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The Muse's News |
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Issue 10.8 - November 2007
ISSN 1480-6975
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This issue sponsored by:
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Music Reviews - Alex Jasperse, Chip Withrow & Gian Fiero
@-- New Artist Spotlight Additions
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by Ed Teja
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire - brought
to you by singer/songwriter & teacher, Irene Jackson.
@-- Featured Article - TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY: Exercises to
stimulate creativity for songwriting
by Anna Kaye Forsyth
@-- On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your
viewing pleasure.
@-- Classifieds & Useful Services
@-- Contact information
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ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2007 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue.
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FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT THE SONGWRITING STORE ON THE MUSE'S MUSE
All sorts of products and services especially for songwriters,
negotiated so that you get the best price possible. Find means
of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids, educational
products, musical instruments and their accessories, and lots
more!
http://www.musesmuse.com/songwriting-store.html
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) DEADLINE APPROACHING
Enter the 4th Annual IAMA now! Win awards in Best Male Artist,
Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo, Folk, Alternative, etc.
Overall Grand Prize worth over US$11,000, which includes radio
promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Winners
will be heard on radio show: Acoustic Cafe and XM Radio and
featured on our CD compilation.
Last Chance to enter this year!
All entries must be postmarked by November 9 2007 or earlier.
Hurry to: http://www.inacoustic.com/mm.html
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Hi folks! Well, here we go again. :) Welcome to another
installment of The Muse's News. I hope you'll find a lot of
interesting and useful stuff in this issue.
A few things I want to mention before we get into the meat of
things. First off, Sean Farrington has a new e-book that's
totally free for download. It's here:
http://www.bandprofit.com/botw.html and I'm very proud to have
The Muse's Muse listed in it. :) I think many of you will find
it helpful - especially if you're new to the web and still trying
to figure out the best places to go.
I'd also like to mention that we have a new reviewer on staff
here. Please help me welcome Reid Murray (you can read more
about him on the Music Reviews page at
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html ) who will be
reviewing the genres of Rock, Jazz, Jazz/Fusion, Funk, Blues,
Folk, Reggae and Rap. I'm very pleased with this as these are
some categories that have been woefully under-represented up
until now.
If any of you out there are interested in becoming a reviewer
here, I'd love to hear from you! I'd particularly like to hear
from anyone interested in reviewing genres that aren't very well
represented with others of the reviewers. Write to me at
editor@musesmuse.com for more details, ok? Unfortunately, it
isn't a paying gig - but I do allow for a 100 word bio where
you're welcome to link to your own stuff - so hopefully it'll
help you out in the publicity department. I only ask for three
new reviews a month - and you get to hear lots of fantastic
music!
And besides a new reviewer, we also have a new columnist!
Multi-platinum recorded songwriter, performing artist, and
educator from Berklee School of Music, Andrea Stolpe, has joined
the Muse's Muse team with her new column: Songwriter's Survival
Guide (http://www.musesmuse.com/col-andreastolpe.html). Her
first article is online right now so I invite you to have a read
through and to ask her any questions you might have. Who knows?
You might just see your question addressed in future articles. :)
Beyond that, Radio Muse #17 is now online! You can have a listen
at http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse-17.html - and also read up
about the various artists in the show. I hope you'll check their
sites out! If you'd like to have your music considered for a
show in the future, visit http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html
. There are submission guidelines there along with the address to
send your CD to.
And lastly, but I hope not least :) , if any of you are
interested in what I'm up to personally, feel free to check out
my latest venture at http://www.voiceoversandvocals.com/ . :)
I'm in the middle of getting my own home studio set up but until
then, I have a local studio that I can easily book time with to
get your project completed within deadlines and to your
specifications. Feel free to contact me through that site if
you're interested. There are demos there so that you can hear
what I can do. And as mentioned on that page, I would love to
hear from anyone with a project that's a bit *outside* of what
you hear me doing already there. I'd love to expand my
repertoire! :)
Here are the raffle winners this month (there are quite a lot of
them!):
* Keith Crawford, from Hollister, MO, has won a copy of
Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software
(http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Carol-Lynn Rössel, from Winthrop, Maine, has won a copy of the
hugely useful "The Little Black Book of Band Profit Secrets" - by
Sean Farrington (http://www.bandprofit.com/), reviewed in last
month's Muse's News.
