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.
What's new with you and your songwriting?
Please write and let me know

I have several new songs in the works

Got a new cut
Blue Holiday is the 3rd track on Halie Loren and Matt Treder's
Christmas CD
Many Times, Many Ways - A Holiday Collection
you can hear a 2 minute clip at:
http://tinyurl.com/blueholidayhalie
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lorentreder/from/ande

been busy swimming
The Austin Paper ran an article about me yesterday
http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/12/19/121
9centex.html
went to Long Beach and Tempe for meets recently.

Met with Harold Payne when I was in Long Beach

Had a nice lunch with Gary Powell

are you on facebook
send me an invite
www.facebook.com/people/Ande-Rasmussen/7921551

Write On,

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jason Blume has a new CD it's called

Taking Care of Business with Jason Blume,
Volume 3

74 Minute Audio CD. Topics include:
How to "Sell" and Publish Your Songs,
Understanding Single Song Contracts,
Staff-Writing Deals,
PRO's,
Performance and Mechanical Royalties,
Licenses,
Holds,
Copyright,
Pitching Your Songs,
Songpluggers,
Placing Your Songs in TV & Film, and
lists of resources that will allow to get your songs to international
and U.S. artists,and film/TV libraries & music supervisors.

Everything jason does is excellent and I highly recommend it

http://www.jasonblume.com/221643.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~

stevenbacon
Casual Observer

Registered: May, 18 2005

Loc: westbrook, maine, usa  Hi fellow JPF folks,
I wanted to share a story about some success that I've had in the
past week. Since the "big event" that i'll go into shortly, i've been
contacted by a number of industry types and am continuing to have
exciting things happen everyday. I'll keep you all updated to the
follow up things that have been happening, once I've posted the main
story.

I also want to say that I've been talking on the phone with Brian
Austin Whitney who is helping me plan out my strategy for how to
harness my recent success and how to build on it. Brian is AWESOME,
and he's given me a well thought out list of things to do next, which
you better believe I'll be following up on.
so here's the story:

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Steven Bacon and Glen Hansard: THE REST OF THE STORY
(there are pics of the event at http://www.stevenbacon.com)

As some of you already know, I make me living as a subway performer /
street performer.
A recent independently produced movie has given me great inspiration
and the much needed strength to keep on keeping on.... The movie is
called "ONCE" and stars Irish singer songwriter Glen Hansard (lead
singer of "The Frames"), as a down and out street performer, with big
dreams (sound familiar?). Glen costars with songwriter Marketa
Irglova who plays the nontraditional love interest with hopes and
dreams of her own.
One of the many amazing things about this movie is that the stars,
Glen and Marketa, wrote and performed all the music in the movie.
Although this movie only had a budget of $150,000, Glen and Marketa
went on to win an Oscar for best song in a movie (for Falling
Slowly), and a Grammy as well (all in 2008)
So how do I fit in with all this? Well, when I heard they were coming
to town (Boston, Agannis Areana, 9-19-08), I bought tickets and when
the day of the concert came (last Friday) I set up my street
performing gear outside of the arena and proceeded to play all day in
hopes of meeting Glen and Marketa.
After about 3 hours of playing I met a kindred spirit named Peter
Olson. He had met Glen at a previous show and wished me well with my
adventure. Soon after, the arena security staff politely kicked me
off the premises, since it's against policy to have street performers
on BU property. They were cool and said "we don't care if we hear
you, it's just the policy of where you are... why don't you go across
the street and no one will bother you". I gotta say that's the most
pleasant getting kicked out experience i've had to date! I was
thinking about just packing up and leaving, but I decided to keep
soldiering on, so I found a condemned shop with garbage bags covering
the windows and set up outside of there, thinking I would be safe for
a few hours here.
About 10 minutes later, I'm singing and playing with my eyes closed
and when I open them I see Glen and Marketa Standing in front of me
with big smiles and kind eyes. Glen throws me a tip, we talk about
busking, I blabber incoherently about how much of an inspiration he
is to me and tell him I have tickets to the show. Glen and I shake
hands and he asks if I'll have all my gear inside the show and then
says, "We'll see you inside!", and I say "I'll see you inside, but
you probably won't see me!" and we both laugh. It turns out that
Peter Olson, who I had just met in the previous hour, ran into Glen
and Marketa and sent them my direction. Peter also followed them and
took pictures with his iphone of our encounter. Afterwards Peter said
if I hadn't moved (aka gotten kicked out), Glen and Marketa probably
wouldn't have found me. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE.......
So I play for a few more hours, and I'm on cloud 9... (it's now been
5 or 6 hours of busking....can't feel hands, gotta pee, losing my
voice, ... all the usual stuff..). Finally it's time to see Glen and
Marketa perform so, my wife and I head off to see the show.
My wife is pretty concerned they won't let me in with all my gear
because she went and checked while I was playing and saw the list of
non-allowed items, and I had about half of them (like large bags,
metal poles aka my mic stand etc...). I have a feeling they'll let us
in so off we go to find out.
When we get to the entrance, the security guard gives me what I think
is a "great, another one of these guys" looks. Instead of showing me
the door, he pauses and says.... "Oh hey, are you the guy who's been
playing outside?.... is that a Martin guitar you were playing? I play
one too... you sound great! Yeah... this guy is alright, let him in."
So, no problem getting in and I've got a new friend to boot.
We finally manage to get to our seats in the dark, no small feat with
all my gear, and we enjoy Patty Griffin's opening set.
Next, Glen and Marketa come on with Glen's band the Frames. They are
astounding, amazing, mind blowing, beautiful, inspiring, original,
soulful, full of depth and raw talent. They play some of their big
hits (including Falling Slowly) and then everyone leaves the stage
except for Glen. He plays a solo song and then says: "So, we were
walking around Boston today and we met this busker. He was
fantastic... I think his name was Steven.... now everyone please be
quiet for a second.... Steven are you here?"
Yeah.. I'm here!... I stand up and lift my guitar high over my head
like an Olympic weight lifter (caught up in the moment, I was...).
The crowd begins to cheer and Glen says... "LET"S HAVE A REAL BUSKER
UP ON THE STAGE! STEVEN COME UP AND SING US A SONG!"
I think this was the point were I my heart stopped beating and I
began to choke on my giant pretzel...
So, the crowd keeps cheering and I run up to the stage. I make eye
contact with about a zillion people on the way who are as caught up
in the moment as I am. The guards let me on stage... and there's Glen
to great me with a warm smile. I hug Glen and the crowd cheers. Glen
says "Hey, do you want to use my guitar, it's already plugged in..."
Side note, this is the guitar Glen played in the movie, and it's
famous.... I dream about that guitar... Do I want to play it? Yeah, I
want to play it! I want to marry it and raise saplings together... I
want to fight crime with it... I want to take it to the zoo, take it
to the movies, knit sweaters for it , paint it's picture, and
celebrate Arbor Day with it.....(ok i'll stop there). Of course Glen
knows how exciting playing his guitar would be for me, and it's
another kind and thoughtful gesture on his part.
After fumbling through my guitar case to find my Harmonica and capo,
I approach the mic, and the crowd is going wild. In a fog akin to
deer in the headlights syndrome I say something, to the crowd,
probably something I would regret if I could remember what it was....
I do remember saying... "ok I'll stop talking and make this quick...
you guys didn't pay to see me." That went over well. Hmmm... maybe a
little too well. But seriously folks...
As I struggle to get my heart rate back under 300 bpm, I play the
opening chords of my song "Charlie wants to run".... Charlie is a
metaphorical reference to the subway in Boston, aka the Charlie
train. I play the intro with guitar and harmonica. I think after I
played the progression through the first time I got big cheers, maybe
because people were happy after all the buildup of this moment that I
didn't totally suck. I sing the first note and realize... uh-oh my
voice is gone from my 6 hours of busking in the cold today... still
can't feel my hands... DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!.. then i get a
hold of myself and start to relax and take in the moment. I notice
that everyone is clapping to the beat. I realize how to connect with
the audience halfway through my song and I start to make eye contact
one by one with everyone who is close enough for me to see. Each
person I look at seems to get that I'm looking at them and we smile
at each other, having meaningful and happy, albiet breif, exchanges.
I can see how inspired they are by this moment and how excited they
are for me. I've never felt more love and support in a performance
setting in my life. I know that feeling will stay with me always.
At this point I realize I've gotten lost in the crowd and my song
structure has flown south for the winter. I realize I've sang the
chorus 3 or more times in a row .... time to stop! I somehow manage
to end the tune as thousands of Swell Season fans rise to their feet
to give me a standing ovation. Glen runs up to me and gives me a big
hug and says to the audience "That was F---ing Great!"
On the way off stage I get to thank each member of the Frames and
Marketa. Big giant security guard gives me a hug. Everybody wants to
shake my hand as I wander, lost-dazed and confused, trying to find my
seat, and process what I'm pretty sure has just happened.
Afterward, I signed autographs for the first time in my life and set
up my gear outside the Arena and played outside until 2am... this
time I didn't even notice the cold.. I stopped when my amp died in a
horrible barking way that only busker's amps can die.. I think I
might have fried it, but perhaps I can fix it. If you see me busking
in Park Street or Davis station Wednesday afternoon then you'll know
the amp made it through another round of meatball surgery.
If you would like to be involved in the upcoming chapters of this
story, please help me make the most of this big break by forwarding
this email to your friends, your press contacts (Newspaper, Magazine,
TV, Radio, the Web), anyone you know who you think might be
interested in booking me at their venue or house concert, any
songwriter agents, recording industry types, ...etc!!! I have never
asked anything of the sort in the past, but I believe this story can
inspire others to go for their dreams and I am excited to share it
and see how it all plays out.

Edited by stevenbacon

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

thought these were interesting

best cheatin songs
http://www.theboot.com/2008/08/15/countrys-best-cheating-songs-no-20/

best drinkin  songs
http://www.theboot.com/2008/03/04/best-country-drinking-songs-br-no-
25/

best flat broke songs
http://www.theboot.com/2008/10/21/flat-broke-songs-no-10/

best ptriotic songs
http://www.theboot.com/2008/07/02/countrys-greatest-patriotic-songs-
no-10/

stories behind the songs
http://www.theboot.com/category/story-behind-the-song/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Subject: I'm looking for songs.

Joani Tabor Ministries
"Nothing's Going To Steal My Joy"
Website: www.joanitabor.org
If you wish to become an email prayer partner,
email us.

-----Original Message-----
From: GJTabor@...


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

American Songspace is

A site for WRITERS to market their songs Through opportunities for
song placements and interactive contests, we hope to advance the
careers of songwriters.

A site for INDUSTRY to find songs
By introducing songs to music industry professionals we help discover
songs and put them in their place

A place for EVERYONE to connect.
We're a media company devoted to the craft and business of songs,
bringing writers and industry together in one place.
WWW.AMERICANSONGSPACE.COM

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

this is outstanding

every song has a journey
every song has a story

here are 3 you ought to know

please watch these

Bring On the Rain
Song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWYRfsjBNQk
Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqe94TdV3tw

Never Alone
Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnNK4Alwbsw
Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clu6TLnzals

Time of My Life
Song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt4aTMTGZPM
Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxwbeL4i0zo

by  http://www.youtube.com/user/sbtsong

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

http://www.songwriterforums.com/forums/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When I first met Bob Mulloy I was petrified...scared to death, shy
and at the tender young age of 18 years old. Bob was the Director of
the Belmont Reasons at Belmont College..which is now Belmont
University in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Belmont Reasons was a group of singers and musicians whose job it
was to promote the college and encourage young high school students
to come to Belmont. Well, when the Reasons came to Franklin High
School..and I saw three of my friends already in the group... I
thought to myself....that's it.. I have to be in that group, I have
to sing and dance in that group... I have to be a Reason!

The summer after I graduated from high school.. there was an audition
to be in the Reasons...and I went to the college¹s huge stage..and
sang my heart out. And Mr. Mulloy at first thought I was a huge
snob...because I was so quiet...but he had no idea that I was so
nervous, and painfully shy ... To make a long story short, I found
out that I passed the audition 2 months later....and 2 weeks before
Reasons ³training camp². Mr. Mulloy put me through the baptism of
³FIRE². I thought he hated me...he would make me practice over and
over again...read the theory...recite it back to him..and the torture
went on and on! BUT...oh the things that I learned from this Man!

The Reasons performed Pop shows for the various high schools across
the state and then we would also have a Gospel show for the
churches.... It seemed that every weekend...we were on the road
traveling back and forth to various concerts and events. We had
different outfits for the different shows...had to learn 10-15 songs
per show..using no notes...and everything was fully choreographed. I
had never gotten so much exercise in my entire life. We eventually
recorded several records in the Belmont recording studio...which gave
me such invaluable experience in the studio..how to sing with others
and blend...stage presence..and how to work with a team of others.

I spent 5 years under the leadership of Bob Mulloy...who very quickly
became a dearly loved father figure after my first year..when my
father died very suddenly during that summer break! Bob came to the
funeral and knelt down and told me that he was there for me..and then
we were locked into each other¹s heart from there on! He took me
under his wing like no other person that I had ever encountered, he
grew me up...he "kicked my butt" as he would say, forced me to learn,
forced me out of my shell! And he changed the course of my life
forever. Had I not passed that audition back in 1979, I never
would¹ve attended Belmont, for it was also a partial scholarship,
which I desperately needed. And I definitely would not have had the
skills or the confidence to pursue my dreams of singing today. Mr.
Mulloy passed away several years ago from cancer...and his passing
affected us all who passed through his life. I'm more sad for the men
and women that will never know him and his influence that I could
ever be for myself. He was a life changer! Some of the folks that he
influenced during his time at Belmont University were myself, Steven
Curtis Chapman, Dann Huff, David Huff, Gary Lunn, Gordon Kennedy,
Tricia Yearwood..and the list goes on.

If there is someone in your life, even your own child....that you can
mentor, whether it be spiritually, physically, musically..creatively
or artistically...whatever...then take them under your wing...support
their dreams, be there for them...be honest with them....and light
their heart!

You will find the blessing of being poured out..and being Jesus to
someone else...who will eventually take your baton into the next
generation! So whatever else you do in your life.....
Mentor, Mentor, Mentor!
http://www.lisabevill.com/mentoring.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

study steve seskin

We're Not Waiting (for the World to Change)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2p95OJImuA

Steve Seskin 2  USE MINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq_QZGx_1qA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The GRAMMY Museum is more than just a celebration of the music
industry's most prestigious award. It's a one-of-a-kind experience
where music fans are invited to look behind the curtain at how
today's music is created and produced. As a GRAMMY Museum Charter
Member, your support will be instrumental in shaping the future of
the Museum, as well as music around the world, starting right here in
Los Angeles.

In this exciting year of firsts, your membership will be your
backstage pass to explore a world of intimate performances, lectures,
classes and events. Plus as a Recording Academy member you will
receive a 20% discount!

In order to get your 20% discount please enter the promotional code
CHARTER when applying for membership.

There are four easy ways to join:

1. Call the membership office: 213.765.6800 (press 3 for Membership)

2. Send us an e-mail: membership@...

3. Join online: www.grammymuseum.org/membership

4. Send a check to: Membership Department
714 W. Olympic, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Charter Membership Benefits
- Free admission for one year
(Tickets are scheduled, so advance booking is suggested.) - Preferred
ticketing to The GRAMMY Museum-hosted programs, events and
performances
- 72-hour advance notice for The GRAMMY Museum-hosted events -
Invitations to members-only events, previews and shopping specials
- Subscription to members exclusive e-zine On The Record
- 10% discount in The GRAMMY Museum Store
- Personalized membership card(s)
- Commemorative art piece commissioned by The GRAMMY Museum
Student/Senior/Educator/Traveler - $32, Regularly $40 Students,
seniors, educators, and out-of-state applicants must present valid ID
- All the benefits of Charter Membership for one adult - One
personalized membership card
Emerging Artist - $40, Regularly $50
- All the benefits of Charter Membership for one adult - One
personalized membership card Debut - $60, Regularly $75
- All the benefits of Charter Membership for two adults - Two
personalized membership cards
Opening Act - $72, Regularly $90
- All the benefits of Debut including Admission for up to four youths
(ages 6-17)
- PLUS free admission to monthly family education programs Headliner -
  $100, Regularly $125
- All the benefits of Opening Act - PLUS four one-time use guest
passes ($60 value!) Nominee - $200, Regularly $250
- All the benefits of Headliner - PLUS an invitation to an exclusive
members evening on the GRAMMY Sound Stage
Award Winner - $400, Regularly $500
- All the benefits of Nominee - PLUS Invitation to "Curator's
Perspective" (an evening tour, discussion, and reception)
- Eight one-time use guest passes ($120 value)
Icon - $800, Regularly $1,000
- All the benefits of Award Winner - PLUS free PRIORITY admission for
two adults and four youths (ages 6-17) - Membership to L.A. LIVE
Ticketing Club
- Invitation to dinner with the Museum's Executive Director -
Eligible for Museum Travel Program *Benefits are subject to change



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Pitching Feedback From A Street Pitch Guest:
The pitch guest for # 459 Gary Allen emailed us to say, “One of the
reasons I'm passing on so many songs is that I'm finding that
sometimes even though a song has lyrics that are cool or very
interesting, the melody is a letdown or kind of generic. I think that
it would be great if the songwriting students would be working and re-
writing melodies just like they do on their lyrics. I'm sure that the
SongU courses on melody writing and coaches can speak to this topic.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The countdown to Music's Biggest Night has started! The 51st Annual
GRAMMY Awards will take place on Wednesday, February 8, 2009. The Pre-
Telecast awards ceremony begins at 1 p.m. PST in the Los Angeles
Convention Center, immediately followed by the GRAMMY Awards global
telecast at 5 p.m. PST in STAPLES Center, broadcast live on CBS.
As a member of The Recording Academy, you are invited to attend the
51st Annual GRAMMY Awards and The 2009 GRAMMY Celebration after
party. The GRAMMY Awards ceremony is not open to the public and is a
benefit of your membership in The Academy. Beginning Wednesday,
December 17, at 9 a.m. PST, GRAMMY Awards ticket order forms will be
available on the exclusive membership pages of GRAMMY.com.
To obtain a ticket order form, please log on to GRAMMY.com, input
your member number and password, and the link to the form will be
near the bottom of the page. If you do not have your password, please
use the "Forgot My Password" button to have your password emailed to
you. If you need further assistance in obtaining your password,
please email meminfo@....
Traffic on GRAMMY.com may be unusually high. It is strongly
recommended that you obtain your member password prior to the
December 17 on-sale date.
All information regarding pricing, maximum ticket allowances, seating
levels and GRAMMY Celebration Party tickets will be available on the
ticket form. Please remember that tickets to both the GRAMMY Awards
telecast and GRAMMY Celebration Party are non-transferable. Please
reference the ticket form for The Recording Academy's policy
regarding ticket transfer.
The next 50 is here! We look forward to you joining us as we, along
with a global television audience, celebrate Music's Biggest Night!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey Ande,
Hope you are doing great!
I created a new internet rhyme finder/dictionary for songwriters
and thought your members might make good use of it. It's free:
http://www.perfectrhyme.com
What's different about it? First, perfect and near rhymes organized
from closest to most remote. Second, a dictionary that is mostly
words found in actual songs, few archaic or useless words.
Third, users can get rhymes for slang and other words it doesn't know
yet, just by typing an exact rhyme.
By doing so they improve the service for others.
Take care now,
Adrian
__________________________________
Do, or do not. There is no "Try".
-Yoda
Check out my music at:
http://www.adriannye.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

a songwriter wrote this to me
Sent: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 7:08 pm
Subject: Need a little help

Hello,

I am new to you're group and I have some question I am hoping that
you can help me on.
I am song writer, I write songs not the music, since I got hurt I
can't play my guitar ( but that's another matter.)
My manger/agent is telling me that I have to pay for everything, and
that I
need to be the one that talks to other agents and mangers. Know I am
not a
good talker with other agents, I tried once and they ask me were my
agent was.
I also had to pay for ASCAP which I don't know what they are for are
what
they can do to help me. I have not got a copyright yet cause they
want me
to pay 350.00 for the apps. I also had to pay for my web page which my
agent not doing nothing with. You can check it out at
www.davidmasonlryics.com. I don't know which way to go, my agent
wants me to go to Austin, Texas to
talk to other people while he stay at home.
Is that the way agents are suppose to do, my agent has the money and
he is
a better talker than I am.
Any advice you can give me I would be gratefully cause I am lost, I
love to
write and I want my song out there, I not doing this for the money, I
write
to make people happy and they can relate to my song.
Thank you for having the time to read my letter and I hope that you
can get
back with me on my problem.
Thank you

my reply was

Dear David,

nice to hear from you

when you write lyrics you need to find melody writers to set your
words to music, don't hire a business to do it

most songwriters don't have agents
be your own agent

you don't need to pay ascap $350

i suggest you read the message archive at
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/DIFS/messages


participate on online communities like
jpfolks.org
songramp.com
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=57759


read books by jason blume
www.jasonblume.com

consider joining songU
www.songu.com/ifs
nice to hear from you
wish you the best with your writing


Consult with Marc Alan Barnette


wish you well

ande rasmussen


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Write on,

Ande

Does anyone EVER read IFS to the VERY END?

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

First I'm looking for an AWESOME singer songwriter who
went to the UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
please write me if you are one or know of one

Got a royalty check at my office for a cut I got on
Sendero by Stop the Truck for a song called
The Honky Tonk Zone

I've got a new demo up on Songramp

Hotter than the Hinges on the Gates of Hell
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=66899
cowrote it with Donna Aylor and Brock Goodwin

here's Brock's original version
Title: Hotter than the Hinges + Brock Goodwin
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=14489

I'm looking for an AWESOME singer songwriter who is in Rotary, has a
relative in Rotary or has ever been involved with Rotary.

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There's an interesting thread going on at Songramp
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?
thread_id=59333&page=4

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey Ande,

I've updated my demo / arranging company, Masterscore Music.

www.MasterscoreMusic.com - arranging/demo

EC
-------
Eric Copeland, President/Lead Producer/Composer
Creative Soul Companies, Inc
www.CreativeSoulRecords.com - label
www.CreativeSoulOnline.com - production
www.MasterscoreMusic.com - arranging/demo
Franklin, TN | 615-400-3910
-------
Get your free weekly jolt of Creative Inspiration
Written especially "For the Creative Soul"
http://www.FortheCreativeSoul.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS READER Megan Conner is a finalist in
GAC STAR

HAPPY SUNDAY!. 3 1/2 days left!!  Please keep voting and PLEASE pass
this email along.  If everyone passes this along to someone or

a group of people - WOW!!!!!  THANK YOU so much for your
support!!!!

http://www.gactv.com/star

http://www.meganconner.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

joe@...
Sent: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 12:39 pm
Subject:
Pat Pattison Advanced Songwriting Workshop -
October 11 and 12th in Austin TX

Saturday October 11th and Sunday, October 12th
"Advanced Prosody Songwriting Workshop with Pat Pattison

Workshop description:  Pat will help you develop your songs from
title, through the boxes into section, focusing on prosody and
contrasting section including building bridges that strengthen your
song. He'll also expand the focus on the elements of structure and
creating motion and momentum to sup port your song.

"I took a class with Pat Pattison, a really great teacher... I
learned a lot of stuff in that class, and I still read Writing
Better Lyrics. I've still got it on the tank of my toilet ... I
think it's great." --
Grammy winning artist/songwriter John Mayer, 2004"

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 The Performing
Songwriter. Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the
US , Canada , and the UK . Several of his students have won Grammys,
in addition to John Mayer and Gillian Welch.

Cost?
$100 per person. Current Berklee College students and alumni pay $
75.  Added bonus! You bring a friend at full price and you can take
20% off ($80 for non-Berklee students and $60 for Berklee students!)
for your admission! Please make checks payable to Pat Pattison.

Meals/Accommodations:
On your own. We may order in for lunch - depending on the group's
preference. We're planning on another "field trip" Saturday night,
depending on the quantity of homework - last October's trip to Opal
Devine's was a lot of fun for everyone.

Location:
St. Edward's University, Austin. Details will be sent to class
participants.

Time: 10 am - 5 pm both days.

Class size:
Limited to the first 30 who send a check payable to
"Pat Pattison".

Mail checks to:
Pat Pattison Workshop,
c/o Joe Strouse,
P.O. Box 80444 ,
Austin, Texas 78708-0444

Questions? Contact Joe Strouse @ joe@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Have you written a very special song
consider offering a free download of it on your site

like karen taylor good did of her cause song
Precious child  on
http://karentaylorgood.com/free_mp3_downloads.html
where she writes
Precious Child (mp3)

I wrote this song to honor my nephew Paul, who "left too soon", at
age 21. I'm honored that it has been adopted by The Compassionate
Friends, The Shaken Baby Alliance, and other groups and individuals.
Please feel free to use it at a memorial service, or on a website
honoring your "Precious Child".

To save this song to your hard drive, right click (ctrl click on
Mac) and select "Save Target As".

Allen Shamblin cowrote a Beautiful song called Why
After his friend Richard Roddy committed suicide.

You can hear it at:
http://www.richardroddymusic.com/Music/why1.mp3

or see the video to celebrate his life at:
http://www.richardroddymusic.com/richard_roddy_video%20tribute.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check out Allen Shamblin's performance of
I Can't Make You Love Me
at
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=9793065


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

are you going to the Durango Songwriter Conference?
http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Country Music Star John Rich Performed
'Raisin' McCain' at Republican National Convention

John Rich to Join Presidential Hopeful John McCain and Perform
Original Anthem at "Road to the Convention" Rallies in Pennsylvania
and Missouri


Last update: 12:21 p.m. EDT Aug. 28, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Music star
John Rich today announced he will perform "Raisin' McCain" -- his
original song in support of Republican presidential candidate John
McCain -- at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN on
Sept. 3. In addition to his performance of the rock-infused anthem,
Rich is also slated to perform "Our America" with Gretchen Wilson
and Cowboy Troy at the Convention on Sept. 3.
In advance of the Convention, Rich will make special guest
appearances with Senator McCain at two official campaign events.
Rich will be on-hand at the "Road to the Convention" rallies outside
of Pittsburgh, PA (Aug. 30) and outside of St. Louis, MO (Aug. 31)
to fire up voters and offer his endorsement of McCain building up to
the nominating convention.
Rich wrote the music and lyrics to "Raisin' McCain" as a "fight
song" to energize Americans and declare his support. The song
celebrates McCain's maverick spirit and is a call-to-action for all
Americans to exercise their right to vote. "Raisin' McCain" is
available to the public for free download at www.johnrich.com.
John Rich is a singer, award-winning songwriter and acclaimed
producer. The Texas native is most recently known as one half of the
multi-platinum Warner Bros. Records duo, Big & Rich. Additionally,
Rich served as a judge and mentor on NBC's music competition
series "Nashville Star," and has returned as the host and judge of
CMT's "Gone Country 2."
To schedule an interview with John Rich in advance of, or on-site at
the Republican National Convention, please contact
Courtney McCraw (212-582-0375 / courtney.mccraw@...) or
Casey Klurfeld (212-616-5552 / casey.klurfeld@...).
      PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

      Saturday, August 30th
      Road to the Convention Rally
      with Senator John McCain
      and Cindy McCain

      Consol Energy Park
      1 Washington Federal Way
      Washington, PA
      Doors open: 3:00 p.m.

      Sunday, August 31st
      Road to the Convention Rally
      with Senator John McCain
      and Cindy McCain

      T.R. Hughes Ballpark
      900 T.R. Hughes Blvd
      O'Fallon, MO
      Doors open: 2:00 p.m.

      Wednesday, September 3rd
      "Our America" Performance
      with Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy
      & "Raisin' McCain" Performance

      Republican National Convention
      Xcel Energy Center
      St. Paul, MN
      (time to be announced)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gretchen Peters said
"I think great songs are born. They are born with all the urgency of
childbirth, born out of pain, anger, joy, wit, and delivered by
instinct, skill and love."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Going to West Coast Songwriters?
28th annual Music Conference coming up September 12-14
The Conference Handbook, which takes the place of the September
Newsletter, has been posted on our fab new website. It lists all the
seminars, guests, performances, one-on-ones, details etc for the
whole weekend. Please check it out. We are still allowing those who
haven't signed up to get the last pre- registration price - $225 for
members and $250 for non-members. We are also offering a special
price of $60 for the weekend for Under 21's, and giving a $25
discount to ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, NSAI, TAXI, Recording Academy, and
Other Songwriter Association Members. Come to the biggest event of
the WCS Calendar year!
http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/pdf/ConfHandbook2008.pdf

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We would like to extend an invitation to you to attend a small
private party fundraiser for Austin Music Foundation featuring one
of Austin's premiere artists in one of Austin's coolest musical
spots.

Austin's own Kellye Gray delivers a powerful and classic jazz sound
that will delight your ears. The kind folks at The Recording
Conservatory of Austin have offered to host this event for us in
their sparkling new recording studios with scenic views of the Hill
Country. Food and drinks will be provided.

Please join us for this special occassion.

WHAT: Fundraiser for Austin Music Foundation

Your suggested minimum donation of $50 directly supports AMF
programs
that empower musicians and fuel Austin's creative economy.

WHERE: The Recording Conservatory of Austin

ADDRESS: 4615 City Park Road, Austin TX 78730

WHEN: Sunday, September 7

TIME: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

BAND: Kellye Gray

Space is limited, so please RSVP to vip@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My name is Andrew Fromm. I'm a published singer-songwriter who also
plays piano. Currently, I have a co-publishing deal with Universal
Music Publishing and have written songs for quite a handful of acts
over my career. I started in this business about 14 years ago
singing and playing at open-mic nights around NYC. After doing a few
performances such as appearing on Star Search and landing a national
Folgers commercial early on, my songwriting has gained me the most
recognition up to this point. I've been blessed and fortunate enough
to have my songs appear on over 45 million albums world wide. Some
notable acts Ive written for are Backstreet Boys, Marc Anthony,
Nsync, Kci & JoJo, Jesse McCartney, Westlife, Corbin Bleu, Francesca
Battistelli, Clique Girlz, Gareth Gates (Pop Idol UK), Billy Gilman,
Luis Fonsi, David Charvet, Ray Roc Project, Kristine W, OPM,
2Gether, Soluna, Nobody's Angel, Daniel Rene', Judith Lefeber,
Christian Bautista, Reymond Sajor, Nikki Webster, C21, Hiromi Go,
Fey, Rosa and others. I frequently collaborate with some of the
industry's leading songwriters and producers. I wanted to come on
here and share some of the songs I've written, co-written and/or
sang. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I did creating
them.

For the record, being I'm somewhat established in this crazy
business, I'm totally open to discovering new talent as well. If you
TRULY think you have what it takes then feel free to email me on
here and I'll do my best to check out your site. I've already
discovered a few exceptional acts on here and have aided them in
their procuring major production, publishing and/or record deals.
Due to the sometimes overwhelming response this site can generate,
it's quite difficult to respond to everyone. What I usually do is
show some industry friends your page. If they love what you are
doing and see the potential, either myself, or they will contact you
back personally.
www.myspace.com/andrewfromm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Most of the Nashville locals probably read this article, but for the
out-of-town folks...
An article in the Tennessean regarding a new artist, Sunny Sweeny,
and a "pitch" session with song pluggers trying to get songs they
represent on her album..

Song pluggers savor pitches to artists
By CINDY WATTS • Staff Writer • August 22, 2008

The path a song takes from writer to radio can be long and winding,
like the five years it took for the Clay Walker/Kimberly Locke
hit "Fall" to make it to the airwaves. Or it could be a fast trip,
like Glenn Sutton's song "What's Made Milwaukee Famous." Sutton
wrote the song one night and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded it the next
day.

Either way, much of the work associated with getting a song cut is
often assigned to a song plugger, someone generally employed by a
publishing company or songwriter who specializes in that process.
And local pluggers agree it's usually best â€" and fastest â€" to
pitch the song directly to the source: the singer. Those
opportunities are fairly uncommon.

So when Big Machine Records recording artist Sunny Sweeney announced
plans in mid-July to hold pitch meetings at BMI in search of
material for her next record, it was no surprise when more than a
dozen publishers responded with interest.
Seated at the end of a long conference table in a back room at BMI
with her manager/husband Brandon Allen, Sweeney spent the entire day
meeting with song pluggers who hoped to land one of their publishing
company's songs on her new record.

"Most of the time I'm pitching songs to A&R executives and
producers," said Nathan Nicholson of Nathan Nicholson Music. "The
advantage of meeting with the artist is you don't have to guess
about what the singer might like. Or the executive or producer
you're playing songs for otherwise doesn't have to guess about what
the artist might like."

In this situation, Sweeney left very little room for guesswork. A
bulletin was sent to many of the businesses beforehand explaining
what the traditional country singer wanted: up-tempo story songs.
Some pluggers took the direction to heart while others faltered.

"We were told tempo, but we didn't stick to that at all," said one
representative as he handed her a CD of songs from writers at his
company.

"Did you include any up-tempos?" Sweeney asked as she put the disc
in the player and scanned through the five or so songs, giving each
somewhere between 15 and 45 seconds of listening time.

In less than five minutes Sweeney determined that four songs
are "just too pop" while one might be what she's looking for. She
thanked the song plugger, who left, to be followed two minutes later
by the next appointment.

"I was extremely specific in what I wanted," she said later. "I'm
not polite. If I don't like it, I'm not going to sit there and waste
my time and your time listening to it. I want to make the record I
want to make."

Some pluggers made more thoughtful song selections than others, and
by the end of the day, Sweeney had heard about 120 songs and culled
around 20 she said were "really good." But a CD normally averages
about 12 songs, and Sweeney, also a songwriter, has also penned a
few songs for her project. So, most of the songs probably won't make
the cut.

Carla Wallace from Big Yellow Dog had one of the more successful
pitch sessions that day, with Sweeney opting to keep most of the
songs Wallace delivered. But the plugger understands the odds
against all those songs landing a slot on the record, and said that
a big part of her job was keeping her fingers crossed.

"Hopefully you get the cut," she said. "Hopefully it makes the
record. Hopefully the record comes out. Hopefully the artist keeps
the record deal. Hopefully it comes out as a single. There are no
fast rewards when you're a plugger. It might take a year or more for
you to get a song cut and the pat on the back."

For new songwriters who don't have publishing deals, the process of
getting a song cut is even harder.

Wallace said the first thing new songwriters should do is contact
Nashville Songwriters Association International or a performing
rights organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC for help.

Writers who don't have publishing deals often struggle the most,
according to Wallace.

"They don't know the routes," she said. "They don't know what kind
of music strikes a chord with the A&R person. Always go through one
of the performing rights channels first because they're going to be
able to find out more about you as a writer and gauge whether you're
ready to go to the next level as far as pitching your songs to a
publisher."

Wallace said writing camps and artist co-writes tended to be other
fast ways of getting songs cut.

Regardless, writers still have to wait on singers and record label
executives to make up their minds about which songs they want.
That's what Wallace, Nicholson and the other pluggers who succeeded
in pitching songs to Sweeney are doing now.

And, as often happens, they could be waiting a while. According to
BMI, Sweeney hasn't started recording yet and a release date hasn't
been set.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808220368

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi from Barbara Cloyd.

I'm writing to all my Ready for the Row friends because I want to
let you know about my next Play for Publishers Workshop. It's for
songwriters who want to get cuts in the major-label Country market.
Lots of participants from past workshops have open doors to major
publishers because of it and some have gotten single-song contracts

You have to apply and sixteen people will be selected to present
songs (live or a demo ) to six top Nashville publishers.. As a group
we listen to the songs and the publishers give feedback on their
craft and commercial potential.

These publishers aren't paid " they come because they have a sincere
desire to discover and nurture new talent. They are all successful
pros with the ability to sign staff-writers and pitch to top
artists. Writers who aren't accepted to present their songs are
still welcome to attend and take advantage of the intense learning
experience

The workshop is in Nashville October 16-18. The application deadline
is Wednesday September 10th. If you go to the workshops page of www.
barbaracloyd. com you can read the bios of the publishers and get
complete details on the workshop and how to apply.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Sometimes a glance, a few casual words, fragments of a melody
floating through the quiet air of a summer evening, a book that
accidentally comes into hands, a poem or memory-laden fragrance may
bring about the impulse which changes and determines our whole life."


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The 4th Annual Texas Songwriters Cruise is leaving Galveston Texas
on February 1, 2009, aboard the Carnival Conquest, with ports of
call in Jamaica, the Grand Caymans and Cozumel. We received an
extension on our group rate from Carnival, so you can still lock in
current rates with a down payment $250 per person by September 1,
2008!!!!! It is very likely that Carnival will be raising their
rates so lock in your cabin now. If something comes up for you, you
can still receive a 100% refund on your down payment by October,
2008.
Go to: www.txsongwriterscruise.com
This is going to be our best event ever! Rumors that this year's
cruise may not happen are completely false. Meet songwriters from
all over the world in an intimate setting with some of the biggest
music industry pro's in the world. Pitch your songs to publishers
and receive feedback on your songs. MORE THAN 16 PUBLISHING DEALS
HAVE BEEN SIGNED WITH OUR ATTENDEES AS A RESULT OF THEIR SONG
PITCHES ON THE CRUISE!!! (Congratulations to Jennifer Adan, 2006
Attendee, who has the next single coming out on Blake Shelton's
album!).
Here are some of the music industry pro's that you'll meet on the
cruise:
Jason Blume
Hit Songwriter, Best Selling Author
Jason's credentials are endless! He is one of those rare individuals
to ever achieve the distinction of having songs on the Country, Pop,
and R&B charts- all at the same time. His songs are on albums that
have sold more that 50 million! His songs have been recorded by
artists including Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, John Berry,
Steve Azar, Jesse McCartney, J'Son, Collin Raye, The Oak Ridge Boys,
and on and on. He is one of the nation's most respected songwriting
teachers and is the author of critically acclaimed songwriting books.
Steve Seskin
Hit Songwriter, Teacher
Steve Seskin is a successful songwriter who has written seven number
one songs, including Grammy-nominated "Grown Men Don't Cry,"
recorded by Tim McGraw, and "Don't Laugh at Me," winner of NSAI Song
of the Year and Music Row Magazine Song of the Year in 1999 as
recorded by Mark Wills. His other #1 hits are "No Doubt About It"
and "For a Change," both recorded by Neal McCoy, "No Man's Land"
and "If You've Got Love," both recorded by John Michael Montgomery,
and "Daddy's Money," recorded by Ricochet. Other chart toppers
include "I Think About You," recorded by Colin Raye, and "All I Need
To Know," recorded by Kenny Chesney.
Eddie Galan
Producer, A&R, LA
Known in industry circles as 'Eddie G.', Eddie Galan has worked with
some of the industry's hottest superstars such as the Backstreet
Boys, B5, O-Town, Myra, Jesse McCartney, Nina Sky, Steven Tyler, and
the Young Bloods. As a producer/songwriter, Eddie G. has received
gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards for his work on
various major label projects. He has achieved 4 Billboard #1's in
one year (2006), with his work on High School Musical (#1 Highest
Selling Album of 2006) and Hannah Montana (#8 Highest Selling Album
of 2006), to go along with his Billboard Award Nomination (Album of
The Year), Billboard Award Win (Soundtrack of The Year), and
American Music Award Nomination (Album Of The Year). In 2007, Eddie
placed 100+ songs on albums, TV, film, video games and more.
Wil Nance
Songwriter, Nashville
Wil recently hit the top of the R&R and Billboard with his Brad
Paisley smash, "She's Everything", which stayed at #1 for 3 weeks.
He also received a BMI award for "Round About Way", a #1 hit single
for George Strait. The same song also landed on other George Strait
albums including George Strait's Latest Greatest Hits and Strait's
50 Number Ones?over 7 million in sales and counting. Wil received
another BMI award for his Joe Nichols single, "Cool To Be A Fool".
He has had cuts with numerous other artists including Tracy
Lawrence, Rhonda Vincent, Lisa Shaffer, John Michael Montgomery,
Gene Watson, Craig Morgan, McHayes and Diamond Rio.
Holly Hefner Nance
Vice President/Creative Director for Nance Music Group
After becoming runner up in 3 Miss Wisconsin preliminary pageants,
Holly moved to Nashville to seek an artist career. She has opened
for many major acts including George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, and Keith
Urban and performed on national television shows including the
National Anthem on ESPN, TNN's "Be A Star", the Charlie Daniels
Show, and Nashville Star 3. She has been featured in a number of
music videos on CMT, GAC and VH-1. As a songplugger and Creative
Director for various music publishing companies in Nashville, she
has landed catalog songs with Hank Williams Jr., Restless Heart,
Tracy Lawrence, Rhonda Vincent, and many others. In addition to
running the day to day operations of NMG, Holly recently accepted a
position with Music Central, a new Nashville Record
Label/Publishing/Production Company.
Tom Luteran
EMI Music Publishing
Tom began his music career working in the Finance Department of RCA.
Three months after that he was hired as Creative Director at Music
Genesis Music Publishing. There he worked with five staff writers
including the lead singer of the platinum band Lonestar, Richie
McDonald. His next stop was Zomba Music Publishing for five and half
years. The world's largest independent music company had just signed
a new 14 year old singer from Louisiana named Britney Spears. There
he worked with Gary Baker, Mutt Lange, George Teren, Jason Blume,
Kerry Kurt Phillips and more. Zomba was on the top five Billboard
Country singles publisher list back to back years during his tenure.
After a short stint at Acuff-Rose, he has spent the last 6 years at
EMI Music Publishing. He works with Jamey Johnson, Tom Shapiro,
Kelley Lovelace, Shane Minor,Dallas Davidson and others. Over his
career he has been part of 175 major label cuts including:
It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere, Honky Tonk Ba DonkaDonk, Real Good Man,
I'm Already There, Girls Lie Too, Ladies Love Country Boys, Don't
Forget To Remember Me.

Shannan Neese
Writer / Publisher Relations, SESAC, Nashville
Shannan serves in Writer/Publisher Relations at SESAC, Nashville,
where she assists songwriters and publishers in the administration
of their musical works and signs new affiliates to the performing
rights organization.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi Ande,

Thanks for your note. How are you these days?

All's well in Nashville, though I'm on the road here in the
Northeast for the next couple of weeks (gigging and catching up with
family & friends). I've been slowly but surely playing some songs
for publishers, mainly via ASCAP, but I haven't gone ahead with any
new demos/singers just yet, so my revised "Lifeline" is on-deck, so
to speak.

It's been a year, and I'm still getting to know as many people as
possible in town. Unlike other writers or performers, I hadn't made
regular trips to Nashville prior to my move, and I'm also a bit more
cautious when approaching anyone in the industry (given my past
experience working in artist management and record label
publicity/promotion). That said, I've joined NSAI and enjoy their
weekly workshops, play live at Brown's Diner every month, and work
closely with the Americana Music Association as well.

I do have a song called "Hopeless and Free" which I'd love to share
with you once I get past the bare-bones guitar/vocal demo. Having
been a relatively low-tech artist up till now, I'm getting the hang
of more tech-stuff thanks to my friends (everything from my website
to recording) and working from there. Like songwriting, it's an
ongoing process... 8=)

Hope you're doing well and by all means please keep me posted if
you're coming to Nashville... it would be great to meet in person!

All the best,
Guy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Remember Andi's Question in the last IFS Issue
here's Marc Alan Barnettes response

Andi,

                 Hello. My name is Marc-Alan Barnette. I am a
singer/songwriter/teacher/consultant based out of Nashville, Tn. I
have been involved with the music industry in Nashville since 1988.
I got a “cut� (song recorded) by major recording artist and
Grammy Award winner Shelby Lynne, on my first night in town. I have
experienced pretty much everything the industry has to offer from
publishing deals, major concert openings, songs recorded, etc.
everything except the major single deal that we all crave. For the
past 9 years I have developed a business teaching and consulting
songwriters, artists, and others who desire knowledge on an
entertainment career.

                 I became aware of you through Ande, who has been
communicating with you through the Internet. He and I are involved
with an online songwriting community, Song Ramp.com. We are part of
an international community that post songs, have conversations and
share information regarding the music industry. My role is as an
advisor to them through forums where they ask questions and I do my
best to develop the conversations.

They are mostly interested in the world I have resided in for 20
years so most of my answers come from first hand experience.

                 Recently Ande posted one of your questions asking
about Nashville and a possible move. While we have covered this in
some of our forums, I thought I might encapsulate some of my answers
for you in an effort to help you in your queries.

                 A professional songwriting career in this day and
age is vastly different than just a few years ago. There was a time
where a writer could come in, meet with publishers, develop
relationships and at times even be paid to write songs and develop
his or her craft over a period of time. Most of that era was done
away with around 10 years ago with the advent of song downloading
and the Internet. Songwriting has always been at best, a VERY hit
and miss career, with most missing. The truly successful can be
counted in a very small list and any study into musical history can
reveal those. Rodgers and Hammerstein, George M. Cohen, Carol King,
Neil Diamond, Stroller and Lieber, Lennon and McCartney, Elton John
and Bernie Taupin, the majority were writer/artists, and the field
has always been very crowded to say the least. But one thing always
remains constant, the ability to make a living from writing is
directly attributable to one’s ability to sell product. And in an
era of free music, that ability has been drastically reduced on all
fronts.

                 The Nashville songwriting community consists of
around 48,000 members all attempting to do the20exact same thing,
write, record and promote songs and artists. Out of this, the entire
music community employs around 3600 people at the maximum, who make
a living or primary part of a living from music. This includes the
artists you see and hear on the radio, the behind the scenes record
people, writers, publishers, accountants, management people, t-shirt
venders, recording studios and musicians, promoters, pluggers, you
name it, that is our industry. Of those in the purely songwriting
part of the community, there are never more than around 75
individuals that actually make their living from music.

                 Some, the Jeffery Steele’s, Craig Wiseman’s,
Tony Mullins, Bob Diepero, etc. get approximately 75% of all the
income from songwriting.  You are much more likely to win the
lottery than to ever see any significant income from the music
industry. In fact, most writers will never receive more than $2000
in their lifetime and probably 80% will never see a dime. And even
in the aforementioned closed circles, many of those will receive
more income from teaching, touring, books and other methods than
actually their publishing income.

                 There are essentially two types of people who are in
the industry and seem to succeed at any level.
Those are the young 25 and under singer wanna-be’s, (most who
resemble the bad American Idol auditioners)
And the over 30 set who have been here for many years putting in the
necessary time, expense and efforts to build the network, learn the
craft and manipulate scenarios in their favor, a process that
usually takes a minimum of 10-12 years to show any level of
progression. The reason for the length is that it is not just about
the songs that someone writes, but the multi-level relationships
that have to be nurtured to even get to a point where they are heard
by anyone in a position to further a career. Remember, the lines are
very long to even get in the door.

I describe it best to my clients (the majority of which are from out
of town) is to imagine what type of business they do for a living.
Imagine the years that it took, educational requirements, low level
grunt work,
Slow building of any significant success. Then imagine someone who
just shows up at their hard earned work site or office, and say “I
never have really done this but it looks like fun and I would like
to do it. You don’t mind if I slip in line in front of you, take
your clients and money do you?� Of course you would mind. You
would never allow that to happen, this is your livelihood. Yet,
everyone that has ever written a song, sung on a Karaoke night,
participated in a talent contest or had a Mother or teacher who told
them how good they are, and convinced them they should move to
Nashville, Los Angeles, or New York and become stars, seems to
believe they can do just that.

                 The reason I am sharing all this with you is because
you seem to have a relationship with Ande, who is what I consider
“one of my flock=E 2, as all the Song Ramp community is. My role
is not to discourage, but to encourage, but I do this by
“injecting reality into dreams.� If you care enough to be a part
of online chats and Learn what you can about the craft and
opportunities involved, I feel it is important, to share some
information that might help you in your decision whether to move or
not.  Most all of this is something you have to assess on your own.
Each person’s experience is going to be shaped by drive,
perseverance, and pure plain luck.

                 There are around 100 people who move to Nashville
each week. That is offset by around 300 people a week that move out.
The average stay is 6 months. By that time, they have exhausted
their money, realized that no matter what they do it is a very long
ride and more often than not will never receive much in the way of
monetary or professional compensation. Particularly if they are not
some of the new model looking, multi talented youngsters that are
moving in on a continual basis. These people demonstrate, like all
people who are successful at this, a single20mindedness of purpose,
focus and willingness to do anything.

                 Record companies are now interested in the young,
writer artists. That means that less and less writers have
opportunities and those that do guard those opportunities like life
itself, because sometimes it is. That is what we are all up against.
Myself included.

                 Now, again, the reason I share this with you, is not
to ward you off or try to get you to discontinue your musical
journey. Quite the contrary, I wish you to investigate, and decide
for your self, but do it first hand, not from someone else, even
from myself. Ande sent you a few very good suggestions. A simple
fact finding trip first can help you a lot in making some
determinations. One of my tours, an NSAI workshop or other options
could give you other ideas. There is an event in Sept. called
“SongPosium:� which is sponsored by NSAI, that feature ar ound
60 classes ranging from writing to publishing to recording, that you
might find enlightening.

                 I suggest at least 4 trips before one starts
deciding on whether or not to make the move. Assessing your own
needs, job opportunities, and desires are first and foremost. It
should be looked at as if you would never make a professional dime
at it would you still make the trip and can you afford to put your
life, loves, and desires on hold for ten years or more.

                 In the meantime, Myself, Ande, and others are an e-
mail away from specific questions you might have. Some, like your
question on contests, are easily answered. Contests succeed only in
making money for the entities putting the contests on. A hit song
has never come from a contest. It is for amateurs which exclude the
professionals who actually make a living at it. And regardless of
the intentions and abilities of amateurs, they simply don’t
preclude those professionals in any vocation. It just doesn’t
happen that way. Even those biggest of contests, American Idol, have
very little actual success apart from the few individuals, Kelly
Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and a very few others who have managed
careers after the footlights of the contest wear off. It should tell
you something that the last few winners, Ruben Stoddard, Clay Aiken,
Taylor Hicks, have not been able to sell enough product to justify
being resigned to their record labels. When you are seen by 100
million people over a period of months, then cannot sell over
400,000 units in the market place, that should say it all about what
contests actually can do for a career. And it is much less with song
contests.

                 A music career in any form is a long, slow build. It
takes years of work, and is actually much more dependent on
networking and political skills than it is the actual writing,
recording or performing of songs.
We are all willing and able to help you with your interests. Please
feel free to e-ma il me at MBarne4908@... if I can help you. For
more on myself of my services, www.marcalanbarnette.com might be
helpful. I encourage you to learn as much as you can, utilize the
tools others have mentioned and investigate your desires. Join NSAI
and attend monthly meetings in an area close to you. Associate with
writers and artists in your area. Conquer your local areas first
before you move to bigger and harder targets. At the end of the day
it will save you money, frustration and the possibility of years
wasted that could have better been devoted to your own life.

                 Good luck to you and I hope this has helped.

Sincerely, Marc-Alan Barnette

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi Ande,

Thank you in advance for spreading the word about the services of
Denny Martin Music.
After a total redesigning of the site, we're on line as of yesterday.
dennymartinmusic.com.

My team of musicians and singers and I believe we offer one of the
best values in Nashville.
Many times other studios are set up to crank out demos or artist
projects almost like a factory.

At Denny Martin Music, we prefer the "personal touch" and taking
the
time that's needed to do the project right.
The adage "fast is good" is simply not correct. Arranging,
engineering and producing are all about attention to detail.
We've found that our most successful productions are always
proceeded
by careful, meticulous pre-preproduction.
We also offer consultation with the writer or artist/writer
regarding
their song before we even start on the project.

Thanks again and keep up the good work with your newsletter.
You continue to inspire so many of us.
All the best,

Denny Martin 615 361 6073
dennymartinmusic@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

First Song, Part One: Writing the Song

Posted on August 4, 2008

by Christine
Posted in Songwriting Note: I appreciated NancyCz's comment in the
last post about how listening to these songs in advance will change
the overall listening experience of the CD.

It most certainly will.

So, you can listen to this song and decide whether or not to keep
listening to others. Or I can open up, say, SIX of the songs to
you " and save the rest, or whatever.

(And Nancy " you can hit the play button on the song below and plug
your ears and go, LA LA LA LA LA!� really loud so you can't hear
it.

VIRGINIA (Part One)
Okay, our first song is Virginia.
(This is Part One because I first wanted to share a little about the
writing of this tune.)

I first wrote this song in about three hours. I wrote it for my
niece (Virginia) on her birthday while sitting in my hotel room.
These are the first lyrics scribbled on my hotel writing pad before
I went to her big birthday party¦



The song was about a little girl waking up on her birthday. And the
hook was Before you even blink your eyes Virginia is growing up.

Bringing in a Co-writer

Then, about a month ago, Steve Seskin and I spent two solid days
writing together in Nashville. The whole point of this was so I
could play my new songs for Steve, who would help me re-write any of
the ones I was stuck on. Steve is very good at this.

I played Virginia " and he liked it. But it was in that dog-hears-a-
high-pitch-head-tilting way. Not in a Whoa-what-a-great-song! way.

So, we tore the song apart . It took almost the full day " and at
one point the lyrics were so bad that we made a parody song that
changed my original hook line from Virginia is growing up to
Virginia is growing pot. We found this hysterical and wasted lots of
time adding new lines that sent us into fits of laughter.

Then, at Steve'™s suggestion, I let go of the song being about a
little girl, and let it be about someone a little older. The song
began to move effortlessly. The second verse is totally word-for-
word what I said out loud to Steve when he asked me to describe this
adventurous girl. It was Steve's idea to lose the hook line
altogether " which is why, at the end of the chorus " it goes
“Virginia and leaves the thought hanging and moves right into the
second verse.

Where's that Confounded Bridge?

Steve and I didn't write a bridge for the song.

(FYI: A bridge is the one section in a song that is totally
different from the other sections  musically, lyrically, whatever.
So, say, in Jimmy Buffet's song Come Monday, it's the part where he
sings
I can't help it honey,
you're that much a part of me now

Not every song needs a bridge. But often, you simply know when a
song does need one.

So, when Steve was out of the country and unreachable, I came up
with the bridge. It's unfinished in the version of the song below.
The bridge I wrote switches the song into first person. This kind of
thing drives Steve nuts about my songwriting. When he first heard
this bridge, he wasn't convinced.

Then, while I was walking through LaGuardia Airport on my way to
record, my cell phone rang. Steve was calling to tell me that the
bridge had grown on him, and that it was a very Christine-ish
bridge. (Read: This song has no chance of becoming a hit.)

I've since come up with the last two lines of the bridge
" and you'll hear that later. In this version of the song, and in
tomorrow's version - I will la la la through the missing lines.
(There are always a few re-writes when you record a CD - and always
a few unfinished lines.)

So here's the song. Please know that this version of the song is me
at my kitchen table singing into Garage Band on my computer. It's
VERY rough - with flubbed chord changes and bad singing. Tomorrow, I
will post the first round of work that Ben and I did on this. For
now, just get acquainted with the song

http://bemyrecordlabel.com/2008/08/04/first-song-part-one-writing-
the-song/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAYLOR SWIFT'S SOPHOMORE CD, FEARLESS,
TO ARRIVE IN STORES ON NOVEMBER 11TH
PRE-SALE LAUNCHES AUGUST 22ND,
FANS GET A CHANCE TO HAVE THEIR OWN PHOTO INCLUDED IN ALBUM ARTWORK
Nashville, TN " August 8, 2008 " Taylor Swifts highly-anticipated
sophomore CD will arrive in stores on November 11th, 2008, just over
a20month before her 19th birthday. Entitled FEARLESS, the album will
be released by Big Machine Records and contains 13 tracks, all
written or co-written by Taylor. Taylor co-produced the project with
Nathan Chapman, and a first single from the new record will arrive
at radio in early September.

In addition to the title track, the disc includes
Change one of a few songs used as the soundtrack for daily video
highlights shown during this summer's Olympic broadcast. The song
was selected by Team USA and NBC for its lyrical content about
overcoming challenges and achieving victory, and is available on
iTunes starting today, with all proceeds benefiting Team USA. Also
on the CD is Breathe, a collaboration with Colbie Caillat, and
Fifteen a poignant, coming-of-age ballad that Taylor premiered last
fall at the Country Music Hall of Fame's All For The Hall event in
New York City.

Starting on August 22nd, FEARLESS will be available for special pre-
sale on the soon-to-be-launched site www.TheTaylorNation.com, and a
very unique opportunity will exist for Taylor's biggest fans to have
their own picture included in the album artwork and on the packages
CD ROM. There will be a special deluxe box set edition of FEARLESS
available that includes the CD, a FEARLESS leather bracelet, a
FEARLESS t-shirt, a FEARLESS picture book and a The Taylor Nation
decal -- all packaged in a special carrying case. The first 10,000
fans who purchase the limited box set and upload their photos will
have their pictures included in a mosaic image in the album artwork
and on the CD.
Taylor's self-titled debut CD was released in October of 2006, and
has since been RIAA certified Triple Platinum (more than 3 million
sold), and spent 24 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Country CD Sales
Chart. Earlier this summer, Taylor became the only female solo
artist in the 44-year history of the Billboard Country Chart to
score five Top 10 singles from a debut album. Taylor first secured
her place in the country music history books when at the age of 17,
she became the youngest person ever to single-handedly write and
sing a number-one country single entirely on her own ("Our Song"
spent 6 consecutive weeks at #1 atop Billboard's Country Singles
Chart), and she is also the first female solo artist in country
music history to write or co-write every song on a platinum-selling
debut CD.

Since the release of her debut CD, Taylor has:

Surpassed the 54 MILLION mark for music streams on MySpace, where
she is consistently ranked Country's #1 artist.

Won the CMA's 2007 Horizon Award, the 2008 ACM Award for Top New
Female Vocalist, and was named the Nashville Songwriters Association
International's Songwriter / Artist of the Year in 2007.

Won 2008 CMT Music Awards for Video of the Year and Female Video of
the Year, and won the 2007 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of
the Year.

Won the 2008 Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakthrough Artist.

Won the 2008 Young Hollywood Award for Superstar of Tomor row,
making her the first musician to ever receive this prestigious award.

Scored a 2008 GRAMMY nomination in the all-genre Best New Artist
category.

Been awarded two RIAA Digital Platinum certifications (1 million
downloads), two Digital Gold certifications (500,000 downloads), and
Gold Mastertone certification for more than 500,000 ringtones.

Been named Country Music's Hottest Female Artist of 2007 by AOL
Music and Best New Artist of 2007 by the editors of iTunes.

Appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Billboard, Seventeen,
Blender, USA Weekend, Southwest Airlines' Spirit, and Justine
magazines. Taylor was named one of People magazine's 100 Most
Beautiful People of 2008, and was featured on Maxim's 2008 Hot 100
list.

Appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, MTVs Total Request Live, New
Years Rockin Eve, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live with Regis &
Kelly, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, Dance
War, America's Got Talent, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the
CMA Awards, Christmas at Rockefeller Center, Entertainment Tonight,
Access Hollywood, Extra, CNN, E!, Fox & Friends, CMT Music Awards,
Grand Ole Opry Live and the ground-breaking series GAC Short Cuts./

www.taylorswift.com
www.myspace.com/taylorswift
www.bigmachinerecords.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write on,


Ande

Does anyone EVER read IFS to the VERY END?

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 issue

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

Last month I went to LA  and NYC
had a nice dinner with Alan O'Day and his wife

I am seriously considering going to the Durango Songwriting Conf in
Colorado Springs

Had a nice swimming development
http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/18266.asp

I wish you the best with your writing

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


here's a question I got from a myspace friend
followed by my reply
what else should I have told her

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey Ande

It is always great to get on to  your music myspace and listen to
your music!  Keep the songs  coming!

last time you sent me a message you gave me the website on how to
create a music myspace.  I think it has been so long that it has
changed or something... cause it didn't work.  You sent me this link:

http://signup</a>.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandjoin

I am moving to Nashville to persue my  dream of becoming a pro
songwriter.  Any suggestions?  I am moving from Katy, TX.  I am
really excited, but scared.  Do you have any pointers on how to be
successful and not give up.  I fear I will get there and think it is
too hard.  I hope I don't do that.  What do you think of the NSAI?
What do you think about all those songwriting contests out there?...
you know... the ones that charge a ton of cash just to enter one
song.  Have you ever done the nashville thing... or have you just
stuck to your Texas roots?

Anyway, any feedback would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

~Andi

~ ~ ~ ~

my reply:

hi Andi

make sure there are no spaces in the URL
http://signup.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandjoin

so you're moving to Nashville to persue your dream of becoming a pro
songwriter.

you asked
Any suggestions?
many
I've written about this often at www.songwriterblog.com
read the message archive

here are more

1) join songramp
http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=8001

2) read marc alan barnette's forum in it's entirety
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=57759

read Building an Artist. The REAL DEAL
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=59333

3) join NSAI and go to events

4) take a Marc Alan Barnette tour
http://www.marcalanbarnette.com/tours.htm

5) do a write up with Marc Alan Barnette
http://www.marcalanbarnette.com/writeups.htm

6) read MAB's do's and don'ts
http://www.marcalanbarnette.com/dosanddonts.htm

7) sign up for nashville muse
http://nashvillemuse.com/
meet doak turner
got to his 3rd sunday  events

8) talk with other songwriters and friend them on myspace

9) find talented up and coming writers
meet the top writers in nashville but don't ask them to cowrite
study their songs, hear their stories

10) check out
http://www.myspace.com/bergsong
and send friend invites to his top 40
listen to how great his songs are and those of his friends

11) understand that songwriting in nashville is very VERY competitive
there's a chance you could go there and have no success for years if
ever
your songs have to be awesome
your relationships need to be real and solid

12) get a great day job to pay your bills and have extra money to
invest in your music

13) go to durango songwriters expo
http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/
learn from  the pros and meet the attendees

14) participate on online songwriting communities like
songramp.com http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/
jpfolks.org  http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php
tunesmith.net  http://tunesmith.net/forums/
lurk at first
read who goes on
then start critiquing and commenting on lyrics and songs
then start posting your own
listen to songs people post on songramp
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/index.php
and offer comments

15) get to where you can write incredible songs
make or have made awesome demos
network and write with amazing artists, writers and producers

16) don't bother pitching till your songs and demos are top notch

17) join www.songu.com/ifs

18) what else?

Do you have any pointers on how to be successful and not give up.  I
fear I will get there and think it is too hard.  I hope I don't do
that.
LEARN WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN
BE A SPONGE
WRITE INCREDIBLE SONGS
COWRITE
NEVER GIVE UP
help people

What do you think of the NSAI?
GREAT ORG
JOIN PARTICIPATE

What do you think about all those songwriting contests out there?...
you know... the ones that charge a ton of cash just to enter one
song.
MOST CONTESTS ARE A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY DESIGNED TO MAKE MONEY
FOR THE BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION OFFERING IT
WRITE INCREDIBLE SONGS AND COMPETE FOR CUTS
CONTESTS CAN HELP YOU FIND TALENTED COWRITERS AND ARTISTS

Have you ever done the nashville thing... or have you just stuck to
your Texas roots?
I WENT TO NASHVILLE IN MARCH 1999
TO REALLY HAVE SUCCESS YOU NEED TO BE THERE OR GO THERE OFTEN
many of my friends and cowriters either live there or go there

Anyway, any feedback would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

HOPE THIS HELPS,

write on,

ANDE


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Marketing & Promotion
Radio Airplay
Learn, Laugh & Interact with www.vocalist.org.uk

Airplay is one of the best ways to get your music heard. Why? because
whilst radio broadcasting cannot show the visual vibrancy of your
performance, it can promote your music to a wide audience who you
would be unlikely to reach using normal avenues.

So you have to have a record deal to get airplay right?
Wrong!! So lets look at some examples.

The track 'I'd rather go blind' which was a hit for a complete
unknown was sent in as an unsolited demo to a morning Television
programme.   More recently a gifted singer from America had a huge
hit - despite having died over 2 years ago - Eva Cassidy's rendition
of 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' was heard and subsequently searched
out for airplay and television broadcast.

So how do you get the presenters to listen to your music and give you
airtime?
First be aware that LUCK does play a large part in this but HARD WORK
and DETERMINATION should bring you some significant results.

Second - be prepared for REJECTION, Unreturned Demos & Completely
Disregarded letters!!! This business is tough and you must try not to
let negative results get you down. Don't give up if your demo remains
unheard by the resident radio guru, keep trying!!

1. Research your local radio stations - does your style of music fit
their play list - if not you have little or no chance of it being
heard.

2. How 'community friendly' is your station? - For small local RSL's
(restricted service license) and community radio stations, it's worth
noting that they are often granted their license on the basis that
local people and community groups will be actively involved or events
promoted. If you are unsure, contact the station manager or the Radio
Authority for confirmation.   This doesn't guarantee that you'll get
your masterpiece played, but it should keep radio stations aware of
what their potential customers want.

3. Once you've found a station and presenter who is new/local artist
friendly contact them for their submission requirements. Most usually
require your demo on tape or cd with a breakdown of who is in the
band, where you play & what type of music.

4. Before you send the demo make sure the quality is excellent!!
Hiss, pops, feedback and muddy sounds will make you sound awful and
your demo will be rejected!! Aim to Impress - not Depress your live
music presenters, so keep your letter brief, friendly & informative.
Relying on your fab music to wow the program editor is NOT ENOUGH -
first you have to get them to LISTEN to it!!

5. Remember you have approximately 30 seconds (60 if your lucky).
That is the average listening time most A&R, Presenters & Reviewers
give a demo....... No REALLY..... so the tracks you send must be your
very best effort.... lack of demo clarity is sometimes overlooked but
inadequate quality of performance and talent is not!

6. So what makes an impact? Catchy tunes, memorable lyrics are often
popular but subject to the taste of the listener, however, music
played with passion, songs performed with heart and soul plus that
intangible 'something' are difficult to ignore even when the style or
genre of music is not to the listeners taste.

7. Packaging is important. Give your CD or Audio Cassette a nice eye-
catching cover, mark the track listings clearly, make sure they are
easy to read and include a Contact Name and Number on the sleeve and
on the cassette/cd!!   If a letter gets mislaid or your masterpiece
filed for future referance your details will always be available.

8. Keep a record of who you have contacted, when & rough notes on the
conversation. If you receive a positive reply it's great to refer to
a successful approach to re-use again! Feedback of any kind should
always be filed for referance & follow up letters, phone calls or
visits to interested presenters should be a 'must do' in your
marketing strategy.

9. Pick your stations & presenters carefully. Take note of those who
provide a new or community band/artist show. Check the type of music
they are prepared to play & then make your initial request for
airplay.

10. Some programs actively request your demo's, for instance, 104.9
XFM has a great indie & rock show highlighting unsigned bands (London
& surrounding areas), whilst Jazz FM has provided Paul Jones with an
opportunity to promote the occasional new Blues Band.

11. There has been an encouraging tendancy for many radio programmes
and stations to broadcast live music, dj's and band gig or event
dates. Most need these to be sent 7 - 14 days in advance but it's
another great avenue for new acts to get free promotion.

12. For every 100 letters/tapes you send it is most likely that you
will only recieve 1% - 5% of replies or acknowledgements, out of
which most will be polite rejections from people who haven't even
bothered to listen to your demo. So don't despair - keep sending 'em
out - polite persistance and a love of making music may not make you
a 'Super Pop Star' but it will go a long way in helping to get you
noticed!!





~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I always enjoy reading the
stories behind the songs

what do you think?

http://www.theboot.com/category/story-behind-the-song/
then click NEXT

http://www.theboot.com/2008/05/21/story-behind-the-song-i-saw-god-
today-george-strait/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/05/14/story-behind-the-song-still-feels-
good-rascal-flatts/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/05/07/story-behind-the-song-73-jennifer-
hanson/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/04/30/story-behind-the-song-all-american-
girl-carrie-underwood/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/04/23/story-behind-the-song-im-still-a-
guy-brad-paisley/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/04/16/story-behind-the-song-sing-you-back-
to-me-trisha-yearwood/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/04/09/story-behind-the-song-better-as-a-
memory-kenny-chesney/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/04/02/story-behind-the-song-something-
about-a-woman-jake-owen/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/03/26/story-behind-the-song-long-black-
train-josh-turner/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/03/19/story-behind-the-song-silent-house-
dixie-chicks/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/03/12/story-behind-the-song-long-trip-
alone-dierks-bentley/

http://www.theboot.com/2008/03/05/story-behind-the-song-our-song-
taylor-swift/


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

congrats to IFS reader
As you know, I had my first major cut in Korea back in 2006 with Park
Jung Ahs' solo album "YEAH". The song I had gotten placed on that
record was "Fly Away", which is track 5 on her solo album.

It is now 2008 and I have a 2nd major cut that has released in Korea
on May 22, 2008 with TaeYangs' solo album HOT. The song I cowrote
that made it on his album is "Dating Game", which is track 4
entitled "Sinners".

You can go to www.yesasia.com and purchase a copy of his album if
you'd like (TAEYANG solo mini album HOT 2008).

For a preview of the songs, you may visit this website that I
stumbled upon while looking up info on the artist:

http://www.bebo.com/MusicAlbum.jsp?
MusicAlbumId=6704101819&MemberId=4059387840

Let me know what you think.....

"Dating Game"
written by Drew Ryan Scott/Michael Snyder/Gregory Watton/Sean
Alexander/Gabe Lopez
(C)copyright 2007 (ASCAP)

Best wishes,

Gregory Watton


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

need a quick website

Google Page Creator is a free online tool that makes it easy for
anyone to create and publish useful, attractive web pages in just
minutes. ...
www.pages.google.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

if you're in Austin be sure to check out monte warden's
concerts at The Saxon Pub and the Platinum Songwriter's Series,
ASG presents a two-hour private songwriter workshop with  Monte
Warden.

not sure when or what the next one will be but it's great stuff

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


This singer has a quick welcome video (very simple, personal and not
flashy) on her home page

http://charicepempengco.com/

What a great welcome to a web site.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


here's my answered to your  question in this JPF  thread

an Indie artist is interested in recording some of your songs for a
demo and for open mics, with the possibility of a cd later.
Great

How do I handle this and still retain rights to the song?
it's your song
you wrote wrote it or cowrote it
you can allow an artist to record a not for sale demo of your song
you just say
sure go right ahead and do so
I just ask you to
1) credit the writers and publishers,
2) provide us with a copy of your recording
3) know that this is a not for sale demo recording so you may
perform it,
give CDs away, no charge,
put it on your website and myspace, preferably streaming, not
download.
should you decide to include it on a for sale CD,
please contact us and we'll send you a mech
understand that we continue to pitching this song to other artists

can I have her look at me as a WORK FOR HIRE and she pay a use fee
for the songs?
I wouldn't do that
some writers charge the artist if the artist wants to use the writers
track but I really prefer for artists to get custom tracks made for
them. The other thing is, if you hired a demo studio to make your
demo and they provided you with the demo and track, then the artist
wants to use the track the demo studio made, it's fair to ask the
demo producer for permission to use their track, unless you hired the
studio to produce a MASTER RECORDING for you where you would own the
demo track. (it triples the musicians rates) I often refer the artist
to the demo producer to help them produce a track for them.

some of the songs are collabs
so how would that all work?
bring your cowriters into the discussion and get them on board
if it's a cowrite you can't make all the decisions without cowriter
approval

Do I need to have her sign a license?
not really
it's pretty simple
just get her to agree to your terms

ande


http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/624800
/page/3#Post624800

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

-----Original Message-----
From: Alan O'Day
To: Ande Rasmussen <anderasmussen@...>
Sent: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:50 pm
Subject: Hi from Alan O'Day


Hey Ande,

I've noticed that your newsletter no longer appears in my inbox.
Have you stopped emailing it, or did I somehow fall off your list?
If so, please put me back!

Chordially,

Alan

(Currently in Nashville, finishing my new artist CD!)


~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi alan,

great to hear from you
I don't send the newsletter out as much as I used to but I still do
launch it and there's been some great stuff in it, lately it's been
like once a month

you can put yourself back on the email list by
sending an empty email to
difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
then approve when they send you a confirmation email

SPAM BLOCKERS
you might also need to allow emails from
anderasmussen@...

to read previous IFS issues
you can go to
www.SongWriterBlog.com
then click on Messages
they are all archived there


congratulations on your album
look forward to hearing it
are you working with denny

I may be in LA Wed July 9th - Mon July 14th
the trip is not totally firm yet

I still very much appreciate meeting you when I was in LA back in
2007
I'd love to hear what all you've been up to lately

I hope someday we can cowrite a song, I'd be honored

take care my friend

Ande Rasmussen


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From: Rita Engelhardt [mailto:rberox@...]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 11:09 AM
To: conniemims@...

Hi Connie,



My name is Rita Engelhardt and I'm looking for more traditional
sounding country songs for my recording project.

I want to use a lot of steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and Floyd
Cramer styled piano.

Anything from quirky and up-tempo, (example, Redneck Woman), to a
waltz, to a tear-jerker, as well as something spiritual, but
not "churchy".



Just a few of the artists I like are Patsy Cline (of course), Tammy
Wynette, LeeAnn Womack, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, early Reba,
Tammy Cochran (didn't make but one CD I think), Alan Jackson, George
Strait, Conway Twitty, Ray Price.



I hope this gives you an idea.  If you need more info to help narrow
down the selection, please don't hesitate to email me.



Thank you so much.



Rita Engelhardt

2650 Shady Acres Landing

Houston 77008



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every song I write, even if it's fiction, I have to draw from
something in my life to connect it with before it rings true, ...
Early on in my career, I had points where I felt like I may have run
out of ideas. Now I know that if I'm short of ideas, I need to take
some time off and let the well fill up ... and live life because
that's where the best songs come from
- Allen Shamblin


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

excellent derek sivers interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDloYl9TzaM



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey Connie, can you give me any numbers or website addresses to
writers? Or, can you give me a website address that lists writers and
samples of their songs. My step daughter has had some interest in
her. She needs country songs along the lines of Carrie Underwood or
Miranda Lambert. That's her style. I would really appreciate any help.
Lynn Logan
521 Sharon
Humble, Tx.  77338
lynnsinger1@...


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here was the pitch opp songu offered

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 agreed to listen to 2 songs at
a time from members on an ongoing basis.

What type of songs should you pitch?
They must be master/broadcast quality demos.
Instrumentals and background music will have the highest priority.
Orchestral and rock music are widely used as well.
However, any genre and tempo, male or female, will be considered as
long as the lyrics fit an emotion of sports (i.e. Champion, Reach for
the Gold, Stronger).

Important:
You must own the material, master recording and publishing AND you
must be clear of obligations from other talent that may be performing
on your track. In other words, you must have signed clearances from
all musicians and vocalists who perform on your demo, or they must
have been paid at Master rate.

What's the deal?
You will retain all your writer and publisher rights and revenues.
However, since the music may go across multiple platforms writers
will be asked to sign a "zero dollar waiver", meaning that you
1) understand that there may be re-broadcast on another medium such
as the NBC sports website, and
2) there are no additional payments that will be made for sync and
master licenses for the other medium except in a for-sale product. Re-
broadcast is usually for a very limited timeframe.
NBC will submit music cue sheets to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for any use
where applicable. You will be paid the performance royalties directly
from your performing rights society. Royalties are variable based on
how many markets the piece airs, whether or not it is primetime, etc.
MEMBERS: This is great opportunity for you. Please pitch
appropriately.

here was a note from danny

7/15/08 -- Biting Flies At NJ Shore Pave The Way To The Olympics For
Over 75 SongU.com Member Songs

SongU.com member songs are headed to the Olympic games!! Our members
had outstanding success with our exclusive pitch to the company in
charge of providing the music library for all NBC network sports and
upcoming Olympics coverage. In the past three months, this NY based
sound branding and design company has chosen over 75 songs from our
members for the NBC Sports Music library!

The strangeness of how this SongU.com pitch came about is as
interesting as the success it has spawned for our members. It begins
a little over two years ago when my wife, Sara, and I decided we
would book a few days at the NJ shore after visiting family with our
then 3-year old daughter, Mia. She was still a little leery of the
ocean so we were hoping this trip to our old Jersey shore stomping
ground would change her feelings about going to the beach. It was a
hot day in July 2006 when we arrived at our hotel by the shore. We
all hurriedly put on our bathing suits and walked the two blocks to
the beach. But as fate would have it, a rare weather pattern made it
a perfect environment for a mass of biting flies to install
themselves along the shore for a few weeks. As we approached the
beach, the bubble of excitement floating in the air suddenly burst as
Mia let out a piercing scream (as only 3-year old girls can) and the
biting flies forced us to make a hasty retreat back to the indoor
pool at the hotel.

While we were at the pool, Sara struck up a conversation with a woman
named Audrey who was at the pool with her nephew. As they talked, we
learned that Audrey ran a cutting edge music company in NY with a
staff of several composers that licenses music for sporting events
like major league soccer on ESPN. We told her about our songwriting
and the educational site we now run, SongU.com. We found it strangely
coincidental that we all had the music industry in common at this
little NJ shore hotel. Over the next few days, we continued to bump
into each other in the hotel lobby, the indoor pool or on the
boardwalk. Before we returned home to Nashville, we exchanged phone
numbers and email addresses and said we'd stay in touch with each
other and perhaps someday we would find a way to all work together.
Audrey mentioned that she had a project in the works that might be a
good fit for us. But as with most things in the music industry, it
was not definite and quite a ways off from being realized.
Usually the story would conclude at this point by saying something
like "we emailed each other once or twice but then stopped
corresponding after a while". However, this story has a different
ending. After returning home to Nashville, Sara and Audrey kept in
correspondence every few months checking in with each other. As 2006
rolled into 2007, SongU.com was growing with more members, courses,
coaches, faculty and upgrades -- and Audrey's NY-based company was
getting some great press being heavily involved in the Microsoft Zune
rollout providing and licensing music in addition to landing
placements with ESPN and other sporting events. As another year went
by and 2007 drew to a close, Audrey wrote in an email that they were
closer to finalizing the project that she had mentioned to us back at
the NJ shore some 18 months ago. And in early 2008, an email arrived
from her saying that her company had landed the contract to overhaul
and license the entire NBC Sports music library. One of the main
projects on their front burner became seeking songs and music for the
upcoming Olympic games. Audrey said she would be working with the
major publishing companies she previously had relationships with as
well as her staff of composers. But she also wanted to give SongU.com
members a shot at this (we had previously let her hear some of their
songs and she had been impressed by the level of writing from our
members). So Sara set up a listening page for her in our online "My
Pitching" area and Audrey and her staff began listening to our
members songs on a regular basis. In the past three months their
company has now accepted over 75 songs for inclusion in the NBC
Sports Music library.
I guess the moral of the story is that you never know where, when, or
how something is going to happen that will affect the trajectory of
your songwriting career. Often, it involves some amount of luck.
The "luck" in this case came via Mother Nature and our timing at the
NJ Shore. But like most things in the music industry, nothing
happened immediately. Sara nurtured a relationship over 2 and 1/2
years with Audrey. Audrey worked for well over two years to secure
the exclusive NBC agreement. Our members kept improving their craft
and their songs, taking classes and working with our faculty and
coaches so that when this opportunity presented itself, they were
ready for it. Amazingly, all the stars lined up correctly and
everyone's hard work paid off.
They say that the race is not always won to the swift, but to those
who keep on running and never give up. And with that, I'd like to
extend a round of applause to all our SongU.com members who keep on
running and make us proud. The following members have signed
licensing agreements for the use of their songs or music in the NBC
Sports Music library. Way to go guys!
So with that, I'd like to extend a round of applause to all our
SongU.com members who have been offered (or signed) licensing
agreements with AudioBrain for the use of their songs or music in the
NBC Sports Music library. Way to go guys!
Cheryl Ashton "Ride The Wind"
M. B. "CHEMISTRY CLICK"
M. B. "HOTROCKS (instr)"
M. B. "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 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"
That's all for now. See you "on campus" ;-)

Best wishes,

-Danny

here's an article about audio brain

http://adage.com/songsforsoap/post?article_id=127348



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm so excited about my new website for songwriters that I'm telling
everyone I can.

The address is www.Cowriterconnection.com and it's a convenient,
inexpensive way to find people to cowrite with - kind of like
a "Match.com" for songwriters.

When you sign up for
www.Cowriterconnection.com, you create your own profile with a link
to any place that your music can be heard on line, your contact info,
a picture (optional) and whatever information you want to give about
your own writing and what you are looking for in a cowriter.

Once you are signed up you can search the list of writers for ones
who have the qualities you are looking for and view the profile of
anyone you may want to contact.

I got the idea for this when I realized that, as a songwriting
teacher, one of the questions I am asked most often is "How can I
find people to cowrite with?" I believe this will be a really helpful
tool, and for $25, why not?

