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The Muse's News |
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Issue 3.11 - February 2001 ISSN 1480-6975
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This issue sponsored by:
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Q&A with Nancy A. Reece from Carpe Diem Copyright Management
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by Jodi Krangle
@-- Featured Article - THE BIG WHEN - by Anne Freeman
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - by Irene Jackson
@-- Songwriter In Spotlight - Just a reminder...
@-- On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your
viewing pleasure.
@-- Classifieds & Useful Services
@-- Contact information
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ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998 - 2001, Jodi Krangle. For more contact information, see end of issue.
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This ezine featured at EzineCenter.com - the Ezine Search
Engine(tm) - http://www.ezinecenter.com/
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LYRICIST! THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND . . .
Virtual Studio Systems, Inc. is pleased to make available to
Muse's Muse members this on-line coupon worth $10 toward the
purchase of Lyricist, the first of its kind word processor designed
for Lyricists, musicians, songwriters, and poets. Includes rhyming
dictionary, spell checker, thesaurus, album categorization and
more. Call us toll-free in the U.S. at 888.732.1176 or outside the
U.S. at 603-726-4499 and mention this Muse's News Coupon to
receive this exclusive offer. (Offer expires February 28, 2001)
Happy Millenium from VSS! http://www.virtualstudiosystems.com/.
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Hello again and welcome to another issue of The Muse's News. This
"Musing" is rather long, so I'll get right to it.
Just as a reminder, the Muse's News Membership Drive is still going
on. Do you enjoy this newsletter? Why not help spread the word
and be eligible for great prizes at the same time. :-) Some of
these prizes include:
* 8 hours of studio time donated by VMG Studios in Atlanta, GA
(http://www.visionmusicgroup.com/),
* software packages donated by Virtual Studio Systems
(http://www.virtualstudiosystems.com/prodLYR.htm)
& Write Hit Songs
(http://www.writehitsongs.com/),
* books donated by StagePass.com
(http://www.stagepass.com/),
* memberships donated by SongScope.com
(http://www.songscope.com/)
* and Muse's Muse mugs & T-shirts too!
There will be a first, second and third place winner.
I would also like to announce the addition of a new columnist.
Duff Berschback, Esq. is an entertainment lawyer in Nashville, TN.
He represents singers, songwriters, publishers, and other assorted
industry types, with a particular focus on digital entertainment
and new media. He has kindly consented to answer questions and
write articles regarding songwriting and the law. His new section
(This Law Goes To 11) is located here:
http://www.musesmuse.com/songlaw.html and I hope you'll drop by to
read through his first article and his first Q&A (on the subject of
what to do in the case of copyright infringement).
Welcome aboard, Duff!
There are numerous updates around the web site including new
articles by the columnists, new answers to the songwriting survey,
tons of new CD reviews and the addition of new features. One of
these new features is The Muse's Muse Musician's Junction - a great
way to make contact with other musicians and songwriters, brought
to you through an agreement between this site and TAXI
(http://www.taxi.com/).
And congratulations to Rick Wade in Toowong, Australia for winning
this month's book raffle. He'll receive the latest issue of THE
MUSIC BUSINESS REGISTRY (OR "A & R REGISTRY"), reviewed below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE @MUSESMAIL.COM FREE E-MAIL:
Lastly, I wanted to let you all know that I will be changing the
service I use for the free @musesmail.com e-mail. Though I realize
this is an inconvenience to those of you that use this service, I'm
doing it so that it can be of more use to you in the end. My
primary reason for making the switch is that the new service will
allow me to offer POP access from that free account while the one
that I'm currently using, will not. In fact, I was told when I
first signed on to that free e-mail service, that they *would*
eventually be making such an offering. I was prepared to wait for
it. Now, having been told in no uncertain terms that it's not
coming, I want to give you guys the best service I can give - so
I'm switching.
For those of you that have @musesmail.com accounts, please make
sure that you've gotten all of your e-mail squared away. I intend
for there to be only a very short interruption. I'm giving
everyone until FEBRUARY 12TH to do this. After that, the switch
will be made. It might take a few days for it to take effect and I
sincerely apologize for the inconvenience - but the pluses FAR
outweigh the minuses and I hope to have everyone squared away with
the new service as quickly as possible. Once the new mail service
is available, I'll make an announcement on the front page of the
web site (www.musesmuse.com) directing folks to re-sign up and
re-claim their usernames at the link I'll provide. It should all
be very straightforward - and the benefits will be huge. Having
POP access from this free e-mail account will make the service MUCH
more useful to you, allowing you to pick up your primary e-mail
using only a browser and an internet connection - no matter where
you are, anywhere in the world. For those of you who travel
regularly, as many gigging musicians are forced to do, a benefit
like that can be invaluable.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Best of luck to you in the coming month!
