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The Muse's News |
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Issue 13.2 - May
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, Don Sechelski, JJ Biener & Chris Propfe @-- 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 - SXSW Music Festival (2010) - by Jon Stewart @-- 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 - NEW PRICE! (And Muse's News readers *still* 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.
MasterWriter's NEW price is now only $199 - but you'll still get a *$20* discount (your price is just $179!) 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 :
----------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to another Muse's News! I hope you're enjoying the warmer weather ... I know *I* am! (And those of you who live some place where it's warm all year round, please don't rub it in. ;) .)
Lots of great stuff for your reading pleasure this month, but I wanted to mention that we also have a new columnist with us! Randy Young's column is based on his 20 plus years in many different areas of the music business - from performance and songwriting to production and publishing. Each article provides practical advice on how to get your music and career on track and keep it there. You can read his first article by visiting his columnist menu page at http://www.musesmuse.com/col-randyyoung.html . His column is called "Living the Dream: An Artist's Survival Guide". Write to him if you'd like, and welcome him! I'm really glad to have him on board. :)
In case any of you are interested in some cool news from my voice over career, my radio imaging (the voice that announces the radio station's call letters in between the songs?) is now live (though there's still some imaging from the previous voice mixed in there just now ...) at http://www.sunny.jo . It's a great station and I like listening to their live streaming myself (not just because my voice is on there. *grin*). To listen in yourselves, you need to be using Internet Explorer, unfortunately (it doesn't work with any other browser) but is it not SUPER cool that you can listen to a live radio station in JORDAN?? I mean, come on! I love technology. :)
For those of you who are just joining us, I have a website at http://www.voiceoversandvocals.com that offers information and demos about my voice over services. So if you have a product you want to demonstrate in a video, a commercial for your product or service, either on TV or radio, or even a phone system that needs a professional voice, feel free to contact me. There. The obligatory "plug". :)
Now, in the interest of getting to the good stuff, here are the raffle winners for this month:
* Lionel Valdellon from San Leandro, CA, has won a beautiful (and highly useful!) notebook from The Jotted Line (http://www.thejottedline.com).
* Mick Byrd, from Vienna, MO, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software (http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Bernadette Gapusan, from Simi Valley, 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.
* Karen Rainey, New York, NY 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.
* Matt Gray, from Normal, IL, has won a copy of Indie-Music.com's Musician's Toolkit CD (http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/)
As per usual, if you're interested in one of the raffle prizes listed at the top of http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html , please write to me with your first and second choice, and your mailing address so I know where to send the prize. :)
Happy writing!
--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, Don Sechelski, JJ Biener & Chris Propfe
----------------------------------------------------------------- NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Cyrus Rhodes: -------------
* Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-gabrielleroth-jhoom.html * Steve Palmer Band http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-stevepalmer-apparition.html * Abhoora http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-abhoora-awkwarddiary.html * The Honey V's http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-thehoneyv-inthegarden.html
Don Sechelski: --------------
* Beth Schafer http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-bethschafer-raiseitup.html * Queen Esther http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-queenesther-whatislove.html * Kevin Higgins http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-kevinhiggins-findyourshine.html
JJ Biener: ----------
* Pruitt Igoe http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-pruittigoe-pi.html
Chris Propfe: -------------
* Bud Buckley http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-budbuckley-sittingonthewind.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
----------------------------------------------------------------- Alicia Selby - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
Alicia Selby is a musician, singer/songwriter out of Houston, Texas. Her debut pop album, "Out of the Blue" blends the smoothness of a Sarah McLachlan with the vocal power and sassy attitude of Annie Lennox to create what she calls a "Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic cocktail of music".
http://www.aliciaselby.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
Music Career Masters http://www.musiccareermasters.com
----------------------------------------------------------------- Among the growing number of online courses about almost everything, here is one that is tailored for the working musician (or musician who wants to be working) or band. It might be rash to call it a complete course, but it is certainly an incredibly thorough introduction to the business side of being a performer. The approach to the task is contemporary with the way musicians are earning a living today. If you are a performer, understanding this material is essential. If you are a songwriter (or anyone working with singers and bands), you can benefit from a close look at how the music world operates today.
The theme of this course is found in an oft repeated phrase at the site: Making music a sustainable career. What do you do, and how do you do it?
The course consists primarily of a series of videos and PDF workbooks that step through what the company calls its music success blueprint. This blueprint involves 12 specific modules: brand creation, look assessment and styling, fund creation, fan base creation, media training, web skills, fliers and press packs, digital distribution, copyright and professional bodies, touring and festivals. Each video is substantial and just listening through once takes a fair amount of time. The upside is that there is no topic "hit and run" where the presenter says: "build a fan base" and then rushes off to tell you to distribute digitally. Instead, there are step by step directions for each topic, such as how you can begin building a fan base, what the nature of it should be, and how this effort fits in with the other 12 steps, in particular the brand creation.
