The Muse's Muse  
Muses MailMuses Newsmuse chatsongwriting resource home
The Muse's News
The Muse's News
The Muse's News
An E-zine For And About Songwriters.
Issue 15.6
September 2012

In This Issue:
* Editor's Musings
* Music Reviews - Cyrus Rhodes
* New Artist Spotlight Additions
* Songwriting Book Review - by Anastasia Karalekas
* Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
* Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire - brought to you by Songwriter's Hall of Fame member, John Brhel.
* Featured Article: Quick Tip: 7 Tips Towards A Positive Co-write Experience by Brad Dunse
* On Site Featured Article - An article (or articles) already online for your viewing pleasure.
* Classifieds & Useful Services
* Contact information
ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2011 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue.

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITER 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. Any of these items would make a fantastic present for a songwriter in your life (even if it's you! :-) ) Check it out!

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

Write Better Songs with MasterWriter 2.0 - at a New Price!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 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:

Hi folks! Today, I'm going to forego the usual discussion about the weather (which I'm really enjoying, by the way :) ) and get right to some amazing deals that have been brought to my attention and that I'd love to share with you.

The first is from the guys at The Musician's Guide. They've put together something they call an Epic Package including a whole bunch of stuff like licensing opportunities, a custom EPK, 50% off mixing and mastering, free radio spins, access to a huge database of contacts, 10% off CD and DVD duplication at Disc Makers, free single distribution to iTunes and Spotify, and more. You can find the full package details here. The offer is only available between September 1st at 8am EST and September 5th - but you can pre-order now and get an addition $4 off the package - which is valued at over $1200! The cost to you? Just $69 or £47 for those of you in the UK. That's a pretty awesome deal, if you ask me, so I definitely wanted to let you all know about it while it was still around.

The second amazing deal was offered to me by a long time subscriber to this newsletter, Brad Conner. He runs a travel division called Last Minute Travel Club. For those of you that go on tour, or are constantly traveling for whatever reason, this could offer you huge savings just by signing up (typically 40% lower than the usual average market price!). But that's not all he's offered. For those of us that sign up here through The Muse's News, he's offered a year's membership for free! (That's a $50 value.) Here's how you sign up. Visit the link above, click on "become a member", enter your email/password of choice, then enter data and "apply" promo code 12TRAVELMUSE (in uppercase). That should do it. A free year membership to the service. You can try it out and see if you want to continue. You don't need to add any credit card info, so you won't be charged automatically when your year expires or anything (I hate that kind of thing too!). But it seemed like a pretty awesome deal to me and I've signed up myself. I don't know about you, but I can always use help saving on travel!

Ok. Great deals related. Check. :) Now on to the raffle winners!

They are:

  • Mike Airton from Durham, UK, has won a copy of the wonderfully useful book, "100 Miles To A Record Deal" by author and publisher, Bronson Herrmuth.

  • Bob Leslie from Glasgow, Scotland, has won a downloadable version of Rhyme Genie, a dynamic rhyming dictionary featuring over 300,000 entries and 30 different rhyme types.

  • Mark S. Crocker, from Terrell, Texas, 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. (Unfortunately, Brad's Onlinegigs prize didn't come through last month. :( So I offered this one to him instead and he graciously accepted.)

  • Cheryl Ostor, from Homer, Alaska, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software.

And once again, as I've mentioned many times before (you guys should have this memorized by now :D) if you'd like to be considered for a raffle prize yourself, 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. :) (And yes, the mailing address is kinda important. I promise it won't be used for any other reason than to send you your raffle prize - and to mention your approximate location in the notice of raffle winners you see above here.)

I hope you thoroughly enjoy the rest of the summer. Happy writing! :)

All the 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: Cyrus Rhodes

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:

Cyrus Rhodes:

* The Higher Concept
* John Wakefield
* Antoinette Michael Thornes
* The Como Brothers

* Gitar
* Tyne Darling


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.