--Jodi
Back to Menu
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SHAMELESS PLUG:
Drop by http://www.musesmuse.com/musemerchandise.html today to pick
up your very own Muse's Muse shirt, mug or mousepad! And while
you're at it, think about starting your *own* store. Details on
how to do that are only a click away...
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C o p y r i g h t & P u b l i s h i n g Q & A :
with Nancy A. Reece of Carpe Diem Copyright Management
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Q: Hi Nancy,
My name is Janine. I am a children's entertainer around CT. and NY.
state. For several years area parents have been after me to record
a CD of all the kids' favorites. This year I promised them I would
do just that. Now here's my question to you. Can you help me find
or tell me which children songs I can record without getting into
any trouble? I do not sing any original children songs. I just do
the usual songs like "Old McDonald", "Twinkle Twinkle" and
"B-I-N-G-O". Songs like that. I do believe some may be in the
public domain by now but I don't know how to find that out. I'll be
recording in just a few weeks. If you can help me that'll be great.
Thank you so much.
--Janine L.
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A: Thank your for your wonderful work with children. There is a
public domain web site where you may be able to search for
particular songs and be sure that they are free from royalty
obligations. However, be aware of arrangements. It is possible to
hold a copyright on an arrangement that would fall under
protection. Look also at the PRO sites and at the HFA site to be
sure you are good to go.
http://www.pdinfo.com/ / http://www.bmi.com/ / http://www.ascap/com http://www.sesac.com/ / http://www.songfile.com/
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Q: Dear Nancy,
Thank you for all the assistance you offer songwriters. I truly
believe in copywriting. However, my question is of another nature
that perhaps you can assist. I have numerous lyrics I have written
and now I need to have them set to music. My question is do you
know or have a listing or know of a listing of recording studios
for the aspiring songwriter? I am an American living in Okinawa,
Japan. I know this is a work for hire, but where are the people
for such work? Help! I am an artist/poet/lyricist who has been
working for decades in my arts and so far I now have all works
copyrighted and I am ready to put my talents out to the public.
(So
far I have 1 demo cassette) Any suggestions for me? Your response
will be greatly valued and appreciated. Thank you in advance,
-- Gwendolyn T.
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A: There is a performing rights society in Japan that may lead you
to other writers.
In Japanese: http://www.jasrac.or.jp/
In English: http://www.jasrac.or.jp/ejhp/
Oh - and I did find one listing for a record studio in Okinawa...
RECORDING STUDIO JAVY
5F Javy Building
1-1-2 Matsuo
Naha-shi, Okinawa 900
Japan
Phone: (819) 8862 6658
Fax: (819) 8861 0965
Contact: Jun Ota
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Q: Is there an industry standard when it comes to
adaptations/translations? I recently co-wrote a song in English
with someone, where I wrote all the music and we both wrote the
lyrics. I then took that song and translated it into Spanish. I did
not translate word for word, but rather tried to keep the
idea/theme intact. Do I own the copyright for the entire Spanish
version of the song, or does the other writer get some sort of
credit percentage-wise for the Spanish portions of lyrics
translated from their English lyrics?
Thanks -- Phil B.
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A: Hello Philip:
You are speaking of a "derivative work". It depends on the
compositions publishing agreement and the arranger's arrangement
(if you will) with the publisher at the time of translation.
It has been my experience that translators are paid a flat fee as
a work for hire job and the work remains property of the original
holder.
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TO VIEW OTHER QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES, SEE NANCY'S COPYRIGHT &
PUBLISHING Q&A ONLINE AT http://www.musesmuse.com/pubq-a.html .
Please note: Nancy received a *lot* of e-mail in a month. If you
sent in a question but have not heard a reply, it's very likely it
already *has* an answer online. It's always a good idea to
thoroughly look through the Copyright & Publishing Q&A online to
see if your question has already been asked before you send in a
request. Thanks!
