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The Muse's News |
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Issue 12.10 - January
2010 ISSN 1480-6975 This
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
----------------------------------------------------------------- @-- Editor's Musings @-- Music Reviews - Cyrus Rhodes, Dan Cohen & Don Sechelski @-- 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 - A Few Things That I've Learned in 2009 - by Mick Polich @-- On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your viewing pleasure. @-- Classifieds & Useful Services @-- Contact information ================================================================= ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2009 - 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!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER 2.0 - JUST RELEASED! (Muse's News readers get a special discount!)
Looking for something really special for that songwriter in your life? (Maybe it's you!) MasterWriter is one of the most remarkable software programs ever developed for the songwriter. Its unique features together with an amazing array of reference dictionaries provide the songwriter with everything he or she needs, in one easy to use program. Why struggle to find the right word or phrase when you can have all the possibilities in an instant. In a world where good is rarely good enough, MasterWriter will be an invaluable tool in helping the songwriter consistently create the exceptional.
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 *$100* discount just by ordering through The Muse's Muse! Please use discount coupon # 3004.
Endorsed by: BMI, ASCAP, NSAI, PRS and Taxi. And you can try before you buy!
http://www.musesmuse.com/masterwriter-songwriting-software.html
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
----------------------------------------------------------------- Hi folks! I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday so far, whatever it is you're celebrating - and that you have fun plans for New Year's!
I just want to mention a couple of things before getting right to the meat of the issue here.
First off, MasterWriter is on sale for $100 off it's original price - but only for a short time longer (this is the tail end of their holiday sale). So if you've been on the fence about it, now's the time to jump on a copy of the new MasterWriter 2.0. I highly recommend it, myself. It'll probably help you with a few of those pesky New Year's Resolutions, too. ;)
I have prizes to give away! And I really like giving them away, too. :) It's easy to get put in the queue for a possible prize. Check out the page at http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html for all the listed raffle prizes. If any of them interest you, write to me to let me know. Include your first and second choices for a prize, along with your mailing address and I'll let you know when a prize is on its way! (Please don't ask for a prize if you've already won? Allow me to share the joy, ok? :) )
And while it's not necessary to receive a prize or anything, if you enjoy this newsletter and feel it's worth passing along to someone else you think might be interested in subscribing, please do! I'd love it (and would really appreciate it!) if you would spread the word.
The lucky raffle winners this month are:
* Sean Powers, from Western Australia, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software (http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Brad Conner, from Orlando, FL, 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.
* Dale Matthies from Goderich, ON Canada has won a downloadable version of Rhyme Genie (http://www.rhymegenie.com/), a dynamic rhyming dictionary featuring over 300,000 entries and 30 different rhyme types.
* Lis Soderberg from Toronto, ON, Canada has won a copy of "100 Miles To A Record Deal" by author and publisher Bronson Herrmuth. (http://www.songrepair.com/bookforweb2.htm)
* Steve Fellers from Knoxville, Maryland, has won a copy of the book reviewed in this month's issue: "George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait" by Walter Rimler. (http://www.press.uillinois.edu)
Wishing you all a very Happy and Successful New Year!
All the best,
--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!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Cyrus Rhodes, Dan Cohen & Don Sechelski
----------------------------------------------------------------- NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Cyrus Rhodes: -------------
* Shaken http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-shaken-youandyours.html * Alligators http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-alligators-piggyandcups.html * Ernie Henrickson www.musesmuse.com/mrev-erniehendrickson-walkswithangels.html * Bloodtype http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-bloodtype-mialiens.html * Fraser http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-fraser-houseonthehill.html
Dan Cohen: ----------
* Paul Renz http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-paulrenz-inmyownhands.html
Don Sechelski: --------------
* Eclyptic http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-eclyptic-wtnciq.html * Silverbird http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-silverbird.html * Nolan McKelvey http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-nolanmckelvey-amatteroftime.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!