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

Possessed by Paul James - Genre: COUNTRY

Feed the Family brings about a new process of recording, namely with other musicians for a change. The intention was never to play alone, so when other pickers are available it’s nothin' but fun! The concept of the songs and themes of course surround family and providing for family. There’s also a bit of Texas influence - more so with this album than others in the past. 

Ross Douglas - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER

Mr. Douglas is eclectic by nature
Variety is to be expected.
Comment on his work
"One fascinating song after another -unique perspectives, heartfelt performances superb craftsmanship and a generous dose of humour. Bravo!"
"Terrific songwriting that deserves the widest audience."
He has 3 critically acclaimed albums so check him out.

Songwriting Book Review By: Anastasia Karalekas

"Music for New Media:
Composing for Videogames, Web Sites, Presentations and Other Interactive Media "

by Paul Hoffert
http://www.halleonard.com

Everywhere you look today, there are all kinds of multimedia. And with each type of media, there can be music that goes with it. As songwriters, we know that music is a very effective way to convey a message; as users of technology, we also know that music is an integral part of any kind of visual presentation. Paul Hoffert’s “Music for New Media” is a perfect introduction to composing music in this ever-expanding industry.

This book is an interactive workshop, complete with exercises and all the media files you need to create the various compositions. Provided is list of web sites where you can download the software you’ll need (free ones are listed as well), and you’re ready to go.

Movies, presentations (PowerPoint), videogames (all types of genres), web sites, and music for mobile devices are all covered here. You’ll learn to identify the most important elements required in a piece of music in order to properly affect the mood of the users, and then get in touch with your inner gut, and compose music based on what emotions get invoked within you when you add a certain set of criteria to the mix. Whether the scenario is in written form, or a visual scene, you’ll need to reach deep down inside and pull out the sounds you associate with each project. Just like when writing a song, we sit down with an idea, and pull out the lyrics and melodies that best express our message. And the best part about is, by the time you’re finished, you’ll have a demo that’s ready to be presented to potential clients or employers.

The most fun I had with this book were the exercises for composing music for different types of scenes. You’re given a series of video clips, with a certain mood (dramatic, action, humor), and then, using your judgment and intuition, you compose the music for these scenes. It’s a great hands-on experience. My only complaint is that the video clips are not of very good quality when resized to full screen, but I was able to complete the task with a smaller video screen, and it worked out very well for me.

I highly recommend this to anyone who needs some practice in creating melodies. I personally find myself writing lyrics first, and my melodies are harder to come by. This book definitely forced me to think melody over anything else, and I’m quite certain it has helped me as a songwriter, not to mention that it’s opened my mind’s door to another creative outlet.

Lastly, in order to really appreciate this book, you can’t rush through it. Take your time, read each chapter carefully, do as much research as required, and let your compositions come to life. Given the knowledge, the extra outlet, and the professional portfolio you’ll have completed at the end, it’s an extremely rewarding ride.

******

ABOUT THE REVIEWER:

Anastasia Karalekas is a self-taught guitarist and music absorber.  When she is not learning, learning, learning, she spends her time writing fiction and poetry. After taking some private guitar lessons, her teacher encouraged her  to try putting some of her poems to music, and she's been writing songs ever since.

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!)

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!

Get instant access to:

-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: 
Get a 10$ discount for your first month of subscription!

Musical Notes: Songwriting Contests & Market Info.

In the interest of conserving space (when I need to), 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!


14TH ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES!

The Great American Song Contest features awards for 45 winners in 9 categories and provides $10,000 in Prizes. Entrants receive written song evaluations from music-industry judges, including publishers, music producers and recording artists. Open to songwriters, lyricists and composers around the world. Sponsored by Songwriters Resource Network, a trusted educational resource for songwriters everywhere. Submission deadline is October 31, 2012. For details, visit: http://www.GreatAmericanSong.com