Barbara Cloyd
www.barbaracloyd.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I found this from a songplugger

Loretta Martin is the Creative Director of VB Three Music Group. She
currently represents the catalogs of several Music Row writers, many
with multiple cuts. She currently plugs for E L Music (Clay Walker,
M. Jason Greene, Chris Cagle, Brock Goodwin and Cary Stone), Bill
Riddle Music Publishing (Jan Linville), Identical Entertainment (Ken
Harrell and Greg Johnson), and VB Three Music Group (Chip Martin,
John Goodwin, Julie Burton, Jason Eustice, Scott Sean White, Deanna
Harper, Rob Harris, Bryan Fogle, Erin Cody, Norm Kerner and Tom
Stipe). Loretta's latest accomplishments include a cut by
International Sony/BMG Artist Timothy James (Norm Kerner and Anita
Winters, Writers), as well as a song placement in the HBO
Documentary "Thundercars of Indiana" (Tom Stipe, Writer). Loretta
also landed a song in the successful German independent
film "Bummm!", and has also secured cuts by Peabo Bryson, Mark Wills,
Randy Meisner of the Eagles, Billy Dean, Billy Paul and countless
independent artists. In addition, her clients and their co-writers
have cuts by Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, Travis
Tritt, Diamond Rio, Alabama, James Otto, Celine Dion and Barbra
Streisand, just to name a few. Originally from Atlanta, Loretta now
resides in Nashville. In addition to her songplugger and publisher
titles, she is also a voice actor, singer, songwriter and musician.
Her jingles, voice overs and cartoon characters have been heard on
radio and television all over the southeast. As former president of
the Georgia Music Industry Association, Loretta was involved in
furthering music industry education via television interviews and
public speaking engagements. She coordinated songwriting showcases
and fund raisers, as well as hosted music business panels and
songwriting critique sessions. Loretta is also an accomplished piano,
percussion, saxophone and keyboard player. While in college, she
majored in Voice on a vocal scholarship, and majored in Music
Performance and Education with minors in piano and saxophone. She
studied ope ra, classical piano and jazz sax, and for many years
fronted high energy dance bands for conventions, trade shows,
corporate events, mitzvahs and weddings. ..



Before you ask me to listen to or pitch your songs...
Current mood:  working
Category: Music
I have been asked hundreds of times to listen and pitch songs from
others' myspace pages, and usually respond individually.  To keep
from typing the same responses, I have put all the info into one blog.

Many writers think their songs are hit songs when, in many cases,
they aren't pitchable.  Most "country" writers who live out of town
and don't come to Nashville often aren't aware of the Nashville
formula, and most songs I hear from out-of-town writers are
dated...sometimes by 10-20 years.  Just because someone's family and
friends think their songs are hits, doesn't make it so.  Some of the
best songwriters in the world live in Nashville, and the bar is very
high here.  For me to pitch someone's songs, they would have to be
better than what I'm already pitching.  Nashville is home to the
Jeffrey Steeles and the Hilary Lindsays and the John Riches and the
Craig Wisemans and the Bob DiPieros and the Aimee Mayos... and the
list goes on.

I am asked my opinion of songs pretty often, and writers may not be
prepared to hear it.  Sometimes when I give my honest opinion (which
ALWAYS comes from kindness), a writer might become offended.  I don't
want to be asked my opinion, nor do I want to critique songs.  If a
writer wants their songs critiqued, they would be better served by
attending critique sessions at NSAI and other songwriting
organizations, and also meet with a rep from one of the Performance
Rights Associations - ASCAP, BMI or SESAC.

If you write country songs but don't live in Nashville or visit
Nashville often to co-write with others and play writers' nights out,
then I recommend the following "to do" list before asking anyone to
pitch your "country" tunes:

1)  Join NSAI.  (www.nashvillesongwriters.com).  If you don't have a
chapter where you live, they can show you how to start one.
2)  Read Penny Dionne's and Troy McConnell's "Songplugger:  The Cuts
and the Bruises".
3)  Read Jerry Vandiver's and Gracie Hollombe's "Your First Cut:  A
Step-By-Step Guide to Getting There".
4)  Come to Nashville several times a year for a few days, and get
involved.  Network, meet people, start co-writing and performing in
writers' rounds.

If you are a great writer (according to your PRO rep) who lives in
Nashville and co-writes with others, I will listen.  If I like your
songs and want to pitch them, I will certainly send you a message
stating that.  I've actually found some wonderful writers through
myspace who I now represent...but these are people who live here,
have paid their dues, and have been working on their craft for many
years.

Some writers are born with the gift of writing hit song after hit
song, and others have to work at it.  Even if someone isn't a natural
hit writer, they can still learn the tools of the trade and learn how
to craft better songs, in the hopes of one day getting a cut, or at
least writing with someone who has had cuts.

Best wishes to you on your musical journey.

: )

at: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=185662811&blogID=418589772

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write on,


Ande

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

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 "Yesterday’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 ©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

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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


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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@...

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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)
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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.


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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 HAVEN’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 IDEA’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?

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 issue
I applied to serve as a Texas Grammy governor for 2008 - 2010
Wednesday I find out if I'm on the ballot, hope so.

I started a songwriter blog at
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/570870

got 2 wisdom teeth pulled yesterday

Next Wednesday I find out if I got on the Texas Grammy Ballot to run
as a Governor again
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/

Plan to Participate at:
GRAMMY U: Summit At The Field
April 12, 2008
Texas Chapter Office and Gibson Guitar Showroom,
3601 S. Congress Ave. G-400 & G-500,
Austin, Texas at Penn Field in central Austin.
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/Events/Default.
aspx?eventID=1600&chapterID=11

Started cowriting a song with Jeff Hughes
http://www.myspace.com/chaparralaustin

Got a $56 4th quarter check from Trusonic
http://trusonic.com/artists.html

entered 2 songs in
http://songwriter.americanidol.com/
Aint Gonna Stop
that I cowrote with Steve Callif from Austin, TX
performed by Mez
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?type=hipub&trackid=32584

Dreamer and Her Dream
That I cowrote with Tammy Edwards from Nashville TN
That's Tammy playing and singing on the demo.
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?type=hipub&trackid=60475


got an email yesterday from an artist who cut
Zip Zero http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?
type=hipub&trackid=15270
and now wants to cut.

Where Have the Good Guys Gone
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?type=hipub&trackid=60796

I Think I Think Too Much
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?type=hipub&trackid=59062

Hotter than the Hinges
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?type=hipub&trackid=14489

so I sent of info to all my cowriters and await their reply

~ ~ ~ ~

Got a Day Pass and went to SXSW
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/

First attended
12:00 Quickies 4: In the Studio
met with:
Gary Powell Composer/Producer, Powell Studio Productions
Phil Nicolo Studio 4 Recording
Andy VanDette Chief Engineer, Masterdisk NYC
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/?
action=show&id=MP060309

Sat at a table with:

Daria Musk http://www.dariamusktrio.com/

Mike Drummond from http://www.citizenmundi.com/
Mike raved about Google webmaster tools, that provides you with a
free and easy way to make your site more Google-friendly.
http://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/


then caught the tail end of
SXSW Interview: Daryl Hall
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/?
action=show&id=MP060319
(got Daryl's AutoGraph in my Songwriting Book)

walked around the Tradeshow floor with Gary Powell
then attended

2:00 pm · CLE 7: How Is Congress Rockin' the Music Industry?
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/?
action=show&id=MP060329
where they talked about bills that affect songwriters and artists
The key bill is the
Performance Rights Act. HR 4789
it's well explained at
http://www.musicfirstcoalition.org/#/home/
http://www.musicfirstcoalition.org/#/faq/
A song has 2 copyrights
1) the song and
2) the sound recording
for years Radio has paid royalties only to songwriters but not to
artists and the owners of sound recordings. Most countries around the
world pay royalties to both.
The radio lobby is fighting it.
They encouraged artists to follow it, support it and be vocal with
your representatives
http://www.capwiz.com/musicfirstcoalition/home/
so I learned my reps are:
http://www.capwiz.com/musicfirstcoalitio...te=TX&bzip=2537

then caught the tail end of
SXSW Interview: Ice Cube and DJ Pooh
http://2008.sxsw.com/music/conference/panels_schedule/?
action=show&id=MP060353
(got Ice Cube's autograph)

Drove home and listened to a few of the CD's folks gave me

Started working on a new lyric



Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

are you LinkedIn
my URL is
http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/anderasmussen
what's yours

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Do you have a facebook music site?
http://www.facebook.com/Music

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Murphy's Laws of Songwriting

Your Best Bet for a #1 Song

http://www.ascap.com/nashville/murphy/murphy16.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

did you enter the idol song contest
here's a link I started about it at JPF
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/598532

* * * * 5 HOT TIPS FOR WRITING FOR AMERICAN IDOL * * * *

1. Careful not to hit the nail too squarely on the head. Meaning: do
NOT mention American Idol directly in your lyric -- and it's probably
best to stay away from references to singing, being up on a stage, or
becoming a star. Everyone has hopes and dreams – but most people do
not want to be singers or entertainers.

You want to evoke the emotion related to these things – without
eliminating the possibility of millions of people who have different
hopes and dreams – from feeling as if your lyric relates to them.

I'll bet you didn't realize that neither Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment
Like This" nor Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud" (both of which
reached #1 as the first single from these "Idol" winners) are love
songs that do NOT talk directly about singing or being a star. (Check
out the lyrics to these songs at the end of this article – and I bet
you'll be surprised.)


2. As with any songwriting situation, you've got to give the decision
makers a compelling reason to choose your song over the competition.
There will likely be hundreds of thousands of entries – and only
those deemed to be the top twenty will be the ones the public votes
on.

If 10,000 other songs have the same basic idea as yours –
why should they choose yours?

Almost everyone will be writing about believing in yourself;
following a dream; achieving your goals; having someone who believes
in them, etc … So you'd better have a fresh, original angle
lyrically – a truly unique way of saying the same thing.


3. Remember that your melody is every bit as important as the lyric –
if not more so. Be sure to give the singers a melody that will allow
them to shine. Although you might only have a six or eight note
range – Melinda, Jordin, and Lakisha have awesome voices with great
range. Rewrite that melody until it's the very best it can be.
Imagine that your entire career rides on getting that melody just
right – because it might!


4. Don't believe them when they say that the quality of the recording
doesn't matter. It's impossible for judges not to be influenced by
what they hear– especially when they're quickly slogging through tens
of thousands of entries and listening to 20 - 30 seconds of each one
to make a quick determination as to whether they hear something
special. You don't need to spend a fortune on a demo – but you only
get one chance to make a good impression – and the judges are not
mind readers. They can't imagine what you intended – unless it's on
the recording. So be sure you give your song its best shot by
submitting a recording that incorporates musicianship, vocals, and
sonic quality that are up to the professional standard. If you can
achieve this with a home studio – great. But if not, invest enough to
record a pro keyboard or guitar and a great vocalist.


5. Lastly … read the fine print and be sure you qualify before
submitting your song. Wouldn't it be devastating to be chosen – and
learn that you're ineligible? Note that 100% of the publishing rights
must be available on your song – meaning if you or any of your
collaborators (if applicable) have entered into a publishing
agreement for the song you submit, you are NOT eligible.

Also note that if you did not play all of the instruments and perform
all of the vocals on your demo recording, you must be able to secure
a release from the musicians and singers, granting you ownership of
the "master rights" to the demo recording. (Those of you who've read
THIS BUSINESS OF SONGWRITING already understand the necessity of
securing these waivers/"work for hire" agreements in order to pitch
your songs for TV and film. A sample of a waiver/work for hire
agreement is included in the book on page 176.)

Now … follow your dream and give it your best shot!
I hope you win!

Jason Blume


HOT TIPS FOR WRITING FOR AMERICAN IDOL

By Jason Blume

Part Three

In my professional opinion it's impossible for judges (OR ANYONE
ELSE) not to be influenced by what they hear– especially when they're
quickly slogging through thousands of entries and listening to 30 –
60 seconds of each one to make a quick determination as to whether
they hear something special.

You don't need to spend a fortune on a demo – but you only get one
chance to make a good impression – and the judges are not mind
readers. While it is true that the winning song will receive a
professional arrangement and full production, no listener can imagine
what you intended – unless it's on the recording. So be sure you give
your song its best shot by submitting a recording that incorporates
musicianship, vocals, and sonic quality that are up to the
professional standard.

If you can achieve this with a home studio – great. But if not,
invest enough to record a pro keyboard or guitar and a great vocalist.


Last year EVERY SONG FINALIST WAS A FULLY-PRODUCED PRO SOUNDING DEMO
w/PRO VOX. Yes, 100% of the songs chosen as last year's top twenty
finalists sounded as if they were professional recordings – with
vocal and instrumental performances that matched the professional
industry standard.

MOST OF THE WRITERS OF THE SONGS CHOSEN AS LAST YEAR'S TOP 20 IN THE
AI CONTEST HAD MAJOR PRO CREDITS. Some of these writers had
previously been staff-writers; some had previously had songs recorded
by superstar artists; others had released successful albums as
artists. So remember that the bar is very high.


Don't settle for your first draft. Rewrite both your melody AND lyric
to be sure they're as strong as possible – and then, if at all
possible have your song professionally critiqued BEFORE investing in
a demo.


Give the judges compelling reasons to choose your song over the
competition. These reasons will be an original, fresh concept; a
melody that is instantly memorable—while challenging the singer and
giving him (or her) a chance to shine; and a melody and lyric that
combine to evoke powerful emotion in your listeners.

If you accomplish all of this … you'll have a great song—regardless
of whether it's chosen for American Idol.

Wishing you the best of luck on your songwriting journey!  Jason

Jasonblume.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Alan Barnette, I met Marc Alan when he started and actively
participated on this thread on SongRamp
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=57759
ON that thread around page 33
the participants started cowriting a song
which turned out to be
Where Have the Good Guys Gone
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=60796
if you read the history you'll see I got on to the song

Marc now has a whole board
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showforum.php?forum_id=35

Several of my friends and cowriters had done "Write Up" Sessions with
him, so a while back I asked Marc Alan Barnette if he did write ups
by email or phone, in early March he announced that he would, so I
decided to take him up on it his "Write Up Program"

I captured the story of the song at:
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=58906


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Clive Davis urges singers to stop writing songs

By Michelle Nichols Thu Mar 6, 11:49 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Music mogul Clive Davis, who helped launch stars
like Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, said singers should focus on
what they do best and not feel pressured to write their own songs.


Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of the BMG Label Group,
said he has seen many entertainers lose their careers by not
concentrating on finding hit songs -- no matter who they are written
by.

"The odds are always against you," Davis, 75, told the Billboard
Music and Money Symposium on Thursday. "You have got to go over the
best material, and that should win out, not withstanding any track
record. I don't care how many No. 1's you have written in the past,
have you written a new No. 1?"

When Houston came to him after her second or third album and asked if
she should start writing songs, he said: "Billie Holiday, Ella
Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra didn't write, and they
are among Time magazine's greatest artists of the century."

He said 80 to 90 percent of the artists with whom he has worked over
more than four decades wrote their own material. But in recent years,
more entertainers who do not write have gained stardom due to the hit
TV talent show "American Idol," where singing talent is discovered.

In fact, Davis had a public spat last year with inaugural "Idol"
winner Kelly Clarkson over creative differences on her third
album "My December," on which she co-wrote all the songs.

"She was not signed as a singer/songwriter," said Davis, adding that
her manager believed there would be at least six hits on the album
while market research had shown none.

"This issue only comes up when you're dealing with entertainers who
might or might not have the ability to write pop songs," he said.
Clarkson's second album sold 11 million copies worldwide, so Davis
said there was a lot at stake.

"My December" has sold only 754,000 units since its June 2007
release, according to music tracker Nielsen SoundScan.

The pair resolved their dispute shortly after the album's release and
are now working on a new record.

Reuters

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080307/music_nm/davis_dc

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Austin singer songwriter Kat Edmonson & Kevin Lovejoy cowrote a song
titled to Gandhi's quote:

Be The Change That You Want To See

They then asked

"What would you do if You were President?"

and made a video then put them up on Youtube
The video had more than 15,000 views

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RyS3NasuRk

MySpace.com - Kat Edmonson - AUSTIN, US
http://www.myspace.com/katedmonson

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are you an awesome Austin Singer?
would you like to sing the
National Anthem in Austin at the
USMS Masters National Swimming Championships at the
Texas Swimming Center at
8:30 am on
Thursday May 1st
let me know

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

have you seen faith rivera's Kumbaya movie

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JHKQECOX8PI

what do you think?

I think it's quite wonderful

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Don't give up the Ghost: Singer-songwriter Amanda finally takes the
spotlight
By STUART HUSBAND - More by this author »

Last updated at 16:36pm on 16th February 2008

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She turned James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful' into a mega-seller and
has written hits for the likes of Beyoncé and Whitney Houston. But
success as a singer has always been elusive for Amanda Ghost. She
tells Stuart Husband why she's finally ready to take the spotlight...

Amanda Ghost is telling a story about a recent trip in a New York
cab.

"I was on my way to see the music producer Mark Ronson," she
says, "but I had this bad back.

"When the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes I literally screamed
with pain, and suddenly I couldn't stop screaming.

"Everything came out - that I was thousands of miles away from my
newborn daughter; that I needed to keep working despite a slipped
disc - all the highs and lows of the past nine years.

Scroll down for more...


Amanda Ghost has written hits for Whitney Houston and Shakira. Now
the 33-year-old is ready to take the spotlight for herself with new
album, Blood on the Line

"It was incredibly emotional," she says, "and as I sat there sobbing,
the cabbie actually apologised, which is unheard of.'

Amanda has burst into the room like a force of nature, apologising
for being late (her daughter Gia has been "playing up"), casting self-
deprecating looks in the mirror ("God, I'm such a mess"), and
enthusing about the clothes for the photo shoot ("So glam!").

It's a tribute to the 33-year-old's vivacity that she has made it
through a decade that's been every bit as turbulent as she's hinted.

She was tipped for a stellar singing career back in 2000, when she
was plucked from Enfield-born obscurity by Warner Brothers' Andrew
Wickham, the man who signed Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris.

He claimed Amanda was better than both. She was fÍted accordingly,
until her debut album, Ghost Stories (released in the U.S. only)
failed to sell in huge quantities.

She was then left in hellish limbo, with Warners refusing to release
a follow-up and trying to morph her into a Pink/Avril Lavigne hybrid.

"I think the reason it failed was because I wanted to do too much,"
shrugs Amanda.

"I could write in any genre - pop, jazz, country, reggae - and I put
them all on the album. The chairman of Warners said that I had a
great voice but I couldn't write hits."

An ironic remark, considering what came next. Amanda had signed a
separate songwriting contract with Warners, and in 2004 was asked to
polish up a somewhat maudlin ballad.

Scroll down for more...


Amanda with James Blunt after scooping their Ivor Novello awards in
London in 2006

The song was James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful', which went on to top
the charts in Britain, the U.S., Canada and virtually any other place
where soulful young men moon after hopelessly unattainable women.

Her co-writing credit brought her Grammy nominations and two Ivor
Novello awards, and, with her writing partner Ian Dench, Amanda has
since gone on to provide huge hits for Beyoncé ('Beautiful Liar', the
duet with Shakira, which went to number one around the world) and the
latest American Idol winner Jordin Sparks ('Tattoo', which has given
Amanda her third US top ten song in 18 months).

As well as working with boy wonder Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse's
producer, the in-demand Ghost has been asked to provide songs for
Whitney Houston's much-anticipated comeback album, and has been
collaborating with musical legends Jay-Z, Mariah Carey and Lionel
Richie.

All of which means that it's a more propitious time for Amanda
herself to venture back into the spotlight.

Her new album, Blood on the Line, provides a low-key acoustic
showcase for her earthy, soulful voice to tackle a few of the songs
she's written for other people over the years (including 'Time
Machine', penned for her best friend Boy George).

Later in the year she'll be on the judging panel of a new American
reality TV show that's a sort of American Idol for aspiring
songwriters.

Amanda credits Boy George with honing her own songwriting skills. She
met him when she was 19 and working on the door of London's then
legendary nightspot, Mud Club.

"I was a fashion student, dabbling in journalism and pretending I
didn't want to get into music," she recalls.

"I mean, I'd been singing and writing songs since I was eight; I'd
sing them to my friends in the playground, and they'd go, 'You didn't
write that!' and I'd go, 'Yes, I did!'"

Boy George took her under his wing. "What he gave me was an
invaluable musical education.

"I was a pop kid at the time, and he introduced me to the likes of
Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and David Bowie."

(Mitchell has since become a friend, and credits Amanda's song 'Blood
on the Line' with reinvigorating her own faith in music.)

"George," Amanda adds, "knows more about music than anyone I've met."

The main thing he taught her about songwriting, she says, was to
concentrate on simplicity and directness.

"Bob Marley said that the greatest songs can be hummed by a three-
year-old, and it's true.

"George would be saying, 'Your voice and melodies are great but your
lyrics are [naughty word removed],' and I'd go, 'But they're from my
heart!'" she grins.

"He also taught me that it's about two per cent talent and 98 per
cent graft.

"I don't think of myself as a professional songwriter - I hate them;
they come in and write the 'moon-in-June' stuff and don't add
anything.

"To me, if I'm writing with someone, it's important that their voice
comes out in the song, otherwise there's no point."

This seems an appropriate moment to bring up 'You're Beautiful', a
song that's become the 'Lady in Red' of its generation.

For Amanda, its legacy is more ambiguous: it's set her up for life,
but Blunt was curiously reluctant to acknowledge her as co-writer
until he was forced to by the Ivor Novello triumph, hence her mix of
pride and dismissal now.

"It changed everything for me," she admits. "Until then I was a
struggling artist.

"It took James Blunt three years of hard work to write, whereas for
me it was ten minutes of polishing up the chorus at a kitchen table
in LA when I was bored.

"I didn't think it was very good," she says with a smile.

"I said to my publisher, 'Take my name off it.' Thank God they talked
me out of it. It's a really childlike song, that's why it did so
well, but a lot of people still don't realise he didn't write it by
himself.

"Everyone says, 'Do you hate him, does he hate you?'" she continues
breezily, "and we don't.

"But there's a lot of vitriol towards him, maybe because he got so
successful so quickly with a song that's so loathed."

Amanda has always been grounded, a trait she attributes to her
family - her father is Trinidadian, her mother Spanish, and she has
two sisters, who are both bringing up families in New York.

But you get the feeling that success, now it's finally come, is all
the sweeter, not only because she's a mother herself (her partner,
Gregor Cameron, is a TV producer; they live in Notting Hill, London,
and are planning an April 'flamenco wedding' in her mother's native
Seville), but also because her new-found clout is happening on her
terms.

"Being an artist, for me, isn't about being famous," she says firmly.

"Growing up with George, I got a crash course in how awful full-on
fame can be.

"I'm doing this album because a lot of people have been asking me to
do it, but I'm just as interested in my songs and my label and
nurturing artists, bringing raw talent to fruition.

"The first time round, I wasn't ready. I signed for £1 million and I
was on the cover of a Sunday magazine before I'd sold a record.

"Immediately, everyone wanted to shoot me down. You have to earn it,
and f****** hell have I earnt it," she cackles.

"I've been plugging away for nine years, and I know everyone hates
Madonna now, but one thing she taught me as a young, aspirational
girl was that a quitter never wins and a winner never quits."

And Amanda Ghost strides off with the exuberant air of someone for
whom those words have been triumphantly vindicated.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/you/article.html?
in_article_id=514626&in_page_id=1908

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June 7& 8:  Pat Pattison's Intensive Lyric Writing Workshop 10AM-4PM
each day


Sponsored by Dallas Songwriters and Absolute Reheasal Studios
214 295-2673

www.absoluterehearsal.com
www.myspace.com/absoluterehearsal
Details coming soon.

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NEW HOST: BILLY RAY CYRUS!
Nashville Star will have a new host for Season Six:
"Hannah Montana" star and country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus.



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Singers Searching for songs

Name: Eric Jones
email: ej13kc@...
Phone: 913-226-2217
Cutoff: 06/01/2008
describe music: Worship, contemporary
comp fee: no
how to submit: Email

Request 2 of 2:
Name: Kevin Cabe
email: Kabeman606@...
Address: 6401 Nightingale Lane Apt. 134 Knoxville, TN 37909
Cutoff: March 17th
release date: Mid Summer
artist name: Kevin Cabe
describe artist: Tenor style of Rascal Flatts meets soulful Gavin
Degraw
describe music: Rock/Pop/Alternative Country
how to submit: Email or Mail

Name: Lloyd
email: lloyd@...
Address: Las Vegas, NV
cutoff: march 30, 2008
release date: Summer 2008
label or dist: start up
artist name: Victorious
describe artist: www.WeAreVictorious.net
describe music: praise
how to submit: email and we'll talk
remarks: We're a new group with hopes of releasing an album in the
near future. Looking for songs that we can release as original to our
group. Already have a bit of a following. Looking for writers that
believe that the mercy of God is inclusive and universal.



email: magemay82@...
Address: 4017 Longdale Furnace Rd. Clifton Forge, VA. 24422
artist name: Magnolia Perdue
describe artist: I am an artist with a fairly high soprano voice.
describe music: Contemperary Christian, love songs, I like the slower
songs
how to submit: Via E-mail
remarks: I am a new artist looking for a new song. I am wanting to
put t ogether a demo to send out to recording studios and agencies.
If you have any questions just e-mail me. I am a good singer just not
a very good songwriter so I am hoping their is someone out their who
has the talent of writing they would like to share with me! Thanks
for your time!


Name: Tim Cline
email: clinemarkproductions@...
cutoff: End of February
release date: Recording in March
label or dist: Indie
artist name: TBA
describe artist: Pop country, positive message
describe music: Pop country, any tempo, positive message, etc.
comp fee: No
how to submit: Send mp3's to ClinemarkProductions@...

Name: Steve Bell
email: xalt@...
Address: 7610 Vineyard Trail, Mesquite TX 75150
cutoff: 3/31/3008
artist name: X-alt Quartet
describe artist: Southern Gospel Quartet
describe music: Southern Gospel Quartet, all tempos
how to submit: email

Name: Kris
email: kb5080@...
Address: 647 Long Acre Lane Yardley Pa 19067
Cutoff date: 02/11/08
Release date: 06/01/08
Label or dist: none
Artist name: Kris Ballerini
Describe artist: Looking for Martina McBride sound for upcoming album
to be recorded in Nashville www.krisballerini.com
Describe music: looking for up-tempo
How to submit: via mp3 or mail cd to above address
Remarks: radio ready, current and contemporary christian lyrics
geared to the "seeker" uplifting lyrical content Audience is women 25-
50 and teens

Name: Tim Calhoun
email: gracemusicpro@...
Address: 1125 Rio Camino Ct. Windsor, Ca
Cutoff date: 3/1/2008
Release date: January 2009
Label or dist: Grace Music Production
Artist name: Tim Calhoun
Describe artist: Adult Contemporary
Describe music: Pop/Soul/Jazz
Comp details: N/A
Comp fee: N/A
How to submit: Cd or Email

Name: Antonio Delgado Ministries
email: information@...
Address: 6224 Discovery St E- Fife, WA 98424
cutoff date: 1/31/08
artist name: Antonio Delgado
describe artist: www.AntonioDelgado.net CCM, GOSPEL, R&B, POP
describe music: The Next Journey, Moving on, Forgetting the Past, The
Next Phase, Things are looking up...
how to submit: Via Email (one song at a time) Music & Lyric/ By Mail
as many as 3 songs to a CD
remarks: Submit ASAP we want to review as many submissions as
possible by 1/31/08

Name: Don
email: christiansinger@...
Address: Indiana
cutoff: 3/1/2008
release date: 5/2008
label or dist: Indie
artist name: KeriDee
describe artist: Contemporary, highly trained soprano with good pop
sound as well, similar range/style to Sandi Patty
describe music: genres-contemporary, pop, inspirational, re-mixed
hymns, worship: tempo- ballads/up tunes: theme-yet to be determined
comp details: Independent Project
compfee: N/A
how to submit: Email
remarks: Have you ever wanted to write for someone who can perform
and sing like Sandi Patty? Now's your chance: this artist has a
powerful annointing from the Lord!

Name: Jason
email: dayspringmusic@...
Address: 374 Northside Dr. E Apt B Statesboro GA, 30458
cutoff: 07/01/08
release date: unknown
label or dist: Dayspring Music Ministries
artist name: Dayspring Trio
describe artist: Gaither Vocal Band, Gold City, Brian Free and
Assurance, Greater Vision
describe music: Progressive Southern Gospel
comp fee: no
how to submit: email

Name: Rey Rosa
email: reyrosajr@...
Address: 236 W78th New York, NY 10024
cutoff: May 10th
release date: September 7th 2008
label or dist: Startup
artist name: Iron Kidz
describe artist: Flame, KJ-52, and mercy me
describe music: Christian Rap and R&B, fast or slow
comp details: Jus Righteous, Chozen
comp fee: no
how to submit: email: reyrosajr@...
remarks: I'm looking for something that will relate to the good and
bad times of life and how God will forever be by our side in this
battle

SSR 1 of 2:
Name: Jeri Mercer
email: jerimercer@...
Address: 194 Norwood Blanchard Rd. Wallace N.C.
artist name: jeri mercer
describe artist: southern gospel
describe music: southern gospel
how to submit: e-mail or address
remarks: looking to record some orginal songs on next project

SSR 2 of 2:
Name: Tony Hartung
email: thartung@...
Address: 2740 miller st Lambertville, MI 48144
cutoff: none
release date: summer 2008
label or dist: independent no label (yet)!
artist name: Tony Hartung
describe artist: Chris Tomlin
describe music: contmp christian
comp fee: yes
how to submit: email me if interested in submitting songs
remarks: I am a new vocalist interested in starting with cont emp
christian music. i need music to get started with. Looking for a
songwriter to hook up with for BOTH of our benifits. if interested
email me and lets go from there. I do have demo music for you to
hear. Thanks and hope to hear from someone soon, Tony


From: Ann M. Macey (annmacey@...)
Website: www.emilyandjacob.net
Message: I am hoping to connect a CD for children that has a song
that coincides with each story of Emily and Jacob.  I would love to
work with an unknown writer who wants a foot in the door.  Please
note that when you log on to my website, only three of the 5 stories
are listed.  Feel free to post this inquiry where appropriate.  Thank
you.  ~Ann

Hello there my name is Richard Johnson,
I am currently seeking songs for my upcoming CD project.I had
previously been performing Country all over the country,I have opened
up shows for the likes of,Sugarland, Miranda lambert,Steve Azar.Trent
Wilmon.But i have a higher calling now,To serve the Lord through my
music..I am interested in Country/christian songs of all kinds..I am
willing to buy the writes or just using them for my projects,
please contact via email,
Countrymusicplayer2003@...
.thank you and   God Bless





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  http://youtube.com/group/apologizecover

Submit your cover of "Apologize" and get your video featured on
OneRepublic's official site with an intro from the band!

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Everyone,

I started CD Baby 10 years ago this week - in March 1998.

You probably know that I'm just a musician-geek, not a business-man.
Never meant to start a company. I was just selling my own CD, then
helped some friends do it, then it accidently turned into CD Baby.
(Ooops!)

Now CD Baby has paid over $70 million dollars(!!) directly to
musicians. And despite the moaning you hear from the majors,
independent artists are selling better than ever. Even physical CD
sales are up 30% over last year!

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Friends will tell you that for the past 10 years I've spent most
waking hours, 7 days a week, doing nothing but CD Baby. Last year I
just slept on the couch at the office for 6 months, usually working
from 7am to midnight.

So today seems like a good day to tell you that I don't work at CD
Baby anymore, and haven't in months.

I'm still the owner, but haven't been to the office since May. The
crew there is running things better than I ever could. They know more
than I do, and do a better job.

I've made that transition from self-employed to business-owner. (You
know you're a true business-owner when you can leave your business
for a year, and come back to find it's doing much better than when
you left.)

WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS?

Because the reason I freed-up my time is to find more ways to help
you.

Helping you develop, create, promote, and sell your music makes me
happier than anything. It's still why I bounce out of bed in the
morning.

I love it even more than making my own music. (Weird, huh?) By
helping you get your music out to the world, and helping you make a
living doing it, I feel that in a way I'm making more music than ever.

There are many ways I can help, but I'll email you about those next
week.

Today was just a CD Baby birthday announcement. Still, I wanted to
let you know there are exciting things to come.

--
Derek Sivers, founder, CD Baby, HostBaby


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This summer, you'll have the chance to perform and grow in two
magical weeks at the ultimate summer camp: Idol Camp. Former Idols*,
performing artists*, and inspiring teachers will show you how to take
your skills to the next level.

· Applications available for Summer 2008!

· Now open to 10-15 year olds.

· New West Coast location!

* Confirmation to participate pending.

http://www.idolcamp.com/

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Forwarded message from Digital Music News
<news@...> -----

MySpace Music Initiative Announced; Three Majors On Board

MySpace Music officially announced itself Thursday morning with
blessings from majors Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, and
Sony BMG. The tie-up, billed a "landmark joint venture," will include
DRM-free downloads, ad-supported audio and video streaming, a mobile
storefront powered by Jamba, and "various sponsorship solutions."
Artist-related assets like merchandise and concert tickets will also
be part of the action, and collateral will be integrated within
individual artist profile pages.

MySpace users are already familiar with MySpace Music as an umbrella
for anything music-related within the site, including band profiles.
But the new commerce-driven initiative, a stand-alone venture,
reportedly involves equity stakes for the majors involved. Moreover,
the venture allows the labels to participate in a broader portfolio
of assets, instead of just recordings.

It remains unclear when standout EMI will jump into the fold, though
an announcement is expected in the near-term. That, along with deals
involving various independent labels, is part of an iterative launch
schedule that will span several months, according to the network.

Outside of EMI, a number of dangling questions remain. That includes
the price of paid downloads, and the possibility of a paid
subscription offering. MySpace Music currently has more than 30
million unique monthly visitors, and 5 million band profiles,
according to the company.

Permalink: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/040308myspace

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SONGWRITERS!!!!!

Calling all songwriters and artist!!!! Are you a talented prolific
songwriter or artist who has been eagerly waiting for your chance to
make your mark in the the music world? Guess what! The Underdogs,
Harvey Mason and Damon Thomas are here to give you that chance. Send
us your mp3's and/or demo packages. If you have a Myspace music page,
simply add us as a friend. Remember, if you believe that your
songwriting skills or appeal as an artist are UNTOUCHABLY HOT, do
not, I repeat, DO NOT hesitate to send us your material. We're
waiting to hear from you!

Send mp3 submissions to:
uddemos@...

Send demo packages to:
Underdog Entertainment
1635 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 4th Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Write On,

Ande

have you joined the Grammy yet?
www.Grammy.org
the 50th Annual Grammy Awards were Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008
I went and have the details


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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
 
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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


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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. 

How have you been, please let me know what you've been up to

I just got back from the Grammy's and had an awesome time
you'll find details below 


RSVPed that I would attend next weeks Texas Grammy Board meeting at the House of
Dereon in Houston.
which is at Matthew Knowles office.
Matthew is on the TX Grammy Board, he owns music businesses and manages artist
careers, His daughter Beyonce, is one of them
http://www.berklee.edu/news/2003/03/zafknowles.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS137503+07-Dec-2007+MW20071207
http://musicworldent.com

music world also owns compadre records
http://www.compadrerecords.com
check out their list of artists and
Trent Wilmon's video
"There Is a God"


Sent 3 songs to Jason Blume to critque
I'm an old student so he'll critique my songs
but he's not accepting new students to critique
but his business http://www.JasonBlume.com
does critiques by prowriters and they are extremely helpful 


my friend and cowriter
Tony Walsh has been working with anne lorelle and invited me to meet with them,
cowrite, and submit lyrics

http://www.annelorelle.org

http://www.myspace.com/annelorelle

posted at the AI songwriter thread
http://www.americanidol.com/myidol/forums/topic/?tid=806957


pitched several songs at http://www.songu.com/ifs pitching

Pitched Look Up to Dad
and
If Only I could http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=14915
on this one below

All genres. Specialty Project. ASAP. Our friend Quint Randle is doing the A&R
and co-producing a "Father's Day" tribute to Dad's compilation CD. He is seeking
"Master Quality" (or close to it) original songs (all styles) paying tribute to
fathers, or about fathers, grandfathers, father/child relationships, etc. This
can be a previously released track, HIGH-quality demo, or totally new. The
compilation CD is set to be distributed and promoted in a regional bookstore
chain (25+ stores), etc., for Father's Day. Writer(s) must own rights to the
master recording. 

IFS readers I hope you enjoy this issue and would love to hear from you. 

Ande
 
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Tuesday February, 12th 2008

just got back from the Grammy's, had a blast

MAIL: Received a royalty check from an Artist who cut
"It's All of Us Together"
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=23717
need to send my cowriter his share.

Friday
arrived in LA from San Antonio. We flew the United direct flight that left at
6:00 am so we left home at 3:30
Got to LA around 7:00 am got our bags and rent car and got breakfast.

Went to our hotel then to the Staples center to pick up our tickets.

Saturday Feb 9th
Went to Manns Chinese theater

noon I went to BMI's 2nd Annual
'How I Wrote That Song' panel discussion on the art of songwriting at The Key
Club in Hollywood
http://www.bmi.com/events/entry/536027
I invited Ryan Jirovec and treated him and his mom, I recorded the whole thing
and was thinking about pod casting it.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=460547\
52
The guys from hinder performed Lips of An Angel
I heard a song Rev Theory  http://www.myspace.com/revtheory
Autographs: Chris Daughtry, Fat Joe and Polow da don


Evening I went to the
Grammy Special Merit Awards and Nominee Reception
they honored
Burt Bacharach, (not there, kids accepted)
The Band, (several were there, Robby Robertson)
Cab Calloway, (daughter accepted)
Doris Day, (not there sent a letter)
Izhak Perlman, (not there kids accepted)
Max Roach and (decd kids accepted)
Earl Scruggs (was there, his son Randy wast there too)

Trustees awards were given to
Clarence Avant (Quincy Jones introduced him)
Jac Holzman
Willie Mitchell (was there, huge memphis, songwriter and producer)

Nominee Reception was fun
Autograph: Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
had a nice conversation with Gentle Thunder.
wanted to stay longer

Sunday grammy stuff
Took a shuttle van to the grammys around 1:20
(waiting on women to get ready, doors opened at 12:30 event started at 1:00)
walked the backside of the red carpet
(the red carpet is split in 2 sections
front part is for famous people and muckety mucks, with news people and handlers
lining up interviews,
back part is for every one else, there's police officers and bouncer types
present to encourage people to keep moving)
found out later I should have told them I was a governor and I would have gotten
to walk the celebrity side. (maybe next time, if there is a next time, I'm up
for reelection in April)

Pretelecast: Arrived as #43 the Hawaiians were on stage.
They awarded 100, I looked behind me a few rows back was Ace Youngfrom Idol
Season 5. http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season5/

Many famous artists weren't present to accept their grammys, but I was impressed
that Carrie Underwood ran to the stage to accept hers, Brad Paisely was present
to accept his in the instrumental country category and the Foo Fighters were
also there to accept theirs. I was thrilled that Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, 94
http://www.pinetopperkins.com/ from Austin, TX won the traditional blues Grammy
for their appropriately titled album
"Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen:
Live in Dallas." He got up and played he wore a bright red suit and hat with a
blue feather.

Autographs: I got Carrie Underwood's
My daughter got Ace Young's and David Grohls from the Foo fighters in my
songwriting book

when the pre telecast was over we walked over to the Grammys
as we walked over I said hello to band members from Shiny Toy Guns and asked if
Steven McClintock was around. They said he was, a little later I said hi and
shook his hand while we were in line.

My son an I sat in the Platinum Section for Grammy Governors, we were about 35
feet from stage left in the 9th row on the side next to the stairs. Stage left
means if you're facing the stage from the audience we were on the right.

On the floor I saw Cindy Lauper, Ringo Star, Yoko Ono, Bonnie Raitt, George
Martin (beatles), Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, the Foo fighters, Tony
Bennett, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, and many others

Had an absolute blast

Made a scrap book of all the Grammy stuff I collected
including a little of the confetti they blasted out during the final
performance, many people shuffled near the end, not realizing that there was a
finale performance of a beatles song.

It felt great to be part of such an awesome organization and event and I
encourage you to get involved too.

Autographs: got Tony Bennett and Robby Robertson from "The Band" (take a load
off Annie) I asked, Yoko Ono but she refused. I was an arms length from George
Martin but like a fool I was suddenly too shy ask.

after party,
had some great hordeourves type food, it was open bar, had one cab, I walked
past Evander Holyfield but didn't get his Autograph. We walked around a little
then made our way to the stage where Cindy Lauper was about to perform. she
wasn't on stage so a crowd hadn't formed but when she walked on and performed
several songs there was a sea of people behind me. We stood right by the stage
and watched her perform her hits barefoot, Several times she gave angry looks
and hand signals to the sound guy. I guess wanting to adjust her monitors.

Food at the after party was delicious, open bar, lavish decorations and athletic
barely dressed cirque du soliel type performers performed on multiple stages and
wandered through the crowds it was quite a specacle. We were feeling tired and
decided to leave as Cindy wrapped up her set. Near the exits they were handing
out Grammy Bags filled with TIGI Bedhead Type Products.

We walked over to the shuttles, got on it took us to the Biltmore which was
close to our hotel.

Monday I met with Harold Payne and Allison Sattinger for lunch. Harold and I
have a song in the works.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/haroldpayne93/from/ande
http://cdbaby.com/cd/haroldpayne01/from/ande
http://cdbaby.com/cd/gravityband/from/ande

http://cdbaby.com/cd/sattinger2/from/ande
http://cdbaby.com/cd/sattinger/from/ande

I met Harold through JPF and Allison went to school with my friend and cowriter
Adam Donmoyer. Both people are awesome artists and class acts. Harold is the
featured perfomer and one of the cowriters of JPF's theme song
We're all in this together.



Tuesday I went home, If I get re elected as a governor or officer and go again I
want to arrive a few days earlier and participate in more of the events.

If you want to go to the Grammy's
(here's what you might budget for one person)

$100 grammy membership (allows you to buy 6 tickets)
$300 airfare
$300 - $600 hotel (could be more if you go fancy)
$300 - $1,000 ticket
$200 after party ticket
then there's food, transportation, and airport parking
We rented a car, the funny thing is the hotel parking was $42 a day and the car
cost $20 a day
There tends to be lots of food at Grammy

don't forget shopping

when we arrived we needed to kill a little time so we went to el segundo beach
to watch the surfers waves, pelicans and dolphins

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

February 3, 2008
BMI & Los Angeles Times Announce 2nd Annual ‘How I Wrote The Song’ Panel
Marquee Lineup Includes Rodney Jerkins, Chris Daughtry, Mos Def, Ben Moody,
Polow Da Don, Anthony Hamilton and Brian Howes

BMI will pair with the Los Angeles Times to present the second annual “How I
Wrote the Song� panel Saturday, February 9, from 1p.m. until 3p.m., at the Key
Club in L.A. Mirroring the format of 2007’s sold-out forum, another elite
cross-section of established hitmakers, including Rodney Jerkins, Chris
Daughtry, Mos Def, Ben Moody of Evanescence, Polow Da Don, Anthony Hamilton and
Brian Howes will discuss their work, the raw ideas and the occasionally
idiosyncratic processes pooled into composing songs that resonate with a broad
spectrum of listeners. Moderated by BMI’s Vice President, Writer Publisher
Relations Catherine Brewton and Los Angeles Times Music Critic Ann Powers, the
event is open to the public. Advance tickets are available now for $10 through
Ticketmaster at http://www.keyclub.com or the Key Club box office; day-of
admission at the door will be $20.

Grammy Award-winner Rodney Jerkins’s creative dexterity materializes in
distinct but diverse musical triumphs. The pen behind take-charge smashes
including Destiny Child’s “Say My Name,� Brandy & Monica’s duet “The
Boy is Mine� and Beyoncé’s “Déjà Vu,� Jerkins has also produced work
by contemporary superstars including Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Michael
Jackson, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Destiny’s Child. His unerring ear
led to a vice president of a&r position with Island Def Jam, while Janet
Jackson’s forthcoming project Discipline features his signature production.

American Idol alum Chris Daughtry has brazenly staked a record-breaking place in
contemporary music, confidently fronting the aptly titled rock band Daughtry.
The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter signed with RCA and management powerhouse
19 Entertainment after his fan-propelled success on American Idol, and his
band’s eponymous debut sold more than 1 million copies in only five weeks. The
projectile success of the album, featuring songs “It’s Not Over,�
“Home� and “Over You,� resulted in the fastest-selling debut in the
history of SoundScan.

Rapper, actor, musician and activist, Mos Def’s sheer versatility places him
amongst contemporary pop culture’s premier creators. Musically, his work
includes blithe collaborations with legendary group De La Soul and artist Talib
Kweli. Def’s partnership with Kweli, the duet album Black Star, resulted in
underground frenzy and glowing critical praise. His subsequent solo album, Black
on Both Sides, produced more of the same. Nominated for two Grammys, Def also
boasts Golden Globe, Emmy and Source award nods.

Serial hitmaker Ben Moody first gained recognition as guitarist and co-founder
of the Grammy Award-winning group Evanescence. His output during and after the
band has further exposed an adroit singer/songwriter capable of powerful hooks
and lush layers; songs including Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life� and
“My Immortal,� along with Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You,� sprang
from Moody’s id. Collaborations as a producer with Clarkson, Celine Dion, Bo
Bice and Lindsey Lohan further emphasize his seemingly limitless versatility.

Super producer and innovative songwriter Polow Da Don’s quintessential hip
factor springs from authentic skill. His innate musical savvy has finessed
infectious hits including Fergie’s “Glamorous,� the Pussy Cat Dolls’
“Buttons,� Ciara’s “Promise� and Jamie Foxx’s “DJ Play a Love
Song.� Fergie’s enthusiastic shout out, “Polow!� on her smash “London
Bridge,� made Da Don’s fluid alias a pop culture catch phrase, adding
household recognition to the power player’s growing reputation.

Singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton’s blend of old-school soul and cool
contemporary grit is artist’s art in the best sense of the phrase: Members of
the neo-soul and poetic hip hop elite including D’Angelo, Tupac Shakur and Eve
have looked to Hamilton for backup harmonies, while the North Carolina
native’s critically-acclaimed solo work has landed on arguably avant-garde
projects including the American Gangster film soundtrack. His 2007 effort,
Southern Comfort, features eleven new songs all written by Hamilton.

Brian Howes' life in music did not come as a surprise with a great-great
grandfather who was a baritone opera singer, a grandmother who was a songwriter,
and a grandfather who played alto sax for swing band greats Benny Goodman and
Louis Prima, his career choice was practically predetermined. As part of
punk-ska-rap band DDT early on in his career, Brian toured with bands such as
Public Enemy, Kid Rock, Alice Cooper, The Scorpion and DOA. Post DDT, he penned
hits and earned placements in several movies all while maintaining number 1 and
top 10 international hits. Brian then added production to is arsenal and has had
success by writing and producing with Grammy-nominated Atlantic band Skillet
amongst others. Brian’s recent success has included collaborations with Kara
Dioguardi, Shelly Piken, Chad Kroeger, Hinder and Chris Daughtry of American
Idol fame for his RCA Records Album

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

this is old news but I wanted to let folks know that
I resigned from ASG's board on Aug 24th 2004

here's my resignation email

Dear ASG Board and friends,

I've decided to resign as an ASG Board member.   It is time for me to
focus on my marriage, children, and career.  I've enjoyed serving
with each of you. ASG is strong and in capable hands. Best wishes to
all of you as you work to support and celebrate Austin Area
Songwriters.

Your Friend,

Ande Rasmussen


here was the email I received from ASG's president, Lee Duffy right after I
resigned

From: Lee Duffy
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: [ASG-Board] Re: resignation
 

 Good morning, 
 

      Ande, I will be both sorry and sad to see you leave. You are the
reason most folks joined the board in the first place. You have served better
and given more time than any president on any board I have ever served on. You
contiued to give time and energy for nine months after you left the office. As a
direct result of that songwriters and musicians in general have benefited
greatly. You have helped many an artist get their music or themself or both out
there in the real world. You led by example in your own writing and networking.
You were always available to talk with by phone, in person, or on the web. I
didn't always agree with you, but I never felt worried about rather to speak up,
and I never doubted that you had the best interest of the group at heart. I
learned a lot from you while working with you.  


I appreciate that this did not come out of the blue. You have told us about once
a week now that you would be doing this so the group has been able to try to
prepare and adjust.  I understand how it is to juggle the family and a passion
for the music. I think you are right when you speak of how the kids are growing
up and your wanting to spend time with them. It goes quick.  

 
    From the heart, I wish you the very best of everything. May all your
dreams come true. You did a great job at ASG, and we all learned a lot from you
that hopefully we can continue to apply to the art of serving the members.

Peace
Lee Duffy
Co President, ASG

PS.....You know where we are......I hope you decide not to move that far from
ASG.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I got this email: (below) and my comment is:

It's too bad that this NSAI Workshop is ending, further I want to remind folks
this NSAI Workshop originally started in Austin / Travis county but they were
ordered to relocate the workshop 2 counties North. (they were kicked out of
Austin) NSAI is a wonderful organization and I disagree with their decision to
move this workshop.


Sent: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 6:38 pm
Subject: Last Meeting of the Belton-Waco NSAI



Hey all,

 

First of all, thanks to all of those who supported the idea of having an NSAI
workshop in Central Texas.  Unfortunately, after the move north, we were never
able to establish a regular attendance for our monthly meetings.  After six
months, of preparing classes and promoting the group, we have to assume there is
not enough interest to warrant a workshop in this area.  Our last meeting will
be Wednesday, February 27th at 7pm at the Harris Community Center.  We won't be
having a regular lesson.  We will be visiting and talking about songwriting
and sharing songs if people so desire.

 

We encourage those of you who are NSAI members, to take advantage of all that
NSAI has to offer, including pro song evals, webcasts with lessons and chats
from the pros, as well as one on one counseling when in Nashville, the annual
song contest, song camps and syposiums.  Here's our info for the last
meeting.  Also, don't forget to plug into the music organizations in Austin,
Dallas, Ft Worth, Houston, & Marshall.  Get on their mailing lists and see what
they are doing.  I've always felt that fellowship & feedback were worth
traveling for.

 

God Bless You & Keep Writing,

Ashleigh & Cody 
 
The BELTON-WACO NSAI REGIONAL WORKSHOP
invites you to
join us for our last meeting
Wednesday, February 27th
at 7pm at the
Harris Community Center
 
For more information contact:

Ashleigh Wehmeyer, NSAI Regional Coordinator,
(254) 213-3400,
adw246@...

Cody Cotton, NSAI Regional Coordinator,
(512) 285-3336,
cody5mile@...

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


NASHVILLE STAR NOW CASTING!


One dream. One country.
One NASHVILLE STAR.



NBC is proud to launch the Nationwide search for the next American Country Music
Superstar. Nashville Star returns, and this year it's on NBC.



We are looking for the nation's proudest and most ambitious musical talent. Do
you have what it takes to represent the best American music has to offer?



We are scouring the country for the nation's best Country singers to compete for
the musical opportunity of a lifetime ... a major-label record deal and a chance
to represent your country on the world's stage at the 2008 Olympic Games.





We want you! We're casting honky-tonk heroes, singing sensations, and performing
prodigies who are at least 16 years old and there's no upper-age limit. This
year the competition is also open to singing duos and trios.



Every country singer tells a story and we want to hear yours. Do you have the
ambition the talent and heart to proudly compete in the next nationally
acclaimed musical competition series?



To apply immediately go to: www.nashvillestarcasting.com ...
Specific locations and times will be available shortly.
Please check back soon! Nashville Star will be coming to the following cities
for Preliminary Casting Open Calls:





Feb. 17: Tallahassee and Denver

Feb. 21: New Orleans and Portland


One dream. One country.
One Nashville Star!

http://www.nashvillestarcasting.com/


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

there was an article in the wsj about david martin and his song "Something in
Your Eyes"

you can see the video at:
http://davidmartin.com/

February 14, 2008

He May Not Win Grammy, but He's Big in Walgreens Box of Chocolates Plays David
Martin's Tune; A 'Positive Love Song'
By ELLEN BYRON
URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120293876783466291.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

congrats to Greg Watton
Take a peep at a song I cowrote called "Out of Time"
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=27709144

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check out Craig Bickhardts
http://ninetymilewind.blogspot.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Want Better Music?
Don't Stiff the Songwriters
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/commentary/listeningpost/2008/02/listen\
ingpost_0204

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

what do y'all think of
The new rhyme site, WikiRhymer is at
http://www.wikirhymer.com
a myspace site:
http://www.myspace.com/wikirhymer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

one of the really cool things that the Grammy org does is
Musicares
http://www.grammy.com/MusiCares/Default.aspx

today to show Musicares a little love, I ordered an XL Christian Audigier
MusiCares T shirt. MusiCares provides funds for music people in need, and 100
percent of the proceeds from the shirt sales support this cause.

thought it would be cool to wear to Grammy events.
(scroll down on the above link to see it)

they've got some excellent videos on sobriety and recovery
http://www.grammy.com/MusiCares/Recovery/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ande's Songwriting Process

01) Fish for Hooks and find excellent song ideas:
I am always looking for
titles, hooks, stories, or situations to write songs about.
when I find an idea, I ask myself has it ever been done before, I want to find a
unique angle or title
sometimes I invite potential collaborators to read through lists of my song
ideas then pick one or a few faves, then I/we focus on getting the ones they
like to a solid first draft)
I keep a songwriting journal, I am very disciplined about writing ideas down in
it.
when I have enough of a song going
I transfer what I have into my computer
I put them in my email archive and or in a word doc.
Many times I'll google the title and the phrase to see where on the web it comes
up
I also do title searches on BMI.com and ASCAP.com
I think about
who'd want to hear it
who'd want to sing it
what sort of emotion it stirs


02) write the chorus
I want the chorus to be simple, catchy, easy to remember, hard to forget, well
crafted, rhymy,
my choruses tend to have short phrases
I look at syllable patterns of each line
repetition of the title
correct placement of the title which is covered at:
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=537816

03) write the verses,
( I write way more lines than I need and attempt to edit it down to the very
best)

04) write bridge or bridges (usually have several alternatives to offer)

05) complete first draft lyric

06) let it sit for a while

07) rewrite it on my own

08) get peer critiques & rewrite some more if necessary

09) attempt to place it with a collaborator

10) collaborator send lyric modifications and a rough recording

11) listen to first draft recording

12) rewrite and let it sit a while

13) ask for peer critiques

14) get pro critiques

15) rewrite

16) if we feel it's ready to demo, we demo it at this point
I want my demos to sound like they were done by professional songwriters
I prefer cowriters who can create excellent demos in their home studios

17) if we're pleased with the demo
I put it up on web and start pitching it


My process is kinda complex but it's what works for me.
Usually songs arrive in bits and pieces.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

been enjoying the music of Delta Goldrem
loved her songs on myspace
http://www.myspace.com/deltagoodrem
http://www.deltagoodrem.com/
John Shanks produced her last CD

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,

Ande



________________________________________________________________________
More new features than ever.  Check out the new AOL Mail ! -
http://webmail.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

have you joined the Grammy yet?
www.Grammy.org

You need to be a member if you want to get tickets or vote in the
final round

Can you join the Grammy org as a voting member?
https://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Member_Services/Apply/

let me know if you join

Key Dates:

Dec. 1: Ability to purchase GRAMMY telecast tickets begins

Dec. 1: Last day to join in Order to receive a final ballot &
invitation to the telecast

Dec. 6: Press conference announcing nominees for 50th GRAMMY Awards

Dec. 12: Final Ballots mailed to voting members

Jan. 9: Final ballots due from voting members

Feb. 10: 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards

I look forward to meeting y'all in LA at the 50th Annual Grammy
Awards,  on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008.
Save the Date!
In fact at least save Friday Feb 8th - Monday Feb 11th

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every songwriter should have a songwriting Library
Drop by:
http://astore.amazon.com/ifsande-20
to 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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

A lot's happened sing I last wrote y'all

indie artist Heather Wilkins cut Zip Zero that I cowrote with Donna
Aylor and Wake Eastman

Nov. 29 I hope to be in
San Marcos, TX
Cheatham Street Warehouse,
www.cheathamstreet.com, with
Class of 87 (Todd Snider, Terri Hendrix, James McMurtry, Bruce
Robison & jam)

I've got a new song called THAT MAGIC
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=60630

Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part
of the actor. It's a gift to the world and every being in it. Don't
cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got.

Steven Pressfield
American Novelist and Screenwriter

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's rare to find the start to finish evolution of a song written
with a pro song writer documented but that's exactly what you'll
find.

"Where Have the Good Guys Gone"
was written by Marc-Alan Barnette, the ring leader and many
participants on
the songramp.com "Songwriter" forum thread
"Marc-Alan Barnette Questions & Answers" at
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=57759

It all began on Mon, Sep 10, 2007 7:14 pm when Marc Alan Posted on
page 22 of the thread:
"That's what we do.
You guys want to write a song on here?
I am up for it."
MAB.

Start at:
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?
thread_id=57759&page=22
and you can follow how WHTGGG evolved.

you can hear the final song at
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=60796

here's the final lyric

Where Have The Good Guys Gone

Written by: Marc-Alan Barnette http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?
userid=14317 & his Songramp songwriting students

Gary Denis: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=16738 ,
Shelly Monahan: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=13517 ,
Derek Buchal: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=17877 ,
Norman Bradley: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=21162 ,
Jules Bloeth: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=7505 ,
Id57: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=18413 ,
Tina: http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=14515 , &
Ande Rasmussen

If you are an artist or singer
please let us know if you'd like to
try out, perform or record WHTGGG.
Thank you.
Contact: AndeRasmussen@...



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Last month I had the priveledge of interviewing Alissa Moreno
here's what she said

Congratulations to Alissa Moreno in LA,  she recently got a Rascal
Flatts cut EVERYDAY that she cowrote with Jeffry Steele. She also
cowrote the theme song for Hope and Grace.  And her song "Far From
Here" is being used to promote Lifetime TV's  show "Army Wives" -- an
ensemble drama series starring Kim Delaney ('NYPD Blue') and
Catherine Bell ('JAG') and produced by the creative team
behind "Grey's Anatomy."  Her song's been playing on  on Lifetime and
ABC! So she was kind enought to grant me an interview.

How does it feel to have a Rascal Flatts cut?
I've had little time to be excited, I'm working on getting my record
done.�


Alissa was born in New Mexico on Ramah a Navajo reservation near
Albuquerque. Her parents were teachers. They later moved to
Albuquerque. At age 2 she picked up the violin for a" daddy and me"
class she took with her dad. At age 5 she discovered piano and played
her moms songs. She was unbelievably shy and refused to sing in her
piano lessons, when her teacher asked her to sing do rey mi. It was
big challenge to over come. Later came musical theater, rock bands,
great essay writer and huge fan of fiction.

At age 17 she was very inspired by “Under the Pink� by tori amos
she realized that she could play piano, sing, and write her own
words. She went off to College of Santa Fe majored in vocal
composition and performance with a minor in theater and dance in
1999.

After college she went on vacation to Hawaii and loved it so she
decided to stay. Where she learned how to write songs. She decided
that she better learn guitar and probably ought to learn how to write
a pop song.  She was waitressing, working as an aloha girl, sang a
regular gig, starred in a music theater, the director left and she
got a job as the director, plus a waldorf school hired her to teach
music.  She loved living in Hawaii but decided that "If I'm really
going to do this (music) it would be hard to do from a small rock in
the middle of the Pacific." So she left and moved back to New Mexico

Alissa moved to Santa Fe to make first record EP, in 2000.  A good
friend suggested she go to the Durango Songwriters Expo 2000 where
she met Jeffrey Steele and David Bearwald who told her "you really
need to move to LA and really do this."

Finished recording her EP CD.  Started making trips to LA in 2000. In
NM, she was part of a side project band which was very hard to
leave.  She moved to LA 2002.    Joined ASCAP, found a manager, went
back to expo.

On her first day in LA she was watching band perform, she met a woman
who said, my husbands in music you should give him a CD. She did and
8 months later, that woman's husband john swihart called her and
invited her to collaborate on a project.  He was working on a film
that turned out to be Napoleon Dynamite, her vocals were on the film
festival version but did not make the cinema release. John found out
he could rely on Alissa.

Execs wanted song for the TV show "Hope and Faith," she got with John
and wrote "Sisters" the theme song.   A season later it was removed.

Alissa continued her artist career and acting career, an actress
jennifer introduced Alissa to John ernst, she gave him a CD, never
heard from him until 6 months later, he called and said he had a
featured spot on on the show Laguna Beach, Alissa's song  "Next Time"
ended up on the sound track with interscope records.  She wrote it
with Dawn Jackson from Sho-bud music who she met durango, .

In 2004 Alissa went back to Durango and jeffrey Steele  was there.
He  said I don't just do country we ought to write together. They
met in a room with now manager Felice Keller. Alissa had a hook "I
could take you on."   They took it on, wrote it and felt a good
chemistry, so we continued our writing pursuits as often as we could.

Later that Autumn, Jeffrey and Alissa met in Durango, Jeff had a 5
hour slot before he was due to perform at the the event.  Alissa said
I had a beautiful hook, it was an interesting piano lick. )She played
it for me over the phone. You hear it in the intro of the song.)
We were off to the races, Jeff started singing "everyday, Everyday
you save my life"
They wrote it and pitched it to Faith Hill, they put it on  hold, but
later opted not to cut it.

It was recorded and leaked on to the internet, Alissa said, "That's
when it first occured to me that's it's not going to be my song."
People from "so you think you could dance" called and asked to
license it.

Jeff called late 2006 and said,"Get ready, the flatts loved it
(Everyday) it's a go."
Meaning they were going to cut it.

January 2007 Alissa thought this is really gonna happen,  so I better
make my own record.  This was way layed because I made a trip to
india and have a tendancy to stay longer when I travel.

Jeffrey called and said rascal is looking for one more song, so I
went to Nashville and we wrote.

Leslie King and I started a music licensing company called la la
music focus on TV & film placements. http://www.lalamusic.net/
Kevin Hunter brought on 8 writers, 10 songwriters are running the
company.  We sent sent "Far From Here" to lifetime television and
they ended up using it for all their promotions of "Army Wives"  I
feel like should have paid the kind of money that BMI has paid me for
Army Wives, it's been incredible.

Alissa switched from ASCAP to BMI, BMI has been really wonderful
pushing my artist career forward.  Right now I'm working toward the
release of my record and a promo tour in  early january.

I think we're likely to hear much more about Alissa Moreno and I look
forward to seeing how her very bright future unfolds.


http://www.myspace.com/alissamoreno

alissamoreno.com

Here's what she blogged about her Army Wives placement

Wednesday, August 29, 2007
   ARMY WIVES SEASON FINALE
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
I am so PROUD to be attached to that show! Far From Here is my
favorite song and the response I've gotten from you guys and from the
real-life army wives has been unbelievable. Thank you, thank you
Lifetime, for putting out such a great show. The finale was amazing,
I'm dying to see what's next. Here's to another great season!!!



here's what she blogged on her Rascal Flatts cut

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
   Rascal Flatts - Still Feels Good
Current mood:  ecstatic
Category: Music
I am going to fall out of my chair! We stood in line at the Virgin
Megastore waiting for 12:01 to strike. The Rascal Flatts record is
out and my song "Every Day" is on it. They really did a BEAUTIFUL job
with it, it's one of many amazing works by these guys, I am oh so
happy to hear it!


(on a side note on La La Music I found this)

Can't Find what you're looking for
Take Our 48 hour challenge

send us a script or a brief description of your project and let our
team of songwriters, producers, and recording artists work for you

with immediate access to five different state of the art studios LaLa
Music can write and submit the song you need in 48 hours


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Do you have a youtube strategy

start making one simple video a week and put it up on youtube.com
do a combo of your own songs and covers
drop by
http://youtube.com/signup
register youtube.com/yourNAME
if it isn't taken

then go to upload
http://youtube.com/my_videos_upload

like
http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=davidchoimusic&p=v

david choi
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uWVuAl_aFRo

gimme more
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CYWhfzwbivA

that girl
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lnio-pqLPgg

do videos in response to other popular youtube videos
like "That girl"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lnio-pqLPgg

esmee
http://youtube.com/watch?v=69Grnh7Qin8

esmee unwritten
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cndPHeBiM3s

say it's possible
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ARHyRI9_NB4

esmee is an example of an artist who's been well received by
youtube viewers
http://youtube.com/user/esmeedenters

do your originals like
alone
take it slow
free to be loved by me

also do covers like
wonderful world
at last
over the rainbow
and other stuff you sing great

consider singing songs that Eva Cassidy did the way she sang them
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?
ubb=showflat&Number=537943&page=1#Post537943

get them up there and let me know when you do
just get stuff out there
don't suffer from procrastination and perfection paralysis


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  trusonic
load up your songs there
they are like muzak, if they like and approve your songs which I
think they might
they will put them in their play programs and you might have your
songs make you a little money
http://trusonic.com/artists.html
http://rms.trusonic.com/artist?cmd=display_create_new_customer

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admin@...>
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 2:22 pm
Subject: Today's The Big Day!


I am so excited to announce the release of my debut cd. This is just
amazing. I always dreamed of this day and now it is a reality.

It is such an honor to have worked with Hollyville Records, Mike
Winnen, John Kunz, Oliver Brodhage and so many others who worked so
hard to make this happen! I can't thank them enough.

The CD is currently available through the normal outlets, my website
(www.heatherwilkins.net) and on Amazon.com. iTunes, MSN, Rhapsody and
others will be coming shortly (apparently they are SLOOOOOW - LOL).

To celebrate the release I will be playing some poker with our
friends at www.vlpclub.net! This is Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Elliott
Sadler's latest venture and I am proud to be associate with them.

Winners will get prizes such as signed CDs, t-shirts and signed
pictures. So many things are on the horizon and I am looking forward
to a great year!

Those who Pre-Ordered my cd; those are being shipped today from my
understanding. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME!

- Heather

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Posted by: "Derek at CD Baby" dereklist@...   dereksivers
Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:42 am (PST)
I learned a hard lesson this year:

Sometimes the best deal for everyone is no deal at all.

In December 2004 Snocap contacted CD Baby about being one of our
digital distribution outlets. They were a P2P fingerprinting service
to help P2P services track and charge for music.

Since CD Baby has over 2.5 million songs directly from the artists,
in full WAV format with clean metadata, they wanted to import our
catalog into their tracking system.

After almost two years in ongoing contract negotiations, in August
2006 Snocap completely changed their business plan to what you see
today. Now they still wanted our entire digital distribution catalog,
but it was to create Flash widget stores on MySpace, which sounded
like a great idea, so we said OK.

But there was one crucial hitch with this plan: our two options from
Snocap were:
(1) - After delivering our entire catalog, step aside for the artists
to deal with Snocap directly
(2) - After delivering our entire catalog, have all
changes/additions/deletions administered through CD Baby's account
The downside to #1 was the obvious "tell your 200,000 clients about
us, then make them our clients for free, and get out of the way."
The downside to #2 was that artists would have crippled accounts,
unable to upload new material, change their pricing, or anything else.

But there's an important lesson learned, in hindsight: At this point
we should have walked away, and chosen "neither". We felt screwed
either way. But because of two years and thousands of dollars
invested into these negotations, we chose option #2. We were assured
that #2 wouldn't be so bad, that any audio we sent them would be
activated within hours, that we could send through pricing changes,
and many other things.

Unfortunately, everything went about as wrong as could be. Artists
had to go through a 21-step process to activate their accounts, which
left us with thousands of daily confused emails from artists. Furious
artists trying to upload their songs into Snocap were wrongly told
they can't because CD Baby "owns" their rights.

We had to hire 6 new full-time customer service people just to deal
with the thousands of problems. We couldn't fix problems ourselves,
only pass them on, because all fixes had to be done by Snocap. A
hundred times a day we had to helplessly apologize to our clients.

Every company meeting revolved around Snocap. Every employee had to
be trained in the endless FAQ about Snocap. For the last 8 months,
the CD Baby office has felt like a Snocap office. All we were doing,
all day long, was dealing with Snocap issues.

Then the sales reports came in.
$12,000 total sales for the 8 months they'd been active. Since we
keep a 9% cut, that's $1080 for us, total. Ouch.
As a curiosity, I quietly enabled MP3 sales on cdbaby.com, without
telling anyone. A "buy MP3" button showing up next to the "buy CD"
button.
In 3 weeks, with no announcements, we sold over $110,000 in
downloads. Hm.

We decided to do what we should have done in the first place: to
choose "no deal" as the best deal for our artists.

We told Snocap we needed completely out of the contract, at any cost.
Luckily, they agreed.

By breaking all ties with Snocap, our artists can go directly to
Snocap with no conflicts at all, and we can free-up our 24 full-time
customer service people to help our clients with other things besides
Snocap issues.

We're happy with it, for obvious reasons.

Snocap is happy to have the direct relationships with the artists.

The artists are happy to have full control and one less middle-man.

And I share this tale with no hard feelings, for the few who have
asked, "What happened?", and the many more that might recognize
themselves in a similar situation, and remember that sometimes the
best deal for everyone is no deal at all.

--
Derek Sivers, CD Baby, Hostbaby
http://cdbaby.com <-- best new independent music
http://hostbaby.com <-- web hosting for musicians

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Carrie Underwood article in USA today
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-10-18-carrie-
underwood_N.htm

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  http://www.myspace.com/morley220  anderasmussen
  Offline
  Send Email
     I am a singer songwriter I have been playing and writing since my
teens. I primarily play guitar I also play keyboards,bass,mandolin,
harmonica. I dabble on the fiddle(ouch) and drums.I have been
splitting my time between Niwot,Colorado and Nashville.I have been
recording in Nashville ironically enough at a studio on music row
called Jay's Place. I have been blessed to be able to get some of the
best musicians in Nashville on my songs. Jay Verne is the owner of
the studio he plays keyboards and is also a great producer engineer
and friend. He has played with and produced some of the best. Danny
Parks master list guitar player that rocks has played with everybody
in Nashville he knows exactly where I want to go, John Voight bass
player and groove master.Tommy Welles kickbutt drummer and avid
hockey addict. Larry Franklin and Hank Singer on fiddle they have
played with everyone from Alan Jackson to Brookes and Dunn, Asleep at
the Wheel to LeeAnn Womack, Dana McVicker on vocals she has belted it
out for the best and has great solo projects of her own. Butch Baker
did lead vocals on two cuts he is a great guy and killer vocalist. I
am so grateful for the work they have done and continue to do. I am
also eternally grateful to Jeffrey Steele and Sarah Wood for giving
me the opportunity of a lifetime. I got to spend time and cowrite
with Jeffrey Steele on two great songs as part of a work shop THE
JEFFREY STEELE BOOTCAMP that I was fortunate enough to take part in.
Not only did I get to Co Write with Jeffrey Steele. I got to play the
song we wrote, live on stage with Jeffrey Steele in Nashville and
with my new buddy and co writer Jeff Hurst from Fla. I will carry
that weekend with me for the rest of my life.If you don't know who
Jeffrey Steele is turn on country radio he has written a #1 song on
the country charts just about every week. Check out his web site. A
song I wrote titled STOP TALKIN recently placed first in the Song of
the Year monthly competition.STOP TALKIN has also been playing on
Rhapsody Radio. I had the opportunity in October to showcase at the
Durango Song Writers Expo and played on the radio in Park City, Utah
where the event took place. I got to play with my good friend Craig
(CJ) Jones.Just got back from the Durango Song Santa Barbara in May
and got to showcase there on two nights I was honored. What do I do
on my off time? We live on thirty two acres in Colorado so we are
outside alot. We have horses,two goats and three dogs all of that
keeps us pretty busy. But when I can I like to mountain bike, wake
board, surf and I love to snowboard. Above all those things I am in
love with and married to the woman that makes all my dreams happen
Janet with out her none of my crazy ideas would fly. In fact I have
to be careful of what I say. Like if I say. "Hey Janet I was thinking
of taking up brain surgery." I will get a resounding "You can do it!"
When I get home she will have signed me up and there will be books on
Brain Surgery on the kitchen table.We have raised a wonderful
daughter who is living on her own and is a multi talented artist and
teacher and we are proud of her accomplishments. All in all I have
been blessed.

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Cabaret songwriter Dennis Livingston was elected to the board of
directors
of the Boston Association of Cabaret Artists (BACA), where he is
working on
expanding member services and developing material for a new web site
for the
group (bostoncabaret.com). Dennis also reports the premiere of his
song "If
I Could Tell You," set to a poem by W.H. Auden, at an Auden festival
held
last month at the Gresham School in Holt, England, where the poet was
a
student. This song & others can be heard in full at
dennislivingston.com.


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Finding the Song
by Kris Bergnes
http://www.myspace.com/bergsong

I was working with a girl trying to write a song, but the music she
was playing was up-tempo and plodding. It was not doing anything for
me, because I wanted to write something emotional. I like up-tempo
but not just for the sake of being up-tempo. A&R people always say
they have the ballads, but they just need up-tempo. I always felt if
they truthfully had their ballads they would have a great record.
Reba's biggest album had one up-tempo, Jewels first album had zero
and it was still her biggest and best. There's a quote that says,
“The sadder the book the more the people loved it. Well, I just
stopped her in the middle of, her song, and my frustration. I said,
When's the last time you cried. Then I said, My last time was Sunday
night when I went to fix my starter on my car in Woodbury, TN, about
60 miles from home. She looked a little confused and I started
getting teary eyed and I said, It was late Sunday Afternoon and all
the streets of Woodbury were rolled up. I was on about my third trip
to Wal-mart and AutoZone, twenty miles away in Murfreesboro, for
parts and tools on a very frustrating day. It seemed like everything
was going wrong and I just took a glance into my rear view mirror.
The sun was going down and the sky looked, just like it did, the time
when I was a kid and Daddy had car trouble far from home. He always
had a hard time keeping his cars running, I thought about the time we
were 40 miles from my grandmothers house on a Sunday night headed for
Drumright(100 miles away) when we broke down. A highway patrolman
held the flashlight for daddy while he took off the fuel pump. He
tried to fix it but it was shot. The highway Patrolman called a
friend who had an auto parts store. Off they went, and in an hour
they came back with the part. Daddy put it on and I slept the rest of
the way to Drumright where we were living at the time. Yeah, that sun
was sinking and that chill in the air was identical to the time over
30 years ago when daddys car broke down, and it had been only 3
months since I buried my both my parents. All at once I just lost it
for a minute then I realized I had to get it together and fix the car
because that’s what daddy would have done. I stopped talking and
she knew it was her turn. She said for her it was a couple weeks ago
at a September 11th tribute where the kids were telling about a
parent or uncle or neighbor they lost. I said, Well, play that, what
does that sound like. She started playing what she felt instead of
what she was comfortable with. I said, I know you think we're trying
to write a song here but we're not. We're trying to find a place and
when we get to that place there's lots of songs waiting for us

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check out essession.com

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have you read
Songwriters Survival Guide
by Andrea Stople
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-andreastolpe.html

Andrea Stolpe is a multi-platinum recorded songwriter, performing
artist, and educator. She has worked as a staff writer for EMI, Almo-
Irving, and Universal Music Publishing, with songs recorded by Faith
Hill, Josh Gracin, Daniel Lee Martin and many others. She is the
author of "Commercial Songwriting Techniques," part of Berkleemusic's
online songwriting program. Just released in August 2007, Stolpe's
book Popular Lyric Writing: 10 Steps to Effective Storytelling
describes how to apply her process for uniting our artistic voice
with the commercial market. She continues to tour as a solo artist
and leads songwriting instruction from her own website.
http://www.andreastolpe.com/

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http://www.SongU.com/ifs
Gold Stars - September/October 2007

High-Fives to our members who won or placed in a songwriting contest
recently:
Rita Case ("I WON'T REMEMBER YOU") - 11th Annual Unisong
International Songwriting Contest Broadway/Cabaret Category:
Honorable Mention
Rita Case ("A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS") - 11th Annual Unisong
International Songwriting Contest Seasonal/Specialty: Finalist.
Cheryl Ashton ("Cinderella in Satin") - 11th Annual Unisong
International Songwriting Contest. 2nd place in the country division.
David Swinford ("Free to Believe", co-written with Terri Fann).
Mountain Valley Arts (MOVA) songwriting competition 2nd Place in
Folk/Bluegrass category.
Leslie Bowe ("Here I Am", co-written with Nancy Vogl). Stagenoise.com
Songwriting Contest. Grand Prize winner!!
Ed Williams has been placing all over the board in several contests
from grand prize to honorable mentions in The John Lennon Song
Contest, Midwest Song Contest, Australian Song Contest, UK
songwriting Contest, Austin Songwriting Contest, West Coast
Songwriters Contest and Billboard Songwriting Contest.
Hats off to those members who signed a song with a publisher or had a
song recorded/licensed:
Jeff Moxcey has five cuts on the latest CD, "I've Gone Funny" by "Dan
The Man," in North Wales, in the UK!
Bill Ekhoff ("Too Much Information") was recorded by Rob Russell. The
song will be released in Canada as a single in the first quarter of
2008. Rob Russell's last release "Just Walk Away" reached #20 on the
Canadian Country Chart.
Pat Kelley ("Did You Think Of Me Today" and "Better We Used To Be").
Signed by America's New Artist (ANA). Two more songs were picked up
by ANA during a visit to Nashville in August. They were, "Let's Get
Ridin'" and "Every Sunday." They are scheduled to be recorded in
November with an early 2008 release on all of them. "Better We Used
To Be" and "Every Sunday" were co-written with long-time Nashville
pro Bucky Jones.
Ken Matejka ("Right Ain't Wrong & Wrong Ain't Right", co-written with
Anastasia Matejka). Signed by America's New Artist Music.
Ken Matejka ("Three Days to Live", co-written with Anastasia Matejka
& Dan Robinson). Signed by RockDiva SugarDaddy Publishing.
Ken Matejka ("To You With Love", co-written with Anastasia Matejka).
Signed by RockDiva SugarDaddy Publishing
Ken Matejka ("What Might Have Been", co-written with Anastasia
Matejka). Signed by America's New Artist Music
James (Jim) Smith ("Pink Fuzzy Dice"). Recorded by Jimmy Dale. Jimmy
is finishing his first CD end of this month.
Jane Godfrey ("Finally Loving Myself")  is on the new recovery music
CD, Trail of Light. She's in some pretty good company too, alongside
such notables as Paul Williams, Mary Gauthier and SU faculty, Jack
Sundrud. You can read more about it at:
http://www.sunlightofthespirit.com/product/84-Gracie-Vandiver-Friends-
Trail-of-Light--Trail-Of-Light
Tammi Mullen ("The Tiger And The Monk (Convergence)") is on hold for
the upcoming album Songs For A Better Planet, Vol. III (by the way,
this song was written for the recent Spring Fling challenge at
SongU.com).
Carey Moore ("I Thought I Was A Stud Till She Got Her Nails In Me")
will be used in the movie "Jolene," starring Jessica Chastain, Dermot
Mulroney, Donald Sutherland Based on an E.L. Doctorow short story.
Scheduled to be released in October.
Congrats to those members who have released a CD or are getting
airplay:
Marla Lewis - Her second Children's CD "I Love To Talk To Plants" is
now available. Find out more at: http://www.marlalewis.com/
Ban Banerjee ("Gotta Be A Country Star", co-written with Ronnie
Wilson). American Idol Underground currently at the #3 spot in
the "folk" category/radio in its 18th week on the charts.
Rebecca Hosking ("Your New Home") recorded by Rachel Farley (Warner
Bros.) is being performed regularly by Rachel. You can look for the
album due out this fall.
Gary Hines and Sounds of Blackness. Check out their ground-breaking
New CD, "KINGS & QUEENS: Message Music From The Movement" available
exclusively At Best Buy. "KINGS & QUEENS" is a 'Movement' for Self-
Respect and Against Violence. A Portion of Proceeds To The Martin
Luther King Memorial Fund. And if you're a Grammy voting member, be
sure to cast your vote for it - you'll find it listed in several
categories on the first ballot.
Sue Fabisch ("I Don't Think About It") has been recorded by Emily
Osment and is in rotation on Radio Disney.
SongU.com Spin N' Pitch Congratulates....
September and October were another couple of great months for the SU
Spin N' Pitch as several members either received notes of interest in
their songs and/or had their songs forwarded by the SU screeners. As
a reminder, you can now listen to some of these songs off the special
listening page linked off of "My Pitching". Apologies in advance to
anyone I left out, including any co-writers.
Congrats to the following members who received notes of interest in
their songs from our Publisher Guests:
Elizabeth Axford "Christmas in Florida"
Elizabeth Axford "It's Not Like We Never Drove Through Texas"
Doug Brzak "FROGS DIDN'T HAVE GUNS"
John Condrone "I Held His Hand"
John Condrone "Since I Found You"
John Condrone "Here And Now"
John Condrone "True Light"
Larry Center "BACKBONE"
Carol Coffey "WITHOUT YOU THERE'S NO ME IN MERRY CHRISTMAS"
Arnie Davidson "Golden Road"
Keith Dean "Double Up"
Patrick Dodge "White Knight in a Cadilac"
Perry Dusch "Jumpin' Out Quicker Than Jumpin' In"
Jonathan Eborn "That's What It's Like"
Bill Ekhoff "Tall & Tan & Twenty-Three (CD)"
Terri Fann "Some 2,000 Christmases Ago (Best of SongU)"
Lorna Flowers "No One Can Hurt Me"
Steve Hostetler "Eleven Fifty Nine"
Ken Matejka "The Christmas Wish"
Yvonne Perkins "WHAT DO YOU SEE"
Gerri Rowan "UPTOWN DOWNTOWN COUNTRY SWING"
Todd Thompson "Born Into the Streets (I am)"
Mitch Townley "Promise To Forever"
Tim Voorhies "Down To My Last Nerve"
Keith Sasser "Give My Toys"
Bruce Scism "Guide Me Home (Note: Vocal version)"
Michael Taylor "Links in a Chain"
Michael Taylor "Troubletown*"
Ashleigh Wehmeyer "Get In Touch with Your Feminine Side"
Bob Wirth "YOU'RE EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME"
Jack Wise "If You Let Me"
Kenn Wolfe "Every Day I Rise and Fall (In Love With You)"
Kenn Wolfe "I Just Wish (male vocal)"
Congrats to the following members who received notes of interest in
their songs from our Artist/Producer Guests:
Gene Reynolds "Bobby'd Be A Star"
RITA CASE "ANGEL OF MERCY "
Bob Clay "The Church of Come On In"
Lonnie Good "Victory In Jesus"
Elizabeth Milcarek "IF LOOKS COULD KILL "
Lance Sims "Got My Country On"
John Condrone "One Teardrop Short"
Kent Forward "The Way I Do"
And a round of applause to the following members who had their songs
forwarded for recent pitches:
Cheryl Ashton "TURN OFF THE MOON"
Tom Bohn "I SOULD BE SO LUCKY"
Chris Caminiti "WINDOWS DOWN"
John Condrone "Lyin' On The Side Of The Road"
Bob Dewald "Y CHROMOSOME"
Lorna Flowers "Strong Enough To Lose You (re-write)"
Kent Forward "Screw That"
Kent Forward "Hearts Break In Waves"
Kent Forward "Above Ground"
Jeff Harmon "I Wish You Love"
Steve Hostetler "No Goodbye"
Shelley Jacobson "Don't Even Think About It"
Marc Kuchner "I'm Still Growing Up"
Marc Kuchner "Jack Nicholson "
Joe Lickteig "I've Died and Gone To Tulsa DEMO"
Christina Meyer "The Way She Makes Me Feel"
James Oliver "You've Given Me A Hand"
Bill Osofsky "Come With Me"
Bill Osofsky "It's Not You, It's Me"
Ray Phillips "Wrote That In Blue fv"
Ray Phillips "That's What She's Dreaming Of -ml"
Gene Reynolds "KNOCKED ME DEAD (NEW)"
Gerri Rowan "Workin Overtime"
Catherine Rushton "Girls Like Fast Cars Too"
Lance Sims "Elbow Room"
Janusz Slusarz "Loved By You"
Gary D. Smith "Trying to Mend a Broken Heart "
David Swinford "Last Dirt Road"
Mitch Townley "Boondockin'"
Mitch Townley "LACEY MAE'S HOT WINGS"
Tina Tufts "ALL THE LITTLE THINGS"
Nancy Vogl "Here I Am"
Ed Williams "Make It Right Right Now"


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey Ricardo-

Thank you so much for inviting me. I really enjoyed it.



