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The Muse's News |
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Issue 11.0 - March 2008 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 - Chris Propfe, Bhasker Gupta, 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 - Songwriting: Then vs. Now -
by Matthew Levine
@-- 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 1998-2008 - 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. You'll find
means of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids,
educational products, musical instruments and their accessories,
and lots more. Find the perfect gift for that songwriter in your
life, too - even if it's you!
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!)
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ENTER YOUR SONGS - USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Win $50,000 Grand Prize worth of cash, cool music gear from Sony,
Ibanez Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Audio-Techica, IK Multimedia
and more! Not to mention radio ariplay for winning songs. Judges
include A&R from Universal, SONY/BMG, Capitol Records and Warner.
FREE EARLY BONUS: Hurry, enter now and get a FREE gift! Get entry
from here: http://www.songwriting.net/mm.html
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Well, http://www.voiceoversandvocals.com/ has a new graphic at the
top, thanks to Mark Spivey, a New Age artist from Australia who
subscribers to this newsletter (Hi Mark! :)). It's perfect and
I'm very happy with the contrast it makes with the rest of the
site. If you'd like to know more about Mark, you can visit his
website at http://www.marksmusicaustralia.com/ - or you can have
a look at his Artist Spotlight listed below.
I also have some new testimonials up there so the site is
steadily expanding... If you're interested or if you might have
an upcoming project that needs either a singer or a speaker, feel
free to let me know. :)
Moving right along, we have another new columnist! I think you
guys are really going to like this one too. Bronson Herrmuth
(author of "100 Miles To A Record Deal" - one of the books we
regularly raffle every month here in The Muse's News) has joined
The Muse's Muse crew with his new column, "Nothin' But The
Truth". He'll be providing articles he's written about many
facets of the music business, many of which focus on or directly
relate to songwriting. He's also going to be sharing his one on
one studio interviews, conducted in Nashville, with Music Row
veteran songwriters, musicians, producers, artists and music
publishers. This isn't a column to be missed, folks! You can
see his first contribution, an interview with Grammy Award
winning engineer/producer, Bil VornDick on his menu page at
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-bronson.html . And stay tuned for
other great articles and interviews to come! Glad to have you
aboard, Bronson. :)
There's lots of other great stuff in the newsletter this month -
so without further ado, I'll list the raffle winners:
* Beth Hancock, from Williamson, Iowa, has won a copy of
Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software
(http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Adri-Anne Ralph from Stanton, CA, has won a free 3 month
membership to SongU (http://www.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.
* Ray Smith from Cherry Hill, NJ, has won a copy of
Bronson Herrmuth's "100 Miles To A Record Deal"
(http://www.songrepair.com/bookforweb2.htm).
* Sam Brant from Greensburg, PA, has won a copy of
Sean Farrington's "The Little Black Book of Band Profit Secrets"
(http://www.bandprofit.com/).
* Sharon Sowers from Lilburn, GA, has won a copy of David J.
Spangenberg's (aka Professor Pooch) "The Music Biz On A Disk: How
to Get In, Survive & Succeed Without Getting Ripped Off"
(http://www.professorpooch.com/) - reviewed below.
As per always, if you'd like to be placed in the queue for a
raffle prize, please write to me with your first and second
choice for a prize (they're all listed at the top of
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html) and your mailing address
so that I can get the prize out to you. And yes, as I said last
month, it really is as simple as that. :)
Keep Creative!
All the best,
--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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER AS YOUR SONGWRITING PARTNER
NOW WITH SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICING!
"This remarkable piece of software turns your Mac or PC into a
valuable songwriter partner"
-- Richard Leiter, Keyboard Magazine
If you have a high speed connection, you can download a 30-Day
demo. If not, we will send you a copy for $9.95 which will be
deducted from the purchase price if you decide to buy.
Receive a special ** $70.00 ** discount off the $289.00 list
price when purchasing through the Muse's Muse!
Please use discount coupon # 3004.
Endorsed by: BMI, ASCAP, NSAI, PRS and Taxi.
