James Oliver "Here I Am"
Donna Opfer "The Tables Turned"
Eric Roberts "Snow"
Michael Shield "THE GLORY OF THE GAMES (ONE WORLD ONE DREAM)"

#368 -Film/TV/Advertising/Media. Pitch to Music Supervisor. NY-based
company, Audiobrain, is compiling original musical content for NBC
Sports and NBC Olympics for use in their broadcasts, website, and
VOD. Music selected will receive the highest priority for airing.
They have expressed interest in the following members songs:
Cheryl Ashton "Ride The Wind"
M. R. Bagley "CHEMISTRY CLICK"
M. R. Bagley "HOTROCKS (instr)"
M. R. Bagley "Fanfare"
Rochelle Bartram (Bucher) "My Own Two Feet"
Rochelle Bartram (Bucher) "I Believe in You Instru"
Tom Bohn "LIFE!"
Germain Brunet "CLIMB (Uptempo)"
Chad Calhoun "Feel Free"
Chad Calhoun "The Effects Of Rain"
Chad Calhoun "What If I'm Broken"
Anthony Campbell "I Just Want You To Know"
Anthony Campbell "Friday Night"
RITA CASE "THE LADY'S IN LOVE"
Bill Ekhoff "What You Gotta Do - Track"
Bill Ekhoff "Feelin' the Feelin' - Track"
Sue Fabisch "We All Fall Down"
Jerry Glidewell "RACHELS ROSE (instrumental)"
Jerry Glidewell "DREAMER"
Jerry Glidewell "BE STILL"
Jerry Glidewell "SWEPT AWAY"
Jerry Glidewell "BEYOND PRAISE (track)"
Brian Hartzog "Fast Girl in A Pretty Car Instrumental"
Bev Herrema "Run"
Heidi Huettner "We Were Here"
Heidi Huettner "Follow Your Sunflower"
Shelley Jacobson "Quick & Dirty"
Shelley Jacobson "Extreme Overkill"
Shelley Jacobson "Can't Stop Me Now (Instrumental)"
Scott Jarman "That Drive"
Moker Jarrett "All Fades Away"
Moker Jarrett "Right in Front of Us"
Moker Jarrett "The Apple Barn"
Moker Jarrett "Ready to Fly"
Christopher Jones "Dreamy Town"
Ken Joniec "FDBK130-Wild Ride"
Ken Joniec "Undertow"
Adrienne Leopold "Make the Most of It"
Adrienne Leopold "Don't Mind Me"
Joe Lickteig "Leave it All on the Field DEMO"
Troy McMullen "Prelude in B"
Troy McMullen "Prelude in G No. 2"
Troy McMullen "Polso Difettoso"
Troy McMullen "Prelude in D Flat"
Elizabeth Milcarek "TURN IT AROUND ON A DIME - final demo"
James Oliver "Bad News Blues"
Donna Opfer "The Power of the Dream"
Rebecca Peaden "Terminal Towers"
Rebecca Peaden "Down On the Bayou"
Rebecca Peaden "I'm Still Kickin'"
Yvonne Perkins "I GOT THE POWER"
Ande Rasmussen "ain't gonna stop"
Steven Richards "Make A Big Splash--TraxMix"
Gerri Rowan "ALL I COULD EVER LOVE"
Keith Sasser "Slab Town Boogie [Instrumental]"
Bruce Scism "Guide Me Home (Instrumental)"
Bruce Scism "River of Regret (Instrumental)"
Bruce Scism "Two Hearts (C) Instrumental"
Bruce Scism "Brighter Days (Instrumental)"
Michael Shield "Dawn Parade Ā©2008 Cummings, Shield, Marcus"
Gary D. Smith "FISH 'TIL WE'RE BLUE"
Jamie Southworth "You've Already Won"
Steve Thompson "Passages"
Dempsey Watson "A Train To The Blues (Inst)"
Dempsey Watson "Don't Sing Like An Angel (Inst)"
Dempsey Watson "Only Songs And Movies (Inst)"
Dempsey Watson "How You Come From The Box (Inst)"
Dempsey Watson "I'd Forget To Know Better (Inst)"
Dempsey Watson "Fifth Cup Of Sorrow (Inst)"
Greg Wilson "True, Love? (instrumental)"
Kenn Wolfe "Don't Bother Me"

#378 -Country Rock. MALE. This independent artist is looking for
rockin country and a great male/female duet and expressed interest in
the following members songs.
Scott Hamilton "Oorah Up"
Lee Johnson "Gettin' Up to No Good"
Rick Keane "Crank It Up"
James Eric Myers "As Good As It Gets"
Donna Opfer "This Time"
Rolf Schnyder "Last Teardrop"