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*****
Carpe Diem's owner and president, Nancy A. Reece has been
involved in the music business since 1983. She was the president
of an independent advertising agency for eight years as well as a
successful personal artist manager for nine years. She
represented the careers of several recording artists and
songwriters including those with EMI, Zomba and Liberty Records
as well as Benson, Starsong, WoodBridge, Temple Hall and N'Soul
Records. She also represented, for a number of years, a Grammy
and Dove nominated record producer. Reece has won awards of
excellence in print magazine advertising and has been named as
one of 2,000 Notable American Women (1995) as well as being
listed in the International Who's Who of Professional and
Business Women (1993). She was also named Cashbox Magazine's
Promoter of the Year (1989).
**If you would like to ask Nancy a copyright or publishing
question for our continuing Q&A section, please send your e-mail
to nreece@musesmuse.com. She can't guarantee she'll get to all of
the questions, but she'll certainly try.**
Back to Menu
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : by Ben Ohmart
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Marina V Lift
There is a lot of Tori Amos in Marina. And when she heats up to
rock, there is a budding Blondie somewhere deep within. To
experience both mood swings, start at the beginning. 'Anything At
All' poeticizes with 'Again I stand in front of you / I guess I am
blocking your view / Don’t worry, I don’t want anything at all'
and in the last moment the electric guitar sheds quick licks,
giving Marina the confidence to repeat the first part in quite a
different way. Now she knows her mind. Now she knows what’s what.
And you get the feeling the end of the song sees her walking right
out the door.
For a short 28 minutes, V (which stands for Verenikina, people)
packs a lot of thought, gumption, and soft and hard-boiled musical
notions into her 2nd release. 'When I Need You Most' is typical of
the girlfriend you'll find here, though this song is recorded
louder than the surrounding songs. And the 50s beat it’s based on
is a nice change from the more heartfelt piano songs. Okay, so it's
not typical.
Perhaps V's 'Séance' fits the bill. Darkness. A soft woman's voice
floats in. The distorted guitar chords trill in, then out. The
gothic piano tinkles somewhere in the back. In short breaths, V
still speaks. An odd séance. Most of it comes out in the light.
Yet, when she next sees the 'Dark Around Me', Annie Lennox beware.
This one has an interesting blend of crashing guitar and quiet
coffee moments. Maybe she's a vampire who suddenly springs to life
when the moment is right.
The end piece is 'Father', ripped straight from the heart, and
intensely personal. 'Father, do you feel alone in your / empty home
sometimes? / Father, did you know that I think / about you all the
time? / Are you feeling sad? / Do you need me there? / Would it
matter if I’d stayed?' It's like reading someone's diary as they
write it. Would be a lovely ballad for a character driven musical.
Marina is certainly growing as a songwriter, as a person. Check out
her 1st cd as well, and catch the chronicling.
http://www.marinav.com/Marina@MarinaV.com
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OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Gene Autry - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-autry.html
Andrea Maybaum - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-maybaum.html
Jean Bratman - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-bratman.html
Mark Nicholas - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-nicholas.html
Oleary & Lalli - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-oleary&lalli.html
Pale Boy - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-paleboy.html
Pushcar - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-pushcar.html
Matt Easton - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-easton.html
Susan's Room - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-susansroom.html
Joyce Todd - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-todd.html
II Big - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-iibig.html
Maria Kalaniemi & Aldargaz -
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-kal&ald.html
Jamie Solow - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-solow.html
Tian - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-tian.html
---------------
******
Ben Ohmart has had 100s of stories and poems in zines and
journals, and had 4 plays produced last year. His lyrics will be
on 2 CDs this year, 1 a gothic album, the other a rock album.
He's currently writing films, with hopes of having one done in
Malaysia soon, and is also trying to break into the prison of
television. He's white, 26, single and loves British comedy. He
lives in Boalsburg, PA, and enjoys watching rabbits eat his
garbage. Contact him at: ohmart@musesmuse.com .
**Ben has kindly consented to do music reviews for this
publication and also for The Muse's Muse itself. If you have an
independently released CD or tape that you'd like to get
reviewed, send it off to: Ben Ohmart, P O Box 750, Boalsburg, PA
16827 or drop by his Music Reviews web section at
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html for more details.**
Back to Menu
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UNLEASH THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THE INTERNET WITH SONGSCOPE.COM!
