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The Muse's News
The Muse's News
The Muse's News
An E-zine For And About Songwriters.
Issue 13.7
October 2010

In This Issue:
* Editor's Musings
* Music Reviews - Jean-Baptiste Collinet, Cyrus Rhodes & 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: Search Engine Optimization for Indie Bands - by James Moore
* On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your viewing pleasure.
* Classifieds & Useful Services
* Contact information
ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2010 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue.

FIND THE PERFECT SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUR SONGWRITING!

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. Any of these items would be a great way to kick start your creativity and marketing efforts. Check it out!

Sponsor Message:
(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!)

MasterWriter 2.0 - at New Price!Looking for something really special for that songwriter in your life? (Maybe it's you!) MasterWriter 2.0 is the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program. MasterWriter is endorsed by ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, NSAI and is used by some of the world's leading songwriters including Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Loggins, Trent Reznor, Clint Black, and many more.

In addition to giving you Rhymes, Close Rhymes, Phrases, Pop-Culture, Synonyms, and the Definition, new features include Word Families and Parts Of Speech, two unique and revolutionary reference dictionaries that will open up a new world of possibilities for descriptive words and ideas. There have been updates and improvements to the existing features, including greatly expanded Sound-Alikes (close rhymes), and a completely redesigned Interface. These are serious tools for the serious songwriter.

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! Take the Tour, Download a Free Trial, and get a $20 discount! Note that the auto-inserted discount number 3004 will apply the $20 discount when ordering online. Windows and Mac compatible.

Editor's Musings:

Hello again for another month of education and inspiration. :) Glad you could join us! First off, I don't know about you, but I'm enjoying the slightly cooler weather. Summer here was just *sweltering* and frankly, I've had enough of that. Bring on Autumn! (Of course, this is my birthday month, so I could be slightly biased.)

Ok. Now that we've gotten the weather talk out of the way (you know it's coming every month, right? Not a surprise, is it? ;-) ) I want to mention that we have a new columnist (yay!). His name is James Moore and he's the author of a really fantastic book called Your Band Is A Virus. He's taken time out of his busy schedule to share his knowledge with us in his new column of the same name. There are already three articles there. How cool is that? And he talks about a lot of the stuff I've mentioned before - namely, website promotion and search engine optimization (though that's just a part of what he'll cover). In this day and age of the Internet being the place a lot of people go first, you NEED to know this stuff, folks. Trust me on that. So check it out when you get a chance - and welcome James to the site, too. There's an email address you can write to there if you have any questions. He'd love to hear from you!

Bill Pere of the Songcrafter's Coloring Book has also rejoined us after a bit of a hiatus. Some great articles there to help you make your songs communicate as you want them to. Well worth checking out.

And for now, I'll leave it at that and get to the raffle winners. Here are the lucky folks who wrote to me asking that I consider them for a prize (they let me know what they were most interested in and included their mailing address so I knew where to send stuff!):

  • Loren R. Johnson from Marquette Heights, IL, has won a beautiful (and highly useful!) notebook from The Jotted Line.

  • Jennifer Noble from Brampton, ON Canada, has won a 6 month membership to GuitarMasterClass.net. GMC has tons of helpful videos, instructors and lessons along with a forum for chatting with teachers and students 24/7, recording collaborations, attending video chats, & content for bass, drums, singing, piano, etc.

  • Richard W. Schultze, from La Grange, Texas, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software.

  • Becky Thorn, from O'Fallon, MO, has won a free 3 month membership to SongU, 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.

  • Stuart Roholt, from Sherman Oaks, CA, has won a downloadable version of Rhyme Genie, a dynamic rhyming dictionary featuring over 300,000 entries and 30 different rhyme types.

To put yourself in the running for a raffle prize of your very own, have a look at the various prizes offered at the top of The Muse's News webpage, decide which prizes you'd most like, and email me with your top two choices along with your mailing address so that I can get the prizes to you. Yes, it's really that simple. :)

Enjoy the month (I love October. I really do) - have a wonderful Thanksgiving if you celebrate it - (for those of us in Canada, it's this month) - and keep on writing!