Most divisions here hire their own interns based on need, so we
don’t have a specific system set-up. If you have some folks that
would like to submit resumes for internships here in the spring, have
them send to you with the division they are interested in, or which
their experience is a fit. You can compile and send all to me and I
will distribute to the various divisions for review.



1. Marketing / Advertising - this division is responsible for
promoting the festivals. This involves media buys, magazine / radio
trades and promotions, setting up special events, recruiting and
managing street teams, organizing timelines and schedules for all out-
going pieces, etc.

2. Sponsorship â€" This division is responsible for selling available
properties at the festivals, as well as managing the current sponsor
relationships.

3. Digital / Interactive â€" this division runs the websites for the
festivals, creates fun web promotions, organizes the email calendars
and content, manages message boards and social networking sites,
works on the digital recording and download program of festival
audio, and also sells online properties to sponsors.

4. Talent Buying / Club show marketing â€" this group books the bands
for all the festivals and the club shows in Texas and beyond. Their
marketing division is responsible for promoting these shows in their
respective markets.

5. Accounting â€" anyone interested in finance?

6. Office operations â€" does anyone just want a general office
internship?

7. Event production â€" this division is responsible for all of the
logistics of the festivals â€" ordering gear, setting up staff,
internal communications, developing the lay-out, advancing with the
artists, etc.

8. Private parties and events â€" this division produces events or
parties for clients, product launches, foundations, etc. They also
run all the VIP hospitality areas for all of the festivals.

9. Creative â€" this division is responsible for designing all
elements for the festivals. They create ad campaigns, design signage
and site enhancements, design and produce all street team collateral
and marketing materials, etc.

10. Artist Management â€" this group manages the careers of our music
clients. They oversee album launches, publicity, touring,
merchandise, publishing, etc.

I think that is about it!

Thank you again for the invitation. Please let me know if you have
any other questions.



Lisa


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**** "The Durango Songwriter's Expo's "Write With The Hitmakers"
songwriting contest the winners actually get to write with hit
songwriters, get a one song publishing career, and advance your
career.  First year pop winner, Alissa Moreno, wrote with Jeffrey
Steele at The Santa Barbara Expo two years ago and that song they
wrote is on the new Rascal Flatts record and slated to be a single.
The country winner will write at
The Santa Barbara Expo,
Feb 28 - Mar 1 with SESAC Writers Of The Year, Sam and Annie Tate..
The pop/rock winner will write with Keith Follese. The country one
song publishing deal will be with Midas Music, the pop/rock deal will
be with Left Winger/Peermusic. For more info and to download the
registration form go to
www.Durango-Songwriters-Expo.com

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Official Press Release regarding the entrustment of The Bluebird
Café to the NSAI:

Nashville Songwriters Association International
To Assume Ownership of Famed Bluebird Cafe

Amy Kurland  Announces Extraordinary Contribution
and Will Remain As Founder

Kris Kristofferson Kicks Off Celebration with Private Performance

November 9, 2007, Nashville, TN-- Bluebird Cafe founder Amy Kurland
will
entrust ownership of the legendary songwriter venue, effective
January 1,
2008, to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
NSAI is
a trade organization committed to protecting the rights and future of
the
profession of songwriting, and to educate, elevate the songwriter.

Through the announcement it was revealed that Kurland structured the
transfer to ensure that the Bluebird will provide financial support
for
NSAI's mission, and allow the organization to continue the their
important
work on behalf of the songwriting profession.

Thursday night, November 8, one of NSAI's founders, the legendary Kris
Kristofferson, with original band members Donnie Fritts, Billy Swan,
Stephen
Bruton and friend Chris Gantry, performed at the Bluebird to
celebrate the
historical moment.

"As the Bluebird turned 25, I looked back through the years of
wonderful
music and started to consider the next 25 years," said founder Amy
Kurland.
"By partnering with NSAI, I feel sure that The Bluebird will always
be here
as a home for new and accomplished songwriters."

The NSAI Board of Directors agreed that the Bluebird Cafe  would
remain a
venue for songwriter performances.

"The NSAI Board meeting fell into stunned silence at the announcement
of our
acquisition of the Bluebird Cafe," recalled board president Steve
Bogard.
"Twenty-five of Nashville's best and most experienced songwriters were
literally speechless, humbled at the honor and responsibility of
carrying on
the tradition of America's premier acoustic songwriting venue. The
terms of
Amy Kurland's transfer of the Bluebird to NSAI can only be described
as a
gift to songwriters everywhere.  We know that this is a sacred trust
and a
brilliant opportunity to create a synergy that will allow us to
better serve
America's songwriters in Nashville, Washington D.C. and across the
country."

NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison noted that "no changes" were
planned
for the Bluebird Cafe. He said the same staff would remain along with
the
format that Kurland started.

"Bluebird Founder Amy Kurland created something that simply does not
exist
anywhere else. The musical magic created nightly over the years has
earned
the Bluebird Cafe  a place in songwriter history," said
Herbison.  "We, at
NSAI, intend to carefully guard the legacy of the Bluebird Cafe  and
protect
the special atmosphere Amy created."

Kurland opened the cafe in 1982 as a casual gourmet restaurant with
some
live music.  Since those early days, the Bluebird has become a
showcase and
home for songwriters.  In 1985, Sunday writer's nights were added as a
chance for new writers to audition and perform.  Dinner
shows followed in 1987. The Bluebird Cafe  is the setting for the
1995 film
"The Thing Called Love," starring River Phoenix, K.T. Oslin, Samantha
Mathis
and Sandra Bullock.

Kathy Mattea, T. Graham Brown and Sweethearts of the Rodeo were
discovered
at the cafe. Superstar Garth Brooks played Open Mic and Sunday
Songwriters
shows, and nailed down his recording contract with Capitol Records at
The
Bluebird.

Notable songwriters including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith,
Janis
Ian, Tony Arata, Bill Lloyd, Danny Flowers, Don Henry, Don Schlitz
and many
others have worked their magic in the room.

About the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) NSAI
is the
world's largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization.
Established
in 1967, the membership of more than 4,000 spans the United States
and five
other countries. NSAI is dedicated to protecting the rights of and
serving
aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music. For more
information, visit www.nashvillesongwriters.com


Amy Kurland entrusting The Bluebird Cafe to the NSAI, but we thought
you might like to see the official press release, so we've included
it below. Please scroll down to the main part of the e-mail.
***To see Amy’s chat with Katie Couric, go here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3476875n


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My song "Party Of The Year" will be prominently featured on the
December 2nd episode of "Life Is Wild" on the CW 11,

check it out!!

yours truly,

Noel Cohen


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We'll be covering songwriter Liz Hengber's lesson "A Songwriter's
Reality Check."  After that we'll do peer song critiques & get to
know each other a little better! Feel free to bring a friend...

Belton-Waco Regional Workshop

Harris Community Center
401 Alexander St
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5860

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
at 7pm

The meeting is open to current and former members of NSAI and guests
who are interested in joining NSAI.  The first two meetings for non-
members are free, after that, it's $15 to attend a meeting. We pass
the hat for a donation of a couple of dollars that helps pay for the
space.
Future meetings will be held the 4th Wednesday of the month.

Please bring at least six copies (or more!) of your typed lyrics
along with a song on tape or CD (or you can perform it live).  If
you’re not a musician, please bring your lyrics and find others to
collaborate with.

Check out our new website: www.myspace.com/beltonwaconsai

For more information contact:
Ashleigh Wehmeyer, NSAI Regional Coordinator, (254) 213-3400,
adw246@...
Cody Cotton, NSAI Regional Coordinator, (512) 285-3336,
cody5mile@...


Directions from the North:
Take exit 294B on I-35 South  for 6th St in Belton
Take the first left off the exit at the light, by McDonalds, onto 6th
St
Take 6th St until it ends and turn left onto N. Main at the light
Take a right onto 2nd at the next light (approx. 0.2 mi)
Cross over the bridge and take a right onto Alexander (almost 0.2 mi)
You'll see a sign for the center
Harris Community Center is about 0.1 mi up the road on your left
Park and come on in!

Directions from the South:
Take exit 294A  on I-35 North for Central Ave
After the exit, turn left at the light onto Central near the Sonic
Turn right at the 2nd light onto Main St (about 0.6mi)
Turn left onto 2nd at the first light (about 0.1 mi)
Cross over the bridge and take a right onto Alexander (almost 0.2 mi)
You'll see a sign for the center
Harris Community Center is about 0.1 mi up the road on your left
Park and come on in!

If you wish to be taken off this list, just ask!  Thanks, Belton-Waco
NSAI Coordinators

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Write On,

Ande

have you joined the Grammy yet?
www.Grammy.org

Are you going to go to the 50th Grammys?
Can you join the Grammy org as a voting member?
https://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Member_Services/Apply/
you need to be a member to participate in the process and order
tickets

Key Dates:

Oct. 17: 1st ballot mailed to voting members

Nov. 7: 1st round of ballots due from voting members

Dec. 1: Ability to purchase GRAMMY telecast tickets begins

Dec. 1: Last day to join in Order to receive a final ballot &
invitation to the telecast

Dec. 6: Press conference announcing nominees for 50th GRAMMY Awards

Dec. 12: Final Ballots mailed to voting members

Jan. 9: Final ballots due from voting members

Feb. 10: 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards

I look forward to meeting y'all in LA at the 50th Annual Grammy
Awards,  on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008.
Save the Date!
In fact at least save Friday Feb 8th - Monday Feb 11th

which chapter is closest to you?
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Atlanta/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Chicago/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Florida/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Los_Angeles/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Memphis/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Nashville/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/New_York/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Pacific_Northwest/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Philadelphia/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/San_Francisco/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/
  http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Washington_DC/

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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

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Every songwriter should have a songwriting Library
Drop by:
http://astore.amazon.com/ifsande-20
to 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

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

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Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

Saturday October 6th I had the pleaseure of being in Shreveport, LA
instructing a workshop at the  RED RIVER MUSIC CONFERENCE 2007
Tricia Baker from JPF was my host, she was just terrific, picked me
up at the airport, let me stay in her home. I enjoyed her song
the Ant Bite Boogie http://www.giddygirlmusic.com/
While I was there I met
Paul Eason http://www.PaulEason.com,
Star D Aztlan from Martindale, Tx, http://www.stardeaztlan.com/ and
Rebecca Henricks http://rebeccahenricks.com


I don't rant much, but I did want to point this out that
the BELTON-WACO NSAI REGIONAL WORKSHOP used to be
the Austin NSAI REGIONAL WORKSHOP until those who lead
Austin Songwriters Group called NSAI and complained. ASG got the
Austin NSAI workshop thrown out of Austin and moved 2 counties
north.  ASG used to coexist and cooperate with other songwriting
organizations like NSAI workshops. ASG used to support other
songwriting events and opportunities, we used to share anything that
might benefit ASG members.
Like Pat Pattison coming to Texas sponsored by Joe Strouse or
the Texas Songwriter Cruise, created by Lealean Peace
but this hasn't been the case in the last few years.
This saddens me.

Are you On facebook? send me a friend invite
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7921551

I may be cowriting a song with
http://affinityrecords.com/haroldpayne.cfm

I got back the my first rough recording on a song I'm cowriting with
Tammy Edwards
http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?userid=21469

Ande

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Ever Heard of Marc Alan Barnette
A few of my friends and cowriters have worked with him like
Julie Moriva and Doak Turner

when I analize a song, it comes from about four different places:

#1 As an artist, would it be entertaining and hold an audiences
attention?

#2 As a writer, how does it stand up against other's in my catalogue.
Would this be one I turn in to my publisher? If I had five chances?
Three chances? One?

#3 If  I were producing this, how would it come out to edge out the
competition?

#4 If I were a record company, would this be one of the few releases
we do?

      The biggest thing I run up against are ballads. There are some
very good ones out there and they are about 70% of what writers
write. 7% of what is cut. Also, songs that only have emotional
content and not visual furniture. If you couple these two elements,
no tempo and no visuals, you are as good as dead in the water. No
matter how emotional it connects, it is turned off at the intro or
you are told from record people and publishers, "We can't use them.
Don't bring them."

    That is the hardest things for newer writers to understand. Most
of them have never sat through a four hour writers night with 25
writers doing 65 ballads. They haven't gone through those pitch
meetings where you are with your publisher, up against the four other
writers at the company fighting for demo time, and turning in ballads
that are cut off at the first or second line. They have never gotten
with a record company person who fast forwards through three songs
and says "What else you got?"
    That is what my forum is about. The other elements past the
intitial writing of the song. We are involved with this current song
as a group writing excercise and if it comes out the way I hope, it
will have a practical application effect. If not, we will all have
one more really cooking song.
   You guys have a great day. I have appointments and will check in
later. I am right now going through most of the posts and making sure
I don't skip any really good lines.
MAB

he started a great thread on Songramps forums
http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=57759
on that thread he cowrote a song (i'm one of the writers on it)

what have the good guys gone
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=59460

http://marcalanbarnette.com

check out his write up lessons
http://www.marcalanbarnette.com/writeups.htm

check out his songwriters tours
http://www.marcalanbarnette.com/tours.htm

I've read great things about him and his services.

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Back in 2003 I had the honor of cowriting "Home Made of Stone" with
john Arthur martinez and Steve Seskin.
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=34089

The song was a promise from john Arthur to his wife. Yesterday
October 13th 2007 I had the priveledge of seeing jAm's actual "Home
Made of Stone" It is high on a hill where the whitetail run. I saw
several deer when I drove on the road to his home. It has 4 large oak
trees in the front yard. A view of lake LBJ. The home was remodeled
by jAm's good friend Marley Porter who I believe is going to be known
as the Frank Lloyd Wright of Central Texas. you can see pic of jAm's
Home Made of Stone at: http://www.livingarchitecture.com/photo.htm
it's on the bottom right hand side

Marley's website is: http://www.livingarchitecture.com
A couple of his designs are
Chapel Dulcinea http://www.chapeldulcinea.org
and Austin's one world theater
http://www.oneworldtheatre.org/rentals/index.html
love his work.

Yesterday Marley told me he had drawn up the plans for jAm's Home
Made of Stone. He was driving along Dogwood, listening to home made
of stone 5 deer crossed the road in front of him then he looked in
the brush and saw a small for sale sign. He walked around the
property then called john arthur, then called and made an offer on
the property. jAm's home made of stone went from a new home to a
remodel. The remodel faced it's set of challenges but they set a open
house date of Saturday October 13th 2007 and since people were coming
in from as far as Maine and Florida. They pushed and made the home
more than presentable. I found out that 3 weeks ago it hadn't even
been sheet rocked.

It looked great yesterday.

It was a thrill to sit on the fire place and watch jAm perform our
song "Home Made of Stone"

I also had a nice conversation with Mike Blakely he just finished a
book that he cowrote with Willie Nelson and he's now working on the
screen play.

Later I went downtown and watched Mike and jAm perform at their CD
release party.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's what was in the san antonio paper
Home at last
Marble Falls resident John Arthur Martinez won the hearts of millions
on the first season of "Nashville Star" when he sang "Home Made of
Stone." It was a pledge to his wife, Yvonna, that they would not live
in a mobile home forever after he quit his job as high school teacher
and tennis coach to pursue music.
Flash 10 years forward, and Martinez finally is making good on that
promise â€" and he is inviting his fans to help celebrate at an open
house from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at his home near Castle Rock, on the
Colorado River between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay.
"My fans have been planning this for some time," Martinez
said. "They're coming from different parts of the country, and there
will be a big contingent from Texas as well."
The home is a barely recognizable remodel of a 1960s ranch house,
redesigned Southwestern style and made of brick, stucco and â€" of
course â€" stone. Acclaimed architect Marley Porter of Living
Architecture Inc. designed the home. For directions, e-mail Bette
Abeel, president of Martinez's fan club, at jamfans @austin.rr.com.
A CD release party will follow the open house at 8 p.m. at the Uptown
Marble Theater in Marble Falls. The CD, a duo performance with
Martinez and Mike Blakely, also was a decade in the making. For years
Martinez and Blakely performed their original songs at venues around
Marble Falls, and fans kept asking for an album of them performing as
a duo. While they have appeared on each other's CDs, they never
recorded a whole project together. Most of the tunes on the disc are
previously unrecorded.
At the show, Mike Blakely and the Whiskey Traders also will release
his CD "Live at the Uptown," recorded last year at the theater. Check
it out at www.uptownmarble.com.


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ever read this, I loved it


The Mozart Effect®:
Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and
Unlock the Creative Spirit
By Don Campbell (HarperCollins)

"What is this magical medium that moves, enchants, energizes, and
heals us? In an instant, music can uplift our soul. It awakens within
us the spirit of prayer, compassion, and love. It clears our minds
and has been known to make us smarter.

Music can dance and sing our blues away. It conjures up memories of
lost lovers or deceased friends. It lets the child in us play, the
monk in us pray, the cowgirl in us line dance, the hero in us
surmount all obstacles. It helps the stroke patient find language and
expression.

Music is a holy place, a cathedral so majestic that we can sense the
magnificence of the universe, and also a hovel so simple and private
that none of us can plumb its deepest secrets.

Music helps plants grow, drives our neighbors to distraction, lulls
children to sleep, and marches men to war. Music can drum out evil
spirits, sing the praises of the Virgin Mary, invoke the Buddha of
Universal Salvation, enchant leaders and nations, captivate and
soothe, resurrect and transform.

Yet it is more than all of these things. It is the sounds of earth
and sky, of tides and storm. It is the echo of a train in the
distance, the pounding reverberations of a carpenter at work. From
the first cry of life to the last sigh of death, from the beating of
our hearts to the soaring of our imaginations, we are enveloped by
sound and vibration every moment of our lives. It is the primal
breath of creation itself, the speech of angels and atoms, the stuff
of which life and dreams, souls and stars, are ultimately fashioned.

Copyright 2001, 1997 Don Campbell



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MySpace extra song

If you befriend Bodog Entertainment your song limit on MySpace is
increased to 5 instead of 4.
http://www.myspace.com/bodog

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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who went to Durango
Here's what IFS reader Donna Galbraith blogged about it

Durango Songwriter's Expo- Tucson

One more DSE under my belt! I had an especially delightful time! The
weather was GREAT, and I did everything from hike, to hot tub,
massage, songwriting, and... well.... the ceremonial sipping of the
Kamikaze.... :-)

I had a publisher tell me to fix the lyric on a last chorus on my
newest song, and she'd take it. And one of my pro-writer friends has
asked me if I want to write a song next time I am in town. (Uh..
yeah... I think I'm gonna do that...) :-)

More than anything, I needed this week to rejuvenate. No better place
to do that than with all my peeps.

There will be THREE DSE's next year.
End of Feb. in Santa Barbara
Near Memorial Day in Ashville, NC
Breckenridge, CO in September (2 hours away from me!)

Guess I'd better start saving up now...

The FAA is still messing with my transfer to Nashville Tower, but I
am pretty sure it will happen in 08.

Take care, ya'll!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

did you readt the note Bart Herbison wrote on songramp
AN OPEN LETTER FROM BART HERBISON


Dear SongRamp Members,

It has been a few months since NSAI has posted anything formally on
the website to the general membership, (though we have spoken and
emailed with many of you personally). After observing and interacting
with the SongRamp community NSAI would like to address some of the
issues and concerns that have been brought to our attention.

First, allow us to thank each of you who have taken the time to write
in and/or call us with your ideas and suggestions. They have not gone
unnoticed and we here at NSAI and SongRamp pride ourselves on our
ability to personally reach out to our members and provide them with
the best customer service we have to offer. As you can appreciate,
your input aides us immensely when it comes to mapping out courses of
action and an overall concept/direction for the SongRamp community.

So, what is the future of SongRamp? The truth is, we are still trying
to determine the answer to that question. Initially, NSAI had great
conceptual ideas, but as we studied the dynamics of the community,
our initial plans changed. NSAI is a songwriter organization. But
frankly we have learned that the resources we can best provide may
not be the resources SongRamp members need or want. When SongRamp was
created it was initially geared toward songwriters. In fact, at one
point more than 20,000 members had joined--the majority of which were
songwriters only. Over time however, SongRamp evolved into more of an
independent artist community. We have heard from many members,
stating simply they aren’t interested in creating “commercial�
sounding music. (Good for you!!!)

The reality is that a community that once boasted tens of thousands
of active members now has less than 100 members that generate the
bulk of the activity on SongRamp. Again, from our observations, that
activity is mostly artist-driven. So right now NSAI, (in consultation
with SongRamp founders Tim and Tammy Choate) is reaching out to other
organizations to examine their interest in partnering with NSAI to
provide resources to the SongRamp community that are meaningful and
valuable.

What if, working with other organizations, we can eventually bring
resources and opportunities for performing songwriters? What if we
can give you "real" information on venues where you can book
yourself, independent radio promotion, pitches to Indy-labels, artist
showcases....etc? While these are not NSAI's strengths, we do have
strength in our relationships with other organizations that can
provide such resources to this community.

Let us carefully say that we cannot promise other organizations will
become involved, but that is our goal. And that goal will take
time......perhaps a few years. Meanwhile, as we try to craft a
logical business plan to serve the SongRamp community, I want to
share the "fiscal" realities confronting NSAI. We currently incur ALL
the costs of this website, and to be very forthcoming with you, we
aren’t even breaking even. That’s right! We are paying to keep
this community up and running so that the website doesn’t have to
shut its doors. This is why you have seen some NSAI marketing on the
website. We think our events can benefit SongRamp members and if we
can generate additional income from the things we advertise to fund
SongRamp, we will continue to do so.

While we ALL face these realities, NSAI's goal is to face them with
vision and dedication. We will be soliciting advice from SongRamp
members as the site evolves. We can truly see a community where we
combine the right songwriter resources with loads of information and
opportunities for performing songwriters and independent artists. And
frankly, we have learned from SongRamp members that those who want
them have many resources as aspiring professional songwriters, but
the same resources do not exist for performing writers and Indy
artists.

One final note: We are working on a number of "technical" changes for
the site that you will begin seeing soon. (Thanks for the input Lucy
Webster!!!)

At the end of the day every employee who works for a "not-for-profit"
salary at NSAI has dedicated themselves to protecting and serving
America's music creators.

Thanks again for making music and allowing NSAI to try and evolve
SongRamp into what you want it to become!

Warm Regards,
Bart Herbison
Executive Director
Nashville Songwriters Association International
SongRamp

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pat Pattison Workshop in Austin TX

Workshop description:
This class will use participants' songs to demonstrate the rewriting
process. We will focus on various issues, including verse
development, productive repetition, phrasing, effective matching of
lyric and melody, structure and prosody. We'll try to focus
particularly on polishing those small bumps that distract the
listener and let a little air escape from the song's tires.

SONG CRITIQUES: On the afternoon of the 28th, Pat will do song
critiques for workshop participants.

"I took a class with Pat Pattison, a really great teacher... I
learned a lot of stuff in that class, and I still read Writing Better
Lyrics. I've still got it on the tank of my toilet ... I think it's
great."
--John Mayer
Grammy winning artist/songwriter, 2004

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 The Performing
Songwriter. Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the
US, Canada, and the UK. Several of his students have won Grammys, in
addition to John Mayer and Gillian Welch.

Cost? $100 per person.
Current Berklee College students and alumni pay $75.

Added bonus!
You bring a friend at full price and you can take 20% off ($80 for
non-Berklee students and $60 for Berklee students!) for your
admission!

Please make checks payable to Pat Pattison. You can make them out to
me, but I'll just use it for the ever-so-possible Ireland Bicycle
Trip Special Vacation account instead...

Meals/Accommodations: On your own. We may order in for lunch -
depending on the group's preference. We aree planning on
another "field trip" Saturday night, depending on the quantity of
homework! Last June's trip to Opal Devines was a lot of fun.

Location: Tentatively, St. Edward's University. Details to follow.

Time: 10 am - 5 pm both days.

Class size: Limited to the first 30 who send a check payable to "Pat
Pattison". No extra points if the check is made payable to Joe. Or
the Grossly Underfunded Ireland Bicycle Trip Special Vacation�
account.

Mail checks to:
Pat Pattison Workshop,
c/o Joe Strouse,
P.O. Box 80444 ,
Austin , Texas 78708-0444

Questions? Contact Joe Strouse @ strousongs@...

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Ever Heard of Demo Check
DEMOCHECK.COM ONLINE MUSIC REVIEW SERVICE LAUNCHED
** New online service allows composers, songwriters and musicians
worldwide to get their music heard and reviewed by industry
professionals.
Global Media Development Group announces the launch of DemoCheck.com
(http://www.democheck.com) a new online service where composers,
songwriters, musicians and others can have their music professionally
critiqued by professional industry reviewers. The new service allows
people who write or perform music to select a reviewer and submit
recordings of music for professional critique and review. The site
features professional reviewers including film and television music
agents, veteran industry composers, songwriters, orchestrators,
instrumentalists, vocalists and more who provide professional reviews
and constructive critiques of submitted music.
“In the music industry, one of the most important things a musician
can have is perspective from a seasoned professional about how that
musician’s writing or playing is progressing,� said DemoCheck.com
founder Mark Northam. “Now composers, songwriters, musicians and
vocalists from across the world can get a valuable perspective and
critique on their music directly from industry professionals.�
DemoCheck.com reviewers can provide reviews of the writing or
performance of submitted music. Writing reviews are designed for
composers, songwriters and others who write music, while reviews of
music performances are appropriate for musicians and vocalists who
can gain perspective on their performance abilities through the
service.
“In many ways, DemoCheck.com is like a one-shot music lesson
delivered worldwide over the Internet by an industry professional. In
addition to giving advice on writing music, our reviewers can provide
valuable perspective on music performances of everything from
classical music to jazz and popular music, said Northam.
The new service welcomes industry educators, performers, and other
professionals to join the service as new reviewers in addition to the
initial group of reviewers. New reviewers provide references which
are used to establish the reviewer's credentials in the music
industry, and each reviewer sets their own review fee and turnaround
time for text or audio reviews which are delivered by email.
For additional information on DemoCheck.com including reviewer
information, rates and more, visit
http://www.democheck.com

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Have you seen Master Score Music
http://www.masterscoremusic.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm a little late in saying this, but a couple of weeks ago, I was
notified that I was the winner of the 2007 Music City Songwriting
Competition.  Now I knew that this was going to be something special
when the person who informed me identified himself as Phil Vassar and
revealed that my song All Is Right With Me was the unanimous choice
from over 2,000 entries!  (For those of you who may not know, Phil
Vassar is a MAJOR artist & songwriter in country music).  In the haze
of euphoria I felt during that phone call, I focused long enough to
find out that I was getting an all expense paid trip to Nashville for
4 days; a recording session at Sony Tree Studios with legendary
producer Mark Wright to give the song that impeccable Nashville
treatment; a live performance slot on the XM Satellite Radio show:
Heroes Behind the Hits, (hosted by Phil Vassar); a single song
publishing contract for All Is Right With Me and now that I've
enjoyed the trip, I realize in retrospect that I actually took much,
much more from the experience.
Nashville is a town that regards songwriting as sacred as church on
Sunday and the distinction of winning this competition is truly an
honor.  I am beyond flattered at the humility, kindness and talent
that everyone demonstrated while I was out there last week.  From the
competition organizers at the Convention & Visitor's Bureau, to the
publishing company reps at The Music Group, to the monster session
musicians who recorded the song with me last Friday, to Phil Vassar
and everyone in-between, I was handled with such class and respect
that I am positive this entire experience will stay with me for the
rest of my life.   Funny enough, you can experience the majority of
my time in Nashville too - it was chronicled on video, so look for
some pretty cool clips on my MySpace page soon.
Also, please take a second and listen to the Nashville version of All
Is Right With Me and let me know what you think.  Will it get picked
up by a group like Rascal Flatts soon?  Only time will tell...
Thanks & be well,
Alex
www.myspace.com/alexalberti



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2008 ASCAP "I CREATE MUSIC" EXPO ANNOUNCED

Music Creator Conference Enters Third Year, April 10-12, 2008, in Los
Angeles


New York, NY, October 2, 2007: Following the second successful year
of the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO — the first and only national
conference dedicated to songwriting and composing — ASCAP (the
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) announced
today that its third annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO will be held
April 10-12, 2008 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles,
CA.

By bringing together the world community of leading songwriters,
composers, music publishers and professionals with emerging music
creators, the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO offers participants the
opportunity to engage in the entire music creation process while
acquiring valuable information, skills and insight to strengthen
their craft and develop their career.

Since its inaugural year, the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO has
attracted more than 4,000 music creators, industry professionals and
exhibitors and is expected to bring together another sizeable
gathering in 2008.

"The EXPO is programmed to serve music creators, and those that
support them, across all genres and at different levels of
experience," said ASCAP President and Chairman and Academy Award-
winning lyricist, Marilyn Bergman. "We invite all music creators to
come to the 2008 EXPO to combine their love of music with valuable
experience to help shape their future. Each year the attendees leave
enriched and excited by the three days of great events."

All songwriters, composers, producers, publishers and other music
industry professionals, regardless of affiliation, will benefit from
this unique creative experience, which will be presented in a
stimulating format designed to facilitate personal interaction,
education and networking. The EXPO covers all genres of music and
includes panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, one-on-one
sessions, song critiquing, product displays, state-of-the-art
technology demonstrations, performances, and more.

"Looking to the future of the music industry, music creators are
faced with many exciting changes," said ASCAP CEO John A.
LoFrumento. "Heading into the third ASCAP 'I Create Music' EXPO, we
will explore these issues and offer specific insights on how creators
can enhance their careers."

Following in the footsteps of the past two years, the 2008 ASCAP "I
Create Music" EXPO is expected to draw some of the biggest names in
music, both on the creative and business side. The EXPO's headliner
interviews have featured Tom Petty and Randy Newman. Other panelists
and performers have included Clarence Avant, Johnta Austin, Glenn
Ballard, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Stephen Bray, Darrell Brown, Chris
Brubeck, Bun B, Kandi Burruss, Regina Carter, Chamillionaire, Tom
Chapin, Desmond Child, Alf Clausen, Ted Cohen, John Corigliano,
Marshall Crenshaw, Hal David, Patrick Doyle, Dre & Vidal, Jermaine
Dupri, Barry Eastmond, Mike Elizondo, Michael Giacchino, Lukasz "Dr.
Luke" Gottwald, Jerry Harrison, Mark Hudson, Brett James, Jimmy Jam &
Terry Lewis, John King (Dust Brothers), Holly Knight, Russ Landau,
Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Tania León, Alejandro Lerner, Seth
MacFarlane, Kenny MacPherson, Johnny Mandel, Tom Maxwell, MC Lyte,
Rhett Miller, Rick Nowels, Martin Page, Rudy Perez, Linda Perry,
David Renzer, John Rich, Matt Scannell, Stephen Schwartz, Jill Scott,
Matt Serletic, Jeff Silbar, Marc Shaiman, Michelle Shocked, Jill
Sobule, J.D. Souther, Don Was, Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, Ann & Nancy
Wilson (Heart), Bill Withers and Dan Zanes, to name just a few of the
stellar participants representing a wide range of genres.

Panelists and performers for the 2008 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO
will be announced in the coming months. For more information about
the EXPO, including early bird pricing and registration, please visit
www.ascap.com/expo.

Members of the press may apply for media credentials at
www.ascap.com/press/pressroom/expo/

About ASCAP
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing
Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory
totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style
and genre from more than 300,000 songwriter, composer and music
publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with over 90
music rights organizations such that the ASCAP repertory is
represented in nearly every country around the world. ASCAP protects
the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the
public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing
royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only
American Performing Rights Organization owned and governed by its
writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

http://www.ascap.com/press/2007/100207_expo.html

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Why is Shamblin so strongly drawn to story songs? "Maybe," he
ventures, "it's because I was born in East Tennessee, and the oral
tradition is strong in that part of the country. Later, I moved to
Texas where there's also a strong story-telling tradition. Very early
on I began to fall in love with the idea that someone could tell a
story, and I could visualize it in my mind."
In 1987, Shamblin moved to Nashville, where he parked cars and worked
in a warehouse while circulating his demo tape. Luckily, his name
opened doors - Allen is a distant cousin of legendary Western swing
guitarist Eldon Shamblin. ("I never met him," says Allen, "but when
he passed on, I held his picture up to my grandfather's, and they
could have been brothers.") But ultimately it was Allen's songs, not
his surname, that inspired so many artists and songwriters to seek
him out as a writing partner.
Assemble any group of Nashville songsmiths, and one guaranteed topic
of conversation is whether it's wiser to create fully fleshed-out
demos or present songs with bare-bones instrumental backing. Where
does Shamblin side in the debate?
"I've done everything from full-blown demos to stripped-down
guitar/vocal and piano/vocal ones," he replies. "But I've got to say,
I've had the majority of my success from the simplest demos. I Can't
Make You Love Me, which Bonnie Raitt recorded, was just a piano/vocal
demo, as was In This Life. And the He Walked on Water demo was just
me and my Yamaha guitar."
Shamblin is sticking with that less-is-more philosophy as he prepares
his first solo album of story songs. "So far," he says, "everything
we've recorded has been performed live. I wanted an organic vibe, as
if I were coming into your living room and playing you a song I'd
just written. I'm trying to celebrate my faults, if you will. Not
magnify them, but not reduce them either."
A Yamaha AW4416 digital audio workstation has been a crucial part of
Shamblin's keep-it-simple strategy. "It's so straightforward, just
perfect for what I'm doing," he says. "For me, equipment has to
remain in the realm of being a tool, not some hole you fall into. I'm
not real technical - in fact, the only thing I'd ever worked on
before getting the Yamaha was a little boom box. But as soon as I
discovered the Yamaha's 'Quick Record' button, I was off and running.
We'd just fire up the tracks we were using and press 'record'. And
the technical quality is excellent for my intent: an honest sound
without a lot of effects. I was blown away when we did the very first
song. I thought, 'Wow, this is it!'"
According to Shamblin, that first session set the tone for the entire
project: "The track was Rich Man's Battle, a story song about the
Civil War. I wanted the ambience of a soldier sitting around the fire
at the end of the day, so we set up a mic on the back porch of our
farmhouse. There was a mockingbird singing in a tree, and this bird
sang the most unbelievable things, right on key. People ask me if we
dragged and dropped those sounds in, but no - that's what he actually
sang."
Shamblin sees the disc as a concept album of sorts. "It's a collage
of interrelated stories from throughout my life, all of them true,"
he says. "The theme of family is very strong throughout - parents,
grandparents, brothers, and sisters pop up everywhere. Places are
prominent too, and for some reason, so are dogs. In fact, I was going
to call the record People, Places, and Dogs, but now the tentative
title is The New Good Old Days."

http://www.yamaha.com/publications/allaccess/winter2003/14shamblin.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Film Festival
www.austinfilmfestival.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

WRITING FOR THE ROW - a Class for Serious Songwriters. Taught by
Barbara Cloyd and limited to 8 students, this 8 week class covers the
basics of writing for the commercial Country market and gives
students feedback on their own songs. The next session will run Sept
11 through Oct 20. For complete details, visit www.barbaracloyd.com .
PLAY FOR PUBLISHERS OCT 25 - 27 - a Barbara Cloyd Songwriting
Workshop.
Applications are now being taken for this event held in Nashville
October 25 - 27.
Fifteen writers will be accepted. Six publishers will attend to
listen to to the writers and give feedback on their songs. For
complete details Visit www.barbaracloyd.com .


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Charlotte Ryerson www.charlotteryerson.com and Terri Fann
http://terrifann.fannenterprises.com/
are playing in Austin

October 27, 2007, 8-10 pm
Genuine Joe Coffeehouse,
2001 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX,
(512) 220-1576

Song Swap with Charlotte Ryerson. This is a special treat for me to
play with a songwriter and person that I admire in a big way. She's
in Austin for one show only, and this is it! Charlotte's an
incredibly accomplished songwriter and wonderful performer. I saw her
at the Bluebird in Nashville and was blown away. She also runs an
online radio station at
www.redtruckradio.com
Hope to see you for this special evening of original music.

Thanks again for getting in touch and hope to see you at the show!

Charlotte

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Trendsetters Insider Info from Media Gatekeepers
Please join Austin Music Foundation and Thundercloud Subs for the
next Music Industry Boot Camp.

Tastemakers & Trendsetters:
Insider Info from Media Gatekeepers

Monday, October 22
6:30 pm

The Mohawk
912 Red River

Panelists:
Michael Endelman, staff editor, SPIN magazine
Raoul Hernandez, senior music editor, The Austin Chronicle
Andy Langer, music columnist for Esquire magazine, 101X (The Next Big
Thing), XM satellite radio (Armadillo Radio Hour), News 8 Austin
(Livewire and Backstage Pass)

If you've ever wondered how music writers and editors decide on which
artists to cover, this is the Boot Camp for you.

Learn tips and insider info from the content gatekeepers themselves
that you can use when planning your band's next media assault.

Music Industry Boot Camp seminars are open to the public and FREE to
attend. There is no registration required. Just show up!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Going to the Taxi Road Rally
Nov 8-11 Los Angeles
http://taxi.com/rally/infopage.html#classes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CALLING ALL SONGBIRDS!
By Administrator
Jen Osha and Sam McCreery are putting out a CD and are looking for
songs about Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining. The final product will
have roughly 12- 15 songs and 5-7 interviews as well as an
interactive map. ...
West Virginia Highlands Voice -
http://wvhighlands.org/wv_voice

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Subject: #1 Hit Songwriter Gretchen Peters Workshop-Nov 3rd


Hello everyone,
We are thrilled to officially announce this workshop with Gretchen
Peters.  Our next meeting will be that Wednesday before (October
24th) the workshop with Gretchen.  We'd love it if you could print
out the attached flyer and post it around at music stores, student
unions, coffee shops, or wherever people might see it.  The same goes
for our meeting announcement which is also attached.  Please let me
know if you'd like to attend the workshop.

Thanks,
Ashleigh Wehmeyer
Coordinator, Belton-Waco NSAI Regional Workshop

SONGWRITERS DON’T MISS THIS!



The BELTON-WACO NSAI REGIONAL WORKSHOP
WELCOMES

Hit Songwriter Gretchen Peters!
(Independence Day Martina McBride, The Secret of Life Faith Hill,
Chill of an Early Fall George Strait, plus cuts for Shania Twain, Lee
Ann Womack, Randy Travis, Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless, Bryan Adams,
Michael Martin Murphy & many more)

Join us for a mini-seminar on
Saturday, November 3rd
1 pm to 3pm
Harris Community Center
401 Alexander St, Belton, TX 76513

Gretchen will share her insights on the music business, songwriting &
sing some of her hits for us!  Admission is $10 for NSAI members &
$20 for non-members.

Reserve your seat today by phone or email
Ashleigh Wehmeyer, (254) 213-3400, adw246@...
For directions visit www.myspace.com/beltonwaconsai

For more information contact:
Ashleigh Wehmeyer, NSAI Regional Coordinator,
(254) 213-3400, adw246@...

Cody Cotton, NSAI Regional Coordinator,
(512) 285-3336, cody5mile@...

For more on Gretchen Peters, visit
www.gretchenpeters.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Have you heard of Sara Hickman's
www.superpaluniverse.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

more details on the Taxi Road Rally
TAXI's FREE convention be worth to you?
"What a great convention. This was my first year, and I could not get
over the fact that it's FREE! I cannot figure out why TAXI's not
charging $400-$500 (per ticket) for something of that caliber." Kerry
Cox -- from TAXI message boards
Kerry isn't the only person that can't figure it out! Other
conventions charge $300-$600 for just ONE ticket. When you join TAXI,
you get TWO FREE tickets to this world-class event. Here's what
you'll be missing:
One-to-One Mentoring - A&R People, Producers, Hit Songwriters,
Managers, Film & TV Music Supervisors, and Industry Pros of all kinds
will sit down, listen to your song & answer your questions. Members
tell us that this ALONE, was well worth the trip! Click this link for
a list of Mentors scheduled to appear.
Drive-by Mentors - Industry Professionals who specialize in Recording
& Production, Songwriting, A&R, Indie Artist Marketing, and more will
be available for FREE walk-up consults and song evaluations at
multiple locations throughout the weekend.
Drivers' Ed Classes - Tons of incredible Breakout Classes (all three
Rally days!) with some of the nation's Top Songwriting, Vocal,
Marketing, Management, Engineering and Production coaches. You're
going to want to attend several of these. Click this link to see the
list of classes!
Mentor Luncheons - We hand pick great people from many different
areas of the music industry and seat them at your table, then rotate
them (you'll dine with 4 of them!) to give you even MORE access and
exposure. You've probably never gotten this up close and personal
with people who actually WANT to help you! They will be accepting
CDs. Luncheons are $30 each.
2 Open Mics - All three nights (performers drawn at random on the
main stage, and on a first-come basis for 2nd stage) - Your chance to
notch an LA performance on your belt in front of your fellow TAXI
members.
Main Stage Panels in the Ballroom
Marketing Your Music - Okay, so you've sold 27 CDs to people in
Sweden and Germany. You've got 1,753 phony "friends" on MySpace, but
you've still got boxes of your last CD collecting dust in your
basement. What more can you do to be a successful Indie Artist? These
panelists are some of Michael Laskow's favorite marketing experts,
and they will teach you how to market on the Internet, on the road,
and how to communicate with Music Industry Executives and music
consumers for maximum results.
A&R Pitch/Q&A Panel #1 - Pitch your music (drawn randomly during
panel) and get questions answered by these experts in World Music,
New Age, Electronica, Roots, Americana, Christian/CCM, and Jazz.
"The Secret Sauce To Getting More TAXI Forwards" (How the Screeners
Think) - Get the Inside Track on the TAXI Screening process and learn
how to DRAMATICALLY improve your chances of getting your music
forwarded to the Industry. You'll hear from successful TAXI members
Matt Hirt and Dave Walton, as well as veteran TAXI A&R people, John
Braheny, Meg Hansen, Marlice Kraemer, and Pat Luboff.
A&R Panel #2 - Major Label Q&A - Our panelists are handpicked
for "accessibility." We don't invite the Ivory Tower creeps that try
to keep you out -- these are the people who will show you how to
get "in". If they didn't truly care about musicians, why would they
donate their precious weekend time to help you figure out your best
path to get signed? Join us to hear the truth from Cliff Audretch
(Universal South, Country), Sara Kapuchinski (Chrysalis Music,
Rock/Pop), Bob Baker (Indie Artist Marketing expert), Tony Ferguson
(A&M/Interscope Records, Pop/Rock) + more TBA.
A&R Panel #3 - Major Label Pitch - Your Golden Opportunity to pitch
your best songs (drawn randomly during the panel) to the big-boys and
girls: Moderator; Road Rally Favorite Marshall Altman Moderates
panelists include, Cliff Audretch (Universal South, Country), Sara
Kapuchinski (Chrysalis Music, Modern Rock/Pop), Tony Ferguson
(A&M/Interscope Records, Pop/Modern Rock) + more TBA very soon.
Film & TV/Publisher Pitch/Q&A Panel - Your randomly selected songs
get played and your questions get answered. Lots and lots of members
have had Publishing deals and Film/TV placements happen as a result
of this panel! Get the inside dope from Jerry Davis (Fox Sports),
Michael Lloyd (legendary producer/music supervisor), plus more to be
added!
Hit Songwriters Q&A Panel - Some of the world's best songwriters tell
you how they created their monster hits. This year we have Brian
Howes (Daughtry, Hinder), Don Rollins (Alan Jackson/Jimmy Buffett,
Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Carole King), Adam Watts &
Andy Dodd (Jesse McCartney, Hanna Montana, High School Musical), and
Mike Elizondo (50 Cent, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes).
Producers Looking for Hits/Pitch Panel - These Top Record Producers
have all run listings and/or used songs/artists from TAXI. They're
looking for hits and they'll listen to randomly selected songs AND
answer questions on this first-of-its kind panel at the Rally.
Michael Lloyd (more than 100 Gold & Platinum Records), Rob Chiarelli
(Hilary Duff, Christina Aguilera, Ray Charles, Will Smith, the Corrs,
Pink), DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill, Ice Cube, House of Pain), and Marshall
Altman (Kate Voegele, Shawn Mullins, Marc Broussard).
The Publisher, the Member and the TAXI Screener - Get an all-sides-of-
the-coin perspective that will show you what the big-dog publishers
are looking for when hunting for Staff Writers. Legendary Music
Publisher, Judy Stakee (Warner/Chappell Music), former TAXI Member,
David Choi (now signed to Warner/Chappell) and TAXI A&R person,
Michelle Macafee (who used to work with Judy Stakee). Nobody's ever
done a panel quite like this, and it promises to be VERY powerful.
Not to be missed!
Trailers, Video Games, & Commercials Q&A Panel - Want to get your
music used in Movie Trailers, Video Games, and TV Commercials? Don't
miss this panel of leading experts who will tell you how to make your
music more appealing for their needs.
Listen and Learn: The Teaching Concert - Join Hit Songwriters Jason
Blume, Don Rollins, Adam Watts and Andy Dodd for this "Songwriters-In-
The Round" concert where you will learn the secrets that helped them
craft their mega-hits. A Road Rally first!
Murphy's Law - Hit songwriter and VP of Membership for ASCAP, Ralph
Murphy has become a Rally favorite. We promise you'll walk away from
this panel with at least one career-changing idea!
MasterWriter Demo - Hit Songwriter, Barry DeVorzon shows you how
HUNDREDS of the world's Top Songwriters have used this incredible,
easy to use software to take their songs to the next level. Members
who have been to this in years past were amazed by the dramatic
results!
Forwards, But No Calls Yet? - So you've had some TAXI Forwards, but
no calls back or deal offers yet. Find out why it can take up to a
YEAR to hear back from a company. Find out EXACTLY what happens after
TAXI forwards your music, whether or not you should follow up, the
range of typical deals made for film/TV licensing, and much, much
more. Every TAXI member should attend this! Joining us for this panel
targeted at increasing your odds of success will be Tanvi Patel
(Crucial Music), Matt Hirt (successful TAXI member), and Industry
experts Danny McCloskey (Songs With Vision), and Steve Corn (Big Fish
Media).
Phrasing: The Body Language of your Song - Berklee College of Music
professor, Pat Pattison gives you the secrets to making your lyric
phrasing work to support your ideas, creating stronger emotion and a
more powerful message.
********************
And these panels are just a drop in the bucket!!!! Click this link to
see all the Breakout Classes you'll miss if you don't come to the
Road Rally.
The hotel is filling up fast, and so are the seats, so you really DO
need to act now! Every year we get deluged with calls from people
that "just didn't get around to it." If you've been thinking about
joining TAXI anyway, don't dilly-dally until AFTER the Rally has sold
out and wait another year to give yourself this incredible gift.
Check out these unedited comments from people who came last year.
I'm REALLY not kidding when I tell you that the seats and hotel rooms
are going quickly. Join TAXI online by clicking here.
You can also join by calling us Toll-Free at 1-800-458-2111. Once
you've joined, you NEED to call and tell us that you want to reserve
your seats for the Road Rally. Rally tickets and hotel reservations
are NOT automatic.
If you've developed any sense that what I tell you in my letters
every week is on the up and up, then PLEASE believe me about this.
You REALLY don't want to miss the Road Rally. You'll have the time of
your life!
Talk to you soon,
Michael


Call TAXI Toll-Free: (800) 458-2111
(outside U.S. and Canada, 818-888-2111)
http://www.taxi.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

austinchronicle.com
Subject: Musicians Register Update

Hello Ande Rasmussen,
We have recently updated the Musicians Register online. New features
include MP3s, unlimited discographies, influences, and reader
comments (subject to your approval), so there are good reasons to
login, verify, and update your entry.
In order to keep the Register current and useful to our readers, we
will take offline any bands who do not respond by November 1. You
will still be able to log in and verify your information, but your
profile will be offline until it has been verified.
To verify your information, click the "SIGN IN" button at the top of
this page: http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/MusiciansRegister.
Click "Edit Profile" and make any necessary changes. Then click
the "CONTINUE" button, verify the information displayed, and click
the "YES, submit" button to update your profile. Even if you make no
changes, please click the "YES, submit" button to indicate that your
profile has been verified.
If you don't remember your password, you can have it sent to you
using this form:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/MusiciansRegister/EmailPasswd
We look forward to getting your information updated and hearing more
about, and from, you!
The Austin Chronicle Musicians Register

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I hope everyone is doing well. I am happy to announce a major
development for our song contest. As you may know, I am now Executive
Director of HoriPro Entertainment Group based in Los Angeles. HoriPro
is a publicly-traded Japanese company which has an active music
publishing division in the U.S. (with offices in Nashville and Los
Angeles) and a record label in Japan (WHD Records, which is
distributed by JVC/Victor Records). Besides signing new songwriters,
HoriPro owns the publishing worldwide of the bands KISS, REO
Speedwagon, Marilyn Manson, the Byrds and other hit artists. To visit
the HoriPro website, you can click their graphic on the right.

I'm pleased to announce that HoriPro is now affiliated with both my
SongwriterUniverse "Best Song Of The Month" Contest and
SingerUniverse "Best Vocalist Of The Month" Competition. The best
entries heard from each contest will be referred to HoriPro for
publishing consideration and for their record label in Japan (they
are signing English-language artists).

A previous SongwriterUniverse contest winner, SARAH LEWIS (lead
singer and songwriter for the pop/rock band JAG STAR of Knoxville,
TN), is now being signed to a substantial co-publishing deal with
HoriPro. I will be working with Lewis & Jag Star to place their songs
in film, TV and commercials, and help them land a major label deal.
In addition, I will be introducing Lewis to top writer/producers to
collaborate on hit artist projects. This all came about due to the
song contest and my affiliation with HoriPro. In addition, we are
considering other writer/artists for signing. In fact, I will be
flying to Australia next week (on behalf of HoriPro) to meet with an
excellent singer/songwriter who was a former contest winner.

So I believe that my Best Song and Best Vocalist contests are
becoming terrific vehicles to find outstanding new talent. Note:
anyone who enters either contest can decline any interest or offers
from HoriPro. HoriPro is simply providing an opportunity to hear the
best entries from our contests.

That's the latest for now. Thank you very much for reading our latest
newsletter, and for your continued interest in our sites.

Best regards,
Dale Kawashima
SongwriterUniverse.com &
SingerUniverse.com
Los Angeles

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

you going to the 2008 SXSW.com next year


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear Recording Academy Member:

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of The Recording Academy
and the
GRAMMY Awards, CBS and The Academy will present "My Night at the
GRAMMYs," a new
entertainment special set to air on Friday, November 30, 8 â€" 10
p.m. ET/PT.

This two-hour telecast will highlight GRAMMY Awards show history as
artists tell
their personal stories of what it means to perform on the show that
has become
Music's Biggest Nightâ„¢. Additionally, it will raise awareness of
The Academy's
and the GRAMMY Awards' anniversary milestones and further engage
music fans by
providing an interactive element.

From now through October 7, viewers and members have the chance to be
part of
this historical special by voting for their favorite GRAMMY moments
at
www.mynightatthegrammys.com. Fifty great GRAMMY moments from past
telecasts,
selected by The Academy, are posted on the site and feature some of
the unique
pairings the GRAMMYs have come to be renowned for, including
performances by
Prince and Beyoncé, Eminem and Elton John, Neil Diamond and Barbra
Streisand,
and the Simon & Garfunkel reunion, among many others. Clips of each
of these
memorable moments are available in a Flash "Video Wall" on
www.mynightatthegrammys.com,
and users can click on each clip to view on demand. Once clips have
been viewed,
users can vote for up to five of their favorite moments. (Voting is
restricted
to five votes per IP address per day.)

The 25 performances that receive the most votes will be seen on "My
Night at the
GRAMMYs," culminating with the most popular performance as voted on
by music
fans. The deadline to vote for favorite GRAMMY moments is midnight ET
on Sunday,
October 7, 2007, so be sure to log on and vote soon for your favorite
GRAMMY
moments!!

This TV special is just one of the many commemorative activities The
Academy and
the GRAMMYs have planned as part of the 50th Celebration. Everyone
can be an
integral part of the GRAMMY experience, and many other activities
and
interactive opportunities highlighting The Academy's and the GRAMMYs'
rich
cultural history.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was wondering if you could alert your members to a contest that is
going on and will soon be over, end of Oct. Wingstop, a national
chicken wing chain, is looking for the ultimate chicken wing fanatic
to
feature in their next commercial. They will take any type of
submission
(poem, song, video, art, etc.) and I would assume you have a lot of
talented people in your group that may be interested in entering.
Once
they post their submission on the web somewhere, all they have to do
is
send them a link to it and their contact info at
http://www.wingstop.com/UltimateFan/index.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Just wanted to let all the Christian songwriters on here that may be
struggling, we are here to help.

I know most of you know Creative Soul as a label and artist
development company, but remember this all got started because we were
committed to great arranging and co-writing with folks.

Our new Masterscore Music site is up and if you're a Christian writer
that is looking for the next level in both writing and publishing, I
encourage you to check it out.

http://www.masterscoremusic.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,

Ande

have you joined the Grammy yet?
www.Grammy.org

Are you going to go to the 50th Grammys?

Here's a list of last years winners and it shows each field and
categories
http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/49th_Show/list.aspx

Can you join the Grammy org as a voting member?
https://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Member_Services/Apply/

you need to be a member to participate in the process and order
tickets

Key Dates:

Oct. 1: Last day to join in order to receive a 1st round voting
ballot

Oct. 17: 1st ballot mailed to voting members

Nov. 7: 1st round of ballots due from voting members

Dec. 1: Ability to purchase GRAMMY telecast tickets begins

Dec. 1: Last day to join in Order to receive a final ballot &
invitation to the telecast

Dec. 6: Press conference announcing nominees for 50th GRAMMY Awards

Dec. 12: Final Ballots mailed to voting members

Jan. 9: Final ballots due from voting members

Feb. 10: 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards

I look forward to meeting y'all in LA at the 50th Annual Grammy
Awards,  on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008.
Save the Date!
In fact at least save Friday Feb 8th - Monday Feb 11th

http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Atlanta/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Chicago/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Florida/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Los_Angeles/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Memphis/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Nashville/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/New_York/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Pacific_Northwest/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Philadelphia/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/San_Francisco/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Washington_DC/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every songwriter should have a songwriting Library
Drop by:
http://astore.amazon.com/ifsande-20
to find what's missing from yours

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

1) Saturday October 6th I will be in Schreveport, LA
instructing at the  RED RIVER MUSIC CONFERENCE 2007
emphasis on songwriting and promoting your independent music, on
Saturday, October 6. For more information go to
http://www.myspace.com/rentenmusic
Location: Barnwell Center
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00-3:00 pm
workshops on songwriting and promoting yourself as a songwriter.


2) I put "I Think I Think Too Much" up on songramp and it's received
some nice comments
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=59062

3) An Australian artist wrote
Hi Ande,  I would like to use your song "all of us together" on my
upcoming album. I would be producing 500 copies to start with.
Can you please let me know how much and how i can pay it. Thank-you,
God Bless

4) People are continuing to share my lyric writing tips:
http://songwriter101.com/forum/threads/20898_0_16_0_C/

5) Tommy Byrd performed "My Forever Family" at the
2007 Heart Gallery of Texas Photo Exhibit Premiere and Gala
September 6, 2007
here's a news story featuring the song
http://keyetv.com/topstories/local_story_249225403.html

6) isabel sommerfeld performed Blue Holiday
Live in swedish television.... The liberal party of Sweden had their
yearly meeting and I got the oportunity to sing a few songs. As you
might notice, I'm pretty nervous in the beginning..... But I've
never sang in front a crowd with 1000 politicians and live in tv.
It was AMAZING. =) And people loved your song!
Best, Isabel
http://www.myspace.com/isabelsommerfeld
you can see it
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=702465190

7) sign up for facebook.com at
https://register.facebook.com/r.php?r=102

then send me a friend invite
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7921551


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many people want to know how to get work in recording studios.
  Follow Alicia's lead on this:
be prepared before a session,
read music well,
arrive early for sessions,
be able to take musical directions,
be adept in many vocal styles,
sing dead solid in tune,
work in concert with other singers,
try to make the vocal producer'
s life easier and finally, be real.
This is the short list of why Alicia Jones is a first-call session
singer in my studio.
from:
http://www.garypowell.com/blogs/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Advice from GoDaddy

Keep the competition from owning a name that draws customers to them
rather than you.

  Promote the different products and services you offer.

  Drive more traffic to your Web site.

  Enjoy more opportunities to market to - and be listed in - search
engines.

  Create distinct advertising strategies that reach different target
markets.

  Provide customers more ways to find you when searching the
Internet.

  Capture common misspellings of your domain name, instead of sending
visitors to an error page.

  Protect your brand and online image from those who may have
unsavory purposes.

~ ~ ~

with this in mind I wrote

I suggest for every songwriter, musician, artist and band should

1) acquire your name, your URL

drop by godaddy.com or a company where you can register URLs and get
your names before someone with the same name does or before an
opportunist does

as an example I own
AndeRasmussen.com
and
AndersRasmussen.com
if you plan on owning your URL for a long time
consider prepaying for many years
also consider other suffixes
ie
.org
.net
.mobi
there's also .name
why let someone else own your name

2) renew it once you have it

3) don't let someone else register your URL for you

4) have an internet address that doesn't depend upon which internet
provider you use
consider
gmail or hotmail or yahoo or aol
if you change providers and email addresses
you may not get the message that you need to renew it

Several friends of mine failed to
acquire their URLs or
renew their URLs
so the following sites are not owned by the individuals and entities
that should own it

ie
http://www.MonteWarden.com
http://www.FoscoeJones.com
http://www.JohnArthurMartinez.com
http://austinsongwritersgroup.org

I also suggest people acquire their names on youtube and myspace and
whereever else makes sense
ie:
http://www.youtube.com/anderasmussen
http://myspace.com/anders


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You might find this thread on JPF interesting
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?
ubb=showflat&Number=528736

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


I attended the Austin Music Foundation event on Monday Aug 27th
Making Money as a Songwriter & Music Publisher
Music Industry Boot Camp
Todd and Jeff Brabec,
authors of Music, Money and Success:
The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

on Wed, Jun 27, 2007 6:28 pm
Marc-Alan Barnette
started a question answer thread at

http://www.songramp.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=57759

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


The new rhyme site, WikiRhymer is at
www.wikirhymer.com a myspace site:
www.myspace.com/wikirhymer

WikiRhymer is a user-editable wiki-style free on-line rhyming
dictionary that just went on-line check it out!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

RE-WRITING/MASTER CLASS FORMAT
Songwriting Workshop with Pat Pattison
St. Edward’s University
Austin, Tx
October 27th and 28th, 2007

Workshop description: This class will use participants' songs to
demonstrate the rewriting process. We will focus on various issues,
including verse development, productive repetition, phrasing,
effective matching of lyric and melody, structure and prosody. We'll
try to focus particularly on polishing those small bumps that
distract the listener and let a little air escape from the song's
tires.

SONG CRITIQUES: On the afternoon of the 28th, Pat will do song
critiques for workshop participants.

"I took a class with Pat Pattison, a really great teacher... I
learned a lot of stuff in that class, and I still read Writing
Better Lyrics. I've still got it on the tank of my toilet ... I
think it's great." --Grammy winning artist/songwriter John Mayer,
2004�

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 The Performing
Songwriter. Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the
US, Canada, and the UK. Several of his students have won Grammys, in
addition to John Mayer and Gillian Welch.

Cost? $100 per person. Current Berklee College students and alumni
pay $75.

Added bonus! You bring a friend at full price and you can take 20%
off ($80 for non-Berklee students and $60 for Berklee students!) for
your admission!

Please make checks payable to Pat Pattison. You can make them out to
me, but I’ll just use it for the ever-so-possible Ireland Bicycle
Trip Special Vacation account instead...

Meals/Accommodations: On your own. We may order in for lunch -
depending on the group’s preference. We’re planning on
another "field trip" Saturday night, depending on the quantity of
homework! Last June’s trip to Opal Devine’s was a lot of fun.

Location: Tentatively, St. Edward’s University. Details to follow.

Time: 10 am - 5 pm both days.

Class size: Limited to the first 30 who send a check payable to "Pat
Pattison". No extra points if the check is made payable to Joe. Or
the Grossly Underfunded Ireland Bicycle Trip Special Vacation
account.

Mail checks to: Pat Pattison Workshop, c/o Joe Strouse, P.O. Box
80444 , Austin , Texas 78708-0444

Questions? Contact Joe Strouse @ strousongs@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An IFS Reader ASKED

Hi Ande!.

I am trying to find the article at Songu.com that you mentioned, but
I don't know what the title is. Can you let me know?

Also, I noticed that one of your co-writers was Denny Martin!
haha.. I've done workshops with him for almost 5 years.  He is
always gigging somewhere in Nashville and a really dedicated guy.
Don't know where he gets all that energy!

Kay

My response was
Drop by http://www.SongU.com/ifs
Hit songwriter and producer, Michele Vice-Maslin, recently stopped
by SongU to share her insights and wisdom about song pitching and
breaking into the music business. Check it out in the "on demand"
section of the SongU.com library.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known
defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found
their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a
sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with
compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people
do not just happen."

Elizabeth Kubler Ross, 1926 - 2004
Swiss-born Author and Psychiatrist

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are You Interested In Being A SongU.com TA?
Since we're heading into the start of the Fall semester at
SongU.com, I'm putting a call out to our members to find people who
might be interested in being a SongU.com Teaching Assistant (TA).
Basically as a TA you'd be attending an online class, recording the
transcript and uploading the transcript to SongU.com. Here's the
detailed scoop below...

What Are The Requirements For Becoming A SongU.com TA?

You must have been a SongU.com member for at least 6 months
You must be able to "cover" at least 2 class periods (e.g., one 2-
week course or two 1-week courses)
You must be able to attend all the classes of the course you are
covering (e.g., you can't just cover one of the weeks in a 4-week
course)
You must be reliable
You must be on a high speed connection
You must already be familiar with using FTP and know how to upload
files/folders using FTP
What Are The Benefits Of Being A SongU.com TA?
You'll have a guaranteed seat in any of the classes you are TA'ing.
And, in addition to helping out the SongU.com community, you earn a
free song evaluation for each class period the you cover. For
example, if you cover a two-week e-Workshop, you would earn 2 free
song evaluations.

If this sounds like you and you're interested in participating, just
send an email to me at:
danny@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are you going to Songposium Week 2007 Is Coming:
Sept. 21 - 29 -- Nashville, TN
The most-anticipated songwriters event of the summer is here. NSAI's
3rd Annual Songposium Week hosts nine full days of industry events -
designed specifically for the songwriter with
Music Business Classes,
Songwriting Classes,
Performances,
Networking and more!
Some of the faculty are:
Nancy Moran, Fett, Susan Tucker, Kim Copeland, Bob Dellaposta, Pat
and Pete Luboff, Barbara Cloyd, Jerry Vandiver, Gracie Hollombe,
Gary Earl,  Pamela Phillips Oland, Sara Light, and Danny Arena.
Songposium Classes are Sept. 24-28.
Nightly shows featuring hit songwriters at the famous Bluebird Cafe
For more information: log onto
www.nashvillesongwriters.com.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A note from Duncan in Arizona:

Andy,

Here's an addendum to rule 19, which comes from catching Seskin
seminars every year since 2001 at the WCSA event in September. These
points were key in improving my songwriting. I'm sure you're aware
of
them, but they bear repeating.

Vary the syllabic structure - if the verse is wordy, start the
chorus
with long drawn out words.

Vary the chord change pattern - if the chords change with every
measure
in the verse, try holding one chord through a couple of measures at
the
beginning of the chorus. (Or the opposite - few chord changes in the
verse; lots of chord changes in the chorus.) This sets up contrast,
and
keeps the listener from getting bored.

Write the melody higher in the chorus - to give contrast and add
excitement

Give the singer a 'money note' in the chorus, a place where the
emotion
of the lyric peaks, and the melody peaks with it. Singers like
Martina
want to belt out a song, they don't want to just sing a bunch of
lyrics
set to a melody.


Rule 31 - imperfect rhymes:

Two syllable rhymes are much more interesting than single syllable
rhymes. In Home Grown Tomatoes, Guy Clark rhymes 'garden' with 'hard
one', but he's a genius.

Another Rule

Payoff. Something needs to happen in the song to make the listener
want
to hear it again. This would be the payoff - the reward the listener
gets for paying attention. Setting up a payoff can be similar to
telling a joke - the story sets up the punch line, but you save the
punch line for the end of the joke. Maybe the payoff is in the
chorus,
in which case the verse would be the setup. If it's a story song,
the
payoff would be at the end of the song, but there still has to be
some
kind of payoff in the chorus to carry the song to the end of the
story.
Basically, after the payoff, it's time to get out of the song.
Otherwise, you're beating a dead horse.

A note on SongU - Their archived seminars are very interesting,
especially 'What's Cole Pitching?'  This is a song-plugger playing
songs that have just been picked up by major artists - mainly
written
by that Dallas guy and that Hillary gal - getting cuts with Trace
Adkins/Tim McGraw and Martina/Faith. Gives you an idea of how strong
the competition is.

Best,

Duncan
Tucson AZ

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Do you get
Nashville Muse by Doak Turner, Editor
doakt@...
www.nashvillemuse.com
www.myspace.com/nashvillemuse
http://www.myspace.com/doakmusic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

songu's Spin N' Pitch Congratulates....
July and August were another couple of great months for Spin N'
Pitch as several members either received notes of interest in their
songs and/or had their songs forwarded by the SU screeners. As a
reminder, you can now listen to some of these songs off the special
listening page linked off of "My Pitching".

Congrats to the following members who received notes of interest in
their songs from our publisher guests:

Elizabeth Axford "Christmas in Florida"
Donna Aylor "Change is Constant-Pop"
Matt Dorman "Green Christmas Tree"
Matt Dorman "HOW DID YOU LOVE?"
Bill Ekhoff "Wouldn't That Be Something"
Kent Forward "Christmas Wouldn't Be The Same (Without You)"
Donna Galbraith "Feels Like Home"
Rick Hoverter "Inside His Heart"
Rick Lane "Love's Funny Like That"
Joe Lickteig "Leave it All On The Field"
Todd Klocke "When I get Back From Mexico"
Don Mittan "How 'bout You"
Jeff Moxcey "Dirty Job"
Jeff Moxcey "Heading For The Promised Land"
Jon Philibert "LOVE DOING ITS THING"
Dan Robinson "I'll Tell God You Said Hi"
Kara Smith "When I Breathe"
Kara Smith "LOVE CANNOT LIVE"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
Mitch Townley "You've Got A Way "
Mitch Townley "Christmas Past"
Mitch Townley "America, Honor God"
Congrats to the following members who received notes of interest in
their songs from our artist/producer guests:

Ed Bentley "Emma's Flowers"
Anthony Campbell "Friday Night"
David Carter "Hot Rod Tractor"
Matt Dorman "Another You"
Rebecca Hosking "BOXING GLOVES"
Steve Hostetler "Don't Miss Saturday Night"
Ryan Hydro "Georgia Genetics (Best of Song U)"
Rick Lane "Dover (Exit Sign)"
Andreas Liekefett "Down South"
Peter Nelson "Throw Me Something Spicy"
James Oliver "You've Given Me A Hand"
Mark Preston "He Made a Man out of Me"
Stuart Rosh "Knee Deep in Clover"
Gary D. Smith "Down to Mexico"
Mike Todd "Hellbent on Havin' Fun "
Ed Williams "Drinking 101"
And a round of applause to the following members who had their songs
forwarded for recent pitches:
Juan Albarran "I Got The Green Light"
Chris Caminiti "DONE"
Matt Dorman "Love'll Do That"
Bill Ekhoff "Wouldn't That Be Something"
Lorna Flowers "Don't Even Think About It"
Kent Forward "It Was You"
Kent Forward "When You Listen"
Steve Hostetler "My Woman on the Line"
Steve Hostetler "A Real Kiss"
Scott Jarman "I Got the Green Light"
Shelley Jacobson "Don't Even Think About It"
Marc Kuchner "I'm Still Growing Up"
Marc Kuchner "Start Now "
Marc Kuchner "Jack Nicholson "
Joe Lickteig "Slip Into Something Mexico (6/8 Demo)"
Joe Lickteig "First Last Kiss"
Christina Meyer "The Way She Makes Me Feel"
Elizabeth Milcarek "Y CHROMOSOME"
Jeff Moxcey "If I Could Kill Your Memory"
Bill Osofsky "My Guns"
Rebecca Peaden "Even the Candles Cried"
Catherine Rushton "Girls Like Fast Cars Too"
Keith Sasser "Redneck Daddy"
Gary D. Smith "Whisper"
James (Jim) Smith "This Red Neck of the Woods"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
David Swinford "Lacey Mae's Hot Wings"
Mike Todd "Live, Love and Learn"
Mitch Townley "On My Family Tree "
Tina Tufts "TAKE YOU THERE"
Tina Tufts "ALL THE LITTLE THINGS"


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CD Baby's Current Numbers are:
197,267 artists sell their music at CD Baby
3,563,825 CDs sold online to customers
$55,258,384 paid directly to the artists


About MP3 downloads at CD Baby

You're buying each album as a zip file with a folder of all MP3
audio, a big JPG of the album cover, and a text file with the liner
notes.

The MP3 audio files are very high quality, about 200kbps VBR,
encoded using the LAME MP3 encoder on its audiophile settings. Your
MP3s will play on any hardware.

All your MP3 albums are available for download in your CD Baby
account, forever. (They are not refundable, for obvious reasons.)

91% of the entire sales price goes directly to the musician, paid
every week. CD Baby only keeps a 9% cut to pay for bandwidth and
administration.

There is no DRM or tracking on the MP3 files. We trust you to
support independent musicians, and tell your friends to buy a copy,
too.

Every album in our Digital Distribution program is available for
download on cdbaby.com. Since we are one of the largest distributors
of music to Apple iTunes and other great retailers, we don't think
of cdbaby.com as competition, but rather a direct factory outlet.

Any questions or problems, please contact CD Baby, and we'll be glad
to help.

http://cdbaby.com/mp3

Here's some more info CDBaby shared

  Derek at CD Baby on Tuesday September 04 2007 @ 09:21AM PDT


   For those that are into numbers, here's some random stats from
August 2007:

Total number of albums in CD Baby:
194,385

How many of those have ever sold a CD:
170,379

Percentage of artists who have sold a CD:
87%

Total number of albums in Digital Distribution:
129,014

How many of those have ever earned digital income:
123,168

Percentage of Digital Distribution artists who have earned digital
income:
95%

How many artists sold a CD from January to June 2007:
101,648

How many artists had a CD sold in July 2007:
35,701

How many received payments in July 2007:
21,764

How many received two weekly payments in July 2007:
3245

How many received three weekly payments in July 2007:
1282

How many received four weekly payments in July 2007:
513

Here are the scary ones:

How many artists account for 25% of our total sales volume?
280 = 0.1%

How many artists account for 50% of our total sales volume?
1879 = 1%

How many artists account for 90% of our total sales volume?
23,504 = 12%

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle
It seems our 80/20 rule is actually 90/12

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

john Arthur martinez's home made of stone is nearing completion

The CastleRock Construction crews work diligently from sunup to
sundown to meet the deadline for completion of our Home Made of
Stone. Our architect, Marley Porter, suggested we call it
a "liveline" instead of a "deadline." The exterior looks both
artistic and welcoming beneath the four ancient oaks in our front
yard. You'll love the colors. We've used recycled lumber for the
upstairs addition, refurbished metal cabinets made by the Geneva
Company in Switzerland in the 1963's, and the old garage doors once
targeted for the landfill have been converted to beautiful wooden
gates. Needless to say we're eager to move in.



More of you told Bette that
October 13 best fits your schedule for the
Home Made of Stone Open House
so that's the date. Mark it down and let Bette, my fan club
president know if you are coming. We'll have an open house from
3 to 5 P.M. then the fans who
RSVP will share a handmade meal prepared by Yvonna and my sister, my
mom and my tias, and my buds and brother-in law manning the bar-b-
que pits.  Afterward we'll all head to the Uptown Theatre for the
Blakely-Martinez CD Release Concert, and a Birthday Bash for Bette!
We'll be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of her 39th Birthday ;o)

--much amor! jam, Yvonna & Bette (RSVP: jamfans@...)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Byrd and Street are excited that they were asked to be a part of the
first ever
WEBB HOUSE CONCERTS which will be in
South Austin (near William Cannon and S. First) on
Sunday evening at
7 pm
Sept. 23.
It's a chance for us to do some of our story songs and some new
songs that will be on our next CD.
IFS Reader Donna Frost is performing too. She's a wonderful singer
and songwriter from Tennessee. There will be a song circle
afterward. It's going to be great!  So, bring your guitars.
Seating is very limited!   Email:
webbhouseconcerts@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We've been working hard here at the Super Pal Universe
Headquarters to bring you a band o' plenty...that's
right, there are now 5 teens that make up the band,
Super Pal Universe, and you can read all about what is
happening with the kids, the tv show-to-be, our
appearances, how your kids can submit "Kid Vids" for
the site, our coloring book, and the new non-profit
arm of SPU called Change 4 Change that will be giving
out grants!... gosh, gobs galore and lots
more...
http://www.superpaluniverse.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SEPTEMBER 29, Saturday, Houston, TX...
TWO EVENTS, a
CLASS and A CONCERT:
1 - 4 pm
Songwriting Workshop with Sara
$150 per person
Wanting to expand on your song or creative writing?
Come take an intimate workshop with Sara! This three
hour class will include creativity exercises,
songwriting instruction and personal one-on-one time
as students write a new song, which you will be able
to share with a live audience at Sara's house concert
later that evening. Workshop fee includes free
admission to the evening concert....
Materials/handouts provided by Sara.
6:30 pm potluck (optional)
8:00 Sara Hickman performs,
$15 (for concert only)
Bruce's Loft House Concerts
2305 Nicholson St,
Houston, TX 77008
713-501-7131

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fertitta and mcclintock will be in Beaumont Texas on
November 23rd at the
LOGON CAFE the DAY after Thanksgiving

They are also looking to do for a house concert or show in Houston
and Austin. They are doing well on their tour and have a single out
to College Radio and AC

www.fertittaandmcclintock.com
www.myspace.com/fertittaandmcclintock

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The Indie Musician's dilemma

Here's the question: How does the independent musician balance the
time needed to create with the time needed to promote?

If you are an indie musician you love making music, you live for it,
in fact. It's what you do. It gives you great joy. But to be
successful (aka make money) you need to spend lots of time promoting
yourself and your music. And there's the rub, as they say.

Back in the old days if a musician had a following and was playing
in
clubs and having some local success they had the chance of being
"discovered" and signed to a record label. The label then would then
put up the money to record you and when the album was finished their
promotion machine would kick into high gear and get your face and
music out to the world. Nice deal. Of course we all know about the
onerous trade-offs that were written into those horrible record
contracts and how many musicians were screwed out of money because
they had signed away their rights. But the signed musicians were
known to the public and could make a living by touring at least.

Nowadays everything has changed. We as independent musicians have so
many fabulous tools at our disposal: inexpensive digital recording,
sites like CD BABY and I-Tunes, internet networking sites like
MYSpace and Facebook, webzines to review your music, online
databases
for clubs, film and TV connections and the list goes on and on.
Major
labels are crumbling and virtually clueless as to how to grab the
attention and sell the music. Labels are no longer the only game in
town.

That's been a very good thing and a very bad thing for us indies. We
have our independence (yay!!) but we also have the responsibility to
sell ourselves to the world. No one else is going to do it for us.
Artists are historically pretty bad at promoting themselves. They
tend to be very good at creating - that's what they love to do - but
in order to be able to continue to do the creative work they need to
learn the skills of self-promotion. Or get a day job and content
themselves with doing their music in semi-obscurity.

So do you spend your time creating your music or promoting your
music? It's a difficult trade-off. Some people subscribe to the
50/50
rule. Half of your time goes to each activity. Some choose to focus
more on one than the other.

Here's the thing I've noticed - musicians are getting much better at
promotion because they are spending more and more time promoting
themselves. But is the music suffering? I think one could make a
case
that it is. It's really hard to find that perfect balance between
creating and promoting and it probably varies from week to week for
most people. It comes down to a personal decision in the end.

In some ways I miss the bad old days. Because it sure would be nice
to find a devoted manager or agent to help with the endless
promotional work so we musicians could get back to doing what we do
best - making great music that moves people.

Derrik Jordan
http://www.derrikjordan.com
~Positive pop and globally-conscious soul~

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singer Searching for Songs

August 9, 2007

As some of you may know, I have begun embarking on my latest
project - my very first album!

I've selected about 50% of the material for my record, but am still
looking for some great songs. This is where YOU come in. If you have
material you'd like to share with me and have me consider for the
album - send the mp3s my way to: lisa@....

Thanks so much! And keep on writin'!

http://www.LisaChristineMusic.com
drop by:
http://www.lisachristinemusic.com/music.html
and have a listen to her vocals so you pitch her appropriate songs

Email links to:
lisa@...

