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The Muse's News |
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Issue 11.11 - February
2009 ISSN 1480-6975 This
issue sponsored by: Brett
Manning's Singing Success
Vocal Training System
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
----------------------------------------------------------------- @-- Editor's Musings @-- Music Reviews - Alex Jasperse & Don Sechelski @-- New Artist Spotlight Additions @-- 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 - Breaking Down the Wall by Jason Cannata @-- On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your viewing pleasure. @-- Classifieds & Useful Services @-- Contact information ================================================================= ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2008 - Jodi Krangle. For more contact information, see end of issue. ================================================================= FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITING IN YOUR LIFE!
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 the songwriter in your life - even if it's you!
http://www.musesmuse.com/songwriting-store.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BRETT MANNING'S SINGING SUCCESS SYSTEMATIC VOCAL TRAINING SYSTEM:
It's the "secret weapon" used by some of the winners of the world's most prestigious vocal awards, including the Doves, the CMA Awards, and yes, the Grammies.
Learn the one mistake even professional singers make, that drains away 3 times more vocal energy and yields only half the needed vocal power. Find out about the 3 simple exercises that allow even a "beginner" to make rapid increases in range (this also eliminates vocal strain). Learn Brett's secret for "dissolving" your break, so you'll never have to flip into falsetto again, but you'll still sing as high as you want--in full voice - and LOTS more.
The package includes 12 audio CDs (packed with 17 repeatable lessons, including both technique--the simple, yet powerful exercises, and style lessons for building vocal licks and trills); a workbook for illustration; and a DVD for visual reference and demonstration. It's a complete course - and it has a money-back guarantee!
Visit http://tinyurl.com/35t3lz for more details and start yourself on the road to improving your vocal chops today!
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
----------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for joining us for another month! I think folks are still building up their momentum after a very busy holiday. But that just means we'll all have a bit of time to catch our breaths and begin again. :) I hope things are going really well for you all.
We have a new columnist! Scott Morris of You Can Play Guitar has joined us to help those interested learn how to play the bass guitar. You'll find more information on his column at http://www.musesmuse.com/col-scottmorris.html . I think you'll really enjoy his articles - *especially* if you've always wanted to pick this wonderful instrument up, but didn't know where to start.
Once again, in case you missed it last month, Gian's 2008 Muse's Muse Music Awards can be viewed from his reviews menu page at http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-gian.html . He's given the nod to a lot of truly fantastic performers this year and I highly suggest you give them a listen - to appreciate and be inspired by your fellow musicians and songwriters. Also, Jeannie Deva, our resident voice expert, has returned with a great article that I think you'll all really enjoy. There's a new Muse's Clues from Irene Jackson, and another review of a useful book (one that has both an online AND offline component, making it a bit unique) by Ed Teja. There are also a bunch of new songwriting contests to have a look at, if you're interested.
That said, I'll get on with announcing the raffle winners so that we can move on to the meat of the matter. :)
* Robin Stine, from Pensacola, FL, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software (http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Erin Friedman from Cottonwood, 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.
* Chris Hartzog, from Everett, WA, has won a copy of Indie-Music.com's Musician's Toolkit CD (http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/)
* Kenny Woods from Summit, NJ, 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.
* Dan Robinson from Mars, PA, has won a copy of Bronson Herrmuth's "100 Miles To A Record Deal" (http://www.songrepair.com/bookforweb2.htm).
* Greg Reierson from Surrey, BC, has won a copy of Sean Farrington's "The Little Black Book of Band Profit Secrets" (http://www.bandprofit.com/).
* Corinne Curcio from Brooklyn, NY, has won a copy of the book reviewed in the December 2008 issue of this newsletter: The Handbook for Working Singers by Roma Waterman (http://www.musesmuse.com/11.9-December08.html#book)
* François Toutain from Louannec, France has won a copy of the book reviewed in the November issue of this newsletter: Northern Songs by Brian Southall with Rupert Perry (reviewed here: http://www.musesmuse.com/11.8-November08.html#book).
If you'd like one of these great raffle prizes for your very own, all you need to do is write to me with your first two choices for your prize and your address info (this is important!) so that I can get it to you. The prizes are all listed at the top of http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html .