All the very best,

--Jodi

Sponsor Message:
(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!

Drop by for more details and start yourself on the road to improving your vocal chops today!

Music Reviews: By: Cyrus Rhodes, Jean-Baptiste Collinet, & Don Sechelski

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:

Jean-Baptiste Collinet:

* Kari Tieger

Cyrus Rhodes:

* Dale Turner

Don Sechelski:

* Heavy Tin


Click here for bios on each of the reviewers. 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!

Artist Spotlights:

Great music is only a click away!
Here is a selection of the great artists and bands highlighted
in the Artist Spotlight section of The Muse's Muse.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Jamie Green - Genre: SINGER / SONGWRITER

With the lyrical honesty of Alanis Morissette, the soulful vocals and intricate harmonies of Jonatha Brooke and Paula Cole, and a production style that is at once contemporary and classic, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, Jamie Green, forges her own brand of alternative pop that leaves your heart moved and your body moving. She is two-for-two, winning L.A. Music Awards for her debut and sophomore albums, and is currently working on her third which, production-wise, is heavily influenced by Dido and Seal.

-----

New Method - Genre: ROCK

New Method is all about having fun with a new and fresh sound. With a lyrically inspirational message, the band reaches out to the younger generations seeking hope. Tour dates for the group have included shows with the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, L.A. Galaxy, Dallas Stars, Disney World, and many others.

Songwriting Book Review By: Ed Teja

The Singer Songwriter Toolbox
By Cal Williams Jr.
www.geetar.com.au


Although the music world changes rapidly, the names of genres, the flavor of the charts at the moment, and the producers who are becoming household names, the basics of becoming a performing singer songwriter don’t change all that much. Sure, new technologies come along that alter the mechanics of performing and recording, but songs still require structure, and songwriting and performing are skills that still must be learned. This book addresses those basics.

Here, Williams shares his own method of approaching the work of writing and performing songs. The book is aimed at those starting out, rather than trying to break out, thus, the ideas are not revolutionary, but the scope is broad. He does a good job of covering each aspect of the songwriter’s quest, lest you miss something important. Rather than giving you answers to the problems that arise, the focus here is to give a set of tools (as the title suggests) that you will use to find the answers - which mostly will come from inside you. The tools help you bring them out into the open and then apply them. Some of the tools are ways to think about what you do, and others are ways to look at things - and all are important.

This isn’t a theory book, yet it doesn’t avoid theory either, but addresses the basics in the context of writing good songs. Williams talks about ways to choose the perfect chord, write solid lyrics and make effective chord changes. There is a good explanation of the fundamental ideas of song construction (discussing each element in turn), lyric writing, and even dealing with your inner critic. In fact a large section is devoted to helping you understand and support your creative self, using both mental and physical tools, such as yoga and trips to art galleries. This section helps you think about the singer songwriter as a person living in a real world, and provides good food for productive (and healthy thought).

Commercial aspects are not neglected, and here Williams does the new singer songwriter a service by discussing how to get the songs out there, through performance and recording. He deftly identifies the key issues that you must deal with, whether it is stage fright or selecting a studio. In each case, he provides tools you can use to make passing that hurdle a bit easier.

Williams writes in a clear and understandable fashion. The style isn’t what might be called entertaining, but if you want to be a singer songwriter, the information alone will entertain you, so it seems right to me. I also like the fact that nothing in the book depends on the internet (although chord charts available on the internet are pointed to). It is really about you, your muse, and your instrument.

I haven’t met Cal Williams, but I would imagine him to be an excellent teacher. He combines a thorough coverage with an obvious love for the songwriting life.

This is my last book review for Muse’s Muse, as I am heading out to re-energize my own songwriting, and moving to Cambodia. It has been educational and great fun reviewing these books, and a joy to work with Jodi. She has a new reviewer in the wings, and the website won’t miss a beat, so stay tuned.

******

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!

Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)

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.

Click here for details and to order online.


Musical Notes: Songwriting Contests & Market Info.

In the interest of conserving space, I will be including only 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!