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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
----------------------------------------------------------------- Evan Hammer - Genre: ROCK
On stage, Evan Hammer is a barefoot dancing, riotous bass player, but he crafts his tunes while isolated in his piano room during marathon songwriting sessions. His music integrates diverse modern rock songs that vacillate between Killers fever and Elliott Smith resignation, with a strong connection to expressive Bowie-esque melodies.
http://www.evanhammer.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
George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait By Walter Rimler University of Illinois Press http://www.press.uillinois.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- For students of the art of composition, an insight into the life and times of George Gershwin is an exciting proposition. Easily one of the most influential composers of all time, his tunes remain alive and vital even in the internet era. In addition to being widely covered,"I GOT RHYTHM" alone has been the source material for more jazz tunes than any other. And there were many others.
In this biography, Rimler does a wonderful job of communicating a vivid sense of Gershwin's life. Unlike some biographers, he doesn't include every cute childhood episode (for which I am eternally thankful) but sketches out the essence of his formative years and gets on with the adult life. Gershwin's family was, however, a major influence on him; his relationship with his brother, who was his lifelong friend as well as collaborator, is the best known example.
It is easy for a biography to devolve into gossip or unadorned worship, depending on the bent of the author. What is truly good about this book is that it does neither. For the most part Gershwin is shown acting out his story and you are left to decide whether the things he did, the decisions he made, were noble or self serving (or both).
Of special interest here is the story of Gershwin's struggle to compete with - George Gershwin. Early success came easily to him, but it brought problems in terms of the expectations in created in fans and critics alike, although the two groups did not necessarily share the same ones. Later, pleasing his audiences let down the critics, yet when he attempted more ambitious compositions, neither group was entirely pleased. He succeeded too easily as a popular composer and performer, yet could never convince the critics that his classical music was of the same quality. The resulting frustration was an important driver of his career and made him subject to a certain melancholy and insecurity.
An underlying theme in Gershwin's saga is the struggle to bring "Porgy and Bess" to the stage. One small part is the story behind that famous tune "SUMMERTIME." For a Gershwin hit song, it was a rarity. The lyricist collaborating with Gershwin was not brother Ira (although some promotional material at the time suggested it was), but Dubose Heyward, author of the book Porgy. It was Heyward's book that inspired the musical, and it was the first song lyric the man ever wrote. The entire project almost fell apart a number of times, and was never a real hit for Gershwin, although it subsequently became considered a classic. It is a story that should give us all hope for our own work.
Because Gershwin wrote in an era often thought of as a golden age of music, it is sobering to realize that it was a tough business even then. Seeing the ups and downs, the courage and plain hard work that his career encompassed is an eye opener. This well written and intriguing book should be on the bookshelf of any aspiring songwriter.
******
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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FIRST ANNUAL WORLDS BEST SONGS SONGWRITING COMPETITION
The Worlds Best Songs International Songwriting Competition is offering prizes by Broadjam, Taxi, Musicrow, Diskmakers and more as well as a cash prize for top three winners. The competition is open to all categories including Rock, Country, R&B, Hip-Hop and Lyric Only. Amateurs and Professionals may both enter. Entry Fees vary with a discount for multiple songs.
For complete details visit http://www.worldsbestsongs.com
================================================================= 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! ----------------------------------------------------------------- *** 2010 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION BEGINS
15th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries. Winning songs will receive radio airplay in United States and Canada along with great prizes such as a Top Prize of over $50,000. First 1,000 entries will each receive a free 3 issue subscription to Guitar Player magazine + free software. Submission deadline: May 28. http://www.songwriting.net/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- INDIE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST
Now accepting song entries for fourth semiannual competition. Come see the new contest standard. Green-friendly - conducted entirely online with no mailed entries accepted. Know your judge and your score! Entries are limited for greater chance at recognition. Don't be "screened out" of other competitions. $19,000 value in useful prizes awarded and all genre winners & 2nd place also featured on front page. Contest closes on the February 28th, 2010 deadline or at the 150 song capacity per genre - whichever comes first - so enter today!