Winner Best of Show Macworld 2003
http://www.musesmuse.com/masterwriter-songwriting-software.html
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Chris Propfe, Bhasker Gupta,
Alex Jasperse, Chip Withrow,
& Gian Fiero
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NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Gian Fiero:
* Emmy Rossum
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-emmyrossum-slowmedown.html
* Sorensen & Mechlowicz
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-sorenmechlo-sogood.html
* Sara Haze
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-sarahaze-ladder.html
* Courtney Jones
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-courtneyjones-longway.html
* Ryan Leslie
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-ryanleslie-diamondgirl.html
Chris Propfe:
* David Brookings
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-brookings-obsessed.html
Bhasker Gupta:
* Shane Philip
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-philip-moment.html
Chip Withrow:
* Karen Collins and the Backroads Band
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-karencollins-taillight.html
* Klosner, Cher & Gene
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-klosner-stardust.html
* Jeff Scott
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-jeffscott-superman.html
Alex Jasperse:
* The Neil Campbell Collective
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-neilcampbell-particle.html
* Stuart Robertson
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-stuartrobertson-coldlive.html
* Delta Saxophone Quartet
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-deltasax-dedicated.html
---------------
******
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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Mark Spivey - Genre: NEW AGE
Be inspired, refreshed and encouraged by the touching
instrumental recordings of musician-composer Mark Spivey as he
combines the soothing melodies of original compositions with the
delightful sounds of the Australian bush, creating a uniquely
moving and memorable experience. With influences from Vangelis
and Tony O'connor and infused with his own "Australian feel",
Mark's music is gaining in popularity both locally and overseas.
Enjoy.
http://www.marksmusicaustralia.com/
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Graham Hobson & the BRS - Genre: POP
Award-winning piano powerpop that will have you singing at the
top of your lungs in the car. Soccer mums stopped at traffic
lights will be disturbed - you'll play air drums - you rock! If
you dig Folds, Elton and Billy you'll love Graham Hobson & the
BRS!
http://www.grahamhobsonbrs.com/
(Graham was the Grand Prize winner in the International Narrative
Song Competition this year! www.narrativemusic.ca/insc.html -
Congratulations, Graham!)
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Bud Buckley - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
Bud Buckley recorded his second CD in Woodstock. "It's About
Time" and has reviewers raving about this acoustic folk/rock (and
more) record. He is often compared to Dylan, Neil Young, Sting
and others. "Bud Buckley makes the kind of music that I want to
hear when I listen to the radio," says a recent Muse's Muse
reviewer (http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-budbuckley-time.html).
http://www.budbuckley.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 MUSIC BIZ ON A DISK
How to Get In, Survive & Succeed
Without Getting Ripped Off
by David J. Spangenberg (aka Professor Pooch)
http://www.professorpooch.com/
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It's hard to get a handle on all the facets of breaking into the
music biz. If the mechanical and logistical aspects of developing
an act weren't enough to deal with, the business end is
intricate, arcane, and bloody intimidating. Even lawyers who are
not trained in entertainment law can be found shaking their heads
over the machinations of music legalize. What is standard in our
music world is not in the rest of the universe.
This CD contains several sets of PDF files that try to cut
through the nonsense and put the realities of the music business
down as simply and directly as possible. It is divided into six
sections: 1) artist development and management; 2) songwriting
and music publishing; 3) producing, producers and production
companies; 4) The Music Biz—the book; 5) law basics; and, 6)
personalized services, which is really just a promotion for the
services the author offers and I won't address in the rest of
this review.
The information overlaps quite a bit from section to section, and
the music business book has bits and pieces from all the
sections. Largely this is due to the professor's attempt at being
comprehensive. However, the four subject areas are more targeted,
and in some cases, more detailed. Each section begins with
basics. The chapters on production, for instance (and there are
six in this section) begin with the role of the producer, in
particular the role the producer plays in our changing music
world. For once upon a time, producers were something quite
different, and as Professor Pooch points out, today the lines
between record companies and production companies are blurring.
In each of the three business area sections (production,
songwriter and publishing, and artist development) there is an
emphasis on contracts - what they do for you, some of the
elements that the contract needs to address, and what some of the
clauses are all about. While this doesn't replace appropriate
legal advice, it gives you the background you'll need to know and
what sorts of questions to ask a lawyer - and to generally
understand for yourself - when a contract is out of line or a rip
off. Just in case you don't get the importance of contracts after
all that, there is a section on legal basics. Interspersed among
the explanations are definitions, you'll find some good advice,
such as "Contracts are only as good as the people who sign
them..." Everyone who has been in the business long has learned
this hard truth. So the advice is to look for good people. And
more. You need to make sure that you are one of the good people
yourself. "Contracts are just a bunch of useless words if either
side doesn't do what's needed to be done," the professor writes.