In a sense, the course could be called music brand creation, because once you've embarked on following the lengthy process of defining and creating your brand, everything else is in support of that, whether it is look assessment or the way you distribute your music, or the merchandise you sell and give away at gigs. The idea is one of a consistent and sustained effort, which you would assume would be necessary for a sustainable career. And this is a lesson for songwriters. Want a band to record your tunes? Get to understand their brand, and then write songs that move them further in that direction.
The material presented is almost overwhelming, and you might find yourself wondering: "if I do everything they say, when will I have time for an actual gig, not to mention rehearsal?" The answer is that building a team goes with creating a brand, and that is all explained. You don't do it all yourself. You probably can't and certainly shouldn't. Not that building a team is easy. Nothing here is a silver bullet guaranteeing success; but it is a clear path that will produce rewards. You have to do the hard work, but this course provides the direction and an understanding of why you are doing what you are doing—in some ways, the most intriguing part of the course.
To help, the course includes video tutorials on how to effectively use some of the more important (to a music marketer) web sites, including twitter, facebook, myspace, youtube, and wordpress blogs. And to aid your marketing efforts in a fragmented music market, specific aspects of myspace and facebook are explained. There are sample music contracts, and even an Indie Bible, which provides a lot of valuable booking leads. In fact, there is a ton of additional material on how to do things that you can explore once you've digested the module that talks about what to do.
In the final analysis, this is about running a band as a business, learning the tools, from accounting to showmanship, and dealing with the reality that bands no longer are just musicians. A sustainable living means learning to exploit all the revenue streams available.
The music business has changed - not for the better or worse, just to something new. And it is still changing. This course provides a valuable assessment of where it is now, and what it is, and explains what you need to do to compete.
******
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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THE 11th 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 11th 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
================================================================= 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! ----------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO GET YOUR SONGS ON TV & FILM
The music licensing business is the most lucrative and accessible business for independent artists. Songwriters make more money by licensing their songs than performing live, signing a record deal and getting commercial radio airplay combined. When you enter a We Are Listening song contest, you're getting your words and music in front of decision makers at EMI, Universal, Sony/BMG, Live Nation, The Agency Group, Paramount, Nettwerk, CBS, Yahoo and more. And as a winner, you can be sure that we will place your songs on prime time shows on MTV, E!, Lifetime, Oxygen and more. Learn more about what a We Are Listening contest can do for your career at http://www.wearelistening.org ----------------------------------------------------------------- CITY LOVE MUSIC SONGWRITING COMPETITION
City Love Music gives unsigned songwriters the opportunity to write a new song about any city, for the chance to win $10,000 US dollars. There is no entry fee and there are no restrictions on how many songs a writer can enter. Members of the public will be able to listen and vote for their favorite song on the website. The song with the most votes will receive the $10,000 cash prize. The top songs from each country/city could be released for sale as digital compilations, with the songwriters and singers sharing in all future revenue that is generated from their recordings or songs -- via CD sales, downloads or licensing of the works for any commercial purposes. CityLove could be an ideal platform to launch your career, so what are you waiting for? Go to http://www.citylovemusic.com/ and start writing! Deadline: September 30, 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE POPULAR SONGWRITER'S WORKBOOK, "YOUR FIRST CUT" IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A DOWNLOADABLE PDF
Whether you’ve written your very first song or you’re a seasoned songwriter pounding the streets, “Your First Cut, a Step-by-Step Guide to Getting You There” will help you set your goals, keep you focused, and help you track your own progress toward realizing your dream of someone recording your song. Authored by Jerry Vandiver ("For a Little While" Tim McGraw) and Gracie Hollombe Vandiver (2-time PRISM Award winner), this 224-page workbook is designed to guide, encourage and enable the aspiring, serious songwriter toward achieving the goal of acquiring his or her first cut.
For more info or to read a sample chapter, visit http://www.yourfirstcut.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------- GMIA.ORG ~ NON-PROFIT NETWORK CREATING WORLD CLASS MUSIC SCENE
Georgia Music Industry Association, GMIA.org, is a non-profit network of and for all music industry personnel, especially songwriters, helping each other reach our goals and creating a self-sustaining world-class music scene along with community and business development in Georgia. GMIA holds monthly workshops, showcases, and the first GMIA Compilation CD Release June 2010! ----------------------------------------------------------------- WORLDS BEST SONGS 2010 COMPETITION NOW UNDERWAY!
