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The Muse's News |
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Issue 4.11 - February 2002 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
@-- Copyright & Publishing Q&A with Nancy A. Reece from Carpe Diem
Copyright Management
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart & Eliot Popkin
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by James Linderman
@-- Featured Article - THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC:
Practical Realties of Securing A Record
Label Agreement - by Charles Katz
@-- 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 - ON COMPOSITION & FLOSS - By Adam Nierow
@-- Columnist In Spotlight - Debbie Ridpath Ohi
@-- 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 - 2002, Jodi Krangle. For more contact information, see end of issue.
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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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SELL YOUR MUSIC AT ONLINEROCK!
OnlineRock now lets any band or musician sell their music directly
from their own Web site. We take the order, process the payment,
fill and ship the order 24 hours a day. OnlineRock, a leading music
resource site, also provides free Web building and hosting
services, bulletin boards, and editorial content of interest to
musicians. Each week we profile a different artist, Web site and
song.
OnlineRock - Empowering Musicians http://www.onlinerock.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Hi everyone and welcome to another issue of The Muse's News. As it
happens, this is the last issue before the beginning of this
newsletter's FIFTH YEAR. Pretty nifty, huh?
First off, I wanted to tell you that Radio Muse is still kicking!
Honest! :) Jan has been really busy lately and the holidays have
really thrown our scheduling for a loop - but show #8 will be live
soon. Probably some time around the beginning of February. Keep a
look out on the front page of the site as I'll make the
announcement there when it's online. I do apologize profusely for
the delay.
If you're super eager to get your music on the radio though, you
can drop by http://www.jpfolks.com/home.html to find out more about
their new Radio Free Virgin Just Plain Folks Artist Channel! This
is the perfect opportunity for independent artists to get their
music on the radio - and this station is set to reach a huge number
of regular Radio Free Virgin listeners. Though you need to be a
Just Plain Folks member to send in your music, membership is
totally free. So what are you waiting for?
I'd also like to mention that it turns out I will have some time
for consulting. :) What this means is that if you have a website
that no one knows about and you're looking for help on promoting it
online, you can have a look at http://www.musesmuse.com/promo.html
and see if any of these services might be of some use to you.
For those of you interested in promoting your websites who are also
songwriters, I've been authorized by the generous folks over at
InsideSessions to give away a few copies of their new "Songwriting
& Publishing" package. More information on that package can be
found at http://www.musesmuse.com/insidesessions.html . I'll be
including a "Songwriting & Publishing" package from InsideSessions
with the first one or two "Package #2" offerings that are
commissioned on a monthly basis for as long as the copies last (I
have five).
Online promotions is my specialty and I look forward to putting
that knowledge to work on your behalf. I've learned a thing or two
in six years. ;) You can also email me directly at
promo@musesmuse.com if you'd like to talk further about it. I'll
be happy to hear from you.
In other news, there are lots of new articles written by the
columnists (thanks guys!) . You can check that out at
http://www.musesmuse.com/menu-columnists.html whenever you'd like.
Michael Allison in particular, has a new article about the do's and
don'ts of a great band website that is a MUST READ for any of you
out there with sites of your own.
And in still other news, I'd like to ask all of you to refrain from
adding new links to The Muse's Muse Music Resources for now.
(That's at http://www.musesmuse.com/links/pages/ in case you're
looking for something music-related. There's a fantastic list of
links there - all contributed by YOU!) I'm about to update that
script to something a LOT more interesting and any people that
submit links between now and then, will just be told to re-enter
their information into the new database when it's finally online.
I'll let you know when the changes are live. I'm very excited
about it!
And last but certainly not least, I'd like to congratulate our two
prize winners this month! Randy Harp from Columbia, SC has won
himself a copy of Jim Halsey's excellent book, How to Make it in
the Music Business (reviewed below) and Nancy Bobbitt from
Lexington, KY has won herself a copy of VSS's fantastic Lyricist
product. For a review of Lyricist, see
http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html .
Thanks for reading, folks! Best of luck with your songwriting.