SongScope is a valuable tool enabling you to build an on-line song
catalog, accessible only by proven industry professionals. Receive
FREE email informing you every time record producers and industry
professionals make requests. Songs listings are only $29.95 per
year. An ecommerce enabled marketing/promotion page and tour
calendar are also available for performing songwriters to get
further artist exposure. See www.musesmuse.com/songscope.html for
details or contact: writerinfo@songscope.com ~ Tel: 770.754.4543
=================================================================
S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Jodi Krangle
THE MUSIC BUSINESS REGISTRY (OR "A & R REGISTRY"):
Publisher/Editor: Ritch Esra,
Publisher/General Manager: Stephen Trumbull
http://www.musicregistry.com/
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While this publication is a little more geared towards the industry
of performance rather than simply focusing on songwriting contacts,
I have still found nothing that even comes close to the amount of
information stacked into these ring-bound pages. Unbelievable.
The first few pages contain a listing of Music Conferences and
Conventions around the world. From there, it goes straight into a
listing of just about every major and independent record label
there is. While the majority of listings are indeed from the US -
as you would expect, there is also fantastic representation
throughout Canada and Europe. What makes this particular
publication unique is the amount of detail it provides on each
company. There is, of course, the company address and contact
information, but the titles of those contacts and their assistants
are also provided, along with e-mail addresses and urls, direct
dial phone numbers and fax numbers, and, most importantly, the
style of music each company specializes in. In between the
listings (never sharing space with the listings themselves) are
relevant advertisements for anything from mastering services to
upcoming music conferences to useful web sites. The *ads* were
almost as useful as the listings. At the back of the book is an
index where you can locate information by a person's name.
Don't you hate it when you try to reach someone to ask them about
what they're accepting... and the number is out of service? Things
like that will rarely happen here. Not that I'm knocking the
Songwriter's Market, but that's a publication that's put out once a
year. How accurate do you think it is by the end of a year? You
won't have that problem with the Music Business Registry. Ritch
and Stephen put this baby out every two months. They know what's
going on, they make changes, they pass it on to you. Purchasing
the A&R Registry is basically like purchasing a subscription to an
extremely useful magazine and getting a book every two months
instead. A year's subscription includes six issues, jam-packed
with information. The A&R Registry is a lot more pricey than
picking up a copy of the Songwriter's Market, but if you're serious
about what you do, it's the best money you'll ever spend.
Knowledge is power.
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
THE BIG WHEN
by Anne Freeman
©2001, Anne M. Freeman, The Aspiring Songwriter ™
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
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"Write it in your heart that everyday is the best day of the year."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
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I'd like to talk about songwriting goals. We've all set them, and
some of us have achieved them. But a fair question would be, is
goal setting relevant, or is it an exercise in frustration? Most
songwriters and artists I meet speak in terms of the future: "When
I find a co-writer, when I write a hit song, when I learn to
perform, when I start pitching, when I get a publishing contract,
when I get a record deal…," everything is focused on "THE BIG
WHEN"! But what about right now?
Recently I read a book, 'Life is a Contact Sport', by Ken Kragen,
(William Morrow, May 1994), who is best known as Kenny Rogers'
manager and organizer of "Hands Across America." In the book,
Kragen challenges his readers to ask this question: "What have I
done for my career today?" From that point on, I asked myself that
question every day. I started a journal and listed my daily efforts
to answer the question. The exercise did a few good things for me,
which I've outlined below:
First, I wrote down ANYTHING I did that pertained to songwriting:
reading an article, listening closely to songs on the radio,
thinking of a song idea, attending a meeting. No matter how small
it was, I wrote it down. This helped me to focus on what I was
doing in the here and now, as I lived my daily routine. Being able
to read what I'd done every day brought new value to each small
step I was taking. It wasn't too long before I looked forward to
writing my list every night.
Second, I developed a habit of actually DOING something for my
songwriting everyday. Incredibly, it wasn't hard and it wasn't a
huge sacrifice, BECAUSE I was acknowledging and placing value on
all of the little things I was doing. More importantly, the
"insurmountable goal" mindset began to disappear.
Third, I began to make more room for songwriting in my life. This
happened NATURALLY, over a period of time, because songwriting
became a positive in my life, not a struggle. Surprisingly, the
changes were subtle and gradual, without effort. By validating my
efforts in the here and now, I had created a new, positive mindset.
And, I didn't have to set "goals" to do it.