12th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

The highly recommended Great American Song Contest is open to amateur songwriters everywhere. This international event features prestigious awards for 45 winners in 9 style categories and provides over $10,000 in Prizes. Entrants receive written evaluations of their songs. GASC music-industry judges include prominent publishers, music producers and recording artists. Songwriters, lyricists and composers are welcome. Sponsored by Songwriters Resource Network, a trusted educational resource for songwriters everywhere.

Submission deadline is October 15, 2010.
For details, visit: http://www.GreatAmericanSong.com


FREE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

A total of $6,000 is available for winners of We Are Listening’s free international songwriting competition for songwriters, lyricists and performing artists in need of financial aid to support their budding musical careers.  Winnings will be divided between the winner, finalist and runner-up in each of the three categories: Singer/Songwriter, Songwriter, and Lyricist.  Anyone is welcome to submit one original song or lyric, entirely for free. Participants will receive a free songwriting competition score card within 30 days of the submission deadline.

Deadline: Midnight EST on 1st July 2011


Submit for Free at http://www.wearelistening.org/free_international_songwriting_competition.php


THE FALL 2010 SMASHTUNE SONGWRITER COMPETITION

Don't get lost in the crowd! We put you on the front page! Get your songs heard and the attention that you deserve at Smashtune, where Fans vote, not a panel of Judges! Join us for our 2nd online songwriter's competition and win $1000.00! Smashtune keeps it simple: Upload, Vote, Win!
DEADLINE: 1st December 2010
For details, visit: http://www.smashtune.com


THE 2010 SINGER/SONGWRITER AWARDS – ROUND 4

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 Nov 2010
Fee: $30
Details: http://www.wearelistening.org/enter_now.php


YOBI SING ONLINE SINGING/SONGWRITING CONTEST - $25,000 PRIZE!

YOBISing is a year long, user generated and voted music contest that fits virtually every genre of music imaginable. This year round contest has a minimum of a $25,000 prize this year, and the winner will be selected from the users of the YOBISing site. Entries are made by logging on to any of the YOBI.tv Contest web pages located at http://yobi.tv/ and uploading a video of their music submission. The content of the video must meet the TV13 requirement as set forth by YOBI. After the initial 35 weeks of voting for semi finalists, the semi final rounds will occur, in which 15 semifinalists will compete until a winner is chosen. Contest Entries are accepted at all times of the year, and the more submissions we have, the more money that will make its way into the YOBISing prize pot. Be sure to signup at YOBI, then enter the YOBISing Season Three Contest here: http://yobi.tv/yobising/contests/enter/yobising_contest


LYRIC CHECK SONGWRITING CONTEST WITH AMAZING PRIZES

The Lyric Check Contest and all affiliate contests are open to both amateur and professional songwriters. All genres and song categories are included. If entrant is under 18 years old, the signature of a parent or guardian is required. All entries submitted must be original songs and shall not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Songs may have multiple co-writers, but only one name should be designated on the entry form. Entrant shall, by entering, indemnify and hold Lyric Check harmless from and against any claims inconsistent with the foregoing. Contestants may enter as many songs as they wish in contest. A panel of Music Business Professionals will select the winners. Songs will be judged based on composition, lyrics, melody, and originality. The quality of performance and production will not be a consideration. Winners will be announced February 14, 2011. Click here to enter and view prize lists!

Entry Deadline is Dec 31, 2010


DALLAS SONGWRITERS QUARTERLY LYRIC CONTEST

Lyricists! Here’s your chance to shine! Get recognition for your lyrical work. Winner receives a certificate and $50 cash.The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winner's lyrics and judges critiques will be published in the DSA “Songwriters Notes” and on the DSA Website. Entry fee is $10 per lyric. Submissions ongoing. Quarterly Entry Deadlines: Winter - March 31, Spring - June 30, Summer - September 30, Fall - December 31. For information on submitting: http://dsalyriccontest.blogspot.com/


YOU WRITE THE LYRICS, THE SHOW!