--Jodi
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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 Licensing executive Nancy A. Reece & attorney Duff Berschback
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Q: I am a student studying music law and am finding a part of it
really difficult. If performers complete a 30 day world live tour,
and they write all their own material, their live set includes
nobody else's material. At each European concert the promoter pays
a license fee to the local performing right society. The amounts
the promoter say they have paid each society are shown in the tour
accounts. Now the artists want to make sure that the PRS has paid
them the correct amount of live royalties from the tour. What
questions do the artists need to ask their accountant to ask the
companies to answer? Hope you can help because I'm really stuck!!
Thanks!
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A: The answer would be the same for any territory. Contact your
performing rights representatives and give them a set list and a
tour schedule. They should be able to account to you for the
monies collected if you have the documentation.
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Q: I want to use a cd of Bette Midler (SP) singing "Wind beneath my
wings" to back a PowerPoint presentation of pics to be shown at a
memorial service for a friend and to be made into a video for sale
to family and others. What do I have to do to get total copyright
clearance for the project? I know that people are entitled to be
paid for their work and I want to do so. I need your help to get
that done. Thanks. - Chuck F.
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A: If you plan on giving the product away to family members (see
definition of private use in Title 17) then you do not need
permission. If you plan to sell the product then you will need
synchronization licensing form both the sound recording holder and
that of the underlying copyright holder of the composition.
The performance of the song in any funeral home will be covered
under the NFDA agreements with the PROs.
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Q: Hello! I am a first time songwriter. There is a label exec.
who may be interested in purchasing my songs. What is the average
price of an R&B song? How do I derive a reasonable price and some
type of royalties if the song is a hit? Thank You.
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A: I would highly recommend that you contact competent
entertainment counsel to assist you. You probably want to get an
assignment with a reversion right and an advance upon signing.
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Q: I just recently opened a small publishing company. Is there a
copy of a standard mechanical liscense agreement that I can use as
a guide? How can I find one? Thanks, Susan
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A: The best place to see good examples of mechanical licensing
would be in the books "Music Money & Success" by Brubec & Brubec or
in "Kohn on Licensing". You could also hire an independent
copyright administrator to draft something for you.
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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: She receives 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 Q&A's online to see if your question
has already been asked before you send in a request. Thanks!
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*****
ABOUT NANCY A. REECE:
Carpe Diem Copyright Management'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). In addition to her work at Carpe
Diem Copyright Management, Reece works at a performing rights organization
in the United States and is an accomplished contemporary artist working in
abstract and multimedia on canvas and wood.
**If you would like to ask Nancy a question, you can send your
e-mail to Nancy at nreece@musesmuse.com . She can't guarantee
she'll get to all of the questions, but she'll certainly try.**
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : by Ben Ohmart & Eliot Popkin
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Randy Moore & The Fabulous Deltones - self-titled (by Eliot Popkin)
This country-rock CD was a real treat for me to listen to. The
album starts out with a bang of "Rope Me With Fire", co-written by
the Nashville songwriting star Pat Brunch. Moore's writing is so
strong, you can just hear yourself in these stories and picture
yourself in their moments. The wonderful songwriting continues with
"Life is Good", where Moore sings "Life is good here in Georgia,
this must be the promised land." I've never been to Georgia, but
after hearing this I sure would like to go.
Moore and company really rock out on "Beg, Borrow, Steal". They
sound at home both in the more commercial country territory, as
well as on the more roots-rock material you hear on this disc. As
Moore sings "I would beg, borrow, steal, all your love", I can't
help but hear Dwight Yoakam wailing away. Mr. Moore, you need to
send this song to Mr. Yoakam and I don't need a percentage. Good
song my friend. The publicity notes say that Moore wrote this song
after spending a day listening to the Doors. That makes sense to
me. This is the first (and possibly only) CD I will ever hear with
a song about a golf club named "Big Bertha." "Bertha" was written
with rockabilly legend Carl Perkins, about his missing golf club.