This approach may not be relevant to you. But if you truly want to
be a songwriter or an artist and are frustrated by seemingly
insurmountable obstacles, or you are struggling with trying to
write in the chaos of daily life, you may want to give this a try.
"WORDS TO WRITE BY"™ EXERCISES
Exercise 1: Read and think about the quote from Ralph Waldo
Emerson. Does it pertain to your life? If so, how?
Exercise 2: "THE BIG WHEN"
Does this statement apply to your creative life? Are you living
your creative life solely for the future? Try to be honest about
your answers.
Exercise 3: Start a journal and briefly state each thing that you
do every day to learn the art and craft of songwriting, and to
learn the business of songwriting. Do that for three months and
reassess yourself. Read the entire journal through in one sitting.
Did your lists grow longer as time went on?
Exercise 4: Write your own essay about this "Words to Write By"
quote.
Remember to keep it fun!
******
Anne Freeman is the coordinator for the Princeton NJ Chapter of the
Nashville Songwriters Association, International (NSAI), the
largest not-for-profit trade organization for songwriters in the
US. She is also a professional conference planner and speaker, and
is employed by the New Jersey Department of Education as an
Education Program Specialist.
http://www.wordstowriteby.com/ ™ was developed by Anne Freeman from 'The
Aspiring Songwriter',™ to provide aspiring songwriters and artists
with thinking points for their creative and professional journey.
The site features short essays that are responses to ideas and
perspectives presented in famous quotes, coupled with a several
easy-to-do, self-assessment exercises. A new "Words to Write By"™
quote, essay, and exercise is posted on the site each month.
Back to Menu
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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!
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SOUTHERN UTAH SONGWRITING SCHOOL 2001
Presented by:
Acoustic Concerts of Southern Utah
PO Box 910722
St. George, Utah 84791
435-673-1437
tgale@infowest.comjetlag@infowest.comhttp://www.southernutahacousticconcerts.com/
Date: March 17, 18, 19, 2001
Instructors:
Beth Neilson Chapman, Paul Reisler and Steve Seskin
Cost:
$295 or $275 early registration by February 15
($50 non-refundable deposit will hold your spot)
Venue:
Red Mountain Resort & Spa
(Resort package available)
1-800-407-3002
1275 E. Red Mountain Circle
Ivins, Utah 84738
http://www.redmountainspa.com/
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WINDRIFT SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Windrift Music, a new music label in Toronto is sponsoring a free
songwriting competition. THERE IS NO ENTRY CHARGE:
Grand Prize * $500 in cash * Make Your own demo CD * 50 CDs
courtesy of Windrift Music * Web Hosting of Your Song on Windrift
Music Site * Artist Home Page with download of music * 1000
promotional Flyers of CD * Free promotion of artist CD to major
labels. WHO CAN ENTER: Aspiring or proficient songwriters- self
-published or unpublished - who are looking for a chance to get
their material recorded and/or published. The deadline is June
30th, 2001. Contest details are located on the Windrift web site:
http://www.windriftmusic.com/contest.html
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THE GUILD OF INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS AND COMPOSERS
is an international organisation based in England, UK. Guild
members are songwriters, composers, lyricists, poets, performing
songwriters, musicians, publishers, studio owners, music industry
personnel, etc, from various countries throughout the world. The
Guild has published Songwriting and Composing magazine since 1986,
issued free to Guild members. The Guild offers advice, guidance,
protection, information, encouragement and services to Guild
members with regard to helping members achieve their aims,
ambitions, progression and advancement in respect to the many
different aspects of the music industry. Members of the Guild have
access to Panama Music Limited, an affiliated publishing company, a
member of The Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS)
(London, England) and The Performing Right Society (PRS) (London,
England), which is the umbrella parent company of various
international publishing catalogues and recording trademarks. More
info at our website http://www.songwriters-guild.co.uk/
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THE NORTHWEST OF ENGLAND 6TH ANNUAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
is running from March until June 2001. The usual prizes include
studio time, promotion and inclusion on the Buskers Ball CD. Songs
must be performed to an audience/panel of judges (so entry may be
restricted to UK residents) [although there are lots of UK fans of
the Muses Muse]. Further information on (44)01204 527414, at the
Buskers Ball website http://www.busker.freeuk.com/, or by email to
busker@freeuk.com.