2011 GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST WINNERS:

Johnsmith won top honors for his original song "From His Window." First-Place category winners were Ed Romanoff & Crit Harmon for "Two Yellow Roses" (Acoustic/Folk); Debra Gussin & Dale Effren for "This Is Our Time" (Adult Contemporary); Eric Colville for "End Of War" (Singer-Songwriter); John L. Sullivan for "Ghost Town" (Rock); Lynne Stewart & Tracy Newman for "Mama, I Know You Ain't Santa" (Special Category Music); Steven Michael Johnson for "Shadow Of the Sun" (Christian/Gospel); Angela Evans for "Warm Hands" (Country); Tony Chen for "Recognizing the Beloved One" (Instrumental); Larry Hamlet for "Climb Back Up" (Pop); Lisa Horan & Stephen Joseph Antonelli for "Spin This World the Other Way" (HipHop/R&B); and Randall & Sara Effner for "Beijing Lullaby" (Lyric Writing). You can hear these winning songs on the Great American Song Hall Of Fame at: GreatAmericanSong.com


ENTER THE 29TH ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC SONG CONTEST NOW!

Submissions are being accepted from songwriters everywhere until September 15, 2012. You could win studio time, cash, NERFA and FARM conference registrations, and more! The categories are: Adult Contemporary, Children's, Country/Bluegrass, Folk/Acoustic, Gospel/Inspirational/Christian, Instrumental, Open, Pop, R&B/Hip Hop/Urban, Rock/Alternative, Vocal Jazz/Blues. MASC is presented by the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW ). It's All About the Song! http://www.masc.saw.org


StudioVox: CONNECTING THE CREATIVE/CONTEST FOR $200!

StudioVox is a fresh, vibrant social community for creatives. It's an exclusive networking community for people in ALL creative and artistic fields -- from filmmaking, fashion design, photography, fine arts, graphic design -- to music. As a member of Studiovox, you also have exclusive access to connect with both agents and industry professional such as The Source Magazine and Paramount Recording Group. 

In order to win the $200 Gift Card

1. Visit www.studiovox.com and use access code: StudiovoxBetaCode025 to log in.
2. Create a profile, upload an avatar, explore the site.
3. Click here to comment on this post with a link to your new StudioVox profile. Feel free to add your thoughts, ideas and suggestions!

One reader will receive a $200 VISA gift card to help them accomplish their music goals!


THE 9th ANNUAL IAMA (INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS) KICKS OFF

The 9th 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


BOOKING & TOURING SUCCESS STRATEGIES & SECRETS ONLINE COURSE

Getting great gigs, building your audience and selling more merchandise is exactly what your career is all about. This online course is jam-packed with 12 hours of downloadable audio mp3s and PDF Action Guides. There are 5 modules: Module 1: Tour Goals & Planning Strategies, Module 2: Routing Your Tours, Module 3: Negotiation Techniques & Contracts, Module 4: Working with Presenters, Bookers, Promoters/Advancing the Date, Module 5: Targeting Your Markets for Maximum Audiences. Plus 2 hours of bonus classes, BONUS #1: Website Maximizer-Is you’re your Website Selling You? Learn how. BONUS #2: Copy Writing: How to write fan emails, press releases and other promo copy that get responses. Bonus # 3: Three free Industry Biz Booster Monthly Mentor Interviews. And finally, weekly call-in office hours to talk with former agent, manager, author, creator, Jeri Goldstein directly, about the course and your career. Booking & Touring Success Strategies & Secrets gives you artist-tested, step-by-step strategies to help you reach your career goals and make all of your tours profitable. http://performingbiz.com


MUSIC CLOUT: CREATING NEW MUSIC INDUSTRY RELATED OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSICIANS EVERY DAY

We are music based promotion experts with the solutions, services and support to help you optimize the success of your promotion strategies. Our services capitalize on intelligent and proven forms of promotion to achieve maximum awareness building for your music. Within our first year of business, Music Clout has placed artists in over 1,000 different music industry opportunities including deals with record labels, publishing and licensing, radio stations, blogs, and many more.


AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER OFFERING SONGWRITING TIPS AND CRITIQUING SERVICES

Award winning songwriter Jane Eamon is offering songwriting one on one classes via Skype. These sessions are one hour in length and can cover any topic you'd like to address. From writing, to critique, to ideas and games. Or just to share your thoughts and get feedback. If you're interested in a session contact janeeamon@shaw.ca to schedule a class.


HAVE YOU EVER STRUGGLED TO FIND THE RIGHT CHORD OR NOTE TO FIT SOMEWHERE IN YOUR SONG?

Hooktheory is a free resource that can show you how to integrate basic music theory into your songwriting process, making it easier to write catchy chord progressions and melody. Hooktheory currently consists of three main areas:
1. The Hookbook demonstrates basic principles of music theory and how they relate to popular music. It's filled with multimedia-rich content explaining musical concepts synchronized to real songs so you can hear what you are learning and make connections easier.
2. The Music Editor lets you write chord progressions in Roman Numeral notation and listen to them in any key. Add a melody, save your work, share it with friends, or export it to Garageband, sheet music, or guitar tab.
3. The Analysis Wiki is a user-generated collection of analyses of popular songs. Look up the chord progression and melody of a song, or use the music editor to create your own analyses.
Check it out now!


SELL YOUR MUSIC FOR FREE & KEEP 100 % OF YOUR SALES

VibeDeck is a free direct-to-fan music sales solution that's easy to use and quick to set up. All you need is your digital tracks, some album artwork and a PayPal account. When a fan buys your music, the money goes directly into your PayPal account so you can access it immediately. VibeDeck does not take a cut or charge a service subscription fee. It's truly free, easy and invaluable for any artist with music to share with the world. 

Sign-up in seconds!


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 John Brhel

©2011-2012 John Brhel. All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission

“You know it's true.
Everything I do, I do it for you”

--“(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” Bryan Adams

Unlike most of the lyrics I use to introduce Muse’s Clues, this week’s has nothing to do directly with the songwriting website in question. The corny line above was merely the first that came to mind when I was trying to think of a selfless lyric. Nothing against Canadian power ballads, but we have more important stuff to talk about than a twenty-year-old tune from the “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” soundtrack.

Singer/songwriter Jamie Leger is taking a route not often tread by musicians looking to break in into the industry. Rather than focus on his career alone, he’s delivering the goods to other budding music industry members and listeners via his personal website. This indie musician has made it his mission to provide valuable information to his audience and make his music available to those who are interested.

In a press release from July 2012, Leger described his personal approach to launching his independent music career:

"I was inspired by an approach that focused on leveraging the internet to its full potential to grow my fan-base and kick-start my career. It all centers on creating a community and providing my audience with the most valuable content I can.”

Much like a band offering its music for free or an indie artist creating a viral YouTube video, Leger is drumming up interest in his career in an unorthodox way. By offering something more to listeners, songwriters and other musicians, he’s establishing himself as a thought leader and someone to turn to.

A combat vet, marketer and Internet consultant with a two year certification in music production and engineering, Leger is a man of many hats. Take a look at his website and you’ll see that he not only focuses on songwriting, but home recording, social media marketing, artist development, and many other topics important to the modern musician and songwriter.

Take his blog post from July 25, 2012, “How To Write a Melody That Sings.” Leger discusses such tried and true techniques as using dummy syllables and rewriting popular melodies to come up with a unique, memorable melody. These are two strategies I’ve attempted myself. I can totally relate to Leger and his straight-up approach.

Leger’s influences include such diverse artists as Cee-Lo Green, Oasis, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, The Spinners, and many other greats. If you’re looking for songwriting tips that pertain to any genre or style, listen to this guy.

Along with blog posts speaking directly about the songwriting process, Leger offers advice for songwriters who’ve got tunes and don’t know what to do with them. His posts touch on recording (“The 5 Keys To Professional Vocal Production at Home”) to playing live (“Turn Your Shows Into Events”) to motivation (“The Importance of Habits To Your Success”) and everything in-between.