And I thought I heard it all before! My favorite song here is "A
Mother's Prayer", a beautiful piano ballad about a Mother giving up
her child for adoption. For those who want to learn about great
songwriting, put this disc in, listen over and over, and take
notes. My only request here is to include the lyrics! Let the
listeners enjoy these words. In closing, simply put - this is a
strong, strong album.
Contact: Ginny Foley (201) 866-5618, ginnymar@aol.com
Website: www.randyandcindymoore.com
[[ EDITOR'S NOTE: As the wife of a golf fanatic, I should inform
folks that "Big Bertha" is actually the *brand* of a golf club,
believe it or not. So while Eliot's certainly right that writing a
song about such a thing is unique, I'm not sure it would be the
only one. ;) -- Jodi ]]
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OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
AeTopus - (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000133.html
Jean-Paul Bourelly - (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000128.html
Jorge Sylvester - (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000126.html
The Lynne Arriale Trio - (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000127.html
Larry - (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000129.html
Spectre VII - (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000136.html
Andrew Wagner - (by Eliot Popkin)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000138.html
Joi Veer - (by Eliot Popkin)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000139.html
Sandy Kay - (by Eliot Popkin)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000141.html
Staticland - (by Eliot Popkin)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000142.html
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******
Ben lives in Boalsburg, PA where greedy people want to put up
condos in place of a nature preserve. He spends his off hours
listening to radio comedy - especially British - loves reading and
watching horror, and hates trying to make ends meet. Send him money
and gifts. While waiting for bribes, he's currently writing the
official biographies of The Bickersons, Paul Frees and Daws Butler.
His latest bit of immortality? The text for bickersons.com.
Contact him at: ohmart@musesmuse.com.
Eliot is a Boston born singer/songwriter who saw his debut album
"Down Along This Road" have 3 songs find their way into movies,
radio airplay on more than 100 stations across the country as well
as countless wonderful reviews and feature stories. He currently is
writing songs for various major label and film projects, and is in
the studio working on his follow up album. He lives in Los Angeles,
enjoying a nice view of the Hollywood sign. To hear his music, drop
by his web site at http://www.mp3.com/eliotpopkin .
Contact him at: eliotpopkin@musesmail.com
If you're considering sending in your own CD for review, please
drop by http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html to find out
which reviewer reviews which genre. Thanks!
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S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by James Linderman
How to Make it in the Music Business - by Jim Halsey
http://www.jimhalsey.com/shopping_cart/product.html
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The Italian word "Impresario" is the name given to those who put on
concerts. It's as old as opera itself and is derived from the same
Latin root as the word "impression" which means "to mark or
imprint".
Jim Halsey is more from the world of "Opry" than the world of
"Opera" but this book shows that he has certainly left his mark as
an Impresario with over 50 years of successful experience in the
country music business.
In the pages of "How to Make it in the Music Business" you will
find lots of great advice, some wonderful stories, and the constant
implementation of Halsey's own personal philosophical approach
referred to as the "power of performance". There are plenty of
inspiring examples of how to "give your all" and make an
impression, whether on or off stage, and regardless of whether you
are a celebrity entertainer or just starting out as a small town
booking agent.
Part one, explains how to acquire a winning attitude and build the
internal tools for success in a business that can be very tough and
discouraging.
Part two reveals how to determine and establish your place in the
business by thoroughly explaining the roles and responsibilities of
the artist, the manager, the record company, the producer, the
agent, the press, the publisher, the attorney and the promoter.
In part three, Halsey uses his experiences in building the careers
of artists like The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, The Judds and others
to illustrate how the power of performance can be used to build
your career.
In his "Suggested Reading" section there are books on music and the
music business specifically, but also books on general marketing
and media.
The appendix has over 1000 contacts that range from industry
magazines to record labels and from conferences to county fairs.
This book would certainly interest someone in Country music, but it
would be short-sighted to suggest that this is the book's only
audience. I think that it should make great reading for anyone
interested in finding a recipe for the kind of success that goes
beyond the markers set by convention. I found it particularly
impressive that Mr. Halsey had the vision to take country music
beyond the safe and certain markets of the Southern U.S. and into
unlikely places like The Soviet Union, where culture, diplomacy and
global unity are impacted by the sound of music being made.