Song submissions now open for Songwriters and now Lyricists for the 2010 Worlds Best Songs Competition. All Genres Accepted and strongly recommended for newcomers and veterans alike. Visit the website http://www.worldsbestsongs.com for a full list of prizes and contest rules. Sign up for the monthly newsletter to receive a FREE COPY of "The Top 5 Sites All Songwriters Should Know" ----------------------------------------------------------------- SONGWRITER-SIGNUP.COM - NEW SONGWRITING WEBSITE UNLIKE ANY OTHER COMING SOON - FUN, EXCITEMENT, OPPORTUNITY
Every songwriter is looking for REAL opportunities to have your songs heard and REAL opportunities to further your career. You have a lot of great choices to choose from. Unfortunately, some of the choices you have aren't run by reputable people and prey on sincere songwriters just like yourself. And though the websites run by reputable people do offer opportunity, they aren't always a FUN and EXCITING place to be a part of.
If you're interested in a website run by reputable people in the Nashville music community, as well as a place that's FUN and EXCITING to be a part of, Songwriter-Signup.com is the place to sign up to find out when our new songwriting website launches.
If getting published, having your song pitched to artists, winning great prizes like guitars, studio time, and even cash - and having FUN in the process, appeals to you, visit Songwriter-Signup.com and fill out the simple form. We'll let you know just as soon as we go live! That's http://songwriter-signup.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Ewer is passionate about teaching, and that's why his songwriting website is a great place to find all kinds of articles on varying aspects of the craft.
He's pitching an e-book too (http://www.secretsofsongwriting.com/), but the real treat is how many free articles he provides on his extensive website. They are concise and well-written and you'll find everything from "7 Ways Successful Songs Make People Listen" to "Is That Progression Complex? (Or Does It Just Suck?)".
In the "7 Ways..." article, he introduces the reader to "melodic shape" and melded bridges, a term I've never heard before but recognize from having created them myself! Although there is theory interspersed with some of the tips, it isn't enough to make your eyes glaze over as with some other websites I've seen out there :-) . The sign of a good teacher is one who can speak to anyone at any stage of their learning without talking down to them, and that's what these articles do.
Along with what I've already mentioned, there is a free online songwriting course which consists of nine lessons starting with "Focusing Your Lyrics" and ending with "Considering Form". Each lesson ends with an activity section to help you practice the ideas given.
Ewer is a "music teacher, clinician, composer and arranger", presently instructing at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. The composer aspect of his teaching is obvious in articles like "Bored With Just One Key? Try Two", but he also approaches topics like making money from your songwriting and even takes a look at the Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" from a critical perspective. And no, he doesn't trash it :-)
Navigating the website takes a little effort in that it's not always obvious if you're on the blog or reading individual tips, but wherever you go, I guarantee you'll find something worth reading. Of course, you can also follow Gary on Twitter if you want to know about updates and new articles.
******
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 Jon Stewart
SXSW Music Festival (2010)
----------------------------------------------------------------- Austin, TX- SXSW and its music festival were held this year from March 17-21, 2010 and it was my 5th year to attend this century. The evolution of this event and its direction has been most evident this year, so much so that I wanted to share some of the associations that crossed my separate thresholds of thought and experience.
The weather was beautiful and crystal-clear until Saturday morning so there were huge crowds (over 11,000 registered, up 20% from 2009) in the 6th Avenue section of Austin where most of the venues were provided for bands looking to be discovered. Night and day (day begins at noon during SXSW), the crowds of gawkers, music-industry professionals, musicians, fashionistas and press were overwhelming; all moving around within the sound of street musicians, sound checks within the nightclubs and the dulcet tones of fans talking up their favorite musicians. The number of foreign visitors must have been at an all time high as I heard several languages that only my friend in the diplomatic corps could identify. England, Israel and Japan were very well represented.
The first thing that occurred to me was so superficial that I was at first guilt-ridden; then I resolved to simply enjoy it. New this spring, in a mall near you, will be young women wearing the shortest skirts since the '60's; whether they should or not, it is a fashion trend that should last at least 4 months. I couldn’t help but think the hippies won, at least as regards fashion, when I add in the look of the majority of the males in attendance. How counterintuitive is paying $300.00 for new jeans that have been distressed to look as if you inherited them from your father, the day-laborer? Esquire magazine calls it the "Workman" look. I prefer to wear out my own clothes.
Observation number two; never have I seen so many beautiful women. My investigation of this continued throughout the festival and while time-consuming, intense and cause for interviews with several club owners, beautiful women and other attendees, I came up with a somewhat viable, anecdotally-researched answer: due to the recent laxness in the requirements for attending specific concerts (those that require badges for attendance), discretion is left up to the front people in the clubs as to who gets in after most badge members have been seated. So, imagine you are a pretty girl, you haven’t paid the $695 for the badge, but you want to go see Band of Skulls play and the venue is packed. What do you do? Use your looks to get in the club, of course.