* Shari Azar from Weaverville, NC, has won a free 3 month
membership to SongU.com, an Internet-based learning environment
providing online coaching, co-writing and pitching opportunities,
in addition to over 70 multi-level courses developed by
award-winning songwriters.
* Travis Horn from Endicott, NY, has won a copy of
Bronson Herrmuth's "100 Miles To A Record Deal"
(http://www.songrepair.com/bookforweb2.htm).
* Doris Elena Konig from New York, NY, has won a copy of
Indie-Music.com's Musician's Toolkit CD
(http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/)
* Tasha Cyr from Montreal, QC, has won a copy of the
motivational CD reviewed this month: THE SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER:
Motivation and Meditation CD - Produced by NexTier Media
(http://www.songwritermeditation.com/ and reviewed below)
* Lena Esposito from Fairfax Station, VA, has won a 6 month
subscription to the Onlinegigs (http://www.onlinegigs.com/)
service. This valuable service is a powerful tool for musicians,
agents, record companies and managers designed to virtually
automate the administration of booking and promoting a band or
bands.
And as per always, if you're interested in a raffle prize, please
write to me with your preference of prizes and your contact
information so that I can get it to you when your time comes in
the queue. :)
Ok. With that out of the way, on we go. :)
Keep writing and keep happy!
--Jodi
Back to Menu
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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THE 2007 SINGER/SONGWRITER AWARDS
The Singer/Songwriter Awards from We Are Listening is about the
hottest international songwriting contest in the world. It's no
surprise that participating artists have gone on to sign with top
management, license their music for film and television, as well
as collaborate with renowned producers and enjoy substantial
uplifts in independent record sales.
http://www.wearelistening.org/singer.php
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Alex Jasperse, Chip Withrow
& Gian Fiero
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NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Alex Jasperse:
* Stuart Robertson
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-stuartrobertson-world.html
* Sika
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-sika-phenomep.html
Chip Withrow:
* Paul Cataldo
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-paulcataldo-home.html
* Bandy Lou
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-bandylou-fire.html
Gian Fiero:
* NLT
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-nlt-thatgirl.html
* Jason Derulo
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-jasonderulo-keepit.html
* Evolve
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-evolve-happyhour.html
* Jessi Evans
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-jessievans-demo.html
* Bill Harvey
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-billharvey-bears.html
* Sam Sparro
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-blackandgold-clingwrap.html
* Coles Whalen
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-coleswhalen-soitis.html
* Dr. Zhivegas
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-drzhivegas-giveme.html
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******
For bios on each of the reviewers, see
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html . If you're considering
sending in your own CD for review, you can also view that page to
find out which reviewer reviews your genre. Thanks!
Back to Menu
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N e w A r t i s t S p o t l i g h t A d d i t i o n s :
Great music is only a click away!
Here are just some of the great CDs highlighted in the
Artist Spotlight section of The Muse's Muse at
http://www.musesmuse.com/artistspotlights.html
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Noush Skaugen - Genre: ALTERNATIVE
She came from the UK and won the hearts of America like the
thunderstorm she is on stage. Noush Skaugen, nominated for 3 Los
Angeles Music Awards and "National Rock EP of the Year" (2007)
artist, is set to rock the nation! Visit her website
noushskaugen.com for more information.
http://www.noushskaugen.com/
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Alaria Taylor - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
Alaria Taylor is perhaps the most decorated musician that you
have never heard. With over 50 awards to her name, Heart-like
vocals and groove laden guitar tracks...that just might change
soon. "Bread or Water" is one of the strongest EP's of 2007 and
the title cut should be present on any rock station's rotation.
http://www.alariataylor.com/
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II BIG - Genre: ROCK
A mainstay on the Northern California music scene since 1994, II
BIG has been through various personnel changes over the years,
but the original vision of founder and drummer Ken Ingels has
never wavered—these guys come to rock! Over the course of
hundreds of gigs, II BIG has opened for a veritable who's who of
classic rock: Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Loverboy, Grand Funk
Railroad, Joe Walsh, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Jeff Healy,
Creedence Clearwater Revival and Styx.
http://www.riverrox.com/
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Michael Hensley - Genre: ELECTRONIC
Combine the electro-pop stylings of Depeche Mode and Goldfrapp
with the heartfelt songwriting of Postal Service and Imogen Heap,
and you'd have a sense of Michael Hensley's bold synth-pop sound.