You Write The Lyrics, The Show is coming! You Write The Lyrics! is the only show, where on a weekly basis an opportunity to write lyrics to a melody recorded by a major recording artist is granted to lyricists online and visa vie T.V. One lucky lyricist will win a chance of a lifetime. Each week, a new melody written by a prominent songwriter/producer is uploaded onto our server. We call it “The Tune of the Week.” The artist who’ll be recording this song appears on the TV show as well. Songwriters will be able to go online at Yahoo, YouTube, reverbnation.com, Facebook & MySpace and download it. They’ll have 24 hours to write lyrics to the melody and email them back to us. For more information go to: www.facebook.com/youwritethelyricstheshow or www.partners.youwritethelyrics.com


THE 7TH ANNUAL IAMA (INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS) KICKS OFF

The 7th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is currently accepting entries, this awards competition is judged based on songwriting, performance & artistry. Win prizes in 8 different categories: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo, Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada, featured on Acoustic Cafe, a syndicated radio program. You may also obtain the entry form at: http://www.inacoustic.com


MUSIKPITCH: NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR SONGWRITING OPPORTUNITIES

MusikPitch is a brand new website where songwriters can find the latest opportunities from companies, studios, and individuals looking for custom songs. It's a straightforward marketplace, where you can get your music heard and win contracts, regardless of your experience and location. New projects are posted daily — from big name movie studios and company brands to non-profits and schools. Start browsing for great new opportunities today! http://www.musikpitch.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.


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! Click here for more information!

Muse's Clues - By Irene Jackson

©1998-2010 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission

When I first got a "personal computer" years ago and found out about something new called the internet, the first people I met online were songwriters, because, naturally, that was my main interest. The greatest thing about being able to connect with other songwriters was sharing the knowledge we had and learning not just how to go about writing a song, but also pitching it, what publishers were out there willing to listen to it, and the nature of the music business itself.

A few years into my online experience, I became aware of something called TAXI (http://www.taxi.com/) which is an organization that, according to their website, "helps independent artists, songwriters and composers get record, publishing and Film/TV deals". A lot of songwriters were somewhat suspect of the cost of joining TAXI when it was first created, and wondered if it was legitimate. Most of us by then had heard of songwriting "scams" out there where people would take your money to supposedly place your songs. Even to this day, you'll often find varying opinions about the organization and what it can do for a songwriter, but anytime I find something that free and informational or inspirational, that's what I report here to you! So read on...

One of the founding members of TAXI is John Braheny. If you're a songwriter and you've done any research at all into the art and craft and the business of songwriting, you've heard of John Braheny. He wrote a book with that very title, "The Craft and Business of Songwriting", which many consider to be somewhat of a songwriter's bible. I still have an old copy of it on my bookshelf in my studio. It so happened that when TAXI first came on the songwriter radar, I had already heard of John. I was at a music conference years before in Vancouver and John held a songwriting workshop which was one of many that I attended, but the one I certainly remembered the most. It was an excellent workshop and I felt that this guy knew what he was talking about, so that's why I bought his book.

I'm not a member of TAXI, nor have I ever been, but I do subscribe to their newsletter and even read it occasionally :-). And this week, my curiosity was piqued when I took a look at the subject heading..."Your song critiqued on TAXI TV?" Well, I have to admit, it had been a long time since I had been anywhere near their website, so I took a look. Sure enough, I discovered that TAXI has a live webcast every Monday @ 4pm PST, where they do all kinds of interviews with various members of the music business. The interviews are archived as well, so you don't have to be at the site at that time to watch them live. You can find the TAXI Ustream website at http://www.ustream.tv/user/TAXI_Music where there are 29 archived videos.

Michael Laskow interviews songwriters like Robin Frederick, the author of "Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting" and Matt Hirt, a TAXI member and a successful film and television music composer, as well as other industry people. But the show that will air live on Monday, Sept.26th (and will already have aired by the time you read this, so check the archives!), is dedicated to critiquing your songs. It is not the first live critiquing they've done; in an August 16th video with songwriter Beau Dozier, Michael and Beau critique several songs on the show. It is certainly worth listening to their ideas and perspectives on each song as well as hearing the songs themselves to see what other writers are coming up with. They had more than 500 submissions for the August 16th show, but anyone can send in a song for consideration. Assuming that they continue this in future, all you need to send them is a link to a downloadable version of you song...email Music_News@TAXI.com.