Based on my interviews, this occurs generally with the offer to "flash" their two most prized possessions, if not a downright solicitation of a sexual act. And according to one source, these were young women who looked like they were going to church that Sunday; somebody’s pretty sister.
So once I got that important matter settled, I looked for other anomalies that might not occur to the more casual observer of popular culture. Then I got slap-dashed with recoil-lections.
Five years ago, I was amazed at the number of "tight" bands that performed during the course of the festival. Buzz was everywhere about how tight the bands were and that fact alone would contribute to attendance at their events; even to the event of mobs outside a few venues. Not nearly so much this year. For those of you who need definitions, a tight band is one that is in such a groove with their music that it is performed flawlessly in a live venue. A band can usually be termed tight within the first 13 seconds of the song by the drumming. I heard the worst drumming in my life during some of this year's acts. Singing off-key is another major sign of a lack of tightness in a band. Had we been out in the "Hill Country" west of Austin, the coyotes might have joined in with several of the singers, to help them harmonize, you know.
Which brings me to another anomaly: where are the harmonies? Nobody was doing them. I don't mean the C&W practice of harmonizing for most of the song because the good-looking singer doesn't have enough depth and texture to last through song-after-song. I mean strategic harmonies that add dimension to a song, not a voice. Few of these artists view a song properly; they see it as music and lyrics put together, occasioned to run through a producer; I see it as a "song" and in this manner, I can view as art and not as craft. The ultimate accomplishment is poetry within the setting of musical enhancement, including the vocalist's interpretation. To me, a song is the most powerful medium for conveying human emotion in less than 4 minutes.
** The rest of this article can be found at http://www.musesmuse.com/art-sxsw2010.html **
*****
About Jon Stewart:
The author has spent the last 30 years developing, managing and observing creative people in order to gain insight into the creative process. This background includes managing architects, engineers, and interior designers as well as songwriters, artists and musicians. His education includes a BBA and MBA with a focus on psychology. Mr. Stewart managed and booked rock bands that offer original music for several years. He attends many music events and conferences each year. Mr. Stewart was a music reviewer for the Muse’s Muse from December, 2005 to January, 2007. He is currently working on a novel about Texas border towns.
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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 :
----------------------------------------------------------------- Ok - Maybe it's time we hired our own Sound Guy - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-soundguys.html
If you don’t bring your own sound guy you run the risk of handing your sound over to someone you don’t know. Having said that I have seen many so called sound guys that didn't have a clue. All in all it can make for a long night.
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3 Tips for Music Production - by Khaliq Glover http://www.musesmuse.com/col-khaliq-musicproduction.html
How to get the most out of your music recording, songwriting, and mixing. Short tips for the music producer who feels stuck creatively.
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Designing an Artist Life Plan - by Randy Young http://www.musesmuse.com/col-randyyoung-artistlifeplan.html
Most artists I meet remind me of this scene in Alice in Wonderland. They have no clear idea of who they are or where they are going. They bounce around from idea to idea, wasting time, money, and energy without any real or measurable progress. So the question is, how can you succeed as an artist?
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Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Trying to Become Professional Musicians - by Tom Hess http://www.musesmuse.com/col-tomhess-top10mistakes.html
Learn about the top 10 mistakes musicians make when trying to build a music career.
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Another Word on Record Shops - by Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-recordshops.html
April 17th,2010, is National Record Store Day - Mick takes another look at record shops - why we need them beyond the brick-and mortar purchase shop or music.
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GIGS & BEYOND: You got the gig. Now what? - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-gotgignowwhat.html
Here are some simple tips to help you avoid those awful 'oh no' moments, especially if your band members are bad timekeepers, lousy with directions or have short term memories!
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Don Archer - a Blue Collar Tribute - by Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-donarchertribute.html
Guitarist/teacher/mentor Don Archer passed away last Friday - Mick pays tribute.
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GIGS & BEYOND - Pre-Booking Advice - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-prebooking.html
Here are just a few hints and reminders for anyone aiming to get their own gigs by telephone or “cold calling.” For most newer bands don't forget you have to start somewhere - so this article mostly applies to you.
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Ok - Maybe it's time we hired a Band Manager - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-bandmanagers.html
Any band or artist that's either paid their dues, or spent time on the Front Lines knows how much work is involved in becoming a paid professional. The more serious you are about it, the more you need an effective band manager.
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PAY TO PLAY - The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - by Cyrus Rhodes http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-paytoplay.html
Is this something to consider or something to avoid? Read on to understand that pros and cons.
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C l a s s i f i e d s & U s e f u l S e r v i c e s :
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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
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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.
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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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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