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COOCH MUSIC IS SEEKING TOP 10 QUALITY R&B HITS
for new female artist. Four Major labels are interested in her. She
has major management and producer in place. Songs must be fully
produced, and available for immediate contract consideration! If
interested we will need an instrumental track as well. Unpublished
songs only. Make us say WOW! and feel the groove! Please submit
songs in this style only! We need songs ASAP!
Contact: Joseph Cuccia at j.cuucia@coochmusic.com
or visit our website at http://www.coochmusic.com/.
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THE 2001 SONGWRITERS CONTEST IS NOW OPEN:
for all unsigned original songwriters, composers, bands,
singer-songwriters and solo artists. There are 13 categories (see
entry form) that will be awarded. There is a $30.00 (U.S. currency)
per song entry fee. Entries are accepted up until June 30, 2001. No
entries will be accepted after that date, no exceptions. All
qualified entrants (see rules) will receive one copy of the winners
on CD. Winners will have their songs distributed to the top 25
radio stations in the US and top 2 stations in the UK for play in
those areas. A management contract will be awarded to all winners.
We will send the winning songs to several record labels A&R
Departments. Also the winners will receive a certificate with their
name and category.
For Official Rules and Regulations and printable entry form e-mail
encoreproductionsinc@velceroisp.com Or send SASE to:
Encore Productions Inc.
5402 Brantford Ave.
Memphis, TN. 38120-2440
USA
http://www.encoreproductionsinc.com/2001.htm
(901) 821-9921
*Collect calls will not be accepted. Long distant calls may or may
not be returned.*
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COUNTRY SONGWRITERS OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE BLUEBIRD CAFE
"CLICK THE WEBSITE LINK TO ENTER"
Georgia Music Industry Association (GMIA) Announces 2001
"Best Of Country" Songwriter Showcase
May 10th,2001
Submission Deadline-March 8th,2001
http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=17761Back to Menu
=================================================================
M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2001 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By
Permission
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When it comes to songwriting, much of the activity on the internet
is around the idea of getting your song critiqued. Most
songwriters, especially newer ones, are interested in knowing if
their songs are really great (just like mom says!) or if there's
some work left to do.
It's hard to get your first real critique! Over time you might
develop a thick skin, but the first few can be pretty tough! There
are many songwriting boards on the net where you can put your
lyrics up for critique and sit there and nervously wait for a
response, which is often unfulfilling, if there is one at all!
Well, if you're REALLY ready to have your song critiqued...if you
REALLY want to know what it's like to have someone dispassionately
listen to your song and evaluate it from a completely unbiased
point of view, you might want to check this out.
It's called GarageBand.com... http://www.garageband.com/ ...you
can't just post lyrics, you must upload audio mp3 files of the
songs which are encoded into RealAudio files. You don't have to be
a "band" either :-) But there's a catch...first, you have to
review a certain number of songs before you can upload one of
yours. That way, garageband.com gets enough participation in the
reviewing end of things. When your song is finally uploaded, it
goes into a rotation of anonymous plays where others can review it.
Sounds pretty scary? Here are a few points to consider:
If you're are a first time reviewer, this will give you an idea of
what it must be like to be a publisher with those thousands of
wannabe tapes piling up on your desk! Many of the songs are
mediocre...see if you can find something positive to say! There is
also a multiple choice section of the review which makes it easier
for you to identify certain things about the song...would you
listen to it again? Is it engaging or boring? Every now and then
you'll come across a great song...and you can choose what genre of
music you'd like to critique so that you don't have to listen to
punk if you're not a punk fan. Another important point is that you
don't know who the artist or group is until the end of two reviews.
And you can't pick and choose which artists/songs you'd like to
review, so people can't "swap" wonderful reviews in order to get
higher up in the charts. There are also prizes, but I don't want
to sound like a commercial, so you can check it out yourself!
The reviews you receive on your song will often be tough! The
rules of the site specify that there's a difference between a harsh
review and a bad one...some do try to get away with being nasty,
and on the opposite end of things, some reviews are just the "pat
on the back" kind. However, you can accept or deny the review, and
the reviewer is ALSO rated! You can email the reviewer with a
response if you want to respond to their review.
My experience of it so far is that there are the obvious glitches,
such as people who want to cheat and get past the reviewing process
so that they can have their songs reviewed without first doing
theirs. But garageband.com has some very well-known producers on
board as well, people like Sir George Martin (of Beatles fame) and
a host of others who will give a listen to the songs that get high
enough up the charts...you can't beat that!
So when you're ready, surf on over to garageband.com and give it a
try. I'll see you there!