The interviews are quite lengthy, but you can skip ahead or around if you want to and there is definitely some good advice here for every songwriter. For those of you pursuing a career, these videos may give you some more insight into the business, and yes, even the craft of songwriting, but even the hobbyist will find something useful to chew on.

******

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

Featured Article - By James Moore

Search Engine Optimization for Indie Bands

Search engine optimization
People typically arrive at websites in three ways: through the use of search engines, clicking links from other websites, or simply by typing in the website address. Even though search engines alone will not complete your promotional arsenal, they will be important. 

One thing to make sure of is that in the title tag of your webpage is the name of your band or the keyword you would like to be found with. The title tag is similar to the title of a book. It has to say who you are and get people interested as well. The title tag is used by almost every search engine that uses spiders to crawl your website. It's also the most effective Meta Tag and is used for conveying the theme of your website to the search engines. 

For example title The Anarchist Cowboys - American punk rock
Here you've listed the name of your band clearly (The Anarchist Cowboys), and you've specified the style or description so people searching the term "American punk" or "punk rock" are more likely to find you. Your influences or an original phrase can also be added to the description. Just keep it concise. A full html example is below (the " and < tags are removed for this example): 

head title Title of Your Webpage Here /title >
meta content= Brief description of the contents of the page >
meta content= keyword phrases that describe your webpage >
/head

The main search engines you will need to be listed on are:
1)  Google (www.google.com/addurl/?continue=/addurl)
2)  Yahoo (http://search.yahoo.com/info/submit.html)
3)  MSN (http://search.msn.com/docs/submit.aspx?FORM=WSDD2)

These sites generate the results for all the primary search engines. Dmoz (www.dmoz.org/add.html) feeds thousands of smaller search engines so be sure to sign up there too.

Don't waste your money on services promising to provide submissions to thousands of search engines. They don't help much and can have a reverse effect, ruining your search engine ranking.

Things that will attract search engine traffic include a site index, footers, and XML feeds. Frames repel them. This is another reason to go with a service like HostBaby (www.hostbaby.com) or Bandzoogle (www.bandzoogle.com) if you are not familiar with html. They will help you create a simple, search engine friendly website.

If you hire a webmaster, all the better. Like we said before though, just tell them you don't need all the bells and whistles (flash is not necessary! It will hurt you more than it will help you). You want a website that's simple and will attract people. The last thing you want is your new potential fan being bombarded with unasked for music and digital chaos when clicking on your site link. 

Choose effective and clear keywords. (Free music, metal band, heavy metal music, etc) Be sure to mention these terms on your site to strengthen them. Don't go crazy with irrelevant choices either (Kim Kardashian photos, Disney movie clips, Paris Hilton, etc). There are many books dedicated solely to the topic of search engine optimization. "Search Engine Optimization for Dummies" by Peter Kent is a good one. Information found online or via these books can be a big help, but for now, as long as we choose the proper keywords, label our site correctly, and submit to the proper search engines we should be off to a good start.

To find out how to improve your Google page ranking, go to www.google.com/support

Update your website frequently! 

Blog, blog, blog. Maintain a relevant blog and you'd be surprised at the results. Outside blogs can also feed into your main website for extra traffic. Wordpress is an excellent way to go. Google picks up on their keywords. Hint: the magic number of posts on Wordpress is 10. Once you hit this number of posts, Google will start picking up your blog and you can sit and watch the traffic pour in. Of course, it's highly advisable to keep writing now that you have a growing audience! You should also be using your social network accounts to feed into your main website, and vice versa. 

Be sure to promote your band (and website) to popular music blogs, podcasts, websites, and zines that cater to your style. The more your website and band name get posted, the more you become known, the more your name gets searched, the bigger you get and the more places there are for people to find you. Many bands feel that if they have a good product and a professional image, people will find them. Nothing could be further from the truth. You must reach out. It's as simple as that. Provide free copies of your album (digital or physical) to anyone who can help you spread your music to more people virally. 