On "Fire Behind Me," Hensley offers a fresh take on dance music
that moves your feet and grabs your mind.
http://www.michael-hensley.com/
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David Pavia - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
David Pavia is a songwriter and performer with a deep commitment
to the power of music. His songs are contemporary, but they
harken back to a time when artists stood for something more than
what is on the surface. He has recently released his first full
length recording, 2007's "Songs For Soft Machines".
Collaborating with Andy Ross of Ok Go, David has made a powerful
statement that blends alternative rock, americana, and soul in a
cohesive mix that inspires from start to finish.
http://davidpavia.com/index3.php
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Kelly Greene - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
Unique, but familiar; sweet, yet haunting; Kelly Greene's voice
is anything but typical. With complicated problems leading the
way to undeniably catchy solutions, you’ll be singing along with
her guitar-driven pop-rock sound and unmistakable vocals. This
singer/songwriter pops, rocks and reels you in with every note.
http://www.kellygreenemusic.com/
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S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Ed Teja
THE SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER
Motivation and Meditation CD
Produced by NexTier Media
http://www.songwritermeditation.com/
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This innovative project has taken some traditional positive
thinking methodology, combined it with the benefits of meditation
and targeted the songwriter. The adaptation to songwriting is
relatively minor—the principles and techniques are the same
regardless of your goals, but it is interesting to see them
applied directly to our little minority group. Fundamentally,
this CD is intended to get your subconscious helping you in your
efforts to become a successful songwriter.
There are two major sections to the CD—the first part is an
explanation of how the principles work. The narrator begins with
the idea that thinking determines the success or failure of your
efforts. The discussion covers how to create a clear vision, the
power of thoughts and emotions in achieving it, and the role of
faith (to overcome doubt), persistence, and habits in
accomplishing your goals. One of the good features of these
sections is that she talks about how to acquire the faith (for
instance) that you might lack, or feel you lack, or changing your
habits.
The last three tracks begin to walk you through the application
of the principles. First, you are given a set of specific
affirmations, attitudes that you want to have in mind. Although
these are tailored to songwriters, they are, of necessity, rather
general. But the tools they are aimed at unleashing would be
useful regardless of the type of songwriting you do. And you are
encouraged to create your own affirmations—statements that
impress your vision on your subconscious.
Next is an introduction to the actual meditation. This section is
a review of a few concepts, but there are also some good ideas
here about goal setting (including how it works).
Finally you arrive at a little over 25 minutes of meditation—self
hypnosis that, through repetition (you are supposed to listen to
this track at least twice weekly), activates the inner
songwriter. It might seem that, since most of this track is
silence, you aren’t getting much value, but the induction at the
beginning and the talking you out of the trance at the end of the
meditation are useful for helping you get into (and out of) the
right frame of mind.
Regardless of your own attitude about the effectiveness of
meditation and motivational techniques, listening to this CD is
an interesting experiment in evaluating your attitudes and goals
as a songwriter. It might be a different way of looking at what
you really want to do. It also encourages you to dream, and that
can’t be a bad thing.
******
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Ed Teja has been working on his own music and now his new CD --
"SOFT DREAMING BLUES" has been released released by Morrhythm
Records (http://www.outstandingmusic.com/). It's a collection of original
(written alone and with an international group of cowriters)
smooth jazz vocals and instrumentals. Ed has appeared at strange
venues in Hong Kong, Canada, St. Martin, Bequia, Venezuela,
Grenada and Trinidad, as well as the Silver City (New Mexico)
Blues festival and the Tucson (Arizona) Folk Festival.
You can hear some of Ed’s music at: http://www.myspace.com/edteja
If you'd like *your* book reviewed (as long as it has something
to do with songwriting, of course!), please do email us and let
us know!