This is where impresario and impression come together and, what
appears to be a mere "how to" book on the music business becomes a
road map to success in the art of music, in the world of music and
in life itself.
******
James Linderman lives and works at theharmonyhouse, a music lesson,
songwriting and music pre-production facility in Newmarket,
Ontario, Canada. He has worked as a collaborating songwriter and
consultant for The Toronto Office of Catholic Youth and leads a
music workshop program for Life 100.3 Christian radio. James writes
songwriting articles for The Muse's News web magazine, Canadian
Musician Magazine and Professional Musician Magazine.
Contact James at: theharmonyhouse@rogers.com
Back to Menu
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
Charles will be providing us with a series of articles discussing
common problems performing songwriters might face within the music
business.
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC: RECORDING: Practical Realties of Securing A
Record Label Agreement
©2002, Charles Katz. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
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"One Fine Day" Words and Music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King was
a classic hit in the late 60's.
The repetitive lyric "One fine day // you'll look at me // and
you will know//our love was meant to be//" is the opening of a very
famous song and is essentially the chemistry that must exist
between a record label and the performing artist.
Running a successful record label today is more difficult than
winning the National Lottery.
As a day to day trawler for exceptional talent I am looking for
that unique individual who has a fan base, released a successful CD
on their own, has their own contacts in the music business and is
looking for the money man to complete the team.
To start with, I manage an International Song Writing Contest
for Performing artists.
When I hear something I like, I ask the artist to send a press kit
with a good quality CD, radio quality, lyric sheets, photographs,
bio material, and tour information.
The quality of the sound must be there. It cannot be an amateur
production. You are competing with thousands of artists for only a
few hundred record deals a year.
I want to see where that artist has been and who has reviewed their
music the last year.
What airplay have they already received?
· Campus
· Commercial
· Film
· TV Syndication
· Local Cable
Then I will meet with the rest of the team.
· Manager
· Attorney
· Record producer (Very Important)
· Radio Promoter
· Publicity/Promotion Agent
You have to know which genre you are in and which major record
label/distributor specializes in that genre.
Due to a rationalization in the industry the few major record
labels/distributors are :
· BMG(BMG,RCA,Arista)
· CEMA (Capitol, EMI, Virgin)
· Polygram (Polygram, A & M, Island, Motown)
· SONY ( Sony, Columbia, Epic)
· UNI (MCA, Geffen)
· WEA (Warner Brothers, Elektra/Asylum, Atlantic)
Take your pick. There are not too many.
To date I have found only one artist that I am comfortable
investing with and shopping to major labels.
The chemistry and timing has to be right.
Stay tuned for next month's article:
Relationships Between Independent and Major Labels
******
Charles Katz owns a high-tech company, Printerm, established for 20
years, and manages a Record Label, Windrift Music Inc. He currently
has a CD "Night Driving Music" installed at Internet sites in the
US, UK, and Asia collecting royalties. Charles is presently working
on his second CD with a female recording artist and has established
a virtual band, Spencer K for that project. As a business leader,
musician, publisher, and promoter, he is now providing his
expertise for fellow artists. Contact: ckatz@windriftmusic.com
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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'RADIO MUSE' WEBCAST FOR INDEPENDENT SONGWRITERS - SEEKING MUSIC!
The Muse's Muse & Host, Jan Best of Independent Songwriter
Web-Magazine, are putting together a series of shows, one every
month, featuring the songs of independent songwriters just like
you! See http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html for details on how
you can send in your own music for consideration.
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WINDRIFT MUSIC SONGWRITING COMPETITION 2002
Windrift Music and Sonic Foundry(Sound Forge/ACID),
are sponsoring the 2002 Songwriting Competition.
Fabulous Prizes * $1000 in cash * Sound Forge 5.0. * ACID PRO 3.0 *
Vegas Video 3.0 * Five loop libraries * 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. The deadline is June 30th, 2002. $10 entry fee.
