Business:

• How to Make a Great CD - Demo - by Jaci Rae - A great CD / CD demo can mean the difference between getting the job and not working. Here are a few tips on how to make an excellent CD that will impress them.
  
  
• Networking that works - by Tim Ogle - The first five of what may become the "Ten Commandment's" of networking.
  
  
  
• HOW DID THAT SONG GET RECORDED?!?!?!?! - by Andrea Stolpe - Sometimes it's difficult to imagine how certain songs make it onto records and the radio.  As musicians and artists, we can spend quite a bit of time comparing our work with that of what's popular.  In many cases, craft has less to do with success than we think.  Choosing a viewpoint that enables us to stay inspired while working the business end is a must for anyone wanting to sustain a career in the industry.
  
  
  
• Money and Music: How to Make Both - by Jaci Rae - Indie / DIY musician and bands are beginning to have an advantage over major label artists. Why? Because they are forced to learn and have marketing savvy. Indie artists and bands who wish to start the process of making, distributing, and getting radio airplay for themselves, without the help of a major label contract, are starting their own record label.
  
  
• The Most Valuable Music Conference I've Ever Attended - by Andrea Stolpe - About Tim Sweeney's "Music Strategies" conference - and how to get the real-world information you need to further your career.
  
  
  
• Taking The Next Step: Moving your songs from the livingroom to the world - by Andrea Stolpe - Marketing your songs can take many approaches.  How do you get your songs out there once you're ready to play them for the world?  Here are some creative suggestions.
  
  
  
• "Respect" - by Bronson Herrmuth - My definition of the word Respect.
  
  
• Songwriting Commercially - by Bronson Herrmuth - I wrote this article in 2003 just a month or so after my book came out. Knowing most of you are songwriters, I thought you might enjoy this read and good luck with your songwriting!
  
  
• Consistency Is The Key - by Bronson Herrmuth - I'm adding this article for all of you "musers" who are performing songwriters and recording artists. Hope you enjoy!
  
  
• Cross-Marketing (Linking): Selling your music - by Jerry Flattum - New ways to sell your music online is exploding.  CD Baby is only one of them.  Of course you need your own website, but how does anyone know where it is--how to find it?  One way is to cross-link, particularly with other sites that feature your music. 
  
  
• The X Factor (the Day the Fish Died) - by Bronson Herrmuth - A true story of a songwriter/artist pitch session with an A&R label exec on Music Row in Nashville, TN.
  
  
• Work For Free? - by Carley Baer - Sure, music is ridiculously lucrative if you're a mega-star, but what about us lowly independents?  Do we have to keep slaving away for free until someone discovers us and pays us the money we're worth?
  
  
  
• The A&R Representative - by Cyrus Rhodes - This article takes an in-depth look at the A&R Representative, and what role they play in the Music Industry.
  
  
• POS is Never Wrong - by Cyrus Rhodes - At the end of the day, it's still all about money. 
  
  
• Mixing - by Cyrus Rhodes - These components generally make for an industry standard mix.
  
  
• Barcodes - by Cyrus Rhodes - Think Barcodes aren't important? Guess again!
  
  
• Press Packs - by Cyrus Rhodes - What your press pack says about you?
  
  
• Get Legal Representation - by Cyrus Rhodes - The Importance of Legal Representation.
  
  
• Don't be a yes Artist - by Cyrus Rhodes - Legitimate artists never beg!
  
  
• CD Release Timing - by Cyrus Rhodes - Summer time is go time!
  
  
• Two Weeks In Nashville - by Cyrus Rhodes - Two weeks in Nashville I will never forget.
  
  
• How to Choose a Good Mixer - by Cyrus Rhodes - How to chose a Mixer right for your style of music.
  
  
• Commercials are a Big Waste of my Time – Guess Again! - by Cyrus Rhodes - This article looks at how lucrative commercial exposure can be for any artist. 
  
  
• GIGS & BEYOND -The Importance of Live Exposure - by Cyrus Rhodes - So where's the real money made in today's Music Business - Just ask the Police!
  
  
• Building An Army Of Fans Every Time You Perform - by Draven Grey - How can you capture your audience and consistently grow your fan-base? This article uncovers an often over-looked truth that will help to set your band apart.
  
  
• GIG'S & BEYOND - Attacking the Local Club Circuit - by Cyrus Rhodes - This article examines how new artists should approach the Local Live Circuit.
  
  
• How much the pro's didn't make on tour last year. - by Cyrus Rhodes - Don't expect to make a mountain of money on your own concert tour.
  
  
• GIGS & BEYOND - Treat every show like it’s your last! - by Cyrus Rhodes - The following is a true story about how a hot Seattle band blew one of the biggest opportunities they had in under 15 minutes, and didn’t even know it.
  
  
• Keep Your Eyes on the Ultimate Prize - by Cyrus Rhodes - Success has a funny of leading to even more success.
  
  
• Take the 5M's Pop Quiz - by Cyrus Rhodes - Typically if you possess the 5 M's as a band or artist you definitely have what it takes to become a signed professional. Read on to find out what those M's are.
  