#379 -R&B/Pop. FEMALE. This UK based artist is only 17 years old and
looking for strong material to record her first album. She expressed
interest in the following members songs.
Lorna Flowers "Captivated"
Rolf Schnyder "My heart is crying out for you "
And last but certainly not least, a round of applause to those
members who have had songs forwarded for recent street pitches.
Tom Bohn "I SOULD BE SO LUCKY"
Moker Jarrett "Even the Candles Cried"
Paul Jarvis "Heard It On The Radio"
Mike Todd "Live, Love and Learn"
Lorna Flowers "Like I Know The Rain (female vox)"
Kent Forward "Hearts Break In Waves"
Steve Hostetler "Eleven Fifty Nine"
Marc Kuchner "Start Now "
Joe Lickteig "Slip Into Something Mexico (09/07 Demo)"
Elizabeth Milcarek "Y CHROMOSOME - VERSION 2"
carey moore "Rose In The Rain"
Chad Calhoun "Hold ON"
David Kraut "Don't Listen (demo)"
Dempsey Watson "Ripple Free"
Keith Dean "THE OTHER WAY AROUND"
Lorna Flowers "What Don't Kill You Makes You Stronger"
Kent Forward "Outrun The Sun"
Moker Jarrett "Even the Candles Cried"
Marc Kuchner "Jack Nicholson "
Joe Lickteig "I've Died and Gone To Tulsa DEMO"
Lance Sims "Elbow Room"
Dempsey Watson "Fifth Cup Of Sorrow"
Bob Beckley "He's Still Living In Virginia"
Sue Bennett "I COULD LIE"
David Kraut "A Day Job and a Dream (pro demo)"
Rebecca Peaden "God's Country Roses (Female Version)"
Belle Schneiderman "The Woman In Me"
Mike Todd "Live, Love and Learn"
Lance Sims "Got My Country On"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
James (Jim) Smith "This Red Neck of the Woods"
Ed Williams "You Got Country"
Kent Forward "Outrun The Sun"
Ryan Hydro "Jack Nicholson (Best of Song U)"
Joe Lickteig "The Color of a Collar DEMO"
Lance Sims "Good To Be Anywhere"
James (Jim) Smith "Color of a Collar"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
Jill Spencer "BEST FRIENDS"
Jill Spencer "ONE HELL OF A RIDE"
Germain Brunet "THAT FIRST KISS"
Kent Forward "Above Ground"
Joe Lickteig "First Last Kiss DEMO"
Rebecca Peaden "Men in Texas Ain't Sexist - Best of SongU!"
Jill Spencer "BEST FRIENDS"
Mitch Townley "On My Family Tree "
Bob Beckley "He's Still Living In Virginia"
David Kraut "A Day Job and a Dream (pro demo)"
Marc Kuchner "I'm Still Growing Up"
Tom Bohn "THE SHAPE OF A CROSS"
Tom Bohn "LIFE!"
Steve Hostetler "My Woman on the Line"
Elizabeth Milcarek "GROW SLOW- new demo for male pitch"
Ray Phillips "She Takes My Breath Away rch"
James (Jim) Smith "THIS EMPTY CHAIR"
Jill Spencer "BEST FRIENDS"
Richard Bassett "I Like It Like That (Tic TacToe)"
Bob Beckley "He's Still Living In Virginia"
Lorna Flowers "The Trouble With Me "
Pat Kelley "I Enjoy The View (Best Of SongU)"
David Kraut "A Day Job and a Dream (pro demo)"
Marc Kuchner "I'm Still Growing Up"
Bill Osofsky "It's Not You, It's Me"
Jamie Southworth "I'm That Girl-Co-write with Jim Kruse"
Jill Spencer "I DONT WANNA WISH"
Tina Tufts "TAKE YOU THERE"
Terri Fann "Too Much Country "
David Kraut "Don't Listen (demo)"
Rebecca Peaden "Even the Candles Cried"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
James (Jim) Smith "Pink Fuzzy Dice"
Bob Beckley "He's Still Living In Virginia"
Marc Kuchner "Start Now "
Elizabeth Milcarek "Y CHROMOSOME - VERSION 2"
Mike Blottenberger "This Ain't My Boyfriend's Truck"
Sharon Hunt "Damage"

www.SongU.com/ifs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's more about
www.songu.com/ifs

This is a special "Gold Stars" edition of the SongU.com Campus News
to celebrate our members recent successes this year. Get ready to
read for awhile because this is the biggest list of successes we've
ever had! In fact it's so huge, I have to send the file in two parts
for our mailing list program!