Contest details are located on the Windrift Music web site:
http://windriftmusic.com/contest_2002.html
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CAROLE BAYER SAGER'S VALENTINES DAY SONGWRITING CONTEST!
Tonos hosts many songwriting contests and Industry Opportunities
specifically for songwriters every month. January contests include:
* Carole Bayer Sager's Valentines Day Love Song Contest - Grand
Prize winner to receive a Shure KSM27 Studio Cardioid Condenser
Microphone valued at $575 plus Carole will be selecting the winner
herself.
* Wade Robinson Seeking Pop Songs for His New Project - Get your
song heard by the producer/dancer and remixer who has co-written
with 'N Sync and he may just sign it for his new project.
* Veteran Producer Dito Goodwin (No Doubt) Seeking Rock Songs -
Submit your best rock or alternative track and Dito may just use it
for one of his upcoming projects.
Click here for your chance to enter!
(Sorry folks - it's a long one. If this splits, which it likely
will, just copy and paste both parts into your browser.)
http://www.qksrv.net/click-793658-4194776?url=http%3A//www.tonos.com/app2/opportunities/jsp/index.jsp
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JUST PLAIN FOLKS INVITES MUSE'S MUSE MEMBERS TO ENTER THE 2002
JUST PLAIN FOLKS MUSIC AWARDS!
The 2002 Just Plain Folks Music Awards Entry Deadline is
approaching and we welcome Muses Muse Readers to enter and get
involved. In 2001 we had over 2,400 CD's and 35,000 Songs entered
from all around the globe making it, we believe, the largest Music
Awards program in world history. Entry is free and all we need is
your complete contact information on your CD or Liner Notes
including name, address, phone, email address and website if
available. All genres are welcome and all entries must be sent on
CD. (No cassettes.) Release dates don't matter, but you can only
enter the same music 1 time for our awards. In 2001 we gave out 75
awards for both Songs and Full Albums. Mail all entries to Just
Plain Folks, 1315 N. Butler Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46219. Press
kits are welcomed but not mandatory. Entries will also be
considered for Airplay on the new Just Plain Folks/Radio Free
Virgin Radio Internet Radio Channel (www.radiofreevirgin.com),
which has over 2.5 million registered listeners. If you'd like
more information about the Just Plain Folks Music Awards or would
like to sign up for a free Just Plain Folks Membership, please
visit http://www.jpfolks.com/.
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ALL SHE WROTE SONGWRITING CONTEST
All She Wrote is interested in cultivating and promoting talented
yet unrecognized female artists & to be a bridge between her and
the entertainment industry. To amplify the female voice in various
fields of creativity and art. The goal of our contest is not to
make money on the entrants.... it is to be here for women artists
and help them improve and excel. We have a staff of professionals
and numerous contacts in the industry just chomping at the bit to
help women artists. Visit
http://www.allshewrote.com/musiccontest.html for more details.
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THE FIRST AMATEUR ONLY SONGWRITING CONTEST IN THE WORLD!
Cooch Music has launched it's fourth amateur songwriting contest.
Entry fee is only $10.00 per song. Prizes amount to over $7,000.00
including a fully digital mastered demo from Def Ro Productions as
part of the Grand Prize valued at $3,505.00. All prizes offered are
designed to help the amateur songwriter further their careers.