A marketer by day, Leger clearly has a know-how for the business aspect of music. If you’re wondering what to do with that catchy country ditty you’ve got bopping around in your head, you just might have some direction after visiting Leger’s site.

Along with great articles relating to songwriting and the music business, Leger’s website really stands out as an example of great marketing and fan base-building. As songwriters, we must think of ways to get our songs finished, recorded, released, and stuck in the minds of the public. If you’re wondering how to do that, follow Leger’s lead.

Don’t force your music down your audience’s throats; reel them in with great content and conversation. Don’t spam Facebook and forums; give your audience a reason to come check out your music. You’re competing with millions of songwriters. Standing out is a must.

Leger has been offering content since November 2007. In that time, he’s posted some pretty informative songwriting content and marketing advice. If you’re looking for inspiration from a creative or business perspective, it’d behoove you to check out Leger’s site. He even offers a special VIP Newsletter to those willing to give an email address and share the content with friends.

By the way: I was not paid by Mr. Leger to endorse his website. I did a search for “songwriting website” as I usually do when I write these articles, and simply gave his site a look-see. When I realized that he wasn’t just offering content, but was using it as a way to build interest in his music, I had to give him some props.

Leger’s site is a great resource for modern day songwriters and an example of fantastic left field music marketing. Check it out and see what you can learn, how you can rip it off, etc. If only Bryan Adams had promoted himself this way, the “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” soundtrack could have been bigger than “Thriller.”

******

John Brhel is a songwriter from upstate New York who wrote his first batch of pop songs before graduating from elementary school. A lover of all music, John writes country songs, plays in a punk band and spends a good deal of his free time listening to Diane Warren ballads. John regularly attends industry events in New York and Los Angeles and is a member of ASCAP and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. A lover of melody and the left-field chord change, John lives and breathes songs. He is always on the lookout for Skype cowriters.

Featured Article - By Brad Dunse

QUICK TIP: 7 Tips Towards a Positive Co-write Experience

Co-writing can be vulnerable if you're new to it. If you've co-written before, the below points are still valid.

1. No strangers. Before co-writing with someone, it's an excellent idea to set up a non-writing session.

Go for coffee, chat over a smoking grill, or do something to get to know each other. This rids any uneasiness; lets both learn each other's values and beliefs, and builds rapport through shared life experiences.

Even if you've seen this person around and think you know him or her, you'll be surprised how getting to know each other more will help the actual writing session next time.

2. Comfortable? You'll be there a while so make sure it's in a comfortable spot. Definitely make sure you are in a place not easily interrupted and with a relaxed feeling. The next point we talk about will demand some privacy. Living rooms are okay if the kids are checking out Jimmy's new X-Box across town and you upped the limits on your spouse's new department or sporting goods store credit card.

Break out some snacks and drinks, loosen up, you're about to have some fun.

3. Get crazy. This is the hardest thing for most people to do. But it's important to not be afraid to open up and explore ideas freely without feeling stupid.

That's why I mentioned about not being where someone else might walk through, making your co-writer feel foolish amid an off-key yodel.

Conversely, "No thinking stuff like, "Oh shoot that was really dumb, I should have never said that." Or, ""Crap, I just sang that note way off trying to get that note. He must think I'm a real loser."

Listen, just write how you write. They're not Simon Cowell on American Idol. Don't be afraid of messing up somehow or saying something off. Besides, some crazy idea you have might spark an awesome one in your co-writer you never thought of before. Extend your co-writer the same latitude.

4. Be courteous. I can't stress this one enough. If you really don't like something your co-writer has for an idea, don't squash it with "No no no, I don't' like that at all," before he or she gets a chance to get it flushed out. This is about the quickest way to kill a writing session and likely any other sessions with that person again.

If you don't like something, don't assume it's carved in stone. You might just say, "Yeah, that's one way of saying it. Hey what about ." and Just offer other suggestions.

Anything to keep the flow going and not beat-down creativity when guards are down.

They'll pick up on your side-step to the suggested line or idea. If not, state it directly but kindly.