All I can say is WOW! Actually, I did say that many times while I
was compiling this list (as Sara at the desk next to me can attest
to) . From Grand Prize Winners to major achievements in songwriting
contests like the American Idol Songwriting Competition, to signing
licensing agreements for use with NBC Sports and the upcoming
Olympics (stay tuned for a special press release on that!) -- to
having songs on hold with major label artists like Rodney Atkins and
Hank Williams Jr. or Top 20 singles that scored on major charts like
R&R, including a #1 on Disney Radio -- our members have made it
happen! We're so proud of you guys for getting out there, connecting
with each other and working hard. You'll likely notice that many of
the songs below were co-writes with other SU members or came through
Spin N' Pitch listings. So keep reaching out and writing with one
another and keep pitching those songs. You never know what will
happen.
Ok, without further adieu, maestro, please cue the fanfare music (and
apologies to anyone whom I've accidentally overlooked)...

PART I -- GOLD STARS: January-April 2008

High-Fives to our members who won or placed in a songwriting contest
recently:

Donna Aylor ("Live Like You Love") - Top five at
SongwriterUniverse.com Best Song Of The Month¯ Contest.

Bonnie Barbey ("Come and Break My Heart", cowritten with SU member
Kay Crawford) - Top 10 at the NSAI Symposium. Kay and Bonnie got an
honor's award for "A Mother's Prayer" in the Great American
Songwriting Contest this year while Kay got another honor award for
her song, "Captivated".

Paul Hunnecutt ("I confess" and "He did it") - The USA Songwriting
Competition. Finalist in the 2007 competition

Steve Johnson (""Road To Glory"") - Great American Song Contest.
Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting Gospel. Also Steve's
song, "White Crosses" received an honor award from the Great American
Song Contest for the special category: Patriotic

Marla Lewis ("Mighty Jackie, the Strikeout Queen") - The Great
American Song Contest. Her song was the GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Marla
also received Top 5 honors for two more of her songs: "I Love to Talk
to Plants" and "Whenever Celia Sings". Check her out at:
www.marlalewis.com

Roy McCoy ("Old Jack Daniels") - Empire Music Song Festival honorable
mention.

Elizabeth Milcarek ("TURN IT AROUND ON A DIME", cowritten with Rich
Howland) - 2007 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC). Semi-
finalist in the Children's Music Category. Betsy's song "Grow
Slow"(co-written with SU member, Bob DeWald was an honorable mention
in the SongDoor 2007 International Songwriting Competition. Honorable
Mention in the Country Category and a Top 5 Finalist in the 8th
Annual CMT/NSAI Song Contest.

Barb Murrin ("There") - Great American Song Contest 2007. Category:
Christian/Gospel Placement: One of the Top Finalists who scored near
the top of their respective categories.

Barb Murrin ("ONLY YOU") - Co-written with Eva Wilson was a finalist
in the recent SongDoor International Songwriting Contest.

Howard Pavane ("Together, Forever") - American Songwriter Magazine
Lyric Contest. American Songwriters Magazine Lyrics Contest,
Finalist, March/April 2008, Smoke and Fire.

Yvonne Perkins ("DON'T WRECK THE TRAIN") - Finalist in the Song of
the Year contest.

Debbie Rice ("They Chose Me") - 11th Annual Unisong International
Songwriting Contest honorable mention.

Rolf Schnyder ("A Moment") - Top 5 in the SongwriterUniverse Best
Song Of The Month¯ Contest in January.

Perry Smith ("You Believed In Me") - American Idol Songwriting
Competition. Currently in the Top 20 out of tens of thousands of
entries.

Donna Valentine ("On My Family Tree"). Co-written with SU member,
Mitch Townley) - Song Door International Songwriting Contest
finalist. Also, Donna's song, "I Can't Breathe For You", cowritten
with SU member, Jen Mangum grabbed 2nd place in the Country Category
of the Billboard World Songwriting Contest.

Mark Winborn ("The Long Road") - International Narrative Song
Competition first place winner in the "self-discovery/spiritual
identity" lyric category.


Hats off to those members who signed a song with a publisher or had a
song licensed:

Cheryl Ashton ("Ride the Wind") - AudioBrain for NBC Broadcast of the
Olympics. Hey we received our sync license agreement and will be
included in the database for NBC! Cheryl's song "Rocks Across The
River" has also been signed with publisher Pitchfork Music.

Anthony Campbell ("Friday Night (soundtrack)") - Signed contract for
use of my soundtrack in the 2008 Olympic Games with NBC sports. Also,
Tony's song, "His Great Love" was signed with a print company out of
California that does hymns for Churches as well as Gospel music. The
song will be available on CD/Print Music later this year.

Sharon Hunt ("Damage" and "The Only One") - Signed To RDSD Publishing

Pat Kelley ("I Wanna Go Down South") - Signed to America's New Artist
Music.

Ken Matejka ("Ain't No Wrong Way to Do What's Right", cowritten with

SU members, Anastasia Matejka and Dan Robinson signed to Brandon
Hills Music.