Wishing you all every success,
--Jodi
Back to Menu ================================================================= 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.
http://tinyurl.com/6o27j7
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Alex Jasperse & Don Sechelski
----------------------------------------------------------------- Visit http://www.musesmuse.com/gian2008-intro.html for Gian Fiero's 2008 Muse's Muse Awards.
NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Alex Jasperse: --------------
* Royston Vince http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-roystonvince-out.html * Dal Knezevic http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-dalknezevic-longdarknight.html
Don Sechelski: --------------
* Black Jake and The Carnies http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-blackjackcarnies-bjatc.html * Dayna Lane http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-daynalane-anything.html * Nick Zubeck http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-nickzubeck-tracker.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!
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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
----------------------------------------------------------------- John Brendan Russel - Genre: COUNTRY
Humor collides with amazing country melodies! "Family Portrait" explores family life with wit and warmth. The arrangements run the country spectrum from "Newgrass" to "Americana". John Brendan Russell's songwriting is influenced by Jim Croce and Jerry Reed and their ability to tell great stories with humor.
http://www.johnbrendanrussell.com/
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Doug Spears - Genre: FOLK & TRADITIONAL
Thoughtful, intelligent lyrics in the style of Gordon Lightfoot and John Prine, memorable melodies, a warm, engaging acoustic guitar style and smooth, rich vocals reminiscent of John Denver. That??™s acoustic folk artist, Doug Spears. Doug's songs tell engaging stories mixing musical elements of Americana, bluegrass and acoustic folk. Turn off the TV and the cell phone and enjoy.
http://www.dougspearsmusic.com/ =================================================================
S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Ed Teja
Cheap Advice on Songwriting 60 Tips to Stimulate Your Musical Creativity By Mark Bendig http://cheapadviceonmusic.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- A lot of songwriting books are by famous songwriters and are intended to teach you how to write famous songs—hit songs. They approach the subject with either a "how I do it" or "how all of us successful songwriters do it" that packages the collective wisdom of the famous songwriter and friends. There is great merit in those books, especially if your intent is to write hit songs and compete in the day to day music business. This ebook doesn't use that kind of approach at all. Instead, Bendig assumes that you want to write songs, probably are writing them already, and just want to write more, better, and more diverse songs, without keeping an eye on the Billboard charts. So it is a book of tips that spur you into increased creativity.
Although it does not really address the craft of songwriting directly - it is not a book of rules - it does point to some ideas and concepts. In some cases, Bendig suggests that merely thinking about these things helps create an awareness that will keep working for you. In other cases, you might find that the ideas push you to think deeper and more profoundly about some aspect of your songwriting, such as his discussion of the way consonants affect the lyric line. Carried far enough, it almost verges on poetics. But there are no in depth discussions or analysis here, just an explanation, and a few examples to clarify the points, and then you are left to determine if that bit is worth pursuing. What is extremely helpful is that Bendig provides musical examples to make his points. They are his own songs, and he points to the sections that clearly show the issue at hand. And no, he doesn't think he has mastered the tips himself, but he is aware of them, and shows you how and where he uses them.
This is probably the place to point out that there are two versions of this ebook — one for offline use and one for online use. They both have the text in pdf format, and folders with the chords and lyrics for all the songs he uses for examples. The offline book, however, comes with mp3s of the songs — 21 of them. In the online version you can click a link to hear the tunes. So you can choose a style to suit how you work. The clever thing about this approach is that you are seeing how he uses the ideas he is presenting. It doesn't matter if the songs are your cup of tea or not, the issue is that the songs eliminate a lot of tedious explanation (we are about music after all) and makes sure you don't misunderstand. And if do you like the music, you get the equivalent of 2+ cds of music along with the book.
The book breaks into five chapters. The first two are about lyrics (starting ideas and lyrical patterns), the third is musical patterns, the fourth is about spurring creativity, and last some final advice to help you get the songs completed.
Many of the tips you'll find here are common sense, some are reassuring, and some could provide some real insight into your own songwriting. Which are which, will depend on you and your background and goals. One of the compelling things about this book is that it encourages experimentation. Congratulations to Bendig for keeping songwriting fun, rather than a too serious chore.