Back to Menu
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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9th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST DEADLINE IS COMING SOON
The Great American Song Contest offers $10,000 in prizes and
features awards for 45 winners in 9 categories. Entrants receive
written evaluations of their songs. Music-industry judges include
prominent publishers, recording artists, songwriters and
producers. This annual International event is sponsored by
Songwriters Resource Network, a trusted education resource for
songwriters. Submission deadline is Nov. 16, 2007.
http://www.greatamericansong.com/
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M u s i c a l N o t e s : Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
In the interest of conserving space, I will only be including
changes to this listing in this newsletter. All other contests
and market information that have already been listed here, are
displayed at http://www.musesmuse.com/contests.html &
http://www.musesmuse.com/markets.html . Please check there
regularly for updates!
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THE NEXT HOLIDAY CLASSIC SONG CONTEST
The Next Holiday Classic Song Contest announces its free 2007
online song contest which provides the opportunity for
songwriters to compete for cash prizes and promotion.
Deadline for entries is November 21, 2007.
For more information visit: http://www.thenextholidayclassic.com/
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MISS O & FRIENDS AND KOL (AOL'S KIDS SITE) MUSIC CONTEST : GET
YOUR SONG OR VOICE RECORDED
The contest is all about finding the best young female
songwriters,musicians, and songwriters. Your video entry will be
voted on by the Miss O and Friends community. There are weekly
winners, monthly winners, and grand prize "Best in Competition"
winners - these will be produced by "A-Line" industry
professional and recorded in a REAL music studio, either in Los
Angeles or New York City, for two days - overnight hotel and
meals included! Enter early and with multiple submission to
increase your chances. Submissions are open now.
For details, visit:
www.missoandfriends.com/misso/contests/missomusic/index.php
The last weekly contest ends December 12, 2007
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FREE MUSIC PROMOTIONS EBOOK!
The author of The Little Black Book Of Band Profit Secrets has
come thru again! He's just published: "Co-Op Synergy Power, Your
Fast-Track To Profit, Exposure And Free Advertising..." and
musesmuse.com fans can get it for free.
Click here> http://jodimuse.ssl4000.hop.clickbank.net/
And be sure to check out The Little Black Book Of Band Profit
Secrets while your there... It's worth the look.
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SONGFEST.IE IS A NEW SONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL IN CLONMEL ON NOVEMBER
3RD 2007.
It will take place at the Tipperary Institute in Clonmel, Co.
Tipperary. It is for young songwriters but all songwriters are
welcome as there is always something to learn. Check it out on
http://www.songfest.ie/
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STUDIOTRAXX.COM: BREAKING NEW GROUND - FOR YOU!
StudioTraxx.com provides an e-commerce platform that allows
artists/bands to purchase and book time with musicians,
engineers, producers, and other music professionals for online
studio collaboration purposes. They facilitate the entire music
production process from beginning to end — from finding and
booking the right talent to managing all resulting collaboration
activities.
StudioTraxx is actively building its talent network and is
encouraging both those who offer services and those who need
services to sign up and register. There are no costs to join the
site. Creating an account is FREE.
http://www.studiotraxx.com/?partner=837
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THE INDIE GUIDE IS ON SALE FOR $10.95 AND INCLUDES THE INDIE
CONTACT GUIDE!
For a limited time only, North Shore Records, Inc, in celebration
of tour season and music success has put The Indie Guide on sale
for $10.95 plus shipping. The normal cost is $25.95 plus
shipping. In addition to the 190-page book, The Indie Contact
Guide, which contains thousands of contact names, address, email
addresses, phone numbers and contact names will be included.
To Your Music Success! http://www.theindieguide.com/
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FREE SONGWRITING, FILM, TV, AND VIDEO GAME SUBMISSIONS AT
MUSICGORILLA.COM!