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Note from an IFS Reader

Ande, if you get a chance, check out: www.devinriley.com  You might
have a song for her. Stay busy, it obviously agrees with you.
Congrats on all the cuts. That's
Great ! Nelson.
www.billyharner.com  The CD is near completion. I wrote " Break It
To My Heart " and " Change Of Faith ". Two were written by Joe
South, and one by Gamble & Huff. Pretty good company. Went out and
bought a new guitar. I've learned a lot from your newsletters and
it's starting to pay off. Thank's Ande. Warm Regards, your fan,
Nelson Trout.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

know anything about

joe quaranto

Connections! Pitch to ETNC's, Joe Quaranto. ANY GENRE. MALE OR
FEMALE. Full professionally demoed hit songs a la Top 40 Radio
(CHR), Pop, Pop/Rock, Pop/R&B, Dance, Urban, Cutting edge tracks
and/or music. UPDATE: Looking for CHRISTMAS SONGS through August 30,
2007. Also will accept hit radio-friendly commercial country,
alternative genres, and lyrics. This is an ongoing pitch, so you
will have 2 chances EACH MONTH to pitch your best. SU-ers: Please
listen to Joe's excellent talk in the "on-demand" transcript section
of Library before pitching, where you can hear songs from his
catalog, and find out exactly what he's looking for!



Interviewed by Doug Minnick

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Toronto and have been here my whole life.

How did you get started in the music business?

Originally I was the general manager of a 500-seat nightclub. I used
to book all of the rock acts there in the late '80s. Then I saw that
there was a new scene starting overseas. It was a dance craze. I
started hanging out around the few clubs that were starting to spin.
They were very small ones. I met up with a couple of deejays that
were into it, and I started to manage them. I got them a radio show
playing all this new dance music that nobody knew. And it just blew
up. Not only on the radio, but in the clubs.

From there I was offered a position to go on the radio myself as a
deejay. They were running out of deejays playing this dance music. I
took them up on it, and I had one of the top rated shows in the
Toronto area for eight years. During that time period, I was still
doing the clubs, and I was also consulting for record labels. I'd
tell them the hot product that was coming out from the U.K. and
Europe. I also helped with touring all of those acts as soon as we
got them a hit here. I was basically breaking them on my radio show,
so that's why I was getting all of the new music as soon as it was
coming out, many times even before it was even on vinyl or CD. All
of the managers of the groups knew that I was playing this stuff, so
I would actually get a CDR copy sometimes. What was really nice
about it all was that I was the only deejay on the station that was
allowed to program his own show. While the rest of them were
following a regular playlist of I guess the Top-40, I would come on
at 10 pm, and I was playing all of this cool stuff from overseas
that nobody had heard. We were breaking records, like, nightly.

Then I moved into producing some tracks myself, starting around 1992
or 1993. I'd do just a few tracks a year. It just kept growing. Now
we do more and more and more. Most of our stuff I do for overseas.
Plus we have now a bunch of really good writers and vocalists that
we put on projects, and we also got into managing a bunch of acts.

What does it mean that you do stuff for overseas? Do you do one-song
projects for the dance market? Are you putting together artist
projects?

Over in Europe and the U.K., they really are not totally interested
in artist projects at the beginning. Over there, they still have a
very vibrant singles market and they can sell a ton of singles,
unlike America or Canada. A top selling single over in those areas
can sell well over a million singles. Whereas, we know a top-selling
single over here will do nowhere near those numbers. You can get by
with just doing a single project for over there, with various
remixes, which is released on vinyl, and then on CD-5â€"or CD
single, as we call it. If it's a hit, then the label will always
come back and ask for a follow-up single, which we'll do. If you get
a second hit out of that artist, often they will ask for an album.
But again, it's really not a necessary thing, because they can make
enough selling singles. Compilations over there are a massive part
of the business too. If you have a top single, you can sell a lot on
vinyl or CD singles, and then they just comp the hell out of it.

How are the singles marketed? Is it totally a club phenomenon, or is
there some radio involved?

There is a lot of radio involved. They normally try to start them in
the clubs, just build up the hype. Then they're taken to radio. If
you start to get a little bit of a radio hit, even if it's only a
single, often they will shoot a video for that particular single
just to help break it in Europe. I think that a lot of times we in
the U.S. and Canada forget how large that market is over there.
Basically, the audience over in the U.K. and Europe is actually much
larger than the North American audience.

Is there a difference from country to country in terms of what they
listen to?

Absolutely. For example, in the U.K. they like their house music
very smooth. They like what we call "disco house," which is just
like a filtered disco or a house beat that has got a little bit of
disco happening behind it. Also over there is what we call "two-
step," which is very big. One of the artists that broke over here in
America that has got a bit of a two-step feel is Craig David. It
doesn't go all the way, but actually the hit that broke him as an
artist was done with a fellow by the name of Artful Dodger. Craig
was the featured vocalist on a track called "Rewind." It was a
massive hit over in the U.K., and that was a total two-step track.
That's what brought him the attention as an artist. Then you start
to move into Germany. Germany likes it either two ways. They like a
little bit more pop in their project. I sometimes even say that they
like a little bit of cheese. Or they also like it with what they
call the German techno. To me, it's just a four-on-the-floor dance
beat that is a little harder than the older dance style. It's very
uptempo. Germany loves that. Those are the two major markets over
there, so they are the two I always try to look after first. Then we
do remixes for the other marketsâ€"what I call the secondary
markets.

You mentioned that you have writers on staff. How many writers do
you have?

I've got about 15 writers that I can call on for any project,
whether it be pop, pop/R&B, dance, dance/pop, house... Most of them
only write lyrics and melody. For most of the projects that we get
involved in, we'll get a bare track of music that needs three
elements. It needs lyrics and melody written for it. Then it needs a
vocal. Then it gets sent back to the producer who basically finishes
off the project.

So you create the beats and the basic track. Do you do that
personally, or do you have producers that do that for you or with
you?

On my own productions, I do them. But on some of the other projects
that we get in, there are collaborations. Collaboration is very big
overseas. Everybody collaborates with each other. There are some
brilliant producers over there that are just tremendous at writing
music. But they don't know how to write lyrics and melody, and/or
they don't have vocalists to complete the project. That's where a
lot of times I come in. They will call and say that they have this
great music piece, but they need vocals on there. They'll send over
the bare track, and then I'll try to find who I think is the best
girl, or guyâ€"although it's 90-percent femaleâ€"to put a vocal on
that track for them.

How do you find the writers and singers that you work with?

Good question. Basically they find me, for the most part. A lot of
it is word of mouth, just people who know other people and they
say, "I think you need to give Joe a call." Vocalists are the same
way. I know a lot of them from the old days of dance who are still
singing on projects. New ones just find me, or I hear about them, or
someone will say, "I saw this girl the other day, and she sounds
absolutely amazing, and she's not doing anything." I'll say, "Get me
her info. I want to hear what she sounds like. I want to see what
she looks like." Even though we all like to say that looks aren't
important, they areimportant in this business. Even in dance music.
You can get away with it a little bit on the house projects, but on
the dance that is going to be in the clubs playing towards teens and
people in their early 20's, the image and the look are still very
important. I'm always on the lookout for top vocalists all over the
world constantly. Sometimes someone will just send me a package and
say, "Have a listen to my voice." It can come from various areas.

When you're talking about licensing a record overseas, do record
companies go strictly on the sound of the record, or do they like to
see if the record has some sort of a buzz going already?

They don't need a buzz. Over there, the A&R guys can hear a hit the
second they hear it. That's a difference between the North American
market and the overseas market that I really enjoy. Over here, the
A&R people are very slow to react to things. Over there, I can just
send a record over to the right A&R person. After my years of
dealing with them, I know who will sign what type of record. I know
what their ears are like. I always try to tailor what I send to the
person. I send it to who I know is going to be interested. When they
hear a record in Europe, that's it. Either they want it, or they
don't want it. Hype doesn't mean anything to them, especially over
in Germany where I think they have the smartest A&R guys in the
world. They'll hear a track, and then they'll pick up the phone and
say, "We want to license this record." That's all there is to it.

How is a licensing deal like that structured, in broad strokes?

With licensingâ€"and this is just to put it in its simplistic
formâ€"basically, you're not signing a record deal. You're not
signing an artist. You are basically renting them a piece of music
for an agreed upon amount of time. Most of the deals that come from
overseas are licensed for three or five years. The odd one can be
longer, but that's very rare. You're licensing a track that they can
release, and they can put on compilations. They can do pretty much
whatever they want with it in their given territoryâ€"which is
always part of the contract as wellâ€"for that stated period of
time. At the end of that time, you now re-own that track. If that
original label wants to come back five years later and use it on a
compilation again, they have to re-license that track from you.
Licensing is very cool.

If a track does start working, then a label might start talking to
you about doing more songs with the artist?

All of the deals are usually structured this way: They take the
first one, then they have an option for a second single. Sometimes
there is an option for a third single, and an option for an album.
If the first one turns into a hit, you send them over the second
one. That's exactly what it is, an option. If they take it, then the
next option kicks in. Sometimes the label will hear the second one
and they'll think, this track isn't for us. Now you're free to take
that second track to any other label. You can take it to their
competitor across the road and license it to them. So often if you
look overseas, you will sometimes see a first single by an artist on
one label, and the second single on a different label. All that
means is that the first label didn't pick up the option on the
second single for whatever reason.

If it starts to blow up, then the artist will have to go over and
start making personal appearances and press. Is that a factor from
the beginning?

It's not necessary at the beginning, but once it starts to build,
than yes, they want you over there to do some P.A.s, to do some
promotion, possibly a video if they think it's going to be a big
enough record. And of course they want you to get out and perform in
the clubs. If people see you and they hear the song, the line of
thinking is, now those people are going to go out and buy your
product. So absolutely, if it's a hit, you have to be prepared at
some point that you're going to have to go over there. You'll
possibly spend a few months touring and building it into a bigger
hit.

How does one develop a career as a remixer or a deejay? How do you
start? As a remixer, how do you get access to tracks to remix?

It's very difficult. Basically, you've got to start at the bottom.
Or it's who you know. It's that simple. No guy starting out is going
to get the top artists' tracks. It's just not going to happen. I
mean I'm fortunate that I have access to some of the largest
artists, especially overseas. We're often offered the remixes to do.
At the beginning of your career, you're going to end up doing tracks
for practically nothing until you get your name out there and start
to build up your name. It's better actually to start producing your
own tracks. If you have a hit, now you have a name, and the other
name acts will want you to produce or to remix for them.

Try to collaborate also, which is great to do. That's a good thing
about the dance industry, although it hasn't taken effect over here
yet. I find that on the American side, everyone tries to stay to
themselves for the most part. Overseas, there is a lot of
collaboration. They'll bring in remixers and writers from other
projects. Sometimes there are vocalists that are on three, four, or
five projects at the same time. Sometimes they may not be using
their name on every project, but this is what I mean by
collaborationâ€"it's always looking for the best talent out there
and what will make your record a hit.

What do you look for in new talent? What is it that you listen for
that gets your attention?

If it's a vocal track, the first thing I'm listening for is the
vocalist on the track. If it's an instrumental track, I'm looking
for top quality production. To compete overseas, the production has
to just be absolutely brilliant and amazing. Also I look for
somebody who has their own sound. I don't want them to sound like
somebody else, which is important to me. I want someone who can be a
little bit original. To me, those are the important qualities.

With vocalists, especially in dance and house, I'm always looking
for that diva sound, like a Martha Wash or Jocelyn Brown. Tremendous
voices on these two women. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of
these kinds of singers coming up over here on this side of the
ocean. At least not that I'm finding. They are all being developed
overseas.

What about remakes, or covers, of older songs? Is there much call
for that in dance music?

Yes, that is another thing that is very, very big overseas. They
like covers of classics. Actually, they don't even have to be covers
of classics. They love covers, period. So sometimes when I say be
original, that's sometimes difficult. But you can make an old record
sound original. For example, we just did a remake with George Duke
on his classic hit "Brazilian Love Affair." Now we redid this song
in such a way that it has given a whole new sound to the record, a
whole new life to it. It doesn't sound like the original, but yet
George is on there. He delivered just a tremendous performance. The
nicest thing was when George called me and said, "Joe I love this
record. What you guys did to this is amazing. It's different, but
yet you kept the feel and the integrity of the song."

Another one we just did for Europe is a dance cover of the Eminem
song "Without Me," which isn't even a classic yet. It's basically a
hip-hop rap song, and we did it very, very uptempo. We didn't use
Eminem's vocals on there of course, because the price to clear a
sample would be out of this world. We were fortunate that we had a
vocalist who sounded very much like Eminem. He could do the same
type of delivery and could do the same type of rap. So we built that
into a whole new dance track that again gives the song a whole
different feel that can be played in clubs.

Did you use his tracks or start from scratch?

We started from scratch. We did it as a cover, but as a dance house
cover. The only element that we really used from his original music
is what I call that cheesy little sax sound. Other than that, we did
all new beats, all new music underneath it, and of course at a much
higher tempo. I believe we did it at 136 bpm, where the original is
only about 95 bpm. We're wrapping it up right now, doing the final
couple of mixes. Already we have a tremendous amount of interest in
the track from Europe. Overseas, those tracks sell well. We have a
hit going on overseas right now with "Billie Jean." Massive. I'm
just about to embark on a few other old club songs from the '80s.
These were all massive hits originally overseas where they all sold
millions of records. But you have to remember, overseas there is a
whole new generation who has never heard these records. They were
only 9, or 10, or 11 when these records came out. They weren't in
the clubs, so they don't know these records.

What advice would you give to an aspiring dance producer or remixer?

Keep on producing. Try to keep your sound original. Come up with
high quality songs and productions.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE
http://www.songssoulservice.org

           OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS - DEADLINE DECEMBER 31 - see website
for details


           BUY 2006 Winners CD TODAY - A handsome product that we are
very proud of .  DSA appreciates the work of the SSS committee and
especially Ross Vick, Jose Volante and Annie Cornelius for the hours
of dedication to this project. DSA also owes a big "thank you" for
conceiving and directing this entire project which seemed the
impossible dream at the beginning. Get your CD with a donation
either online at
http://www.songssoulservice.org
or by mail please send a donation  (includes tax and shipping and
handling) to:
Songs From the Soul of Service CD
Dallas Songwriters Association
3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Bx 20
Dallas, Tx 75219


Give a Soulnote Donation of $15 a get a CD
Give a Dotted Soulnote Donation of $30 and get a CD & a t-shirt

The Dallas Songwriter's Association is proud to announce the second
SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE contest is now in progress. Open to
active duty men and women, this contest results in the winning songs
in eight catagories being featured on a professionally mastered CD.

For more information, go to www.songssoulservice.org, or see some of
the winners from last year in a Pentagon produced 3-part piece on
YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6TnAZ2zKF8 .

Please forward this e-mail to all the active duty personnel you know.

Annie Cornelius
Songs from the Soul of Service coordinator

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Check out Terri Hendrix's video
If I Had a Daughter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgVeDyAGCdY


Anyone going to
The 8th Annual Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference will be
in
Austin Texas at the
Woodward Hotel and Conference Center on
Oct 4 – Oct 7, 2007
http://www.swrfa.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IN NYC

HOW TO MAKE A GREAT DEMO
with
NEIL HERMAN and RICH FABRIZIO

Thursday, 9/27/07, 6-9 PM
at BMI, 320 W. 57th Street (8th/9th Aves.).

Among the topics to be covered are:
the different types of demos (songwriter "scratch" demos, publishing
demos, artist demos, film/TV demos, piano/vocal and guitar/vocal
demos)
pre-production planning
creating basic tracks
overdubbing
getting a great vocal sound
recording acoustic and electric guitars
getting a killer drum sound
mixing
mastering
**Get the answers to the FAQ's on demo recording**
**Hear examples of great demos and bad demos**
**Witness a hands-on recording session of a verse and chorus of one
attendee's song (chosen at random)**

Neil and Rich each own their own recording studios, have been
session musicians on many demo and album projects and have worked in
all genres of music and in various recording formats.  Neil is also
a staff songwriter with a Nashville publishing company (and now owns
his own publishing company) and Rich is a Berklee School of Music
graduate, ran the pro-audio division at Guitar Center and currently
works for Yamaha in promoting their music equipment and products.

$10 - NSAI or BMI members
$20 - all others
Please RSVP to stonepulse@... with your name and phone number.
To fulfill BMI's building security requirements, you MUST RSVP to
attend.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'd like to make you aware of exciting opportunities from the GRAMMY
Foundation®. We’re asking you to encourage high school teachers
and students in your area to visit www.GRAMMYintheSchools.com and
participate.

GIBSON/BALDWIN GRAMMY® JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Thirty high school singers and instrumentalists (public, private,
parochial, home schooled, etc.) are selected and receive an all
expenses paid trip to the 50th GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles,
February 2 through February 11. Selectees are eligible for more than
$2 million in scholarships from College Partners, perform in
GRAMMY® Week events, record a CD and attend the GRAMMYs.

EACH applicant and their school will receive a FREE subscription to
SmartMusic® (www.smartmusic.com)

GRAMMY® SIGNATURE SCHOOLS
Underserved music departments can receive cash grants based on need
through the Enterprise Award! As the GRAMMY® Award signifies
excellence in recording, Signature Schools also honors outstanding
public high school music programs as well as, guitar/piano programs
through the Gibson Grant. Receive $1,000 to $20,000 in cash grants!

ACT NOW!!!! Apply for Jazz Ensembles & Signature Schools at
www.GRAMMYintheSchools.com. Deadline: October 22nd.  Contact me
directly (800.423.2017 â€" david@...).  NO QUESTION IS TOO
SMALL!

GRAMMY Camp®
An interactive residential summer music experience about careers in
the music industry - held in Los Angeles, California. This program
focuses on many aspects of commercial music with instruction by
GRAMMY® winners and industry specialists. Multiple Career Tracks
are explored including Audio Engineering; Film Scoring; Music
Production; Music Journalism and more.

Applications for Camp available at www.GRAMMYintheSchools.com:
October 1st.

Signature Schools & Jazz Ensembles are approved and/or supported by:
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
The International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE).
The National Association for Music Education (MENC)

Thank you,
David R. Sears
Senior Director, Education Programs
The GRAMMY Foundation

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, If you are a Christian songwriter, you should check out this
seminar: WRITE ABOUT JESUS
"Write About Jesus" is a complete resource for Christian
songwriters. Their mission is to equip and inspire the Christian
songwriting community. Learn from some of the most successful
writers in Christian music today at their 2007 workshop, October 18,
19 and 20, in St. Charles, Missouri.
The Write About Jesus Workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn
from some of the most successful writers in Christian music today!
Their small student-to-clinican ratio means you'll get plenty of
personal attention during classes, in connection groups, even at
meals. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the pace is intense
and inspiring.
Click this link for more info. Write About Jesus Info
Visit their website at: www.writeaboutjesus.com
God bless YOU in your music mission and keep knocking them alive!
Keith Mohr
President
www.indieheaven.com
Discover the New Music INDIE-STRY!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Steve Seskin Fall 2007 Schedule


Greetings!

I just got back from New York where I was part of a wonderful show
for PBS called, Tribute: A Concert Honoring the Teachers of America,
which celebrates educators for the incredible job they do with the
children of America. It was an honor to be included in this show,
which will also feature Peter Paul and Mary, Judy Collins, Odetta,
Tom Paxton and Christine Lavin, as well as appearances by Bill
Cosby, Rosie O'Donnell, Cynthia Nixon and Elmo from Sesame Street.
Each of them appeared in person or filmed a segment with a teacher
who changed their lives. It was quite touching. It will air in New
York on October 4 (8 PM on Channel 13/WNET) and will be on
nationally after that as part of the Great Performances series. I
got to sing three songs, including "Don't Laugh At Me," which I sang
with Peter and Paul. I sang Mary's part because she is still
recovering from leukemia. (She is doing quite well by the way.) It
was a thrill to fill in for her. The school program centered around
Don't Laugh At Me continues to grow in its effort to foster a
culture of respect and kindness in our schools. I'm proud to be a
part of it. For more info about the program and my school
performances go to operation respect.org or www.steveseskin.com

I'm hard at work on a new book for Ten Speed Press featuring 12 of
the songs I've written with kids in schools. It will be coming out
in the fall of 2008. It will be an illustrated children's book with
a CD of all the songs, sung by the kids (with me chiming in as
well). It will also include a how-to section to provide kids with
the tools to jump-start their creativity and write a song of their
own. The world needs more music, especially these days.

Speaking of music: my friend and frequent co-writer Christine Kane
will be at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, California on Sept
22. If you haven't seen her before, do yourself a favor and go. For
more info go to www.christinekane.com

I'm doing a few shows this fall, as well as some songwriting
workshops and a lot of school performances (which are not open to
the general public). I will also be doing a Northern California tour
with Craig Carothers and Don Henry in early January. We'll be doing
a songwriting workshop as well.  Also, on January 19 & 20 is the 4th
annual Steve Seskin Songwriting Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee.
Details about these dates and more in the next newsletter. Following
is a list of my upcoming performances. As always, thanks for your
support. Take care.....



Tuesday - Friday, September 25 - 28 - Songposium in Nashville,
Tennessee. I'll be teaching for the NSAI all week. For an exact
schedule go to www.nashvillesongwriters.com

Thursday, September 27 - Early show at the Bluebird Cafe in
Nashville, Tennessee with Amanda Green, Jason Blume and Karen Taylor
Good.  The show starts at 6:30 PM. For more info go to
www.bluebirdcafe.com

Friday, September 28 - House Concert in Asheville, North Carolina.
The show starts at 8 PM. For more info contact Kelle at
kolwyler@...

Saturday & Sunday, September 29 & 30 - Songwriting Seminar in
Asheville, North Carolina. This is a two day seminar with lectures
and critiques. For more info contact Kelle at kolwyler@...

Tuesday, October 2 - The Bieroc Cafe in McCook, Nebraska. I'll be
doing a solo concert. For details go to www.bieroccafe.com

Wednesday, October 3 - school shows in McCook, Nebraska.

Thursday & Friday, October 4 & 5 - school shows in Grand Island,
Nebraska.

Sunday, October 7 - House Concert in Holdredge, Nebraska.  Please
email Tim at rehmsworld@... for reservations

Monday, October 8 -  school shows in Holdredge, Nebraska.

Saturday, October 13 - Bluebird Cafe On the Mountain concert series
in Nashville, Tennessee.  I'll be in the round with Allen Shamblin
and Chuck Jones. Check www.bluebirdcafe.com for more details

Thursday, October 18 - school shows in Des Moines, Iowa.

Friday, October 19 - The Lighthouse Coffeehouse Concert Series in
Des Moines, Iowa. Email Scott at Lighthouse4501@... for more info

Saturday, October 20 - Songwriting Workshop in Des Moines, Iowa.
This will be an all-day workshop covering facets of lyrics and
melody writing.  There will also be critiques of the participants'
songs.  For more info email Mary at mary@...

Monday - Friday, October 22 - 26 - one week of school shows in Walla
Walla, Washington. There will also be a concert open to the public
on Thursday night, October 25. Check www.steveseskin.com for details.

Saturday, November 3 - A rare bay area appearance at Mission Coffee
House in Fremont, California. Sponsored by Brask House Concerts.
Tickets are only $10 at the door.  The show starts at 7 PM.  For
more info go to www.braskhouseconcerts.com or call 510-651-9406.

Monday - Friday, November 5 - 16 - two weeks of school shows in
Wabash, Indiana. I will be also be performing at the Honeywell
Center in Wabash on Friday night, November 16. For more info go to
www.honeywellcenter.com

You have been sent this e-mail because you or someone else requested
that your address be added to our gigs e-mail list.  If you wish to
be removed from this list, please let us know and we will remove
your address.  We maintain the list only to notify people who want
to know about Steve's concerts and career development.  Thanks!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

congrats to my friend and cowriter Donna Aylor who was featured in
Songwriters Connection

Meet Member - Donna Aylor


Songwriter/Publisher-BMI
Voting Member of NARAS (Grammy) Austin Songwriters Group, Dallas
Songwriters Association, SongU.com
Songs signed with several Nashville publishers, International
publishers, and one song signed to Sony
Feature film song placement : "Yard Sale"
Indie Short Film song placement : "Swimming to the Moon"
TV credits: Oxygen Cable Network: series "Good Girls Don't" and
Jerry Lewis Telethon-Los Angeles
30 Independent artist cuts including Nashville Star finalists Sheila
Marshall and John Arthur Martinez
Song placed with award winning Christian artist Sienna on her
CD "Steps"  (Siennamusic.com)
And Heather Wilkins.net upcoming CD to be released in Sept.
Song placed on upcoming reality series "30 Days Til I'm Famous"
Song Contest Awards:
Dallas Songwriters Association-Grand Prize winner 2001 & 1st Runner
Up Grand Prize 2005
Austin Songwriters Group 1st place Country song 2005 & 1999
Austin Songwriters Group 1st place Inspirational Song 2005
Austin Songwriters Group 1st place Pop song-2000
ASCAP Texas Songwriting contest-1st place- 2002
San Diego Guild- 1st place Country song 2000
Northern California Songwriters 1st place Country song 2000
CMT/NSAI contest / 3 honorable mentions
http://www.myspace.com/donnaaylor
www.songu.com/members/daylor


Write On!

Ande

have you joined the Grammy yet?
www.Grammy.org

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every songwriter should have a songwriting Library
Drop by:
http://astore.amazon.com/ifsande-20
to find what's missing from yours

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Music Foundation is doing a great event this monday Aug 27th
I hope to attend

  Making Money as a Songwriter &; Music Publisher
Austin Music Foundation and Christian L. Castle, Attorneys are proud
to present the 34th Music Industry Boot Camp.

Monday, August 27
6:30 pm

The Parish
214 East 6th St

Music Industry Boot Camp is co-sponsored by Texas Music Round Up and
Front Gate Tickets.

Musicians need to know the many different avenues where they can
generate income and the types of deals common to these areas.

This one-stop primer on music and money covers how music generates
income from use in videogames, motion pictures and television
licensing, CD sales, ringtones and ring backs, advertising
commercials, downloads, conditional downloads, streaming, Broadway,
music boxes, dolls, toys, greeting cards, webcasting, mobile devices,
digital distribution, remixes and samples, foreign countries, and
much more.

Leading the discussion will be national best-selling authors Todd and
Jeff Brabec, authors of Music, Money and Success: The Insider's Guide
to Making Money in the Music Business.

The Brabecs are former recording artists as well as entertainment
lawyers. They both lecture extensively on all aspects of the
business, legal, and money side of music.

Todd Brabec is Executive Vice President and Director of Membership
for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
(ASCAP), the world's largest performing rights organization.

Jeff Brabec is Vice President of Business Affairs for The Chrysalis
Music Group where he specializes in evaluating, analyzing, and
negotiating music publishing acquisitions.

If you want to learn how to expand your music's revenue streams, this
Boot Camp is for you.

The Brabecs' book Music, Money &; Success will be on sale at the
event, so be sure to get your autographed copy! A portion of the
sales will benefit Austin Music Foundation.

AMF would like to thank the Parish for donating their venue for this
Boot Camp and also the Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel. See
you there!


wwww.AustinMusicFoundation.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check out
http://acl.mp3.com/feature/soundandjury



Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well.  I'm doing pretty good.  Here's a
few things that happened since I last wrote you

1) I got a cut with Miranda Townsend
www.MirandaTownsend.com
The song is called "I Think I Think Too Much"
I cowrote it with
Jessa Frith www.Jessa.cc and
Eric Copeland. Nashville producer
http://www.ericcopelandmusic.com
http://www.creativesoulonline.com

2) I'm also thrilled to say that
Chet McIntyre recorded "Blue Holiday"
Aaron Allan produced it
I really dig what they did.

3) I listened to a great presentation on SongU by Michele Vice
Maslin.  She talked about how she's placed many songs on TV shows and
in films. Her presentation is definitely worth hearing
If you're not a member drop by
www.SongU.com/ifs
When I dropped by http://www.myspace.com/sweetersongs
I was quite impressed with her cowriter, cut, and placement list.
She's cowritten songs with Jessa Frith.
I also love Michele's song Some Saving, the vocalist is Juliet Simms.

She inspired me to write down my own list of cowriters.
the woman is a dynamo.

here is my list of cowriters:

cowritten songs with:

Steve Seskin, John Arthur Martinez, Brock Goodwin, Eric Copeland,
Donna Aylor, Halie Loren, Faith Rivera, John Gilliam, Paul Lopez,
Ruckus Skye, Wake Eastman, Tommy Byrd, Alice Olsen, Mary Bahan, Steve
Mesropian (Mez), Steve Callif, Leanne Kinney, Marinus Vandertogt,
Peter Nelson, Billy White, Ronda Wynn, Denny Martin, Brett Bingham,
Jim Furhman, Robert Deitch, Abi Tapia, Steve Brooks, Bev Houston,
Adam Donmoyer, Moe Monsarratt, Jessa Frith, Christian Palladino, Jill
Louise King, Betsy Foster, Gayla LeJeune, Charlotte Ryerson, Willie
McCulloch, Rik Shafer, Mark Oates, Chelle Murrey, Bob Jenkins, Kerry
Ford,

4) I recently found
www.ArtistsHouseMusic.org
is a great thing.
Everyone should check it out
I am super impressed with what I've seen so far.

Funding for the development of Artists House Music has been provided
by the Herb Alpert Foundation.
The foundation devised the idea for an online, non-profit musicians'
Website where all musicians can receive
+ informational support,
+ guidance, and
+ expert resources
to help them navigate the challenges and maximize the opportunities
available to them within the music industry.
http://www.ArtistsHouseMusic.org
What do you think?

5) I'm also excited because I've got some really cool song ideas and
cowrites in the works.

6) Ryan Jirovec is an awesome vocalist who's moved to San Marcos, TX
to attend Texas State U
http://www.myspace.com/ryanjirovec
He mentioned to me that he's available to sing on projects and demos.

7) I'm also very impressed with Megan Conner. She's an excellent
writer and vocalist in Nashville.
I love her new song "Balloon"
http://www.myspace.com/megconner
She's got a powerful bluesy voice.

I loved her Blog:

November 21, 2005 - Monday
NASHVILLE

Well, it's almost that time.  One month from tomorrow (12/20), I pack
up my things in NYC and head to Nashville to pursue my dreams....
It's happening.  Finally.  Who knows what the future holds, but I
continue to receive amazing support from those surrounding me.  Thank
you to those reading this right now for your constant support and
encouragement.  I find the strength not only within but through each
of you as well.  Many Thanks, and Many Blessings, Megan

I also loved Kris Bergsnes encouraging comment:
http://www.myspace.com/bergsong

18 years and 6 months ago I moved to Nashville to pursue my dream.
Some of the people I write with weren't even born.  I remember my car
so full of everything I owned.  I put my guitar in the back so people
could see it.  I wanted everyone to know I was on my way and that
there was no turning back.  I couldn't play a song on the guitar and
I couldn't sing but I had that dream of Nashville.  I got here June
17, 1987 with $500.00 cash and a car with no payments.  I worked as a
waiter off an on for the first 10 years.  Now I just write and I
still don't sing very well and my guitar playing has been abandoned a
thousand times cause I just don't have it.  But the tin man didn't
have a heart but he still found a way to cry so I kept on doing what
I had to do to stay in town.  There's always uncertainy with any
dream worth chasing.  Thats why they call it a dream. I don't know
how big of a star you will be but I do know that you will meet people
in Nashville that are more like you than members of your own family.
It is so scary to be around so many dreamers.  Not all will make it
to the top but there are so many beautiful steps along the way to
make the journey worth while.  The greatest step is when you put your
foot on the gas with that no turning back smile on your face.  I wish
I could start all over,  not that I think I would do better or would
want to do bettter, I just love that feeling of being new and
hungry.  Your shoes are filled with a very lucky person with a great
spirit of adventure.  I know I will see you around when you get to
Nashville,  it's a small town when you get around the music.  Just
look how many myspace friends we all have in common and myspace has
only been around for a year.  Well good luck to you.  Instead of
writing this, I guess I could've written a song.  Maybe what I've
written will help you write one on the way to town.  Now that would
be a story........

Kris

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Writing Up: Interview With Combustion Music's Pete Sallis
Nashville

By: Doak Turner (Associate Writer)
2003-05-21

We are in the conference room at Combustion Music, on Music Row in
Nashville, with pro songwriter Pete Sallis. Pete recently signed his
first songwriting publishing agreement with Combustion Music.

[Doak Turner] Pete, where are you from?

Pete Sallis Originally from Wheaton, Illinois. It is a town about 40
miles northwest of Chicago.

[Doak Turner] How did you get into songwriting and how did growing up
in Wheaton influence your songwriting?

Pete Sallis In the 5th grade, I started playing the snare drum in a
concert band and concentrated on playing snare and becoming a great
drummer. Starting in the 5th grade and all through high school, I
played in bands and all I wanted to do was be a professional drummer.

I played in cover bands and our favorite groups were so different,
from Journey, Ozzy Osborne to Air Supply. In high school, I was in a
band with Billy Corrigan, later known for fame in Smashing Pumpkins,
and I was the drummer. We did the heavier metal covers in the talent
and variety shows. I started becoming aware of the songwriting as a
craft in my junior year of high school. I started playing in another
band and writing my own songs, we played in a talent show and played
my song in the junior year. I sang my first song I ever wrote in one
of those talent shows. We didn't win, and the song was something
like "I Love You, I Love You" or something that would be really bad
these days. That was when I first got the songwriting bug; people
said it was great to hear an original song.

From the time I was sixteen, I started concentrating on songwriting,
taught myself to play piano and guitar, because I knew I was going to
start writing songs. I started seeking out all of those
singer/songwriters that were around in the late `80s: Elton John,
Billy Joel, James Taylor, Jim Croce and others like them.

At age 18, I moved to San Diego with the intention of going to San
Diego State, and never started to school. I was working construction
instead, but I was writing a lot of songs, mostly bad songs.

[Doak Turner] Were you playing in any bands?

Pete Sallis No, pretty much by myself for the first time in a while.
I started getting serious about the craft. I was at a crossroad of
going to film school or going to Nashville. I had a passion for
movies, how they were made, the writing behind them. I chose music,
looked in a college directory of music schools in Nashville. I saw
Belmont University in Nashville. I enrolled in 1992 as a freshman,
and attended for 3 and a half years. Someday I will finish my degree.

[Doak Turner] What was your major?

Pete Sallis Music business, with an emphasis in publishing. They had
a great music business program. At that time, I was playing drums for
several Christian artists through friends that I made at Belmont. It
is a great place to network and I met a lot of people who are doing
real well now in the music profession. It got to a point where I had
to either stay in school or go out on the road full time. In 1995, I
started going on the road full time. The whole time I would be going
to the writer nights in town. The drumming kept me busy on the road.

[Doak Turner] Who were you playing drums for on the road?

Pete Sallis Bob Carlisle of "Butterfly Kisses" fame. I went to Sweden
with him. Charlie Peacock, Michael English, Terry McMillan. Then I
met different people who were in the country music industry and
started playing for Mindy McCready, Tim Rushlow (of Little Texas
fame), and also did a three-year gig with a corporate band traveling
all over the world for corporate events. We also played in churches
on the road.

[Doak Turner] What is a corporate band?

Pete Sallis A band that plays for corporations such as Ford Motor
Company or Amway that will have a big conference for their customers
or employees, with a band for entertainment at the end of a day of
seminars. We would play cover songs with a couple originals songs.
They would hire a big name to be the feature band, such as Suzy
Boggess, Jo Dee Messina, or someone like that for the headliner. It
was a great experience, traveling all over the world playing drums
for a living. Playing the cover tunes, I could see what would work
and what did not work; I was learning the structure and craft by
playing those songs. It was a very valuable experience.

[Doak Turner] Were you writing songs at this time?

Pete Sallis I would write maybe thirty or forty songs a year while I
was on the road. About 1998, after being on the road for three years,
I really just wanted to learn to write songs. I started buying
several songwriting books. I started learning more about the
songwriters than the artists. Don Schlitz was one of my first
songwriters that I studied at the time. I would re-write their lyrics
and structure, see where the rhymes fell, the phrasing. When I would
hear songs that just killed me, I would take the song apart and find
out why I liked it so much, what made me go, "Man, I wish I wrote
that song".

[Doak Turner] Why did you like particular songs, what made them stand
out for you?

Pete Sallis It would be a unique idea, most of the time. The feel,
the phrasing really knocked me out, saying it so different. A good
example would be the second verse of Steve Seskin's song, sung by Tim
McGraw, "I Don't know Why They Say Grown Men Don't Cry". The
lyrics, "I keep having this dream about my old man, he was a slave to
his job and never could be around". Whatever it was, I would keep it
in my mind to be different.

[Doak Turner] What happened next for Pete?

Pete Sallis I was going to writers' nights in 1998; I would catch Don
Schlitz as often as I could. It was great going to all those writers'
nights, like going to college every night in Nashville. You could
always find a great writer in town.

[Doak Turner] What are you looking for when you go to these
songwriter nights, why do you say it is like going to college?

Pete Sallis They are just so much better than I am. It is like a
teacher showing a student how to write a song. If you are perceptive
enough, you can pick out what made it great. They can write the same
title that you write, and they are going to nail it. It seems that
way. Of course, what you don't know is they wrote a hundred others
that suck, but the ones they play out are great. You have to put your
time in, and that is how you learn.

[Doak Turner] Did you network at these songwriter nights?

Pete Sallis No, I never did network. That is why it took me eleven
years to get a publishing deal. I was out of town and on the road for
six of those years. I never asked anyone to write with me. I even had
friends that had staff deals for years, and I never asked them to
write with me. I always figured they would ask me when the time came.
I never felt confident in asking them to co-write. When people would
ask me what I wanted to do, I would tell them I wanted to be a
songwriter.

[Doak Turner] Was it fear that kept you from asking them to co-write?

Pete Sallis No. But I would do it the same way.

[Doak Turner] Why is that?

Pete Sallis You hear too many stories about people being too pushy,
and stepping on wrong toes. Back then; my songs would not have been
good enough. If I had a co-writer back then, I would not have been
asked back to co-write. The songs themselves tell you when you are
ready. If the pro writers want to write with you, it is because they
have heard something that you have written. It is like dating, "I
heard your girlfriend is hot, so I want to take her out".

[Doak Turner] So, you are on the road for this period in your life.
Tell me about your family. Are they supportive of what you are doing
for a living?

Pete Sallis I grew up as the youngest of seven children, with four
sisters and two brothers. Music is all that I have ever done, and
they have always been supportive. There has never been a question in
anyone's mind as to what I wanted to do with my life. I never wanted
to be a doctor, lawyer, or anything else in this world. All my family
plays music. That was a big influence. They were big into playing
music at church. I couldn't have the rock music in the house, but
gospel & country were acceptable, but I never listened to country
until 1990.

[Doak Turner] What changed to make you want to listen to country
music?

Pete Sallis Growing up, I remember my sisters having "The Gambler" by
Kenny Rogers, and the group, Alabama. I was into rock n' roll, pop
rock and Foreigner, music that was on the radio at the time. I did
not like the country sounds in the eighties. The thing that changed
it all for me, it was in 1990 or 1991, when I heard the Vince Gill
song, "Never Knew Lonely". I heard that voice and went, "Who in the
heck is that"? The song did not sound like all those other voices of
country and what I perceived was every other country singer. I wanted
to know more about the singer, started watching for the video. Vince
really opened the door for the country music scene for me.

I thought it was all about, you play a country song backwards, and
you get your house, your dog, and wife back (laughs). I heard that
voice of Vince Gill made me go wow; there is something besides the
twangy voice.

It was my ignorance of country music, because it was certainly not
all just twang at the time. From 1991 on is when I got into the
country music. I started college late, at the age of 23. I wanted to
be in the music scene, could have decided to move to LA or New York,
but wanted to go where the songwriters are, in Nashville. Over the
last ten years, I have been able to work into a developing
songwriter.

[Doak Turner] How have you been able to develop into the songwriter
that you have become over the years?

Pete Sallis Writing a lot, learning from friends that have publishing
agreements. They have always given me little things like, you have to
practice anything in life to be good, "You have to put the time
behind the pen" as Kris Bergsnes says. You have to write a lot of bad
songs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this note from my cowriter and friend Wake Eastman

Hank Sinatra Presents the Songwriters Series invites you to an
evening with
>songwriters Paula Nelson, Bill Oliver and Wake Eastman this Saturday
>evening, August 25th beginning at 8:00 PM (CT). Come on over to
Hank's and
>watch a great evening of great songwriters. If you're too lazy,
drunk or
>too
>far then log onto http://www.songwritersseries.com and watch the
concert
>live anywhere in the world with a high-speed Internet.
>
>8:00 PM (CT) - Paula Nelson with George Devore
>9:15 PM (CT) - Wake Eastman
>10:30 PM (CT) - Bill Oliver
>
>Come on out as Pyramid Breweries is our sponsor and feeds you beer
for the
>event. TexasRadio1.com and TVKnob.com are the technological
>gizmo-thingamajiggy companies that make Internet broadcast actually
>broadcast and Hank Sinatra is, well, Hank Sinatra so we apologize
for that.
>
>Directions: From IH 35. Head to downtown Austin. Take the Riverside
Exit
>and
>head East. Travel East down Riverside Dr. for two miles whistling
your
>favorite rap ballad. After Pleasant Valley Rd., the third or fourth
next
>right will be Riverside Farms road where you will take a right and
travel
>down about a 1/2 mile to 2407 Riverside Farms Road on your left. Go
into
>the
>backyard, beyond the chicken coop and join us for a great Songwriters
>Series
>Showcase Concert.
>
>Also, WATCH A BRAND NEW SHOW in the meantime featuring countrabilly
>troubadoor Dave Madewell at
http://www.songwritersseries.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Got this note from Julie Carter-Moriva

Hey Guys!!

You can help me out by doing what it says here it's a great cut and
Boomtown did a fabulous job on it!  Now, let's get it played AS MUCH
AS POSSIBLE across the nation.

Thanks for your support!!


From:  Boomtown Official Website

News Release

Boomtown Single Lands in 33 US Markets starting Sept. 9th



With the new CD almost out, we'd like to say thanks to the nationally
syndiacted radio show, “Sundays Kind of Country� BOOMTOWN
single "Bottle to the Bible" will hit regular rotation in 33 markets
nationwide starting Sept 9th. Thanks to Robbie Lynn and the staff at
SKOC. PLease go and visit their website... www.skoc.us  and send them
a big thank you and keep e-mailing them your request for  Bottle to
the Bible  by BOOMTOWN. Also make sure and call your local radio
station and request BOOMTOWN's latest single.

Thanks and God Bless !!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this note from Terri Hendrix

"The Spiritual Kind"
Digital &; Retail: August 28th!

FREE Bootleg cd w/ "TheSpiritual Kind!" ORDER HERE!
Join the CMT "Spiritual Kind" Listening Party!
Visit Amazon.com
Spacing out in Myspace

Greetings from San Marcos!

Hi there! Things are going really well with my new record. I have a
team helping me out behind the scenes that's creating new
opportunities for my music. But as an indie artist out there on the
same playing field with the majors labels, I can tell you it's your
support that makes the world of difference. Due to folks like you
requesting my tunes, we are at #6 on the Americana chart and moving
up the AAA chart too. I'm also involved in a distribution program
called "Paste Recommends" so my new cd will be in indie stores all
over the US. I'm telling you this as many of you are curious how to
help "get my music out there." Well, little things like going to
amazon.com and writing about my new record help gain me placement in
their system. Also, participating in the CMT listening party. Even
forwarding this email to a buddy helps. And of course picking up my
new record in my online music store because it funds Wilory World. If
you've already pre-ordered ... thanks! But If you have not had the
chance yet, the first 100 folks that order my new cd this month will
get a free copy of our recent bootleg CD too. This bootleg's been
popular with you Goatheads this summer and many of you have been
requesting we sell it ... so it's available again for ... FREE. And,
I'll autograph your cd's too if you want me to. Just say so on the
order form. Thanks so much for supporting my music and this journey
I've been on. It's you that indeed makes the difference.

P.S. This free bootleg cd's only available with my new record and
will be on your order form when you place your order. It's a deal for
you folks on my mailing list so we will not be advertising it on my
website.

Next month I'll have a "GoatNotes" for you ... promise. Your friend
in music, Terri Hendrix (and Georgia ... my new guitar)

~ ~ ~

there was also a nice
Troubadour Terri Hendrix's new album is spiritual, silly and true to
herself
http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/stories/MYSA081907.03
P.Hendrix.1d6ad46.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Songwriter Lori McKenna finally gets her due
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/entertainment/5062650.htm
l

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Musicians and Artists for World Peace is a network of musicians,
artists & performers working to promote events & concerts focused on
peace, ecology & raising global consciousness.  The Nashville branch
of Musicians and Artists for Peace has just recently formed and will
be participating in the 2008 Global Peace Concert to be held next
year to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's
famous I Have a Dream speech that he gave on Aug. 28th, 1963.  If
you're interested in joining NMAP and helping in our efforts to help
create peace through music, please email  PeaceOnEarth247@...
If you're interested in performing in the upcoming Peace Concert,
please send a 2 song demo with songs you've written about peace,
along with a paragraph about why you write about peace and how music
contributes to peace. Please include the year in which the songs were
completed and mail along with your contact info to:
Nashville Musicians and Artists for Peace
P.O. Box 210960
Nashville, TN  37221
Please join us in creating a world of peace!
http://www.butterflyspirit.org/projects/musicians_and_artists.html
  http://www..myspace.com/musiciansforpeace

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Get this note from Adam DOnmoyer
  very cool
i'd still like to get with you and write a song
but we get busy between babies and work

ande
512 357 6553
217 2728 cell

In a message dated 8/18/2007 12:26:21 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
adam@... writes:
Well,

For all of you who are kind enough to read my sporadic e-mails I say,
thanks! It's hard to believe I am in the business of marketing
business sometimes. I do such a half-ass job of self promotion
sometimes. Maybe that's why I see so few of you at my gigs? But don't
take this the wrong way. How can i expect you to come when I neglect
to tell you about them?

So, how's this for convenient? I am playing tomorrow morning LIVE in
your living room... or car... or streaming internet. I am playing
tomorrow August 19th, on Chillville 101X Austin, from 9ish-am until
whenever. For details on the show itself goto: http://chillville.com/

So, yes. The information is short notice... but it couldn't be more
convenient.

In other news a Musical I co-wrote with the great Charlie Moster aired
on NPR affiliates in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. I forgot to share that
one... But there's another on the way that will air on September 9.
I'll try to remember to forward the details...

If radio isn't permanent enough for you... goto CDBaby.com/donmoyer
and buy "Naughty Bits!" You can play it again and again. Also
available on itunes!

I am also working on a children's book of Rugby the Cat including a
new CD. My illustrator is Scott Wade. DirtyCarArt.com He's famous for
his dust art on cars. Check it out!! He's also my drummer and friend.

Speaking of children, Milo is 2!

I may be opening for a BIG ARTIST in October at a private party. But
that's just a rumor... Plus that party is private and chances are you
aren't invited. Which sucks because you are my favorite people...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASCAP/Lotte Lehmann Foundation Art Song Competition
Deadline: September 15

ASCAP and the Lotte Lehmann Foundation announce the second ASCAP/Lotte
Lehmann Foundation Art Song Competition. The competition, named for
the
legendary soprano Lotte Lehmann, was established in 2005 to recognize
talented young composers who write for the voice.

First Prize will be a $3,500 commission to compose a Song Cycle for
voice and piano, to be published by E.C. Schirmer, and performed in
three major American cities. Second Prize ($1,000) and Third Prize
($500) will be awarded a commission to compose an art song for voice
and piano. Applicants must be citizens, permanent residents of the
United States, or enrolled students with student visas, who will not
reach their 30th birthday by January 1, 2008. One original work per
composer may be submitted.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


2007 ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop
Songwriters Workshop Open
Deadline: September 5

The ASCAP Pop Songwriters Workshop in Nashville occurs every fall for
six consecutive weekly evening sessions. This workshop focuses on the
development and education of promising new pop songwriters. Each
session will feature prominent music industry guest speakers giving
advice on topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues.

The 2007 ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriter Workshop will be
moderated by songwriter/producer/publisher Chris Farren, president of
Combustion Music. Chris Farren has directly been involved in over 40
top 10 hits, in all genres, and well over 100 million albums sold as a
songwriter, producer, or publisher. Constantly evolving and wearing
many hats, Chris has most recently focused his energy as the President
and driving force behind Combustion Music - a Nashville based
multi-genre publishing and production company, which last year won the
Grammy for Best Country Song with "Jesus Take The Wheel" by Carrie
Underwood as well as ASCAP Country Song of the Year. Currently, Chris
is busy writing and producing projects for Jo Dee Messina and
newcomers
Brent Keith and Sam & Ruby.

More information and to apply

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Very cool - iTunes on Facebook.com
Posted by: "Steven Cravis" stevencravis@...   stevencravis
Wed Aug 8, 2007 9:55 am (PST)
If your music is on iTunes and you have a facebook.com (free) account
there's something really cool I found that you can do to promote your
iTunes albums.
You don't even need to have iTunes on your computer to see the images.

1.After logging in to facebook, click the Profile tab on the top left.

2.Then click the Profile drop down menu on the top right (the one with
the little silhouette of a head/shoulders icon)
The drop down menu will include 'post items'

3. When post items opens up, there will be a little field in that same
upper right area of the screen where you just paste in your album URL
from http://www.apple.com/itunes/linkmaker

Note: In this example from the apple linkmaker middle album column you
would only copy the first URL beginning with http:// such as
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?
i=48760588&id=48760661&s=143441
and paste into the 'post items' field at facebook.

Don't copy the whole code that has <a href, etc...

4. Then when you submit it, EVEN IF THE COMPUTER doesn't have iTunes,
facebook grabs and displays the whole artist name/album title, cover
image and it's automatically ALL linkable right to iTunes.
If people don't have the iTunes store it goes to the download iTunes
page with your album cover at top.

What impressed me about this is that facebook was the first site I've
seen that grabs and displays the album cover images from iTunes.

After you've posted it to your profile, you'll notice some share+
links. But from what I tested, it seems that just duplicates what
you've already done, which is display your iTunes album right on your
facebook profile.

--
http://www.StevenCravis.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~





the beauty of collaboration
from taxi newsletter

Imagine this: you're writing a song and suddenly you're stuck.
Writer's block. Too many distractions in your life. Not enough
distractions in your life. Call it what you will, but there's
something that's not quite working in your song. There's a lyric
that's not quite saying what needs to be said or there's a chord
progression or sound that just isn't working, and the worst part
about it is that despite your obvious talents and years of experience
you just can't think your way out of it.

You could try to let some time go by and come back at it with a fresh
perspective, but an even better idea is to get some help with the
song. We industry professionals call working with
someone "collaboration", and there are a million ways to get help.

You're probably thinking that working with someone will mean
that "master use and synch fees," royalties, and publishing will have
to be split. I have two answers for you: Pony up buddy boy, 'cause
100% of nuthin is a big goose egg... and for a slightly more
sophisticated approach, there are a lot of ways to get help that
won't mean having to split all those phat royalty checks.

As an engineer and studio owner, I've noticed that some of the best
sessions are the ones where the "songwriter" brings in a room full of
musicians, gives them a rough idea of what the song is like, and then
let's them do what they do best. Musicians are as different as salt
and pepper, and these people will think of things to put in your song
that you never would have dreamed of or could ever hope to have the
chops to play. Yes, it costs money to have these guys come in to
play, but in the long run you'll never miss the short-term expense.
Best of all, you don't have to pay them writer royalties or split
master use fees for their work.

Obviously, you don't have to hire a whole band. Try bringing in just
a single outside element like a bass player or someone to sing
background vocals on your project, and ask them for advice. Even if
they're not a seasoned player, chances are they'll be more than happy
to give some suggestions- a bass player might have an idea for a
different kick pattern in the chorus, or a singer might have some
ideas about what to do on the bridge section that's been so elusive.
Almost every big name singer has a core group of people they work
closely with. Where would Madonna be without her long list of top-
notch producers? Lennon and McCartneyâ€"there's collaboration. U2,
Elton John, and Hole (just to name a few) work with producer Joe
Chiccarelli to help them get their sound.

Another benefit to collaboration is learning how other people
approach the craft of songwriting, or the art of recording, or
whatever subtle nuance of any musical discipline someone else brings
to the table. 17 years of working on protools, and it took a guy who
had an MBox for one week to tell me that you could stop recording AND
not write a file by pressing command period. After all, it's written
right there on the screen during the bounce. That might be techno-
babble for some, but it just means that there's a lot to be learned
by working with and watching other people no mater what their level
of experience might be. While you may never learn how to tap into the
source of their inspiration for a particular contribution for a song,
at least you'll learn a new approach to a specific situation. Even
someone who doesn't have an extensive musical background can
contribute greatly to a songâ€"it's all about getting a fresh
perspective and seeing things from a different angle. I love it when
I do a session with a proâ€"I learn a ton. The better they are the
more I get out of it.

One of the biggest problems for songwriters is not knowing when to
call in the professionals. Most of us have some sort of home
recording setup, and we record almost all of our music at home in one-
way or another. These days we have the luxury of recording on
affordable halfway decent gear and if we record things up close, we
can get things to sound OK. Few of us have the financial ability to
mix on really good gear, and even fewer of us have the ability to mix
in a good sounding room on really good gear. After spending so much
time on the craft of songwriting, who has time to learn the craft of
recording? It really takes all three elements- a good room, good
gear, and good ears to make a great mix. Why not leave the mix part
for someone else to do? Said another way, collaborate on the mix.
Even if you don't live near a big studio, there are a lot of places
on-line that can mix your song(s) for you. The price you'll pay for a
professional mix is tiny compared to the expense and frustration of
constructing and equipping a professional mixing studio. The company
I work for, The MixPack, uses a form of collaboration
called "Moderated Collaboration," which means there is a set amount
of back and forth or exchange of ideas. Both the artist and the
engineer have time to bring a bunch of ideas to the table, and these
ideas are discussed and then set into motion. The opposite of this
might be when each member of an entire band is requesting that their
part be turned up- all at the same time.

Don't be afraid to look for outside help on a few tracks. No one is
an island, in fact, I've never even met a peninsula. You don't have
to get help with every track you create, but in the long run you'll
benefit greatly by working with other people every once in a while.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check out who's playing the BMI stage at ACL fest

2007  ACL MUSIC FEST HITS AUSTIN SEPT. 14-16
BMI Sponsors Stage for Fifth Consecutive Year

Nashville, Tenn., August 8, 2007 - BMI, the leading performing right
organization, is proud to present and sponsor a stage at the Austin
City Limits Music Festival September 14-16, in Austin, Texas. The
namesake of the long-running PBS series, ACL fittingly invades the
Live Music Capital of the World each year with eight stages and a
myriad of the world's finest live performers. Over the festival's
three-day stint in Zilker Park, BMI's stage will showcase an enticing
line-up of auspicious up-and-comers and renowned singer/songwriters.



FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14



SAHARA SMITH   11:15-11:45am
A 15-year-old Sahara Smith placed second in A Prairie Home
Companion's  "12 to 20" talent contest; now 18, the Austinite's
forlorn voice cries, seduces and whispers, wrapping itself around her
ageless lyrics.
www.myspace.com/saharasmithmusic

ADAM HOOD  12:40-1:20pm
Alabama's Adam Hood released Pete Anderson-produced Different Groove
in May 2007 -- a collection of truckstop poetry parlayed into soul-
swaggering roots rock by Hood's rich vocals.
www.myspace.com/adamhood

AMY LAVERE   2:40-3:20pm
Amy LaVere's tiny frame juxtaposed with her train-chugging upright
bass and smoky vocals creates a definitively sui generis combo, aptly
displayed on the Memphis girl's blithe sophomore album, Anchors and
Anvils.
www.myspace.com/amylavere

JOHN RALSTON  4:40-5:30pm

Lake Worth, Florida native John Ralston's  "Needle Bed" (Vagrant
Record) features lush pop arrangements and melancholy vocals that
sound more Transatlantic than Southern. The troubadour will spend
most of the Fall opening for Dashboard Confessionals.

http://www.myspace.com/johnralston


GUY FORSYTH   6:40-7:20pm
Antone's Records artist Guy Forsyth crafts lyrics that exhale and
meander through cantankerous melodies; poetically organic and
decisively Austin, Forsyth's blues are worth catching.
www.myspace.com/guyforsythband




SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15



THE STEPS  11:15-11:45am
Youthfully exuberant Austin quartet The Steps swim in self-
imposed '60s British rock exile, venturing out every now and again to
nod towards post-punk exuberance.
www.myspace.com/thesteps


AMY LOFTUS  12:40-1:20pm
Named Best New Singer/Songwriter by the Nashville Scene in 2005, Amy
Loftus collaborates with East Nashville virtuosos like Will
Kimbrough, detailing poignant subtleties of everyday life with her
lyrically rich songs.
www.myspace.com/amyloftus




CARY ANN HEARST & The Gun Street Girls  2:40-3:20pm
South Carolina's Cary Ann Hearst takes ghosts and angels from her
native South and channels them into cogent lyrics; her musky voice
plays nicely with her country, blues and punk-tinged combo, resulting
in raucous treats.
www.myspace.com/caryannhearst




TRENT SUMMAR & The New Rob Mob   4:40-5:30pm
Trent Summar's farm rock smirks at expectations and the status quo;
whether penning Jack Ingram's brassy single "Love You" or belting out
his own "Pink John Deere," the native Tennessean packs an inimitable
punch with every syllable.
www.myspace.com/trentsummar




JEFFREY STEELE   6:40-7:20pm
While 2003 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele churns
out hits dipped in twang for mainstream country stars like Rascal
Flatts and Tim McGraw, his own live sets reveal an energetic
performer who rocks against the grain instead of growin' it.
www.jeffreysteele.com




SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16


JENNIFER NICELEY   11:15-11:45am
Tennessee native Jennifer Niceley's voice huskily combs through her
dreamy reflections and intimate poetry set to a soothing balance of
country and jazz, while sultry attitude simmers just below the
surface of her beguiling tunes.
www.myspace.com/jenniferniceley

BRANDON RHYDER   12:40-1:20pm
Austinite Brandon Rhyder's swelling circle of believers must be
attributed to the singer/songwriter's relentless touring and earnest
compositions; Nashville noticed: Radney Foster is producing his
upcoming album, and Rhyder recently signed with Harlan Howard Songs.
www.myspace.com/brandonrhyder



KARA GRAINGER    2:40-3:20pm
Australian chanteuse Kara Grainger's moody debut Grand and Green
River features ace players who've worked with Stevie Wonder and
Jackson Browne, among others, plus a duet with Amos Lee, but newcomer
Grainger's smoky vocals serenely claim the spotlight. Several tracks
from the album are featured on Starbucks stores' in-house
programming. www.myspace.com/karagrainger1



MARIO MATTEOLI   4:40-5:30pm
Former Weary Boy Mario Matteoli's solo work reveals an introspective
yarn spinner, and prompted the Austin-American Statesman to proclaim
Matteoli's debut, Hard Luck Hittin', "would make his songwriting
idols Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt proud."
www.myspace.com/mariomatteoli



PATTERSON HOOD   6:40-7:20pm
Rock guru Robert Christgau has called Patterson Hood a "new master of
the vanishing art of literal, narrative songwriting," thanks to songs
exploring themes like heartbreak and organ transplants; in short, the
Drive-By Truckers front man embraces the life's quirks and
imaginative pitfalls.
www.myspace.com/pattersonhood


The Austin City Limits Music Festival is produced by C3 and Capital
Sports & Entertainment. For more information on ACL, please visit
www.aclfestival.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~









here's some of the guidelines I follow when I'm wriitng lyrics

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, unless
you have a really good reason not to

2) Genuine Idea
Is the idea worthy of becoming a song?
Does it strike a chord?
Does it make the singer look good?
Is it universal, will millions want to hear it over and over?

3) Conversational
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

4) Song Structure
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
There's several more song forms

5) Titles
songs have titles, they are the brand.
the title is the most repeated phrase in the chorus,
it's the phrase that sticks in people's heads,
find a word or phrase that DEMANDS ATTENTION
it usually summarizes the song
if a chorus has 8 lines
here's 5 examples of where title are often placed in 8 line choruses

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


6) Prove the title.
The purpose of the verse is to lead the listener to the chorus
every line in the verse should be connected to and point to the title

the verses should build up to the chorus

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

8) Opening Lines
the opening line of the lyric should GRAB the listeners attention
Start with a bang
Drop the cat in the punch bowl! Splash
http://www.peoplestories.org/tips.asp
Establish who what when and where

9) Avoid cliches, they are the kiss of death
Attempt to create expressions that people have never heard before but
when they hear it they understand it.
Sometimes a cliche is what you need to use to best convey the emotion.

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

11) a song contains
a. *lyrics*:  which are the words
b. *vocal melody* which is the way the words are sung and
c. *music* the notes and chords that fit around the music.

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

13) each line in a song needs to be concise
each syllable has to be sung, what's the simplest clearest way to
write it?

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

15) 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

16) 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"

17) when an idea arrives, allow it to flow out, write,
  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
  edit them down to the strongest most effect lines

18) well written songs move  listeners emotionally
  well written lyrics move the readers emotionally
  songs need to be universal which means people can relate to the tory
  or situation in the song
  We write songs for our listeners.

19) Music is about theme, variation on the theme, departure from the
  theme, then return to the theme
  Song sections need to contrast, lyricists do this by
  only using title words in the chorus,
  using different line lengths, rhyme sounds and rhyme patterns in
  different sections

20) there's nothing new under the sun, strive to have something new
  and special about your lyric

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

22) 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

23) you can tweak the song forever ad nauseum
  a some point have the courage to say
  this song is done
  but remember just because you say it's done doesn't mean that it is

24) Lyrics need to make the singer look good, but not too good

25) Think about which angle would best expresses the song
  I / We / Me / Us
  You
  He She They

26) Write What you know
  Write with authority, don't contrive

27) 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

28) Consider cowriting, you're likely to write a better song faster

29) study the songs you love and write similar songs

30) 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

31) you dont have to use perfect rhymes,
like rock and block,
you can rhyme the vowel sound with out worrying about the end
consonants
imperfect rhymes sound similar to each other like swim and win,
imperfect rhymes give writers a larger word pallette

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

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

I hope this helps you write better songs
Let me know if it does
  so now I challenge you to write a lyric

ande rasmussen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What  Every Songwriter Needs to know

http://www.audionashville.com
Interviews with industry pros, like publishers, hit writers, rising
and established artist and those "way off music" row making a living
in this great business. Go to http://www.audionashville.com to listen"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The new rhyme site, WikiRhymer is at
www.wikirhymer.com a myspace site: www.myspace.com/wikirhymer

WikiRhymer is a user-editable wiki-style free on-line rhyming
dictionary that just went on-line check it out!


Write On!

Ande

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well


Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NAMM is taking place in austin over the next few days

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


The Recording Academy Texas Chapter

invites you to attend

Texas Chapter Open House and Membership Mixer
Summer 2007


Saturday, July 28
6 - 8 p.m.
Texas Chapter Office
3601 S Congress Ave., G-500, Austin, TX  78704

Enjoy live music from
DrumJam
Winner of 2006-2007 GRAMMY U band showcase

Complimentary Admission

RSVP by calling 512.328.8176 or
e-mail rsvp_texas@...

From: "Texas Chapter" RSVP_Texas@...
Subject: REMINDER - P&E Texas Tour 2007: Austin
The Recording Academy Texas Chapter
in partnership with
The Producers & Engineers Wing
presents
A GRAMMY® Professional Development Series:

The P&E Wing Texas Tour 2007: Austin

Designed to appeal to both novice and seasoned professional, this
series of
Up Close & Personal workshops with three of the music industry's most
successful producer engineers will provide an unprecedented look into
the
world of music production. Come out, meet your peers, and learn
recording
tips and tricks in an intimate and creative studio environment!

These half-day sessions will begin with networking time for workshop
attendees, followed by a moderated technical discussion and a mixer
open to
citywide music industry members.

Austin
3 – 4 p.m.  Registration / Networking
4 – 6 p.m.  Workshop
6 – 8 p.m.  Open House and Networking Mixer

COST PER SESSION:
Recording Academy Members $25
Non-Members $75

Call 512-328-8176 or e-mail rsvp_texas@...
Space is limited and pre-registration for the workshops is required.


July 28, 2007
Austin: Up Close and Personal with Ken Scott
Gibson Guitar Showroom
3601 S Congress Ave., G-500
Austin, TX  78704

Throughout his forty years in the recording industry, Ken Scott has
had a
reputation as being "one of the best".   He was THE backroom boy for
acts
like the Beatles, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, the Hollies, Procol Harum
and many
more and has worked on multi-platinum records with artists such as
Elton
John, George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, the Rolling Stones and
America.  Take
advantage of this unique opportunity to gain insight and knowledge
from "one
of the best."

The P&E Wing Texas Tour is made possible in part by: JBL Professional

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Yesterday I received Terri Hendrix's latest CD "The Spiritual Kind"
http://www.terrihendrix.com/discography.html
I absolutely loved "If I had a Daughter" It's a beautiful spoken word
song that sounds like a narration by character in a movie you'd
love.  I think it will deeply resonate with mothers, fathers and
daughters. . "If I had a daughter" is the kind of writing that people
love and eagerly share with their friends and family.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



  3rd annual NewSong Academy, Aug. 9 â€" 11 One of America’s finest
songwriting and performance workshops, the Academy features
extraordinary instructors in an intimate setting. This year’s
instructors include Craig Bickhardt, Susan Werner, Jason Blume, Paul
Reisler, and Devon Sproule. The Academy will be held in venues
(within walking distance of each other) around Shepherdstown, a hip,
historic college town located less than 90 minutes from Washington,
D.C. and Baltimore, and easily accessible from three major
international airports. Free camping; other lodging options too.
Three students will be chosen by the instructors to share the stage
with them at the NewSong Academy Concert, Saturday evening at the
Frank Performing Arts Center at Shepherd University (admission is
included with Academy registration). Plus, one Academy student will
be picked to go on to the 2007 Mountain Stage NewSong Contest finals
on Sept. 22 in New York City!
www.newsongacademy.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What  Every Songwriter Needs to know
http://www.audionashville.com
Interviews with industry pros, like publishers, hit writers, rising
and established artist and those "way off music" row making a living
in this great business. Go to http://www.audionashville.com to listen"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SongU Spin N' Pitch Congratulates....

June was another great month for Spin N' Pitch as several members
either received notes of interest in their songs and/or had their
songs forwarded by the SU screeners. As a reminder, you can now
listen to some of these songs off the special listening page linked
off of "My Pitching". NOTE: Since this page was launched at the end
of the first week of June songs pitched during that first week of
June will not appear on that page. As of the July pitches, that page
should be running up to date.

Congrats to the following members who received notes of interest in
their songs:

Steven Richards "This is War"
David Carter "Venus And Mars"
Moker Jarrett "Even the Candles Cried"
Marla Lewis "We All Laugh in the Same Language"
Rebecca Peaden "Men in Texas Ain't Sexist - Best of SongU!"
SUE HASTY "A FAMILY OF ONE"
Steve Axelrod "You Don't Know Jack"
Thomas Hendley "One of the Guys"
Ken Joniec "Links in a Chain"
Rebecca Peaden "Eufaula - Best of SongU!"
Lance Sims "Got My Country On"
Gary D. Smith "Not No, But Hell NO"
Dempsey Watson "A Train To The Blues"
And a round of applause to the following members who had their songs
forwarded during the month of June.
Shelley Jacobson "Don't Even Think About It"
Marc Kuchner "Start Now "
Joe Lickteig "Slip Into Something Mexico (full band demo)"
Elizabeth Milcarek "Y CHROMOSOME - VERSION 2"
Bill Osofsky "It's Not You, It's Me"
Mike Todd "Live, Love and Learn"
Germain Brunet "IF I COULD KILL YOUR MEMORY"
Chris Caminiti "I'M ONE OF 'EM"
Donna Galbraith "On My Family Tree"
Scott Hamilton "Real Tough"
Trisha Jordan "Jesus Was A Blue Collar Man"
Joe Lickteig "First Last Kiss"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
David Swinford "Lacey Mae's Hot Wings"
Marc Kuchner "American Idol"
Joe Lickteig "First Last Kiss"
Rebecca Peaden "Baby It Feels Good"
James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
Dempsey Watson "I'd Forget To Know Better"
Thanks for your proving that working on your craft, networking, and
determination are key components to reaching your goals. Keep up the
great work! We always love hearing about your successes so be sure to
email them to me at danny@... so I can include them in our next
Gold Stars edition.

www.SongU.com/ifs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to Winners of Austin Songwriters Group Contest


Congratulations to Grand Prize winner Chip Dolan for his
song "Paris."

Here are the first-place winners in each category:

Lyrics -- Margret Goforth - "Your Affections Are Divided"
Jazz -- Billy Winston - "Other Side of Heaven"
Inspirational -- Scott Pearce - "Rings In The Water"
Pop -- Michael Hysinger - "Do You Still Think Of Me"
Blues -- Scott Pearce - "Last Man Standing"
Rock -- Gina Livingston - "Kisses in So Co"
Country -- Mary Beth Stone/Alan Turley - "What He Doesn't Know"
SingerSongwriter -- Chip Dolan - "Paris"
Instrumental -- Jannie Funster - "Mystery Tune"
General -- David Spence - "Cresent City"

To check out all the songwriters who placed in each category, go
here. Congratulations to everyone!
Everything's Gone Green


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In a message dated 7/12/2007 3:36:48 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
musicthoughts@yahoogroups.com writes:
Sweet Ann Will Sing Your Song
Posted by: "Jimmie Vestal" sand_and_palms@...
sand_and_palms.rm
Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:42 am (PST)


I'm amazed at all the music-related products that hit the market.

I disovered a software program where you input the notes and lyrics
of your
song . . . and a female singer on a software program, Sweet Ann, will
sing
it for you.

I don't know how you can sync her voice with your background track in
Cool
Edit Pro, Adobe Audition, or use her with Band-In-A-Box.

The Program, Vocalold2, sells for $169 on DVD and $149 by download. I
didn't
see that they offer a trial version.

Is anyone on this list using this program and would like to review it
for
us?

Hear a sample of the cyber darling at:
http://www.myspace.com/vocaloidsweetann

Their website is
http://wwww.powerfx.com

The sample song, "Killing Me Softly", sounds pretty realistic.






~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  jeffrey steele
http://www.bmi.com/musicworld/entry/535201


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


GibsonLives writes:
Ande,
Just a quick thank you for your enlightening lecture on songu.com
about songwriting contests. It's especially helpful to have songu,
complete with information from folks like yourself, to people who
live outside the music centers. Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Steve Sutcliffe

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

7 Ways for Musicians to Work the Web for Dollars
"The fact that you can promote yourself more directly using tools
that are not expensive makes being a musician as a job so much
easier. If you really want to work at it, you can do it and make a
living."

--Steve Ellis, CEO of PumpAudio, a specialist in providing synch
licensing opportunities for indie labels and artists

Indie artists shouldn't ignore the potential income sources Internet
services can provide. But with all the opportunities to make money
from your music on the Web, it's hard to know where to start. Brian
Garrity in Billboard (May 12, 2007) tells you where to focus your
efforts.

1. Sell Through Major Retailers

Make your music available through CD Baby, which in turn places your
music with the major digital music retailers as part of the deal.
Also check out TuneCore, which performs a similar service. (CD Baby
is an AMF membership partner.)

2. Take Advantage of Affiliate Programs

"iTunes offers a free affiliate program that allows artists to link
and sell their music via any Web site, MySpace page or e-mail." These
programs auto-generate links to your music and can be incorporated
into Web pages or e-mails." Artists can also generate money by
integrating links to music and content from Rhapsody onto their
sites."

3. Turn Your Site into a Store

Don't pass up an opportunity to sell your merch. "Some of the biggest
developments in artist services for independent acts surround
offerings that help artists turn their blogs, MySpace pages and Web
sites into stores." You can sell your songs on MySpace via Snocap,
which allows you to sell digital tracks and albums from a display on
your page.

4. Empower Fans

There are a number of services that allow fans to turn their sites
(Web pages, blogs, MySpace pages, etc.) into retailers for their
favorite bands' music.

Indie911.com "launched a service called the Hooka, a music store web
widget that allows Indie911 members to make music available for
sample and purchase on sites outside the social network." (Indie911
is an AMF membership partner.) Fans typically receive a commission on
sales generated from their links.

5. Sell Ringtones

Check out these services that help indie acts sell ringtones:
Xingtone, Mixxer, Indie911, and MusicFreedom.

6. Offer Merch

IndieMerchandiser.com allows artists to set up their own Web merch
stores. Spreadshirt helps artists design and sell their merch on the
Web.

7. Embrace Synch Opportunities

"Synch" (i.e., "synchronization"--music synchronized with visuals)
licensing means getting your songs placed in TV shows or films.

There's a huge demand for music in TV and films, and indie artists
are a great value for creators who can't or won't pay an arm and a
leg for well-known acts. Check out PumpAudio or Indie911 for help
getting your music noticed by music supervisors.

Caveat

Hooking up with all these services doesn't guarantee the cash will
automatically start rolling in. But, the more your music is readily
available to fans and music buyers, the more opportunities to
generate sales.

PumpAudio CEO Ellis notes, "I don't know if it is going to make you
rich and famous. But if your objective is to make a living, you can
do it now more than ever with these tools."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A new songwriting contest, the "Music City Songwriting Competition"
has come to Nashville.

The competition is sponsored by the Nashville Convention & Visitors
Bureau with help from a long line of partners, including Phil Vassar,
XM Satellite Radio, Jack Daniel's, GAC, Southwest Airlines, Universal
Records South, The Music Group International, f.y.e., American
Songwriter magazine and Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2007/07/09/daily5.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the ship is filling up!  If
you plan to attend the 3rd
Annual Texas Songwriters Cruise you must pay your $200 per person
deposit by JULY 23, 2007!!!  We
may not have any cabins left, if we do, the prices will be much
higher due to Carnival's rate
increase.

16 SINGLE SONG PUBLISHING DEALS WERE SIGNED FROM LAST YEAR'S
CONFERENCE/CRUISE AND SEVERAL SONGS
WERE PLACED IN TV/FILM INCLUDING "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"!!

The 3rd Annual Texas Songwriters Cruise is an event where aspiring
songwriters attend a songwriting
conference aboard the Carnival Funship "Ecstasy".  Participants will
hear discussions on the craft
and business of songwriting from some of the most successful
professional songwriters, publishers,
and A&R reps in the music industry.  Participants will also receive
opportunities to pitch their
songs to these pro's while on board ship and to other top pro's
through our Absentee Pitch Program.


The cruise will leave from Galveston Texas on December 1, 2007, for a
5-day cruise to Cozumel and
Progresso in the Western Carribean.

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

Ted Lowe, President-ChoiceTracks, Inc., Los Angeles.
Placements include spots for "16 Blocks" and "Take The Lead" movie
trailers, Ad music for clients
such as Coors and Honda; Television shows including " Without A
Trace", "Ghost Whisperer",
"Numb3rs", "Las Vegas", "Bones", "The Shield", "America¹s Next
Top Model", and extensive
placements on numerous MTV Network's shows.

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

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

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

Carie Long, Director of A&R, Universal, Nashville
Carrie started her career in A&R at MCA Records in 1996. She moved to
Sony Records with Mark Wright
in 2003 and currently serves as Director of A&R for Universal South,
Nashville. She has worked on
projects with Brooks and Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack,
Josh Turner, Gretchen Wilson,
Gary Allan, and Van Zant, among others

Brandi Warden, Founder-Moonkiss Music, Austin, Tx
She began her own music career in the mid 90's in A&R with Decca
Records, before moving to Austin,
TX to marry songwriter / recording artist, Monte Warden. Since
founding her publishing company,
Moonkiss Music, in 2002, she has earned numerous Gold & Platinum
records, had major label cuts in
both country & rock, and several charted singles, including George
Strait's "Desperately", which
earned a BMI Award in 2005 and a BMI Million-Air Award in 2006.

Brice Long, Hit Songwriter/RCA Recording Artist
As an new artist his new single just charted and he wrote Gary
Allen's "Nothing On But The Radio".
As a songwriter, Brice has had cuts on Josh Turner, Randy Travis,
John Michael Montgomery, Tracy
Byrd, Steve Holy, and Nashville Star winner Chris Young.

Shannan Neese, Writer/Publisher Relations, SESAC Nashville

Visit
www.txsongwriterscruise.com
for more info.  Contact
Jeni at 512-585-3007

We'll see you there!

Lealean Peace
founder- Texas Songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What do you think of Lost?
Written by Kara Dioguardi and Mitch Allen

"Lost" is the first single on Faith's up coming greatest hits CD
titled The Hits.

Faith said "When we heard the final playback of the song, I don't
think that there was any question - everyone knew that it was
special,"

you can hear Lost at:
http://www.faithhill.com/

~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~

Some Secrets of the Star-Spangled Banner



On July 4th, Americans everywhere celebrate our country's
independence.  The National Anthem of the United States of America,
written by Francis Scott Key, is a song that stirs strong emotions
in us.  Here is a description of the events that led to the writing
of our nation's great Anthem, taken from the words of noted writer
Isaac Asimov:



In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily
over freedom of the Seas.  For two years, we held off the British
and our seamen proved better…  Great Britain turned its attention to
the United States, launching a three-pronged attack.



The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York
and seize parts of New England.   The southern prong was to go up
the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west.   The
central prong was to head for the Mid-Atlantic States and then
attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. …



On September 12, [the British] arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort
McHenry.  If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have
to take the fort.  On one of the British ships was an aged
physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and
brought along as a prisoner.  Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and
friend, had come to the ship to negotiate his release.  As twilight
deepened, Key and Beans saw the American flag flying over Fort
McHenry.  But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread
silence fell. …



As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out
at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it.  After it was
all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of
that night called "The Defense of Fort McHenry" [and] for obvious
reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and
in 1931, Congress declared it the official anthem of the United
States.  Presumably, the old doctor is speaking.  This is what he
asks Key:



Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars,  through the perilous fight,

o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly steaming?

and the rocket's red glare,  the bombs bursting in air,

gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?



On the shore, dimly seen through the mist of the deep

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

in full glory reflected,  now shines on the stream

`tis the star-spangled banner.  Oh! long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!



and where is that band who so vauntingly swore

that the havoc of war and the battle's confusion

a home and a country should leave us no more?

their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.

no refuge could save the hireling and slave

from the terror of flight,  or the gloom of the grave,

and the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.



oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

between their loved homes and the war's desolation,

blest with victory and peace, may the heaven – rescued land

praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

then conquer we must, for our cause is just,

and this be our motto – "in God is our trust."

and the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.



God Bless America.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Check out this great video by Michael Peterson

www.irememberamerica.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  I'm sure you have all heard of Shoutlife, but in case you haven't I
wanted to let you know about it.

I've posted a few things I've done there, including some cool versions
of "Breathe" and "Have Thine Own Way", as well as a new ditty I wrote
a few days ago, produced, and posted the next day.

Check it out at http://www.shoutlife.com/ericcopeland






Write On!

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Dear IFS Readers,

I hope this email finds you well

tomorrow I'm giving a talk on SONGU

Going From Contests To Cuts:
Making the Most of Entering Song Contests
in their: e-Auditorium
6/26/2007
9:00 PM (EASTERN)
8:00 PM (Central)

Drop by and participate.


I received my new Grammy membership card to celebrate their 50th
anniversary.

I got an email with a link to a video where an artist is performing
on of my songs in Nashville

Nikki Lee performing Zip Zero in Nash last week
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2036702674

Today I spoke with David Wise http://www.davidwiseministries.com
who my friend Gary Powell http://www.garypowell.com  spoke highly of

Today I signed a song with www.theslideshowcompany.net

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to IFS Reader Robert Deitch
I sent him an email about his new song
Forever Firebird
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=56993

And he wrote back:
The song just got me a staff writer deal at Murrah Music.
They seem to think it could be a single..

The contract has not been signed, but we have agreed on terms.

Thanks again, and hope all is well with you and yours.

Robert

~ ~ ~ ~


Congratulations to my friend and cowriter Tommy Byrd
his jingle won first prize in the
sam and bob jingle contest
http://www.kvet.com/pages/kvet_pages.html?feed=176610&article=2089132


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 questionnaire 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


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to john Arthur martinez on this wonderful unique
piece of news

GO HERE FOR A BIG SURPRISE ... you all deserve credit for making
this happen through your support over the years. This is nothing
short of jAmgalactic !!!