"Helping The Amateur Songwriter is What We Do Best"
Learn how to earn free entries into our contests! e-mail us at
free@coochmusic.com
For complete details and entry form visit us at http://www.coochmusic.com/
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USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION & GUILD/FENDER GUITARS SPONSORS CIRCLE
OF SONGS SHOWCASE USA
Songwriting Competition and Guild/Fender Guitars sponsors the
Circle of Songs™ showcase at Los Angeles' Knitting Factory every
third Wednesday of the month in Los Angeles. The first show will
start on January 16, 2002. It is a "Songwriters In A Round"
acoustic/unplugged format, meaning four songwriters will be
featured on stage each month. Vocals and guitar or keyboard is
usually the case for each performer. Aside from Singer-songwriters
performing, many Rock/Alternative bands regularly feature their
lead vocalists with their songs at the showcase. For more
infomation check out: http://www.songwriting.net/showcases.html
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GGM SONG CONTEST 2002 NOW OPEN
The GGM Song Contest has come a long way, with two amazing years of
successful contest. Entries will be accepted through April 15, 2002
with a huge winning package. All early bird entries received before
FEB 28th, 2002 entitled to FREE custom designed GGM T- Shirt. This
year entries are expected from all over the world. Our annual song
contest has helped many of the participants accelerate their music
careers and has created an opportunity to have their songs heard by
the music industry. For more information visit:
http://www.godsgift-music.com/contest
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SONGS WANTED:
Darion (Label Shopping) - US music publisher and independent A&R
firm is seeking songs for Darion and two other female artists.
Seeking top quality demo's. Please include lyric sheets. Mid to up
tempo Pop/R&B/Dance in the style of Toni Braxton / Janet Jackson /
Taylor Dayne and Tina Turner. Songs must have POWER! We ask that
all songs be UNPUBLISHED. Please include two versions of the songs,
one with vocals and one with the music only. Songs should be Radio
ready hits - no album fillers. Serious writers only. Send only your
very best! We will contact writers only if interested. No downloads
or MP3's.
Publisher:
Joseph Cuccia 22 Williams Way South Baiting Hollow, NY 11933 USA
Tel: 631-664-6340 e-mail: info@coochmusic.com
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OPEN STAGE W/ACCLAIMED TORONTO SINGER/SONGWRITER, NORM HACKING
Open stage every Thursday at the Silver Dollar Room (486 Spadina at
College) in Toronto), no cover, sound system. Drop by to perform 2
or 3 songs and if you have your own CD, bring it! Sign-up starts at
7pm, with a 7-8 pm finger-picking guitar workshop led by Brian
Gladstone to start things off. Each evening includes a feature
performer and a short set by Norm Hacking. For further info, visit
http://www.normhacking.com/, e-mail info@normhacking.com or call the
Silver Dollar info line at (416) 763-9139.
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INTERNATIONAL SONG OF PEACE CONTEST
Tipperary Peace Convention in Tipperary, Ireland, are holding their
International Song of Peace Contest in early May 2002. The Contest
will be staged in the Excel Theatre in Tipperary Town, Ireland. The
Irish Music Rights Organisation and Waterford Cystal are involved
as sponsors. Entries are now being invited for the Contest. Songs
must have a theme of peace, love and harmony. They can be about
people, places or things, in fact anything that one feels
constitutes a 'Sense of Peace'. The closing date for entries is
March 31st, 2002. The entry fee is 20 Euro for the first song and
15 Euro for each additional song. The winning song will receive a
cheque for 1,500 Euro and Waterford Crystal Trophy. Entry forms and
further particulars are available from Martin Quinn at
062-33990/087-6101628 or e-mail: martinquinns@eircom.net
Back to Menu
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2002 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By
Permission
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One tool that I often hear about songwriters getting a lot of use
out of, is a rhyming dictionary. Honestly, it wasn't until I
started hanging out on the net that I realized how much some
songwriters depend on these. Okay, I admit I use one now and then
:-)
Recently, when this topic came up again, I did some surfing and
found a great website called "RhymeZone"(http://www.rhymezone.com/)
which is so much more than just an online rhyming dictionary.
Beyond rhyming syllables and phrases, you can find synonyms and
antonyms, definitions, similar sounding words...this is a serious
word-related website!
Another very interesting feature on this website reminds me of
something I was watching recently. There was a PBS special about
Mark Twain, a two-part series that covered his life and his work.
As some of you probably know, he was a very well-known writer whose
quotes you'll still hear from time to time...that's because some of
them are so priceless. RhymeZone has a huge section full of quotes
by famous people, politicians, comedians, and anyone else who had a
quirky perspective on this world of ours. Why would this be
helpful to a songwriter?