The music biz book offers you an overview and gets you asking
yourself questions that you will need the answers to, sooner or
later, so that you can set goals and create a viable vision.
Without goals and a vision, you tend to drift, jumping from one
project or opportunity to another, with no focus.
No single book or course will give you all the information you
need to fight your battles in the music wars, but every bit of
knowledge you gain is going to help. This collection of mini
courses contains a great deal of easily understood information.
******
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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR - QUICKLY AND EASILY!
You Can Play Guitar author and publisher Scott Morris now offers
7 Free email guitar lessons that include easy to learn guitar
tablature, a sound file and free guitar lesson videos of his easy
to learn Billboard top rated guitar method that includes learning
guitar scales and theory used by professional songwriters. The
Free Guitar Lesson Videos - teach samples of learning the names
of the notes, sharps and flats, easy to play guitar chords and
more great information for beginner to professional level
guitarist.
Click here to find out how you can improve your guitar playing today!
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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 SANDRA JAMES MUSIC FOUNDATION SONGWRITING CONTEST
Sandra James was a singer/songwriter who left her estate to her
foundation with the instruction to use the funds for good deeds
that benefited her passions: peace, environmental protection, and
education for all. The foundation has announced their first
songwriting contest with a grand prize of $1000 and the chance
for the winner and runners-up to be recorded on a CD that will be
sold to benefit the foundation.
Details: http://www.sandrajames.com/
Deadline: March 31, 2008
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VIRAL SONG - PASS IT ON... SPREAD THE LOVE TO EVERYONE!
Did you hear about the Viral Song? Don't worry it's not a Virus!
It's an online song project supporting several great causes
such as: Helping the poor, feeding the hungry, healing the sick,
quenching the thirsty, stopping the wars, voting for peace,
and making global warming history for our children's sake.
Please visit the website, listen to the song, and pass it on...
Viral Song - Pass It On! http://www.viralsong.com/?muse
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UK SONGWRITING CONTEST 2008 NOW OPEN
The international contest that gets songwriters noticed - one
past winner went platinum after being signed by Simon Cowell.
Prizes include gold discs, songwriting software, free music
organisation subscriptions, music books, Music Diplomas (use the
letters DipMus after your name), free copyright registration
packages, career development and much more. There is something
good guaranteed for every person who enters and every year
finalists and winners are widely featured, played and interviewed
on radio, TV and press, which has led to many recording,
management and publishing deals and opportunities for
contestants. International entries are welcome. More info at
http://www.songwritingcontest.co.uk/
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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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2008 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION KICKS OFF
2008 USA Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries. Win a
top prize of $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise such as cool
gear from Sony, Ibanez Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Peavey,
Audio-Technica and more. Also, have your winning songs played on
radio! Enter in Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz,
Instrumental, etc.
FREE EARLY BONUS: First 1,000 entries will each receive a USA
Songwriting Competition Compilation CD. Hurry! The entry form can
be found at: http://www.songwriting.net/entryform.html
Or enter online here with your MP3 and/or lyrics:
http://online.songwriting.net/
Or through Sonicbids at:
http://www.sonicbids.com/usasong
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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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LUBOFF SONGWRITING WORKSHOP IN NYC ON 3/16/08
The New York City chapter of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International (NSAI) presents a workshop with Pat and
Pete Luboff: "12 Steps to Building Better Songs."
http://www.writesongs.com/ $25 ASCAP, NSAI, Songwriters Hall of
Fame and Songwriters Guild members; $35 all others. For venue and
payment details and to RSVP, please e-mail stonepulse@aol.com or
call 212-740-2072.
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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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THE INDIE VENUE BIBLE - A GROUNDBREAKING VENUE DIRECTORY FOR ANY
ARTIST PLANNING TO TOUR IN THE US OR CANADA!
26,000 live music venues of all sizes are featured including
clubs, bars, restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, theaters, halls,
churches, book stores, community centers, house concerts and open
mics. There are also 1,500 festivals listed as well as over
1,000 colleges for any artist that wants to plan a college tour.
Jumpstart your tour today!