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/audio/shuttle/sts-
117/html/ndxpage1.html

Hello jAm-space fans:
How exciting this is for jAm, his family, his band, co-writers,
friends, & fans!  Life is sweet today and seems to be getting better
all the time. As you listen to part of the song, and the talking
between ground control and the astronauts, keep in mind that this is
happening partially because of your support for john Arthur through
the good and bad times.  His appreciation can be found in his music,
and the God-given voice he conveys in each song he sings for YOU!
I'm on cloud 9 ... pun intended ;o)  My thanks to all of you for
keeping the faith and keeping jAm's name out there.  He loves all of
you, and I do also. First was Texas, then Nashville Star, then
cities across the USA, then cities in Europe, now SPACE. His music
is getting closer to God all the time.  Blessings, Bette


Atlantis Takes Martinez Song Into Space



Marble Falls recording artist, john Arthur martinez,
http://www.johnarthurmartinez.net, once claimed his music is "famous
in a one half county radius." Exposure to millions of fans on the
USA Network's Nashville Star changed that. An international contract
with Universal affiliate in Germany expanded that radius. Now the
term intergalactic recording artist may be appropriate as his
song "Making Good Time," co-written with Mike Blakely and Jerry
Harkins, awoke Atlantis Commander Rick Sturckow and Mission
Specialist Jim Reilly as the NASA shuttle returned from its current
mission into space.



Jim Reilly first heard the song performed by martinez and his trio
at Torre di Pietra winery near Fredericksburg and requested a copy
of the song to use on the current pace shuttle Atlantis mission. The
song addresses the excitement and the joy of coming home after a
successful journey and a mission accomplished.



"I told him that I had not yet recorded it but that I would be happy
to do so before my tour of Europe. I quickly recorded then emailed
an mp3 and he loved it!" martinez shared. "My co-writer Mike Blakely
included the song on one of his previous releases, In the Dust,
http://www.mikeblakely.com/Music.htm, but I had yet to put it down."



Reilly also invited martinez to the mission accomplished celebration
that will be held after the debriefing of the crew which will be
announced soon. The NASA television channel and their official
website, http://www.nasa.gov, provide current information about the
mission.









Official News Release: June 21, 2007

STS-117 MCC Status Report #26

The astronauts on space shuttle Atlantis are just hours away from an
anticipated landing in Florida to conclude a nearly 13-day mission
to deliver new electrical generation capacity for expansion of the
International Space Station.

This morning's wakeup song, "Makin' Good Time Coming Home" by john
Arthur martinez, was played for Commander Rick Sturckow and Mission
Specialist Jim Reilly.

Deorbit preparations get started at 7:50 a.m., and the crew should
get the OK to close the payload bay doors at 9:05 a.m. If systems
are good and the weather cooperates, Sturckow will conduct the
deorbit burn at 11:50 a.m. to slow Atlantis enough to fall out of
orbit and begin its descent toward a landing at the Kennedy Space
Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at 12:55 p.m.

A landing on that opportunity would conclude Mission Specialist Suni
Williams' record-setting flight at 193 days, 16 hours and 8 minutes,
the longest single spaceflight ever by a female astronaut or
cosmonaut.

There is another landing opportunity on the following orbit, which
would put Atlantis on the ground at 2:30 p.m. There are two
opportunities at both KSC and Edwards Air Force Base in California
tomorrow in case weather prevents a landing today.

Aboard the International Space Station Expedition 15 Commander
Fyodor Yurchikhin plans to carry out a troubleshooting procedure on
the Russian segment's central computer and terminal computer today.
This procedure will not impact operation of the two channels of each
computer that have been in control of Russian system operation since
the restart on Friday.

At 8:05 a.m. Yurchikhin will activate the backup channels of both
computers; on the next Russian ground site pass he'll shut them down
and remove the jumpers that bypassed a secondary power switch. On
the ground site pass at 11:25 a.m. he'll restart those channels to
see if they run properly without the jumpers in place. In addition,
Mission Control Moscow plans to restart the Elektron oxygen
generation system at 11:40 a.m., putting it into operation for the
first time since the computer failures last week.

Today's troubleshooting procedure is designed to help Russian
mission managers further assess their plans for repair of the
computer systems, including possible replacement of components with
new hardware to be flown on the next Progress supply ship due to
arrive at ISS July 24.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

the other day I had this email conversation
someone wrote me this:

In a message dated 6/19/2007 12:35:14 P.M.

I have a couple of song for you if interested I can mail or send you
samples. I own the copyrights to this songs but i can sell then to
you

Email back only if interested

~ ~ ~

My reply was

hello

why would you want to sell them

ande

~ ~ ~

his reply was

In a message dated 6/20/2007 2:49:19 P.M.

I have a songwriting business
I sell songs

~ ~ ~

My Reply was:

where can people hear these songs
how much are they
what exactly do you mean that you sell songs
so if you sell me a song then I would now own all the rights to it

ande

~ ~ ~

In a message dated 6/21/2007 10:15:12 A.M. Central Daylight Time,

I can upload then on the computer and email them to you
If you want copyrights I can sell you copyrights since all my songs
are copywritten But if i sell you copyrights then the song is no
longer mines and if it does well i don't get a profit of it. So the
price for copyrights are between $500-1000 dollars

If you just want the song then i keep the copyright and sell you
legal rights to use my songs such as rights to reproduce, rights to
copy, right to put it on a a demo and the price vary by that. I
charge any where between 25-60 dollars depend on what you would like
to do with the songs. If you do it this way then you can't do
anything with the song till i give you legel rights or i can sue. If
song does well all i have to do is publish it and i can get a profit
from it

~ ~ ~

I didn't email this person back but unfortunately
they don't understand how the music business works

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Want a list of sites like youtube where you can post your videos
http://video.aol.com/video-category/best-of-the-web/2552

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS Reader Nelson Trout wrotes:
" Break It To My Heart " is Billy's new single. My buddy Curt Schad
and I wrote it a few years back and Billy fell in love with it when
he heard it for the first time a couple of months ago.. As we speak
he is singing it live on the Jerry Blavat show. Thought you guys
would like to hear about Billy's new song.. The web-site will be
finished in less than 2 weeks. I sing with him tomorrow night at
Ventura's Restaurant in Vorhee's NJ as guests on the Patti Lattanzi
show, WVLT, Cruisin' 92.1.FM.
Nelson...
BillyHarner.com

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever heard of
LA Music Network
http://www.lamn.com/index.php

The Record Business in the 21st Century:
Money, Success & Careers"
http://www.lamn.com/modules.php?
op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=12

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS Reader
Guy-Michael Grande has moved to Nashville
guy.grande@...
Nashville, TN 37217


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you are a Central Texas Artist
If you would like to share your news,
please email
kim@...
Include NEWSLETTER in the subject line.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Art of Music Contest
Since 2001, The Art of Music Annual Writing Contest has encouraged
poets, authors, and songwriters to write on music-related topics as
well as come forward with music-related poems, short stories,
essays, and song lyrics they have written which might have otherwise
gone unnoticed.

The winning entries, along with the top 75 entries, are published in
the anthology, The Art of Music - A Collection of Writings. The
anthology gives writers a chance to share their music-related pieces
and experience those written by others.

The Art of Music - A Collection of Writings has been used in
university-level poetry courses and can be found in libraries and
bookstores as well as museum and performing art center gift shops. .

For more info about the contest and how to enter,
please click here.
http://www.pianopress.com/artofmusic.htm

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Adw246@... wrote:

There will be songwriters "informally" meeting in Round Rock for
fellowship, education & critiques. Our topic will be "How to Meet
with a Publisher."  See below for the particulars and directions are
listed at the bottom of the page.


Wednesday, June 27th

7-10pm

Fern Bluff Municipal Utility District

Cochran Community Center

7320 Wyoming Springs Rd

Round Rock





Please bring at least 12 copies (or more!) of your typed lyrics
along with a song on tape or CD (or you can perform it live or sing
acapella).  Don't forget to bring a couple of dollars for a donation
to cover the cost of this "private" meeting space.  We extended the
time an additional hour to ensure enough time for critiques.





We still don't know when or where we will be meeting again as
an "official" NSAI regional workshop.  We hadn't scheduled anymore
meetings until the last week in August anyway.  NSAI should have all
details resolved before then.  We'll let you know as soon as we
know.  Thank you for your interest and patience.  We hope to see you
at this last informal meeting before the end of the summer.  If you
have any questions, please feel free to call or email us.



Keep writing,

Ashleigh Wehmeyer

& Cody Cotton





Directions to Fern Bluff Municipal Utility District Cochran
Community Center

-From I-35, take the exit for RM 620 (Exit 252B)

-Head west on RM 620

-Turn right at the 6th light onto Wyoming Springs Rd (approx. 2mi
from I-35) just past Round Rock Medical Center

-Proceed through the intersection with a stop sign

-Continue and you'll see the Community Center up on your right


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

admin@... writes:
TIPS FROM NASHVILLE HIT MAKER, DON ROLLINS
"It's Five-O'Clock Somewhere" - Alan Jackson
Brought to you by NSAI

Q: A bunch of us are out-of-towners and are trying to figure out if
you can be successful selling songs long-distance. You're entry into
song writing was pretty varied. Any advice on how to stay connected
and sell your songs from a distance?... or move to Nashville?
DON: long distance writing is really tough, I needed to be here at
least some of the time to be around people who were doing this every
day - it's different if you are a working musician and have an
audience to play for at home.

Q: Do you think aspiring writers should make full demos or
guitar/piano/vocals?
DON: unless you are willing to come here and make demos that are on
a par with the ones done by the pros, a guitar or piano vocal is
best in most situations, again, if you have a band, that's different

Q: Don, what NSAI benefits do you think would help songwriters
trying to break in the most?
DON: NSAI provides a network, which is essential in this business;
it also provides some access to ears that are hard to get to on your
own

Q: What's the best piece of advice that you can give to an unsigned
songwriter.
DON: the best thing that I can say to anyone seeking entry to this
asylum is to expand your network; people tend to work with whom they
know and who they are comfortable with

Q: If you have some BIG name friends in the business does it help to
drop those names while networking with new people who don't know
you, or does that leave a bad taste in their mouths?
DON: don't drop names. get the BIG friends to make introductions,
which will help.

Q: Is publishing outside the music biz worth anything in Nashville?
DON: a publishing company is only as good as their ability to get
your songs cut...that's what they are for. But getting your song
heard is never a bad thing. A publisher, a band to play them,
anything to get them out of your living room and in front of an
audience.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bryan@... writes:
"How Songwriting Really Works: Techniques and Secrets of the World's
Greatest Songwriters"
REO Adventure Resort, Nahatlatch River, BC Canada
August 12-17, 2007

Attn: Songwriters

"How Songwriting Really Works: Techniques and Secrets of the World's
Greatest Songwriters" is our new retreat for songwriters willing to
devote themselves to writing songs that will stand the test of time.
The August 12-17 retreat will be hosted by Wayne Chase, author of
the book "How Music Really Works", one of the most creative and
original works on songwriting ever written. Wayne is a music and
songwriting scholar having spent 20 years researching and analyzing
the greatest songs of our times. Wayne is the creator of the Gold
Standard Song List, a compilation of 5,000 of the greatest songs of
the last 100 years in 11 genres based on the lyrical and musical
characteristics of each song. Wayne holds 5 patents on connotative
analysis and is considered one of the world's leading experts on the
emotional meaning in language.

Highlights - Music (Full Itinerary & Info On-line)
Why Technology Will Not Help You Write Brilliant Music
Why the Ability to Read Music and Play a Musical Instrument Expertly
do Not Matter
Ten Guidelines for Creating Great Chord Progressions and Avoiding
Chord Progression Blunders
How to Use Four Types of Modulation & One Type to Avoid
Ten Techniques for Creating Emotionally Powerful Tunes
Understanding Memory & Avoiding Memory-related Pitfalls
How to Evaluate Your Progress, Build on Your Strengths, Correct Your
Weaknesses, and Dramatically Improve Your Music-writing Skills

Highlights - Lyrics (Full Itinerary & Info On-line)
Why Co-writing Lyrics Will Probably Do You More Harm than Good
Four Essential Tools That Will Help You Write Great Lyrics
Understanding the Central Importance of EPA and Applying it in Lyric-
writing
How to Use Flesch's Indexes to Make Lyrics More Interesting and
Compelling
Why Realistic Stories and Scenarios That Happen to People in
Everyday Life Make for Boring, Forgettable Lyrics
How to use 12 kinds of rhyme
How to Evaluate Your Progress, Build on Your Strengths, Correct Your
Weaknesses, and Dramatically Improve Your Lyric-writing Skills

Retreat Director: Bryan Fogelman
Email: bryan@...
http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/how_music_really_works-
_lyrics_-_music.html
http://bluecrushmusic.com/site/how_songwriting_really_works.html
800-736-7238

More on Wayne Chase:
http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/
http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/PGS_About_Us/About_Wayne_Chase.htm
l
http://www.goldstandardsonglist.com/


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ever read donnagalbraith's Blog  at songramp.com

The songwriting

One more Durango Songwriter's Expo (DSE) under my belt. Thanks to
Jim Attebery and all the great people who host the best songwriter's
workshop.

While listening to Chuck Cannon speak on songwriting, he said
something that really stuck in my craw. He said that you really need
to write alone. It forces you to finish things and makes you a
better writer. It resonated with me. I do alot of cowriting. I think
mostly because I am a bit lazy. I don't want to work that hard. I
think that's exactly what he is talking about. Forcing yourself to
work that hard. So I'm going to focus on some of my own songs for a
while.

One of the highlights of the weekend was sitting in a song circle
with some of the attendees. With the focus at these things tending
to lean towards commercially viable songs, it's nice to sit around
and just listen to people's hearts. Kinda like we do here at the
Ramp.

One of the people in that song circle was a great writer/performer,
Raylene Kemp. Go check out her songs- she's here on the ramp
(raylene) now!

No contract yet from Song Garden. It's "in legal". I wonder what is
the protocol on bothering them about it? I don't want to become a
pest. I suppose as long as it's getting pitched, then it doesn't
really matter.

Got my first check from SongRamp for my DL's. (It was written from
NSAI coffers, so I guess it's official) $28. Not bad-eh? I try not
to think about how much I spent on demos last year compared to how
much I made in royalties... that'll just depress me. Lol!!!

Posted the song that Boots and I wrote. I love it. Had a song coach
tell me I should write more with this person. That got me all sad. I
miss him. Wonder what he would have thought of the full demo. Well,
it was a blessing knowing him and writing just the two songs we did.
I think we were a great team.

I'm still glad to be here. Glad to be writing. I feel like I am on
the verge of a breakthrough in my own writing. Maybe writing alone
will help get me through to the other side.

Write on.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

from tunesmith.net

Cut Throat Critiques
Audio or Lyrics Only post here if you want brutal honestly delivered
by the few, the proud, and the Totally Anonymous if people so choose
to be! PLEASE READ

What's This Forum?

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

This is kind of an experiment. We'll see how it goes. Simply put,
anyone can post new threads here (Just like normal). However, the
catch is, ANYONE can post or reply without being required to be
logged into the forums. In essence, you can give your brutal honest
opinion behind the shelter of anonymity. Or create new threads
anonymously if you believe different opinions are given based
on 'who' the poster is. Whether this is really a good idea or not,
we'll see.

The following will NOT be tolerated:

1) SPAM
2) Personal attacks
3) Gross/Foul language
4) Anything not pertaining to Audio / Lyric critiques

It should basically work like the other critique sections. However,
people can choose to log out of the forums and post anonymously. And
people choosing to give comments can do so anonymously.

As far as posting audio anonymously, I don't know how well that will
work as some people do their own work tapes and voices are
recognized. Also, links to your personal/SoundClick/MySpace are a
give away. But hey, this isn't perfect. Just trying it out to see
what people think. If not used or abused, it will go away eventually.

If you don't agree with this or think it is an all around ‘Bad
Idea, please do not post any material to be critiqued in this area.
Again, we will be allowing unregistered users to post threads and
replies here.

This should be interesting, but hopefully in a positive way. We
would of course rather have everyone not feeling they need to post
anonymously to give/get honest opinions, but if this helps break
things in, maybe it's a good exercise.

http://tunesmith.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=89

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TEXAS SONGWRITERS CRUISE & SONGWRITING COMPETITION
The 3rd Annual Cruise | December 1st - December 6th, 2007

Cost INCLUDING cabin & meals from only $516 pp

or enter the competition to win an all-expense paid

songwriting cruise & transportation for two!

www.txsongwriterscruise.com

CRUISE INCLUDES GREAT PITCH OPPORTUNITIES:

(10) SINGLE SONG PUBLISHING AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED AS A RESULT OF
LAST YEARS CRUISE & SONGS WERE PLACED ON SCRUBS, FRIDAY NIGHT
LIGHTS, and JAMIE KENNEDYS KICKIN IT OLD SKOOL


Faculty include: Ted Lowe (President, Choicetracks -- TV/Film
Placements); Norman DeVasure (Sunset Ranch Music Publishing); Brandi
Warden (Hit Publisher); Wil Nance (#1 Writer); Holly Hefner (Hit
Publisher); Jason Blume, and many more …

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jason Blume's BMI Nashville Songwriters Workshops

FREE -- AND OPEN TO ALL WRITERS

Pitch to Publishers and get Song Critiques

visit:
http://www.jasonblume.com/221922.html
for dates and details

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NSAI Song Camp 102

www.nashvillesongwriters.com

September 21 - 23

  Intensive songwriting camp spearheaded by Jason Blume and Steve
Seskin. Other instructors will include Chuck Cannon, Marc Beeson,
Jerry Vandiver, Skip Ewing, Gary Burr, Tim Johnson, Liz Hengber, and
Craig Caruthers. Limited space available.



NSAI Songposium Classes
September 24-28
Stay the week and take advantage of over 100 classes on various
topics taught by some of the top songwriters in the industry!



www.nashvillesongwriters.com



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are you going to the
Kauai Music Festival and Songwriting Competition

August 1 â€" 4

www.kauaimusicfestival.com



Workshops, Concerts, & AWESOME PITCH OPPORTUNITIES



Faculty includes hit songwriters, producers, A & R, publishers, and
hit artists including: Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts,  Montgomery
Gentry, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins); Shelly Peiken
(Michelle Branch, Christina Aguilera,  Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Keith
Urban, Celine Dion); Beau Dozier (Joss Stone, Boyz II Men, Guy
Sebastian); Brian Howes (Daughtry); Steven Melrose (A & R,
Leftwing/Peer Publishing and Island Records); Mollie Moore (A&R
Manager, Atlantic Records); Jason Blume (more than 50 million albums
sold. Cuts w/Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Collin Raye, and many
more); David Pack (frontman for Ambrosia/Grammy winning producer for
Wynonna, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin and Kenny Loggins); David
Tickle (Emmy winning Producer/Engineer for Prince, U2, Mick Jagger,
Avril Lavigne)


Only $100 registration!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

http://www.lyricsforlifeseminar.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

stephanie adlington impressed me
http://www.myspace.com/stephanieadlington

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On!
>

Dear IFS Readers,

First I'm sorry about yesterday's "1985" issue.
1985 is a song  by Bowling for Soup that I intended to send to one
of my other yahoogroups, but didn't. I think it's a catchy song with
well written lyrics, it's a great example of focus and use imagery.

IFS celebrated it's 6th anniversary.

PR Web has a story about My forever Family that I cowrote with Tommy
Byrd:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/5/prweb523228.htm

The Grammy organization annouced some details about the 50th Grammy
event, I'm planning to attend and I'd be happy to tell you how to
get tickets.
Have you joined the Grammy Org

Last week I drove to Keller Texas and had the priveledge of meeting
with IFS reader adn songwriter Ed Williams
www.myspace.com/ejwmusic
www.garageband.com/artist/EdWilliams
http://www.broadjam.com/artists/artist_home.asp?artistID=20886
http://www.ejwmusic.com
We started working on a cool song.

I had an interesting conversation with Jason Blume about the idol
contest.

I hope you enjoy the rest.

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Austin Area NSAI Regional Workshop holds their first meeting on

Wednesday, May 16th at

Fern Bluff Municipal Utility District
Cochran Community Center
7320 Wyoming Springs Rd
Round Rock
from 7 - 9

Drop by meet some songwriters and share a song.

Please bring at least six copies (or more!) of your typed lyrics
along with a song on tape or CD (or you can perform it live or sing
acapella).  Don't forget to bring a one or two dollar donation for
this "private" meeting space.

Meetings are open to current and former NSAI members  & and anyone
interested in finding out more about the NSAI .  Non-members can
attend 2 free meetings, after which meetings will cost $15 to
attend. Starting in June, meetings will be held the 4th Wednesday of
the month. No meetings in July or December.

Feel free to forward this email to anyone you think would be
interested in finding out more about the NSAI.

________________________________________________________________

Hello everyone,

This month's lesson will be taken from the April webcast of Jason
Blume's presentation, "This Business of Songwriting."  We'll have a
detailed handout for you, and you can listen to the webcast before
or after the meeting on the NSAI website at
www.nashvillesongwriters.com under Webcast Archives.  Jason really
gives a great presentation.  Topics include:

-Understanding Music Publishing
-Understanding Royalty Payments
-Publishers' Creative Responsibilities
-Publishers' Administrative Responsibilities
-Self-Publishing
-Co-Publishing
-Understanding the difference between Publishing and creating a "Work
For Hire"
-Understanding the difference between a Music Publisher and a Record
Label
-Working with Independent Songpluggers
-How Independent Songpluggers are Compensated
-Pitching Music for Film and Television
-Understanding the Role of Production Music Libraries

Hope to see you there,
Ashleigh Wehmeyer (254) 213-3400
Cody Cotton (512) 285-3336

P.S. Check out our new workshop website at:
www.myspace.com/austinareansairegionalworkshop


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A gentle reminder to all my friends and classmates! Spaces are
limited and thus far, response has been strong -

(And, as always, a special thanks to Jan Bozarth, Bitsy Rice. Lisa
Richards [aka "The Sirens"] and Erin Guerra)

Joe


MATCHING MELODY TO LYRICS
Songwriting Workshop with Pat Pattison
St. Edward's University
Austin, Tx
June 2nd and 3rd, 2007

Workshop description: There's no use writing a great lyric and a
great melody if they don't work together. An unfortunate setting of
a word or phrase can sink the emotion of the song, calling your
listener's attention away from WHAT you are saying to HOW you are
saying it. This two-day seminar shows you how to get the most out of
your lyrics by combining them accurately and effectively with
melody. This is a "can't miss" seminar--it's bound to take your
writing to the next level.

SONG CRITIQUES: On the afternoon of the 3rd, Pat will do song
critiques for workshop participants.

***ALSO! Pat will talk again about co-writing  - How to go about it,
what to do and what not to do, success stories and a number of
examples to illustrate each.

"I took a class with Pat Pattison, a really great teacher... I
learned a lot of stuff in that class, and I still read Writing
Better Lyrics. I've still got it on the tank of my toilet ... I
think it's great." --Grammy winning artist/songwriter John Mayer,
2004 --

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 The Performing
Songwriter. Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the
US , Canada , and the UK. Several of his students have won Grammys,
in addition to John Mayer and Gillian Welch.

Cost? $100 per person for the two-day workshop. Current Berklee
College students and alumni pay $75.

Added bonus! You bring a friend at full price and you can take 20%
off ($80 for non-Berklee students and $60 for Berklee students!) for
your admission!

Please make checks payable to Pat Pattison. You can make them out to
me, but Ill just use it for the ever-so-possible Ireland Bicycle
Trip Special Vacation account instead...

Meals/Accommodations: On your own. We may order in for lunch -
depending on the groups preference. Were planning on another "field
trip" Saturday night, depending on the quantity of homework!

Location: St. Edward's University - an excellent location! The same
great classroom as the last three workshops - directions and details
will be provided to participant during the last week in May.

Time: 10 am - 5 pm both days.

Class size: Limited to the first 30 who send a check payable to
"Pat Pattison". No extra points if the check is made payable to Joe.
Or the "Ireland Bicycle Trip Special Vacation" account.

Mail checks to:
Pat Pattison Workshop,
c/o Joe Strouse,
P.O. Box 80444 ,
Austin , Texas 78708-0444

Questions? Contact Joe Strouse @
strousongs@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Durango Songwriter's Expo: SongU.com Member Discount
The 4th Annual Durango Songwriter's Expo/Santa Barbara Wine Country
will take place May 31-June 2.  The Expo is a combination of
workshops, listening sessions, panels, showcases, and open mics and
features over 40 music industry pros and hit songwriters.  In each
of the last several years new artists have been signed to deals
there and there have been two #1 songs written at the Expo by
participating hit songwriters.  Special guests include
Chuck Cannon, Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), Glen Phillips, Tony
Scalzo (Fastball), Big Al Anderson, Jeremy Stover Jack Ingram,
Danielle Peck.
SongU.com members will receive a 10% discount on their registration
fee! For more info check out
www.Durango-Songwriters-Expo.com
or call 970-259-9747.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

john Arthur has a new booking agent, Bobby Roberts
www.bobbyroberts.com and he's planning a nationwide tour!

It's official jAm has 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.
http://johnArthurmartinez.net


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

memservices@... writes:

      2007 Summer NAMM Returns to the "Live Music Capital of the
World" - Austin,
Texas July 27-29.

      NAMM has graciously offered Recording Academy members the
opportunity to be
part of one of the largest gatherings of music products retailers and
manufacturers in the country. Recording Academy members can register
for Summer
NAMM absolutely FREE! (that's a savings of $200!)

      Come see the gear, make some new contacts and enjoy some great
live music
after show hours. And don't forget to stop by The Recording Academy
booth in the
Austin Convention Center. To register for your FREE badge, please
RSVP by May 30
to RSVP_Texas@.... Your badge will be mailed to you prior to
the show.
Members cannot pick up their badges on show site. RSVPs received
after May 30
will not be honored.

      For more information, please log on to summernamm.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spidey
Accompanying the "Spider Man 3" film will be a soundtrack featuring
Austin's own
Sounds Under Radio
alongside national/international powerhouse bands like The Killers,
Snow Patrol, The Flaming Lips, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Jet, and Wolfmother.

Sounds Under Radio is the only unsigned band featured on the
soundtrack--an unprecedented addition to a major summer blockbuster
release, and a first for the Spider Man franchise. The soundtrack
will feature Sounds Under Radio's track, "Portrait of a Summer
Thief."

Sounds Under Radio formed in mid 2005 with members Lang Freeman,
Bradley Oliver, Sonny Sanchez and Doug Wilson. Falling somewhere
between Muse, Queens of the Stone Age and Snow Patrol, the band's
debut full-length album 'Cinematica' is tentatively slated for a
late summer release.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rachael Loy is doing a songwriting workshop in Austin

Rachel Loy's Songwriting Workshop
Current mood:  excited
Category: Music

I bet you weren't expecting this from me, huh? Well, I was driving
in my car the other day thinking: "I want to teach this summer...but
what can I really teach WELL?" Well, I then dreamed up this idea for
a songwriting class for beginning songwriters who want to grow and
treat songwriting as a craft and a skill. I called up Paul Oveisi at
Momo's and Beth at Titos' and this is what I got!

WHAT: 4-week long songwriting class, with a focus on identifying and
using musical "tools" for writing compelling melodies.
WHEN: Every Tuesday in June (starting June 5th) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
WHERE: Momo's on W. 6th Street
COST: $150 per person
MATERIALS: 3 ring binder for notes and lyrics, basic guitar or piano
playing skills
CLASS METHOD: Each week a new songwriting "tool" will be discussed,
using classic songs as examples as well as written notes and basic
music theory to explain. The students will then write a song using
the new tool and present it at the next class by either performing
it or recording it (low quality recordings are okay, as long as we
can hear it!) and providing a lyric sheet. The teacher and the whole
class will discuss each original song, giving honest and
constructive criticism.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 STUDENTS,
SO SIGN UP NOW!

For more info, go here and add the profile as your friend.
To sign up for the songwriting class, contact me directly at
rloy@...
to reserve your spot and pay with a check, cash or a PayPal account.

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

Who Should Attend this class?

This class is for people who are passionate about writing songs! You
do not have to be extremely experienced, but it is recommended that
you have written at least a few full songs and find yourself
regularly making time to start and finish songs. Anyone is welcome,
but these are the BASIC REQUIREMENTS if you want to get the most out
of this workshop:

1) you must be familiar with at least one instrument (guitar or
piano preferably) that you regularly write with.
2) you must have EITHER a small background in music theory (piano
lessons as a kid, high school band experience, private lessons), or
lots of experience with your instrument and a very sharp ear. This
is not a theory class, but the "tools" presented in each lesson will
be presented in the "language" of both written music and aural
identification. You must be familiar with these two "languages" in
order to keep up with the concepts of the class.
3) You must have the time in your week to write at least one song.
4) You must have the time or resources to prepare your new song for
listening (with recording equipment) or for performing each week.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Claude's songwriting tips
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=18081717

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Got this note from Rickey

I am very delighted to tell you that I have accepted a position as
Marketing Outreach Coordinator with Famecast
(http://www.famecast.com), an Austin-bred company which hosts online
music competitions for independent artists! Not unlike American
Idol, Famecast invites musicians to upload a video (professional or
self-made) to the site for the public to vote on. After 3
elimination rounds, the top 5 get invited to perform LIVE in Austin
for the finals in order to crown a "Fenom", a title that gains the
artist national exposure (Billboard, Rolling Stone among others) and
$10,000 cash! And some amazing people are behind this project -
including the man who has his hand in all that is music in Austin,
Mr. Charles Attal!

I am very excited to be on the ground floor of this brand new
venture. I am currently working on a contract basis, but the success
of this season of Famecast (which I am directly attributed to) will
determine if I get offered a full-time position. I've spent just one
day working here and I already feel at home. I love the creative
freedom and energy of this company. I share this info with you in
hopes that you will use it in your own endeavors. Here's a little
ditty I made up which I think summarizes what it's like - "In the
music business there is no security, but plenty of opportunity."
Make sure you're going into this because your heart is telling you
to, not your wallet.

Lastly, I need YOUR help in making this project a success! If you
are a GRAMMY U Band/artist (I'm looking at you Showcase performers!)
PLEASE sign up at the site! All you need is a video (it can be a
professional video, such as the one Fairday shot, or a homemade
performance video with just a camera) and you’re on your way to
win $10,000! Please look through the website,
http://www.famecast.com, and upload a video today. If you don't have
one, again, all you need is a camcorder and a will to perform. It's
all very easy. If you're serious about entering, shoot me an e-mail
at my new address, ricky@.... Ha! Look at that. New e-mail,
heeehee. There are no strings attached - all it takes is an artist,
a video, and a dream.

Thank you all for a wonderful year! My last day with The Recording
Academy and GRAMMY U is this Friday, May 11th. I'll be emailing you
guys with my contact info later this week so you can keep in touch.
Now that I'm working at Famecast, I know I can help all you artists
who are serious about your careers. To those working the business
side, I can offer you some words of wisdom in your careers.

Best of luck with finals and such!

Ricardo Vasquez
Student Representative
GRAMMY U - Texas Chapter
The Recording Academy
ricardo.vasquez@...


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On!

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.� (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

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.
It's been a while since the last IFS

IFS is approaching it's 6th anniversary

Got any new songs
I'd love to hear how your songwriting is going

I have a few new developments
I cowrote a song with Tommy Byrd called

My Forever Family

the Heart Gallery of central Texas debuted it at their recent Gala.
Here's a press release they launched
http://heartgallerytexas.com/Media/Song%20release%20_Final.pdf

here's where you can hear the song
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=55378

news 8 in austin did a story about it
http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=181563&SecID=2

here's what my cowriter wrote about it

The News 8 Austin TV remote truck arrived at Tommy's house at 5:45
this morning, and for the next two hours they did live segements
from Tommy's studio and living room.  The focus was on the Heart
Gallery of Central Texas and the song MY FOREVER FAMILY (written by
Tommy & Ande Rasmssen).  The song is on SongRamp under the
Contemporary Country catagorie in the OPEN MIC.  Tommy was
interviewed along with Tracy Eilers, the director of the Heart
Gallery of Central Texas (an organization which seeks to find
permanent homes for kids in the foster care system, especially those
that are older.)  Tommy played the song a number of times, and Kathy
joined in on harmony.  An edited version ran throughout the day
today on News 8 Austin.  Amy Hadley was the reporter and did an
outstanding job along with her techician Ed.  It was a special
morning for Byrd & Street.


I went to Houston and visited with Music World Music and dan workman
at SugarHill Studios
http://www.sugarhillstudios.com

At SXSW I had a nice interview with
http://www.myspace.com/gretagaines

I also attended with Grammy Urban music workshop with Jimmy Jam and
the Underdogs, Harvey Mason

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ashleigh wehmeyer is Austin's NSAI workshop coordinator
she's going to be doing some cool stuff
send her an email to get on her email list

ashleigh@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I've just been informed that IFS reader Sonny Bell passed away.  One
of my online friends received a call
from his wife today and she said  that he passed away about a month
ago from a blood clot.
She said it happened very suddenly.

Two of my favorite songs he wrote were
Dash Between the Dates which won grand prize in JPF's lyric contest
one year
http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/LyricsWinner.htm
lyrics http://www.soundclick.com/bands/Lyrics.cfm?
BandID=10903&songid=303017

and his song
"Talledega Shuffle" was a finalist in JPF's

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pageartist.cfm?bandID=10903

www.backstretchboys.com

http://www.myspace.com/sonnybellsongwriter


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Saturday, May 5th & Sunday, May 6th in Los Angeles, California -
Steve Seskin and Pat Pattison will join forces at the Musicians
Institute and present a two day intensive workshop sharing their
knowledge and passion for writing songs. Over the course of the
weekend there will be interactive lectures on melody writing and
many facets of lyric writing such as imagery/emotion, point of view,
rewriting, rhyming and metaphor, inspiration and dealing
with "writer's block." For a more detailed description of the
offerings and a bio of Steve and Pat go to Steve Seskin or Pat
Pattison's Lyric Pages: Seminar Schedule. There will be some writing
exercises and a question and answer period each day.

The hours will be 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to
5:00 pm on Sunday. The cost of the workshop is $250 total for both
days. There is a $50 discount for members of TAXI, NSAI, WCS, ASCAP,
BMI and JUST PLAIN FOLKS. If you're a member of another Los Angeles
songwriting organization please mention it when registering and the
discount may apply. The Musicians Institute is located at 1655
McCadden Place off of Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, CA.

To register for this workshop or if you have questions, email
Christiann Adams at christiannadams@... or call 310-994-2399.
Checks should be sent to Christiann Adams at 11747 West Sunset
Blvd., Suite 318, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Make checks payable to
Steve Seskin. We hope to see you there.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi! Order Austin Carroll's new 8 song EP. Have you always wondered
what the songs sound like BEFORE they go on the record? This disc is
for you then. Copies are available for $7.99 + $2.99 shipping &
handling. All you do is send Austin a message with your name and
address, then go to pay pal (the email address to send the payment
to is
austingmusic@...
Send the $10.98. Your CD will be there in 5-7 days.


ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE RECORDING OF AUSTIN'S RECORD THIS SPRING.
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT THE MAKING OF AUSTIN'S RECORD & HIS MUSIC!!!!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi friends,

Whew!  I'm about done uploading everything and I wanted you all to
be the first to know!

We're starting Tom Hunnicutt's CD release party NOW! Our first event
will be the first ever Red Truck Radio Scavenger Hunt!  And yes,
there will be winners and prizes, thanks to Tom's generosity in
giving his CD's away to RTR listeners!

What you need to do to play is to go to the brand new "PRIZES!" page
on www.redtruckradio.com and answer the ten questions there, and e-
mail me the answers.  The page should have all the info you need.
And for our dial-up friends, the questions shouldn't be any harder
for you to find answers to than our high-speed friends. (if you have
problems let me know).

All the answers are somewhere on the Red Truck Radio website or on
the websites you're directed to.  The first two people to respond
correctly (to me by e-mail)  to all ten questions will be the Grand
Prize Winners, and this is the Grand Prize:

ALL SEVEN VOLUMES of The Hunnicutt Collection!  That's right, all 7
CD's will be mailed to two blessed and fast searching winners.
There are also other prizes that will be given to correct responses
that come in after that, so if you get this late don't hesitate to
play. Tom has been very generous and there will be a lot of
winners!

But most of all, have fun with this okay? Let's give Tom's new
arrival a warm welcome (if you don't know how to get in touch with
him feel free to write me and I'll forward your messages on to Tom!)

Happy hunting,

Charlotte
www.redtruckradio.com
www.myspace.com/redtruckradio


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What are you doing to become a better writer?
Did you go to Tin Pan South?
Did you enter the AI song contest?
Are you going to the2006 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO in LA this
weekend?


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Primary Wave explains different kinds of licenses:


Types of Licenses

A synchronization license
is needed to synchronize music with a video image. This license is
also called a "sync license". You would need to secure a sync
license to use a Primary Wave Music copyright in Film, TV,
Commercials, Video/DVD, Videogames, Trailers/Promos, etc.

A mechanical license
is needed if you want to record and distribute a Primary Wave Music
copyright on either a physical album (CD, cassette, vinyl, etc.) or
via digital delivery.

A live stage production license
is needed if you would like to use a Primary Wave Music copyright in
a live stage production.

A derivative work license
is needed for Samples, Translations, Parodies, and all other
proposed Derivative Works using Primary Wave Music copyrights. A
derivative work license will only be issued after Primary Wave Music
receives and reviews audio of the proposed derivative work. In other
words, you need permission from us in order to create a derivative
work.

A master use license
is required, in addition to the license from Primary Wave Music,  if
you wish to use an original/master recording of a song. The owner of
such recording is usually the record label.  We will be pleased to
work with prospective licensees of Primary Wave Music compositions
to help arrange for master use licenses.

If you're interested in using a Primary Wave Music composition in
film, television, advertising or in any other medium

http://www.primarywavemusic.com/core/licensing.cfm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

American Idol announces the top 20 in their song contest on May 2
Earlier this month, the call went out for a song fit for an American
Idol. And the nation responded with thousands of great songs.


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

Make your vote count
Right now, our panel of experts is finalizing a shortlist of the top
20 strongest and most suitable songs for American Idol. These songs
will then be showcased online from May 2 and youll have the chance
to vote for your favorites.

Register To Vote
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Winning Song is RevealedThe song chosen by the nation will be
performed live on this seasons American Idol finale in front of
millions of viewers. But thats only half the story. The winning
songwriter will walk away with a highly-prized publishing deal for
their song, and it will also be released by the winner of American
Idol!

Dont miss your chance to choose Americas hottest new songwriter.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The deadline for the American Idol Song Contest has passed
but there's been a lot of discussion about it among songwriters.

here's what Larry Beaird wrote:

lbeaird
Casual Observer


Registered: February, 12 2007
Posts: 18
Loc: Nashville TN  Folks,

Here's my opinion for what it's worth.

For someone interested in writing songs professionally, I can think
of NO downside to entering this contest!

Have you considered this? This is possibly the one chance to ever
compete for a major recording without going up against professional
writers and publishers. The way I understand it is that writers that
are currently under contract with a publisher CANNOT enter because
the rights to their songs (and future songs while they're under
contract) are already the property of their publisher.

And I think the entry fee is amazingly low. $10 is nothing compared
to the usual cost of doing business as a songwriter. That won't even
buy a good set of guitar strings.

Also, if you lose, you've only lost ONE song. You can always write
others. Unless a major label artist is already considering recording
that particular song, there is absolutely no reason to withhold a
song that you think might have a chance. Once again, it's not your
career; it's ONE song.

The language concerning the company ownership of the song seems to
be an issue on this forum, but that's exactly what happens when a
song is published: the publisher owns the copyright.

As far as the producers of the show raking in the money: They
invented the show, it's highly successful, and they should be raking
it in. It's a business. They're just doing their job well (and
getting paid well).

In a business seminar I attended a couple years ago, it was stated
that one of the failures of most small businesses (and that's what
professional writing is: a business) is the failure to implement.
Meaning this: to have a great idea or a shot at something and not
act on it is no different than never having the idea or the shot at
it in the first place.

American Idol seems to be a gold mine for anyone coming even
remotely close to winning. It has spawned numerous careers of
singers even if they weren't the last one standing in the contest.
The way I see it, the winning song is going to be amazingly
successful. There's the TV money, the radio airplay money, the
international sales, the recognition as a winner, etc. ....

I just don't see how there's anything to lose for someone trying to
make it as a successful songwriter.

Good luck to all who enter!

Larry Beaird
Beaird Music Group, Inc.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Red Bull Music Academy Accepting Applications
The legendary Red Bull Music Academy is currently accepting
applications for the annual music workshop which will be held in
Toronto this fall.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Academy which provides a
unique opportunity for up and coming DJs, MCs and musicians to mix,
mingle, and learn from icons and artists who have made a significant
imprint in the world of music.

Anyone interested in applying for one of the 60 coveted spots can
simply submit a mix CD or representative samples of their music
along with the application and a photo to Red Bull Music Academy on
or before May 4, 2007.

Information and applications can be downloaded at
www.redbullmusicacademy.com.

For more info about the Red Bull Music Academy, check out their
release in Music Industry News Network.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Females on Fire
The Females on Fire compilation CD series celebrates talented female
artists from around the world, delivering songs in a tapestry of
different genres &; styles of music dedicated to messages empowering
femininity, human equality, love, communication and vitality.

With her record label, Warrior Girl Music, gilli moon, artist and
producer, has launched Females On Fire as a vehicle and platform for
female artists (now over 65 artists) to be heard and shine, with now
two compilations and an ever-growing, ongoing, tour.

Promotion and distribution are directed to music supervisors (film
and television), music publishers, national music conferences &;
seminars, record labels, the media (print and radio), producers, and
artists looking for songs.

The CD is a perfect vehicle for artists to access the music
industry, the media and make potential long-lasting business
relationships for their music. Retail distribution includes direct
sales through the Warrior Girl Music Store and their distributors in
the U.S, Canada and Australia.

The Females On Fire CD, Volume 3, is now open for submissions from
female artists worldwide, of all genres. For more info, please visit
FemalesOnFire.com.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Songwriting Competition
Congratulations to Austinite and former AMF Incubator Artist Scott
Leger who beat out nearly 15,000 songwriters to win the 2006
International Songwriting Competition (ISC)!

Scott, lead singer and principle songwriter of the award-winning
band Wideawake, won the Grand Prize for his song "Maybe Tonight,
Maybe Tomorrow."

Upon learning of a friend's cancer diagnosis, Leger wrote the song
both as a personal coping mechanism and as a tribute to honor cancer
survivors across the world. 100% of the proceeds from the song's
iTunes downloads are donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and
its cancer initiatives.

More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared among the 56
winners, including an overall Grand Prize of $25,000 (US) cash --
the largest cash grand prize of any songwriting competition in the
world.

www.songwritingcompetition.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Music Industry Boot Camp
Road Warriors: The DIY Approach to Successful Booking and Touring
Topic: Road Warriors: The DIY Approach to Successful Booking and
Touring
Date: Monday, April 30
Location: Emo's Lounge
Time: 6:30 pm

On Monday, April 30th, AMF will present its 33rd Music Industry Boot
Camp (MIBC) to discuss the ins and outs of booking your band, DIY
style.

Panelists include:

Thomas Turner, Artist, Ghostland Observatory
Clayton Mills, Artist, Dixie Witch
Josh Robins, Artist, The Invincible Czars
Davis McLarty, Artist and Owner of Davis McLarty Agency
Matt Drenik, Artist, Lions and Talent Buyer for Trophy's

On another note, MIBC has jumped locations: this month's will take
place at the Emo's Lounge at West 6th St &; Red River.

MIBC is always open to the public and FREE to attend.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MATCHING MELODY TO LYRICS
Songwriting Workshop with Pat Pattison
St. Edward's University
June 2nd and 3rd, 2007

Workshop description: There's no use writing a great lyric and a
great melody if they don't work together. An unfortunate setting of
a word or phrase can sink the emotion of the song, calling your
listener's attention away from WHAT you are saying to HOW you are
saying it. This two-day seminar shows you how to get the most out of
your lyrics by combining them accurately and effectively with
melody. This is a "can't miss" seminar--it's bound to take your
writing to the next level.

SONG CRITIQUES: On the afternoon of the 3rd, Pat will do song
critiques for workshop participants.

***ALSO! Pat will talk again about co-writing  - How to go about it,
what to do and what not to do, success stories and a number of
examples to illustrate each.

"I took a class with Pat Pattison, a really great teacher... I
learned a lot of stuff in that class, and I still read Writing
Better Lyrics. I've still got it on the tank of my toilet ... I
think it's great." --Grammy winning artist/songwriter John Mayer,
2004 --

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 The Performing
Songwriter. Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the
US, Canada, and the UK. Several of his students have won Grammys, in
addition to John Mayer and Gillian Welch.

Cost? $100 per person for the two-day workshop. Current Berklee
College students and alumni pay $75.

Added bonus! You bring a friend at full price and you can take 20%
off ($80 for non-Berklee students and $60 for Berklee students!) for
your admission!

Please make checks payable to Pat Pattison. You can make them out to
me, but I'll just use it for the ever-so-possible Ireland Bicycle
Trip Special Vacation account instead...

Meals/Accommodations: On your own. We may order in for lunch -
depending on the group's preference. We're planning on
another "field trip" Saturday night, depending on the quantity of
homework!

Location: St. Edward's University - an excellent location! The same
great classroom as the last three workshops - directions and details
will be provided to participant during the last week in May.

Time: 10 am - 5 pm both days.

Class size: Limited to the first 30 who send a check payable to "Pat
Pattison". No extra points if the check is made payable to Joe. Or
the "Ireland Bicycle Trip Special Vacation" account.

Mail checks to: Pat Pattison Workshop, c/o Joe Strouse, P.O. Box
80444, Austin, Texas 78708-0444

Questions? Contact Joe Strouse @ strousongs@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS reader Billy White let me know about Kate Walsh

Kate Walsh is remarkably wonderful
thanks for sharing her story with me
http://tinyurl.com/32sorw

here's her myspace link
www.myspace.com/katewalsh

I heard that A&R reps are now asking online song sellers about which
indie and unknown artists are selling well.  She's definitely one

ande rasmussen


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Do you accept other bands as friends on MySpace

here's what Saving Jane Wrote about their policy

We are the latest "new band" that's been about seven years in the
making-we love what we do, we love each other, and we love the
amazing people and experiences this rock and roll adventure has
brought us.

ARE YOU A BAND WHO'S WONDERING
WHY WE DON'T ACCEPT FRIEND REQUESTS FROM BANDS?

Here's the answer:

Unfortunately, almost every band we've added in the last six months
has taken the opportunity to spam our comments page with enormous
and multiple messages daily, directing our fans to join their
friends list...I think this is rude and would never do it to another
band. So unless you're a band we're friendly with or whose music we
dig, we probably won't add you...nothing personal, just trying to
keep our page about us and prevent the messy spam.

http://www.myspace.com/savingjane


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

congrats to IFS reader
donna galbraith
in her blog she shared

GREAT NEWS!!

Last Saturday I won the NSAI Single-Song Showdown for my song "On My
Family Tree" (cowritten with Mitch Townley) and it will be picked up
by Song Garden Publishing, and the publisher said he wants to pitch
it
to TIM MCGRAW!  I'm beyond excited about this!
(To hear this song go to:
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewprivtrack.php?trackid=49670)

Now- about the CMT contest.  Many of you have written to tell me you
are voting every day!!  Thank you!  One of my publishers wrote and
said this:

*********************************************************************
*
Hi Donna,
Just to let you know that I sent another 12 votes your way.  You
might
want to e-mail your list again with a specific request for EVERYONE
to
cast 12 votes a day for your song every day through the deadline of
the 23rd.  If just 100 people commit to 12 votes a day, that would be
1,200 votes a day which would be over 20,000 votes by the 23rd of
April.  That should be enough to push you over the edge I would
think.
It honestly takes less than 2 minutes to cast 12 votes, so people
should be willing to do this for you!
Good Luck
Sally

*********************************************************************
***

And I thought that was a pretty good idea!!!  :-)  Thanks Sally!  And
thanks to YOU- all my friends and family for helping me win
Listener's
Choice!  (link below)


Hugs,
Donna

--
Vote for me on CMT!!  Go to this link:
http://www.cmt.com/asm/contests/nsai/cmt_choice/2007

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Denny Martin sent me this

info@...

Hey Denny,

I've just posted the Denny Martin interview show online.
go to  http://www.audionashville.com and listen.
Thanks so much for doing the interview, I hope it helps people know
about you and the great work you do.
We have a link to you on the home page. We've had around a hundred
downloads of the Debi Champion interview,
but we're just getting the word out so hopefully that will grow.

Alan O'Day is next week's guest, Pam Belford after that...stay tuned.

Dave

PS, Great job Wed at Don, you guys rocked the house!
PPS: Don't laugh at my production skills, I ain't no Denny Martin,
but close enough for a podcast. :)

cc: Don McNatt

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

do you get royaltyWeek?
royaltyweek.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Abi Tapia Sent me this


In this email:
*Story of the new recording
*Pre-Order Levels
*Instructions and Info

*The New Record: Just getting started
Last week I had a great meeting with Chris Gage at MoonHouse Studio
and we booked 3 weeks in May to record a new Abi Tapia album!

I'm eager to embark on another whirlwind journey of creation,
promotion and performance. I've got a collection of new songs that
I'm really proud of. Many were written in the car, one was scribbled
out on a plane, and lots of the editing happened in motel rooms.
Some come from reminiscing about my younger days and others are
about the current state of my life and the world. As always, I'm
trying to describe the moments when things make sense, life's tiny
revelations. I hope a few will make you smile and there might even
be a tear-jerker in there. Now, I get to create some musical magic
in the studio so you can feel just what I mean.

I'm ready for all the work that's ahead of me. Chris and I will have
several meetings to create arrangements and discuss the
instrumentation and personnel we'll use in the studio. Then there
are the long, but thrilling, days of recording, mixing and
mastering. Photo shoots, graphics and printing decisions, booking a
tour, planning radio and print publicity campaigns, getting the
discs to stores and digital retailers and performing and on and on...

All of these elements are crucial and none can be ignored if I want
to release the best record I can. For independent musicians like me,
fundraising is another item on the to do list, and without it, none
of the others can happen. It also allows me to have control over the
creation and presentation of my music. This time, I'll raise a good
chunk of the money by selling the CDs I have out now, playing shows,
and working my extra odd jobs, but I'm also coming to you with the
opportunity to be a part of the process and help me make this music
available. For my last recording, which was on the Top 40 Americana
chart for a month, pre-orders generated $6,500, a major portion of
the money I spent. I want to triple the number of people who hear
this new music, which means my budget will be bigger. Sooo, it's pre-
order time!

I know that many of you are fans of lots of indie artists and find
yourself pre-ordering more CDs than you buy at the store. You are
angels and should be proud! Thank you so so much for helping us stay
out of the red and showing your support in such a symbolic and real
way. I want to give you all big hugs of thanks and knit you
sweaters. I probably don't have time for that, but I am going to
offer some other gifts just for you generous folks. I hope you can
contribute to this project, but most importantly, thanks for
listening, in the past and future!

-Abi

*Pre-Order Levels

$25
What it pays for: 5 seconds of music on your CD. I need about 3000
seconds! What you get: a signed copy of the new CD in limited
edition artwork. Once again, ONLY for those who pre-order, I'll be
hand-crafting covers. This is something you can't get on iTunes or
at your local record store. I'm not sure what form they'll take, but
I promise it will be crafty and fun!

$50
What it pays for: 30 minutes of my photo shoot.
What you get: Signed CD with limited edition artwork AND a limited
edition EP. I've put together a collection of live recordings and
demos of unreleased songs that I can send you right away when you
pre-order at the $50 level.

$150
What it pays for: Two musicians for 1 song.
What you get: 2 Signed CDs with limited edition artwork, 6 song EP,
and T-shirt.

$500
What it pays for: A day of studio rental.
What you get: 5 Signed CDs with limited edition artwork, 6 song EP,
2 T-shirts and super-fan status (free shows!)

$1000
What it pays for: 1 month of radio promotion to 200 of the coolest,
most eclectic stations in the country. What you get: 10CDs with
limited edition artwork, 6 song EP, 2 T-shirts, super fan status,
and a House Concert. Once again, I'm available to perform at your
house this summer. Want to host a backyard BBQ, or evening concert
for your friends? Invite as few or as many people as you want and
I'll entertain!

*Instructions and Info
-To pre-order, please send a check to Abi Tapia, PO Box 43352,
Austin, TX 78704 -Checks are prefered, but credit cards are OK, too.
Do that here: http://www.abitapia.com/preorder2.htm
-If you want to give some other amount or get some other combo of
items, e-mail me and we can work it out.

Include the following info with your order:

1. Your shipping address (Fall '07) (If you plan to move soon, you
can still pre-order now and tell me your new address later)
2. E-mail address
3. Alternate address and instructions for gifts
4. Who should the personal autograph be made out to?
5. T-shirt size (S M L XL) and style (Unisex or Girly) (for $150 or
more)
6. Flattering notes. :)

**EPs will ship by April 13
**You can choose to get the T-shirt I have out now or to wait for
the new design next Fall

THANK YOU!


**All this info is online at
http://www.abitapia.com/preorder2.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One of THE most successful writers in the history of Nashville once
told me that,
if you have a great song idea,
you better write a great song around it,
because if you don't,
someone else in town will hear the idea and write the hit.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We saw your listing on SongwritersDirectory.com and were wondering
if you would be interested in submitting some of your lyrics to us
for possible publication on greeting cards. We are looking for
highly original and creative submissions on friendship, family,
special occasions, positive living, reach for your dreams, get well,
missing you, sympathy, and other topics one person might want to
share with another person.



If you think you have lyrics that would be appropriate for greeting
cards, or if you’d like to write some new material for this
purpose, we welcome you to submit your work to us.



We've worked with other songwriters who have had much success
turning their songwriting talent into material that works great on
greeting cards and other Blue Mountain Arts products. This could be
a great opportunity for you to get your words out there and earn a
little extra money, too.



To request a copy of our writers guidelines (including payment and
submission information), please send a blank e-mail to
writings@...
with
Send Me Guidelines
in the subject line, or write us at:
Blue Mountain Arts, Inc.
Editorial Department
P.O. Box 1007
Boulder, CO 80306.
You can also visit our Web site at www.sps.com to find out more
about us.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

johnarthurmartinez.net Updates

He's playing Gruene hall on April 29 www.gruenehall.com

He's been offered a record deal with an international label out of
Germany called AGR TV Records, affiliated with Universal & a
songwriters agreement with Universal Publishing also through their
international offices in Germany

* The "Home Made of Stone" builds momentum in the Hill Country, I'll
let you know when it's done so we can have a house warming
celebration. Our architect & builder, Marley Porter, the future
recording studio and the creative community of CastleRock keep
moving forward, too. (Say hey to Marley at:
www.myspace.com/marleyporter
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


On Sunday April 29, Sonny Throckmorton and Bruce Channel ("Hey
Baby") are having a concert at the Booth Ranch.
Please go to:
http://www.nexusconcertseries.com/concert.html
and check out the poster and the map and sign up.
This is going to be a super concert.

Bruce's songs have been recorded by Tom Jones, Alabama, Oak Ridge
Boys, and Jerry Lee Lewis just to name a few. His song "Hey Baby"
was in Dirty Dancing. He is a great writer and performer.


Sonny Throckmorton has had 14 number 1 hits, was named "Songwriter
of the Year" four times and has been honored by BMI and almost every
honorable organization in music. He's amazing!!


There will also be some great musicians that are coming to see these
two and will be playing some of their hits at the end of the show.
This is going to be a great Sunday afternoon. We start the show at 5
p.m.. Please don't miss it, and bring a camera...it's a Kodak
moment. If you have any questions call
203-1972

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write ON,

Ande Rasmussen

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 had a blast at the Grammy's (details below)
We hope to go back next year

you can hear one of my new songs at
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/srplayer.php?
type=hipriv&trackid=49288

Fri Feb 25 I receieved an ASCAP international performance statement
and they reported that

Zip Zero earned some money performances in Britain during
Jan 01 2006 - Jun 30 2006 and

Home Made of Stone earned
some money  for performances in Belgium during
Jan 01 2005 - Dec 31 2005
some money for performances in Greece during
Sep 01 2005 - February 28 2006

it's nice to know that song performances are being reported
that's much better than those
"we regret to inform you that you had no performances reported
during the last reporting period"



this email arrived the other day
Mr. Rasmussen I just wanted to contact you and tell you I think you
have a magnificent gift of songwriting.  My wife was at the GMA
conference in dallas this past week and she is being led to chase
her dreams.  This leads me to the Christian Songwriters Network and
you.  I was wondering how someone goes about singing one of your
songs on a cd.  My wife and I are new to this so please forgive my
ignorance to how this works.  Thank you in advance for your
assistance and time.  The song we were taken with was "Even The
Stars"  and we are going to be listening to many others on your
website but we have to upgrade internet services first.  Hopefully
we will be talking further in the future.

David Grace

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to Angela Hacker who won Nashville Star
Congratulations to her brother, Zak Hacker who got runner up.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

March Fourth is approaching and I share this each year.

March Fourth!
Written by Ande Rasmussen

We all love Christmas.
Halloween is scary sweet.
I'm thankful for Thanksgiving,
Boy how we eat.
Then there's our birthday,
which is really fun.
New Years Eve is festive
but we're a little tired come January One.

Easter is delightful!
Fourth of July fireworks are great!
Then there's St. Patrick's, Presidents, Valentines, Veterans, Labor,
Columbus, Flag, Fathers, Mothers, Martin Luther King, ...
How do we keep track of all these darn dates?

When I look at my one year calendar
March Fourth is my favorite day.
Nothing special happened in history.
It's just what that day has to say!

When you have problems,
March Forth!
When things don't work out,
March Forth!
When bad things happen,
March Forth!
When you lose,
March Forth!

When anything can happen
March Forth says it all.
If something does happen,
Get up, brush off, and March Forth,
Because we're all bound to fall.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS readers
here's a few details about My 2007 Grammy Trip
by Ande Rasmussen

Friday
We arrived, went to Venice Beach, had lunch then drove up to Malibu.
Shirley wasn't feeling well so we headed back to the Hotel. We
stayed at the Sheraton on Hope Street, we stayed on the Lounge
level, they provided breakfast and happy hour each day.

Saturday
I met with Alan O'Day who wrote "Undercover Angel" and "Rock N Roll
Heaven."

Then attended a BMI songwriting workshop on Sunset
http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/534304
http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/534415

That evening we went to the Grammy Special Merit Awards Event,
special awards were given to Joan Baez, Booker T and the MG's, Maria
Callas, Ornette Coleman, The Doors, Grateful Dead, Bob Wills,
Estelle Axton, Cosimo Matassa, Stephen Sondheim David Smith, &
Yamaha. My friend Shirley is nuts about the Doors so I got her Robby
Krieger's autograph. Immediately after we attended the Nominee
Reception.


Sunday
Walked over from the Hotel to the event to attend the Pre Telecast
Awards, the girls didn't want to attend that part. I sat pretty
close to the front and Joe Satriani and Stevie Vai performed, later
Zuleka Rivera, the 2006 Miss Universe was one of the hosts. There
were 99 Grammy's awarded in that ceremony and I watched the first
58. Some of the recipeints weren't there to accept their Grammy but
I enjoyed hearing the acceptance speeches from those who were there.
Like when they announced Angelin Chang, in the Classical Solo
category she jumped to her feet, screamed WOW then gave a very
moving acceptance speech, she said. "What a great journey through a
wonderland of music, I urge us all to support music education. We
wouldn't be here but for our teachers." Angelin's mom and dad were
sitting in the audience. A little later the Hawaiian category was
announced and the largest group got up, each person gave a short
acceptance speech. At # 58 there was a break, Susan Tedeschi got up
and performed and my wife called so I met up with her, Tena, and
Shirley.

Beth and I walked the red carpet which was a tunnel of tents. We saw
ourselves on TV in the back ground on the Grammy Awards With Joan &
Melissa when their male correspondent was interviewing Omarossa. The
truth is the red carpet carpet was split in 2 sections, 1 for TV
cameras, media, celebrities and nominees and another for normal
people to walk with out all the fan fare,

Our seats were "stage right," in section 112 on the 8th row,
here's a seating chart, thought the stage was more upfront about 25
feet from the stage above the floor. (sections 113 - 118 were
backstage and blocked off.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/seatingchart/73985/2358
The stage was split in half so the crew could set up and tear down
while one act was performing. We could see things on our side very
well, but had a bad angle for the other side. The Police performed
on our side. Sitting on the floor near us on the floor was Reba,
Scarlett Johansen, Samuel L Jackson, Lionel, Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Paris Hilton, guys from earthwind and fire, Smokey Robinson, couple
guys from the grateful dead, jackson brown. My friend shirley is
nuts about Jackson so I got his sig for her.

One of the interesting things, is that many of the celebrities came
and left and there were people who worked as seat fillers, there
were organizers who filed people in and out during the breaks, like
Paris Hilton showed up late for the show, she was only there for
about 2 songs and talked on her cell most of the time. I'll write
more later

We also attended the after party, Chaka Kahn and Kool and the Gang
Performed.


Monday
When I was in the airport waiting for my flight home. I saw Cowboy
Troy walking out of a store and I asked
"Are you Cowboy Troy?"

he said "yeah"

I told him I bought his "Hook "Em Horns" song
asked him when he graduated from UT

he said 1993

Then we talked for a few more minutes and I met his Tour manager.

My impression of him was he's a nice laid back humble person

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

if you are an artist
consider setting up sites at
soundclick.com
broadjam.com
garageband.com
www.download.com
www.mp3unsigned.com
isound.com
starpulse.com
artistlaunch,com
mp3.com
audiostreet.com
sonicgarden.com
primetones/com
indiegroup.com
indiepodcasting.com
cduniverse.com
pumpaudio.com
musicforte.com
purevolume.com
collectedsounds.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Ongoing - Quarterly Deadlines - Next Deadline
March 13th


http://www.dallassongwriters.org/lyriccontest/

DSA 2007 Song Contest  - Deadline June 30th

I Create Music ASCAP conference , submit your song for panel review,
deadline March 1.
http://www.magnetmail1.net/ls.cfm?
r=34523198&sid=1840478&m=263110&u=ASCAP&s=http://www.ascap.com/expo

Chris Austin Songwriting Contest - deadline March 4 www.sonicbids.com

Wildflower Festival Singer/Songwriter Contest -
Deadline April 1
http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/content/SingerSongwriter.html

BW Stevenson Song Contest - deadline April 10
http://poordavidspub.com/Comp.htm



Durang Songwriters "Write With A Hit-Maker" Contest
www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/songwriting-contest.html
USA Songwriting Contest - Deadline May 31st  www.songwriting.net


Ongoing Contests on Broadjam: www.broadjam.com
NorthXNortheast (June7-9) Showcase submissions  www.sonicbids.com



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
April 19-21 ASCAP "I CREATE MUSIC" EXPO, Los Angeles   www.ASCAP.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
March 9- 18 SXSW Music and Film Festival & Conference   sxsw.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Texas State Arts Festival
Warm weather has begun to emerge, and that means it's festival time
in Austin! Be sure to check out the Texas State Arts Fesitval this
weekend.

Saturday, March 3
11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Sunday, March 4
11:00 am to 8:00 pm

Location: Downtown Austin at the intersection of Martin Luther King
Jr Blvd and Congress Avenue, in the shadow of the State Capitol
across from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Admission is $4, 12 and under are free.

Happening on Texas Independence Day weekend, the fesitval will
celebrate the independent spirit of Texas with music, arts, and fun!

Robert Cray headlines the event on Sunday, and the festival also
features 28 bands on two stages including Brothers and Sisters,
Mother Truckers, IV Thieves, Idgy Vaughn, Boombox and more. For a
complete band line-up, please visit www.roadwayevents.com. (Scroll
down when you reach the page.)



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
  Marketing Thoughts By JPF Mentor and CD Baby Founder Derek Sivers

Your marketing should be an extension of your art, so here's a real-
world
example:

Back in 1997, when “The X Files� was still on the air, a friend
of mine who
called himself Captain T put out a record called US Aliens that was
all about
conspiracy theories, Area 51, alien cover-ups, and the Incredible
Hulk. It was
intentionally funny, but he would stay in character and play it
straight : a guy
who was trying to tell the world, through music, about the aliens and
conspiracies.

He wanted to send his album to college radio stations, but couldn't
afford to
hire a real radio promoter. When we decided to do it ourselves, I
was about to
do things in a very normal way, but I thought I should take my own
advice, and
make his marketing an extension of his art, his image, his message.

(Also, I was thinking about that kid in the college radio station
that gets 20
CDs a day, all exactly the same, in boring envelopes. I wanted to
make his
week.)

So - we bought 500 black envelopes, 500 sheets of brown oatmeal
paper, 500 alien
head stickers, and the best part : 500 huge stickers that said
“CONFIDENTIAL
MAIL - DO NOT OPEN FOR ANY REASON�.

We did a mail-merge to the 500 program directors at 500 college
radio stations,
so that each one got a personalized letter that said this:
-------------------------------------------------
Dear __name__,

You don’t know me, but I live in the bushes behind your station.

I have been here for 12 years and your station has saved my life
many times
over.

The music that you play has kept me going through my darkest of days
and for
this I owe you everything.

In this spirit, I must tell you that a man named Captain T found me
in the
gutter yesterday, and he taught me about what is really going on
with the
government and what really happened down there in Area 51. This man
has a
message that you have to get out to the world, because people need
to know the
TRUTH!

Signed,

Man in the bushes, looking through your window right now
-----------------------------------------------
We took each letter out to the backyard and literally rubbed it in
dirt,
crumpled it into a little tiny ball, then flattened it out a little
bit, put the
CD inside, sealed it into a black envelope, put the alien head
sticker on it,
covered it with the huge sticker that said “CONFIDENTIAL MAIL - DO
NOT OPEN
FOR ANY REASON�, and mailed them out to each station.

We laughed for hours while doing it.

Now, imagine you're that kid working at the radio station, getting
20 CDs a day
with normal boring packages, saying “Please play my record!�
Then you get
this scary black mess of a package that says “DO NOT OPEN�, and
when opened
is covered in dirt and says, “You don’t know me, but I live in
the bushes
behind your station.

375 of the radio stations played it.

Every now and then, my friend Captain T gets approached by someone
that used to
work at a college radio station back in 1997. They tell him they
still remember
it, because it was the coolest package they ever got.

Derek Sivers

About Derek:

JPF Mentor Derek Sivers is the founder of CD Baby (and Hostbaby.com)
but then
you already knew that right?  = )
***************************************************


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever heard of:
http://splicemusic.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
  Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
  Have your songs heard by a panel of professional songwriters and
other music industry professionals from the Nashville Music
Community as well as earn the chance to perform at MerleFest, the
Americana music celebration, by entering the 15th annual Chris
Austin Songwriting Contest.

The Chair of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is Jim Lauderdale.
Artists must submit songs in one of four categories – country,
bluegrass, gospel, and general. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
invites three finalists in each category to MerleFest for the finals
on April 27, 2007. The Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is open to
those whose primary source of income is not derived from songwriting
or publishing.

ALL SELECTED FINALIST ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:
Lodging for 4 Nights at MerleFest
All Access MerleFest credentials for three
One box of D'Addario Strings
One-year subscription to Acoustic Guitar magazine

SELECTED FIRST PLACE ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:
A performance on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest
An Epiphone Guitar from Gibson
A check for $300
An additional box of D'Addario Strings

SELECTED SECOND PLACE ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:
A check for $250
A slot in the Songwriter's Coffeehouse at MerleFest

SELECTED THIRD PLACE ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:
A check for $50
A slot in the Songwriter's Coffeehouse at MerleFest

A then unknown Gillian Welch was one of the selected artists for the
initial Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in 1993.
Recent artists have included Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell,
Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via, and Johnny Williams.

Chris Austin Songwriting Contest sponsors are: Morgan Keegan,
Durham, NC. Thomas Fisher, First Vice-President; Fishman; Acoustic
Guitar; Epiphone by Gibson; D'Addario and Sonicbids. Chris Austin
Stage at MerleFest sponsored by ASCAP and No Depression.

Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest go toward
Wilkes Community College projects including the Next Step campaign.

How:
It's simple, go to www.sonicbids.com/chrisaustinsongcontest - you'll
be able to create and submit your EPK in just minutes!

Deadline:
March 4, 2007

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SongU Successes

Contest/Award Winners, Finalists and Runner-Ups:
The following members received notices that they were runner-ups,
finalists and winners in various songwriting competitions in the
past few months:

Casey H. whose self-titled album, "Casey's Greatest Hits" received a
glowing review by Susan Frances in MusicDish Mag.
Germain B. who was artist of the month for January 2007 on
Songramp.com
Krystle Blue and MB whose song, "Crazy Save Me" hit the Top 10 on
Broadjam.com
Randy Klein whose album, "Piano Christmas!" was nominated for Best
Holiday Album by The New Age Reporter
Jack W. for runner up honors in The Song Of The Year contest for his
song, "If You Let Me"
Rick H. for runner up honors in The Song Of The Year contest for his
song, "Holy Holiday".
Debbie P. for finalist honors in The Song Of The Year contest for
her song, "I Can't See In The Dark"
Gene R. for finalist honors in The Song Of The Year contest for his
song, "If You Were Here"
Donna G. for finalist honors in The Song Of The Year contest for her
song, "Nothing At All"
Adrienne L. for finalist honors in The Song Of The Year contest for
her song, "Don't Mind Me"
Bobby D. whose song "Help Us Be More Like You" was the winner in The
Song Of The Year contest (Christian Category)
Skip W. whose song "The Old Brown Hat" was honorable mention in the
recent SongDoor competition
Mitch T. whose song "Rescue" was a finalist in the recent SongDoor
competition
Mitch T./Donna G. whose song "Family Tree" was a finalist in the
recent SongDoor competition
Mitch T./Donna G. whose song "That's Gonna Be Me" was a finalist in
the recent SongDoor competition
Dan R./John Wesley C. whose song, "I'll Tell God You Said Hi" was a
finalist in the recent SongDoor competition
Cindy H. whose song "One True Love" was a finalist in the recent
SongDoor competition
Skip W. whose song "Blues Lady" was a finalist in the recent
SongDoor competition
David K. whose song "Liquid Sunshine" was a finalist in the recent
SongDoor competition
Sean C. whose song, "Amazed" was the grand prize winner in the
SongDoor competition
Steve J. whose song, "Not My Son" was an honorable mention in the
International Narrative Song Contest (INSC)
Ed W. whose song, "Good Boots" is a finalist in the International
Songwriting Competition (ISC)
Kira W. whose song, "Caterpillar Caterpillar" is a finalist in the
International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
Mark K. whose song, "Start Now" won 2nd place in the Billboard
Songwriting Contest (country category)
Lisa F. whose song, "When He Comes Home To Her" won 1st place in the
Billboard Songwriting Contest (country category)
Sue F. whose song, "Walmart Woman" has advanced to Round One of the
CMT Music City Madness Contest
Lorna F. whose song, “Touch Me With Your Tenderness" grabbed song
of the year honors at the recent UK Country Radio Awards
Contracts, Cuts, Airplay and More:
The following member were offered song contracts, got cuts or
received airplay on their songs in the past few months:

Ronnie W. whose song, "The Sweater Song" is getting airplay on THE
INDY ROCK CONNECTION, which broadcasts on FM Stations and college
stations all over the US. This song is also receiving airplay on
NashvilleRadio.biz and the NOT JUST COUNTRY show airing Thursday
nights out of Nashville.
Stephen A. was logging regular radio play on NCM (205 stations
worldwide) for his songs, "Joy Of My Salvation" and "Cross Of Gold"
Mitch T. who has two songs on the Indie Heaven Charts, "December
Rain" and "Soli Deo Gloria"
Ray P. received a single song contract offer from Hot Seat Music
Jeff M. signed 3 songs with Outback Studio Publishing and has gotten
18 cuts with 8 independent artists
Vaughan D. who signed his song "Highway Miles" with Crucial
Music, "So Not Over You" with Aristomedia Group
Rhonda E. whose received a contract for her song, "23 Shades" which
is going to be used in an upcoming documentary about adoption
Jack W. who signed a single song agreement for his song, "I Promise
You"
Ray P. whose songs, "Ying Yang Thing" and "She Wrote That In Blue"
were signed by Sunset Ranch Music
Ronnie W. whose song, "The Lost Girls Of Sudan" is being shopped by
Karmel Productions for movie placement
Mitch T./Donna G. whose song, "My Family Tree" is on hold for Lloyd
Knight
Juan A./Scott J. whose song, "I Got The Green Light" is on hold for
Lloyd Knight
Mitch T./Scott H. whose song, "Oorah, Up" is on hold for Troy Wykle
Jim S/Mitch T. whose song, "Can You See Him" was recorded on a
compilation CD to raise money for a Pittsburgh homeless shelter
Marc K. whose song, "I Can Break My Own Heart" was recorded by Taryn
Cross
Jim S. whose had 3 songs cut: "You Must Be Crazy" has been cut by
The New Grass Review; "The Empty Chair" by Steve Wade and "Just A
Song" by Troy Wykle. Jim also has a hold with Troy Wykle for another
of his songs, "This Red Neck of the Woods"
Gene R. whose song, "Show Me The Way" is in the soundtrack for the
upcoming indie Christian film to be released in the fall
Gene R. who got his first cut with a Southern Gospel label,
Frostbyte in Nashville
Sue F. whose comedy album broke the Top 10 on Billboard Records
Comedy Chart
Spin N' Pitch Connections:
The following member either received notes that artists were
interested in their songs or contract offers through SongU.com Spin
N' Pitch in the past two months:
#64 -The Slideshow Company expressed interest in signing 7 member
songs.

Chris Y./Rhonda E. "Perfect Fit"
Jimbeau W. "Angels Carried Me "
Anthony C. "Friday Night"
Donna G. "First One To Last"
Tammy B. "I Have This Dream"
Mitch T. "Promise To Forever"
Mitch T. "You've Got A Way"
#259 -Country/Bluegrass FEMALE & MALE lead singers. This established
independent newgrass group is looking for country, country pop,
gospel. UPTEMPOS preferred. The following members received notes of
interest in their song from this guest.
John T. "Heaven's Gone Country"
Matt D. "Denver v2"
Lisa M. "Little Big Man"
Perry D. "I Count My Blessings"
James S. "Moonbathing"
Marc K. "Kissing In The Rain"
Paul M. "I'm All Yours"
Everett A. "My Tennessee Treasure"
Mitch T. "My Family Tree"
Mitch T. "Less In Life"
#265 -Country. Pitch to Publisher. Nashville Music Publisher with
world wide contacts is looking for great FEMALE UPTEMPO's expressed
interest in signing 6 member songs.
Shelley J. "Forever Never Looked So Good"
Elizabeth M. "Y CHROMOSOME"
Joe L. "94 Dodge, Interstate 80"
Donna G. "I Won't Think About You"
Matt D. "Love'll Do That"
William F. "Dreams"
#266 - Successful LA-based Film/TV Music Publisher expressed
interest in signing 7 member songs. .
Ken J. "TV-sampler"
Vaughan D. "Highway Miles"
Gene R. "If You Were Here (Duet)"
Rebecca P. "Mississippi"
Stuart R. "Schadenfreude"
Shelley J. "Extreme Overkill"
Bob W. "Life's Full Of Surprises"
#273 -Pop, Pop/Rock, Pop/R&B, Dance. Pitch to Publisher. Nashville-
based Music Publisher with world wide contacts is looking for great
pop songs to sign and pitch expressed interest in signing 3 member
songs.
Vaughan D. "Every Sky I Fly Is Blue"
Lorna F. "Don't Let Go"
Dempsey W. "Ripple Free"
#274 -Country. MALE. Major-label international artist recording a
country album. Needs a HIT single a la Steve Holy, Joe Nichols,
Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney. Send your BEST male country songs,
professionally demoed only. The following members received notes of
interest in their song from this guest.
Vaughan D. "I Sing For You"
James S. "Moonbathing"
Anthony C. "Friday Night"
Paul M. "THIS LOVE CAN TAKE A PUNCH"
Stuart R "Knee Deep in Clover"
Lisa M. "Don't Turn Off The Light"
Mitch T. "My Family Tree"
Mitch T. "Sunset Dream"
Michael T. "One Door Closes, One Door Opens*"
Anni L. "Hard To Find"
Rebecca H. "NEW ORLEANS"
Rebecca H. "LONG DISTANCE LOVE AFFAIR"
Matt D. "Denver v2"
Matt D. "Selective Memory"
Ed B. "Life comes at you fast"
John D. "Flirting In A Foreign Language"
John D. "All Of My Love"
On a related note, I would like to add the following congrats:

Joe L. whose song, "First Last Kiss" was pitched on a CD by our
Street Team representative to Donny Kees who is a hit writer and
currently manager of recording artist, Andy Griggs. Donny Kees fell
in love with it and is playing it for Andy Griggs and his producer
Frank Myers.
Johnny A. whose lyric, "All Too Clear" caught the eyes of Coach
#1666 who proceeded to set them up with hit songwriter, Tony
Haseldon to write the music. The song was demoed last week and
signed by a publisher this week.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Band Website alissamoreno.com
Band Members Alissa Moreno, whose music has been featured on MTV hit
shows including, LAGUNA BEACH and THE HILLS, is an acclaimed
singer/songwriter. In addition to co-writing and singing the theme
of the ABC show HOPE AND FAITH (second season), her songs have
appeared in films such as Quentin Tarantino's DALTRY CALHOUN
(Miramax), UNDISCOVERED (Lions Gate Films), and the Slamdance
Feature Film MALL COP and television shows including WONDERFALLS
(FOX), THE DRIVE (CMT), HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS), GUIDING LIGHT
and a variety of other projects.

Alissa is a renowned piano and vocal talent, having worked on the
set of HOLLYWOODLAND (Focus Features 2006) as vocal coach to BEN
AFFLECK. She also is an actress, appearing in commercials, indie
films, and creating and starring in Los Angeles Independent Film
Festival short film SUPERCHICKS. She currently lives in Los Angeles,
and performs regularly at some of LA's hottest clubs: House of
Blues, Knitting Factory, The Viper Room, and The Hotel Cafe.

Alissa has collaborated with noteworthy music industry veterans
including
songwriter/producer
JAMIE HOUSTON (Kid Rock, Macy Gray, Santana, Bo Bice)
composer JOHN SWIHART (NAPOLEON DYNAMITE)
JEFFREY STEELE (Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill)
BEN MARGULIES (Mariah Carey)
DAVID BAERWALD (Sheryl Crow, Jewel) and
TONY SCALZO (Fastball)

LIVE BAND: Dave Johnstone (The Dan Band), Marc Strommer (The Dan
Band), Einar Peterson (The Dan Band),



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friday I got a copy of LA Weekly and noticed the following event at
the KeyClub, so I decided to go:
http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/534304
http://www.bmi.com/events/entry/3618

February 10, 2007

BMI "How I Wrote That Song" Panel: Los Angeles

BMI and the Los Angeles Times present "How I Wrote That Song," a
panel discussion with some of music's most successful songwriters.
The panel will be held at 2 p.m. at the Key Club (9039 Sunset Blvd.)
in celebration of Grammy Week. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now
through Ticketmaster at www.keyclub.com, or at the Key Club box
office.

Scheduled to participate are top BMI songwriting talents including
John Legend (JUST ADDED!!),
Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley),
Dallas Austin,
Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy),
Sean Garrett,
Kara DioGuardi,
Butch Walker and
Jeffrey Steele, who will join panel moderators Los Angeles Times
music critic
Ann Powers and Atlanta Writer/Publisher Relations VP
Catherine Brewton.
Attendees can expect an inside look at the songwriting process,
featuring performances of hit songs by each panelist and a Q&A
session on the business of songwriting and music.

~ ~ ~ ~

When I arrived at 1:00 I was informed that the event was sold out
and if I hadn't ordered a ticket I wasn't getting in. I noticed
there was a media table so I went and talked to them. I told them I
was the editor and publisher of songwriterblog.com
but I didn't have a business card so they wouldn't let me in, I was
nice, polite, they said I could wait and maybe get in.

SO I waited, when it got to 2 I noticed a fellow with a media pass
was leaving to I walked beside him, asked if he was done with his
pass, he gave it to me and I got in.

Once in the club was dark, I got situated and workshop began.  The
format was, they'd introduce the writer, then either play a song or
the writer performed live, then the writer talked about writing
their song. later they had a Q&A

The event began with BMI's president. Writers in the panel were
(DA) Dallas Austin,
(KD) Kara Dioguardi
(PS) Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy
(SG) Shawn Garrett,
(BW) Butch Walker,
(JS) Jeffery Steele, and
(JL) John Legend.

DA
played a recording of Unpretty by TLC
DA said he read a book of poetry by, TBoz and she wrote it in her
poetry so he decided to make it into a song.
It meant something to her it might mean something to others.

KD
sang Ain't no Other Man"
she held the lyrics in her hand, claiming to have a memory like a
sive. She wore a short black dress, fish net hose, and cowboy boots.
she helps bring out people's stories
she relates to them on a human level
finds out what's going on in their lives
they talk about it
wants to come froma  place of honesty
find the story
there needs to be a point of truth
she worked at bill board
a moderator asked her what do media writers get wrong about
songwriters

Should I finish my notes on this?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE

Ande, I have a question? Do you know how royalties work as far as
internet download sites like iTunes go? Is there a separate license
I would have to get? or is it all fielded through ASCAP and BMI?