James Oliver ("Bad News Blues") - Signed to Audiobrain Music.

Rolf Schnyder ("Picking Cherries") - Spectrum Music. I signed a
contract with Spectrum Music. Song: "Picking Cherries" with your
help!!! Thanks a lot!! All the best, Rolf Schnyder

Bruce Scism ("Guide Me Home", "River of Regret", "Two Hearts"
and "Brighter Days") - Signed with AudioBrain Music for use in NBC
Sports library.

Michael Shield ("Dawn Parade") - Co-written with SU member Linda
Marcus and signed to AudioBrain music.

Gary D. Smith ("Fish Till We're Blue") - Audiobrain/New York, City
for 2008 BEIJING OLYMPICS for NBC SPORTS. Very excited to be accepted
for this event. More than likely the music track only will be played
in certain spots but that's awesome too!!!

Todd Thompson ("Never Give Up") - Signed to My Three Kids Music.

Dempsey Watson ("Your Eyes Are No Place For A Running Heart") - Co-
written with SU member Bill Ekhoff signed with SMD Music.
A round of applause to those members who had a song on hold or one
recorded:

Paul Hunnecutt ("The Rok and Roll Yodel and I Always Cry When It
Rains") - Ashley Nicole Wheeler, a 15 year old female who is nearing
a major label deal recorded two of Paul's songs for her next album.

Bruce Scism ("Lonely Fool") - On hold for male artist Jonathon
McCuen.

James (Jim) Smith ("Pink Fuzzy Dice") - On hold for Oklahoma singer
Darrel Lee. Also, Jim's song "More Than That" is on hold for John
Kiger.

Joe Lickteig/James (Jim) Smith ("Color of a Collar") - On hold for
Hank Williams, Jr.. This song has also been on hold with Jason Aldean
and Rodney Atkins.

Allison Lynn ("Real Big Fan") - Allison Lynn. This is a solo CD,
featuring 3 songs I wrote myself. I moved from Toronto, Ontario
(Canada) to Nashville a year ago. Recording a Nashville CD, with
professional Gospel musicians and writers, was one of my main goals
in moving here. It was an amazing experience and I'm thrilled with
the results. Thanks, Allison Lynn www.allisonlynn.com

Germain Brunet ("Read between the Lines") - Recorded by Shari Lynn on
her CD "You don't know Jack" . Also Dexter Edwards has recorded three
of Germain's songs ("The Way To Your Heart"," You Change The Beat Of
My Heart" and "Never Been So Wrong""). Dexter is currently getting
airplay right now on "The Way To Your Heart".

Anthony Campbell ("I Don't Have Time" album name is "A Great
Collection" cowritten with SU member Heather Cowles) - Available on
E-Music CD. This is one of several songs that E-music has added to
their collection CDs. While there are two versions of this song they
released the original version with Heather singing and Tony playing.
Also, Anthony songs "Don't Have The Time" and "Rather Drive" have
been recorded by independent artists BJ Barett who was in the Top 20
of all country Internet radio at the end of last year. And finally,
talented Arizona singer, Jennifer Corine Bogan will be recording 6 of
Tony's songs on her upcoming solo CD.

Bob Clay (""If It Hadn't Felt Like Rain" ") - Recorded on Australian
country artist Billy Bridge's new CD "Doin' OK".

Jeff Moxcey ("What This Woman Wants To Hear", "Love Is A
Rollercoaster", "Burn Your Memory Down") - Recorded by artist Dawn
Hardee on her latest CD titled Welcome Inside. Also, Jeff's
song "Here For The Beer" has been recorded by artist Dale Williams on
his CD There's A Home. And his song, "Angels In The Snow" has been
recorded by female artist, Carly Henry.

Bruce Scism ("Darling I Do" and "Two Hearts") - Have been recorded by
artist Yasmin Tanriverdi

James (Jim) Smith ("This Red Neck of the Woods") - Recorded by Troy
Wykle. This song has also been recorded by the Kiger Band and has now
been recorded by 4 artists and released on a 30,000 CD release for
Digital Rodeo alongside other artists like Aaron Tippin. Also, Jim's
song, "Just A Song" has been recorded by Chad Williams and his
song, "One Too Many" has been recorded by Australian artist Marie.
And we should mention that Jim's song, "This Empty Chair" has been
recorded by Indie artist Gary Evan from Washington and his song Gary
D. Smith (""Not No, But Hell No"") - ETNC Publishing- Joe Quaranto -
Artist - Barbara Dex/European . Song will be released as a "single"
in September 2008.