Sometimes when you read a good passage in a book or hear a great
quote, it creates a kind of altered state and puts you in a "zone"
where your perspective changes, even if just for a moment. This
state is highly creative and a way for you to get past those
writer's blocks you all complain about from time to time :-)
Beyond that, you can take a quiz in word definitions, read a little
Shakespeare or even the Bible if you feel so inclined!
So if you're stuck for a word or need some inspiration, I'd highly
recommend checking out the RhymeZone. And don't you dare complain
about writer's block again :-)
******
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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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
On Composition and Floss - By Adam Nierow
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I have the urge to create. It pulsates and keeps me pleasantly
occupied. I am doing it now; humming a melody, mumbling dummy
lyrics about getting corn stuck in my teeth: (Ate a nice meal
except for that cob.) I will be inspired again later.
Creative impulses are like guests at a dinner party. At the table,
hungry mouths crave satisfaction. It takes a patient host to filter
through all the demands. Often it helps to prioritize (i.e.
well-bred children first). The rest are usually served in due time,
although some relatives may complain that the mashed potatoes are
cold, and then refuse to finish their meal. This is all part of the
process. Just deny them dessert.
As a child, I dabbled in imaginary worlds of possibility. When I
was eight, my first attempt at musical composition spewed "Blazing
Fire," the masterpiece of my passionate childhood. This solo piano
experiment sparked a desire to explore deeper emotional landscapes
through music.
Since then, plenty of songs have trickled out, and the honing
process never ceases. (Throbbin' gums are my reward.) I remember my
teenage "pathetic love song" stage. Those sappy attempts were like
syrup-drenched pancakes screaming for air. Oh how I pined. I
suppose Mozart had difficulty writing substantial music when he
was, say, a fetus-hard to find a pen in there. For the rest of us
(or most of us), it takes somewhat longer to develop awe-inspiring
creations (if we ever do).
Personal pools of experience fuel my quest for artistic success. I
draw upon fresh possibilities from anywhere at anytime (it is 2AM,
I am at the reception desk of a hotel in Lima, Peru, and the rhythm
of construction noise outside spurs me to rap quietly to myself).
This sensitivity to surroundings stems from paying attention to
seemingly insignificant moments. I remember images, and I attempt
to describe them completely. When I extract a new characteristic
from a mundane situation, it becomes available as subject matter
for creation. Through continued practice of selectivity, ability
expands, significant art emerges, and originality shines. Although
otherworldly topics provide good material as well, what is here
right now rivals even the wildest thoughts on alien abduction and
the subsequent Takeover.
Here on earth, my particular taste in music favors emotional
diversity. Human experience offers a universe of subtleties. (Went
to visit my dentist Bob.) The dark singer-songwriter who squirts a
smile every so often connects with an audience at yet another
level. The classical violinist who goes electric to interpret the
works of Metallica taps into a vibrant novelty. This richness of
detail feeds my musical gut, and the ability to imbue multiple
layers of expression requires talented attention (unlike "pathetic
love pancakes").
Moreover, I encourage the idea that greatness knows no particular
genre. Influential threads swarm from a web of angles-Leonard
Bernstein, Jonatha Brooke, Kurt Cobain, Peter Nero (my uncle),
Puccini, Gipsy Kings, Rush, Israeli folk tunes, anything on La Mega
97.9 FM...NYC's #1 radio station playing salsa & merengue,
Afro-Peruvian ballads sung by Susana Baca, Rachmaninoff, Barenaked
Ladies, bare-naked ladies who are not men, Seal, seals at the zoo,
Sting, bees, Queen, Queen Latifah; well, maybe not so much Queen
Latifah. I think the point has been made, though.
When artistic freedom seeks remuneration, business sensibilities
pave the way. Commercial success concedes no distinct plan of
attainability; nevertheless, accessibility of an artist's work
plays a significant role in its chance for acceptability. Back at
the dinner party, those well-bred children are now eating
dessert-their reward for excellence. Similarly, those creative
impulses that effectively blend artistic and commercial strands
discover sweet rewards in the form of critical praise, popularity,
payment, and legitimacy. Furthermore, this balancing act
contributes to a better understanding of an artist's body of work
by more people, and clear communication achieved in any
form-language, art, gestures, grunts, extraterrestrial signals, or
music-leads to happiness. (He gave me floss...oh thank The Lord!)