  
  
• The Basics of Legal Contracts - by Cyrus Rhodes - In the Music Business a "handshake" or verbal agreement is quite acceptable, not to mention it can even be used in the court of law. However when things don’t go according to plan, I’ve seen the golden handshake turn into bad situations in a hurry, especially when the things that don't go as planned involve money.
  
  
• Establishing a realistic set of Expectations - by Cyrus Rhodes - O.K. how about for now we put aside the Limousine, the Hot tub parties & Playboy Mansion Invitations, and set a much more realistic goal for yourself. Let’s start by making a career for yourself an Independent Artists first like we previously discussed.
  
  
• SXSW Music Festivals - by Cyrus Rhodes - Music Festivals and Conferences are a great place for artists to come together, share their ideas, their music, their performances, and have fun doing it. Not only will you have fun, but you will have an opportunity to showcase your music, while meeting other artists and other prominent people within your local music scene.
  
  
• Contacting the A&R Represenatives - by Cyrus Rhodes - Chances are if your music is good, there is a A&R looking for it right now. So why not put your music directly on their desk?
  
  
• Finding the right kind of Recording Studio - by Cyrus Rhodes - Over the last few months you have written and rehearsed about 45 minutes of good quality music. It's enough material to now make a CD or demo, but you only have about a grand in your bank account . Here are just some of the things a good recording studio should provide.
  
  
• Beware of Mixers that say they can Master - by Cyrus Rhodes - Despite what someone tells you - this is a very bad move!
  
  
• GIG AND BEYOND - Contacting club owners - by Cyrus Rhodes - Here's what you need to know in order to interest club owners in hiring you for a gig.
  
  
  
• Be a Responsible Performer - by Cyrus Rhodes - Many newcomers are unaware of their responsibilities towards the venue, bookers, people in the crowd, and even opening acts. Having an incident occur during the show could have disastrous consequences as you are trying to build a reputation regionally as a professional.
  
  
• Something Every Roadie Should Read - by Cyrus Rhodes - Sure being a roadie is the toughest job in the Music Business, but keep you head up, you just might be a Rock Star one day.
  
  
• If you suck at running live sound - please quit! - by Cyrus Rhodes - Some Indies bands cannot afford either to buy either a quality sound system, or hire a professional. I get that. Also true - some smaller club owners don't even know what good sound gear is. That's fine as well. What I can't understand is this: if you are a club that offers a decent to premium “live sound” setup, HIRE AN ENGINEER THAT KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!
  
  

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fan appreciation:

• THE GOOD GROUPIE'S TEN COMMANDMENTS - by Cheryl Mullen - The long-overdue follow-up to GROUPIES--THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE NAUSEATING. Want to make sure you're the kind of groupie who leaves a good impression with your favorite artist and not a bad one? Here are some rules to live by!
  
  
• Your Fans Are Your Life-Blood, But… - by Draven Grey - Why settle for the left-overs of the band that played before you?  What key element are you missing that would help you attract massive amounts of fans, sell more merchandise, and boost your music career like nothing else?
  
  

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History:

• Interview with Grammy award winning engineer/producer Bil VornDick - by Bronson Herrmuth - Bil VornDick has recorded over 600 albums, had five number 1 hits in five different genres, 45 Grammy nominations with 8 Grammy winners. In so doing he has established himself as one of the top engineer/producers in the music business world wide.
  
  
• My interview with the legendary Steve Cropper - by Bronson Herrmuth - If playing the fire out of a guitar for over 50 years isn't enough for you, add recording artist, hit songwriter, award winning producer, arranger, engineer, actor, label head, and you start to get the picture of the many talents of Steve Cropper.
  
  

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On Other Sites:

• Songwriting Articles - James Lee Stanley's Blog - This talented performer, singer, songwriter and producer gives you the benefit of his 50 years experience by writing articles in his personal web space. There are all sorts of different topics you'll find interesting.  Well worth checking out!
  
  

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Recording:

• The Synthedit Revolution - by JJ Biener - Jef McClintock's Synthedit has brought the ability to produce VST instrument and effect plugins to the masses.
  
  
• Embrace Imperfection - by Andrew H - Do musical artists appreciate why they are going for this 'perfect sound'?
  
  
• Do You Need A Producer? - by Jerry Flattum - Couple of months back, I decided to use Bob Katz for mastering.  After a few email exchanges and wrestling with his amazing book, Mastering Audio, I told Bob I wanted to achieve the same high quality recording with my studio as that which I've been hearing on a slew of top commercial CDs (Celine Dion, as one example).   Bob Katz recommended using a producer.  Just exactly what does a producer do?  Do I need one?  Mick Polich, another Muse's Muse Columnist, has some answers.
  
  
• "Screwin' Around" - Practical advice from Composer, Engineer, Producer Stephen Sea - by Jerry Flattum - In tackling the the concept of the role a producer plays in recording, Stephen Sea offers some practical advice and lays out a blueprint for "screwin' around," a technique most songwriters are already familiar with when writing tunes. 
  