Visit https://nt4.magma.ca/bigmeteor/ivbmuse_order.cfm
for more information!
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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
©1998-2008 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission
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Songs are words and music. Most of the time as a songwriter, you
will find more strength in one than the other, but there have
been a few successful songwriters and composers over the years
who have managed to do both equally well and have proven it time
and time again.
So this month, my theme, if you will, is words and music, and I'm
pointing you towards two very prolific and different writers;
Paul Simon and Steven Sondheim.
The first website is the article "Sondheim vs. Sondheim"
published in 2004 in the online version of City Journal:
http://www.city-journal.org/html/14_4_urbanities-sondheim.html
Sondheim, for those of you who've never heard of him, is a
Broadway composer and at the point of this writing, a movie
version of one of his musicals "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber
of Fleet Street" is in the theatres, starring Johnny Depp and
directed by Tim Burton.
The article is rather lengthy, but goes into some great detail
about his lyrics, his collaborations and his influences. Even
reading the bits of lyrics from various songs is a real treat.
If you don't know the songs, it doesn't matter, you can almost
"hear" them as you read along. Here's an example from the
opening number of Sweeney Todd:
Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd
His skin was pale, and his eye was odd.
He shaved the faces of gentlemen
Who never thereafter were heard of again.
He trod a path that few had trod,
Did Sweeney Todd,
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
He kept a shop in London Town,
Of fancy clients and good renown.
And what if none of their souls were saved?
They went to their Maker impeccably shaved
By Sweeney, by Sweeney Todd
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
The article is an interesting insight into the clever, talented
and often troubled composer.
On another note (pun intended :-), Paul Simon gave an interview
in 2006 to Melissa Block, from NPR's program "All Things
Considered" on his collaboration with Brian Eno for the album
"Surprise". This is an audio interview available from their
website:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5388038
In it, he talks about the songwriting process with an emphasis
this time on the music. Some of the collaboration was done in
studio with Eno coming up with a loop he liked, for instance, and
asking Paul to write something to it. He discusses the chord
progression he came up with and how that, in turn, gave him the
idea for the lyrics.
Simon has always been famous for his collaborations, the first
with his longtime partner Art Garfunkel, and his fusion of
styles, most famously his African-laced album "Graceland".
Rhythm and literary influences have always been very important
elements of his writing, but it's also interesting to hear how he
evaluates his "dry spots" and the effects of contemporary events
on his writing.
So there you have it...some words about Steven Sondheim and a
little music from Paul Simon.
Am I clever, or what? :-)
******
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 Matthew Levine
Songwriting: Then vs. Now (© February 2008)
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Music in America, like all arts, goes through constant change due
to the influences of popular trends, international styles, the
hybridization of genres, new technologies, and lots of
experimentation.
The music of any age also perfectly reflects the social/political
state of a culture. To illustrate this, I will briefly describe
the years 1978 and 2008 each followed by a hypothetical
conversation between a record producer of that era and a
songwriter from the other where the producer reviews a song by
the artist (Note, these were culled from actual conversations
with producers in both eras).
1978 marked an era where American life flourished. Everything was
on the up-and-up. There was an overall sense of progress, and a
great acceptance of new ideas. Pop music splintered into myriad
subgenres. Being original and unique in overall sound was an
asset, and it followed that the composition and arrangement of
any part of any given song in that era could identify that song
within two seconds. Then, content was king and the production was
icing on the cake. Popular musical artists were The Police, Billy
Joel, Talking Heads, Toto, and the Bee Gees.
We now harken back to the year 1978 where producer/A&R man Jack
Stein has just listened to a pop song by songwriter Tish
Meddleson visiting from the year 2008. Jack gives her his
feedback:
Tish, your musical structure is problematic. First, the range of
your song is a perfect fifth which makes it very hard to create
an interesting melody that stands out from the crowd. For a
melody to have a distinctive shape you need room to play with.
Also, your verses and choruses have very little contrast. We
don't feel like were going anywhere musically when your chords
and melodies hover around the same note patterns and tonal area.
We want to be taken on a journey. You're giving us the musical
equivalent of a short walk down highway 6 in the middle of the
desert from one cactus to another. Boring. If you add musical
interest, you'll engage the listener instead of putting him or
her to sleep. Change the range, shape and duration of the melody,
modulate to another key or tonal center, add a new riff, or
change meters. Let the music take us from the desert to Mt.