******
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 more links of interest. Her eagerly anticipated CD "Catnip" is
finally here, and her earlier recordings have had attention
everywhere from Japan to South America.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com/
Songs on MP3:
http://www.mp3.com/artists/20/irene_jackson.html
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P U B L I S H E R I N S P O T L I G H T :
Just a reminder...
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Unfortunately, I don't have a new one for you this month, mostly
because of fall-out from the holidays. I am working on several
though and I'll have them in the next few issues.
Meanwhile, I thought I would take this opportunity to let you all
know where previous interviews are located on the web site:
http://www.musesmuse.com/interviews.html
There are a huge number of interesting talks with many songwriters
you'll know and many you won't - but should *get* to know! There
are also interviews with other folks like publishers and producers.
With all of the other things to do and see and read on the web
site, it's very possible for these interviews to be lost and
forgotten. But if you're looking for inspiration, they really
can't be beat.
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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 :
Building the Perfect Beast: Form Follows Function
by Pat Pattison
http://www.musesmuse.com/patart2.html
This enlightening article explains why it's a good idea to have
your rhyming and rhythm scheme follow your song's subject - and
gives you tips on how to do it too!
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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 SONGWRITER'S GUIDE TO DEMO SUBMISSION...
Everything you need to know to get your songs heard! Updated for
2001, our guide can give you an edge over the thousands of other
songwriters trying desperately to get their songs listened to.
You'll learn how to package your demos like a pro, discover where
to send your demos, learn how to market your songs online, locate
songwriter organizations and more! http://www.music-song-lyric.com/
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ATTENTION SONGWRITERS! YOUR SONG MAY BE THE SOUND OF SUCCESS!
The Billboard Song Contest has some new and exciting changes taking
place this year. For the first time ever, we are offering the
"Excellence in Songwriting Award" for our first place winners. The
Billboard Song Contest is open to both amateur and semi-
professional songwriters. Entry forms can be obtained by calling
us toll free at 888-989-0351, at www.billboard.com/songcontest, or
email at bbsc@jimhalsey.com.
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ATTENTION JAZZ MUSIC FANS:
JazzReview.com is your connection to reviews of the hottest
new jazz releases. We have many great features such as
jazz artist interviews, jazz photography, charts, concert /
festival reviews, Monthly CD giveaways and "YOUR" guest reviews.
Come check out: http://www.jazzreview.com/
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GET YOUR COPY OF THE INDIE CONTACT BIBLE & START MAKING WAVES!
This is an absolutely priceless resource for indie musicians. If
you want your music reviewed, on the radio, *heard*, THIS is the
resource you need to have. It's not going to tell you "how" but it
will *certainly* tell you "who". I highly recommend you pick it up
in order to compliment your other music marketing techniques. Have
a look at this url and read through a few sample pages to see what
I mean: http://www.bigmeteor.com/muse
(Full review at http://www.musesmuse.com/3.4-July00.html#book)
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INDIE-MUSIC.COM ~ SAVE TIME & PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC FREE!
1000's of contacts for musicians, no cost, no hassles. Download a
free College Radio E-Guide or subscribe to our free Indie News
newsletter to receive free tips to advance your music career.
http://indie-music.com/ - The Best Place For Musicians Online
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GO GLOBAL WITH CDSTREET.COM
CDstreet.com is your secure source for credit card music ordering
in your own website. As a member of the CDstreet network, you will
have access to the most cost-effective, secure transaction
processing for global music merchandise distribution. Plus, no
setup fee and no sales equals no cost!
Check it out - http://www.cdstreet.com/
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DISCOVER SHAREWARE MUSIC MACHINE and explore the world of software
which will help make writing and recording your songs a breeze!
Featuring over 2100 software titles to freely download as well as
more than 2000 discussion forums, Shareware Music Machine has
software for musicians of all kinds. For MIDI sequencers to guitar
effects to hard disc recording to the latest sound players, head to
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/?muse
=================================================================
ADVERTISING RATES: For Classifieds: US$25 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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C o n t a c t I n f o & C r e d i t s :
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Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR
Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER
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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 at:
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html
The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
songwriters: http://www.musesmuse.com/
For further information, send your e-mail to:
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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, unsubscribe, etc.
editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.
SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National Library of Canada ecollection:
http://collection.nlc-bnc.ca/100/201/300/muses_news/index.html
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