Enter online with your new permanent profile http://www.indieinternational.com/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- POINT BLANK COLLEGE (LONDON) SEEKS MUSIC COMPOSITION TUTORS
Point Blank College is currently recruiting enthusiastic freelance tutors with music industry experience to teach our Music Composition course. Candidates must have practical and demonstrable knowledge of music theory, song structure, arrangement, lyric writing, vocal production and recording techniques. Songwriting skills should extend across a broad range of contemporary musical styles, including both acoustic and electronic music. Knowledge of copyright, royalties, and songwriting career strategies are also required.
We are looking for a team player who is reliable and keen to work in an educational environment with a diverse group of students. Excellent communication skills are essential, as is attention to detail. Ability to work to a deadline is also extremely important as all tutors are required to complete detailed course documentation and student evaluations each term. A PGCE or other teaching qualification is an advantage but not essential. We also offer an in-house accredited tutor training course. Please submit your current CV along with a covering letter to work@pointblanklondon.com .
For more information about Point Blank, please visit http://www.pointblanklondon.com . We are an equal opportunities employer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- SONGWRITING CONSULTATION SPECIAL OFFER:
Pete and Pat Luboff are offering a special rate to Muse's Muse readers on a single song consultation: http://www.writesongs.com/consults.html MM readers get a $5 discount by sending $15 via PayPal to peteandpat@comcast.net instead of using the $20 single-song button on the site. Please email the songs to the same address (mp3 attachment with the lyrics in the body of the email - lyrics only are fine). Response will be by email. Offer is good until 12/1/09. ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE BANDIT A&R NEWSLETTER - FREE SAMPLE COPY
ARE YOU an unsigned act, songwriter or producer?? Looking for a Record, Publishing, Management and Licensing deal worldwide, especially in the UK and USA? Each month the BANDIT A&R NEWSLETTER publishes features on Labels, Publishers, Managements etc looking to sign acts, songs or masters. Get yourself a FREE SAMPLE COPY from: bandit.366@aweber.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS: FANS SUPPORT ARTISTS DIRECTLY WITH FEED THE MUSE..ONE DOLLAR AT A TIME
Feed The Muse presents a simple model for creators and audiences to join together and keep the arts flourishing and is a simple yet effective vehicle for musicians to fund their creative projects and connect to their audience in a meaningful way. It provides a means for artists to ask their fans, families and friends to contribute financially in the artists evolution.
If an artist has 5,000 MySpace "friends" and each contribute even $2 that totes up to $10,000 for the next tour or recording project. This process allows fans who are passionate about their artists and want to see them continue creating, the opportunity to do so without having to make a large contribution. Feed The Muse runs on the concept of microdonations. Every dollar, every donation no matter how small is a statement of faith in the project and moves it closer to completion.
Visit www.feedthemuse.net to see how easy it can be to get the support you need. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 VENUE BIBLE - A GROUNDBREAKING VENUE DIRECTORY FOR ANY ARTIST PLANNING TO TOUR IN THE US OR CANADA!
32,000 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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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2010 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
----------------------------------------------------------------- One hang up that a lot of songwriters seem to have, or at least express some kind of frustration with, is writing a great melody. It's not an easy thing to teach, but sometimes in listening to and evaluating what other great songwriters do, we can get a sense of the techniques they use that might also work for us.
About.com (http://www.about.com) has been around for a long time, and recently I came across some really great little articles by Dan Cross on the About.com website. His writing focuses mainly on guitar playing, but he has also covered the topic of songwriting. Two of his writings cover writing in major and minor keys...so a small warning that there is a little theory involved. But he also has a great article on Writing an Effective Melody (http://guitar.about.com/od/songwriting/ss/writing_melody.htm), which takes several examples, including mp3 clips so you can listen, analyzing the technique used by the songwriter in each one.