Congrats to our our members who have recently gotten airplay:

Elizabeth Axford ("Big Screen TV") - Her song "Big Screen TV," co-
written with Lisa Chaddock, will be used in the infomercial for Dr.
Tabor's Diet and will start airing May 15, 2008. Also, Liz's
arrangement/performance of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" was used
in an Obama ad on CNN during this past Christmas season.

Donna Aylor ("Watch Where We're Going") - Heather Wilkin's debut
single "Watch Where We're Goin'" hit radio last week and is already
being played nationally. You can call your local stations and request
the song. It's on CDX #445.

Arlon Bennett ("Be the Change") - Arlon Bennett new CD 'Summer's
Voice'. The song 'Be the Change' from the record 'Summer's Voice',
came in as the 9th most played song on Folk radio in the US for all
of 2007!

Bill Ekhoff (""What I Didn't Want To Know"") - European Country Music
Association AIRPLAY LIST. The song reached #13 in the National Top 40
in Spain.

Bill Ekhoff ("The Code" and "What I Didn't Want to Know") - NORWAY
Top 30 - February 8, 2008.

Sue Fabisch ("I Don't Think About It") - Sue's song sung by Emily
Osment of Hannah Montana fame, went #1 on the Radio Disney Charts!
The song has also been included on "Radio Disney Jams 10", a
compilation CD of hit Disney songs along with Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus,
The Jonas Brothers and more (so she's in pretty good company).

Jerry Glidewell ("Be Still") - Co3. "Be Still" single by Co3
(Christian Contemporary) reached # 18 on the R & R charts. The song
was written by SU member Jerry Glidewell and is on the Co3
album "Determined" (Flagship Records).

Paul Hunnecutt ("The Two Trails Album") - The artist is Carl Acuff
Jr.. In December 2007 Carl Acuff jr recorded 9 of Paul's songs for
his next album. His first release, "I'm gonna' Be Bad Today" will be
distributed to 1500 radio stations in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas,
Mississippi, New Mexico and in Europe.

And cheers to those members who have other good news to share:

Kathe Beaver ("COVER GIRL") - Kathe has released her new 12-song CD,
Cover Girl, on TAM Records

Debbie Rice ("By Faith CD, and latest single "They Chose Me"") -
Indieheaven.com Momentum Awards. Debbie L. Rice & Faith:REFINED are
pleased to announce that they have been nominated for Contemporary
Artist of the Year at the 3rd Annual "Momentum Awards" sponsored by
Indieheaven.com.

Donna Valentine - Donna is one of the first inductees into the
SongRamp Hall of Fame.
www.songu.com/ifs


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SAVE THE DATE:
June 28, 2008
Marshall, Texas
Time & Venue - TBA

Opportunity to work hands on with a hit Nashville writer!
3 - hit writers - Woody Mullis (Adelida); Mike Geiger (Darlene); and
Brice Long (Nothin On But the Radio)
--- 1 day workshop -- followed with a songwriter round concert!
covering:
writing
co-writing
publishing
pitching
and more!!

Limited number
Sponsored by the Marshall - Ark-La-Tex NSAI -
$150 to NSAI member; $175 non-members
Make your reservation now
email for registration form:
katdavidson459@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

have you read ASCAP's Songwriters Bill of Rights


Here's the text:

Just as citizens of a nation must be educated about their rights to
ensure that they are protected and upheld, so too must those who
compose words and music know the rights that support their own acts of
creation. Without these rights, which directly emanate from the U.S.
Constitution, many who dream of focusing their talents and energies on
music creation would be economically unable to do so - an outcome that
would diminish artistic expression today and for future generations.

At this time, when so many forces are seeking to diminish copyright
protections and devalue artistic expression, this Bill of Rights for
Songwriters and Composers looks to clarify the entitlements that every
music creator enjoys.

1. We have the right to be compensated for the use of our creative
works, and share in the revenues that they generate.

2. We have the right to license our works and control the ways in
which they are used.

3. We have the right to withhold permission for uses of our works
on artistic, economic or philosophical grounds.

4. We have the right to protect our creative works to the fullest
extent of the law from all forms of piracy, theft and unauthorized
use, which deprive us of our right to earn a living based on our
creativity.

5. We have the right to choose when and where our creative works
may be used for free.

6. We have the right to develop, document and distribute our works
through new media channels - while retaining the right to a share in
all associated profits.

7. We have the right to choose the organizations we want to
represent us and to join our voices together to protect our rights and
negotiate for the value of our music.

8. We have the right to earn compensation from all types of
"performances," including direct, live renditions as well as indirect
recordings, broadcasts, digital streams and more.

9. We have the right to decline participation in business models
that require us to relinquish all or part of our creative rights - or
which do not respect our right to be compensated for our work.

10. We have the right to advocate for strong laws protecting our
creative works, and demand that our government vigorously uphold and
protect our rights.