With that last verse, I may have a hit chorus for a
Country-Christian pop ditty (crossover potential is key):
Ate a nice meal except for that cob
Throbbin' gums are my reward
Went to visit my dentist Bob
He gave me floss...oh thank The Lord!
Then again, maybe not. In any case, I can always sing it to the
ocean.
Ultimately, I find no greater joy than immersing myself in music. I
could be entertaining with my college a cappella group, applauding
a steamy rendition of Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo" at a local
jazz club, or serenading a lucky (or unlucky) lady on her birthday
with guitar in hand and sweet professions on the tongue. Well, that
is not entirely true. It is hard to argue with the intense joy of
truly loving someone, or perhaps even the sublime pleasure derived
from flossing daily and using talcum powder after every shower.
******
Adam Nierow is a songwriter/producer, and a founder of
Musical-Mind-Productions, a music production company out of
Brooklyn, NY. Along with his associate Peter Habib, they form a
contemporary pop songwriting/production team, and work out of a
recording studio run by Peter. They are currently building up a
catalog of material to pitch to a variety of recording artists,
music supervisors, etc. Adam or Peter can be contacted at
amusicmind@aol.com for more info. You can listen to some of their
music at http://www.starpolish.com/musicalmindproductions .
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C o l u m n i s t I n S p o t l i g h t :
Songwriting Music Theory 101 - by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-ohi.html
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ABOUT THE COLUMN:
"Ack!" you may cry. "I remember music theory back in school. I fell
asleep during the class and dreamed that I was still in class, so I
woke up from sheer boredom!" Believe it or not, a fundamental
knowledge of music theory -can- enhance any songwriter's abilities,
and the learning process doesn't have to involve self-torture.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi will gently introduce the basics with humor and
direct application to the songwriting process.
ABOUT THE COLUMNIST:
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a freelance writer, editor, and songwriter
living in Toronto, Canada. She performs with the folk group, Urban
Tapestry (http://www.urbantapestry.org/), and her songs have been aired on
national radio. Debbie taught piano and theory lessons to adults
and children for over twenty years, and successfully completed the
theoretical requirements of her ARCT degree at the Royal
Convservatory of Music in Toronto. Her book, The Writer's Online
Marketplace (www.electricpenguin.com/wom/) was published in
Jan/2001 by Writer's Digest Books.
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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 :
Make Your Songs Stand Out - Lyrical & Musical Contrast
by Danny Arena & Sara Light
http://www.musesmuse.com/2.9-December99.html#article
Some great advice from two fantastic songwriters who would know.
=================================================================
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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LYRICIST! VERSION 2 HAS ARRIVED - NOW WITH CHORD CHARTING.
Virtual Studio Systems, Inc. is proud to announce Lyricist V2 - The
Songwriter's Best Friend -the first-of-its-kind word processor
designed for musicians, songwriters, and poets. The software
includes a rhyming dictionary, spell checker, thesaurus, album
categorization, chord charting, song arrangement and much much more
- all in a user-friendly package. We have now begun shipping so
get your holiday order in soon. A review can be seen at
http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html . Muse's Muse visitors can
take home the product for $5.00 off the regular selling price, just
for purchasing through the form provided off of the review!
For more information, visit the review url above or call us at
888.732.1176 inside the U.S.A. or 603.669.0411 outside the U.S.A.
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If you are a songwriter with broadcast quality recordings and are
interested in our services, send over your CD for consideration.
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SELL YOUR OWN MERCHANDISE?
Drop by http://www.musesmuse.com/musemerchandise.html today!
And while you're at it, think about starting your *own* store. It
would be pretty cool to sell your own band's logo or design on
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investment of money on your part at all. Details on how to do that
are only a click away...
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/storeref.aspx?refby=musesmuse
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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:
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The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
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For further information, send your e-mail to:
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