The first is a sample from Brian Wilson's song "Warmth of the Sun". Cross includes a small section of notation from the song to demonstrate the notes, time signature and chord progression so that you can read along (if you read music!) while you listen to the clip. The second clip is a small section of the first verse of Eleanor Rigby, a Paul McCartney contribution to the Beatles' 1966 album "Revolver". And the third is a more contemporary example from the Radiohead song "High and Dry", in which Cross praises their return to good quality songwriting in the style of the masters.
He has another article called "Trampoline Deconstructed", in which he analyzes a song called "Trampoline" by a lesser-known Toronto area songwriter named Rob Szabo, who has influenced many bigger named Canadian artists and bands.
If you're a guitar player, you might also want to peruse some of Dan Cross' guitar pages on About.com (http://guitar.about.com/), which offer quite a few lessons, tabs and articles. Can't hurt to master your instrument a little more...could lead to some other songwriting inspiration!
******
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 Mick Polich
A Few Things That I've Learned In 2009 From his column: Blue Collar Rockin' @ http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich.html
----------------------------------------------------------------- A few things that I've learned over the past year...
That change is good, and good change is better, but sometimes, you need to keep telling yourself that this is the way to go even if it's scary...
That you need to stick to your principles, but with careful consideration, planning, thought of the consequences, and the inevitable outcome. I've learned sloppiness in not thinking that process through usually results in a crappy result (thanks for constant reminders, MB).
That sometimes you're an asshole even when you don't intend to be. But, if you intend to be, and it's a chronic condition, see the first thought in this article...
Speaking your mind when you've had enough (or as the result of a lifetime of tiredness from clamming up). It's like starting a car after it sits for years awkward, sputtering at first, but then you figure out what to regulate as the words spill out of your mouth, what wars are winnable, and slowly get the conviction to explain yourself and your position. As artists, we can be pretty imbalanced folks. I think balance in life, in all phases, is the key. Knowing when to speak, and when to shut up, is paramount.
That you need to get back to making music for the hell of it, not because it pays the bills (if it can do THAT, in this economy). What got you into the love of music and art in the first place? I think it's a good question to ask.
That dreams you've had as a young person can fade, but new ones can exist, and you need to keep telling yourself that even at the low times when you don't believe anything anymore. I need to do it, and you do, too. We all have the skills maybe they're not Top 100, or Nashville songwriting skills, or world-class music or singing chops, but somewhere along the line, there's a place to fit in, even for a moment...
For those people with kids: that parenting is the lifetime gig, the on-going, 24-hour process where you wonder if you ever make a right decision (and for all those parents that think they make the right decision all the time on the clock, well, you're not listening). Also, giving kids the arts and music programs that usually get cut (as usual, before sports) is truly a gift kids need the arts at ALL income levels. If the government can't do it, well, hey, Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, put on a show and raise some capital for your school! Yeah, right... BUT, it could be so...) So, congrats to the Dallas, Texas I.S.D. for conscientiously putting room in their budget for the arts for 2010...
Forcing yourself to have confidence not only in artistic and musical situations, but life as well. We get holed up in our own little zones (and ourselves), keeping the pats on the backs coming when we know we give them to ourselves. Breaking out, moving on, realizing when something isn't healthy it's downright scary, but you need to ask, "Is this the right thing to do, or am I screwing up for myself, and others?".
What's gone is done, and what's done is gone. No matter how much I want it back, it ain't comin' down the road to my doorstep again. This applies to notes thrown out into space, compositions created, and paint on a canvas.
Believe me, this stuff that I say, I'm equally trying to convince myself, probably more so than you all!
Let's see, what else...well, how about the confidence to move forward and explore new artistic territory, even if it doesn't pay a monetary reward? I haven't made a living solely at playing music for years, but I continue to eek out a living in the music and arts business, so I guess this concept works with my wife, too, as long as I don't break the bank. Take some chances, and move forwards into some long, unexplored dreams...
Treating others with respect when respect is given (it's a two-way street, and I'm through going down it one way with some people).