Ande's Answer

you asked
Do you know how royalties work as far as internet download sites
like iTunes go?
>>> I'm assuming you're asking this as an artist who's recorded
writers songs and now you've placed them on itunes and a few have
been down loaded
if you are on CDbaby's program
they get 70 cents from itunes
they keep 9 cents and pay the artist 61 cents
the payments that need to be made from the remaining 61 cents are
1) to the writers of the song, the creators of the song
2) to the artist and
3) to label / owners of the master sound recording

Is there a seperate license I would have to get?
>>> it should just be covered in the mech license

  is it all fielded through ASCAP and BMI?
>>> no ASCAP and BMI just cover performances of the song on the
radio, TV cable and at venues


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  http://www.openlabs.com

WINTER NAMM 2007 - BOOTH 6015
OPEN LABS® MIKO™ AND NEKO® INSTRUMENTS MAKE SUPER BOWL DEBUT
WITH PRINCE; FIRST COMPUTER KEYBOARD PLAYED ON TELEVISION'S BIGGEST
EVENT
Austin, TX January 31, 2007 --

Prince NPG Keyboardists Morris Hayes and Renato Neto to Play the
Open Labs® Gen3 MiKo™ and NeKo® During Pepsi Super Bowl XLI
Halftime Performance; First Windows®-Based Keyboard Workstation is
First Musical Instrument to Use Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processors

AUSTIN, TX -- Open Labs®, Inc the leading designer and developer of
computer-based music production solutions, today announced that the
company's award-winning NeKo® and MiKo™ keyboard workstations
will be played during Prince's performance on the Pepsi® Super Bowl
XLI halftime show on Sunday, February 4th, at Dolphin Stadium in
Miami. The event marks the first time that a computer keyboard
instrument has been played live at the Super Bowl. CBS will
broadcast Super Bowl XLI starting at 6:25 pm EST.

Morris Hayes and Renato Neto, the renowned groove-funk keyboardists
with Prince's New Power Generation, or NPG, band, will play the new
Open Labs® Gen3 MiKo and NeKo® during the halftime performance.
Introduced earlier this month at the Winter NAMM conference in
Anaheim, California, the Gen3 MiKo and NeKo® are the latest
incarnations of the award-winning product line that Open Labs®
originally introduced in 2004. The Open Labs® Gen3 MiKo and NeKo®
represent the first line of keyboard workstations to incorporate a
Windows® PC-based architecture and are now the first musical
instruments to use Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors, offering
processing speeds up to 70% faster than Gen 2 models.

"Prince is one of the most technically demanding artists working
today, and the Super Bowl is one of the largest telecasts in the
world, so we are delighted to have such a grand stage on which to
debut the Gen3 MiKo and NeKo® instruments," said Victor Wong,
chairman of Open Labs®. "We have essentially redesigned our
products to create a powerful musical experience that is only
limited by the user's imagination."

"The Core 2 Duo processor line enables faster real-time operations,
and we can't think of a more demanding real-time situation than live
musical performance. The Open Labs® team provides a great example
of the innovation that is being brought to music creation," said
Diane Bryant, vice president in the Digital Enterprise Group, Intel
(Nasdaq: INTC). "We believe that the convergence of the PC
workstation and the music synthesizer keyboard will support
creativity for new generations of composers and performers."

"The power and creativity embodied by Open Labs® is well-
represented by the renowned artists who use these platforms, and we
are pleased to see that the Microsoft platform has helped enable
these developments," said Liron Shaked, director of the Worldwide
Consumer ISV Group at Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq: MSFT). "These
innovations, in combination with the cutting-edge enhancements in
Windows Vista, will serve to dramatically expand the creative
possibilities for today's digital artists."

"The combination of Intel's latest processors and our future
migration to Windows Vista ensure that Open Labs® instruments
continue to offer musicians and producers sustainable world-class
performance without peer," continued Wong.

The Open Labs® MiKo and NeKo® Gen3 keyboards are the first
portable digital music and internet media creation systems that
combine the power of Windows PC architecture, a large-format
touchscreen interface, and internet connectivity in a compact, user-
friendly instrument.

The Gen3 series enable users to record up to 140 tracks of 24-bit
audio; play up to 500-note polyphony, and support up to 300 plug-ins
in a single instrument.

The Gen 3 MiKo and NeKo® feature Open Labs® suite of software
applications - Karsyn™, mFusion™, and the Open Labs®
Navigatorâ„¢ - which are a breakthrough set of technologies that
allow users to control different musical keyboard devices and
software packages through a single interface. Together, they create
a clean, efficient environment for creation and performance. Instead
of a complicated general-purpose computing environment, the 15-inch
touchscreen interface presents a streamlined user experience ideally
suited for efficiency in the studio, and clarity and speed on stage.

"The Open Labs® MiKo and NeKo® provide me with the power of a
recording studio in a single piece of equipment, and this greatly
expands my musical canvas" said Hayes. "I have been a staunch
supporter of Open Labs® equipment from day one, because it is
rugged, portable, and ultra-powerful, and it represents the ultimate
state-of-the-art in music technology."

The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program.
More than 141 million viewers watched last year's game in the U.S.
Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience
of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.openLabs.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


SSS singer searching for Songs

Hey everyone!

This spring I am working on my first cd and I am having a hell of a
time picking out songs. So, I am looking for two things

1. Original songs that have a jazz or theatre style/feel to them

2. New arrangements of old theatre/jazz songs that give them a new
feel. (A good example of this, and a song I might use is the
arrangement of "Being Alive" that Barbra Streisand sang)


If you haven't heard me, please visit my website at
http://www.alisonnolan.com. A good song to listen to would be the
live version of "Stormy Weather", "I Dreamed A Dream" or "I'll Be
Seeing You". All good examples of what I've got.

I currently have one or two songs that I'd like to do for sure and
I'm going to need many more. So, I'll be filtering through a lot of
stuff. If you have something you think I might be interested in,
please post here or send me an e-mail.
_________________________
http://www.alisonnolan.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

more songU success
SongU.com Members Rock The Start Of 2007!
I think I mentioned in my state-of-the-site address last week that
we had several members who received recently received notes of
interest in their songs. January was a super month around SongU.com
for our members as far as Spin N' Pitch goes. All in all over 22
SongU.com member songs were picked up in January by our guests! So a
round of applause to the following members and congrats to everyone
for starting the New Year with a bang (apologies in advance for
anyone I'm leaving out, including co-writers who might be SU
members).

#64 -The Slideshow Company expressed interest in signing 2 member
songs.
Jimbeau Walsh "Angels Carried Me "
Anthony Campbell "Friday Night"
#259 -Country/Bluegrass FEMALE & MALE lead singers. This established
independent newgrass group expressed interest in 10 member songs for
consideration on their upcoming double-album project. Our guest
wrote, ""I would like to thank all the members of SongU.com for the
beautiful songs I listened to....I think [our artist] might be
interested in these songs."
Perry Dusch "I Count My Blessings"
James Smith "Moonbathing"
Marc Kuchner "Kissing In The Rain"
PAUL MILLER "I'M ALL YOURS"
Everett Adams "My Tennessee Treasure"
Mitch Townley "My Family Tree"
Mitch Townley "Less In Life"
John Tolley "Heaven's Gone Country"
Matt Dorman "Denver v2"
Lisa Medill "Little Big Man"
#265 -Country. Pitch to Publisher. Nashville Music Publisher
expressed interest in 4 member songs.
Joe Lickteig "94 Dodge, Interstate 80"
Donna Galbraith "I Won't Think About You"
Elizabeth Milcarek "Y CHROMOSOME - VERSION 2"
Matt Dorman "Love'll Do That"
#266 -Connections: Film/TV music publisher, Skip Adams in Los
Angeles expressed interest in 6 member songs and asked us to extend
the listing period so he can hear more of our member’s songs. An
added thank you to Jai Josefs for hooking us up and introducing us
to Skip.
Vaughan Daniel "Highway Miles"
Gene Reynolds "If You Were Here (Duet)"
Rebecca Peaden "Mississippi"
Writer Y "Schadenfreude"
Shelley Jacobson "Extreme Overkill"
Ken Joniec "TV-sampler"
#262 -Street Pitch. Country. Major-label FEMALE. This is a new
artist, 25 years old, looking for melodic, rangy, songs with tempo
and energy. NO BALLADS! It should be straight ahead country with a
positive message such as hope, resilience, strength, music heals.
This artist is Native American grew up and was raised on a
reservation listening to Loretta Lynn. Repeat - No ballads. The
following members had their songs forwarded for this pitch.
Cheryl Ashton "What Is and What Should Be"
Matt Dorman "Love'll Do That"
Marc Kuchner "Start Now"
Jeff Moxcey "Love Is A Rollercoaster"
William Flowerree "Dreams"
Kent Forward "Living Life Looking Forward"
#263 -Street Pitch. Country. Major-label FEMALE. Looking for
breakout hits ala LeeAnn Womack or traditional Patti Loveless - also
should have ATTITUDE. All tempos accepted. The following members had
their songs forwarded for this pitch.
Lorna Flowers "Don't Even Think About It"
James Smith "One Too Many"
Tim Wheeler "Can You Hear Me Now?"
Julie Durden "Three Wishes Left"
#264 -Street Pitch. Country. Major-label MALE. Established 34-year
old on a new label (divorced, re-married, no kids). Looking for the
musical style of early Montgomery Gentry, but a softer edge to
lyric. Needs radio hits. The following members had their songs
forwarded for this pitch.
Tom Bohn "I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY"
James Smith "Just A Song"
Lorna Flowers "Like I Know The Rain (male vox)"
Bill Osofsky "When Good Men Disagree"
Gene Reynolds "Knocked Me Dead"
Joe Lickteig "First Last Kiss"
Edmond Ramsey "BEER BUDDIES

When are you going to join so you can pitch your songs?
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

do you have a cyber tip jar on your site

Some things I've discovered:

- tip jars seem to work best when they're located on the left or
top-center of a page

- they work even better if they're a graphic instead of a button or
a text link.

--
Scott Andrew
Lo-fi acoustic pop superhero!
http://www.scottandrew.com
scott@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

note from an IFS reader

Hi Ande,

I saw your list of "Ande's lyric writing tips" in the latest IFS. I
am the NSAI Coordinator here in New Jersey, and would love to share
it with our group. I would like your permission to do so.

Write on!

Arlon


http://www.arlonbennett.com/
www.sonicbids.com/ArlonBennett
www.MySpace.com/Arlon
Co-coordinator, Princeton NSAI

Write On,

Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?
If you did you'd find out about:
http://www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk.htm

History of the New Folk Competition

Part 1 - The Birth of New Folk by Rod Kennedy

Kerrville New Folk Archives

courtesy of www.happenstance-music.com

NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR THE 2007 GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE NEW FOLK
CONTEST FOR EMERGING SONGWRITERS!

scroll down for contest guidelines

We will accept the first 800 entries received between December 1,
2006 and

March 15, 2007.
Notification of Finalist will be on or about
April 15, 2007

The number of entries received as of 2/16/07 is 400

we'll update again when we reach 500 entries



ENTER NEW FOLK IN ONE OF TWO WAYS

ENTER BY MAIL
press here to print application (letter size - pdf)
  ENTER USING


Sonicbids is offering a special 6 month membership package to those
entering New Folk.  Create a Sonicbids EPK (Electronic Press Kit) in
as little as 20 minutes and save time and money by emailing it to
anyone and anywhere.


Please make sure to carefully read and understand the guidelines
listed below before entering!






The 2007 GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE NEW FOLK COMPETITION will be held
during the 36th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival on Saturday and
Sunday, May 26 & 27, 2007.  Out of 800 entries, thirty-two writer-
performers will be invited to share their original songs.  Six NEW
FOLK WINNERS will be selected from the thirty-two and will return on
Sunday, June 3 to perform 20 minutes of their original songs and
receive a $250 Award from the Texas Folk Music Foundation, plus $150
from Vic and Reba Heyman and $50 from the Jim Ross Memorial Fund.
They will also win a year's subscription or renewal to Performing
Songwriter Magazine.  Other prizes may be added at a later date.
All of these concerts will be staged at the Threadgill Theater in
the Quiet Valley Ranch campgrounds, 9 miles south of the city of
Kerrville on TX Hwy 16.

  Established at the suggestion of Peter Yarrow in 1972, these annual
concerts are one of the high points of the Festival and for
songwriters from all across the country.  The Judges selecting the
six Award Winners for 2007 will be announced shortly.

  Here are the official 2007 guidelines:

1.          All writer-performers are invited to send the Kerrville
Folk Festival two original songs only, on one rewound cassette
(without box) or one home-burned CD  (we strongly prefer MP3 file
format but will accept WAV files).  Pre-recorded songs must comply
with requirements set forth in Guideline 2.  If you send a cassette,
both songs should be on the same side.  LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER
SONGWRITER PLEASE.

2.          ONLY SONGS WRITTEN AFTER JANUARY 1, 2005 MAY BE
SUBMITTED.   It does not matter if the songs have been published
and/or recorded, provided they were completed in their current form
after Jan. 1, 2005.  They can be a "live", studio, or garage
recordings.  The songs may be performed by the writer alone or by a
group which must include the writer or writers.  Both songs together
should not exceed 8 minutes (due to performance time limits during
New Folk concerts).

3.          Do not send any lead sheets, lyrics, publicity, bios,
etc.  Your submission package should include ONLY your tape/CD, your
contact information sheet, and your $20 entry fee (check or money
order please).  Please be sure to use sufficient padding to protect
your tape/CD in transit.

4.          If you are selected as a finalist, you will perform the
two songs you submitted at one of the May 26 or May 27 concerts.

5.          The writer(s) retain all rights to the songs.

6.          New Folk Finalists may not appear with a billed
performer on any Kerrville stage during the 2007 Festival prior to
the announcement of the winners on Sunday, May 27.  Doing so will
result in disqualification.

7.          Anyone may enter except those billed as stage performers
in 2007 or those who have been selected as a New Folk Finalist for
both of the past two consecutive years, 2005 & 2006.

8.          Of the 32 finalists, 16 will perform at the festival
each day, Saturday and Sunday, May 26 & 27 to provide the judges
with an opportunity to select the six Award Winners who will perform
at the New Folk Winners Concert on Sun, June 3.  PLEASE DO NOT ENTER
IF YOU CANNOT FULFILL ALL THREE CONCERT OPPORTUNITIES!

9.          The CD/cassette label should be left blank!  As this is
a "blind" listening, no information should be on the disc or tape
itself.  Please print a copy of and complete the New Folk
Application or, on an accompanying letter size sheet of paper put
the songwriter's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address so
you can be notified.  Also put the titles of the songs you submitted
and the file format used (MP3, WAV, etc).  Please print or type
clearly!

10.      All entries must be accompanied by a $20 entry fee.  Checks
and money orders should be payable to the Texas Folk Music
Foundation.  If sending by U.S. Mail, send to New Folk, P.O.Box
291466 , Kerrville , TX   78029 . If using another shipping service
(UPS, FedEx, etc.), send to New Folk, 3876 Medina Hwy. ,
Kerrville , TX   78028 .  Submission Deadline:  Only the first 800
entries received between December 1, 2006 and midnight, MARCH 15,
2007, will be accepted.  Entries received after the deadline (or
after we get 800) will be refused at the post office and will be
returned to you unopened.  Throughout the entry period, we will post
the number of entries we have received to date on our website at
www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/newfolk.htm.   You may also submit on-
line using Sonicbids.  Visit our website for details.

11.      If you choose to have your tape/CD returned to you, they
will be mailed on or about April 15th with the list of finalists.
Note:  If you want your tape/CD to be returned to you, provide us
with a self addressed mailer (Size "0", padded) with proper postage.
Otherwise your tape/CD will be disposed of and you will be notified
by e-mail of the finalists.

12.      In addition to the 32 finalists, up to 10 regional writers
may be selected to perform one of their songs at the Ballad Tree (3-
5 p.m.) May 26 or 27.  Those selected for the Ballad Tree will
receive one, single-day pass to the Festival for that day only.

13.      Scholarships for $90 of the $180 tuition to the May 29 –
May 31 Songwriters School or Roots/Blues Guitar Workshop are
available for as many as ten of the 32 finalists and are awarded on
a first –come basis to those paying the balance of $90 to the Texas
Folk Music Foundation prior to May 23, 2007.

14.      The 32 Finalists will receive five-day passes for you and
one guest* for May 24 - 28; those accepting scholarships to one of
the workshops will receive additional passes for May 29 – 31; the
six Award Winners will receive passes through June 3; those selected
for the Ballad Tree will receive a single one-day pass.  *Unless
designated as your "guest", any other performers appearing with you
must purchase a ticket to be admitted.  All cars in the campground
pay $20 per day, parking is $3 per day in the parking meadow.
Transportation to and from the Quiet Valley Ranch and lodging is not
provided.

15.      Any rules that are misprinted or printed incomplete in
other publications are not official and we take no responsibility
for any disqualification resulting from not following the complete
instructions listed above.



Folk Festival dates are May 24 - June 10, 2007 (18 days).  If you
have questions, contact us at (830) 257-3600 or email info@kerrville-
music.com .  You will be notified via E-MAIL of the finalists on or
around April 15th.













2006 GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE NEW FOLK WINNERS

Congratulations to the following  six New Folk Winners.  These
songwriters were among 32 finalists who performed during the 2006
Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Concerts on May 27 & 28 (listed
below).  New Folk Winners receive a cash honorarium from the Texas
Folk Music Foundation, Vic & Reba Heyman, and the Jim Ross Memorial
Fund.  Other prizes were provided by Performing Songwriter Magazine,
Elixir Guitar Strings, Kyser Capos, and Intellitouch tuners from On-
Board Research.

Come see these future stars at the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk
Winners Concert at noon on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at the Kerrville
Folk Festival.

Antje Duvekot (Somerville MD)

Jud Caswell (Brunswick ME)

Gordy Quist (Austin TX)

KJ Denhart (Ossining NY)

Diana Jones (Nashville TN)

Andrew Smith (Kelowna BC Canada)



2006 New Folk Award Winners (left to right) - Diana Jones, KJ
Denhart, Andrew Smith, Antje Devekot, Dalis Allen (KFF Producer),
Jud Caswell, Gordy Quist.  Photo by Jim Dirden





2006 GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE NEW FOLK FINALISTS



Congratulations to the following New Folk Finalists for 2006.  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 27 and sixteen on Sunday, May 28 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 27 (noon to 3 p.m.) Threadgill Theater

in order of appearance



Robert Tubb/String Gravy (Glendale AZ)

Jan Smith (North Garden VA)

Zane Williams (Nashville TN)

Antje Duvekot (Somerville MA)

Lisa Richards (Austin TX)

Tom Neilson (Montague MA)

Lisa Rogers (Austin TX)

Jaime Michaels (Santa Fe NM)

Dave Potts (Auburn AL)

Lis Harvey (Davis CA)

Dave Pahanish (California PA)

Liz Carlisle (Cambridge MA)

Joe Truman (Nashville TN)

Amy Speace (New York NY)

KC Clifford (Oklahoma City OK)

Kendall James (Houlton ME)



Sunday, May 28 (noon to 3 p.m.) Threadgill Theater

in order of appearance



Charlotte Kendrick (Pawling NY)

Jason Spooner (Portland ME)

Morgan Bracy (Antioch TN)

Michael Tiernan (Del Mar CA)

Marilyn Rucker (Austin TX)

Jud Caswell (Brunswick ME)

Gretchen Witt (Brooklyn NY)

Gordy Quist (Austin TX)

KJ Denhert (Ossining NY)

Alastair Moock (Medford MA)

Susan Clark / The Buckerettes (Cedar Crest NM)

Tom Mowrey (Sykesville PA)

Jay Mankita (Amherst MA)

Diana Jones (Nashville TN)

Andrew Smith (Kelowna BC Canada)

Sonia Lee (Nashville TN)



From the May 27 and May 28 performances, the SIX 2006 Grassy Hill
Kerrville New Folk Winners will be selected by judges Jimmy LaFave,
Pat Pattison, and SONiA and will be announced on Sunday, May 28
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 4.



2006 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 25 (host: Brian Cutean) – Lisa Markley (Dallas TX),
Johann Wagner (Denton TX), Jimmy Joe Natoli (Austin TX), Jason Weems
(Austin TX), Jay Sims (Kerrville TX)


Friday, May 26 (host: Annie Wenz)– Sydney Price (Dallas TX), Kristen
Larranaga & Cathryn Burton (Kerrville TX), Eddie Elliott  (Irving
TX), Jason Eady (Ft Worth TX), Daniel Makins (Austin TX)

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


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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?)
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/AustinFilmCasting/

send an empty email to
AustinFilmCasting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SSS
CHRISTIAN SINGERS SEARCHING FOR SONGS
you'll find several ads at:
http://forum.christiansongwriters.org/viewforum.php?f=25

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,

Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?

there's a singer searching for songs blurb in this issue

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at

http://www.SongU.com/ifs

PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'd LOVE to hear from YOU, let me know what you've been up to

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

My wife and I will be in LA on Friday Feb 9th - Monday Feb 12th to
attend the Grammy's.  I hope to give y'all a full report.

I hope to meet with IFS reader Alan O'Day while I'm in LA

Follow your local news to find talented singers, songwriters and
artists
http://keyetv.com/topstories/local_story_012180000.html

MY GRAMMY MOMENT now has a top 5
drop by
http://music.yahoo.com/mygrammymoment/
to hear them and vote for your favorite
Remember, you have now until Saturday, Feb. 3 to vote for who you
think should move on to the next round.

Local Grammy Chapters are now accepting apps for people who want to
serve as Governors, today is the dead line
there may still be time for you to send yours in

Sunday my wife and I went to san antonio to attend the Imaging USA
event
http://imagingusa.org/schedule.htm
in the whole trade show I only saw 2 music companies that were
offering music for professional photographers to use in their slide
shows
one was Jeff Zimmerman with the
www.theslideshowcompany.net
Jeff thanked me for referring him to Steve Mesropian, AKA MEZ

my buddy Brock Goodwin who moved to Nashville last year signed a
publishing deal with Clay Walker's publishing company.
He has a wonderful song called
The Swing
up on
www.BrockGoodwin.com
let me know what you think of it.


Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

cdbaby.net offer the CDBaby news page
https://members.cdbaby.com/news

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check this out

http://www.canyouhearme.tv/index.php

some say it's a really good web documentary.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

several Catus dates that caught my eye

Mon. January, 22, 29, February, 5,12,19, 26
OPEN STAGE
hosted by Abi Tapia & Graham Weber
7pm sign up


Wed. January, 24
Two time Grammy Award Winner
JOEL GUZMAN
http://www.reyesaccordions.com/Aztex/joel.htm
&
SARAH FOX
$7.00/door * 8:30pm

Todd Snider is coming back to play the Cactus in Austin
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, February 7, 8 & 9,
three big cactus nights
TODD SNIDER
w/ special guests
Wed & Thu * $18.00 * Fri * $22.00
Tix on sale 1/20 @ noon @ Texas box office locations
All Heb's, Central Markets, Erwin center Box office (no service
charge @ the Erwin center)
http://www.utexas.edu/student/txunion/ae/cactus/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's some wonderful business resolutions
  http://www.americansmallbusiness.com/default.asp?
ArticleUp=1&ArticleID=619

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

several cool taxi articles

Hit Songwriters Panel, TAXI Road Rally 2006, Part 1
http://www.taxi.com/transmitter/0701/headlineA0701.html

You've Got Exactly the Same Chance of Writing a Hit as Diane Warren
http://www.taxi.com/transmitter/0701/headlineB0701.html


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Danny Ray Harris on Myspace wrote the following blog

Monday, January 15, 2007

NEW CD

HELLO! JUST WANTED TO LET ALL OF YOU KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO BE IN
NASHVILLE RECORDING MY NEXT CD IN FEB AND MAR. I AM HOPING FOR A
LATE MAR RELEASE. I AM STILL LOOKING FOR SONGS RIIGHT NOW TO GO
ALONG WITH SONGS THAT I HAVE WRITTEN TO COMPLETE THE CD.

(ifs readers let me know if you find his myspace site)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS reader Keith Lubrant sent me this note

webmaster@... writes:

Hey Ande,

Have some good news...just wanted to share it with you!

My new cd is officially complete!

After 2 years of off and on recording, I finally have it complete.
This is my 2nd cd, the followup to my first cd, FACE IN THE CROWD,
this cd is titled SEARCHING FOR SIGNAL.

If you would like to check it out, there are song samples for every
cut at www.keithlubrant.com and two full songs on my MySpace account
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=11539183

It was mastered by Euphonic Mastering
(http://www.euphonicmasters.com/), who have done tons of artists,
Sister Hazel, Nine Stories, and Evanescence to name a couple. He did
a great job.

I also had some guest spots from Mike Viola (Candy Butchers), Jim
Boggia, and Pete Donnelly (The Figgs). I feel VERY fortunate to have
them contribute to the disc.

As for marketing, I have tried something different for this cd:
When the customer buys the cd, inside the liner notes is an unlock
code. With that unlock code, they can go to the web site and "unlock
the vault" which has 3 complete songs from the recording sessions
that did not make the cd cut, a documentary/diary on the process of
recording, a "recording 101" class with over 20 audio examples of
different instruments in the mix, tons of unreleased demos, and
extras (such as radio broadcasts, pics, etc..)

It's a bunch of extra stuff, so hopefully, people will enjoy the
extras! (I also threw in magnets, stickers, and pictures for the
first 50 people that buy the cd)

As you can tell, pretty proud of this project. Hopefully, you have
time to check it out. It is getting released on Kool Kat Musik.

I have had songs aired on MTV, VH1, E!, CBS, CMT, Discovery Channel,
and some others. The style of music is pop/rock, always
concentrating on a good hook!

For more info, you can go to my site: www.keithlubrant.com

I also write music for other artists/tv/film.

Thanks Ande, and have a great

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK Ande


Hi, Ande,

If a song is co-written, who owns the licensing rights?
I was contacted by a music library, following up on a submission of
a song through TAXI.

They say I must own all the licensing rights.

Does that mean my co-writer has to officially give them to me?
Is there are form for this?
I know you co-write a lot, so I thought you would know.
Have fun at the Grammys!

Linda

~ ~ ~

Ande's answer

hello linda,

nice to hear from you
to answer your questions

I'm not a lawyer, but here is my understanding of the situation
with every song there are 2 copyrights

"If a song is co-written, who owns the licensing rights?"
the cowriters both own the song, in the percentages they agree to
split it

"Does that mean my co-writer has to officially give them to me?"
yes, but it's all about who controls  the publishing on the song
both cowriters can sign  publishing agreements

"Is there are form for this?"
I'm sure there is
an entertainment  lawyer can create one

one other thing
a song has 2 copyrightsÂ

1) the first is for the creation of the song, the  cowriters co own
the
song together
actually this is assuming both writers control their own publishing
what matters is who controls the publishing on the song

2) the next copyright has to do with who owns the master recording of
the song
this is the sound recording of the song
one issue that can come up is where a songwriter hires a demo
producer
to create a demo
the songwriter pays for a demo
but then to license for film and TV use you have to control both
copyrights
the song and the sound recording
but the songwriter only hired and paid the demo producer to create a
demo
now the songwriter comes back to the demo producer and asks him is he
can upgrade the recording to master recording
legally everyone involved in the creation of the recording needs to
sign off

but it you came to a demo producer upfront and told him you want a
work
for hire master recording
you'd have to pay the musicians more and get everyone to sign off

hope this helps

ande


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this email from Taxi

Could Music Fund Your Retirement?

Music_News@... writes:
Dear Passengers,

Boy oh boy, my last email about music not 'loving you back' must
have really hit home. I've had an avalanche of letters, emails and
phone calls from friends and people on my list telling me their own
stories.

In one form or another, all the stories had a similar tone, "Yep,
that's me! My passion for music has fueled me emotionally for most
of my life, but it hasn't helped me much financially."

I heard from a lot of people who are disheartened by their lack of
success selling their own CDs. While most seem to be validated by
knowing that at least a few dozen people around the world have
bought their music, in the end, they lost money on their CD sales.

And that's WITH awesome outlets like CDBaby to help you out!

I have no doubt that you CAN earn your living selling your CDs, but
I know it's really, really hard to find the time to exert the
Herculean effort required to sell thousands of units.

It takes the same effort I had to put into starting and running
TAXI, and I know that's nearly impossible if you have a day job
and/or a family to take care of.

There simply aren't enough hours in the day to do it.

But let's get back to the Film and TV market for a minute.

I remember the early days of TAXI, when people used to laugh at us
because such a high percentage of the deals our members landed were
for film and TV placements. Then, as the record industry took a huge
hit, people stopped laughing.

Licensing your music for film and TV projects has become so
mainstream, that articles about it are on the covers of nearly all
the magazines that people like you and I read. Even the companies
that used to point fingers at TAXI for "too many" film and TV deals
now try their best to imitate us!

Sadly, I think that most songwriters and artists really don't know
much about the market, what kind of music is needed, and how to get
it to their music to right people. Do you?

When most musicians hear the phrase film and TV music, they picture
John Williams waving his baton in front of a full orchestra. That's
PART of the market, but there's a whole lot of money left on the
table after the scoring people finish their work.

Imagine a scene in a TV show where a couple of unsavory characters
score a load of illegal drugs, stuff them in the trunk of their
black sedan, and head off from their seedy warehouse location to
meet with Mr. Big. What do you hear in the background?

Dink, di-di, dink, dink, di-di, dink.

Yep, that was a triangle! Somebody got paid to play that triangle
and for "writing" that piece of music.

As the bad boys approach Mr. Big and his cohorts in an ally, a hi-
hop beat is heard in the background. Somebody got paid to write and
record that too!

And when the "sellers" reach their hotel room, dump their satchel of
money on the bed, and begin to count it, we hear a song, "Money,
money, been good to me. Ain't made this much money in my history."

Now you know why I'm not a songwriter ;-) but you DO get the idea,
right?

There are all KINDS of music cues that the film and TV industries
need -- cues that you can create. It makes me wonder how many songs
you have sitting on those unsold CDs in your garage that might be
perfect.

TAXI member Matt Hirt has been making more than $50,000 per year for
several years doing this. So have plenty of others.

And I'll bet that you can create a brand new income stream for
yourself WITHOUT touring, WITHOUT finding a way to drive thousands
of buyers to your music on the Internet, and without investing a ton
of time or buying lots of new equipment.

And this brings me back to what I touched on last week: creating a
way for your music to PAY YOU BACK!

Could you supplement your income by doing this? Yes.

Could you sock away that extra income and with some conservative
investments and create a retirement fund using your music? Yes!

And could you use this kind of music to create "mailbox money" to
supplement the meager checks you'll get from social security when
you retire. YES!

I've told you before about the musicians I've met that make lawyer-
level incomes from film and TV music, but let's not even go to THAT
extreme (although it's CERTAINLY possible if you work diligently at
this).

Let's look at REALISTIC amounts of money you could make -- Five
Grand, Ten Grand, maybe Twenty-five Grand of extra income a year --
just to get started. Over time, you could build up to MUCH more as
you get dozens and dozens of your tracks picked up by several
publishers.

Eventually, your music will get used frequently enough that you
could make a six-figure income from nothing more than film and TV
placements that come from your modest home studio.

But, I want to repeat here: I am NOT going to try to sell you a TAXI
membership. I want you to know that so you'll keep reading this!

So . . . I sat down at my computer today and Googled "compound
interest calculator." I figured that $5,000/yr. is a VERY realistic
amount to earn and save each year. Then I plugged in a 5.6% interest
rate because I saw that number in the window of my bank yesterday --
it's what a Certificate of Deposit currently pays.

Then I asked the calculator to figure out how much retirement money
that would be for somebody who only saved that extra 5K per year
they made from their music for the next 25 years.

The answer blew me away -- $293,404.39 - more than a quarter of a
million dollars!

Did you know that the Standard & Poors index has averaged better
than 8% over many decades, including the Great Depression and every
recession we've had since? What if you were able to save just 10K a
year doing film and TV tracks as a side gig, on TOP of your regular
job?

If you (at 40 years old, for assumption's sake) put $10,000/yr. into
an S&P Index fund until you retire at 65, then you'll have
$858,028.90 in your retirement account. If you draw an 8% income
from that nest egg AFTER you retire, you'd have an annual income of
$68,642.30.

And that's WITHOUT ever touching the principal! You could add that
to the $18,000 you'll get from Social Security and have an annual
retirement income of nearly $90,000 per year.

And finally: what IF you were able to make the same $50,000/yr. that
Matt makes when you're ALREADY retired? That would certainly be a
huge help if you haven't been able to build a retirement nest egg
because Music Didn't Love You Back.

Go to www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm
and play around with the numbers. See what you think.

Am I nuts?

Talk to you next week,

Michael

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

if you know things other people are willing to pay to learn
consider creating and offering information products
like this professional photographer
fran reisner was one of the instructors who spoke at the canon
workshops
http://franreisner.com/sharingpass.html



~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's some otes from the NY NSAI workshop



Clear your schedule, ˜cause our Adopt-a-Shop Pro

TIM BUPPERT

www.myspace.com/timbuppert

will be visiting at the end of January

Get your song critiqued by a Nashville insider!!!*



An award-winning songwriter, TIM BUPPERT is best known for writing
Kevin Sharp's #1, She's Sure Taking It Well, and
Yankee Grey's Another Nine Minutes.
His songs have also been covered by Trisha Yearwood, Continental
Divide, the Wiggins, Marty Haden and others.  Most recently, Tim had
a top-ten song and #1 video with Doc Walker on the Canadian charts
with Whoever Made Those Rules.  Tim's smooth country/pop vocals are
in demand all over Nashville for songwriter demos, commercials &
backgrounds on artist projects.  You've heard him on Pepsi, TNN and
Luvs commercials, among others, and on recordings by Trisha
Yearwood, Michael Peterson, Kevin Sharp, Paul Brandt, Anita Cochran
and many more.  He’s the drummer for Nashville's popular Beatle
cover band, FAB, and has been the official NSAI mentor (Adopt-A-Shop
Pro) of the New York City and Long Island NSAI chapters since the
end of 2001.

Sunday, 1/28/07, 4:00 to 7:30 PM
(3:30 PM sign-up)

OPEN MIC/SHOWCASE with Tim as the featured performer

SIDEWALK CAFe (www.antifolk.net)

94 Avenue A (at East 6th Street)

Open to all, $5 admission, 2-drink minimum

~ Please bring your acoustic guitar with pick-up; keyboard on site
also.  Sorry, no live-to-track or electric instruments.

~ Performance strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

~ Original songs only--five minutes or less in length.



Monday, 1/29/07, 6:00 to 10:00 PM

ALL-CRITIQUE WORKSHOP led by Tim

OPAL (www.opalbar.com)

251 East 52nd Street (at 2nd Avenue)

$25 NSAI members; $35 non-members (special member price extended to
SGA and NAPM members with current organization ID)

~ Once again, Opal has made it very easy financially for us to
conduct our event here.  Please help us thank them by ordering lots
of food and drinks.

~ We encourage you to attend even if you do not submit a song for
critique--you can often learn more from listening to a critique of
someone else's song than your own!

~ Payment will be made at the door, but RSVP is encouraged
(stonepulse@... or nashrand@...).

~ Songs may be submitted for critique either on CD or tape.  Sorry,
no live or live-to-track presentations.  If submitting on CD, make
sure it is clearly marked with your name, the name of the song, the
track number and your phone number.  If submitting on tape, it
should be cued to your song and marked with your name, the name of
the song and your phone number.  In either case, your recording
should be accompanied by a typed lyric sheet with your name, the
name of the song and your phone number included on it.

*Critiques will be done strictly on a first-come, first-served basis
with NSAI members getting priority over non-members.  Although we
will certainly try, we cannot guarantee that all attendees’ songs
will be critiqued.

Tim will be available to do demos while he is in New York City
(through Tuesday evening, 1/30)please contact him directly at
tbuppert@... for more info.
Take advantage of the presence of this world-class demo singer!

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


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

We are most grateful to our wonderful sponsors:


Manhattans Pickwick Arms Hotel, situated on one of Manhattans
loveliest residential streets, yet near all major shopping and
public transportation.  New Yorks first choice for travelers on a
budget.  230 East 51st Street.  (212) 355-0300.



The Singing Experience has been helping people learn to sing out
with confidence and joy since 1977.  During the past 30 years, this
supportive, non-competitive workshop has been lauded by the media
and was, in fact, the subject of a feature on the CBS Sunday Morning
with Charles Osgood, among many other TV programs.  This 6-session
workshop consists of 4 rehearsal sessions, a live performance at a
well-known club in New York and a  VideoViewing Party with the cast
to celebrate the success and reinforce the experience.  Director and
founder Linda Amiel Burns personally conducts each workshop and is
also available for private coaching.  For a brochure and schedule,
call (212) 315-3500 or visit www.SingingExperience.com.



Song Cellar, a Nashville production and recording service
specializing in mail-in recordings for songwriters, music publishers
and artists--and a long-time supporter of our NSAI chapter.  More
than just a recording studio, Song Cellar puts the whole production
package together, including pre-recording, song arrangement and
charting, hiring of the musicians and singers, plus help and advice
with and during the actual recording process.   www.songcellar.com





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

UPCOMING MEMBER PERFORMANCES

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

  If you're in Nashville next week, New York member Stephen Clair
(www.stephenclair.com) will be doing the following shows:  Tuesday,
1/16/07, 8 PM, the Basement (www.thebasementnashville.com); and
Wednesday, 1/17/07, 9 PM, the Five Spot in East Nashville
(www.the5spot.net).


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

Member Tamara Hey (www.tamarahey.com) has these shows coming up
locally:  Sunday, 1/28/07, Baggot Inn (82 W. 3rd St., between
Sullivan and Thompson) as part of the Songsalive Singer/Songwriter
Showcase (time TBA); and Sunday, 2/4/07, 7 PM, Rockwood Music Hall,
196 Allen Street (between Stanton and Houston) on Sunday, February
4, 2007.

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

On Sunday, 1/27/07, at 7 PM, Long Island member Mary Lamont will be
performing at the South Huntington Library, 148 Pigeon Hill Road in
Huntington Station.


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

UPCOMING LOCAL WORKSHOPS


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

Our own Neil Herman, a staff writer at BME in Nashville, will be
conducting a guitar workshop for us on Sunday, March 25, 2006, so
save the date!  If you've ever heard Neil's playing and writing,
you'll know why he's so qualified to present this workshop.
Designed to provide performing songwriters of all levels with tips,
tricks and creative ideas not only to present your songs better
live, but to expand your writing palette.  Details in next
newsletter.


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

Princeton Songwriters (the New Jersey chapter of the NSAI) will be
presenting a workshop entitled "Crafting Melodies that Listeners
Can't Forget -- and Artists Want to Record" led by hit
songwriter/teacher/best-selling author Jason Blume on Saturday,
March 21, 2007 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.  It will be held at the First
Reformed Church, 9 Bayard Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey.  There
will be a limited number of critiques, as well as Q&A on the music
industry (questions must be submitted in advance by e-mail to
arlon@... or John@... ).
Fee to attend workshop is $40 per person for registration prior to
March 19th and $50 thereafter or at the door.  Send check payable
to "NSAI Princeton," along with your e-mail address, to Arlon
Bennett, PO Box 215, Northvale, NJ 07647.

Private consultations with Jason on
Sunday, April 1st are available at an additional fee
(to make an appointment, send an e-mail to
jbsongdoc2@...).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

congrats to Germain Brunet:
Songramps
January 2007 Artist of the Month!

http://www.songramp.com/news.php?viewStory=636

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nashville Star Started Again
It plays on the USA network
Thursdays at 9:00 pm Central

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I read that

Apple sells more music than Amazon.com

The company has sold more than 2 billion songs through its iTunes
Music Store, with iTunes sales still rising this year.

and that

Digital music downloads set to outpace CD sales

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,

ande rasmussen

does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I love to hear from IFS readers
Please let me know how you're doing and what you've been up to

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear IFS readers,

I hope this email finds you well.

Yesterday I had lunch with my friend Gary Powell at the Austin
Rotary club where Craig Hella Johnson spoke and performed, plus the
chorus he directs, Conspirare performed too.  They were magnificent!
http://conspirare.org
fyi Conspirare's Latest CD Release received two GRAMMY® Nominations!

My wife and I will be in LA on Friday Feb 9th - Monday Feb 12th to
attend the Grammy's.  I hope to give y'all a full report.

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I ran this announcement in the last FIS issue.

Congratulations to IFS reader Austin Carroll,
he got a cut on Katherine McPhee's CD.
http://www.myspace.com/katharinemcphee
10. Better Off Alone (Austin Carroll, Susan Marshall)
Produced by Emanuel Kiriakou

you can hear austin's rendition at:
www.myspace.com/austincarrollmusic


An IFS reader wrote me asking:
"Ande, how did Austin get the cut?"

I haven't spoken with Austin recently but I spoke with him a couple
times in the past months.

Here's part of the story
Austin was on ABC's reality show "The One," Kara DioGuardi was one
of the mentors on the show. Austin was the standout performer and I
beleive he would have won if the show went to completion.
Unfortunately after two episode, ABC cancelled "the One" due to poor
ratings. Kara encouraged Austin to stay in LA, she allowed him to
stay in her home till he got settled.  She believes in him and
opened many doors.  If you read Kara's bio you'll see she's involved
on many CD projects as writer and producer.  Kara was working with
Katherine McPhee, Kara introduced Austin to Katherine, Austin let
Katherine hear some of his songs. Katherine put a couple on hold
and "Better Off Alone" wound up making the project.
Kara's production and publishing company is  Arthouse entertainment
http://www.arthouseent.com

here's what Austin wrote about Katherine:

  "She is a truly amazing individual. Not just a singer or performer,
but a very gifted and kind-hearted person. She also does an amazing
job on the song, and there could not have been a better person to
sing it. She really took it to a whole new level. Before I loved the
song, but now I'm just blown away by it....She's going to take the
AI girls to a whole new level."
Austin Carroll - songwriter, talking about Katharine singing his
song "Better Off Alone"

Arthouse entertainment's Eman Emanual Kiriakou produced the song for
her project. I can't wait to hear it.

I hope to speak to Austin soon to gather more details.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Recording Academy® Texas Chapter presents

IN THE MIX: Houston

with special performance by
J Xavier

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
5:30 "7:30 p.m.
House of Dereon
1505 Hadley
(at the corner of Hadley and LaBranch)
Houston, TX  77002

The Recording Academy Texas Chapter is bringing together fellow
members for an informal evening of networking and camaraderie.

Admission:    Complimentary for members and a guest;
$25 for non-members
RSVP required to
rsvp_texas@...
or call
512.328.8176
no later than Tuesday, January 16 at 5 p.m. CST

www.grammy.com/texas

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is why I write songs!

Message from the mother of Ryan Capps. Ryan was the center of my
tribute song called Champion.

Dear mitch,

please excuse the delay...we have been battling a house of flu!! I
wanted to send this when I had time to really express my
feelings...the song is unbeleivable! I love it, everyone around me
loves it! The teenagers have posted it all over the internet!! The
local radio stations have played it...the national childrens miracle
network wants to use it...the local tv guys are setting pictures to
it already! Thank you!! It is the best tribute to her...I will send
you everything we get where the song is used...yes please send both
cds, I can never express my appreciation to you...nothing would have
thrilled ryan more or symbolized her better than your song!!
With all my love and respect....

kimber

http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=52650

Blessings..

Mitch

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I got this info from John Braheny

The Copyright Office has raised the cost of registrations from $30
to $45. For a full schedule of other registrations,
go to
http://copyright.gov

The Copyright Royalty Board has decided to reclassify cell phone
ringtones as falling under the compulsory license provisions of the
Copyright law, subject to the same mechanical royalty rates
(Currently 9.1 cents per unit sold) as sales of other recordings.
This seriously reduces the income of music publishers and
songwriters for master ringtones. They were previously negotiated at
10-12.5% of the retail price. The publishing industry will challenge
that decision though it's possible that if the price of ringtones
drops enough, the mechanical rate will end up being not such a bad
deal. There has been a struggle between record companies
(represented by the RIAA who lobbied for the change) and music
publishers over who should get the bigger percentage of the income.
When consumers could only buy the melodies as simple monophonic or
polyphonic ringtones, music publishers and songwriters got all the
royalties. However, the introduction of master ringtones or
mastertones that used the recorded masters of the songs meant that
the record companies who owned the masters began to share the
royalty pool. It's been a battle between the two ever since.


(P.S. Remember!
Schedule your song critiques and private consultations, before you
spend your hard-earned cash on demos or master recordings. I work
online, by phone or by snail mail. And yes, I also do career
consultations, in person and by phone, answering questions
like, "What's my next step?" Contact me at john@....)
New rates after Jan 1, $125hr or $25 per song.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I read this blog on Allison Sattinger's myspace

ALLISON SAYS IT'S POSSIBLE :)
Current mood:  optimistic

My dearest girl Terra made a beautiful video: the screen capture is
from my time in it: go look -- it is a tremendous labor of love, and
she is a creator of ripples. We need more musicians like her to give
a voice to those who believe that better things are possible. Here
is the link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AlXlhFlHR8A

Say it's Possible, indeed :)

XOXO

Allison

~ ~ ~

In fact Allison is in the video at around 1:06 holding a sign that
says "Be a Healer"

Terra Naomi's NEW Official "Say It's Possible" music video

January 01, 2007, 02:09 AM

People from around the world filmed themselves and sent their videos
to me. I asked everyone to answer the question
"what would you do/want if anything were possible?"
in three words or less.
THANK YOU to all of you.

This project is a true reflection of what we can do together.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=terranaomi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXlhFlHR8A&eurl=




IFS readers as I investigated this further I discovered that this
video has now had
Views: 445,941 views on YOUTUBE
which is amazing considering the short amount of time that's it's
been up.

so how did Terra do this project
here's the video where she invited
youtube members to participate on her video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqWPSrIcAzs

you can read the details on her website

now several other artists have made videos performing her song
like
blinktwice4y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9EYEJ-ibHs&mode=related&search=
which I think was quite wonderful

Congratulations Terra Naomi
You are making an impact.

IFS readers I encourage you to study what's she's done.

on another note:
I sent this info to a man who writes music articles
he wrote me back saying it was "rubbish hype"

so I emailed him and asked
"So How does an independent artist gain positive attention."
his reply was "Make good music"
which to me is rubbish
there's plenty of wonderful artists and songs that aren't getting
the attention they deserve.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

you might enjoy the Story Behind the song on
http://www.countrymusicclassics.com/CMCStorySong.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Conspirare's Latest CD Release gets two GRAMMY® Nominations!

Conspirare's second studio recording, Requiem, released in February
2006 on the Clarion label, just received two GRAMMY® Nominations!
The nominations are for Best Choral Performance and Best Engineered
Album, Classical (John Newton, Engineer). The 49th annual Grammy
Awards will be announced on February 11, 2007 at the Staples Center
in Los Angeles. The CD was recorded in October 2005 at Troy Savings
Bank Music Hall in Troy, New York.

you can hear it and get it at:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/conspirare2/from/ande

Conspirare also has the following events in austin

Sunday, January 14, 2007, 2:30pm
Town Hall Gathering Hymns For All People


Crossing the Divide:
Exploring Influence and Finding Our Voice
an American Masterpiece Festival
January 25-28, 2007

A spectacular, not-to-be-missed choral event.
Join musicians from across the region and register for this dynamic
weekend of musical events and cultural dialogue. Workshops presented
by: Weston Noble, Rob Kapilow, Henry Leck, John Muehleisen, Mark
Shapiro, Stephen Paulus, Joe Jennings (Chanticleer) and Craig Hella
Johnson. There will be three world premiere performances as well as
a closing concert featuring a massed choir of 700 singers!

Festival Registration: $100 regular / $25 student / $50 day pass
Concert Tickets: $10 - $25 regular / $10 - $15 student
Call 512-476-5775 or email info@...
For more information drop by
http://conspirare.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Konami, one of the largest Computer & Video Game makers, is looking
for music for their acclaimed dancing game, Dance Dance Revolution.
Winners will be selected with the opportunity to have their music
featured in future iterations of the Dance Dance Revolution series
releasing in 2007, and win $1,000 dollars!*

http://www.broadjam.com/ddr2007/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE

I have recently become a SongU member and was enjoying listening to
a transcript of a recent talk you gave.  Thanks for all the great
info you passed along.  You mentioned you signed a single-song
contract with Banner Music.  I was wondering what you thought of
them, as I'm considering sending them a song to consider.  I
couldn't find much about them on the web, apart from their site.

I would really appreciate any thoughts about them.

Kind Regards,

~ ~ ~

Ande's Reply


i've known camilla and daniel kliendienst for years
i've signed several songs with banner
i've  received royalty payments from them on songs artists cut

several of my songs reverted back to me when the time lapsed

i have a couple still with them
zip zero
and
make the most of the dark
they are on songramp.com/ande

if camilla likes your song and you sign it with her
she'll get it heard

good luck

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

American Songwriter Magazine - a must read for all songwriters.

American Songwriter magazine is now offering IFS readers a  25%
discount for a 1 or 2-year subscription to the magazine. American
Songwriter, founded in 1984, has been the industry's leader on the
craft of songwriting, showcasing unique columns, departments,
reviews and features. From intimate interviews with  Keith Urban,
John Denver, Roger Miller, Kenny Chesney and Bob McDill, to Sheryl
Crow, Gretchen Peters, R.L. Castleman, Beck and Matraca Berg,
American Songwriter is a must-read for performing and non-performing
songwriters. Follow the link below to redeem
discount offer!

http://www.americansongwriter.com/discount/subscription.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singer Searching for Songs


My band the Crabby Grass Boys is about to record our first CD, with a
two-time Grammy award winning producer. Sessions begin in late FEB,
and we
hope to release the CD no later than June 1st. Our focus is to
promote the
band widely over the next 18 months on a regional basis in Texas, so
we're
targeting Texas Music Broadcasters. We've been playing the Texas
Festival
Circuit exclusively the last two years and we're a 'Family Friendly'
act -
so please bear that in mind when you submit material for
consideration. We
can be irreverent, and often are... but we have a sound folks feel
comfortable birnging their young kids to listen to.

We are considering ONLY up-tempo songs with a SPECIFIC TEXAS THREAD
in the storyline.

We are particularly interested in a song about a bank robbers,
banditos, etc. A song historically accurate or based on a legendary
Texas outlaw would be great!

Standard mechanical royalties will be paid in advance of release
based on actual units manufactured less units used for promotion.

You can get a feel for what the band sounds like on our website at
www.crabbygrassboys.com.

Submissions are accepted by CD only. Please do not send anything
without a
specific Texas connection in the lyric. I simply do not have the
time right
now to review anything else. Thanks for your consideration!

Mail CD's AND Lyric Sheets to: Alton Rex, 516 East 40th #204 -
Austin, Texas 78751

Regards,
Alton Rex
Sing the true song of your heart!
www.crabbygrassboys.com
www.altonrex.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SongU recently congratulated the following writers for their forwards

Spin N' Pitch Congratulates...
I want to take a moment to recognize those members who had songs
forwarded (or had artists express interest in their songs during the
month of December). It's a difficult business we're in, so it's
important to celebrate any time we get the chance. So a round of
applause to the following members (and apologies in advance to
anyone I inadvertently missed, including SU member/co-writers of the
songs):

#243 Major-label MALE. Looking for UPTEMPO, Honky Tonk songs with
bluesy edge. Or country BALLADS that show a vulnerable side.

Steve Hostetler 'We're Not Getting Anywhere'
Donna Galbraith/Mitch Townley 'My Family Tree'
Lorna Flowers 'Like I Know The Rain (male vox)'
Scott Hamilton 'Real Tough'
#244 Major-label FEMALE. This established 24 year old artist is
looking for positive UPTEMPOS a la Sara Evans and Trisha Yearwood.
NO bad girl, NO drinking, NO fluff.

Donna Galbraith/Joe Lickteig ''94 Dodge, Interstate 80'
#255 Major-label FEMALE. This singer in her early 20's is looking
for story songs ala Jesus Takes The Wheel (hint). This is a highly
competitive pitch.

Marc Kuchner 'I'm Still Growing Up'
Chris Caminiti 'WINDOWS DOWN'
Cathy Serum 'Does God Jump on the Clouds (To Make it Rain)?'
Donna Galbraith 'I Won't Think About You'
Kent Forward 'Hearts Break In Waves'
Lorna Flowers 'Like I Know The Rain (female vox)'
#256 Major-label MALE. This 30-something former Nashville demo
singer is looking for HIT songs to break his career on a sophomore
project. Think male attitude a la Brooks & Dunn and Toby Keith.
Uptempos always preferred, but not mandatory for this pitch.

Tom Bohn 'I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY'
Kent Forward 'Jenny Wilde'
Mitch Townley/Donna Galbraith 'My Family Tree'
Scott Jarman 'Farm Girl'
Edmond Ramsey 'COPY-BEER BUDDIES'
Chris Caminiti 'IRON SHARPENS IRON'
Jimi Whitelaw 'Get Drunk'
Gene Reynolds 'Knocked Me Dead'
#257 Major-label FEMALE. Established mature 30-something artist with
great range and vocal depth needs UPTEMPOS only for hits package. No
ballads.

Marc Kuchner 'I'm Still Growing Up'
Elizabeth Milcarek/Bob Dewald 'Y CHROMOSOME'
Steve Hostetler 'Girls Like Fast Cars Too'
Bob Dewald/Elizabeth Milcarek 'Y Chromosome'
Cathy Serum 'What Is and What Should Be'
Donna Galbraith/Joe Lickteig ''94 Dodge, Interstate 80'
#259 Country/Bluegrass FEMALE & MALE lead singers. This established
independent newgrass group is looking for country, country pop,
gospel. UPTEMPOS preferred. Note: Might have publishing interest.

James Smith 'Moonbathing'
Marc Kuchner 'Kissing In The Rain'
PAUL MILLER 'I'M ALL YOURS'
Everett Adams 'My Tennessee Treasure'
Mitch Townley/Donna Galbraith 'My Family Tree'
Mitch Townley 'Less In Life'
John Tolley 'Heaven's Gone Country'
Matt Dorman 'Denver v2'
Perry Dusch 'I Count My Blessings'
Lisa Medill 'Little Big Man'

drop by
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

selling instrumental music

  posted by Derek at CD Baby on Thursday October 19 2006 @ 10:19AM
PDT


   (Someone asked me how they could sell more of their instrumental
music. My answer:)

For instrumental music, it sells best if you tie it into a purpose.

Massage music sells very well.
Yoga music sells very well.
Instrumental Christmas music sells very well.

... all because they're selling more than just harmony, melody,
arrangements : they're selling something that non-music people find
useful. They solve a problem.

Different example:
Imagine two candlemakers.
One says, "My candles have only the finest wax with the best quality
wick!"
The other says, "These are prayer candles. Light one whenever you
pray."
There are dozens of people who will buy the first.
But there are millions who will buy the second.

http://cdbaby.org/stories/06/10/19/8360390.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On,

ande rasmussen

does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

It's been a while, I hope you're holidays went well and you're off
to an excellent new year.

I spent Christmas in New Orleans

Yesterday I received a royalty check in the mail, always a nice
surprise.

Friday Dec 22nd, I received a call that Disney is considering
putting a song I cowrote on one of their projects. Nothing firm yet.

An artist wrote me the other day and asked if she could record 2
songs I cowrote on a not for sale demo project.

I got an update that an artist has cut the vocals on a few of my
songs on her for sale Cd project.

Hope things are going great for you,

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2007 is a great year to work on relationships.
Get to know people, stay in touch, be a friend
Don't worry about music and songs.
Sometimes they are the by product of being at the right place at the
right time with the right people.
Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to IFS reader Gary Powell

http://www.garypowell.com/blogs

Jesmax Music Signs "The Laughing Song"

Jesmax Music, BMI, owned by composer Gary Powell is pleased to have
placed the Craig Toungate song "The Laughing Song" on Walt Disney
Records' CD entitled "Disney's Merry Little Christmas" which is
exclusively sold at retail Target stores.

Craig Toungate, a frequent vocalist for Walt Disney Records, is
appropriately credited on this album as "C.T. the Elf" and a very
happy elf he is. Craig's performance is a live recording which was
captured at an "In the Studio with Gary Powell" performance earlier
in the year. This is the first song for Craig Toungate to be
released by Jesmax Music on a Walt Disney Records' project.
Please click here to visit Craig Toungate's site.
http://www.craigtoungate.com/

Jesmax Music, BMI, owned by composer Gary Powell is pleased to have
placed two songs, "My Gift is You" and "The Laughing Song" on the
album "Disney's Merry Little Christmas" for Walt Disney Records.
Also sharing credit on this album is a third song written by Powell
and Gates: "Hey Santa" from the catalog of Wonderland Music and
performed by Huey, Dewey and Louie. The loveable nephews of Donald
Duck first made their appearance for Disney in 1938 and Mr. Powell
is excited to have a song sung by such veteran performers. Amazing
talent Russi Taylor, a long-time Hollywood voice actress might
deserve a little credit as well.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Congratulations to IFS reader Austin Carroll, he got a cut on
Katherine McPhee's CD.

http://www.myspace.com/katpackstreetteam
http://www.myspace.com/katspack
http://www.myspace.com/katharinemcphee

Katharine McPhee Album Track List
It seems that 'Dangerous' will be on her new album. But not 'I Lost
You' that's on the Walmart single.

1. Love Story (Nate Hills, James Washington, Corte Ellis) (the names
in parentheses are the writers; following is the producer) Produced
by Danja

2. Over It (Josh Alexander, Billy Steinberg, Ruth-Anne Cunningham)
Produced by Josh Alexander, Billy Steinberg

3. Open Toes (Nate Hills, James Washington, The Clutch; Balewa
Muhammad & Candice Nelson, Katharine McPhee) Produced by Danja.
(That one's a bit confusing, as The Clutch appears to be a musical
collective that Hills, for one, is a member of, but I'm just
reproducing the info faithfully.)

4. Home (Kara DioGuardi) Produced by Marti Frederiksen & Kara
DioGuardi

5. Not Ur Girl (Nate Hills, James Washington, Corte Ellis, Katharine
McPhee) Produced by Danja

6. Each Other (Nate Hills, James Washingotn, Corte Ellis) Produced
by Danja

7. Dangerous (Nate Hills, James Washington, Corte Ellis) Produced by
Danja

8. Ordinary World (Walter Afanasieff, Emanuel Kiriakou, Lindy
Robbins) Produced by Walter Afanasieff & Emanuel Kiriakou.
(Definitely not the Duran Duran song.)

9. Do What You Do (Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas, James Fauntleroy
II, Makeba Riddick, Rob
Knox) Produced by The Underdogs

10. Better Off Alone (Austin Carroll, Susan Marshall) Produced by
Emanuel Kiriakou

11. Neglected (Nate Hills, James Washington, Kara DioGuardi, Balewa
Muhammad, Katharine McPhee) Produced by Danja

12. Everywhere I Go (Babyface, Ernest "Bishop Young Don" Dixon)
Produced by Babyface.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NEWS RELEASE


"MY GRAMMY® MOMENT" DEBUTS AS UNSIGNED ARTISTS VIE FOR PERFORMANCE
SLOT ON 49TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS FEB. 11, 2007



Fans Vote Online to Determine Who Will Perform with Superstar Justin
Timberlake

in Special Segment on Music's Biggest Night™



SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2006) – The Recording Academy®
announced "My GRAMMY® Moment" today as it continues its mission of
discovering and nurturing music makers with an historic opportunity
for unsigned artists to vie for a performance with Justin Timberlake
on the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Current multi-GRAMMY nominee
Timberlake will culminate his recent involvement with the GRAMMY
Foundation®'s music education initiatives by performing live on the
GRAMMY Awards in a special segment with the unsigned artist that
fans choose online at Yahoo! Music, the official online partner of
the GRAMMY Awards. The Top 3 finalists will be eligible to
participate in GRAMMY Foundation activities including GRAMMY Career
DaySM and GRAMMY CampSM, as well as The Recording Academy's recently
launched GRAMMY University Network. The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards
will be held on Feb. 11, 2007, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and
will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m.
(ET/PT). Performers and presenters for the telecast will be
announced in the following weeks.



"From successful programs such as GRAMMY Career Day and GRAMMY
SoundChecksSM to newly introduced programs such as GRAMMY Camp and
GRAMMY University Network, our Academy and its GRAMMY Foundation
have made music education and career enhancement priorities 365 days
a year," said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording
Academy. "This 'My GRAMMY' segment gives us the perfect opportunity
to demonstrate via the Telecast another fine example of what we do
so well on a daily basis. At the same time it's our goal to bring
music fans even closer to the GRAMMYs without affecting the criteria
of peer group voting that sets the GRAMMY Awards apart from other
music award shows."



"The Internet has revolutionized the way that unknown artists can
reveal their talent to a larger audience, and television remains the
most powerful platform to showcase such talent to the masses," said
Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live
Events, CBS. "By harnessing the accessibility, interactivity and
reach of these two mediums, we have created an unprecedented
opportunity for an up-and-coming musician, as well as a memorable
and exciting moment for television audiences. The GRAMMY Awards have
always been ahead of the game when it comes to discovering and
spotlighting new talent and music, and this event takes that
commitment to even greater heights."



"I'm happy to participate in this unique approach to discovering
unsigned talent, but I'm only a piece of the puzzle," said Justin
Timberlake. "All of you contestants out there should look at this as
more than just a chance to duet with me, because it's really an
opportunity to begin your career as a superstar.  And I'll be there
to help coach you along."



"The GRAMMY Awards telecast is known for introducing a remarkable
number of talented artists to the broad audience that follows our
show from year to year. Many of these artists, from Ricky Martin and
Robert Randolph to Norah Jones and John Legend, have gone on to
extremely successful careers due in no small part to their GRAMMY
appearances," said co-executive producer (with John Cossette) Ken
Ehrlich. "With this concept, we will be able to continue that
tradition and reach out even further to the incredibly diverse
musical community that watches the GRAMMYs."



"Yahoo! Music has always focused on supporting and cultivating new
musical talent through original programming," said Dave Goldberg,
Vice President and General Manager of Yahoo! Music. "'My GRAMMY
Moment' is the progression of our commitment to providing users with
the premiere online music venue for new and established artists."



Submission Information

·         December 15 (after 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT):  Singers — 18
years and older, U.S. residents, and not signed (nor ever been
signed) to an independent or major record label — submit a 60-second
video of him/her singing one of the following GRAMMY-winning songs
only (must be a cappella with no music or background track
whatsoever):

o        "If I Ain't Got You" (originally performed by Alicia
Keys), "Breathe" (originally performed by Faith Hill), "Come To My
Window" (originally performed by Melissa Etheridge), "What's Love
Got To Do With It" (originally performed by Tina Turner), "Dance
With My Father" (originally performed by Luther Vandross), "Cry Me A
River" (originally performed by Justin Timberlake), "Respect"
(originally performed by Aretha Franklin), "I Wanna Dance With
Somebody" (originally performed by Whitney Houston), or "Vision Of
Love" (originally performed by Mariah Carey).

·         Videos should be submitted and uploaded to Yahoo! Music,
no later than Jan. 3, 2007, 11:59 p.m. ET.

·         Original group of videos will be judged by a VIP Blue
Ribbon Committee made up of singers, songwriters, producers, music
industry execs, as well as key executives from The Recording
Academy.

·         Starting at 10 a.m. ET, December 15, rules and Regulations
can be found at http://music.yahoo.com/mygrammymoment/rules.asp.



Voting and Performance Information

·         Fans and viewers can begin viewing video submissions
online at CBS.com, powered by Yahoo! Music, Dec. 18.

·         Blue Ribbon Committee evaluates all video submissions.

·         Top 12 Artists announced Jan. 8. Viewers and fans will
have the opportunity to vote for their favorites at Yahoo! Music.

·         Top 5 Artists announced Jan. 16. Voting will continue.

·         Top 3 Artists announced Super Bowl weekend.

·         Top 3 Artists will each rehearse with Justin Timberlake
during rehearsals the week leading up to the 49th Annual GRAMMY
Awards.

·         Viewers and fans can vote for the final performer during
the broadcast on Feb. 11, 2007 at CBS.com or via text messaging
until 10 p.m. ET. The final performer will be announced as the world
watches and will join the stage for the ultimate GRAMMY Moment with
Justin Timberlake.

·         After 10 a.m. ET on December 15, users may log on directly
to CBS.com or to Yahoo! Music to access the video submissions, video
viewing and voting site: http://music.yahoo.com/mygrammymoment/.





About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts &
Sciences, Inc., also known as The Recording Academy, is an
organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording
professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition
and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known
for the GRAMMY Awards, The Recording Academy is responsible for
groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment,
advocacy, education and human services programs — including the
creation of the national public education campaign What's The
Download® (WhatsTheDownload.com). For more information about The
Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.


About Yahoo! Music
Yahoo! Music (http://music.yahoo.com) is the #1 online music
destination. Yahoo! Music offers more than 2 million songs for
download as well as the tools to manage, explore and share music.
Yahoo! Music provides a wide selection of streaming video and audio,
the Web's largest collection of music videos, Internet radio,
original content, exclusive features, artist information and news
covering all genres of music to Yahoo! users.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check out
www.Esession.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Great news to kick off 2007!!

Join NSAI in welcoming Barbara Cloyd to Houston. Barbara has
graciously
agreed to present her "Ready for the Row" workshop on Sunday Jan
28th.
Barbara has spent the last 20+ years in Nashville working with
talented
songwriters and books the famous Bluebird Cafe.
For more information on Barbara, visit her web site:
http://www.barbaracloyd.com/

Her workshop begins with an overview of how the Nashville market
works and
how you can work it.
Topics covered:
"Where the Money Comes From and How Much You Can Make,"
"Who You Need to Know and How to Get to Know Them,"
"Why a Songwriter Needs a Publisher and How to Find One,"
"What to Do if You Live Out of Town,"
"How to Make the Most of a Trip to Nashville."

The second part of the workshop will cover the craft of commercial
songwriting and how to make your songs really stand out and get
noticed by
publishers, producers and recording artists.
Barbara will listen to and provide feedback on songs brought in by
those
attending the workshop.

What you need to do to attend: RSVP by January 22nd!

Costs: $40, ($35 for NSAI members)
When: Sunday Jan 28th, 12 noon to 6 pm
Where: JP Hops House
Located at 2317 Highway 6 S, Houston, TX 77077
Map Quest link:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?
city=houston&state=TX&address=2317%2BHi
ghway%2B6%2BSouth&zip=77077&country=us&zoom=8


Additionally - Barbara will be available for private one-on-one
consultations on Saturday the 27th, during the afternoon at an
office in the
Montrose area. These consultations are scheduled at 30 min ($30) or
one hour
($60), between 11:00am and 5:00pm. Time slots are on first come,
first
serve basis. You must RSVP for a time slot by January 22nd. To
schedule
your one-on-one with Barbara Cloyd, contact Connie Mims at
conniemims@... or call 832.894.2124.

If you've been considering a trip to Nashville to pitch your songs,
or how
to be a better songwriter, or even how to play The Bluebird Café,
this is a
workshop you won't want to miss!
We hope to see you there, and please remember to RSVP by January
22nd for
this great opportunity.

Dave Bannen
NSAI Houston Coordinator
www.NSAI-Houston.com
www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
"It All Begins With A Song"


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's a portion of an interview with john legend
By Randy Cordova
from The Arizona Republic

Q: What did the Grammy Awards mean to you?
A: They were a huge honor to me. Grammy night 2006 was one of the
most rewarding and fun nights of my life. The recognition helped me
sell more records and raised my profile around the world. And I got
to share it with my family (about 15 of them attended from Ohio). It
was an amazing night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE:

In a message dated 12/31/2006
that fact that you don't play an instrument doesn't seem to slow you
down. I'm here in Nashville dragging, for twelve years now. not
playing seems to be a heavy weight.
the paying extra to get it out of your head i mean.
any advice?

love your work by the way.
thanx
Tim in Tulsa,

~ ~ ~

hi tim,

take the skills you have an use them to your advantage
some people say focus on your strengths and improve your weaknesses

I suggest to focus on your strengths and ignore your weaknesses

my strengths are
I'm good at finding great song ideas
I'm good at meeting people
I'm good at asking people questions
I'm good at assembling talented teams to create great songs
I'm good at showing up at events
I'm good at doing favors for people
I'm good at waiting to ask for favors when the timing seems
favorable

I've accumulated a resume of success
I've developed a decent catalog of songs
I've put myself in the center of information flow about songwriting

the weaknesses i ignore are
i don't sing well
I don't write melodies
I don't play an instrument
I don't perform

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NOMINATE YOUR SONG OR GROUP FREE

Musicians Choice Awards recognizes excellence in independent music
and songs, nominated and voted for by the Indie music community.
Nominations and links to nominees are FREE.

www.musicianschoiceawards.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

For what it's worth (not trying to sound self-promotional),

CD Baby's turnaround times on iTunes are down to THREE DAYS.

The day we receive a CD and rip it, it's uploaded to Apple the next
day, and appears for sale on iTunes 3 days later.

--
Derek Sivers, CD Baby, Hostbaby
http://cdbaby.com/from/ande <-- best new independent music
http://hostbaby.com <-- web hosting for musicians

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Top 100 Songs Of 2006, According to Radio and Records
http://forums.usanetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=382476


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE

In a message dated 12/31/2006
a song writer asked

wow if i knew this exsisted i would have sent this e-mail a long
time  ago. I am a unprofessional singer songwritter never went out
there, well  because i just never believed in myself.The only ones
who have ever  seen my lyrics where friends. But i guess theres no
harm in taking  chances so here it goes. how is there a safe way to
post or send my lyrics without them being stolen.If you have the
answer please get back to me. but for now I'll say thank you for
reading my message and please get back to me soon.
Laters


hello,

what's your name?
how did you find me?

beginning songwriters tend to be paraniod that their lyrics might
get "stolen" if they share them outside the circle of people they
trust. They want to copyright everything they write.

what's more often the case is their lyrics aren't worth stealing
also in most cases their song ideas and titles aren't even worth
stealing
on rare occasion beginning writers might stumble upon a truly
brilliant original idea
but it's very likely that how they wrote the idea is faulty.
Plus there are tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, if
not millions of lyrics out there on the web, so finding your lyric
and deeming it worthy of stealing is like fining a needle in a
haystack.

Beginning songwriters start by sharing their work with family and
friends who often praise their work because they like or love the
person.   if your goal is to have songwriting success you need to
make the leap beyond family and friends, you need to get feedback
from strangers, experienced writers and music industry pros.   By
not putting yourself out there and getting feedback on your work you
might fail to grow as a writer.

You need to study songs, read books, attend conferences, participate
online,
network to meet great writers and music industry pros.

I suggest you begin by reading
the message archive at
www.SongWriterBlog.com
you can find tons of information there

next songwriting and music business books by jason blume are very
helpful

consider participating online JPFolks is a great place to begin
you'll find lyric and mp3 message boards at
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm&c=2

lastly there are some companies who will offer to set your poem /
lyric to music for a fee.
they are likely to
praise your work,
offer you a music publishing contract,
hint that once the demo is recorded they will pitch it to artists
and all of the above for a fee of ....
don't do business with them.

If you write great lyrics, excellent composers will be happy to work
on the and they will not charge you for it. If you want songwriting
success you have to grow, become a better writer, meet key people,
be patient and strive for excellence.

Good luck, hope this helps,

Ande Rasmussen
AndeRasmussen@...
512 217 2728 cell

Songwriter
  http://www.songramp.com/homepage.php?Who=ande
www.AndeRasmussen.com

editor and publisher of www.SongWriterBlog.com

Texas Grammy Governor www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

hi! my name is mike stratton from roscommon, michigan. my wife ruth
and i own ruthco music which is a artist management company. we
manage bob hausler who, you received a email from on may 7, 2006
requesting uptempo songs for his new project. we have already
recorded 5 songs in nashville the week before christmas. we need a
couple more uptempo songs in the genre of americana, country,
southern rock. we are looking for songs that send a message. we like
the new eric church cd. those are the type of songs we are looking
for. we are hoping that the reason we bob didn't hear fron you was
because you were waiting to hear from management.

thanks for you help
mike & ruth stratton
ruthco music
p.o. box 679
roscommon, mi. 48653
989-275-4315
ruthcomusic@...

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm putting a call out to our members to find people who might be
interested in being a SongU Teaching Assistant (TA)! If you're
already a TA, I've got your name so you don't have to re-apply ;-)

Basically as a TA you'd be attending an online class, recording the
transcript and uploading the transcript to SongU.com. Here's the
detailed scoop below...

What Are The Requirements For Becoming A SongU TA?

You must have been a SongU member for at least 6 months prior to
December 2006.
You must be able to "cover" at least 4 class periods (e.g., one 4-
week course or four 1-week courses).
You must be able to attend all the classes of the course you are
covering (e.g., you can't just cover one of the weeks in a 4-week
course).
You must be on a high speed connection and familiar with using FTP
and know how to upload files/folders using FTP.
You must be reliable.


What Are The Benefits Of Being A TA?

You'll have a guaranteed seat in any of the classes you are TA'ing
(including FDBK courses).
In addition to helping out the SongU.com community, you earn a free
song evaluation for each two class periods the you cover. For
example, if you cover a two-week e-Workshop, you would earn 1 free
song evaluation. A four-week course will earn you 2 free song
evaluations.
If this sounds like you and you're interested in participating, just
send an email to me at:
danny@...

drop by
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

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Steve Seskin, Don Henry and Craig Carothers

Seminar from 10am - 4pm at
The Holiday Inn Express,
1650 El Camino Real,
Belmont
Tel # 650 654-4000

plus a Concert at the
Little Fox Theater
2209 Broadway, Redwood City.

Seminar plus FREE CONCERT TICKET price - $80. Concert only - $14,
$16 at-the-door

Steve Seskin is one of the most successful writers in Nashville
today, with a boatload of songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Neal McCoy,
John Michael Montgomery, Kenny Chesney, Collin Raye, Peter Frampton,
Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Mark Wills, and Peter Paul and Mary. His
song "Don't Laugh At Me" was a finalist for CMA "Song of the Year"
in 1999, and has spurred an entire tolerance movement, launched by
the Don't Laugh at Me Project. Other Seskin hits include: "I Think
About You," "Life's A Dance," "No Doubt About It," "If You've Got
Love" and "Grown Men Don't Cry."
Steve Seskin is an electrifying performer. "His voice has a natural
lilt that can''t be learned," writes Joel Selvin in the SF
Chronicle. "He's a really exceptional talent," writes Alan Lewis in
the SF Bay Guardian. And "the presentation is simple, affective, and
effective," writes Jim Carnes in the Sacramento Bee. Few performers
can face an audience with only an acoustic guitar and hotwire its
emotions. But that's what happens at Steve's concerts.
A Steve Seskin concert will have you wiping away a tear one minute
and laughing out loud the next. His songs all have messages that
touch the hearts of everyone: from the feelings of a little boy
missing his father, to growing up and being true to yourself, to one
of his most well know themes of being considerate to and respectful
of one another as expressed in "Don't Laugh at Me".

Don Henry: Originally from Morgan Hill, Don Henry is known as a guy
the other writers love to hear. He writes remarkable songs and he
sings them with equally extraordinary tenderness, humor, and
sincerity.
His debut CD was filled with catchy, memorable, and entertaining
songs. Billboard's Ken Schlager chose it as one of 1991's Top Ten
records.
Years later his songs would be recorded by Ray Charles, Conway
Twitty, the Oak Ridge Boys, Gary Morris, Ray Kennedy, and Kathy
Mattea, among others. For co-writing Kathy's critically acclaimed
hit, "Where've You Been," Don and Jon Vezner earned a Grammy, as
well as awards from the Academy of Country Music, the CMA, and the
NSAI. In fact, "Where've You Been" was the first song ever to be so
honored. "As a child I had a phonograph real early. My father was a
musician and I remember playing all those Sherman Brothers songs,
all those Disney things: "The Jungle Book," "Mary Poppins."
That is what really taught me songwriting. All those early songs
were so lyrical, and very musical. His songs are funny, whimsical,
wry, bittersweet, and poignant all at the appropriate times.
His songs have been cut by Kathy Mattea, Christy Sutherland,
Lonestar, Rosie Flores and Bryan White.

Craig Carothers: As a singer-songwriter Craig Carothers has played
nightclubs and concerts from Los Angeles to Stockholm for the last
20 years. Craig has shared the stage with more than 100 acts
including: Mose Allison, Karla Bonnoff, Jonatha Brooke, Bruce
Cockburn, Paula Cole, Ry Cooder, Catie Curtis, Crash Test Dummies,
Donovan, Robben Ford, Jeffrey Gaines, Peter Himmelman, John Hiatt,
John Klemmer, Leo Kottke, Patty Larkin, Little Feat, Little River
Band, Michael McDonald, Anne Murray, Danny OÕKeefe, Leroy Parnell,
Boz Skaggs, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Richard Thompson, Jethro Tull,
Romeo Void, Loudon Wainright III, Tim Weisberg, and Warren Zevon.
Craig Received the Portland Music Association's Crystal Award for
both "Best Folk Act" and "Best Single." Then in the fall of 1995
Craig signed a publishing contract with Nashville-based Crossfire
Entertainment/Almo Irving Music about the same time MCA Country
recording artist Trisha Yearwood recorded his song "Little
Hercules". That same year Craig was a winner at the Napa Valley
Music Festival's Emerging Songwriter Showcase, and the Austin
Songwriters Contest. Since then Kathy Mattea and Lorrie Morgan have
also recorded Craig's songs.
Craig spends a fair amount of time producing albums for other
independent


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~ ~ ~ ~ ~


8th Annual REO Songwriter's Retreat July 15-20, 2007
Featuring Kathy Mattea, Steve Seskin, Jon Vezner & Pat Pattison


http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/songwriter_retreat.html

Retreat Contact: Bryan Fogelman (800-736-7238)



For 35 songwriters from around the world, our 2006 retreat was the
songwriting experience of the year. Our 2007 retreat promises to be
even better with these new features:


One private 1-on-1 session: With the instructor of your choice!
More Canadian content: Quality entertainment from Canadian
songwriters.


More adventure and free-time options: Enjoy a free scenic float trip
(no rapids, easy paddling) and a whitewater rafting adventure with
advance payment. Or simply relax at the resort!


Songwriting Master classes with Steve, Pat and Jon.
Vocal sessions with Grammy-winning recording artist Kathy Mattea
Location: REO Rafting Resort on the Nahatlatch River, 3 hours from
Vancouver BC. Beautiful river-front location in a private and
secluded wilderness overlooking rapids, canyons, forests and
mountains.



Dates & Schedule: The retreat runs from 3 pm Sunday July 15 to 11 am
Friday July 20.


Workshop sessions: Will take place Sunday through Thursday,
primarily morning sessions.
Co-writing, 1-on-1's and adventure activities: Will occur in the
afternoon sessions.


Social hour:  6-7 pm each day will feature guest speakers, great
songwriters & cold drinks.


Open-mics: Will be offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.


Evenings: Co-writing, star-gazing, hot tub relaxing and campfire
entertaining
Lodging & All-inclusive Prices

Fees include workshops, 1-on-1 critiques, social hour, evening
sessions, 5 nights lodging, meals, snacks, beverages, use of all
resort amenities including hot tub, sauna, private beach, hiking
trails, hot showers, campfires. Seats are limited. $200 non-
refundable deposit. Balance due May 1/07.



Camping (own tent)                                        $695 US
($775 CDN)

Shared cabin tent (4 sharing)                      $795 US ($885 CDN)

Std. cabin tent (dbl occupancy)                   $895 US ($995 CDN)

Rivers Edge cabin tent (Queen bed)         $945 US ($1050 CDN)

Ladies Dorm (private bath; 6 sharing)        $945 US ($1050CDN; 3
beds remaining)

Non-retreat (spouses, family etc.)                Deduct $250 US
from fee (includes 2 free adventures)

Single occupancy rates                                 Call for
availability



FREE Whitewater Rafting & Scenic Float Trip :Pay in full by May 1,
2007 and enjoy a FREE whitewater rafting trip on July 16 and/or
scenic float trip on the Fraser River Wed July 18 ($225 Value!).



Instructors: Pat Pattison
http://members.aol.com/ptpattison/lyricpages

Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Pat developed the
first Songwriting Major in the USA. He has published three best-
selling books on songwriting including Writing Better Lyrics
(Writers Digest, 1995). Pat has hosted seven Songwriters Retreats at
REO since 1997 and teaches world-wide.