(from: http://www.ascap.com/rights/billText.aspx)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BroadJam's Song placement: what works?

Delivery Tips
Here are some tips on how to optimize your song's chance of being
selected for placement. For information on Deliveries and how they
work, check out Tuesday's newsletter in the What's New section of
Broadjam.

1. Read the request carefully
Although Providers are limited in the amount of information they are
able to share - especially for shows and films that are still in
production - the details they do provide can be very telling. A
movie's genre communicates a lot about its tone; submit music with a
similar feel. Most importantly, don't submit music that does not
match the request (i.e. unapproved explicit lyrics, wrong genre,
vocals for an instrumental listing).

2. Review each other's submissions
These reviews are often a major factor in the song selected, so it is
a great way to help each other out and ensure that the best, most
appropriate song is selected. Take the time to give your input. This
is also a great way to get an idea of how your song compares to the
other songs being submitted.

3. Don't wait until the last minute
Destination Providers are allowed to view submissions in real time,
which means if a Provider is curious, they could be listening to
submissions every day and hear your song multiple times before the
deadline. If you wait until the last minute to enter, your song will
be heard for the first time with every other song after the
opportunity closes. Also, submitting at the last minute means your
song will not have time to collect a significant amount of reviews.

4. Visit the Artist Showcase
Songs that have been selected for placement can be found in the
Artist Showcase. Listen to them to get an idea of the types of songs
that are doing well in the current film and TV market.

Scroll down to read comments from one of our Destination Providers
about why he chose the songs he did.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Aimee Mayo's SONG-WRITING ADVICE

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

SONG-WRITING ADVICE

I GET LOTS OF MESSAGES ON HERE ASKING ME SONG WRITING ADVISE AND
SECRETS ETC. ---------
SO, I DECIDED TO JUST PUT UP A LITTLE BLOG TO TRY TO HELP PEOPLE
SINCE I CANT SIT AROUND ALL DAY ANSWERING ALL THE QUESTIONS. DONT
HAVE ENOUGH FINGERS TO TYPE BACK TO EVERY ONE THAT CONTACTS ME ON
HERE.

FIRST THING I WANT TO SAY IS MOST SONGWRITERS ARE NOT GOING TO WANT
TO LISTEN TO YOUR SONGS SINCE WE WRITE EVERYDAY AND MOST OF US WHO
ARE SUCCESSFUL HAVE WRITTEN THOUSANDS OF SONGS AND CHANCES ARE WEVE
WRITTEN SOMETHING THAT IS CLOSE TO WHAT YOU ARE SENDING US. FOR LEGAL
PURPOSES I DO NOT LISTEN TO PEOPLES MATERIAL.

HERE IS WHAT I KNOW:
TELL THE TRUTH IN YOUR SONGS. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME EMOTIONAL TRUTH
IN WHAT YOU SAY. I LIKE TO LOOK AT A LYRIC TO A BALLAD AND IF IT
LOOKS LIKE A LETTER TO SOMEONE THAT IS A GOOD THING.

UPTEMPOS ARE DIFFERENT- I AM NOT A MASTER AT THIS, BUT STUDY THE
SONGS THAT YOU LOVE THAT ARE UPTEMPO AND TAKE THEM APART AND FIGURE
OUT WHAT MAKES THEM TICK AND WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT THEM. THEN TRY TO
RECREATE YOUR VERSION OR WHAT I LIKE TO CALL ... A SONG THAT MAKES
YOU FEEL THE WAY THE SONG YOU LOVE MAKES YOU FEEL. IF YOU CAN GET
GREAT AT WRITING UPTEMPO SONGS YOU WILL GET RICH. ALMOST EVERYONE
LOOKING IS LOOKING FOR UPTEMO, SO, IF YOU HAVE A UNIQUE IDEA TRY TO
FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT TEMPO. WRITERS AND ARTIST USUALLY, NATURALLY GO
TO BALLAD WORLD BECAUSE IT IS EASIER, EVERYBODY WANTS TO WRITE WHEN
THEY ARE SAD- ITS A VENTING SYSTEM. WRITE WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY, AFTER A
FIRST DATE, AFTER A GREAT MOVIE, GO OUTSIDE ON A SUNNY DAY AND BOTTLE
THE FEELING.

TAKE SONGS YOU LOVE AND STUDY THEM, WRITE OUT THE LYRICS AND LEARN
THE CHORDS AND TRY TO CAPTURE THE MAGIC-

A GOOD EXAMPLE... PAUL MCCARTNEY LOVED THE SONG " BRIDGE OVER
TROUBLED WATER" BY SIMON AND GARFUNKEL .... SO, HE TRIED TO WRITE A
SONG THAT MADE HIM FEEL THE WAY THAT SONG MADE HIM FEEL AND IT
WAS "LET IT BE"
A TOTALLY DIFFERENT SONG WAS BORN.