5. Staring session. Don't be surprised if you're both staring at carpet snags because one or both lost your writing mojo.

It happens. We don't have control over what goes on in our day prior to the appointment, and sometimes things fall flat. That doesn't mean either of you suck as writers, or that you won't write a killer song next time. It just means things aren't hitting on all strings today that's all.

6. Don't force it. Sometimes it takes enough of the staring session to clear the head enough to drill down to a good flow, but then there are times when you just feel like the session is forced.

When intuition says the force is with you, it's probably time to just say something like, "Hey, I'm not coming up with anything here; you want to go get a coffee or something?"

It'll be appreciated and who knows, just breaking free of that elephant in the room might flush out some ideas over coffee.

7. No offense. Don't' take it personally or feel you're a horrible writer if you're not asked to write again.

Some personalities meld together and some just don't. There's no shame, no blame; it's just people. It happens all the time to good writers.

I've got friends I don't write with, and the other way around, but we're still friends, and we still know how to write.

Bonus Tip: Prepare. Very simply, come with some ideas, hooks, melodies, and titles, whatever. But bring something to the table.

Most of all. have fun. Co-writing can be a hoot, so just enjoy teaming up on the creative process!

*****

Brad Dunse is a performing songwriter based deep in the country's heartland reflecting sensitivity of daily living in his songs. Writing primarily in Folk, Country, Pop, or Americana, he occasionally writes CCM. Co-writer of The Wall, a tribute to Viet Vets receiving major market airplay, he's also received airplay on NPR, local public, independent, and web radio. He is a freelance writer, is board member of Minnesota Association of Songwriters, been member or involved in ASCAP, NSAI, SongU and other organizations. You can visit his web site at WWW.BRADDUNSEMUSIC.COM as well Add As Facebook Friend or Follow Him On Twitter.

"ON SITE" FEATURED ARTICLE(S)


How To Take Your Music Career To The Next Level With A Mentor

- by Tom Hess

If you would like to start a career in music and quickly reach success as a professional musician, it is crucial to find a mentor who has already achieved great things in the music business. Learn how to find your own mentor by reading this article.

*****

Using Rhyme as an Accelerator, as done by Neil Young
- by Anthony Ceseri

Rhyme can be an incredibly powerful tool for tying the meaning of your words to your music. One way to do this is to use rhyme as an accelerator.We'll look at how Neil Young has made use of this concept in the song "Heart of Gold."

*****

 

Making a Cliche Phrase New Again, As Done by Regina Spektor
- by Anthony Ceseri

The idea of "heartbreak" on songwriting has been used a lot. It's a cool metaphor, but it’s basically lost its coolness due to overuse. In this article, I want to show you how heartbreak can be made fresh again by how the phrase is handled musically.

*****

The Seven Rule Method for Finding The Right Band Members - by Tom Hess

Read this article to learn how to find serious and dedicated band members.

Classifieds & Useful Services

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.


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.


ADVERTISING RATES:
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.

Click here for Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising opportunities.

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.
info@musesmuse.com - How to subscribe or end your subscription.
editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.

SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com


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

 

Click here and go to the middle of the page to change your subscription - or click the links below.

Help For Newcomers
Help for Newcomers
Interactivities
Interactivities
Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources
Berklee Music Resources
The Muse's News
Organizations
Entertainment Cyberscope
Articles
Newer Articles
Past Columnists
Past Columnists - After March 2007
Market Information
Songwriting Contests
Chat Logs
Songwriting Books
Regular Columnists
Columnists
Spotlights
Spotlights
Services
Services Offered
About the  Muse's Muse
About Muse's Muse
Subscribe to The Muse's News, free monthly newsletter for songwriters
with exclusive articles, copyright & publishing advice, music, website & book reviews, contest & market information, a chance to win prizes & more!

Join today!



Created & Maintained
by Jodi Krangle


Design:


© 1995 - 2016, The Muse's Muse Songwriting Resource. All rights reserved.

Read The Muse's Muse Privacy Statement