Kathy Mattea         http://www.mattea.com

Kathy is one of country music's most distinctive and critically
acclaimed artists. She's won two Grammy awards, two CMA Female
Vocalist of the year awards and her song "Eighteen Wheels And a
Dozen Roses" was named CMA Single of the year.



Steve Seskin          http://steveseskin.com

With seven #1 songs, including Grammy-nominated "Grown Men Don't
Cry" recorded by Tim McGraw, Steve Seskin is well known for writing
hits. He is also a successful performer, recording artist and active
keynote speaker for various songwriting associations in North
America.



Jon Vezner          http://www.jonvezner.com

Jon is a Grammy award-winning songwriter for his straight-to-the-
heart hit "Where You've Been", co-written with Don Henry. Jon weaves
the lives of people he has known into universal themes that deeply
touch listeners' emotions. He has songs recorded by Reba McEntire,
Ronnie Milsap and Lorrie Morgan.



YVR Arrivals: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is 3 hours drive
from REO.

SeaTac Arrivals: Seattle Airport (SEA) is 4.5 hours south of REO.
Fares are generally 20-40% lower that flying into Vancouver from
most major US airports. Average border crossing times are 30
minutes.

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX): This is the closest airport
to REO (2 hours) and it eliminates the traffic congestion of the
Greater Vancouver area. Flights from major US and Canadian cities.



CONTACT: Bryan Fogelman    WEB:
http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/songwriter_retreat.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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check out
http://www.trusonic.com/artist_faq.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Member Deals - Deals Our Members Have Scored Through TAXI
http://www.taxi.com/transmitter/0612/deals0612.html


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

from Taxi

A&R -- GETTING SIGNED

by Kenny Kerner

One of the most difficult things to understand is what the A&R
Community is really looking for. What does an artist have to have to
get signed to a recording contract? For lack of a better name, I
call these intangible things "signing ingredients." And the more of
them you have, the more likely you are to get signed!

During my 30 years as an Editor and Music Journalist, I've
interviewed over 200 members of the A&R Community and, based on
those interviews, was able to compile a Top 10 list of important
signing ingredients. So, in order of their importance, here's what
you need to get signed:

1. Passion

That intangible, inner-emotion a singer or band possesses that makes
him/them believable. Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin--
all possess it.

2. Songs

The very essence of success. The reason this did not come in at #1
is that songs can come from many different places--publishers,
covers of other songs, the artist, himself, collaborations, etc. So,
if the artist isn't an amazing songwriter, he/she can still obtain
amazing songs.

3. Live Show

This is how a musician sells his CDs and merchandise. A poor live
show, and you turn off your audience. A great live show, and you've
made a fan for life. Live shows also tell an A&R person whether you
are communicating with your audience and if they are accepting your
music.

4. Star Quality

Is there someone bigger than life in your band? A Gene Simmons? A
Mick Jagger? Rock star Billy Idol wasn't much of a singer, yet he
went on to become an international rock icon because of his star
quality. Skid Row's Sebastian Bach had star quality. Remember him?

5. Marketability

Can your image and music be marketed to a targeted audience? Who is
likely to buy it and why? There is little demand for Lithuanian
accordion music, so regardless of how you shine on that instrument,
the chances of you landing that big-bucks record deal are slim, at
best.

6. Group Focus

For a solo artist or duo, this is a no-brainer. But, as a band, is
everyone pulling in the same direction? Does the band/artist have a
plan? Is the manager aligned with the artist's plan? Where are the
trouble spots?

7. Hunger

How hungry are you to make it? And I don't mean when did you eat
last! Is the artist spoiled? Will the artist do anything to make it?
Are they willing to earn a record deal? Many artists that have been
around for years are under the misconception that because they're
still performing and staying together, they've earned the right to
be signed. Not true.

8. Business Savvy

Does the artist know how things in this industry really work? What
kind of "Pro-Team" have they assembled? Do they need a manager?
Attorney? What do they expect?

9. Red Flags

Are there any troublemakers in the band (or is the solo artist
himself unreliable)? Any personal problems like sex? Drugs? Money
problems? Is there anything or anyone that might prevent this artist
from pursuing a career in the music business? Girlfriend? Boyfriend?
Former wife? Children?

   10. A&R Instinct

What does my A&R instinct tell me about this artist? Am I in love
with this band? Am I willing to risk my job, my benefits, my
vacation and my expense account to get them signed? What do others
in my company think? Bringing an act into a record company when you
are the only one championing their cause is the beginning of the end-
-for both of you.

Before making his final decision, an A&R person will see how many of
these talent ingredients his act has--and then go from there.
Considering it takes about one-million dollars to properly promote
each new act, don't expect a flurry of signings at any one label.

. . . .

About Kenny Kerner:

Discovered and produced KISS. Also produced albums for Gladys
Knight, Jose Feliciano and Badfinger. As a publicist, he represented
Michael J. Fox and Jay Leno. Was the former Senior Editor at Music
Connection Magazine and wrote a best-selling music education book
called "Going Pro" Kerner is currently the Director of the Music
Business Program at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Specialties
include Personal Management, Artist Development and Music Business.

Kenny Kerner
Musicians Institute
Director / Music Business Program
(323) 860-1122
Fax: (323) 462-6508
kennyk@...

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear Passengers,

I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about what motivates
you to
succeed with your music.

I've looked deep inside myself for the answer, but over time I
realized that the
things that have motivated me to work hard and succeed with TAXI are
probably
not the same things that motivate you.

Controlling my own destiny, so that I alone am responsible for my
family's
security (or lack thereof) has probably been my main motivator. I
got fired from
a job twenty-some years ago and it had a profound effect on me. I
never wanted
to be in the position of having someone else's satisfaction (or
dissatisfaction
;-) with my work determine how my family lived.

Then again, I now realize that I was ultimately in control of that
situation.
All I needed to do was work better or work harder to keep the boss
happy.

But let's get back to you. What makes a musician want to become a
rock star or a
hit songwriter?

I was searching for the answer, and came up with this quote from
Harrison Ford,
of all people!

"Acting was a way out at first. A way out of not knowing what to do,
a way of
focusing ambitions. And the ambition wasn't for fame. The ambition
was to do an
interesting job."

Is that what motivates you -- the ambition to have a more
interesting job?

On my way to work this morning, I realized that the best way to
understand what
motivates you to succeed in the music business was to simply ask.

What motivates YOU? I want to hear back from you. Maybe if I
understand you
better, I can find cool new things to do with TAXI that can make it
easier for
you to succeed.

I'll get hundreds of responses, so please don't send me 400 word
stories about
your 3rd grade teacher and the effect she had on your life (although
really good
teachers often do that).

I'd really appreciate it if you would highlight the little section
below and
click repsond, and give me really short, succinct answers. If you
really think
hard, and distill your thoughts down to their essence, I'll bet you
can tell me
what motivates you in a single sentence.

Here's where you go to respond:

http://www.taxi.com/motivation

That's all I need. Again, please just use a sentence, not a term
paper length
soliloquy -- thanks!

I know it might be hard to single out just one answer out on that
last question,
but please select only one. Also, you need not be afraid that I'm
collecting
personal information to use in some devious way. I will NOT be
sharing this
information with anybody. It will not be sold or shared in any way
shape or
form.

I may use the info in a future email, but only in aggregate --
something like,
4,562 people said that fame was their greatest motivator. I will NOT
say
anything like, "Tom Smith said his greatest motivator was money."
That's a
promise.

I look forward to hearing back from you, and maybe, just maybe, the
answers I
get will give me some great new ideas to help you succeed in 2007.
Let's see!

Thanks, and talk to you soon,

Michael


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2007 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO is set for April 19-21 in Los
Angeles

Building on the extraordinary, sold-out success of the 2006 ASCAP "I
Create
Music" EXPO – the only major national conference dedicated to
songwriting and
composing – ASCAP will stage an even larger, more comprehensive
event for music
creators, April 19-21, 2007 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in
Los Angeles,
CA.  Recording Academy members can register for the conference at
the low price
of $250 – that's $145 off the regular cost of registration!
Recording Academy
members who are also members of ASCAP get an additional $25 discount.

The only conference of its kind, the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO
covers multiple
music genres and offers all participants in the music creation
process an
opportunity to join together to advance their profession and gain
the knowledge,
tools and contacts to maximize their success and inspire their work.

The 2007 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO is again expected to draw some
of the
biggest names in music.

Here are just some of the panelists, with many more to be
announced...

•   Mark Adamo (Composer – Opera: Lysistrata, Little Women)
•   Mitch Allan (Songwriter, Producer – "1985," "Right Now")
•   Glen Ballard (Songwriter, Producer - Jagged Little
Pill, "Everyday," Film:
"Ordinary Miracle" (from Charlotte's Web), "Believe" (from Polar
Express))
•   Joel Beckerman (Composer – TV: CBS Evening News, NBC Evening
News)
•   Marco Bertram  (Composer - Film: Underworld: Evolution, Red Eye,
I, Robot,
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, TV: The Practice )
•   Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman (Songwriters - "The Windmills
of Your
Mind," "The Way We Were," "What Are You Doing the Rest Of Your
Life?" Film:
Yentl )
•   Bruce Broughton (Composer -Film: Silverado, The Rescuers Down
Under,
Tombstone TV: JAG, Tiny Toons
•   Jeff Cardoni (Composer - TV: MTV's Pimp My Ride, CSI: Miami)
•   Cherish - Farrah, Neosha, Felisha, Fallon (Singers, Songwriters -
  "Do It To
It, "Unappreciated")
•   Timothy "Attitude" Clayton (Songwriter -
  "Promiscuous," "Afraid," "What You
Been Drankin' On?")
•   Keyshia Cole (Singer, Songwriter - "Over and Over," "I Changed
My Mind,"
"Love", "You've Changed")
•   John Corigliano (Composer - Film: The Red Violin, Altered
States, Opera: The
Ghosts of Versailles Band: Symphony 1 ("AIDS Symphony"))
•   Hal David (Songwriter - "Raindrops Keep Falling on my
Head," "Close to You,"
"I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "What the World Needs Now Is Love")
•   Mike Elizondo (Songwriter, Producer - "In Da Club," "Let Me Blow
Ya Mind,"
"How We Do," "Rich Girl")
•   Tim & Eric (Songwriters, Creators - Tom Goes to the Mayor, Tim &
Eric
Awesome Show, Great Job!)
•   Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald (Songwriter, Producer - "Since U Been
Gone,"
"Behind These Hazel Eyes")
•   Wayland Holyfield (Songwriter - "Could I Have This
Dance," "You're My Best
Friend")
•   James Newton Howard (Composer - Film: King Kong, The Fugitive,
The Sixth
Sense, The Prince of Tides)
•   Brett James (Songwriter - "Blessed," "Jesus, Take the
Wheel," "When the Sun
Goes Down")
•   Holly Knight (Songwriter, Producer - "Love is a
Battlefield," "Better Be
Good To Me," TV: Still Standing)
•   Alonzo Lee (Producer - "Right Thurr," "I Like That")
•   Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Songwriter, Producer - "No More
Drama," "That's
the Way Love Goes," "Escapade")
•   MC Lyte (Songwriter - "Ruff Neck," "Paper Thin," "Cold Rock a
Party," "Lyte
As a Rock")
•   Johnny Mandel (Composer-Arranger-Producer - "The Shadow of Your
Smile,
"Emily," TV: M*A*S*H)
•   Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (Songwriters - Bon Appetit,
cELLAbration, "Scat
Like That," Postcards
•   Rhett Miller [Old 97s] (Songwriter - "Question," Film: The Break
Up, TV
Theme: Twenty Good Years, TV Ad "E/A Sports")
•   Rick Nowels (Songwriter, Producer - White Flag, "The Game of
Love," "The
Power of Goodbye," "You Get What You Give")
•   Stephen Paulus (Composer - Sea Portraits, Opera: The Postman
Always Rings
Twice)
•   John Rich (Songwriter - "Come Cryin' To Me," "Redneck
Woman," "Mississippi
Girl")
•   Jeff Rona (Composer - TV: Traffic, Chicago Hope, Film: Black
Hawk Down,
Mothman Prophecies)
•   Stephen Schwartz (Composer - Broadway: Wicked, Godspell, Pippin,
Film: The
Prince of Egypt)
•   Matt Serletic (Producer - "Smooth," Supernatural, Yourself or
Someone Like
You)
•   Mark Snow (Composer - The X-Files, Supernatural, Ghost
Whisperer, One Tree
Hill)
•   Nisan Stewart (Songwriter, Producer - "Free Yourself," "Get
Down,"
"Somethin' For Ya," "Signs")
•   David Vanacore (Composer - TV: Survivor, Nanny 911, The
Apprentice, The
Restaurant)
•   Jimmy Webb (Songwriter - "By the Time I Get to
Phoenix," "Galveston,"
"Wichita Lineman")
•   Doug Wood (Composer - The Omni Music Library; President/Owner -
Omni Music)
•   Paul Williams (Songwriter - "Evergreen," "Rainy Days and
Mondays," "We've
Only Just Begun")
•   Dan Wilson [Semisonic] (Songwriter - "The Long Way
Around," "Closing Time",
"Not Ready to Make Nice")

All songwriters, composers, lyricists, producers, publishers and
other music
industry professionals, regardless of affiliation, are invited to
register and
attend. With new panelists, expanded programming and additional
opportunities to
advance your career, the 2007 EXPO promises to be another must-
attend event.
The EXPO will feature seminars, workshops, master classes, keynotes,
one-on-one
sessions, song critiquing, product displays, technology
demonstrations,
performances and more.


Click here to register:
http://www.ascap.com/expo/registration.html

Click here to read more about the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO:
http://www.ascap.com/expo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

read this note on myspace from chuck cannon

this is something i've never done.

i'm writing this bulletin to let all my myspace friends know about
an artist. he's a dear friend ...he's a brother ...and more ...

an old soul whose heart has been broken and healed and broken and
healed until the scars we can't see have become thin places where
songs of all our brokenness and hope for healing find escape ...

to those of you who know him, i apologize for not having words that
are quite enough to say how awesome his talent is ...

his name is David Vincent Williams
http://www.myspace.com/dvincentwilliamslive

peace
c

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE

In a message dated 12/22/2006

thank you for all your info..
it is greatly appreciated..
Do you have any suggestions on how to find a Christian music
producer for independent artists?..
thank you so much

~ ~ ~

my friend eric copeland does excellent work
http://www.creativesoulonline.com

so does Denny Martin at
http://www.DennyMartinMusic.com

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are you an author?

Digital Rights

How can I make a book available as an eBook on Amazon.com?

To sell any book in eBook format on Amazon.com, we need to obtain
permission from the person or company who holds the digital rights
to the book.

If you are unsure whether you hold the digital rights or if you
don't know what it means to hold the digital rights, please contact
us at digitalrights@... and we'll walk you through it.

If you are a publisher, author, or agent who wants to learn more
about making a book available as an eBook on Amazon.com, please e-
mail your inquiry to digitalrights@... or send us an e-mail
containing the contact information for the rights holder and
information about the book so we can follow-up directly.

http://booksurge.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I just wanted to let you know about Program Director Brian Smith's
new weekly segment of "Central Texas Sounds" where he plays music by
central Texas songwriters and bands on KMIL - 1330 am - (Cameron,
TX.) from 9 am to noon each Wednesday. He's played many of the songs
from my "It Is What It Is" CD and encourages anyone in the area to
either send him a CD or a *.mp3.

Brian can be contacted via email at: brian@... for more
information. What a great opportunity to have your music heard over
the airwaves!

One of the truly nice things is that he's just started to do on-air
interviews - I was on the 10 am segment today and thoroughly enjoyed
it. We had the chance to talk about music on-air and I played two of
the songs from my album.

It's also streamed live 24/7 on the Internet at: www.kmil.com  - an
interesting potential for the future of small-town radio stations.

I know your IFS group would love to hear about this incredible
opportunity.

Thank you for all you do -

Joe Strouse


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

a note from Steve Seskin

Holiday Greetings to you and yours....

As 2006 comes to a close, I am hopeful and optimistic about our
planet and where it's heading. I spent much of the year feeling the
opposite, overwhelmed by the conflicts/wars that have been going on
for several years now. What turned things around for me was looking
around my community and seeing all the wonderful things that people
are doing for each other. There is love everywhere you look if you
just take the time to look. I also have to say that working with
children through the Don't Laugh At Me program in schools brings me
great joy and a feeling of purpose unlike anything else I've ever
done. I have a renewed sense of hope that future generations of kids
will indeed grow up with human kindness and respect for others high
on their list of what's important in this life. I am happy to be
contributing to this effort.

I wish you all the best and want you to know how deeply I appreciate
your support of me and my music. I have great plans for 2007 and
hope to be visiting your area at some point. Check
www.steveseskin.com
  for updates. Here are the dates coming up. Take care....

Join us for one of these extraordinary evenings with:Â  Steve
Seskin, writer of seven number one songs, including Grammy-nominated
Grown Men Don't Cry, recorded by Tim McGraw, and
Don't Laugh at Me, winner of NSAI Song of the Year;
Craig Carothers, writer of "Little Hercules" (Trisha Yearwood) and
with songs recorded by Kathy Mattea, Lorrie Morgan, and Peter, Paul,
and Mary; and
Don Henry, Grammy-winning songwriter of "Where've You Been" (Kathy
Mattea);  also wrote "To See My Angel Cry" (Conway Twitty) and other
songs recorded by Ray Charles, John Conlee, Lonestar, the Oak Ridge
Boys, Blake Shelton, and Bryan White.


Thursday, January 11 - 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley,
California.  The show starts at 8:00 PM.  Tickets are $18.00 in
advance, $22.00 at the door.  For advance tickets or more info go
to www.throckmortontheatre.com or call 415-383-9600.


Friday, January 12 -Â  House Concert at Studio E in Rural
Sebastopol, California.  The doors open at 7:30, and the show
starts at 8:00 PM.  Tickets are $20 in advance, and are availableÂ
at the Last Record Store in Santa Rosa (CASH ONLY + $1.00 per ticket
service charge) (1899 Mendocino Avenue, just north of SRJC), or can
be purchased in advance via mail (no service fee).

Send self-addressed envelope and check to:

Laurie Schaeffer
1275 Fourth St., PMB 653
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

A map to Studio E will accompany the tickets.

For more info go to www.northbaylive.com, or contact Laurie
Schaeffer (musicfan@...) at (707) 542-7143


Saturday, January 13 - Freight & Salvage at 1111 Addison Street in
Berkeley, California. The doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at
8 PM. Tickets are $18.50 in advance and $19.50 at the door. For more
info and advance tickets, go to www.thefreight.org or call 510-548-
1761.

Sunday, January 14 - Songwriting Seminar with Steve Seskin, Don
Henry and Craig Carothers from 10am-4pm at the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS,
1650 El Camino Real, Belmont, California. The cost is $80 and it
includes a concert ticket to the Sunday evening concert at the
Little Fox Theatre. To sign up go to www.westcoastsongwriters.org or
call 650-654-3966. You can also call Steve at 510-236-5225 for more
information

Sunday, January 14 - Little Fox Theater at 2209 Broadway in Redwood
City, California.  The show starts at 7:00 PM, and tickets are $14
in advance, $16 at the door.  For more info or advance tickets, go
to www.foxdream.com and click on Little Fox, or call 650-369-4119.

Friday, January 19 - Douglas Corner Cafe at 2106 8th Avenue South #A
in Nashville, Tennessee. Solo concert at 9:00 pm  Tickets are $10.
For more info go to www.douglascorner.com or call 615-298-1688

Saturday, January 20 - Bluebird Cafe at 4104 Hillsboro Road in
Nashville, Tennessee.  I will be performing with Michael Johnson,
Allen Shamblin and Chuck Jones The show starts at  is 9:30  pm.
Tickets are $10, and the show is a benefit for Hospice.  For more
info go to www.bluebirdcafe.com or call 615-383-1461.

Saturday and Sunday, January 20 and 21 -
Songwriting Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee.
With special guests Kathy Mattea and Chuck Jones.  For more info go
to my website at www.steve seskin.com, or contact Claudia Young by
email at csyoung@..., or call her at 615-309-9449.

You have been sent this e-mail because you or someone else requested
that your address be added to our gigs e-mail list.  If you wish to
be removed from this list, please let us know and we will remove
your address.  We maintain the list only to notify people who want
to know about Steve's concerts and career development.  Thanks!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What do you think of the Saturday Night Live Skit / music video that
went viral
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2007 Tunesmith Songwriting Event
March 22-24 in Nashville TN
   Holiday Inn Select
2613 WEST END AVE
NASHVILLE, TN 37203    615-327-4707

We are looking for the  BEST UNCUT songwriters on the planet!
If you think you have what it takes, we want to talk to you!
NO Audition is required BUT we are looking for the BEST.
   If you don't think your writing skills are not developed
enough to write with professional songwriters, please
   pass this along to your songwriting friends who
   Are ready for an event like this one.


About the Event...

This is a songwriting competition where you will be mentored and
coached
through your writing process by HIT writers.....each participant
   will be teamed up in groups of three with the professional
   direction of your assigned HIT writer.....invaluable ! ! !

This is a very exciting and extraordinary opportunity
   for anybody serious in trying to establish themselves

in the
Nashville Songwriting Community.

Here's what we have planned.....

We will hold this event in Nashville between March 22-24th at the
Holiday Inn
Select.
THE perfect place for a writing team to work on their song.

Thursday March 22:

4:00PM to 5:00PM  Registration in the Commodore Lounge. Sign-in, get
your badges
and folders,
team pairings the song write-off rules, etc. (You may put your own
team together
or submit your
application as a single and we will place you on a team according to
your
skills. If you put your
own team together we need the team to signup together).
6:00PM to 9:00PM. We will begin the evening with our Tunesmith "Song
of the
Year"
awards presentation. Debi champion will host the Tunesmith
Performance Rounds.
PRO
coaches will head rounds that include team members.

Friday March 23 :

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM  Using material in your packets, each team will
appoint a
team and set their
   agenda for the day. You will need to schedule Lunch, breaks, where
you will be
writing etc.We
ask that you remain in the Hotel to write to make it easier for our
PROS. Every
team will have a pro
assigned to them but we will have a PRO rotation period where all
the teams get
to visit with all the
   pros we have available.

6:30PM to 9:00PM..Lee "You Look Bad" Rascone' s writers night. (We
are working
with Lee to put together s
ome more showcases they TBA later)


Saturday March 24:  Work on Song, Must be ready to perform at 5:30!!

5:30PM to 9:00PM ..Each writing TEAM will "present" the song they
have worked on
the past two days.
It is up to the team to decide who presents the song on stage. If no
one in your
team is a good performer,
we will have guests such as Amanda Williams on standby to perform
your song for
you.
Your team will provide lyric sheets to our panel of 3 to 5 judges
(Publishers,
Pluggers, & Producers)
who are well renowned in the industry.

The judges will then make their decision on the winner of the 5th
Annual
Tunesmith Songwriter Competition

The winning team will receive a Single song publishing deal, a FREE
demo of the
winning song,
and a 2 hour co-write with their PRO Coach.

Here is a list of some of the pro writers that have already
committed to this
event and are TENTATIVELY scheduled to appear.....

Bobby Terry
Unsaveable – Faith Hill
Ain't Gonna Take It Anymore – Faith Hill
Kill Myself – Tim McGraw
Back To The Farm – Trace Adkins
Welcome To Hell – Trace Adkins
Love Is Never Ending – Brad Paisley
Carrying On – Montgomery Gentry
Who Invented The Wheel – Trisha Yearwood
Love Does It Every Time – Ricky Skaggs
I'd Find You – Chris Cagle

Charlie Craig
Bring On The Night – Alan Jackson
Wanted – Alan Jackson
Every Time It Rains (Lord Don't It Pour) – George Strait
Between an Old Memory and Me - Travis Tritt, Keith Whitley
Tropical Depression - Alan Jackson
Chicken Every Sunday - Dolly Parton
She's Single Again - Reba McIntyre

Marty Brown
I'm From The Country – Tracy Bird
If It Ain't Me – Brooks & Dunn

Mark Kerr
Why Can't I Leave Her Alone – George Strait
Missing Missouri – Sara Evans
The Bottle – Trent Tomlinson

Tommy Barnes
Indian Outlaw – Tim McGraw
My Love – Little Texas
Man To Man – Hank Williams Jr.

Jeremy Spillman
Arlington – Trace Adkins
He Ought To Know That By Now – Leann Womack

Woody Mullis
Adalida – George Strait
All In My Heart – John Michael Montgomery
Hillbilly Shoes- Montgomery Gentry
City Put the Country Back in Me
I feel a Cold One Comin On

Flip Anderson
Meant To Be – Tracy Lawrence
Different Man – Tracy Lawrence

Marty Dodson  (Bio coming soon)

Bobby Pinson  (Bio coming soon)

Lisa Carver
Lisa Carver is a songwriter with cuts by Tim McGraw,
   Reba McIntyre and Julie Roberts, as well as FOUR
cuts on the new Sugarland album. For those of you
   who attended Tunesmith Winter Event 2004 at Hobo Joe's
   you got to witness the power of Lisa!

Amanda Williams
Beer Run - Garth Brooks & George Jones
Low - Epic Records
Cutting an album with Jeffrey Steele

Rick Rowell
Cuts by Ricky Van Shelton, Trisha Yearwood, David Kersh etc....

We are looking for the BEST uncut songwriters we can find from
around the world
to work with
   Nashville Professional Songwriters. If you have what it takes, we
want to talk
to you!
   Your investment for this event is 175.00 per person.
   (Does NOT include your accommodations) Call the Holiday Inn Select
615-327-4707 and ask for the Tunesmith Room block.

Tunesmith Event Tickets make GREAT Christmas Gifts!!

For more information go to:
http://www.tunesmith.net/events/TunesmithAffiliates.htm
Click on the buy now button at the end of the page to sign up.

This is an awesome opportunity to make the connections you need in
Nashville AND
to get the attention of professional songwriters and publishers!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Tunesmith Administration
Nan Cassidy, Dave Norris, Jo Blount and Chad Beattie

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

put your music video's up on youtube
like faith rivera
http://youtube.com/faithrivera

here's a note faith received
Pete from YOUTUBE "I just went onto iTunes again, and now I've
bought about 17 of your songs!!!! I can't stop sayin' how much I
LOVE your music!!!!! Here's my video usin' your "Wonder" song"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Consider Consulting
When you're traveling doing gigs
offer up 30 and 60 minute time blocks
state your price then
find out if you have any takers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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Use creative inspiration to nurture connection to spirit -

By Halie Loren
For The Register-Guard
Published: Saturday, December 16, 2006

My creative capacity has been the quality I've treasured most about
myself. It also has been my clearest window into the way in which
Spirit influences and directs me, even when I am unable, or
unwilling, to detect its presence.
Though my life is filled with many forms of artistic expression,
music has been the dominant creative outlet for me. It has granted
me the most fulfillment on a spiritual level and garnered the most
response from others, particularly through songwriting.

I'm told that I started singing almost before I could talk, and I
wrote my first song at age 14, which means I have been calling
myself a singer/songwriter for almost half of my 22 years. In
crafting songs, I've used real-life experiences, other people's
stories, myths, and even logical analysis for ideas while writing,
but more often the conceptions come "out of the blue."

The songs that emerge through sheer creative inspiration end up
speaking greater truths to me than many of the ones I've written
using careful, calculated thought processes. They seem to come from
some place deeper, where I've tapped into a source of wisdom greater
than myself.
People have asked me how I write songs that belie my years and lack
of experience with the hardships of life - songs that they as older
adults feel connected to. The songs bring their emotions to the
surface because the messages feel personal.

I've revisited a song I wrote five years ago - a song that seemed,
at the time, to be a mixture of random "creative inspiration" and
speculation - only to discover a depth and understanding relating to
experiences and emotions I am going through now, that I had no
concept of at the time the song was written. They were thoughts that
I allowed to surface.

The more I experience this elevated awareness, the more I am
convinced that creativity is one of the modes of expression of the
voice of Spirit, the voice of the universal creative force that is
responsible for and exists within all. Spirit is the only "source of
wisdom" that I know I can tap into when seeking truths beyond my
full understanding.

People seek the help of a greater source, or a "higher power," under
various names and incarnations to help them grapple with the human
condition. When we are able to reach this source, or perhaps when it
is able to reach us, we discover amazing things about ourselves.

It would make sense that we can also gain access to, or be accessed
by, Spirit on a subconscious level, and that Spirit helps guide us
by way of intuition, inspiration and even the ebbs and flows of
creative thought. In light of this, it is no wonder that I feel most
connected to my spirituality when I am actively creating. When I
allow creativity to fully nurture my connection to Spirit, the
resulting artistic expression is a manifestation of a well-fed soul.

Halie Loren sings and participates at The Spiritual Growth Center
(Religious Science). This column is coordinated by Two Rivers
Interfaith Ministries, a network of more than 35 religious and
spiritual traditions in the Eugene-Springfield area. For more
information, visit www.interfaitheugene.org or call 344-5693.

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/12/16/c12.rel.trimcol.1216.p1.
php?section=cityregion

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASK ANDE

Mr. Rasmussen,

This is Shepard, I helped you and your wife with getting some new
phones back in November. I am contacting you to see what type of
opportunities aree available within the Texas chapter of Grammy. I
know you mentioned that your organization worked with university
students but I didnt know exactly in what capacity. Thank you for
sharing your contact information and I look forward to hearing from
you soon! Enjoy the holidays and I hope your wireless service is
working at it's best.

Shepard


hi shepard,

drop by
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2219019897
and
http://www.grammy.com/Recording%5FAcademy/Member%5FServices/GRAMMYU
and
http://www.myspace.com/grammyu

Ande Rasmussen
Texas Grammy Governor
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/

SongWriter
http://songramp.com/ande

Editor and Publisher of IFS
a songwriting ezine read by over 4,000 songwriters
http://www.SongWriterBlog.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

a note from EllyK who is now elizaveta

Greetings and happy holidays!

I am happy to announce that 'Breakfast with Chopin' has been
released. It was produced by O. Hadar, mixed by Sheldon Gomberg,
mastered in the grand analog tradition by Joe Gastwirt and features
beautiful original artwork by award-winning M. Washington.

It is an inspired collaboration with Chopin, Beethoven and
Tchaikovsky. I do wish to believe they would have been proud - and
perhaps they are.

You are cordially invited to visit my online Boutique, which is part
of my new website. You will be able to preview the songs and pick up
a CD, as well as other various Breakfast with Chopin items designed
by M. Washington. Enjoy! There are shows being planned and more
events coming up. And for now..

Step into our Boutique!

Merci,

Elizaveta
http://www.elizaveta.net/boutique.html
http://www.elizaveta.net
http://www.myspace.com/breakfastwithchopin

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Recording Academy has negotiated a discounted registration rate
for its members to attend SXSW 2007 in Austin, Texas. The discounted
price is $45 below the current rate. Members can register for $450
until January 12. The price will be $495 January 13 through February
9. This offer is not retroactive for those who have already
registered for SXSW.

Below is the discount link for NARAS members for the 2007 South By
Southwest Music Conference And Festival.

https://secure.sxsw.com/ec/?product=reg-music-naras


This URL will lead you to the login screen where you will either log
in (if you have an existing user account) or create a new account
and be logged in. After login, you will see a 'shopping cart' page
with a link to the discount form. Fill out the form, note that the
fields marked with a red asterisk are required.  This discount does
not use a coupon code, disregard that request. The discounted price
will be shown on the "Checkout" screen. If all details are in order,
click 'Checkout' and 'Purchase' on the next screen to finalize your
transaction.

Stay tuned for information regarding Recording Academy events taking
place during SXSW.

For up-to-date information on panels, performances and other
activities, log on to SXSW.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On,

ande rasmussen

does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

I first want to welcome all the new IFS readers I hope you enjoy it
and I encourage you to explore the message archive, which contains
every issue we've ever sent.

Lot's of stuff is going in my life, last Friday I flew into Little
Rock Ar then drove to Cleveland, Mississippi to swim in a meet.
While I was there I gathered wonderful imagery to place in a song
I'm writing about the south.

In the past few months I felt like I was going through a songwriting
drought but lately I've been gushing. Hopefully I'll have some new
demos for you to hear soon. there's also many wonderful opps behind
the scenes but it's too early to write about them. But I will say,
it's important for each songwriter to make a list of important
contacts and stay in touch with them.

Lot's of Grammy Stuff is going on:

The nominee  list is out
http://www.dailynews.com/entertainment/ci_4798217

I have a Grammy board meeting next week

I got an email about getting tickets to the actual grammy events in
LA and I plan to go.


Grammy chapters might be looking for applications for folks who are
willing to serve as governors. If you'd like to serve submit an app
to the chapter you belong to, you must be a member of the chapter.
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/


There are Chapters in:
Atlanta
Chicago
Florida
Los Angeles
Memphis
Nashville
New York
Pacific Northwest
Philadelphia
San Francisco
Texas
Washington, D.C.

Also NOW is a great time to join the Grammy org
send in your app.


I'm happy to say that Blue Holiday that I cowrote with John Gilliam
won the Acoustic / Folk category of the Texas SongWriter Cruise song
contest
http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com
unfortunately it did not win the grand prize
Next Year's event is: Dec 1, 2007


I'm also happy to say that tiffany desrosiers
http://www.myspace.com/tiffanydesrosiers
recorded a not for sale demo of
We Ran Out of Time that I cowrote with Betsy Foster
Tiffany's vocals gave me chills.
you can hear her stuning vocals at:
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewprivtrack.php?trackid=48767
please have a listen and let me know what you think

The slideshowcompany.net asked to license 3 of my songs and they
offer songwriters an excellent opportunity.

I exchanged a few emails with Randy Miller
here's a little info about him
he's a partner in the a label and manages
Blue October, Bowling For Soup, & Zayra Alvarez

he's involved with
PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC PUBLISHING
- Kurt Cobain
- Nirvana
- Hall & Oates
- Daniel Johnston
- The Matrix
- Holly Knight
- Justin Furstenfeld/Blue October

and does RjM ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING
- Cirque Du Soleil Musique - Unwritten Law

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

check out
www.Esession.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are You the Next Country Music Sensation?

Here's your chance to shine. Submit an original video performance so
you can compete against the nation's best undiscovered talent. All
styles of country music are welcome, including bluegrass, folk,
Southern rock and Americana. You have until Jan. 31, 2007, to get
your video in, so start singing now!

This "CMT Music City Madness Video Contest" (the "Contest") gives
participants the opportunity to produce their own music video
featuring their original musical composition. The details of the
prize and how to enter the Contest are contained in these Official
Rules.

One Grand Prize:

A trip to Nashville, Tenn.
An opportunity to record a performance of the winning submitted
video at CMT's Studio 330 Sessions


Before entering, please remember:

You must be a legal U.S. resident.
You must be at least 13 years old and have your parent's or
guardian's permission.

For complete information, please see the Contest Rules.
CMT urges users to refer to the contest rules, privacy policy, and
Terms of Use info before entering any of our sweepstakes or contests.

Rules
http://www.cmt.com/asm/contests/madness/rules.jhtml
http://www.cmt.com/asm/contests/madness/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

congratulations to Gary Powell

Gary Powell, Disney launched the
Disney's Ultimate Swashbuckler 10-Song CD Collection
that is exclusively sold through walmart
Gary recorded 6 of the songs and wrote
Pirates of the Black Tide
more details at:

http://www.garypowell.com/blogs/?p=93

gary and I are actually going to lunch next week


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Remember to study songs you wish you would have written.
one of my fav's right now is Aerosmith's Lay it Down

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I read this on Jeffrey Steel's website
  **If you have a story to tell about one of Jeffrey Steele's songs,
particularly "My Wish" please visit our contact page and submit your
stories. We would love to hear how this song has touched your life.
http://www.jeffreysteele.com/main.htm


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

the other day I heard
All I really want for Christmas
By Steven Curtis Chapman
I thought it was really great

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

   we are looking for songs with the word "Ghost" in the lyrics
Current mood:  scared
Category: Music


Hi

for a very cool film, we are looking for songs with the word "Ghost"
in the lyrics.  Please send us a message and/or email us an MP3 to
info@...    please include your contact info!

thank you

Ms. LoveCat

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

folk-pop singer-songwriter Autumn celebrated the premiere of her
video "Sugarcane," the title track of her debut album, with a free
viewing party and show by Autumn with Walt Wilkins &; The
Mystiqueros, Tina Mitchell Wilkins, Ryan Turner, Sam Baker and other
guests on Wednesday, November 29 at the Six Lounge in Austin
http://mcguckinpr.com/mcguckin/autumn/autumn111506.htm
Also see
www.autumnonline.com
www.myspace.com/autumnonline

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TAYLOR SWIFT's "Tim McGraw" hit the top 10

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

12/10 Sunday 10am - 4pm
FREE DAYLONG MUSIC SEMINAR & NETWORKING

Presented by the
LA & OC Chapters of Just Plain Folks &
Holiday Boutique by Los Angeles Women in Music

Schedule &; Presenters

  Hi Musicians, Songwriters, Artists!
On Dec 10th Sun 10am-4pm @ the Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood come
meet your fellow indy artists &; local musicians while you soak in
all the experiences, advice &; insight from successful folks in the
industry like:


Lis Lewis (Vocal Coach from the hit TV show Rockstar SUPERNOVA)
Rich Dickerson (Emmy-winning Composer for TV/Film)
NBC TV Music Supervisors Kerri Kirchheimer &; Nicole De La Torriente
and NBC Universal Film Music Supervisor David Buntz
Daniel Ho (Grammy-winning Indy Artist &; Record Label Owner)
And many, many more...

See the full schedule below. It's free, fun, &; an empowering way to
celebrate the holiday season &; your growing music career. For
questions contact me. See you then... remember to bring biz cards &;
flyers to put on our networking table!

Happy Holidays,

Faith Rivera
LA Chapter Coordinator
Just Plain Folks
10-10:15am Welcome / Meet &; Greet
by LINDA KRAEMER, Orange County Chapter Coordinator for Just Plain
Folks

10:15-10:45am Hit Songwriting
ALAN O'DAY
Hit Songwriter from Cher to Little Mermaid to Three Dog Night talks
about the how-to's in Hit Songwriting.

10:45-11:15am Vocal Power
ELIZABETH HOWARD
Worldwide Vocal Coach &; founder of the Vocal Power Academy shares
her secrets of powerful singing.

11:15-11:30am The Power of Uniting Local Musicians/Artists
PETE BROCK LA Musicians United
See what LA Musicians United can do for you ~ a growing online
community for LA musicians/artists.

11:30am-12:30pm Singing for a Living / Unions
GERALD WHITE
Top LA Session Singer, Artist &; Vocal Coach shares tips on making a
living as a singer. Gerald will be joined by Vocal Contractors &;
other session singers to discuss SAG &; AFTRA and possibilities in
doing union work.

12:30-1:30pm Placing Your Music in TV &; Film
RICH DICKERSON, KERRI KIRCHHEIMER, NICOLE DE LA TORRIENTE &; DAVID
BUNTZ
Emmy-winning composer Rich Dickerson joined by NBC TV Music
Supervisors Kerri Kirchheimer &; Nicole De La Torriente and NBC
Universal Film Music Supervisor David Buntz talking about the do's
&; don'ts of getting your music into TV &; Film.

1:30-3:00pm Indy Artists with Major Label Success
DANIEL NAHMOD, DANIEL HO , ERNIE HALTER
Successful Indy Artists share their secrets to success - Daniel
Nahmod with over 50,000 CDs sold, Daniel Ho with a recent Grammy win
&; a thriving label with other artists as well, &; Ernie Halter with
sold out shows around the country &; a growing base of over 72,000
fans on myspace alone.

3:00-4:00pm Singer Troubleshooting Tips
LIS LEWIS
Vocal coach to top artists/bands &; on the hit show Rockstar
SUPERNOVA presenting Singer TroubleShooting Tips:
As a lead singer, you have very specific problems and concerns. No
one else in the band, none of your business associates, not even
your producer can really help you. Who can? Other singers of course.
Bring your vocalist problems to this discussion and we will explore
solutions. For that matter bring your solutions. And let's not leave
out background vocalists. We will talk about all kinds of vocal
problems such as pitch, range, volume, tone, strength and endurance.
But also what about stage fright, recording studio issues, band
problems, charisma, auditioning, in ear monitors, fronting a band,
choosing the right style, comping vocal tracks and much more. Come
with questions; we'll find answers.

In addition to the awesome presenters we'll have lots more fun going
on...
*Holiday Boutique Sale hosted by LA Women in Music
*Raffles for prizes
*Gift-wrapping services
*Breakfast &; Lunch available at adjoining TEN20 Club
*Musician/Songwriter Organizations (listed on the bottom left -
COSMO)
*Popular industry music books &; their authors (like John Braheny,
Bobby Borg, David "Cat" Cohen)
*A Networking Table in our room to share your services and/or
postings for collaborators, etc.

Like the presenters, we are all donating our time to bring this
wonderful event to you! Please bring your friends &; attend the
whole days worth of fun, music biz tips, &; networking...let's
show 'em the kind of success &; unified power we have as indies :)

   RSVP for the Event


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
From The American Idol News Blog - Chris Daughtry Talks Exclusively
About His Debut Album!

already performed on Good Morning America and did a pre-recording
for another network. With a new album that also dropped today, it s
safe to say that Chris Daughtry is pretty busy these days and happy
very, very happy. He and his band, aptly named Daughtry, are
extremely proud of the work that they've done on their self-titled
debut CD.
Chris found the work particularly rewarding, having written three
songs by himself. He co-wrote all but one song. Reluctant to take
all the credit, however, Chris makes sure to mention all the blood,
sweat and tears that went into the CD on the part of his band.

Not only did they want to write and perform catchy tunes, but they
were also looking for songs that had a good radio hook, and he
definitely feels like they ve succeeded with this album.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On,

ande rasmussen

does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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.

I had an outstanding time at the Texas Chapter: Grammy honors event.
My table was next to the ZZ Top guys.

I'm happy to say that Blue Holiday that I cowrote with John Gilliam
is a finalist in 2 categories in the Texas SongWriter Cruise song
contest
http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com

Last Friday I went to see Aerosmith in San Antonio

Last Saturday I saw Allen Shamblin, Kimmie Rhodes, and Gabe Rhodes
perform at the ASG Symposium.  While there I visited with Steve
Callif, Stephen Doster, Brent Allen, Steve Johnston, Terri Fann,
Ashley Wymer, Nanci Jay, and many more.


Condolences to Allison Thrash on her father's passing.


I also received this note from Isabel Sommerfeld on Myspace

Isabel Sommerfeld's Comment:

"Hey Ande! Hope everything is fine with you! I just want to say that
I recorded Blue Holiday a few days ago.... I can send you it, when
the mix is done, if you wish to hear.. :-)
Ciao, Isabel"


this email arrived on 11/9

Good news! Our special Spin N' Pitch guest for pitch ID #224  has
expressed an interest in your song ain't gonna stop. To begin the
follow-up process, please contact our staff by replying to this
email. We have listed below the contact information we have on file
for you. When replying to this email, be sure to verify all your
contact information and correct if necessary.


then this was in the songu newsletter a week or so later:

Spin N' Pitch: Congratulates...
Speaking of pitching, I'd like to send a round of applause out to
the following members whose songs this week caught the interest of
Guest #224 (major music placement company seeking songs for ESPN
Soccer). While the guest did not think these songs would work for
the upcoming soccer games she has to fill, she did think they could
work for some of their other recurring projects her company is
involved with, so she's holding on to them for further
consideration. Hats off to the following members:

Casey Horowitz - "Physical World"
Jimi Whitelaw - "No Regrets"
Ande Rasmussen - "Ain't Gonna Stop"

In addition, we were very pleased that she seemed impressed with the
quality of the material submitted as well as the ease of our
listening page and contact process. This means that she will
continue to stay in touch with SongU.com for their upcoming project
needs. We're really happy about that since they supply music for
major events such as the Olympics, as well as several TV and sports
shows


songu is helping songwriters have success
http://www.SongU.com/ifs



Congrats to my friend and cowriter Jen Rathbun

her CD Coffee, Chocolate & Men Jen Rathbun TX
was runner up in the
Cabaret Album Category of the JP Folks

http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2006/Winners/Album.htm

Please let me know if you were a JPF finalist or winner.

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I read this in someone's myspace profile:

Who I'd like to meet:
ANYONE positive or at least trying to put something positive into
the world.
Someone who stops and listens instead of just walking by.
The person that sits alone in the corner.(their story offers
inspiration)
Anyone who paves a path for like minded people to follow.
Someone that must create in order to live.
Everyone who overcomes the life they were born into.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Ever Tried SongRamp?
It's where I keep most of my catalog online
drop by
http://www.songramp.com/?ReferMember=1371

Songramp is now allowing members to Sell Downloads of their songs
Members can easily place their songs in the store. In fact, its as
easy as checking a box when you upload/edit your songs in the Open
Mic. We hope that fans will show their support by purchasing
favorite songs from SongRamp members. Purchased songs can then be
downloaded to your computer, iTunes, MP3 player, or burned to CDs.

Sell Downloads of Your Songs!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Date: Tuesday, December 5th
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Place: Opal Divine's (Penn Field) at 3601 South Congress

eSession.com is a state-of-the-art web application allowing clients
from around the world to hire renowned musicians, engineers and
producers.

eSession currently has over 500 talent members who have worked with
the industry's top artists including: David Bowie, Beck, Shakira,
Peter Gabriel, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Sting, and more. The
site handles all financial negotiations, transactions, and
communications via audio/video, and provides drag and drop file
transfer between the client and talent.

With eSession, all client and talent work from their own personal
studios using high speed internet while saving the client valuable
time and money, as well as access to previously inaccessible world-
class talent.

On December 5th at 6:30 pm, eSession will give a presentation and
show off the new site that has the potential to gradually change the
entire music industry for the better.

After the 30 minute presentation, there will be questions and
answers with CEO Austinite, Gina Fant- Saez as well as many of their
Austin based talent members.

No RSVP is necessary to attend the event.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

American Idol News Blog

Chris Daughtry Talks Exclusively About His Debut Album!


Chris found the work particularly rewarding, having written three
songs by himself. He co-wrote all but one song. Reluctant to take
all the credit, however, Chris makes sure to mention all the blood,
sweat and tears that went into the CD on the part of his band. Not
only did they want to write and perform catchy tunes, but they were
also looking for songs that had a good radio hook, and he definitely
feels like they ve succeeded with this album."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Exchange? You Should!
Do you understand how royalties for digital music transmissions are
collected and distributed? If you're a musician, you need to know
about SoundExchange.

SoundExchange®, Inc. is a nonprofit performance rights organization
embodying hundreds of recording companies and thousands of artists
united in receiving fair compensation for the licensing of their
music in the new and ever-expanding digital world.

SoundExchange licenses, collects and distributes public performance
revenues for sound recording copyright owners (SRCOs) and artists
for noninteractive digital transmissions on cable, satellite and
webcast services.

The Digital Performance in Sound Recordings Act of 1995 and the
Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 grants a performance right
in sound recordings. As a result, copyright law now requires that
users of music pay the copyright owner of the sound recording for
the public performance of that music via certain digital
transmissions. The U.S. Copyright Office has designated
SoundExchange as the administrative entity for subscription
services' statutory license fees.

If you believe you might be owed digital royalties, you can search
SoundExchange's PLAY list to find out if they are holding any money
for you. To collect royalties on sound recordings transmitted
between February 1, 1996 and March 31, 2000 and first distributed by
SoundExchange in November of 2001, you must register with
SoundExchange by December 15, 2006. For complete information or to
register with Sound Exchange, please visit www.soundexchange.com.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

have you seen this project?
http://cdbaby.com/cd/berkleecom

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Last week ASG held a symposium and announced the results of their
contest

Grand Prize
"I Adore You So" -  Charles Moster

Instrumental Category: Finalists

Long Journey Home - Michael S. Hysinger
York Creek Exit - Joel Dilley
Danza de Alergria - Joel Dilley
Love Could Be the Thing - Jannie Funster
West Texas Summer - Morri Hartgraves

Winners:

1. Long Journey Home - Michael Hysinger
2. Danza de Alegria - Joel Dilley
3. York Creek Exit - Joel Dilley


Country Category: Finalists

Mirror Mirror - Ashleigh Wehmeyer
Lessons Learned - Paul Gillia
Seven Pound Baby Girl - Kralne/Aylor
Rock Away the Blues - Tommy Byrd
Holding On - Ed Williams
Do Nothing With You - Ed Williams
Love Broke the Fall - Tommy Byrd

Winners:

1. Love Broke the Fall - Tommy Byrd
2. Lessons Learned - Paul Gillia
3. Seven Pound Baby Girl - Kralne/Aylor


Lyrics Only Category: Finalists

Sugar - Lee Edwards
Flying Home To Me - Jannie Funster
Bones - Jannie Funster
Shades of Lonely - Jacquelyn Fraley
The Bridge - Kenna Zishka

Winners:

1. Bones - Jannie Funster
2.  Sugar - Lee Edwards
3. The Bridge - Kenna Zishka


Blues Category: Finalists

You're Too Late, I'm Gone - Steve Power
Fanny - Lee Edwards
Alive - Lee Edwards
Blues Meany Blues - Nigel Eccleston
Hooked on You - Nelson Norwood
Dixie Cup - Nelson Norwood
Love Stamp - Steve Bernstein

Winners:

1. Dixie Cup - Nelson Norwood
2. Fanny - Lee Edwards
3. You're Too Late, I'm Gone - Steve Power


Pop Category: Finalists

Wanna Love You - Charles Moster
Only For a Moment - Ed Williams
Autumn Town - Billy Winston
Gym - Joe Strouse
I Adore You So - Charles Moster

Winners:

1. I Adore You So - Charles Moster
2. Only For a Moment - Ed Williams
3. Wanna Love You - Charles Moster


Rock Category: Finalists

Sweet Lovin' - Nelson Norwood
1 Thessalonians - Samantha Miller
1000 Goodbyes - Kim Townsend
Find Me Another Love - Jeff Loftin
Other Side of Heaven - Billy Winston
Silence Isn't Golden Anymore - Billy Winston
Running Out of Time - David Hetrick

Winners:

1.  Running Out of Time - David Hetrick
2.  1 Thessalonians - Samantha Miller
3.  Sweet Lovin' - Nelson Norwood


General Category: Finalists

Good Night Baby - Linda Hardy
I Adore You So - Charles Moster
Other Side of Heaven - Billy Winston
Let the World Turn Without You Tonight - Linda Hardy
So Glad To Be Walking - Linda Hardy
Mirame - Jonas Alvarez
1000 Goodbyes - Kim Townsend
Grandpa Kiss - Billy Marabella

Winners:

1. Mirame - Jonas Alvarez
2. I Adore You So - Charles Moster
3. Let the World Turn Without You Tonight - Linda Hardy

Jazz Category: Finalists

I Adore You So - Charles Moster
New Potatoes - Joe Strouse
Digital City - Timothy Gangwer
Zig Zag - Kathy Street & Tommy Byrd
Kisses and Conversation - Tommy Byrd
Autumn Town - Billy Winston

Winners:

1. Kisses and Conversation - Tommy Byrd
2. I Adore You So - Charles Moster
3. Zig Zag - Kathy Street & Tommy Byrd


Inspirational Category: Finalists

Lord Lay Your Hands On Me - Stan Williams & Larry Lynn
Interesting World - Lee Edwards
It's Not The End Of Days - Charles Moster
So Glad To Be Walking - Linda Hardy
Well Water - Donnie Mills
Going Home - Donnie Mills
Love Broke The Fall - Tommy Byrd

Winners:

1. It's Not The End Of Days - Charles Moster
2. Love Broke The Fall - Tommy Byrd
3. Well Water - Donnie Mills


Singer-Songwriter / Bare Bones Category: Finalists

Never The Pretty Girl - Betty Soo
Guinevere - Roy Hughes
Headed West - Kit Holmes
A Chance To Be - Ed Williams
Suspended - Samantha Miller

Winners:

1. A Chance To Be - Ed Williams
2. Never The Pretty Girl - Betty Soo
3. Guinevere - Roy Hughes

Austin Songwriters Group
www.austinsongwritersgroup.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Music Mixer

Good folks, good times, good contacts. Don't forget about the next
Austin Music Mixer on Tuesday, November 28th.

The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Opal Divine's on West
6th Street, upstairs. Hope to see you there!

The final Austin Music Mixer of the year will take place Tuesday,
December 12th.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

sign up for myspace
drop by
http://signup.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandjoin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

my buddy Gary Powell has written some excellent blogs at
http://www.garypowell.com/blogs/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this note from Donnie Mills
HEY ANDE!!!!
I have long been a DIFS subscriber and it has gotten me through some
weird and wonderful times in the past. I am coming from Mobile AL to
Austin for the Songwriter Symposium Nov 17-20 and will be at BB
ROVERS playing on the 18th from 9 till midnight. I would love to
meet you and get a chance to play for you and get your opinion. May
the God of your choice bless you as you have blessed us songwriters
with your inspirational emails!
Thanks,
Donnie Mills
Mobile, AL
~music brings people together~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Sugarcane" Video Premiere & Viewing Party
Body: You are cordially invited!!!

Autumn's "Sugarcane" Video Premiere & Viewing Party

Mark your calendars:
8 p.m. Wednesday, November 29

Six Lounge, 117 W. Fourth St., Austin
Complimentary Cover

Information: 512.472.6662
www.autumnonline.com
www.sixlounge.com

The "Sugarcane" video airs at 8 p.m. during the party that will
include a raffle. Afterward, Autumn will play an acoustic set with
Ryan Turner and special guests.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Templeton Thompson has a new CD out
http://cdbaby.com/cd/templetont3/from/ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

this was in a taxi newsletter:

"How good do my demos have to be?"

"If you're talking about the quality of your songwriting, the answer
is 'good enough to knock somebody else out of the number one spot,'"
muses TAXI CEO, Michael Laskow. "If you're wondering about how much
equipment you need in your home studio, then take a look at what
Elliot Park used to land his publishing deal!"

(Excerpted from a previous article about Park, written shortly after
he signed his publishing deal.)

"I use a Technics Digital Piano hooked up to a Boss 4-track Digital
Recorder. I usually do my own vocals, including harmony. When I need
a female vocalist I have a couple of very talented friends who help
me out."

"I don't really have an acoustically controlled environment. I mean,
I've seriously had to redo vocal takes because my dogs started
barking at a skunk outside. But a good mic and a little reverb added
(on my 4-track) makes a good demo. I never worry about padded walls
and all that â€" a room with a carpet works fine for me. The main
thing is the song."


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS reader Mez emailed me about his latest project:

Steven.Mesropian@... wrote:

Hey all,

     here is a followup email to the one I sent out over a month ago
regarding the new startup venture for which I provided sonic
branding among other things... (my apologies if you had not received
the prior email)



Qambio has launched and now we need your help to spread the word
regarding this service.  Please visit us at http://www.qambio.com/
but first let me introduce to you this unique yet innovative service.

Think of Qambio as the Ebay of charity - A central marketplace for
any individual who wants to get financial aid and any individual who
wants to give financial aid.  Qambio offers over 20 different need
sectors and categories to which individuals in need can post their
requests, and to which donors can contribute directly.  Need sectors
such as:

Children Needs, Tuition Aid, Medical Bills, Elderly Care, Home
Repairs, Food, Shelter, Dental Needs, Car Repairs, Credit Card Debt,
and many more.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Singer Searching for Songs

Active Audio & Entertainment of San Diego is looking for great songs
for a talented 15 year old female artist with a powerful voice, and
the ability to sing multiple genres from pop to classical.  Since
she is in the development process, we're looking for songs to assist
her in defining her style.  To narrow it down, we're looking for
Alicia Keys pop/soul, Celine Dion pop and amazing big, edgy ballads
a la Christina Aguileras Hurt.  Once we've found the right songs
they will be produced and recorded by Active Audio & Entertainment
and subsequently shopped to various outlets; labels, management,
talent agencies, etc.  If the song is compelling enough, a
publishing deal may be offered.  Send MP3s and lyric sheets to
ActiveAandE@... or send to P.O. Box 28342, San Diego CA 92198.

Thank you,

Ken and Becky Rash
Active Audio & Entertainment
http://www.4activeaudio.com/
(858) 673-5441

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Hallmark rocks: Sound Cards resonate with new market for
traditional firm"

To view this article on the Lansing State Journal's Web site, go to:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=2006610100315

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

from http://www.nme.com/news/nirvana/24900
Nirvana music to feature on TV show
CSI to go grunge
Nirvana's songs are set to be featured in episodes of US crime show
CSI : Miami.

The CSI franchise, which is known for its use of The Who songs, will
feature four of the band's tracks.

The soundtrack licensing deal came about when Kurt Cobain's widow
Courtney Love sold a 25% stake in Nirvana's song catalogue to
Primary Wave Music Publishing.

Love's manager Peter Asher said : "We believe if we say yes to the
right things, we can do both - make money and do the right thing for
the catalogue."

The episode of 'CSI : Miami', that is due to air in November, will
feature several Nirvana with 'Come As You Are' set to feature most
prominently.

According to Forbes, the only condition that Primary Wave set was
that the 'CSI: Miami' episode "Not feature any suicide or drug-
addiction themes."

Instead, the episode that will air, is about evil military
recruiters.

Speaking about the future use of Nirvana songs Primary Wave chief
executive Lawrence Mestel said : "You will never see Kurt Cobain's
music in a fast food hamburger advertisement - that won't ever
happen.

"We're looking at things that relate to cutting-edge technologies,
products that are green and eco-friendly, products that Kurt would
have liked to have his music represented by."

Previously 'All Apologies' had been used in an episode of 'Six Feet
Under' and 'Something In The Way' was used in the 2005
film 'Jarhead'.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,

ande rasmussen

does anyone ever read IFS to the very end?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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.
What's new with you? I really love hearing from IFS readers and
sometimes I share what readers write.

Didn't I send an IFS issue in the middle of October, it appears it
was deleted. If you still have it could you send it to me so I can
archive it.

Thanks

Lots is going on
a new demo arrived, it's called "Ain't It Sweet"
I cowrote it with Mary Bahan and Bill Ekhoff.
vocals by Todd Sansom (Colin Raye's band leader and keyboard player)
produced by: Galen Breen
you can hear it at:
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=50364


Monday November 13, I'm attending the
Texas Chapter presents The Recording Academy Honors Event
We're celebrating
ZZ Top introduced by Billy Bob Thornton
Yolonda Adams introduced by Jimmy Jam
The founders of South by Southwest

The event will celebrate
Yolanda Adams; introduced by Jimmy Jam
SWISHAHOUSE;
SXSW Music Festival Co-Founders Louis Black, Nick Barbaro, and Roland
Swenson; and
ZZ Top. introduced by Billy Bob Thornton

you can still get tickets for info drop by:
http://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Texas/

~ ~ ~

I was in Austin today and dropped by Waterloo Records where I bought
the following CDs

1)  Unsung by Slaid Cleaves
The CD it says "Unsung finds him paying tribute to some lesser known
songwriters, friends and peers, by delivering their songs with the
same eloquence that makes his own work so engaging.  As with his own
songs these songs explore the fine line between ruin and grace
desolation and renewal, with a poetic sense of longing and
unflinching honesty."
Plus the CD includes the song Everette, written by my friend and
cowriter Steve Brooks.

2) Sugarcane + Autumn
Autumn and I have been emailing for a couple years. She's really
grown as an songwriter and singer.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/autumnsongs/from/ande

3) Why the Hell Not The Songs of Kinky Friedman
featuring an assortment of artists performing Kinky's songs
Keving Fowler, Lyle Lovett, Charlie Robison, Dwight Yoakum, Jason
Boland, Todd Snider, Bruce Robision and Kelly Willis, Willie Nelson,
Asleep at the Wheel, and Delbert McClinton

4) Viva Teringua! Nuevo! Songs of Luckenback Texas
because there was a John Arthur Martinez song on it

5) Eleven Stories + Bruce Robision
cause he's such and excellent writer

6) Living with Ghosts + Patty Griffin
cause she's amazing

~ ~ ~

Alice Olsen emailed me this bit of news

I thought it might interest you to know that our song, Make Me An
Instrument Of Your Peace was rated #5 on this new Christian internet
station. Now I know that is #5 out of not a whole lot of others but
it's one more thing to add to the hype. You might want to check out
the station and when our song comes up, you can rate it thumbs up to
improve the odds. It would be fun to have it go to #1.  Here's the URL
http://www.live365.com/stations/christianoriginals

~ ~ ~

Earlier this week I received a CD with my most recent cut.
Here's the email announcment about it:


This is to announce the official release of the debut album by rising
star Katelyn Hobson entitled "Get Lost With You". If you've wondered
what I've been doing over the last two years in between all the
hospitals and rehab centers, this was it.

This record features yours truly as producer, engineer, songwriter and
geetar picker. I even cleaned up after the sessions. It's been a long
time coming but I think it turned out quite nicely, if I do say so
myself.

The album is currently available via Ms. Hobson's web site at this
address; http://www.katelynhobson.homestead.com/discography.html and
only in the popular CD format. We're hoping to have it other places
soon
but for now that's it.

So log on and order one, or two, or three. And tell all your friends
to
get one. Hey, then you can all get together, have a big listening
party
and talk about how great it is! Yee Haw! They also make wonderful
gifts.

Shamelessly Promotingly yours,
Billy White, Jr.
http://www.myspace.com/billywhitejr

~ ~ ~

I attended a Grammy U event last Friday
There I met Randy Miller who's a partenr in Bravado Records
He manages Bowling for Soup and Blue October
plus he's also involved with the publishing company that recently
bought Kirk Cobain's song catalog, he said in the past there was few
licensing incidents of nirvana songs but that's now changed, in fact
there's a upcoming CSI episode coming up with only nirvana songs.  He
said it's kind of an announcement that the nirvana catalog is now
open for business

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this note from Jace Carlton

Second, and this one is a biggie ... you may have noticed that you
haven't been receiving my daily Change Your Stars! messages for over
three weeks.  Well, the sad story is my hard drive crashed without
any warning and with the exception of the pages for my three websites
(which are saved on my website host's server) I've lost EVERYTHING!
I had a professional technician try to retrieve my data, and at first
it looked like he was going to be able to do it, but part way through
the retrieval process the drive crashed on him, too. He spent over
two hours trying different techniques to try and get the drive to
recover, but no luck.  One of the most critical things I lost was my
email address list - 1000's and 1000's of addresses from people
around the world who subscribe to my Change Your Stars! and The Quest
messages, and that included 100's of songwriters who've signed up
over the last few years because of your recommendations on IFS.
Would it be asking too much of you to mention to your subscribers
that if they've been receiving my email messages to please re-
subscribe through my website?  They can follow this link -
http://www.changeyourstars.com/Subscribe.html - and that will take
care of it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Texas grammy Sound Check in Austin

~~GRAMMY Soundcheck: The Fray~~
Tuesday, November 7th
Time TBA (afternoon)
Stubbs BBQ

GRAMMY U continues its groundbreaking GRAMMY U Soundcheck series with
pop/rock band The Fray. GRAMMY U members will go behind the scenes to
watch the band prepare for their live performance and The Fray will
conduct a Q&A session with the members.
GRAMMY Soundcheck: The Fray
Tuesday, November 7th
Time TBA (afternoon)
Stubbs BBQ

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got a note from Steven McClintock of Fertitta and McClintock

Hi Ande,

I hope things are going well for you.  I so enjoyed our brief minutes
together and the breakfast tacos were fantastic.  We had a great trip
to California via Texas....great fun.

I just wanted to let you know that Fertitta and McClintock are
playing a CD RELEASE PARTY in Beaumont Texas on November 18th at the
LOGON CAFE around 9pm.

We are expecting a sell out ...or so I hope.  We are also doing a
House Concert at Lucky Run Studios in Houston on the 19th...more
details to follow on that.

If you are around those two places...come on it and be my guest.  IF
you know anyone interested they can contact me at fertandmcc@...

Looking forward to my next trip to Austin...

Yours,
Steven

37 RECORDS

36-61st Place
Long Beach, CA 90803
fax 586 314 5359
info37records@...

http://www.37records.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


I'm looking for a HIT song for an amazing male country artist who is
close to getting singed. Here's what his manager wrote me:

"We feel we need one more song for a pitch and are looking for a
particular type of song - we don't have that music industry 'respect'
song yet -
we don't have the
"I Believe";
"God Bless the Broken Road" type song.

Let me know if you know of any."

So jpf friends if you know of any amazing songs for an awesome male
country artist
please send me an email with

the song title
writers names and
a link to where I can hear it

only one title and one link per email

please don't send me
an email that says
here's where you can find my catalog
please browse through it,

you may submit up to 3 songs

send you email to
AndeRasmussen@...
in the subject field write
IFS HIT HUNT
NO MP3's or attachments
Links only

you can post here as well
you don't have to have written the song
you can do a friend a favor

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a voting member of the Recording Academy you should be receiving
your nominating ballot for the 49th GRAMMY Awards (within one week
following our mailing date of Wednesday, October 18, 2006).

Please ensure that your ballot reaches the offices of Deloitte &
Touche in Los Angeles by the deadline of Wednesday, November 08,
2006.  Final Nominations will be announced at our December 7th
Nominations Press Conference.

If you do not receive your ballot within one week of our mailing
date, please contact the GRAMMY offices via e-mail at
ballot@... or by phone (310) 392-0439.

Thank you again for participating in the 48th GRAMMY Awards process.
Your voice and your vote are key to the success and integrity of our
process.

Neil Portnow, President, and The Academy Awards Department
The Recording Academy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Subject: Recording Academy Member Benefit: Discount to North American
Folk Alliance ConferenceThe 2007 International Folk Alliance
Conference launches from its new home in
Memphis, "Home of the Blues and The Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll", and
will host
200+ performing artists, four nights of showcases, four days of
feature
concerts, an exhibit hall, parties, panels, workshops, clinics and
more all
under one roof in downtown Memphis, TN.

A special discounted rate of $275.00 for full conference registration
will be
available until January 5, 2007 for all Recording Academy members.
Simply put
"NARAS" on your registration form or online at
http://www.folkalliance.org/conference/.

Recording Academy discount information and full conference details
can be found
at www.folk.org or by contacting the FA office at (901)522-1170.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

sign up to be on artist street teams
you can get ideas about what to do with your street team

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ever met Malcolm Harper?

Malcolm Harper  (TX Chapter President, The Recording Academy)
Reelsound Recording Co.
www.reelsound-usa.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

john arthur martinez is playing Gruene Hall
Oct. 29, 2006 Gruene, TX, Gruene Hall, 4-8 P.M. with Tejas;
http://www.gruenehall.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

T A X I   M u s i c   B i z   R e p o r t s
O c t .   2 3 ,   2 0 0 6
shared this info:


HOW DO I IMPROVE MY SONGWRITING?

The best way is to constantly and persistently study what hit
songwriters do.
Learn from the best. Listen to the radio and take notes on what hit
songs have
in common. What is their structure like? Do they end verses on major
or minor
chords? Do they have a bridge? How many bars are in the intro?

The best novelists are people who constantly read, and the same just
might be
true of songwriters. Reading helps develop a writer's sense of
worldliness. The
more things you know about and understand, the more you can write
about. Reading
books about songwriting will also put you at a tremendous advantage.

Become obsessed. Study and write every day. You couldn't be a starting
quarterback in the NFL without spending years in training. The same
is true of
great songwriters. They are rarely, if ever born into this world as
great
songwriters. They become great by learning from the great writers who
came
before them.

Hint: Stay current. Don't write songs that could have been hits when
you were
twenty-one (unless you are twenty-one). Write songs that will appeal
to today's
audience.

Remember that you aren't competing with your friends and peers. To
really be in
the music business and get your songs cut, you need to be competitive
with the
top writers of the day.

COULD WORKING WITH ANOTHER SONGWRITER IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF SUCCESS?

Yes, in at least two ways. Number one: Two heads are often better
than one. You
just might write a better song with a collaborator.

Number two: If you're really lucky, the person you co-write with may
be more
advanced and/or better connected than you are, giving you a leg up on
getting
your songs cut.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

from SongU

congrats to IFS reader

And speaking of first cuts, a big round of congratulations are in
order for Mitch Townley from TN and Donna Galbraith from CO. Their
song, "Family Tree" caught the ears of Spin N Pitch guest, DeWayne
Spaw who promptly played it for his producer (hit writer, Dave
Gibson) who also loved the song and are cutting it. This is Mitch's
first cut!  This is the email we received from the artist DeWayne
this week:

"I just wanted to let you know that we now have our lineup of songs
selected for the new CD project, thanks in part to SongU and Spin N'
Pitch. We will be recording Mitch Townley and Donna Galbraith's,
FAMILY TREE which we found right here through SongU. I also wanted to
let Mitch and Donna know that my producer, Dave Gibson, is very
impressed with the song and that is a huge compliment coming from a
man who has written so many hits himself. Thank you for helping us
find great songs and we will be sure to use SongU for future
projects."
you can hear it at:
http://www.songramp.com/mod/mps/viewtrack.php?trackid=48679
Dave Brooks on vocals

It baffles me why some label hasn't signed Dave Brooks.
He's such a talent.

way to go guys, great song

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

a note from Steve Seskin

My new CD is called Two Paper Town. If you'd like a copy, go to my
website at www.steveseskin.com where you can listen and/or order. I
also have a new children's book out called A Chance To Shine and a
Spanish version of the book Don't Laugh At Me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was poking around on CDBaby and found this

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wcs

West Coast Songwriters
Winners Compilation
Song Contest and Open Mic Winners 2000-2004

West Coast Songwriters is excited and proud to present our premier CD
compilation featuring a cross-section of our talented songwriting
community. Included are the winners of our Open Mic events spanning
the 2000 to the present along with the winners of West Coast
Songwriters International Song Contest.

Our Mission Statement says it all: WCS Is an Industry Leader
Dedicated to Providing the Environment, Opportunities, and Tools to
Nurture, Educate and Promote Songwriters, Our first CD is another
opportunity we are proud to bring to our songwriters. Check out
www.westcoastsongwriters.org for info on these and other independent
artists or to join our community of songwriters!

This amazing collection of songs is a true testament to the
songwriters and their dedication to the craft of songwriting,
showcasing the wide range of styles within our organization. Tony
Ferguson (A&R at Interscope, signed No Doubt, etc.) commented that
all A&R Reps should attend the WCS Sunset Concert to freshen their
ears. So, refresh your ears and enjoy!

1. First up, our 2004 Song Contest Winner, Sara Bareilles, now
touring the world opening for Maroon 5. Sara, based in Southern
California, originally hails from Mendocino county.
2. John Lester, Open Mic Winner, currently living in Amsterdam. John
is touring Europe with artist/songwriter, Gretchen Peters after
meeting at our Annual Songwriters Conference.
3. Tom Richardson, Open Mic Winner, plays with his group The
Farallons, blends intelligent songs with exceptional vocals and
genuine craftsmanship on acoustic instruments.
4. Suzie Vinnick, performs our first International Song Contest win
co-written with fellow Canadians, Kristi McGraw and Stuart Lister.
5. Kenon Chen from our Open Mic Playoffs, blends intricate acoustic
rhythmn with a pure voice. Look for his live shows, Kenon is
currently playing to sold-out venues.
6. Michael McNevin, Song Contest Winner (he's also won our Open Mic
Playoffs a couple of times in past years). Michael is a true
troubador and story teller, always on the road sharing his songs
across America.
7. The Kimberly Trip, Song Contest Winners, play their pop/rock song
crafted after taking songwriting classes through WCS. Kimberly and
Jeff now run the Sacramento Open Mic for WCS
8. Eoin Harrington, Open Mic Winner, is making a name for himself in
the San Francisco Bay Area, playing the major music venues and
getting airplay on KFOG. Eoin is blessed with an amazing voice and a
cheeky character. He hails from Ireland.
9. Elya Finn, Open Mic Winner, originally from Russia co wrote her
song with poet Michael Rothenberg. Her songs are unique, interesting
and intelligent.
10. Larry Potts, Open Mic Winner, is winning awards from many song
contests and Open Mics. His band is Americana at its best.
11. LaRhonda Martin, Open Mic Winner, performs with her sisters. Her
original spiritual songs and vocal blend have enamored judges and
audiences alike.
12. Gerry Grosz, Open Mic Winner, and world class musician. Gerry
writes with an ironic comedic twist, keeping bay area audiences
laughing.
13. Courtney C Patty, Open Mic Winner, co-wrote her heartfelt song
that is quickly becoming a wedding standard.
14. Jimmy James Page, multiple Open Mic Winner, blends his incredible
voice with talented songwriting skills. He is an in-demand Bay Area
performer
15. Judy London, Open Mic Winner, haunts us with her wonderful song.
She currently resides in Southern California.



Open Mic Winners first won a monthly Open Mics at one of the six
locations At the end of the season, they competed head to head other
winners at the Playoffs. Those that get through perform their winning
song at the Sunset Concert at the Annual Songwriters Conference for
over 50 industry guests as well all the Conference attendees.

Annual Song Contest Winners, selected by our industry judges, as the
Best Song received. Songs are submitted from all over the United
States and internationally. The Overall Winner receives an awesome
prize such as music equipment totaling over $10,000, plus the
opportunity to perform their winning song at the Sunset Concert.

We are grateful to Derek Sivers and CDBaby.com for their generous
donation of production of this CD and for including this on their
fabulous website.

Thanks to Lou Dorren and Xytar Digital Systems, Richard Stockton and
Shure Microphones for donating our wonderful International Song
Contest prizes

Thanks to Rainer Gembalczyk of Sienna Digital for generating the
graphics, Tami Mulcahy for helping get the project together, to Ned
Hearn for his legal guidance work and providing contracts. Thanks to
all the Open Mic Managers and volunteers and judges, and our
wonderful Song Contest industry judges.

For more information on events, membership and participation in our
events, access our website at www.westcoastsongwriters.org.

Mission/Vision Statement
WCS Is an Industry Leader Dedicated to Providing the Environment,
Opportunities, and Tools to Nurture, Educate and Promote Songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dear Ande,

I belong on the board of a songwriting organization and we feel
pretty certain that one of our board members has been spending
organization funds for their own personal use.

What do you think we should do about this?

Perplexed

~ ~ ~

Dear Perplexed,

I'd first investigate the situation and gather eveidence. Examine
bank statements, get receipts, and explanations.  If you feel the
person is innocent drop it, however if you feel they have been
stealing organization funds.  Present the info at a board meeting. I
spoke with one friend who is a CPA and another who is an attorney,
both said, if the allegations are true, the board member has breached
their fiduciary responsibility and should be terminated.  If board
members know this and take no action at some point they could become
liable.

I'll ask IFS readers how they feel about this situation, I'm sure
folks have opinions on the topic.

ande

IFS readers please email me if you do

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

are you going to the JP Folks Music Awards Event?
http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2006/Reservation.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

singer searching for songs

Krysta Scoggins is looking for songs

Krysta Scoggins is looking for songs ...

Krysta is aggressively looking for Traditional New Country songs in
all tempos to add to her second CD.  She loves songs with a little
edgy touch to them similar to Miranda Lambert but yet has a
Traditional flavor to them.  She enjoys strong meaningful lyrics.

She plans to record in the earlier part of 2007 with pre-production
in December so we have a deadline of November 30th for any song
submissions.

If you would like to submit any songs have them:

e-mail using mp3's:
krysta@...

If you use song links that would be great just let us know the link.

Snail Mail:
Krysta Scoggins
Infinity Music Canada Inc.
10437-32A Avenue
Edmonton, AB, Canada  T6J 4A7

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.
What's new with you?

John Arthur Martinez has a new CD that's only available at burnlounge
drop by
www.burnlounge.com/ande to listen to it and get it.

Today I had breakfast with Doak Turner and Steven McClintock, they
were driving from Nashville to LA.
Doak is a writer and does http://www.NashvilleMuse.com
Steven wears many hats.
http://www.StevenMcClintock.com
http://www.SongCatalog.com
http://www.37records.com
His songs have been recorded by pop artist Tiffany, Andy Williams,
ATC, Sixwire, and The Nelsons to name a few selling over 15,000,000
copies worldwide.

Steven also told me about about a band on his label
Shiny Toy Guns, that just signed a deal and is doing quite well on
myspace.
and his wife Cathy Anne McClintock
http://www.37records.com/artists_camcclintock.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

got this note from john arthur

Dearest Friends and Allies,

Yvonna and I have made an offer on a property "high on a hill where
the whitetail run" and the offer has been accepted. We must now move
quickly on selling our current home.

  If you know anyone who is interested in moving to the Texas Hill
Country please let them know that we have a manufactured home on two
lots adjacent to Lower Colorada River Authority Greenbelt area (no
one can build to the south, west, or east of you). My wife keeps an
immaculate house so it's in great shape with great neighbors--mostly
retirees. We've come down from the asking price 5 times and have
told the agent to sell it at $64,700. This is what we must have to
cover what we owe, commissions and moving costs.

It's perfect for:  a family looking to start over, a first home
buyer, a
working musician, a friend tired of the northern cold, a rental
property,
a
single Mom. We know several lenders who will help them get approved.

Please contact our agent or reply to the email. Cindy Cornelius can
be
reached at: 830.385.5084 or cindycornelius1@....

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

here's an interesting announcement.
ande
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7921551

Now all your friends can use Facebook
Hide
If you have friends who couldn't get on Facebook beforeâ€"either
because their school didn't give out email addresses, or because
they went to work instead of college now they can all get on
Facebook. Help spread the word by entering their email addresses
here:

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=facebook

Facebook Opens Site To Everyone

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

About grammyu
GRAMMY University Network is a unique and fast growing community of
college students who are pursuing a career in the recording industry.

The Recording Academy, best known for the GRAMMY Awards, created
GRAMMY U to help prepare college students for their careers in the
recording industry through networking, educational programs and
performance opportunities.

GRAMMY U is designed to enhance students' current academic
curriculum with exclusive access to recording industry professionals
such as major recording artists, producers and songwriters, to give
an "out of classroom" perspective to the recording industry.

Membership in GRAMMY U gives you the opportunity to meet with other
students like yourself who want to be in the music industry on both
a local and national level.

The GRAMMY U program is "housed" at a local college or university in
each of the The Recording Academy's 12 Chapter cities: Atlanta,
Chicago, Florida (Miami), Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New York,
Pacific Northwest (Seattle), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Texas
(Austin) and Washington, DC.

Membership in GRAMMY U is only $25, compared to $100 for traditional
Recording Academy members. And that $25 not only gets you access to
both GRAMMY U and Recording Academy events, it delivers a host of
other discounts to magazines, events and music intensive conferences
nationwide.

And... you don't have to live in one of the GRAMMY U cities to be a
part of this program! To find out more, please email
memservices@... or to join, go to GRAMMY.com, click on
Recording Academy and then Membership.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Frank Silverstein from MSNBC is doing a story about entrepreneurs,
musicians, and CD Baby. Though the story hasn't aired yet, he posted
this preview to his blog today...

Sept. 12, 2006 | 5:30 p.m. ET
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13831686/#060912

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Below you will find the 21 Lyrics chosen by fellow members from this
year's entries to be the final nominees in our 2006 Just Plain Folks
Music Awards Lyric Category. The lyric category is unique in our
awards
process as the judging takes place on the website only and the judges
in the first 2 rounds are the peers who entered. For the final round
we'll use a mix of Peers, Fans and Industry professionals to
determine
the final winner.

Congrats to all those nominated and those who participated in the
process along the way.

The 21 nominees will be posted below in Alphabetical Order by title.

http://www.justplainfolks.org/ubb/Forum59/HTML/000029.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Ever heard of Anne Freeman's:
Let them Go First
http://letthemgofirst.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Former ASG pres Joe Strouse has a new CD

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

Joe is an Austin-based musician/songwriter who loves the process of
creating songs and acknowledges the necessity of re-writing. Active
in the Austin Songwriters Group, he lives for the communal thrill of
being a musical sideman and is painfully shy about being out in
front with the microphone (on second thought, maybe that's where the
most heartfelt songs come from...)

This group of songs explores a variety of songwriting genres â€"
country, rock, pop, jazz usually with a wry, quirky sense of
humor/satire. And an unabating love for cookies.

Musically infectious without the need for antibiotics and more fun
than the time the kid dropped a dozen eggs on the kitchen floor.

1. The West Starts Here
2. I Can't Make Up Your Mind
3. Froze In Time
4. Malled
5. Gym
6. D'accord Ilene
7. 1965
8. Every Day Is Saturday
9. That's How I Ended Up Here
10. It Is What It Is
11. New Potatoes
12. Nighthawks

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

interact with IFS members on MySpace at
http://groups.myspace.com/SongWriterBlog

join songwriterblog on the face book
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2210465957

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bob Dylan has a poetic license to echo lyrics
http://tinyurl.com/rejsf

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Manager Admits $1.2M Songwriter Theft
Royalty manager admits $1.2M theft from Songwriters Guild with
daughter, nephew
http://tinyurl.com/nz5dc

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

a note from JPF 2006 Nominees,

After the Epic length email from Thursday, I thought I'd give you a
break with 3 short updates that are important (and fun!):
--------------------------------------------
1. Online voting is now active.