MusicGorilla.com works with Songwriters, Bands, Musicians, and
Artists to get their original material into the eyes and ears of
industry members who have the ability to take their careers to
the next level. We work with Reps from all facets of the Music
Industry. Our artists have the opportunity to submit their songs
to established artists looking for new material. In addition, our
clients get access to submissions for film, TV and video games,
all of our submissions are FREE. MG Artists are eligible for free
live label showcases, digital distribution with MSN and Loudeye
and more. We don't take any piece of any deals made on our site,
and have had many successes including placement, songwriting and
publishing deals.
Muse's Muse artists get 10% off of memberships!
Just enter the promotional code "muse" during registration.
http://www.musicgorilla.com/
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2007 LYRIC WRITER AWARDS (ROUND 4)
The Lyric Writer Awards from We Are Listening is the ultimate
contest for writers seeking music publishing, co-writing and song
placement opportunities. If you long to work with professional
songwriters and dream of getting your songs cut by major label
artists, this could really be the chance of a lifetime!
Details: http://www.wearelistening.org/about_lwa.php
Deadline: Nov. 15th, 2007
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SONGWRITING CONSULTATION SPECIAL OFFER:
Pete & Pat Luboff will pay for the phone call for Muse's Muse
songwriters who use the Luboffs' songwriting consultation
service. The service provides detailed, constructive song
analysis, answers to all your creative and business questions and
references to contacts when appropriate. Visit
http://www.writesongs.com/consults.htm for more information.
Back to Menu
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2007 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission
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For those of us in the northern hemisphere where the season is
changing from sunny, outdoor weather to dark, cold and dreary,
this is the best time to hunker down and challenge yourself to
some serious songwriting.
Sometimes the inspiration just isn't there, and you need a little
jump start to get the creative juices flowing. So I've been
surfing the web and looking for some websites that might help you
to do just that. These are bands and songwriters or websites who
have either challenged themselves to write on demand or who want
you to. It's interesting to hear what they come up with.
One of the more fascinating sites has been created by Tom
Flannery and Lorne Clark, who have been doing this since 2003.
They have committed themselves to write a song a week
(http://www.songaweek.com/about.asp) and have posted every one of
them online. When they actually hit over a million downloads
awhile back, they decided to start selling them. I don't know
how well they've done financially, but the point is that they
have managed to stick to their weekly commitment for four years.
You can't beat that! They've also managed to get involved in
several films...you can watch excerpts from these films on the
video page of their website. They have a certain political bent
to some of their songwriting, but you can't deny they've done
some good work. Can you write a song a week for 4 years??
Greyday Records has set themselves up to do a similar thing but
towards a different end. They are writing until they have enough
songs for a CD project. The website is a kind of blog featuring
a song a week
(http://www.songaweek.greydayrecords.com/?page_id=2) from a band
called Southerly. The whole project just started this September,
but there's a nice little calendar where you can check out each
song as they are recorded and posted. Have a listen and see what
you think!
One event that has been going on for the past three years is the
50 Song in 90 Days challenge. It's a Yahoo group
(http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/50songs90days/) that you
have to join in order to participate, and although the challenge
is finished for this year, it's worth checking out. The
challenge is active from July 4th to October 1st, and by the
looks of it, the number of participants is growing every year.
Just about every songwriting forum you can find has some kind of
songwriting challenge set up too. With some of them you have to
join the messageboard in order to participate. Here's one on the
recordingchannel.com
(http://www.recordingchannel.com/forums/writing/1961-songwriting-
challenge-song-telling-the-story-of-a-movie-or.html) that
challenges participants to write a song about a movie. But
that's only one of many. If you do a Google search for
"songwriting challenge", you'll find tons of links to other
boards just as I did.
Larger, more commercial websites such as Broadjam
(http://www.broadjam.com/), which offers a "Broadjam 6-Pack
Competition", give the songwriter or artist an opportunity to
compete with others. Again, you have to join up to participate,
but there are six categories (hence the 6-Pack theme!) to choose
from. In one of the challenges, you are asked to write lyrics to
existing music...now that might be interesting to try out!
Hopefully by checking some of these sites out, you'll be inspired
to challenge yourself. But if you can't do it alone, joining a
songwriting messageboard or a songwriting challenge you find
online might be enough to fuel your creative flames. Good luck!