******
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Ed Teja writes a broad range of music. His songs and instrumentals have appeared in television shows (Court TV and Discover Channel) and in a variety of videos. He has had two CDs released by Morrhythm Records (www.outstandingmusic.com) and is currently cowriting songs with an exciting singer who is working on her second CD. As a performer, 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, Pickamania, 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!
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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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WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER AS YOUR SONGWRITING PARTNER NOW WITH SPECIAL DISCOUNTED 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
================================================================= 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! ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2009 SANDRA JAMES MUSIC FOUNDATION 2ND ANNUAL SONGWRITING CONTEST
We’re excited to repeat the Sandra James Music Foundation Songwriting Contest for the 2nd year. Our contest in 2008 was a great success! We are a non-profit organization committed to supporting the causes that were important to Sandra: positive changes involving children, music, peace, and the protection of the environment. First place prize is $1,000, recognition of the win on the Sandra James Music Foundation website, and an opportunity to include the winning song on a CD. The contest will run from January 1st 2009 to March 31st 2009. The winner will be announced May 1st. Please visit our website for more information and send us your songs!
Fee: $25.00 Rules and application form may be found at http://www.sandrajames.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE 2009 SINGER/SONGWRITER AWARDS - ROUND 1
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. Deadline: 1st March 2009 Fee: $30 Details: *http://www.wearelistening.org/singer.php. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2009 LYRIC WRITER AWARDS – ROUND 1
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! Deadline: 31st March 2009 Fee: $20 Details: *http://www.wearelistening.org/about_lwa.php. ----------------------------------------------------------------- AFFORDABLE PRESS RELEASE DISTRIBUTION
My PR Music Wire offers press release writing and direct email distribution to thousands of music journalists, radio stations, and managers. You can also post your music press release for free on our website by emailing it to freewire@myprmusicwire.com. Receive 10% off your entire order when you enter the coupon code muse10 at checkout!
http://www.myprmusicwire.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2009 ERIE CANAL SONG CONTEST
This is our second contest sponsored by the Erie Canal Discovery Center, part of the Niagara County Historical Society in Lockport New York. The entries should be about the Canal, the Locks or Lockport. The deadline for entry is April 1st 2009. The award will be made May 9th, 2009 at the annual "Key to the Locks" ceremony in Lockport. It is the ceremonial opening of the Canal season. You can listen to last years contest winner as well as obtain all the necessary information to enter at: www.niagarahistory.org.
This is a free contest. ----------------------------------------------------------------- STACK THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR WITH THE ULTIMATE PROMOTION AND FREE CONSULTATIONS
Do you have a dream of having your music heard, being on the radio, or writing songs for other artists? You're not alone. And now, there's a faster and better way than ever before to get there. Song Warrior Music will promote your music professionally, to only publishers, producers, and record labels who specialize in your style of music and are actively seeking new songs. From the design and production of presentation materials to follow up calls/letters/mailings, and unlimited consultation before, during, and after the promotion, everything is custom designed to fit your music and your specific goals. Song Warrior Music is committed to putting the music first and giving you the absolute best possible chance for achieving your dream, because it's not just a career, it's your music. So, if you are ready to go for that dream, to schedule your free consultation, just go to http://www.songwarriormusic.com/musesmuse or call (573) 814-2169. You can talk with the owner, Jason Cannata, directly, ask him any questions you have, and find out more about The Song Warrior Music Promotion. If you believe in yourself and your dreams, and never give up, anything is possible, so contact Song Warrior Music today and Go For It! ----------------------------------------------------------------- MUSKOGEE SONGWRITING CONTEST
Youth and adult amateur songwriters are invited to enter the 2009 Muskogee Songwriting Contest. The contest is open to anyone living in Oklahoma and making any genre of music. The fee for each entry is $15.
Entries must be mailed to the Muskogee Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 3298, Muskogee, OK, 74402, and postmarked no later than Feb. 28. Entries also may be e-mailed to maacoksongwriters@yahoo.com by Feb. 28. Ten adult and 10 youth finalists will be invited to perform at the April 4 songfest in Muskogee. First prize is $500, second $200 and third $100. Contest rules and entry information can be obtained by going to the arts council Web site at maacok.com and clicking on the “Songwriters” link. The contest is sponsored by MAAC, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and John Michael's Sound and Music. ----------------------------------------------------------------- HOW CAN MUSOWIKI HELP YOU?