I AM NOT SAYING STEAL THE MELODY- I AM SAYING TAKE THE EMOTIONAL
CONTENT OR THE DRIVING GUITAR RIFF AND SEE WHERE YOU GO IN YOUR
VERSION.

ANOTHER THING I THINK NEW WRITERS NEED TO REALIZE IS THE LISTENER
DOES NOT KNOW ANYTHING BUT WHAT YOU TELL THEM SO BE CAREFUL WITH
STORY SONGS -BECAUSE THEY CAN GET CONFUSING UNTIL YOU LEARN WHAT YOU
ARE DOING. MAYBE DON SCHLITZ CAN POST SOMETHING BECAUSE HE IS A
MASTER AT STORY SONGS. THE ONLY ADVISE I KNOW IS YOU NEED TO MAKE
THINGS CLEAR AND REMEMBER WE ARE HEARING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME AND
HAVE NO BACK STORY ON ANYTHING YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

ANYONE THAT TELLS YOU, THEY CAN TELL YOU -HOW TO WRITE A HIT SONG IS
LYING. EVERY TIME I PICK UP A SONG WRITING BOOK IT FREAKS ME OUT
BECAUSE MY PROCESS IS DIFFERENT AND I ALWAYS THINK IF THIS PERSON IS
SUCH A GREAT SONGWRITER AND GENIUS WHY HAVENā€™T I HEARD OF THEM?????

THE ONE BOOK I WOULD RECOMMEND IS
"SONGWRITERS ON SONGWRITING" LOTS OF INTERVIEWS WITH LOTS OF WRITERS"
THERE IS A LOT TO LEARN FROM THAT BOOK.

ANOTHER THING THAT IS VERY HELPFUL IS TO GO TO CMT.COM AND CHECK OUT
THE
UNPLUGGED AT STUDIO 330 SESSIONS....
LISTEN TO THE WRITERS TELL HOW THEY WROTE HIT SONGS AND TRY OUT THEIR
TRICKS. MOST OF THEM WILL TELL YOU THEY DONT KNOW WHERE HIT SONGS
COME FROM. IF WE KNEW WE WOULD DO IT EVERYDAY AND IT WOULD BE EASY.
ITS LIKE TRYING TO PREDICT A SHOOTING STAR, THEY JUST HAPPEN OUT OF
NOWHERE.

SONG WRITING IS KIND OF LIKE FISHING, THE MORE YOU FISH AND THE
LONGER YOU FISH THE MORE FISH YOU CATCH. THE BEST WRITERS ARE PEOPLE
WHO HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN THE BOAT. SOMETIMES YOU REEL IN A
TIRE AND SOMETIMES A CATFISH THE SIZE OF A MICROWAVE. YOU JUST HAVE
TO BE OPEN AND PUT IN THE HOURS. WHERE DO IDEAā€™S COME FROM????? I
HAVE NO IDEA????? BUT A GOOD PLACE TO LOOK-

READ, READ, READ THAT IS ONE PLACE YOU WILL FIND INSPIRATION AND
WATCH MOVIES AND LISTEN TO MUSIC THAT INSPIRES YOU.

NOT THAT I AM IN ANYWAY COMPARING MY SONG WRITING TO MICHELANGELO
BUT, I LOVE HIS QUOTES

" IF PEOPLE KNEW HOW HARD I HAD TO WORK TO GAIN MY MASTERY,
IT WOULD NOT SEEM WONDERFUL AT ALL."

"The marble not yet carved can hold the form of every thought the
greatest artist has."
Michelangelo

IF YOU HAVE SONGS INSIDE OF YOU GET THEM OUT. I WRITE PRETTY FAST.
MOST OF MY BIGGEST HITS WERE WRITTEN FAST. TRY NOT TO GET IN THE WAY
OF YOUR MUSE, TRY TO TURN YOUR EDITOR OFF.... RECORD YOUR
SUBCONSCIOUS THEN GO BACK AND EDIT IT. SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS I
HAVE WRITTEN I DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN. I LOVE LYRICS BY
STEVIE NICKS AND BERNIE TAUPIN AND THEY ARE NOT SPOON FED TO THE
LISTENER...THEIR LYRICS ARE LITTLE DREAMS SET TO MUSIC... SO IF YOU
CAN WRITE LYRICS LIKE THAT FORGET WHAT I SAID IN THE STORY SONGS
PARAGRAPH. SEE, THE MORE I TRY TO GIVE ADVISE THE MORE CONFUSED I
GET. EVERY ONE WRITES DIFFERENT AND THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL THING. HUGH
PRESTWOOD TAKES HIS TIME AND ONLY WRITES A HANDFUL OF SONGS A YEAR
BUT THEY ARE GOING TO BE A FIST FULL OF PERFECTION.