******
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in
Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also
maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles
and a songwriter's messageboard.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com/
Songs: http://www.soundclick.com/irenejackson
Back to Menu
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e : By Anna Kaye Forsyth © 2007
TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY:
Exercises to stimulate creativity for songwriting
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Songwriting, like any art form, is a deeply creative process.
Inspiration comes and goes, but if you can learn how to develop
and tap into your creativity, then you don't have to wait for the
elusive muse before embarking on the journey of songwriting.
If you ever find yourself in a creative slump and in need of some
inspiration – try some of the following exercises to help get
those creative juices flowing.
I. Poet for a day
Lyrics often have a poetic nature to them. They have rhyme, meter
and descriptive language, just like poems. Poets are always
seeking to describe experiences in new and exciting ways. Try
these suggestions to connect with your inner poet, if only for a
day.
1. Visit the library and head for the poetry section. Read
widely. You might be surprised at what the romantic poets have
to offer, alongside the wares of the beat poets, like Jack
Kerouac. Don't analyze anything at this stage, just absorb and
enjoy.
2. Join a poetry club.
3. Attend a live poetry reading or event.
4. Listen to live performance poetry CDs and explore new worlds.
5. Take a class in poetry and creative writing.
II. Discover your inner artist
It is amazing how much creative energy can come from visual
stimulation. Forget about music and words for a bit and give
your eyes a visual feast.
1. Local art galleries offer contemporary and historical art
works in a range of mediums, including sculpture and photography.
Attend an exhibition and see what works capture your imagination.
2. Search the Internet for images and make a collection of
pictures that inspire you or make a collage.
3. Make your own art.
III. You be the audience
Sometimes putting yourself in the place of the audience can help
point your creativity in the right direction. Take yourself out
of the driver's seat for a bit and soak up what the rest of the
music community has to offer.
1. Attend a gig or music performance. Why not mix it up and see
a classical orchestra or go to your local folk music club.
2. Peruse the music scores online or in your local library. What
techniques do the composers use that you could try?
3. Listen to music on CD or online. Try a wide range of genres.
Again, try not to analyze too much, just soak it up.
IV. Get back to nature
It is amazing how much beauty and raw creative material in nature
we miss living in today's fast-paced urban environment. Taking
in the sights and sounds of nature will not only enhance your
creativity, but you might get rejuvenated and refreshed in the
process, which always helps!
1. Make a day of it. Visit a zoo, a park or a botanical garden.
What about your local pet shop?
2. Spend time with your pets. If you have a dog, why not take it
for a walk or play some fetch? Offer to look after your
neighbors pets for a day.
3. Bring nature to you. Why not put a nice potted plant or a
bunch of flowers in your workspace? A splash of color might just
do wonders.
V. Get a life
When was the last time you embarked on a new relationship? If
you have been mixing with the same social circles, going to the
same restaurants and doing the same activities, why not take a
risk and try something new?
1. Join a social network. If you are shy, find a friend or
someone who can support you in developing new relationships.
2. Dust off the old "Do before I die" list and actually book in
that scuba class or buy a ticket to Marrakesh.
3. Scare yourself and try a break in your routine. Go to a
different coffee shop and order a different coffee. What harm
can it do you?
Finally, if all else fails and you still feel that the creative
floodgates are closed, maybe it is time to look at the overall
picture of your life. Ask yourself the following questions, and
then go to it!
1. What areas of music do you need to improve on or perhaps get
lessons in?
2. Do you have any health or emotional concerns that are getting
in the way of your creativity and clouding your judgment?
3. What are the negative thoughts that might be sabotaging your
work, either from yourself or others?
4. Can you establish a better routine or environment for yourself
in which to create?
5. What disciplines can you put in place to achieve your goals?
*****
Originally trained as a primary school teacher, Anna Kaye decided
to take an alternative career path as a freelance writer and
editor for education. In 2005, she discovered a passion for the
arts, including songwriting and performance poetry, and she has
been performing her original songs and poems on the live circuit
in Auckland ever since. She recently released a chapbook of
poetry called "Sometimes I wonder." As the director of Best
Light Communications, Anna is able to indulge her passion for the
arts, by writing bios and press releases for musicians and
artists, alongside her other writing work. She currently lives a
stone's throw away from the idyllic Takapuna beach on Auckland's
north shore, under the shadow of Rangitoto Island.