These are all starting points, but I hope they give you some ideas and get you on the right track.

*****

James Moore is a Canadian music consultant and author of the independent musician's resource guide "Your Band Is A Virus! Behind-the-Scenes & Viral Marketing for the Independent Musician". The book has consistently done well on the Amazon Kindle Music Business charts and is affiliated with the Indie Bible. His home page is www.yourbandisavirus.com. The book can also be purchased in Amazon Kindle format here. He also maintains a blog at http://yourbandisavirus.wordpress.com/

"ON SITE" FEATURED ARTICLE(S)

How To Market Your Music Without Hiring A Publicist - by James Moore

Using DIY tactics, behind-the-scenes marketing strategies and a personal touch, you can now market your music to mass audiences without shelling out any money to publicists or promotion companies.

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For a bridge, I would like to know if there are any rules regarding which keys you should utilize... - by Bill Pere

A look at at that elusive piece of song structure known as a bridge, and how to make it effective without taking too much of a toll. 

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Interpreting Interpretation - by Bill Pere

What does it really mean to leave a song "open to interpretation"?  When is it desirable and when is it not?  Many artists misunderstand what is meant by leaving a song "open to interpretation".  Your job as a songwriter is not to have every listener come away with their own truth, but to have them come away with a personalized version of your truth.  This article helps you clearly understand what is involved in the complex interaction between you and a listener through a song.

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Back In The Saddle Again ! - by Mick Polich

After a brief sabbatical, the ol' Mickster is back with a new installment of "Blue Collar Rockin' ". This month, Mick explores what he learned on his summer 'vacation' - simple melodic explorations and ear training. Anyone can do it, so read further for a few helpful hints..... 

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Behind-the-Scenes Online Marketing for Independent Musicians - A How To Guide  - by James Moore

Today's independent musician's must be vigilant with their promotions in order to build a respectable press section. The way to achieve this, contrary to popular belief among indie bands, is not by sending out 10,000 messages entitled "Check out my band!" on Myspace. It involves getting personal, respectful, and attentive to the music media. In this article, I'll detail what I like to call "Behind-the-scenes" marketing.

Classifieds & Useful Services

LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR WITH GuitarMasterClass.net AND START COMPOSING YOUR OWN SONGS NOW!

GMC is a video lesson archive & community. GMC has tons of helpful videos, instructors and lessons. GMC also features forum for chatting with teachers and students 24/7, recording collaborations, attending video chats + content for bass, drums, singing, piano etc. All genres and styles are covered - Rock, metal, shred, blues, jazz, country & acoustic, funk.. We want you to have fun while learning - so get rocking NOW!

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-14273 videos, 2262 lessons and 37 instructors.
-Register at GMC forum - join a virtual band, chat with any instructor etc
-Backing tracks at different speeds & jam loop with every lesson
-Daily updates (average of ~10 new videos per day)
 -EXTRAS: Gear-, singing-, recording-, bass-, piano- and drum lessons. GMC Theory Grimoire eBook !!!


Special for Muse's Muse visitors: 
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LYRICIST VERSION 3: THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND

Lyricist is the first-of-its-kind word processor designed specifically for musicians, songwriters, and poets. The software includes a Rhyming Dictionary, Thesaurus, Album Categorization, Chord Charting, Chord Generator, Song Arrangement, and On-Line Copyright Link.

The new version 3 release adds support for "Piano Style" chord symbols, Nashville Number System, and Transposition features - all in one easy-to-use package - and all for only $54.95! (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!


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.songwritermotivation.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/


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For Classifieds: US$50 Max. 7 lines (though I do make exceptions), where a line = 65 characters including spaces and punctuation. All contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com.

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Contact Info & Credits

Jodi Krangle, Editor: editor@musesmuse.com

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 will be available here.

The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for songwriters.

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.
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Back issues of the newsletter can be read here or in an archive at the National Library of Canada ecollection.

 

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