FIND YOUR PATH ....

WRITE, WRITE, WRITE, WRITE AND WRITE SOME MORE.

KNOW SOME OF THE RULES SO YOU CAN BREAK THEM. LIKE THE STRUCTURE OF A
SONG- VERSE, CHORUS, VERSE CHORUS BRIDGE BREAKDOWN CHORUS WORKS MOST
OF THE TIME... ITS A GOOD PLACE TO START -BUT ONE OF MY PET PEEVES IS
DONT PUT A BRIDGE IN A SONG JUST TO HAVE A BRIDGE. IF YOU ARE NOT
SAYNG SOMETHING NEW THAT HASNT ALREADY BEEN SAID IN THE SONG GO FOR A
MUSICAL SECTION INSTEAD OF A BRIDGE OR SOME KIND OF RELEASE.

ANYTHING IN LIFE IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH YOU WILL FIND A WAY TO GET
IT.
THATS MY QUOTE, SWEET, SIMPLE AND TRUE.

KEEP WRITING, GOOD LUCK AND GOD
BLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=69146587&blogID=366242593

http://www.myspace.com/littlebluetypewriter



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

hi cindy,

just send myspace invites to whoever you want
most people will accept

but don't send big writers lyrics or post lyrics as a comment
most big writers have warnings like

"Please do not send me lyrics or post them in my comments. If you do,
I'll have to delete you."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NOTE: THANKS TO THE SUE-HAPPY PEOPLE OF THE WORLD I CANNOT LISTEN TO
MATERIAL. I SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE ALL, BUT I WILL NOT GO TO YOUR SITE
AND LISTEN. I'M SO VERY SORRY THAT THIS IS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN, BUT
IT IS.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

you can invite anyone as a friend you like and i suggest you read and
subscribe to their blogs
below are some artists you might enjoy

Ande

http://www.myspace.com/montewarden

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=51157416

http://www.myspace.com/jasonblumesongwriter

http://www.myspace.com/kdioguardi
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=99668840


http://www.myspace.com/bergsong

http://www.myspace.com/nicolewitt

http://www.myspace.com/lisacarvermusic

http://www.myspace.com/cheleytackettmusic

http://www.myspace.com/tonylanemusic

http://www.myspace.com/riversrutherford

http://www.myspace.com/bobdipiero

http://www.myspace.com/ejwmusic

http://www.myspace.com/bigloudshirtmusic

http://www.myspace.com/chriswallin

http://www.myspace.com/horseandwriter

http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomhillarylindsey

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=68978684
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=68978684
http://www.myspace.com/littlebluetypewriter
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=69146587

http://www.myspace.com/moonscarmusic

http://www.myspace.com/karynrochellesongs

http://www.myspace.com/dvincentwilliamslive


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MASTER SONGWRITING CLASS WITH PAT PATTISON

WHAT: The Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) and Absolute Rehearsal
Studios team to support local musicians.

WHEN: On Saturday and Sunday June 7th & 8th, 2008 from 10am to 4pm.

WHERE: The event will be held at Absolute Rehearsal Studios,

2607 Walnut Hill Lane @ Shady Trail intersection, Dallas , TX 75229

214-295-2673

WHY: As an educational music organization we promote events which
bring local songwriters/musicians, and music industry professionals
together to strengthen the Dallas music community through education
and networking.

WHO: The DSA will sponsor "Pat Pattison Weekend", in a songwriting
workshop presented in a Master Class Format.

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

DSA is a 501 C-3 non-profit educational organization which was founded
in 1987. DSA's mission is to enhance the overall personal and
professional growth of its members.

For additional information contact José Volante 214-929-5558, or email
jose_v_75006@...

COST & REGISTRATION:

COST: $125 @ person. $100 for the first 20 Dallas Songwriter
Association Members to register. It's only $50 to become a DSA member.
Join today! Please pre-register!

REGISTRATION:

Complete, Print and Return With Payment To:

Dallas Songwriters Association Pat Pattison Workshop

Sammons Center for the Arts

3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20

Dallas, TX 75219

First name:_____________

Last name:____________

Street Address:_______________________________

City:____________ ______

State/Province:_________ Zip Code:_________

Country:_______________

Phone:________________

E-mail:________________

Dallas Songwriters Association
% Sammons Center for the Arts
3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 20
Dallas , TX 75219

Register online at the DSA Store:

http://store.kagi.com/?7TE_LIVE&lang=en

Absolute Rehearsal Studios,

2607 Walnut Hill Lane @ Shady Trail intersection, Dallas , TX 75229

214-295-2673


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write on,


Ande

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?