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" O N S I T E " F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E :
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Blue Collar #8: Gigs That Mean Something - by Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-gigs.html
What's in a gig for you? What do you need to make it worthwhile?
Mick explores the topic on making every gig count, as well as
going 'back in the day' for some of his own memorable gigs.
----
Blue Collar #9: Ethnic Music - by Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-ethnic.html
Hey, let me hear your balalaikas ringing out! In this column,
Mick looks at ethnic music, and how all of our musical heritages
are more closely linked than we realize!
----
Ill Fate or Good Fortune? - by Trevor Krueger
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-trevor-fortune.html
Sometimes what you plan - can go wrong. But if you believe in
fate and have faith to follow the path you are given, it may just
be for the better...
----
What the Effects? - by Alex Jasperse
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-alexjasperse-effects.html
A quick look at the pros and cons of three types of guitar
effects units that exist.
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C l a s s i f i e d s & U s e f u l S e r v i c e s :
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WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER AS YOUR SONGWRITING PARTNER
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If you have a high speed connection, you can download a 30-Day
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Receive a special $70.00 discount off the $289.00 list price when
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THE SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER MOTIVATION & MEDITATION AUDIO
Inspired by the songwriter's journey, and through understanding
the principles talked about in "THE SECRET", this audio program
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Muse's Muse Visitors - Enter Promo Code: 42567 for Discount.
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Limited Introductory Offer of $12.95 for Digital Download
Discounts for CD, and CD/Digital Download Combo shown on ordering
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LYRICIST VERSION 3: THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND
Lyricist is the first-of-its-kind word processor designed
specifically for musicians, songwriters, and poets. The software
includes a Rhyming Dictionary, Thesaurus, Album Categorization,
Chord Charting, Chord Generator, Song Arrangement, and On-Line
Copyright Link.
The new version 3 release adds support for "Piano Style" chord
symbols, Nashville Number System, and Transposition features -
all in one easy-to-use package - and all for only $44.95! (That's
$5.00 off to all Muse's News readers who purchase from the review
link at www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html!)
This tool will revolutionize the way you write and organize your
writing. Be the best songwriter you can be and purchase Lyricist
today! http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html
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THE 8th EDITION OF THE INDIE BIBLE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
The Indie Bible shows you where to get your music reviewed, your
songs played, and your CDs sold. Now in its Seventh Edition, The
Indie Bible has 330 pages of valuable contacts and music-related
articles.
The 8th Edition of the Indie Bible contains:
4200 publications around the world that will REVIEW your CD!
3400 radio stations around the world that will PLAY your songs!
500 vendors and services that will help you to SELL your music!
200 sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3 files!
500 helpful resources and sites where you can PROMOTE your band!
52 articles that will help your career to MOVE forward rapidly!
Listings include web, e-mail and physical address, as well as
phone and fax numbers.
For details and to order online visit:
http://www.bigmeteor.com/muse
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REAL ANSWERS TO REAL QUESTIONS,
An eBook About Copyright & Publishing
If you want to know how to protect yourself as a songwriter in
this digital age, you need this book - EXCLUSIVELY offered
through The Muse's Muse. And it's now on sale for half price!
Visit http://www.musesmuse.com/realarealq.html to learn more!
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INDIE-MUSIC.COM - WHERE SERIOUS MUSICIANS SURF
One of the most respected and imitated indie music sites on the
web, Indie-Music.com has been serving the Independent Music
Community since 1996 with streaming audio, monthly CD Reviews,
huge industry search directory, success-building resources,
classifieds, and much-needed recognition. The site offers a
wealth of information to artists trying to survive & thrive in
today's competitive music industry.
http://www.indie-music.com/
=================================================================
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a line = 65 characters including spaces and punctuation. All
contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com
For Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
opportunities, please see http://www.musesmuse.com/media.html .
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C o n t a c t I n f o & C r e d i t s :
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Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR
Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER
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The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about
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The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate
credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is
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All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information (how to subscribe and
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For further information, send your e-mail to:
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