Musowiki.net is a FREE global directory of music-industry services. It helps Musos who want to grow their music to connect with people offering help. Whether you need to write better songs, learn to play or to book your next tour of Europe, Musowiki contains services that bring your goals within reach.
People offering services that help Musos can LIST THEMSELVES FREE (instructions are here: http://musowiki.net/index.php/Category:Listing). Just copy, paste and fill in the blanks.
If someone has done a great job for you, give them a boost by saying so on their discussion page. There are many ways you can support the project - feel free to explore the community. www.musowiki.net ----------------------------------------------------------------- A PRESTIGIOUS JURY WILL ASSIST TALENT SEEKERS TO FIND THE 1000 MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE OF 2009
Talent Seekers has organized an international contest to discover and promote the most outstanding people in their respective creative fields, one of them being music. The jury includes top professionals, such as Rafael Revert, founder of the two most important Spanish music radio stations (40 Principales and Cadena 100), Jimmy Destri, founder member of the legendary American band Blondie or the distinguished Canadian producer John Dimon, winner of an Emmy and producer of well known television programmes, such as "Stars of Tomorrow".
Fee: None. Deadline: 31st December 2009. URL: http://www.talentseekers.net/index.php --------------------------------------------------------- THE DELI: A MUSIC WEBSITE FOCUSING ON LOCAL MUSIC SCENES
The Deli is the website that every A&R person and local promoter checks out on a weekly basis. Our publication and web sites focus on local music scenes and emerging artists (from rock to folk to experimental, with a little bit of hip hop as well). We currently publish a printed magazine about the NYC music scene and have daily updated , separate web pages tackling the new emerging music in NYC, LA, SF and Nashville. Check it out here www.thedelimagazine.com.
You can submit your music via the web through our open blog pages (here's the one for Nashville: http://www.thedelimagazine.com/nashville/openblog/) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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! ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2009 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
----------------------------------------------------------------- This past Christmas season, my husband and I attended an event which has become an annual tradition for many Canadians. Stuart McLean is a broadcaster with the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and every Sunday we tune into his "Vinyl Café" on CBC Radio. He often tours the country with the show, and during the month of December he has a live Christmas show that he brings to many cities across the country. His show is also broadcast on NPR in the US and can be heard online through a podcast:
http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/home.php
The Vinyl Café is a collection of "stories, essays and music (both live and recorded)" and Stuart McLean is a wonderful storyteller. Not only does he read his own writings on air, but he encourages listeners to submit their own stories and he will usually read one or two of them each week as part of the show. A song usually follows the story, and often the song relates to the story topic. The show is folksy in nature and always fun to listen to and Stuart McLean is a distinctive voice who never fails to entertain.
Whatever style you write in, however you think of your songwriting, you are always telling a story. The story might only be about a moment in time or painting an emotional landscape, but the best songs have a great beginning, middle and end, just like a great story. Storytelling itself has become almost a lost art in our technically-obsessed world, but it is something every songwriter should think about when penning lyrics, and the Vinyl Café is a great re-introduction to the world of telling stories.
You can get the latest podcast from the website by either subscribing or downloading straight on to your computer. Listen to just one of these shows and I guarantee you'll be inspired!
******
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
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e : by Jason Cannata
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS © 2008 http://www.songwarriormusic.com
----------------------------------------------------------------- Have you ever thought about that great big iron wall that stands between you and the music business? You know the one. It's the main thing that is keeping you from getting signed, being played on the radio, or accepted by the industry in general. Sometimes it can even feel like you are one side of the wall, and all of the other artists who have "made it" are lined up on the other side. And who sits in the middle on top of the wall? All of the record executives who are smiling down at you, reminding you what a long and hard climb it is. Well, I've got news for them and you. Long gone are the days where we actually have to throw a rope up and start climbing. Basically, we know that when we begin to climb up that "wall", there will be someone on top trying to make us slip or fall off, so we would have to start all over again. That's why we aren't going to try to get around any walls, we are going straight through them. It's a lot easier than you may think.