What is hip? It doesn't matter any more what do you like about music, and why? If it's 60 years old, or 6 minutes old, why do you like to listen to it, or play it?
Learning to find calm in everyday storms (and compared to what some folks go thru with just surviving in this world, it's a little tempest in a teapot...).
That the 'tortured artist' effect at my age basically becomes a grumpy old dude...
That art and music STILL transcend economics, class, race, gender, and other boundaries. Obvious, I know, but when I see works of art in a ghetto, rich suburb, small town, or another country, it still reinforces the fact that the creation of art shouldn't, and doesn't have boundaries, thank goodness.
Fear, self loathing, ego, low self esteem these elements still can contaminate our development as artists and musicians. Easier said than done, harder than hell to correct and move on from the bane, and Catch 22 of all creative folks.
I know that I have a few more in the hopper, but you know, I could be blogging until 2011, so I'm stopping to enjoy the holiday. Might slip another column in before the new year, but if not, will everyone out there reading this please be safe, and do a good turn for someone else to kick start 2010 in the right direction?
Happy Holidays!
Mick
*****
Mick Polich has been involved in local music scenes in Iowa, Ohio, Georgia, and now Texas, for over 30 years as a music instructor, amp tech, studio musician, performer, songwriter,and business owner. Starting out semi-late on guitar at 15 years old in 1975, Mick soon progressed to bass as a second instrument, and started playing either bass or guitar with local central Iowa bands from the late ' 70's through 1994 when his wife's job had the couple transfer to Columbus, Ohio. From there, Mick not only learned how to re-invent himself to survive pursuing this craft, but he and his wife managed to buy a house, acquire their two labs, Sam and Maggie,and adopt a son, Andrew! Through two more job transfers, Mick has managed to hone his musical multi-tasking skills to help others on an amateur and professional level in the world of making music.
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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 :
----------------------------------------------------------------- GIGS & BEYOND: Attacking the Local Club Circuit - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-localclubcircuit.html
This article examines how new artists should approach the Local Live Circuit.
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Songwriting 4 - by Tom Hess http://www.musesmuse.com/col-tomhess-songwriting4.html
In this article, I will show you how to use the often overlooked element of dynamics in your songwriting that will make you a more expressive musician.
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Keep Your Eyes on the Ultimate Prize - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-eyesontheprize.html
Success has a funny of leading to even more success.
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Blue Collar's Books I Have Known - by Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-books.html
Wondering what to get that sensitive, special musician in your life for holiday gift giving? Blue Collar throws out some book reviews that might help on your last minute shopping exodus!
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Building An Army Of Fans Every Time You Perform - by Draven Grey http://www.musesmuse.com/col-dravengrey-armyoffans.html
How can you capture your audience and consistently grow your fan-base? This article uncovers an often over-looked truth that will help to set your band apart.
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GIGS & BEYOND -The Importance of Live Exposure - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-liveexposure.html
So where's the real money made in today's Music Business - Just ask the Police!
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It Might Just Be A One-Shot Deal - by Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-oneshot.html
One-shot deals have been happening since the dawn of time thru recorded music, concerts, local and bigger gigs, and the transfer of song and sound. Mick touches on a few topics on why we should embrace the 'one-shot' concept because it will happen to us at any time in our careers - maybe more than once!
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Music Rhythm is the Foundation - by Paul Babelay http://www.musesmuse.com/col-thevibeguy-foundation.html
Understanding the importance of rhythm in songwriting is one key to great songwriting. Let's look closely at the role of rhythm as the foundation to any song, no matter the genre.
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How much the pro's didn't make on tour last year - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-protours.html
Don't expect to make a mountain of money on your own concert tour.
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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 10th 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR - QUICKLY AND EASILY! & FOR LESS!
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.
But not only that - his lessons are currently $60 off their regular price - AND he's offering free shipping within the US! There's never been a better time than now to improve your guitar playing (and there's a bass guitar course there too!).
Want to know more? Visit http://tinyurl.com/6o27j7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
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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.
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