Peer votes count 1/3 of the final total to determine this year's
Award winners
in the song and short form video categories  (long form video and
album nominees
are handled offline due to the time requirements needed to judge and
the lyric
nominees will be added soon).  There's no better peers than fellow
nominees!  If
you'd like to help judge this year's winners in any category other
than your own
and have a fast internet connection, we've streamlined the
registration process
for fellow nominees to vote.

You can vote in any genre/category except ones that you, your band
mates (past
and present), your business associates/clients, your family members,
co-writers
or significant others are also nominated in.  Simply put, just don't
vote on
something where you have a conflict of interest.  Everything else is
fair game.

Since we already know who you are, all you have to do is visit the
link bellow,
enter your email address and name (please use the email address you
are on right
now) and you can get started voting right away.

Here's the link:
http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2006/Nominees/vote.php


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Opportunity for outstanding songwriters

Before you read, you may wish to check out my myspace site for
credibility:
www.myspace.com/prosongwriter

What I am looking for:

1) Great lyricists specialized in their craft

2) Great melody writers specialized in their craft

3) Great track writers/composers specialized in their craft

(note: the genres I am interested in are; pop, pop/rock, R&B, and
any mixture of the three)

Must be professional, serious and willing to do what is necessary
(ethically) to get the job done.

If you're chosen to be part of my songwriting team, I will expect
you to complete the assignment given to you in a timely manner.

This is a non-exclusive arrangement. Meaning, even though you will
be a valued member on board, you are free to pursue your own
endeavors on your own time. Anything you do on your own will not be
the responsibility of myself or others on the team.

Completed works under my umbrella will be split equally between you
and those involved with whatever project that is assigned to you.
This includes writing and publishing shares.

I am looking for only the highest quality and the best writers that
can consistently write potential hits that can be made into actual
hits.

I am only looking for writers, I am not looking for producers.
However, if you are a producer, that skill will be utilized to
ensure project placements. If you are involved on the project as a
writer, do not expect to be the producer on the project because
whatever artist we are working with may have their own production
team in place. I am making this known now so there are no
misunderstandings later.

What I am NOT looking for:

1) People who woke up this morning and decided they want to try
being a writer. Sorry, but it takes time to develop the skill
necessary to qualify for what I need.

2) People who are in this to get rich. If you don't love music
first, then you'll never know what it takes to make it onto the
playing field. I am not saying it isn't possible to get rich as a
writer. What I am saying is you won't get rich if that is your
primary motivation.

3) People who procrastinate and make false promises. Treat
songwriting like a business. If you want to succeed, then you have
to show something of yourself in order for others to believe in you.

4) People who create problems. Sorry, I am not into drama and/or
conflict. Leave your BS at the door. I am only looking for
professionals.

With that said, if you believe you have what it takes to be part of
my songwriting team, then you may message me on myspace
(www.myspace.com/prosongwriter) or you may send me an email at
gwsongwriter@...

What I need from you is a demo of 3 to 4 songs that you've written.
A biography, any credits you may have to your name and whether or
not you're attached (exclusively or non-exclusively) to any other
publisher, management, production agreement, etc...If you have a
website with all of that available, all the better.

If you make the grade, then further correspondence will follow.

Thank you and good luck,

Gregory Watton

http://www.justplainfolks.org/ubb/Forum4/HTML/002653.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

New Artist needs  some advice

Posted by: "Hope Joy"
xicrazy@...

Hi groupies!

I am a new member. A muscian and artist from birth I believe. Hah!
My mother said I jumped in her womb at the sound of music!

Well, as I've had my time exploring various occupations and
passions, I am finally come to the conclusion that music is the way
I can praise God best (and lead others into His presence by doing
so). I am believing that He has plans for me here. Still, struggling
as to where to begin. I have taken voice lessons and guitar lessons
(in the process now). I also periodically lead worship.

Any advice as how to be a part of a band, worship leader, writing
songs, recording, selling?

I'd love to do this rather than some other side job one day. Still,
it's all in His time.

Thanks for your help!

Hope Joy Daily :) (Yep, that's my REAL name)

~ ~ ~

here was my reply to joy

hello hope joy,

begin where you are with what you have
you're asking a huge question
which is actually many questions
but the main question is

How do I make a living being a worship leader?

Actually to answer your question, we need more info about you
do you have a website?
a myspace site?
any recordings?
are you doing any gigs?
have you written any songs?
How a old are you?
what's your bio?

i would also comment that very few artists can go from nothing, to
making a decent living from music

I suggest for folks to get a good education or develop other skills
you can make a decent living from, get a good job with health
insurance, persue music on the side or get into a relationship with
someone who does and believes in you so much that they'll support
you through the lean years.

it all begins with the decision, the  intention,

I am a worship leader.

then you start acting how worship leaders act
and
start doing what worship leaders do

find or write powerful songs
set up gigs
figure out who your fans are
connect with your fans
write music for them
create products for your fans music and merch
create a website

right now when I googled your name nothing comes up

interview worship leaders

take action day after day after day
keep taking action on days when you feel like giving up

you should consult with eric copeland
http://www.ericcopelandmusic.com/

good luck,

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

matraca berg's recent cuts

Here are some of the recent CDs that have featured songs written or
co-written by Matraca Berg:

LORIANNA MATERA
Nobody's Angel
Earwave Records
Song: "Destiny's Daughter"
PURCHASE: http://cdbaby.com/cd/lorianna/from/ande

~ ~ ~

PAT GREEN
Cannonball
BNA/Sony BMG
Song: "Finder's Keepers"
LISTENING PARTY & PURCHASE CD:
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/green_pat/1319262/album.jhtml


VARIOUS ARTISTS
Broken Bridges: Soundtrack from the Original Motion Picture
Show Dog Nashville
Song: "Along for The Ride" (from Berg's 1997 Sunday Morning to
Saturday Night release)
LISTENING PARTY & PURCHASE CD:
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/various_artists/1322878/album.jhtml


CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON
Love & Negotiation
Equity Records
Song: "All You Need to Know"

DEBBIE HENNESSEY
Good As Gone
Rustic Heart Records
Song: "I'm Still Alive" (originally recorded by Trisha Yearwood)
PURCHASE CD: http://cdbaby.com/cd/hennessey2/from/ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SEARCHING FOR SONGS OPPS

Date: Sep/09/2006
By: H Brown
E-mail: shtngstrprod@...

Title: General Mgr
Company: Shooting Star Productions
Telephone: 661-312-2752

Subject: NEED SONGS FOR DUET

Comment:
Looking for songs in a country and pop genre for a male and female
duet

By: Soundnest
E-mail: soundnest@...

Subject: Looking for lyrics for our band

Comment:
Send your lyrics or demos to us, we are looking for a romantic
alternative rock type song, like a modern power ballad, if you think
you have quality material in your hands send it to us at
soundnest@... and we will notify who we choose to go with


Date: Sep/07/2006
By: sherry
E-mail: girlsongcountry@...

Title: singer
Address: 129 steamboat blv
Telephone: 3212977699

Subject: country songwritter needed for studio time

Comment:
looking for some great country songs that have an comtempor feel and
song that really touch on todays issues,.i am a singing who is
looking for some great songs to take to the studio in
nashville ,would love to sing some of these great songwritters
storys .love martina mcbride,faith hill ,if you would like to
contact me at (321)297-7699 ask for sherry

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Eugene paper did a story on my buddy Halie Loren
http://www.registerguard.com/news/2006/09/29/5.tk.halieloren.0929.p1.
php?section=ticket

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

the Tennessean ran the following story

Songwriter Sandy Knox returns

From freelance journalist Beverly Keel:

Grammy-nominated songwriter Sandy Knox has moved back to Nashville
after spending nearly eight years in Austin.

"I moved back because I feel Nashville is my home and this is where
my 'urban' family is," says Sandy, who wrote hits such as "Does He
Love You," "Why Haven't I Heard from You" and "She Thinks His Name
Was John." She's working on a musical comedy with writers and
producers from Broadway.

"I missed Nashville. Also, I want to start working with new writers
and artists. I am especially excited about working with a new artist
named Kyle Wyley and the female duo Bomshel."

Sandy moved to Austin in 1998 to be closer to her parents, who lived
in Houston. Her father died in 2004; her mother remains in Houston
and encouraged the return to Music City. "One of the reasons I moved
was because although my father wasn't ill, I had a very strong
feeling that he didn't have many years left and I wanted to spend
time with him. That ended up being correct, and 5½ years later, he
passed away somewhat unexpectedly. So I don't regret the move at
all. But it's nice to be back."

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609210393

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Ever heard of Nashville Hype?

nashvilleHype  anderasmussen
  Offline
  Send Email
     Hello everyone. This is my first time ever being here and I
regret
that my first post here is of a link - however, I do think everyone
will really like the interviews and hopefully, the website as well.
My name is Paul King and I am the owner/operator of NashvilleHype! -
a weblog dedicated to the promotion of songwriters and artist in
Nashville. We are part of the I Live Music network which includes
BloggingMuses - a weblog dedicated to writing better songs. I am a
contributing writer at BloggingMuses.

As a result of my own website and affiliation with the network, I
get to interview some really great songwriters and I thought I'd
come over, introduce myself and tell you all about a couple of the
interviews I've done recently.

John Barlow Jarvis is a back to back two time Grammy Award winning
songwriter in Nashville and he gives a great interview (with some
excellent advice for those just starting out).

Bart Allmand had the #1 song recently ("Brand New Girlfriend") and
writes with Jeffrey Steele, Bob Dipiero, and Craig Wiseman among
many others.

Clay Cumbie is a songwriter signed to Craig Wiseman's Big Loud Shirt
Industries

Ryan Tyndell is a songwriter signed to Sony/ATV and is pursuing an
artist deal as well.

Also, I have people like Rusty Gaston who once oversaw Byron
Gallimore's Song Garden and now co-owns This Music with Tim Nichols
and Connie Harrinton (and yes, he's always looking for songs)

I have many more interviews from friends and associates either
already on the site, or in the pipeline. From major songwriters and
artists, to the behind the scenes worker bees in management,
publishing, at labels, etc...

I also have news, upcoming events, and commentary.

I hope you'll stop by and keep coming back and I thank the
moderators here for allowing this post. Best to you all.

http://www.nashvillehype.com

from:
http://www.justplainfolks.org/ubb/Forum2/HTML/006071.html

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

cheryl murdock wrote:


I have two exciting things to share with ya....

My song "I've Waited So Long" will air on Veronica Mars (background
music
for university food court scene) on Tuesday October 3rd - it's the
3rd
season premier of Veronica Mars and it's on the CW (KNVA) Channel
12. It's
at 8pm.  If you have never heard of Veronica Mars then you should
google it
and set your Tivo and check it out.
Although my song will be in the background and is not a featured
track -
it's still out there for even more people to hear and how lucky am I
to be
able to say "As heard on Veronica Mars"?
(Thank you very much Rob!)

If you have not heard "I've Waited So Long" go to
www.myspace.com/cherylmurdock and check out the track. It's on my CD
Starting Fires which is available at Waterloo Records in Austin,
Sundance
Records & Tapes in San Marcos and ofcourse you can purchase is
online at
www.cdbaby.com/cherylmurdock or even purchase downloadable tracks
for your
MP3 Player at Itunes, and more!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ever heard of CAPresents?

Charles Attal Presents CAP) is an independent promoter based in
Austin, Texas founded in 1997 by Charles Attal.  We currently book,
promote and market over 800 shows a year in addition to booking
private parties and corporate events.  We work with the best talent
agencies in the world giving us access to premier artists from
around the globe.

We recently partnered with Capital Sports and Entertainment (CSE) to
form an new artist management company called Fourth Floor Management
focused on providing bands a full spectrum of artist management
services, including band and label relations, touring/ticketing
oversight, publishing, sponsorship, merchandise, creative design and
new media/online marketing.

CAP and CSE are long standing partners who work together to provide
a soup to nuts solution including marketing, talent buying, event
production, sponsorship and promotion on large scale events like the
Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza.
http://www.capresents.com/

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Over the next few weeks, TAYLORSWIFT.COM is going to be giving away
over 100 tee shirts - created especially for you, our Team Taylor
friends!

All you have to do is send an e-mail to your friends and let them
know that...

1: Taylor Swift's new CD is coming out on October 24th (You can pre-
order Taylor's CD on TAYLORSWIFT.COM now and actually get it
autographed!)

and

2: They can see Taylor's new video for the song "Tim McGraw" at
TAYLORSWIFT.COM

Then, all you need to do to enter for your chance to get your very
own Taylor Swift tee shirt is send us a message telling us how many
friends you sent your message to, and enclose a copy of the email
that you sent to them! We'll be drawing winners every week. There's
no limit to the number of times you can enter to win, or the number
of friends you can tell about Taylor!

Send your entry to TEAMTAYLOR@..., and remember to tell
us how many friends you told about Taylor!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hello Everyone,

My group is called SHADES APART and can be seen at
www.shadesapartband.com. Currently we are a very successful cover
band playing all over New England that has a substantial following.
We would like to branch out and put together an original album. Our
lineup consist of Female and Male lead vocals, Keyboards, guitar,
bass and Drums. All of which are extremely talented.
We are looking for songwriters that specialize in Rock / Pop /
Country mainstream - hooky types of lyrics.
We have our own studio and alot of resources to get this project off
the ground.
We would love to hear from any of you who might be interested in
working with us. Please take a few minutes to visit our site and see
what we are all about. We have some mp3s there so you can hear our
sound.

We hope to hear from some of you
Paul
shadesapartpaul@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.
What's new with you?


I've been telling you about the
the 2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards
Well the Nominations are in!
over the last 12 months they screened over
350,000 songs
25,500 CDs
you can find their picks for the Songs that moved us the most in 67
Genres/Categories.
http://jpfolks.org/home.html


I'm honored to say that I have one
I have one song in the
Vocal Jazz Song Category
Song: Blue Holiday
Cowriters: John Gilliam and Ande Rasmussen
Artist: Halie Loren  www.halieloren.net
http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2006/SongNominees.html


and One lyric is a Lyric Nominee
Lyric: Lone Starry Night
Cowriters: John Arthur Martinez and Ande Rasmussen
Artist: John Arthur Martinez
http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2006/LyricNominees.html


I also saw several of my Cowriters were nominees:
Jen Rathbun / Cabaret
Faith Rivera / Contemporary
Gayla LeJeune / Cajun
Vaughn Daniel / Country
Steve Seskin / Male S/S
Faith Rivera / World


In the album Category I have cuts on a couple of the Nominee CDs
http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2006/AlbumNominees.html


Cabaret Album Nominees
Coffee, Chocolate & Men
Jen Rathbun
3 cuts including the title track


Country Album Nominees
Makes Perfect Sense
Sheila Marshall
cut: Zip Zero


many of the nominees are folks I know or I've heard of and respect,
I look forward to hearing the songs,
The 2006 jpf awards is very cool and exciting.

Please let me know if one of your songs or CDs is a 2006 nominee
I'm launching a list of IFS finalists in the next issue

here's where you can find info on
how to sign up as a judge for
the 2006 JPF Music Awards
http://www.justplainfolks.org/ubb/Forum61/HTML/000097.html

I'm gonna be one.

~ ~ ~

ACL Fest starts in Austin today

~ ~ ~

On Wed Sept 13 I attended the Texas Grammy board meeting in Austin.

Grammy Dates:

October 1: Awards: Deadline to join to receive first round GRAMMY
ballot

October 10 is the deadline to get preferntial pricing for the Texas
chapter Recording Academy Honors Event

October 11: Deadline to submit artwork for advertisements in the
Honors tribute journal

October 19: Awards: First ballots mailed

November 3: Deadline to purchase Honors tickets

November 8: Awards: First ballots due

November 13: Texas Chapter Recording Academy Honors, Austin
www.Grammy.com

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lukas won Rock Star

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Matt Weddle's cover of Outcasts Hey Ya has gotten over 356425 Views
on YouTube. It's safe to say it's gone viral. They interviewed Matt
on austin's 94.7 FM this morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ioKEDgnfs8
Views: 356425

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAeIGYJVktg
Views: 14835

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

indie-music.com interviewed Brian Austin Whitney the founder of
JPFOLKS.org
Our friends over at indie-music.com did an interview with me in
August that is now on their site. Here's a link if you are curious:
http://indie-music.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5192

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gary Powell's
In The Studio
event in Austin, TX

I am pleased to present one of classicial music's most outstanding
guitarists, Adam Holzman, in our first show for this fall.  Amy will
be serving light hors d'oeuvres before the show with dessert and
coffee at intermission.  Please feel free to bring your own beer or
wine and we'll keep it chilled for you.


For details about all the artists, the experience and ticket
information, please visit:
http://www.studioconcerts.com
Adam Holzman
Classical Guitarist
http://www.adamholzman.net
$60.00 / Saturday, October 7, 2006 - 7:30pm
(Doors open at 6:30p)


One of the world's greatest classical guitarists, Adam's playing is
simply stunning especially when experienced this close-up and
personal.   If you are new to the classical guitar genre, Adam will
make a fan out of you. - Gary Powell

(If you are interested in attending,
please try to book this week if possible as
Amy and I will be out of email range from Sept 15th - 30th for a
much needed vacation.)

"No one should drive a hard bargain with an artist."
--- Ludwig Van Beethoven

http://www.garypowell.com/
512-301-0555 (studio)
512-301-0909 (fax)

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For Songwriters, Musicians, Artists, Music Ministers...

2007 New Thought Songwriters Tribute Awards

http://www.itoiministries.org/itoitributeinfo.htm
http://www.itoiministries.org/songsubmission2007.htm
$9 Song Submissions till 9/15, then $15
Awesome awards program forwarding positive, spiritual music for all
faiths.  If your song is nominated you will have the opportunity to
be a part of nationwide Posipalooza Concerts as well as flown to the
summer Awards ceremony.  It's been such a blessing for me as a
nominee & recent winner to be able to share my music around the
country & to be honored in such a special way.  Please consider
submitting your music if it fits in with one of these categories:
Group/Chant songs are prayers to be sung in groups or congregations,
with the express purpose of connecting people with God and with each
other.
Inspirational songs inspire us into action and empower us to make
the difference that can transform the world. Any one of us has that
potential.
Personal Transformation songs help us to grow into our full
potential as spiritual beings by giving us suggestions on actions we
can take to become our best spiritual selves.
Humorous songs use humor to deliver a New Thought message of any
theme.
Healing songs affirm the wholeness of body, mind, spirit, and the
world, no matter what outer appearances seem to tell us.
Most Uniting New Thought Message songs affirm our common heritage as
children of one Creator. They help us see through the politics that
separate us into the heart of humankind where we are all truly
equal. Namaste

Positive Music Association
http://www.positivemusicassociation.com
Largest online listing of Positive Music Artists...if you sign-up
tell Scott Johnson that I sent you :)

Sound Connections Newsletter
http://www.unity.org/music.html
(click on "SOUND CONNECTION NEWSLETTER" on the left column to see an
issue)
Run by Richard Mekdeci at the Association of Unity Churches.  The
newsletter is great for ARTISTS (CD reviews, Artist Features,
Opportunities for inclusion in upcoming Songbooks, related events,
etc.) & for MUSIC MINISTERS wanting to post openings for music
directors, musicians, etc.  Email Richard at convast@... to
subscribe or to submit articles

New Thought Music
http://www.newthoughtmusic.com/
Calendar, articles & other resources for New Thought Music.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ASCAPLUS Award notifications Arrived

I got one in the mail this week. Below is a notice from Dennis
Livingston and I spoke with Halie Loren who also received one.
In January 2007 ASCAP is going to mail us check.  Not sure when the
2007 Award Applications begins but the deadline is probably sometime
in june.
Did you Get one?


Boston cabaret songwriter Dennis Livingston has received an ASCAPLUS
Award
for 2006-07. This program is not a songwriting competition, but
intended to
recognize work done by member writers of ASCAP who are in early or
mid-career stage and, for more established writers, work done mainly
outside
of broadcast media. Awards are granted in Classical, Jazz and Popular
Divisions ­ I applied in the latter ­ and are based on the recent
performance history of one¹s catalog. As a non-performing
songwriter, I am
especially pleased at this acknowledgment that my songs are being
covered by
singers performing across the country and abroad, including Lua
Hadar's
recording of "An Ordinary Day" on her CD, "It's About Time." My
songs can be
heard in full at
www.dennislivingston.com
Dennis

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wednesday, September 27 at Mother Egans.

OUR LAST MEETING THIS MONTH:

WHAT: The Network Austin Mixer
WHEN: Wednesday September 27 from 6:30 PM Till Late
WHERE: Mother Egans Irish Pub 715 West 6th St. Austin, TX
WHO: Everyone involved in film and YOU!
SPEAKER: Barbara Morgan - Executive Director of the Austin Film
Festival - 7 PM
Please check out the AFF website:
http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/new/

Gary L. Wimmer for The Network Austin Mixer
http://www.garywimmer.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SINGER SEARCHING FOR SONGS

more details on the one I mentioned last time

arahimi@...

Good morning Ande,
Obviously by now you have been warned about my 12 year old daughter
Elle Rahimi.

To give you a quick profile on Elle:

She is 12 years old & a honor roll student in 7th. grade and has a
passion for music. During the past 4 years Elle's music achievements
have been accomplished locally under the care of vocal instructor
Mr. Robert Zoppi Jr.

Within the past 2 years Elle released two CDS, the latest
being "Freedom" for which we distributed aprox. 400 complimentary
copies amongst family & friends.

In April 2006 Elle was selected by 98 Rock (local radio station in
Sacramento) to perform the National Anthem (twice) at Infineon Race
Way in Sonoma Ca. Panel of judges, which included: Steve Page,
president and general manager, Infineon Raceway; John Kessler,
morning news anchor for CBS-TV (San Francisco); and Chris Cotter, 98
Rock FM. Elle has entered and won multiple talent shows in
Sacramento, Rocklin & Roseville California. Her music idles include
Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood & LeAnn Rimes. She loves to sing
country & top 40!

Attached please find two sample songs from her latest CD Freedom as
well as her picture. Although her mother and I don't mind her voice
being posted (in an event you require) we are strongly against
having her picture posted at this point. Also please feel free to
post my email address incase other writers are interested in
submitting their songs.

Thanks & hope to hear that one amazing song that we are all waiting
for...

Take care

Ali Rahimi
arahimi@...

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"How to Maximize Your Music On MySpace", by Bernard Baur! For all of
you music MySpacer's, this is an issue you NEED to pick up. Starting
9/11, you can check it out online:

http://musicconnection.com/currentissue/contents.lcgi

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

thought y'all might want to know about a bill that Lamar Smith
recently sponsored that deals with copyright issues
http://lamarsmith.house.gov
Congressman Smith is the Chairman of Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee.


H.R. 6052: Copyright Modernization Act of 2006

A BILL to amend title 17, United States Code, to provide for
licensing of digital delivery of musical works and to provide for
limitation of remedies in cases in which the copyright owner cannot
be located, and for other purposes.

http://www.publicknowledge.org/node/621

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ericcopeland@... writes:
I'm excited to announce a brand new service from Creative Soul in
Nashville!

ChristianSessionPlayers.com

A new paradigm in recording great musicians. With the instant
communication and connectivity of the web, the top musicians of
Christian Music can be yours for cheaper than buying a plane ticket
to
Nashville.

Use the players who play regularly for Michael W. Smith, Keith Urban,
Rebecca St. James, Avalon, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, and Sara Groves.

Our goal is simple: To provide quality session players to everyone
despite where they are physically located, bring high quality
performances to your project, and providing these deserving players
with consistent work.

What is the purpose of this site?

We've worked outside a music city trying to get projects done, so we
know the challenges you face. You really want to record the project
yourself, yet the talent pool around you is sometimes not as strong
as
coming to
Nashville. However, budget, time, and other reasons make it
impossible
to take the steps to record here.

Also, it's not always easy to make relationships where you know you
will get the quality that you hear on major Christian releases. We'd
like to become your conduit to the industry here and help you make
great records for years to come.

OK, that makes sense. How can I justify the costs?

Well, if you think about it, you'll spend $50 an hour on studio time
recording a guitar part. So probably $100 there. Then you'll have to
pay the player. That's $50-100. By that time, you're paying $200 for
a
decent area player. With our service you're spending $50 more to get
the top player in Christian music today. And believe us, it makes a
difference. That's why we moved our business here a few years ago!

Also, you're getting the experience of our producers who work with
these musicians and on high quality Christian recording every day.

Check it out today at
www.ChristianSessionPlayers.com


Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

there is a SINGER SEARCHING for Songs Blurb in this issue
that's what the SSS stands for in the subject line

People are busy. Don't take it personal. Be considerate. Persistence
is polite. Also it proves how much you care.
~ Derek Sivers


take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

I set up a personal myspace
http://www.myspace.com/anderasmussen
It's only for people I know, I've had contact with, or I respect.

My latest new demo arrived
Reckless in Texas
please have a listen and let me know what you think
you can find it at:
http://tinyurl.com/nxbxp

Did you catch the ABC Reality Show called The One? It got cancelled,
but my favorite artist on the show was Austin Carroll.
Drop by and listen to his songs and voice and let me know what you
think
http://www.myspace.com/austincarrollmusic

Austin moved to LA, he's living in Kara Dioguardi's home in
Hollywood Hills. (she was a judge on the show and a very successful
songwriter) http://karadioguardi.com

He's definitely one to watch.

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Texas ASCAP Rep is Jan Mirkin
she's one wonderful person
her email is
mirk1@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A note from Brian at JPFOLKS

We have about a half dozen problems holding us up from posting the
nominations. Once we fix or resolve them, we'll create the final
pages to post all the nominees. We have somewhere in the ballpark of
2000 nominees this year.
80 album categories,
67 Song categories,
4 Video categories and
the Lyric Category. (Not to mention all the Founders awards stuff
but we don't post those nominees).
Hang in there for another day or two and we should get this all
finished!
http://jpfolks.org/home.html

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FLM SOCIETY MUSIC

512 345-5797

This performance of Mary K. Shanahan's Cchild of the Chain TM
includes the Austin premier of Rudy Davenport's September 11, a
composition for piano that Executive Producer Mary K. Shanahan
calls "one of the most emotionally overwhelming pieces I have ever
heard. Rudy captured the horror, the anguish and the shock ... as
well as the heroism on that day. It is raw, unnerving and healing at
the same time."

Davenport, an Austin composer, was recently contacted about his
newest chamber music offering Byna, by the Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

Byna, which premiered (with funding from The National Endowment for
the Arts) to rave reviews in the Southeast last year, is a song
cycle composed for soprano, oboe, cello and piano. Current
discussions are to add it to Kennedy Center's schedule later this
year, if all members of the original ensemble are available.

Davenport will also be performing several compositions written with
Mary K. Shanahan, and a new arrangement of Jesus Wept which was
written by two other Texans, Mary Dawson and Bruce Greer, and
pitched to Shanahan after a soft debut of Child of the Chain TM at
One World Theatre last year.  Shanahan recorded the compelling song
about Christ at Bismeaux Studios for radio two weeks ago under the
watchful eye of Gospel Music's Grammy winning songwriter/producer
Chris Morris with Davenport on piano, Rich Brotherton on acoustic
guitar, Jacob Lowery on bass, Omar Lopez on violin, and Jason
Meekins providing percussion.

Mary K. Shanahan's Child of the Chain TM, was inspired by her
national charting single on Christian radio of the same name.  This
new live performance offering gives Mary a platform  to showcase her
work ... as well as that of other Texas songwriters and composers
she feels need to be heard. Part of the mission of the show is to
pass down new hymns and songs to  young artists. On September 8th,
Andrew Cannata, a student at St. Edwards University will be a
featured performer.  Shanahan, who is a past two term president of
the Austin Songwriter's Group, has been a formidable advocate for
Texas music behind the scenes for years.  She takes her passion for
Texas songwriters to another level on
September 8th at

8:00 p.m. at
Emmaus,
1718 Lohman's Crossing in Lakeway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Are you going to Luckenbach, TX this weekend for Mike Blakely's
Fandango?

For more information, fans of Texas music and books can log on to
www.mikeblakely.com
For tickets and directions, go to
www.luckenbachtexas.com


Friday, September 8, 2006

06:00 – Ryan James
07:00 – Jeff Posey
08:00 – The Note Gropers
09:00  – Debbi Walton & Sweet Soul Vibe
10:30 – john Arthur martinez


Saturday, September 9, 2006

BOOKSIGNING, WINE TASTING, ART SHOW IN THE DANCE HALL
NOON—3:00 P.M.  Authors: Mike Blakely, Paulette Jiles, Ben Rehder,
Russ Hall, Bill Groneman.  Artists: Ben Beckendorf, Rod McGeehee,
Mark Persyn, Bianca Laureles.

OUTDOOR MUSIC STAGE
Noon --Ben Frickin' Smith
12:45 Robyn Ludwick
01:30 Zach Huckabee
02:15 Texas Renegade Band

TWO STAGES
03:00 Barnhill -- DANCE HALL
03:45 Brennen Leigh -- OUTDOORS
04:30 The McKay Brothers -- DANCE HALL
05:15 Steven Fromholz -- OUTDOORS
06:00 Chris Holzhaus Blues Band --  DANCE HALL
06:45 Tina Mitchell Wilkins -- OUTDOORS
07:30  Johnny Gringo -- DANCE HALL
08:15 Thomas Michael Riley -- OUTDOORS

DANCE HALL
09:00 Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros
10:00 Max Stalling

11:00 Mike Blakely & The Whiskey Traders

For more information, fans of Texas music and books can log on to
www.mikeblakely.com
For tickets and directions, go to
www.luckenbachtexas.com
or call 1-888-311-8990.

http://www.mikeblakely.com/Fandango.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Here was an answer to a question an artist asked me:

you may have different issues in the area of micropayments with some
of the services where people pay a monthly fee to rent songs and the
companies make small payments for each time a song is played

but right now the bulk of the sales are taking play from sales of
singles and CDs on itunes
here's a list of the companies
http://cdbaby.net/dd?f=4

and here's the totals for CDBaby on

which digital retailers have paid how much
http://cdbaby.org/stories/06/02/08/8880755.html

which pretty much shows you itunes is the 500 pound gorilla of
digital downloads and
(so far) everything else isn't of much significance

you might also need to figure out how to do accounting for
when a person buys a whole CD for 9.99
but I think you just look at
how many songs there are on the CD and
how much money is received

I don't think the 9.1 cents per song should change
which means the artist and label have less to split

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MY Buddy Faith Rivera
www.faithrivera.com
aloha@...
Made the following offers in her latest newsletter
Get in touch with her if you're interested

====================
====================

#4  TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES w/ FAITH (Santa Fe, Mount Shasta)

I may have the opportunity to get you free entrance into two
wonderful
weekend events if you're knowledgeable about my music & different
albums,
like to interact with people & can handle my CD sales.

Sept 29 - Oct 01, 2006
2012 Ascension Symposium
Santa Fe, NM
www.2012ascensionsymposium.com
Courtyard by Marriott
3347 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe , NM 87507
w/ Terry Cole Whittaker, James Redfield, Barbara Marx Hubbard & more
Ticket Value: $325

May 04 - May 06, 2007
WESAK Celebration
Mount Shasta, CA
http://www.wesak.us
601 E. Alma St. , Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Cost: $225 (going up on Jan 1st)

In exchange for overseeing my CD & product sales table, you'll
receive free entrance into the conference & can participate in any
activities that are covered by the basic registration fee.
You'll have to cover your own transportation to/from the event &
possibly lodging (though if room is available,
I'm happy to share my space.)

Please email me with your interest if this sounds like something fun
for you & I'll get back in touch with you.  Thanks!

www.faithrivera.com
aloha@...

====================
====================

WANTED:  MYSPACE SAVVY FAITH-FAN

I'm looking for a MySpace Savvy Fan that can give 10 hours per month
to help me reach out to positive, upbeat, spiritual folks on MySpace,
return emails, update the calendar, maybe spiff up my current page...
in return for a combination of monetary pay, my CDs, sheet
music/charts,

and/or phone/email consultation
www.faithrivera.com/fr/Consultations.html
for a total value of $150 (10hrs x $15).

Please write back if you're interested with your skills and/or link
to
your myspace page or other page you may have designed.  Looking
forward
to finding the "perfect" person that can support these goals & that I
can
support in return financially, or with music or consultations

www.faithrivera.com
aloha@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Leigh Nash from Six Pence non the Richer has a new CD out called
Blue on Blue produced by Canadian producer Pierre Marchand (Sarah
McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright)
http://www.myspace.com/leighnash

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


JOIN the Grammy Organization

The Recording Academy's mission is to advance artistic and technical
excellence, work to ensure a vital and free creative environment,
and act as an advocate on behalf of music and its makers.

Why Join?
Enter recordings, vote and participate in the GRAMMY Awards.
Speak out for your rights through advocacy.
Receive award winning trade publications.
Enjoy discounts through the members only Academy All Access program.

As a member of the Recording Academy, you receive many benefits from
programs and events to discounts on goods and services, and the
privilege of participating in the GRAMMY Awards process.

drop by:
http://www.grammy.com
then click on
JOIN US

Let me know if you do

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR
November 13: the Texas Chapter is having it's Recording Academy
Honors event in Austin, TX

call or email fiona worrall to get your invitation:
Phone: 512-328-7997

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SINGER SEARCHING FOR SONGS

bmbingham@... writes:

Hi Ande,

I'm looking for some original pop songs ala Kelly Clarkson (or any
female idol!) for a young girl making a CD.

It's more of a promotional tool for her and there probably isn't
money involved although maybe some exposure...she performs
regulary.  I'm just trying to help out and don't have anything
myself that fits the bill.

Anyway, if you have anything or can recommend anyone, I'd appreciate
it.

Thanks,

Bret
bmbingham@...

(note to IFS readers from Ande
only pitch this if you have a song that ABSOLUTELY FITS,
don't ask him to stretch a country song into a kelly clarkson pop
song, pitch like your reputation is on the line)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dallas Songwriters has a new newsletter
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/SN.htm
http://www.dallassongwriters.org/news/DSASN0609.pdf

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SWRFA takes place in Austin
Sept 28 - Oct 1,
www.SWRFA.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

you can find the story behind
Bless the Broken Road at
http://www.songbirdcafe.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

JOIN the Grammy Organization

The Recording Academy's mission is to advance artistic and technical
excellence, work to ensure a vital and free creative environment,
and act as an advocate on behalf of music and its makers.

Why Join?
Enter recordings, vote and participate in the GRAMMY Awards.
Speak out for your rights through advocacy.
Receive award winning trade publications.
Enjoy discounts through the members only Academy All Access program.

As a member of the Recording Academy, you receive many benefits from
programs and events to discounts on goods and services, and the
privilege of participating in the GRAMMY Awards process.

drop by:
https://www.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Member_Services/Join/Default
.aspx

Let me know if you do

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR
November 13: the Texas Chapter is having it's Recording Academy
Honors event in Austin, TX

call or email fiona worrall to get your invitation:
Phone: 512-328-7997
fiona.worrall@...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Where on the web do you have your songs?
If you PITCH online it's important for you to make your songs
EASY to FIND and EASY to PLAY, Give Broadjam a try:
you can check em out and sign up at:
http://tinyurl.com/mb48w

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

How's you're writing going?

In the middle of September, My friend Sandy Knox is moving back to
Nashville.

A new demo arrived last night.

I also received Chuck Cannon's God Shapped Hole CD
http://cdbaby.com/cd/chuckcannon/from/ande
I think it's important to study the masters.

Hope you Enjoy this weeks issue,

ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On Alan O'day's updated version and video of his Righteous Brothers
hit "Rock N Roll Heaven"
you'll notice that Denny Martin produced the demo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2cijNKu9qc

http://DennyMartinMusic.com

I've been very happy with the demos Denny Made for me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I was watching the movie "Undiscovered" and near the end of the
movie in a scene on an airplane, I heard and loved the following
dialog.


Peter Weller: Now unless I'm wrong, you're gonna enjoy a very long
ride in this business, if you get down on the reality that the only
solid business in music isn't performing. It's publishing.

Luke Falcon: What does that mean?

Peter Weller: It means Erna Mansen. It means Patsy Netbruse.  lt
means Bart Howard.

Luke Falcon: Who?

Peter Weller: You don't know their names, but you know their music.
You know their words.  You been listening to their songs a hundred
times a day, people listening to them from New York to Beijing.

Luke Falcon: I like that.

Peter Weller: I knew you would.
Hemingway had it right.
Fame is a bitch goddess.
Fame is fraud, man.
Fame is nothing. It's foam.
Fame will break your heart, brother.
But creativity, listen up, is passion.
And it's endless.
You look for fame, you'll lose your soul.
You look for creation, you'll find it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

captionswap.com is a multilingual resource for anyone
on the Internet interested in movie subtitles.
http://www.cswap.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Soon JPF is going to announce their finalists.

We're just finishing up the 2006 JPF Music Awards nominations and
plan to announce them before next weekend.  For those that haven't
kept up over the busy summer, I've included a little info below that
may be of interest to you.  If you entered music for the 2006 Awards
(over 26K of you have), please read the 5 updates below.  You'll be
getting 2 additional emails in the next 2 weeks concerning the
nominations and voting.   We're very excited to announce and
recognize all this amazing music we've been working with for the
last 12 months!

We're all in this together,

Brian

Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
www.JPFolks.org

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

1. Date and Location of 2006 JPF Music Awards:

2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards
Show Date:  Saturday, November 4th, 2006
The Galaxy Theater
Santa Ana, CA
www.galaxytheater.com

Tickets will go on sale soon (info on tickets will be posted
September 5th on the website and sent to everyone via email along
with the nominations next week).  If you want to get a feel for the
awards show last time (this year it's in the same venue and will be
similar in format), please check out this article from Singer and
Musician Magazine: http://www.jpfolks.com/AwardsArticle.pdf

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

2. 2006 JPF Music Awards Genres:

After receiving 25,500+ albums and over 350,000 songs from over 100
countries, we whittled all the entries down to the final
nominations.  We're currently creating web pages to list all the
nominees in the following categories/genres:

A Cappella,
African,
Alternative,
Ambient,
Americana,
Asian,
Bluegrass,
Blues,
Cabaret,
Caribbean,
Cajun,
Celtic,
Celtic Instrumental,
Children's (Musical),
Children's (Storytelling),
Classical Orchestral,
Classical Chamber,
Classical Solo,
Classical Voice/Opera Choral,
Classical Voice/Opera Solo,
College Rock,
Comedy (Stand Up),
Compilation,
Contemporary,
Contemporary Christian,
Country,
Cover,
Dance,
Electronica,
European,
Experimental,
Female Singer-Songwriter,
Gospel (Church),
Gospel (Urban),
Hard Rock,
Hawaiian,
Holiday (Contemporary),
Holiday (Traditional),
Indian (Asian),
Industrial,
Instrumental,
Instrumental Jazz,
Jewish,
Latin,
Live,
Lyric,
Male Singer-Songwriter,
Metal,
Middle Eastern,
Modern Rock,
Native American,
New Age,
New Folk,
Novelty,
Polka,
Pop,
Punk,
R&B,
Rap,
Reggae,
Rock,
Rock Instrumental,
Rockabilly,
Roots,
Roots Instrumental,
Salsa,
Solo Guitar,
Solo Piano,
Solo Instrumental (Other),
South & Central American,
Spoken Word (Poetry),
Spoken Word (Educational),
Spoken Word (Self Help/Relaxation),
Spoken Word (Story Telling),
Surf, Techno,
Theater/Musical,
Traditional Folk,
Video (Short Form),
Video (Promotional),
Video (Feature Length),
Video (Live),
Vocal Jazz,
World

as well as our Founders Awards which include
Song,
Album and various
Artist "Of The Year" Awards.

In most categories we are giving out both Album and Song awards.  We
don't think we've left any music out of being represented directly
or indirectly by the above genres.  If we had enough quality entries
in a sub genre, we included it.  If not, we moved material into the
closest category possible.  As the world's largest music awards, we
wanted to be sure we were also the most inclusive!

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

3. 2006 JPF Music Awards Voting: We'll need YOUR help!

Each year in the final round, we use 3 distinct groups in the
voting.  Music Industry Professionals (Producers, Publishers,
Labels, Promoters, Venues, Attorneys, Organizations etc.), Artist
and Writer Peers (that includes everyone reading this) and Music
Fans.  During the last awards process, we used over 4000 judges to
determine the final winners.  We have a very short window for
judging this year so it will be crucial to hear from you ASAP
possible to get you involved.

All JPF members and any music fans you know are invited to
participate.  Voting on the song categories will take place from
September 10th-October 15th.  We will have 2 ways to vote:

1. Online via the jpfolks.com website.  This is a first for us and
we'll be setting up the site with the help of our friends at
Hostbaby.com so that you can vote directly off your computer on as
many genres/categories as you like (as long as you meet the criteria
which will be posted).   This isn't about driving traffic to a
website to vote AT ALL.  Each judge must be pre-cleared and will
have to provide complete contact information.  We do NOT want random
traffic.  We want pre-qualified Industry (must meet posted
criteria), Artist/Writer (must be a JPF member on the membership
list prior to the nominations being announced) and Fan (must include
real name and contact information as well as referral from current
JPF member who is not nominated) votes.  Each group's votes
collectively count equally.  Because we want to avoid voter fraud,
we will assign categories for eligible voters from those categories
judges are interested in/qualified for.   (See rules which will be
posted on the website September 10th).

2. Via Voting CD's we'll mail to judges as in previous years.   For
these judges,  we will need volunteers to email us with their
contact info and which genres they are interested in judging.
We will post complete details and rules for these judges on
September 10th as well.  Please wait until then to volunteer so we
can keep track of everything properly.

Please watch for the special Voting Email we'll send out to all
members on September 10th.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Katelyn Hobson had an article in yesterday's Dallas Morning News.
http://tinyurl.com/ml96y

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If your community doesn't have a songwriting organization
Create one.
If your community does have one, get involved.
Here's two great well run organizations:

NSAI
http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com

West Coast Songwriters
http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org

here's 2 texas professional organizations who have interesting
websites and programs for their members.

Texas Photographic Society
http://www.texasphoto.org

WRITERS' LEAGUE OF TEXAS
http://www.writersleague.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BMI collected nearly $780 million for fiscal year 2005

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Kerrville New Folk

2006 GRASSY HILL KERRVILLE NEW FOLK WINNERS

Congratulations to the following  six New Folk Winners.  These
songwriters were among 32 finalists who performed during the 2006
Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Concerts on May 27 & 28 (listed
below).  New Folk Winners receive
a cash honorarium from the Texas Folk Music Foundation, Vic & Reba
Heyman, and the Jim Ross Memorial Fund.

Other prizes were provided by
Performing Songwriter Magazine,
Elixir Guitar Strings,
Kyser Capos, and
Intellitouch tuners from On-Board Research.

Antje Duvekot (Somerville MD)

Jud Caswell (Brunswick ME)

Gordy Quist (Austin TX)

KJ Denhart (Ossining NY)

Diana Jones (Nashville TN)

Andrew Smith (Kelowna BC Canada)

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
Network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Where on the web do you have your songs?
If you PITCH online it's important for you to make your songs
EASY to FIND and EASY to PLAY, Give Broadjam a try:
you can check em out and sign up at:
http://tinyurl.com/mb48w

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Send me an email and tell me about yourself and your songwriting.


this email arrived recently:

Crooner@... writes:

Dude Blue Holiday is Superb!

I just went to Halies page and hung out a while there too.

She may bring your tune over the top, but you wrote one hell of a
great tune.

  Thanks for finding my ears.  Seriously.

Best,

Mark Mahar
http://www.markmahar.com

~ ~ ~

Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech in February 1859, in
Jacksonville, Illinois, on "Discoveries and Inventions," in which
Abe described the six great steps in the history of liberty and the
last of these great steps is the law of copyrights and patents.

you can read more about Lincoln's speech at:
http://www.taemag.com/printVersion/print_article.asp?articleID=17528

It's well worth reading.


ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

IFS blue rock OPP

I have cowriters (with cuts) who are looking for
rougher bluesier rockin uptempo country lyrics
so I'm looking for killer ideas, starts, titles and concepts to
possibly cowrite with you and present to them

so if you have any ideas you'd like to me consider
email them to me and I'll let you know if I'm interested

ande

send an email to
AndeRasmussen@...
in the subject field write
IFS blue rock

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

EVER HEARD OF KRIS BERGSNES?

He's a Nashville songwriter
He's had over 40 cuts but no top 10 singles yet.
Some folks call him the mayor or music row.

He fascinated me so I asked him a few questions and here are his
responses.


I think in the beginning writing was an emotional release. When I
felt sad I would write my way through it and then if I captured that
emotion, I felt good about it and that was a great thing. The other
power was just the fact that songs played in my head, not the ones
that played on the radio. Funny they're still not the ones that play
on the radio. Well, I have one on there now. Unbroken Ground,
sitting around 40. It's a song that is loved by many but played by
few. Really though, it's not easy to get a single, a song on the
chart at all. Back to writing. I loved music, my daddy played
Harmonica and my Granddad on my mothers side played the fiddle. He
didn't play well but he played for the joy of playing. I have the
same problem with lyrics, I do it for the joy of writing. Sometimes
they work out good. Most people would have given up long ago and did
something with more certainty. The line of cars and trucks heading
back to where they came from is filled with many that are smarter
and more talented than me. I didn't care if I could or couldn't be
the big writer. I just wanted to write.

I moved around a lot in my 20's trying every kind of job that I
could try. Club DJ, Store Clerk, Radio DJ, Bricklayer, Factory
Worker, I've even cut firewood and branded cows. Well, Life is full
turns and crazy as it may seem all of those jobs were pointing me
toward Nashville. I loved Kris Kristofferson, and in 77 my brother-
in-law was in, A Star is Born. He played the DJ and I made my mind
up that I was going to Nashville to be a songwriter. I would stop
what ever I was doing and move to Nashville when I was 29 just like
Kris. Hey we spelled our name the same way. Why not? Well, life
never lets you go on your master plan and I was 31 before I moved to
town but I was still a kid and I'm still a kid today in many ways. I
just had a 50 party and it was a wild one. My friend put a big
suprise on for me. I will never forget that one. So I moved to town
and signed a couple songs and then after a year I got a publishing
deal where I had a home and no draw but I didn't care. I just wanted
a contract to be legit. The thing most people don't understand about
be is, I never came to town for the money, I came to learn how to
write. If you can learn to write you can make money. Well now the
years pass by and I have around 40 cut and not one top 10. I have
friends with one cut and it's number one. It happens all the time in
this town. The luck of the draw is what it is, luck. But you don't
get lucky if your not in the game so put on your songwriting boots
and jump in. That's what I tell myself.

Nashville is a songwriting town. Like no other, great writers are
accessable. Everything it right here and if you wanted to write from
3am to 6am there is a security guard out there with his guitar in a
booth picking away. How could someone who loves to work not want to
live here. It's one of the greatest citys to live in even if you
don't write or like country music. Looking back I would've loved to
have gone to school at Belmont with Dan Huff, Mark Write, Danny
Wells, Mark Bright and go in early but then I would've missed out on
the factory work and the understaning of the working man that I got
in Oklahoma. That feeling of no hope that some songwriters today
really never had. Once again I think there is a plan bigger than
ours.

Wynonna Judd recorded, All of that love from Here". My mother was
sick when I wrote it and Wynonna's mother was sick when she sang it.
Bittersweet on both sides of the coin. There were letters sent to
the writers on that one. People still come up to me and can sing the
whole thing 15 years later. It's been of 3 chairty CD's. I hope it
will be a single someday. I can't imaging anyone doing it any better
than Wy but who knows. I was down, my lowest day, my money was gone
from my first cut and I had quit school with 7 hours to go. I saw a
homeless man and I wondered what the difference between him and me.
I realized that I had someone who loved me and I remember how my
mama quit picking cotton and demanded to go to college and my Uncle
sold a hog for 6 dollars and that paid the tuition and later she got
her masters from Columbia. I saw her in that cotton field and I
could here her say get up--then I realized I didn't need to go home
to feel the strength of her love. First line, I can see a cotton
field.... Great co-writeres, Lynn Langham and Sharon Rose Higgins. I
was lucky in everyway except having my mama being sick.

So What next in my life, more stories and more songs. I just want to
keep doing what I came here to do. Maybe one day I will have a
career song. It's not about what they do with my songs, it's about
what I do with them. They will like what they like, I have to get my
joy from the process. Everything else is extra. My advice to
songwriters planning to move. Don't move halfway across the country
to play at it. If you move here dive in and work hard. You owe it to
your dream to help it fly.

Kris Bergsnes
http://tinyurl.com/rawv7

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

consider putting video's of your songs and performances
http://www.youtube.com

Create something that will go VIRAL

MAYBE THIS WILL


NEWS FROM ALAN O'DAY -
August 23, 2006

Alan updated the lyrics to his Righteous Brothers' hit from the
70's, Rock'N'Roll Heaven (O'Day/Stevenson), at the urging of a long-
time songwriter/publisher friend Artie Wayne. Alan went to
Nashville, & with the help of his friend & co-writer Denny Martin
found an awesome singer (Ronnie Kimball) to do a KILLER vocal on a
new demo of the song.

This story took an exciting new turn, in the form of video
producer/director Sebastian Prooth in the UK. Artie shared the new
demo with him, & he loved it so much he just finished an awesome
MUSIC VIDEO of the song!

So here's the link to watch it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2cijNKu9qc

or



My friend made this film. I wrote the theme song you hear at the last
half of the trailer. Rock out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4Xry2TtYo

-Ruckus
Ruckus Skye
JoyBean Studios

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik Talks About The Group's New Album
Two Lights, And His Songwriting
http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/fiveforfighting123.htm

Daniel Powter Talks About His Smash "Bad Day," His Songwriting, and
His New Single "Jimmy Gets High"
http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/danielpowter123.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Ever Heard of
http://www.whatisindiemovie.com

an independent film by Dave Cool

are an indie artist
YOu're likely to appreciate it

http://www.sonicbids.com/whatisindiemovie

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Welcome Patrice Pike back to Austin

When: Friday Time to be Determined (4-45ish- 5-ish) get off of work
early!
Where: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

PRESS WILL BE THERE- SO WE NEED TO SHOW SOME PATRICE LOVE

WE Need to welcome our girl home!!!!!!

On to MOMO's for a KICK ASS PARTY -IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE WELCOME
HOME
AT THE AIRPORT !!!!

MOMO's is LOCATED at 618 W. 6th Street
ABOVE KATZ's on W 6th street- This is 18 and over club so bring your
dancing
shoes and party with OUR ONE AND ONLY ROCKSTAR!!!!!! PATRICE PIKE.

Y'ALL- RSVP SO I know you'll be out there with your ROCK N' ROLL on-
bring your kids, grandparents, aunts and uncles- I know they were
hooked on
some Rockstar Junk!!!!!

HELP US WELCOME PATRICE BACK HOME !


ARE YOU WITH ME?????????


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

PRODUCER SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN SINGER

Big, rich, seductive low baritone voice needed for recording project
in Austin. Adult contemporary. Not country. Urgent. Paid gig.
Michael Lewis  512 282 4242
http://www.bluediamondmusic.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SINGER SEARCHING FOR SONGS

I'm working on gathering the perfect songs for an upcoming CD that I
plan to promote at my performances, sell on CDBaby, etc. These CD's
will also be given to the sponsoring radio stations at the venues I
perform at.
I am looking for some New Country style music - both uptempo and
ballad. If you have a completed demo with instrumentals that is a
plus.

Info about me at http://lindsay_anne0.tripod.com

Thanks all!
Lindsay Anne

------------------
Colorado Country Vocalist
http://lindsay_anne0.tripod.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NSAI Houston TX Chapter
Welcomes Susan Gibson at their August 27th meeting


This month we are fortunate to have Texas Singer Songwriter Susan
Gibson speak to our group.

Susan wrote `Wide Open Spaces' for the Dixie Chicks.
http://www.susangibson.com

We'll follow up our meeting with a "Writer's in the Round" featuring
Susan and You, (any local writers in attendance).  Here's your
chance to sing on stage with Susan, (starting at 5:30).

August Meeting Agenda:

1. NSAI and Member updates  - Hear what's going on at NSAI
Nashville; share the latest on your songwriting journey.

2. Guest Speaker – Susan Gibson.

3. Writer's in the Round – Hosted by Susan, staring our local
writers.

4. (possible individual song critiques if time permits)

NSAI Open Mic to follow the meeting.

When: Sunday August 27th, at 4 pm

Where: JP Hops House,  http://www.jphopshouse.com/index.html
Located at 2317 Highway 6 S, Houston, TX 77077 Map Quest link:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?
city=houston&state=TX&address=2317%2BHighway%2B6%
2BSouth&zip=77077&country=us&zoom=8

Cost: $5 to cover the cost of the event.

This is going to be a lot of fun!   I hope you can be a part of it.


See you Sunday,

Dave Bannen
NSAI Houston
www.nsai-houston.rr.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Hi Friends!!!

We've got something exciting things to tell you about!

First, check out the brand new, "hot on the internet"
kylewyley.com!!!! We hope you like the new look and would love your
feedback.

Secondly, as many of you know, Kyle has been working with weekly
magazine insert American Profile by performing on their behalf at
newspaper conventions around the country. American Profile is a
national, weekly magazine that celebrates the people, places and
things that make America great. It is carried in nearly 1300
newspapers across the country with a total of eight million
subscribers.

We are pleased to announce the launch of an exciting Kyle
Wyley/American Profile/CMA Awards Promotion!!!! Starting last week,
August 14, a series of six articles written by Kyle about life in
Nashville as an emerging artist will be offered for publication to
all of American Profile's newspaper partners. The fifth article in
the series issues a call-to-action to the paper's readers to write
in to the paper and explain why they should be the one selected by
American Profile to win an all-expense paid trip for two to the CMA
Awards being held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville
on November 6.

AND to make the trip even better Kyle will serve as the winner's
host during their stay and escort to the Awards!! He'll take them on
an insider's tour of Nashville and treat them to some wonderful
Music City food and fun.

"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live on ABC
Television on November 6 beginning at 8 PM/ET (7 PM/CT). Superstar
duo Brooks and Dunn return as hosts for the three-hour program for
the third consecutive year. For more information on "Country Music's
Biggest Night™," please visit www.CMAawards.com.

The final nominees for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be
announced on August 30. Tune into ABC Television at 8.30AM (all time
zones) for "Good Morning America," where Brad Paisley and Jennifer
Nettles of Sugarland will announce the final nominees in several
categories. Then, tune into CMT at 10:00AM/ET for a special live
edition of "CMT Insider," where Jason Aldean and Little Big Town
will announce the nominees in the remaining categories.

If your local paper carries American Profile then they will be given
the opportunity to publish these articles and participate in the
contest. If you don't see the articles in your paper call them, let
them know you've heard about the promotion, and ask them to carry
them so you will have a chance to win!!
KYLEWYLEY.COM

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SONGLINK releases compilation CD's which gives you a great chance to
hear demos made by songwriters around the world who are playing the
songwriting game like professionals.

Spring 2006
http://www.songlink.com/2006a.html

Autumn 2005
http://www.songlink.com/2005b.html

Midem 2005
http://www.songlink.com/2005a.html


Popkomm 2004
http://www.songlink.com/2004b.html


WINTER 2004
http://www.songlink.com/2004a.html


SUMMER 2003
http://www.songlink.com/2003b.html


WINTER 2003
http://www.songlink.com/2003a.html

SUMMER 2002
http://www.songlink.com/2002b.html

WINTER 2002
http://www.songlink.com/2002a.html
SUMMER 2001
http://www.songlink.com/2001b.html

WINTER 2001
http://www.songlink.com/2001a.html

SUMMER 2000
http://www.songlink.com/2000b.html

WINTER 2000
http://www.songlink.com/2000a.html

1999 CD
http://www.songlink.com/1999b.html

IDPC SONG SELLER CD
http://www.songlink.com/1999a.html

1998 CD - DISC ONE
http://www.songlink.com/1998b.html

1998 CD - DISC TWO
http://www.songlink.com/1998a.html























Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
PITCH your songs
Get professional critiques and mentoring
network with talented songwriters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Where on the web do you have your songs?
If you PITCH online it's important for you to make your songs
EASY to FIND and EASY to PLAY, Give Broadjam a try:
you can check em out and sign up at:
http://tinyurl.com/mb48w

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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.

In the coming months I may be giving more talks on
SongU. one topic might be
How to weasel your way into writing with Artists
(without being a weasel)

Steve Seskin has a new CD
Two Paper Town
He's a wonderful writer I encourage you to study the masters
http://cdbaby.com/cd/seskin7/from/ande
you can read the lyrics at
http://www.steveseskin.com/lyrics/twopaper_print.php

ever heard
whisky and a gun
by lisa carver
it's quite excellent
http://www.myspace.com/93735877

congrats to idgy

way to go idgy
that's awesome

ande

Go to http://www.npr.org/ and you will find that "Good Enough," a
song by yers truly, is today's National Public Radio's Song of the
Day  Pretty good for not having a label, a booking agent, a manager,
or a clue, huh?
Woo hoo!  Oh, look, a chicken

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5636052

I noticed microsoft created Live Spaces
http://anderasmussen.spaces.live.com
you might as well grab a site
I haven't done much with mine



ande

Consider joining the Grammy organization and participating in your
local chapter activities.
Has anyone joined because I encouraged you to?

The Recording Academy Texas Chapter:  Reminders of important dates
and deadlines. Please enter them into your calendars:

August 1: Awards: Member Online Entry Process Opened

August 26: Awards: Record Company Online Entry Process Opens (Round
2 of 2)

August 31: LARAS - deadline to join to receive final Latin GRAMMY
ballot and to be eligible to purchase telecast tickets

September 1: Awards: Member Online Entry Process Closes

Please mark your calendars for
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006, as this is our confirmed date for the
Texas Chapter's Recording Academy Honors event in Austin.

Ande

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Aug 19, 2006 7:00 PM
Bethell Hall
St Davids Episcopal Church
7th in Austin, TX

Show Times
7:00pm & 9:00pm

August 19th -Saturday--Austin, TX- Bethell Hall, St. David's
Episcopal, 8th & San Jacinto -Austin, TX. Georgia will be in the
round with Maia Sharp, Tony Haselden, and Jim Photoglo. Two shows 7
& 9.
To purchase tickets call
866-4GetTix or www.GetTix.net.
(Tickets also available at Waterloo Records)

http://songwritersbackstage.com/



TONY HASELDEN
http://www.laleroux.com/HTMLPages/tony.html

MAIA SHARP
http://www.maiasharp.com/main_index.html

GEORGIA MIDDLEMAN
http://www.georgiamiddleman.com/

JIM PHOTOGLO
http://www.jimphotoglo.com/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

stephanie willett on myspace impressed me very much
http://www.myspace.com/stephaniewillettmusic

same with Nicole Witt
http://www.myspace.com/nicolewitt

what do the 2 have in common?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Ever Heard of ICG?

http://www.icgcopyright.com

Integrated Copyright Group, Inc. (ICG) is an independent global
copyright licensing and administration company founded in 1990.

ICG has become a significant leader in the music publishing
community by providing full administration services for hundreds of
publishing company members throughout the world.

The purpose of ICG is to manage all types of musical copyrights to
their maximum potential through fair, yet aggressive licensing; to
produce and maintain organized legal records and documents for these
songs; to collect and distribute income accurately and on a timely
basis; and to comprehensively audit and report on all copyright
activity.

We at ICG believe the proper management of copyrights in all areas
is critical to the continued growth and well being of a publishing
catalog. Expert licensing, aggressive collections, and accurate
auditing are all necessary ingredients to this proper management. In
fact, ICG is the only known, independent U.S. licensing entity that
conducts both on-site and desktop audits on behalf of its publishing
members on a regular basis.

Over the last decade, ICG, founded by John Barker and Robert
Brumley, has attained a reputation for efficiency, trustworthiness,
and expertise in copyright administration, while maintaining
personal attention for each of its members, proving to an
authoritative alternative for global intellectual rights
representation.


General Information About Membership

ICG accepts established Publishing Companies or Societies with
control of copyrights as member clients. We are unable to affiliate
directly with songwriters, unless a writer owns and has
administrative control of his copyrights, and has established a
publishing entity to own those copyrights.

ICG's standard fee for all services defined under Services is 10% of
the gross revenue collected in the United States for all uses of the
copyrights contained in a members catalog. Foreign royalties (those
generated outside the U.S.) are less any foreign society fee and
foreign taxes, along with ICG's standard fee.

In addition to a percentage of royalty fees, ICG deducts direct
postage, photocopy and long distance expenses, along with any
necessary Copyright Office Registration fee charged by the Copyright
Office for registrations.

Because ICG's fee is a percentage of revenue collected for a
catalog, we can only accept publishing companies which generate
certain levels of royalty income.

If you are a publisher or society and are interested in membership
with ICG, you may complete the ICG Questionnaire and return by fax,
e-mail, or regular mail. If you have questions regarding membership,
or would like a Membership Packet sent to you, contact us at
info@..., or by fax or telephone.

More information: info@...
Voice: (615)329-3999
Fax: (615)329-4070




ICG would like to welcome the following publishers who have joined
us in the last few months:

Allen Shamblin Music and Built On Rock Music, featuring current hits
written by Allen Shamblin including "Don't Laugh At Me", "In This
Life", and "Pray For Me".

Cameron Ashlie Music, Cherokee Place Music, and Crazy Wisdom Music,
catalogs owned by writer/artist Candace Asher
Cedar Poppin' Songs, a catalog owned by the writer/artist David
Ball.

Christmas And Holiday Music and Songcastle Music, a Los Angeles
based publisher who owns songs such as "It Must Have Been The
Mistletoe".

Hitch Music, songs written by Duane Hitchings.

Majestic Communications Group, Inc., representing the catalogs
Belifted Music, In-Flight Music and Jamarje Music.

Music & Media International, Inc., a Los Angeles based publisher
including the catalogs Lehsem Songs and Lehsem Music, and featuring
songs recorded by Faith Hill, SheDaisey, Chad Brock, Carman, Petra,
Randy Travis and George Jones.

As well as the following catalogs: Bigfish Entertainment, Hookline
East, Shire Reeve Music, Ken Tamplin Music Publishing, KRT
Publishing, JuWanFryzWiDat? Music, NolenK Music, Jeff Ferguson
Music, Joshua Creek Music, R.I. Bowman Music, TZP Music Publishing,
Fetch, In The Trenches Music, Goff Publishing, and Throff
Publishing.



Learn More about Licensing songs at:
http://www.icgcopyright.com/index.cfm?method=licenseabout#bottom

Click on one of the following subjects for more information.

1. I am making a recording.

2. I need to make photocopies of sheet music.

3. I want to make an overhead or transparency of a song.

4. I am making videocassettes.

5. I want to perform a song in public.

6. I want to use a song in a television broadcast.

7. I am making a songbook to sell or giveaway.

8. I am quoting the words to a song in a book that I am writing.

9. I am making a recording using an accompaniment track.

10. Can ICG supply me with copies of sheet music or recordings?

11. I need a license, but I live outside of the United States or
Canada.

12. How long does it take to get a license?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Qustions on Custom License Request Form

Step 1:
Applicant Information


Name*:

Address*:

City*:

State*:

ZIP/Postal Code*:

Phone (nnn-nnn-nnnn)*:

Fax (nnn-nnn-nnnn):

Email*:






Step 2:
In the appropriate cells below, please fill in the song title of
each ICG administered song you are requesting. For each song title
you request you must also provide the writer, publisher or both.


Song 1*:

Writer:

Publisher:




Song 2:

Writer:

Publisher:







Song 3:

Writer:

Publisher:




Song 4:

Writer:

Publisher:







Song 5:

Writer:

Publisher:







Step 3a:
What type of license is required? Please check the appropriate box.
If multiple types of licences are required, please select OTHER and
explain which type of license is required for each song. (i.e.
Other: Song 1 = Mechanical, Song 2 = Print and Photocopies)


License Type*:
Mechanical for making audio recordings
Synchronization for making videocassette copies
Synchronization for television broadcast
Photocopies of printed music
Print for producing a songbook or "non-musical" book
Other Please specify:





Step 3b:
If you specified the need for a "Synchronization for television
broadcast" license in Step 3a, please provide the all of following
information. If not, please go on to Step 3c.


How long is the song used (background music, visual/vocal,
opening/closing credits), and what is the song time?

What does the term of the license need to be?

What is the first air date? (mm/dd/yyyy)

What territory should the license cover?

What is the medium on which the program will air?
(cable television, free television, pay television, etc.)

Additional Information:





Step 3c:
If you specified the need for a "Print for producing a songbook
or 'non-musical' book" license in Step 3a, please provide the all of
following information. If not, please go on to Step 4.


Print Type:
Songbook
Non-Musical

If you checked Non-Musical above please copy and paste
the exerpt of the book where the song is to be used, including
the paragraphs before and after the quote:






Step 4:
Project Information.


What is the name of your project?

How many copies will you be making?
(If unknown mark with an "?")*

What is your project number?
(If there is not one, please mark "n/a")*

What format will your project be in?
(cassette, CD, videocassette, etc.)*

How many copyrighted songs are on your project?*

What is the selling price of your project?*

from:
http://www.icgcopyright.com/index.cfm?method=licenserequest

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Austin Music Foundation (AMF) is a nonprofit organization with a
singular mission: to unite, ignite, and revolutionize our local
music community.
Since 2002, we have been fueling the local music scene by educating
our local artists and professionals, building a world-renowned
community with roots in local music, and incubating the next wave of
talent.

email: members@...
phone: 512-323-0787
web: http://www.austinmusicfoundation.org


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Note from ASG
website: http://www.austinsongwritersgroup.com

Good Day ASG'ers:

A couple of quick notes about recent and upcoming ASG events. First
of all ASG wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to our two
performers at the recent 1st Saturday Saxon Pub showcase, featuring
Gadget White and her band, and Liz Parker. We wish to also specially
commend Liz for being an outstanding professional performer in the
true spirit of "the show must go on."

For those of you who were not in attendance, there was a
communication snafu regarding the start time of the show with the
Saxon Pub sound technician, which resulted in Liz performing her
entire set without aid of any electricity, mics or lights. While it
was most assuredly NOT the ideal circumstances, Liz soldiered on
through her set, having to do battle with a couple of barflies who
were in their own world just to be heard by her many many fans in
attendance. For those of you who have not heard Liz's songs, be on
the lookout for any performances around town and check her out. She
has a great gift for storytelling and arrangement. As for ASG, Liz
we owe you one...a big one! Thanks for being so patient through the
gig and we look forward to finding an opportunity to make it up to
you and your fans, who also deserve special recognition for being a
great and attentive audience in support of Liz.

3rd Sundays @ Threadgill's: August 20 from 3-5 PM

Now, on to new business. This month's member's meeting will take
place this coming Sunday, the 20th, from 3-5 PM. We have a great
trio of songwriters on the bill including the legendary Kent Finlay
of Cheatham Street fame, along with hot Americana artist Gregg
Andrews (aka Dr. G) and song poet Missoula Slim.

Kent Finlay has hosted Cheatham Street Warehouse songwriter circles
since 1974 and has helped launch the careers of many Texas artists,
including George Strait, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Todd Snider, Terri
Hendrix and Randy Rogers to name just a few. He has been described
by his peers as the "Songwriter's Songwriter" and the "Godfather of
Texas Songwriters." He is truly a Texas legend and ASG is proud to
have him grace our stages. For more information on Kent and Cheatham
Street Warehouse, visit:  http://www.cheathamstreet.com/history.html

Swapping songs with Kent is Doctor G (Gregg Andrews), whose current
album "Mudcat" is smoking up the Hot 100 Americana Album charts.
Chosen by Kent Finlay to launch his new record label, Cheatham
Street Records, Doctor G crafts songs that are part "mud fried
Mississippi river swamp" and part "Mark Twain" blended into a funky,
bluesy stew with a dash of Texas Americana thrown in for good
measure. The one word description is simply "swampytonk." For more
information on Doctor G, visit his My Space page at:
http://www.myspace.com/doctorgandthemudcats

  Rounding out our trio of songwriters is Cheatham Street Warehouse
regular, Missoula Slim. Actually, Missoula Slim is ASG's very own
Board Member John Gilliam who was dubbed "Missoula Slim" some time
ago by none other than Kent Finlay and the moniker was adopted
permanently. Seems Kent has his hand in the history of all the good
songwriters. In any case, Missoula Slim has been writing and
performing throughout Montana, Washington and Texas for the last 20
years or so and has etched out a unique niche for himself by
crafting songs full of wit and wisdom, blended with musical
influences ranging from jazz to country and folk to alternative
rock. If you're ever down in San Marcos on Thursdays, you can catch
Missoula Slim in his native habitat at Cheatham Street from 5:00 -
7:30. In the meantime, plan to see him this coming Sunday at
Threadgill's. If you haven't heard his spot on song about
songwriting and the business of songwriting,make sure you holler out
a request for it on Sunday. For more info on Missoula Slim visit:
http://www.gilliamsongs.com/

Remember that's this coming Sunday, the 20th, from 3-5 PM at
Threadgill's. You don't have to be a member to attend, admission is
free, so bring a friend and get involved.

ASG Song Contest Update

We are finalizing the category and prize details for the fall
songwriting contest even as I write this. However, for now, you need
to know there will be a short window in which to enter, so start
getting your best songs ready to enter in September. The awards show
will take place on November 17th at the Embassy Suites Hotel on the
eve of the Songwriter Conference. There will be many legendary
songwriters in attendance that evening, so make your plans now to be
there by reserving the date.

And, while you're at it, block out the entire weekend, because you
will definitely want to be with ASG for the Annual Songwriters'
Conference there at the Embassy Suites. If you're coming in from out
of town for the conference, the Embassy Suites is already accepting
reservations for accommodations at the hotel that weekend. So, get
the jump on the rush and reserve your room now.

That's it for now. See y'all Sunday at Threadgill's. In the
meantime, make time in the next 72 hours to write yourself a new
song. If everyone of us on this email list does it, there will be
thousands of new songs on the planet before the weekend is up. Think
about it!

Peace,
Rick
website: http://www.austinsongwritersgroup.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NEWS

YouTube wants to host "every music video ever created"
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060816-7521.html


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Indie Impact Workshop Series For Music Industry Entrepreneurs
August 30, 2006

Media Co-op, First Congo Church, 1000 S. Cooper St., Memphis, 5:30 –
7:30 p.m.
The Memphis Chapter will host a series of monthly events designed
for music industry entrepreneurs. Indie Impact is a GRAMMY
Professional Development Event that will feature workshops and
networking opportunities. From publicity agents to studio
representatives, entertainment attorneys to record labels, these
workshops have in-depth knowledge that indies need to take their
career to the next level.

The fall schedule of topics includes:
Aug. 30: "Finish What You Started" — Mastering, cover design and
manufacturing
Sept. 27: "Own Your Art" — Intellectual property, copyright,
royalties and publishing
Oct. 25: "Going Public" — Online, domestic and international
distribution channels

Panelists for the Aug. 30 event include Mark Yoshida, mastering
engineer and co-owner of Audiographic Masterworks; Brandon Seavers,
co-owner and art director for Audiographic Masterworks; Mr. Del, an
artist who participated on the GRAMMY-nominated recording Holy Hip
Hop, Taking The Gospel To The Streets; and Al Kapone, Critic's
Choice Award-winning recording artist.

Each workshop is free to Recording Academy members and just $5.99
for the general public. All sessions will be held at the Media Co-Op
at First Congo in the Cooper-Young neighborhood.

For more information, please call the Memphis Chapter at
901.525.1340 or e-mail Memphis@....

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I read this on
http://www.myspace.com/sarahcasselman

This is a rallying cry to all artists, poets, musicians, actors,
directors, dancers, photographers, writers, singers, songwriters,
and all who believe we can make the world better with creativity,
positivity, and passion - let's get together and use our skills to
make people more health/enviro/and socially conscious. I want to
meet people who are passionate, kind, open-minded, and love to
laugh. People in touch with their mind and body. People who are self-
aware, have direction/goals, and work to make them a reality. People
who are unselfish. People who are artistic yet grounded. People who
work to make change where they see problems in the world, but who
are not dogmatic or militant. People who possess a poetic and
romantic streak. People who exude happiness, and have a positive
attitude about life. In the words of Charles Bukowski, "What matters
most is how well you walk through the fire".


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Goose Bump Theory
by Vanessa Raine

I have a theory that if something is really good, if it really hits
home and moves you then you get a wave of goose bumps rush over your
body. I get it when I hear great music, or see a beautifully acted
scene in a film or when I read Robert Frost. I get it when I see a
beautiful sunset or eat great food or get a priceless smile from a
baby child. You go through stages where you seem to get them more
than at other times in your life. Never in my life have I had more
goose bump moments than right now. I take it as a sign from the
universe that I must be indeed on the right path. So to all you
people out there that aint getting no goose bumps, reassess, trust
your gut instinct and change course and you too will have many more
goose bump moments. Peace to you all xx

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?
fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54155073


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever heard of Nick HarcoutNic Harcourt?

http://www.kcrw.com/cgi-bin/db/kcrw.pl?
show_code=mb&tmplt_type=Everything

http://www.kcrwmusic.com

submitting music to kcrw

All music is considered for on-air play; we listen to EVERYTHING
that comes in the door. Really. Our music programming is widely
eclectic, including World, Electronic, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Folk
and Hip Hop and more. We accept music in most formats including DAT,
vinyl, and cassette, but prefer CD. Please send submissions to:

KCRW
Attn: Nic Harcourt
1900 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Tracking (Following up) To follow up on music you have sent to the
station, or if you are checking to see if we have added your music
to the library, call Eric J. Lawrence ONLY on Wednesdays, between
noon and 3pm Pacific Time at (310) 314-4640. We accept tracking
calls ONLY at this times and ONLY over the phone. THE TRACKING
DEPARTMENT WILL NOT RESPOND TO EMAIL.

Pitching a Guest for a Music Show We have live performances on
several music programs. Please contact the follwing producers:

"Morning Becomes Eclectic" hosted by Nic Harcourt:
contact Ariana Morgenstern, "The Open Road" hosted by Gary Calamar:
contact Gary Calamar, "Café LA" hosted by Tom Schnabel: contact Tom
Schnabel, "Chocolate City" hosted by Garth Trinidad: contact Cary
Sulivan.

Feel free to contact each of these programmers individually, or
contact
Ariana Morgenstern if you are unsure of whom to approach. She'll
certainly consider you for Morning Becomes Eclectic, or point you in
the right direction should they decline.
Ariana can be reached at (310) 314-4638.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hey all,

Our family has moved to Texas courtesy of the Army Relocation
Program.  We are now at Fort Hood.  I'm really excited to be here
and see what the Texas music scene is all about.  If any of you
songwriters around the Ft Hood/Austin area want to take a new Texan
under your wing...just let me know.  Here's my new info:

Ashleigh Wehmeyer
PO Box 5654
Ft Hood, TX 76544

For those of you who have my cell phone number, it is remaining the
same.

Take care,
Ashleigh Wehmeyer
http://www.ashleighwehmeyer.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ever heard of Enthems?
www.enthem.com
Russian immigrant Stan Oleynick, 22, has created an impressive
business selling corporate anthems to companies. He and his
associates write the music and words for what they call eNthems.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hello Connie Mims,
My Associate, T.J.Worth and Myself, Bay West , Are Presently
Searching For Songs With The Emotional Warmth And Flavor Of The
Late, Gifted,  Soothing Sounds Of Miss Tammy Wynette.
There Is "No Limit" On Song Works As We Are Interested In Up Tempo,
Middle Of The Road and Of Course, Slow Love Ballads.
I Was Glad To Hear T.J. As He Explained To Me About You and The
Woodlands Songwriters Association.
Congratulations and Continued Success To You and All The Writers You
Represent.
There Is "No Limit" On How Many Songs Writers May Submit. All Song
Works Should Be Submitted To . . .
T.J. Worth
The Worth-West Group
P.O. Box 4643
Pasadena, Texas 77502
(281)330-2288
We Are A Full Service Artist Development Company In
Production, Publishing and Professional Management.
We Are Broadcast Music Inc. Publishers  (BMI)
It's Worth It Publishing/BMI and Larry West Music/BMI
We Are Annual Organizational Members Of The CMA,
(Country Music Association) In Nashville, Tennessee.
We Have Three  Independent Record Label Companies,
St.John Records Is Our Gospel Label. . .Worth Records and West-Sound
Records Are Our Country Labels.
In Closing, I Want To Personally Thank You For Speaking With T.J.
Worth and I Look Forward To The Pleasure Of Meeting You In The
Future.
Kindest Regards,
Bay West
The Worth-West Group

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Write On,
Ande Rasmussen

Does anyone ever read IFS to the VERY END?

If YOU want to take your songwriting to the next level
TAKE a FREE songwriting course at
http://www.SongU.com/ifs
as well as PITCH Opportunities, critiques, mentoring and networking

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Where on the web do you have your songs?
If you PITCH online it's important for you to make your songs
EASY to FIND and EASY to PLAY, Give Broadjam a try:
you can check em out and sign up at:
http://tinyurl.com/mb48w

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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. Today I'm going to Stanford
California and I'll be there till Tuesday August 8th swimming in the
FINA Masters (swimming) Championships
http://www.2006finamasters.org/v2/
Let me know if you live in the area or have a gig.
I love meeting IFS readers
Email me or
call me at
512-217-2728

I very much enjoyed speaking to songu on:
How Non-Performing Songwriters Get Indie Cuts
Thanks to those who participated and
it's now archived on songu
drop by and have a listen.
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

I'm sad to miss this Texas Chapter Grammy event
From: "Texas Chapter" texas@...
Subject: Invitation to Recording Academy event with Reckless
KellyThe Recording Academy® Texas Chapter presents
IN THE MIX: Celebrating Americana Music
Hosted and Special Performance by
Reckless Kelly
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Houlihan's
Rooftop Deck
309 East 3rd
(at the corner of Trinity and 3rd next to the Austin Convention
Center)
Austin, TX  78701
512.474.5757

Austin, a city flourishing with diverse musical talents, is the
perfect setting
for The Recording Academy Texas Chapter to bring together fellow
members for an
informal evening of networking and camaraderie.

From artists like James McMurtry and Kathleen Edwards to bands such
as Drive-By
Truckers and The Greencards, Americana music plays an important role
in today's
music industry, not only in Texas but on a national level.  Recently
The
Recording Academy renamed its Contemporary Folk category to
Contemporary
Folk/Americana to recognize the significance of this genre.
Join the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy for an IN THE MIX as
we support,
cultivate, and recognize Americana music.
Admission:  Complimentary for members and a guest;
$25 for non-members
RSVP required to
Texas@... or call 512.328.8176
www.grammy.com/texas


Ande


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In the last IFS issue I let you know that songU offers PITCH
OPPORTUNITIES as well as educational opps, critiques, mentoring and
networking

Several IFS readers asked me questions
so below are the PITCH Opportunites, SongU's Spin n Pitch FAQs and
answers

Drop by
http://www.SongU.com/ifs

SongU's current list of Pitch Opportunities
Below you'll find answers to their FAQs, which I think is great
information.

Instruction:
Look at and read the pitch descriptions below. You may submit up to
the available number of pitches indicated for any opportunity. Pitch
opportunities are typically updated around the 1st and 15th of every
month. Pitch opportunities fall into one of two categories.

Screened Pitches - These will be for very competitive pitches (e.g.,
major label, major-station TV show) where you are competing against
the best songwriters in the world for the cut. Also look for
special "street pitch" opportunities indicated in red.

Unscreened Pitches - Each month we will feature pitches that will
not be screened, but instead, will go directly to the artist and/or
contact person. These may be primarily independent artists and other
on-going pitch opportunities like The Slideshow Company. We're
trusting you to read the details of the pitch and pitch
appropriately.


Pitch opportunities (screened)

Ref# Description   Deadline Available Pitches

#197  (Street Pitch) Major label FEMALE country artist looking for
UPTEMPO, swampy, raw, in- your-face, rockin' attitude songs.
deadline 8/15/2006   you may Submit  2 songs

#198  (Street Pitch) Major-label MALE country artist seeking
bluesy , southern rock, NO DITTIES ala Charlie Daniels, and Travis
Tritt.
  8/15/2006  you may Submit  2 songs

#199  (Street Pitch) Multi-Platinum BAND with male lead vocalist
with a big range looking for an "out of the box" smash song. Submit
songs with tempo (aka a groove or beat, at least mid-tempo,
preferably up-tempo). Should be more in the CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY
realm ala Rascal Flatts.
  8/15/2006      you may Submit  2 songs

#200  (Street Pitch) Major-label FEMALE country artist. Thin