The secret of the music business is that there is no wall there at all. It's an illusion and it always has been. And it was created by the music industry itself to give it leverage. I know personally how big the wall can seem at times, but once I realized that it was all in my mind, it became a lot easier to get past. Let me explain a little. It goes back to when we were growing up and very impressionable. When we see a picture of someone on an album or magazine cover, it makes them seem as if they are on a different level. They are "important". Their hair, clothes, and the way they are posing is perfect. And if you combine that with a talent like singing, writing, or playing an instrument, it begins to create that wall in our mind. The one that says that they are so different from us, they are on "that side".
Even with the best intentions and determination, that wall put up by the music business is still there. Persistence and confidence are the two things that will take it down. That wall is in your mind. It isn't real. There is no difference between you and the artists who have made careers in music. They are people just like you and me. And if you actually met some of them, you would know how human they really are. But they were willing to believe in their dreams enough to work hard enough to make them a reality. If you are willing to do the same, then there is no wall between you and the music business. That's where your confidence comes in. Believe in yourself and your talent. Remind yourself that you belong there too. It can and will happen because you will make it. And don't let anyone tell you that you can't or won't make it. It's not their dream, it's not their decision.
We have all heard about what the odds are, and that very few people really make it and are successful. Being persistent actually changes that, and turns the odds in your favor. Think about this. It's virtually impossible to keep doing something for an extended period of time and not get better at it. This works for anything. That same philosophy can be applied to music as well. The longer you are in it, the better you will get, the more experienced you will be, and the more contacts you will make. I challenge anyone to keep pitching songs to publishers and record companies and not make any contacts. You can't help it because it will just happen. And the longer you keep trying, the more times you keep sending songs in, the more you will learn, and the more feedback you will get. Just being involved in music will lead you to different places and people. How you use those experiences is what will determine how successful you are. But by giving up and walking away after a certain amount of time, you just become another statistic. This is what category most people fall into. And that's why the odds are what they are. Don't pay attention to those odds because they don't apply to you as long as you don't give up. Believe in yourself, believe in yourself, and never give up.
*****
Jason Cannata has been in the music business for over fifteen years as a songwriter, artist, and producer, with five songs on the radio, and he has created a company, Song Warrior Music, that is focused on helping others achieve their dreams in a completely new way that is changing how the music industry works forever. If your goal is having your music heard, being on the radio, or writing music for other artists, go to http://www.songwarriormusic.com/musesmuse today and schedule your free consultation to see how Jason can help you enjoy building a successful music career.
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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 :
----------------------------------------------------------------- Effective Lead Vocals - Part 2 - By Jeannie Deva http://www.musesmuse.com/col-jeanniedeva-elv-p2.html
The second in a three-part series, Celebrity Vocal Coach Jeannie Deva focuses on several other components to help you "sell" your song with conviction and artistry.
Editor's Note: Jeannie has had an extended leave of absence for several years and this is her first article after returning. I really think you'll enjoy it. :)
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Bass Guitar Tips #1 - by Scott Morris http://www.musesmuse.com/col-scottmorris-bass1.html
Scott's first article is an easy introduction to learning how to play the bass. You'll be jamming along with other guitarists in no time!
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The Cold, Hard Facts - by Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-coldhardfacts.html
Some truths remain evident in the music business at any level - what are they, and when do they occur? Mick looks at the entry-level of dealing with such roadwork.... -----
Music Collecting #1 - by Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-musiccollecting1.html
Vinyl,cassette, CD, and downloads - get started on a never-ending, inexhaustable hobby/vocation/mission of collecting music! Mick gives ya the ol' Blue Collar insight...
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Choices - A Blue Collar Perspective - By Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-choices.html
Choices - we all gotta make 'em, good or bad. Mick looks at some of his own personal choices, and muses on how choices we make on our art, music, and lives - big or small - can weigh out.
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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 :
----------------------------------------------------------------- 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: http://www.bigmeteor.com/muse ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 .
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----------------------------------------------------------------- Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 included (including credits and information at the end of each issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com. All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information (how to subscribe and unsubscribe, etc.) will be available at: http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html
The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for songwriters: http://www.musesmuse.com/
For further information, send your e-mail to: ----------------------------------------------------------------- adinfo@musesmuse.com - How to place a classified ad, pass on market information or sponsor The Muse's News. editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.
SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National Library of Canada ecollection: http://collection.nlc-bnc.ca/100/201/300/muses_news/index.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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