McKinley, and rob a bank or break up with your boyfriend while
you're at it. This goes for your lyrics as well which are not
focused enough. I have no idea what you're trying to say, in
fact. You should be able to describe what your lyric is about in
one sentence. Right now it's just a bunch of feelings. Give us
the context of your feelings, a story, a cultural backdrop,
something to hang on to. Do these things and you'll have a great
song.
Now we go to 2008 which is marked by chaos, war, disappointment,
ecological imbalance, economic strain, and an unhealthy
preoccupation with all things media. Musical styles have
coalesced into fewer genres whose artists overtly mimic each
other and those immediately before them. The music business has
been dealt a blow because of the internet, however, everybody and
his mother can now afford to make decent recordings for little
money. Unfortunately, everybody and his mother are making decent
recordings for little money. Self-marketing for most artists is
de rigueur, however, the average indie artist sells only one or
two CD's per month. Obsession with money is ubiquitous. Popular
musical artists are Hannah Montana, 50 Cent, Nickelback, Colbie
Caillat, and Radiohead.
George Thistlethwaite, a songwriter from 1978 has just
time-traveled 30 years into the future to play one of his songs
for 2008 music producer Max Reagan. We eavesdrop on their meeting
and hear Max's critique:
George. Listen. There isn't anything wrong with your song, per
se, but nobody will ever record it. First of all, the lyric is
too specific; it's about a woman who's tired of her job and wants
to take a vacation with her lover. First of all, ninety per cent
of the record buying public don't have jobs-they're teenagers-so
they won't relate to a song about anybody with a job. Second, the
melody is all over the place as well as the chords. Simplify it.
Maybe two chords in the verse and maybe add a chord in the
chorus. And in order to hook the listener you need to repeat
melodies and lyrics over and over again. They don't want to have
to listen to every word to figure out what the song is about.
Make it easy on the listener. Find a word or a line and repeat
it. Over and over and over and over again. Do these things and
you'll have a great song.
There you have it-two sets of songwriting values from two
different eras. While the "coverability" of a song has never been
synonymous with its artistic quality, this comparison shows the
differences in approach between two producers working 30 years
apart, both aiming for commercial success. But in any era, there
are those single-minded artists who forge their own paths,
irrespective of current trends, and, though working in the
creative fringe, help shape the norms of tomorrow's popular
market.
*****
Matthew Levine has been writing songs, arranging, and producing
for over three decades. He has collaborated with four grammy
winning songwriters including Amanda McBroom and K.C. Porter and
has won numerous awards for songwriting and composing. He
currently lives in Valencia, CA. You can hear his music at
http://www.anthemfortheworld.com/ and http://www.matthewlevinemusic.com/Back to Menu
=================================================================
" 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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No Depression magazine - a Blue Collar tribute - by Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-nodepression.html
A little salute to a 13 year run by a magazine that exposed
deserving artists in the alt country/ roots movement in music -
No Depression magazine ends its print run and will continue
on-line with the publication of its last issue....
-----
Blue Collar's "Lost Highway" - Journeys And Arrivals
- by Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-musicjourney.html
We hear of the musical "superstars" daily - but what about the
other tiers of making music not only as a living, but a journey?
Mick takes a look in this installment..... =================================================================
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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THE 9th 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 9th 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:
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VOCAL RELEASE SINGING SECRETS OF THE STARS - THE BEST SINGING
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Learn how you can repair a damaged singing voice and greatly
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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
is specifically created for the songwriter based on those
findings. Through Power of Thought and Understanding the Law of
Attraction, you will have the tools, knowledge & ability to
create the thoughts, experiences, and circumstances to be a
phenomenally Successful Songwriter. Included is a guided
meditation that is as passionate as it is empowering!
Muse's Muse Visitors - Enter Promo Code: 42567 for Discount.
http://www.songwritermeditation.com/ Limited Introductory Offer of $12.95 for Digital Download
Discounts for CD, and CD/Digital Download Combo shown on ordering
page.
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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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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/
=================================================================
ADVERTISING RATES: For Classifieds: US$50 Max. 8 lines, where
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 .
Back to Menu =================================================================
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
songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint
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 unsubscribe, etc.) will be available at:
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The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
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For further information, send your e-mail to:
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The Muse's News.
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