  
• Obedia - 24-hour Tech Support for Musicians - by Jerry Flattum - A new service, Obedia, answers a long awaited need:  24-hour tech support for musicians.  Steve Garth, Fred Maher and Jayce Murphy are your new best friends.  Need help right away with a hardware/software issue?  Click Obedia.
  
  
• Recording Your Own Songwriter Demos - by Bronson Herrmuth - If you are a songwriter and you record and produce your own song demos, this one's for you.
  
  
• Music Life: 11 - Creating The Perfect Songwriting Studio - by Brian Donovan - I've developed the most professional, yet minimalistic list of gear for an amazing (and amazingly simple) songwriting/demo recording studio.  And I share my thoughts on how you can implement it to make your songwriting an effortless and gratifying part of your day that doesn't interfere with the rest of your life.  Here is that list, now...
  
  
  
• The demise of the UK Recording Studio - by Trevor Krueger - Technology continues to threaten the foundations of "quality" recording to the point that many top London Studios are already gone or facing closure.
  
  
• Mastering - by Cyrus Rhodes - Don't bonk during post production.
  
  
• Never Let Them See You Sweat - by Khaliq Glover - Pressure in a recording session is very high and you can easily lose control of the situation if you are not careful and cognizant. Here is a bit of wisdom that was passed on to me that has served me well over the years.
  
  
  

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Songwriting:

• Witnessing Michael Jackson Create “We Are The World” by USA For Africa - by Khaliq Glover - Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and a host of superstars create the biggest musical moment in history. These are some observations and memories that changed how I view the creation process.
  
  
  
• I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It - A Lot!!! - by Khaliq Glover - How to become a better songwriter by studying the masters of the past such as Cole Porter, Kern, Gershwin, and more. This modern hit song by Katy Perry uses some of the same techniques of songs written 60-80 years ago.
  
  
  
• New Year's Resolutions for Songwriters - by Mary Dawson - It's almost time to make our New Year's resolutions for 2009. Are you ready for the New Year? Will your resolutions collapse by February? Or will you actually make some progress this year? Mary's article will help you make a New Year's plan that works.
  
  
• The Swing of Things - by Paula Carpenter - Things have definitely changed over the years.  Paula returns after a hiatus to continue her discussions about songwriting in the digital age.
  
  
• Songwriting - It's a Piece of Cake! - by Paula Carpenter - What? You thought songwriting was hard?? And here Paula is telling us it's a 'PIECE OF CAKE' ?? Don't let this title fool you! Songwriting is ANYTHING but easy, and Paula's latest article will give you a very BASIC 'recipe' on how to cook up a song that your listeners will enjoy, savor, and remember!
  
  
• Imitation: The Sincerest Form of Flattery! (subtitle: COPY ONLY THE BEST!) - by Paula Carpenter - We've all heard that tongue-in-cheek remark, 'I only copy the best!' and indeed, that very idea can be used as a wonderful songwriting 'TEMPLATE' strategy, a strategy that is sure to enhance your own songwriting skills.  Read on!
  
  
• Songwriting - Part 1 - by Tom Hess - Learn how and why it is important to have more than one method for writing music. If your main approach to songwriting involves improvising on the guitar, you are severely limiting your creativity. This article outlines several additional songwriting strategies that will make you a more expressive composer.
  
  
• Songwriting - Part 2 - by Tom Hess - In Part 2 of this article series you will learn more innovative ways of using melody and chords to enhance your songwriting. 
  
  
  
• Rhythm Injuries -- Call in the Red Cross - by Paul Babelay - As a producer/percussionist I have noticed specific problem areas that always seem to come up in songwriting.  "If I've heard these once I've heard them a hundred times".... Take a look at some of the most common problems and their solutions in the area of rhythm.
  
  
  
• Songwriting - Part 3 - by Tom Hess - In this part of the Songwriting article series, you will learn more advanced ways of applying rhythm to the process of songwriting.
  
  
• Music Rhythm is the Foundation - by Paul Babelay - Understanding the importance of rhythm in songwriting is one key to great songwriting. Let's look closely at the role of rhythm as the foundation to any song, no matter the genre.
  
  
• Songwriting - Part 4 - by Tom Hess - In this article, I will show you how to use the often overlooked element of dynamics in your songwriting that will make you a more expressive musician. 
  
  
  
• Musicianaries: Songwriters with a Message and a Mission - by Mary Dawson - Throughout history great songs and songwriters have sparked the conscience of their nations. But to effectively write songs about sensitive social issues requires great skill and sensitivity. In this article, Mary Dawson gives some thought-provoking suggestions for writers who feel moved to craft songs to touch the issues of our day.
  
  
• Songwriting Techniques -- WMD'S: Weapons of Musical Destruction - by Paul Babelay - Most songwriting tips let us know all the things we should be doing for success. But there are some things that we also should not be doing if we want success. This is written "tongue-in-cheek", all in fun. It will help you identify some of the major song killers.  Enjoy!
  
  
• Free Songwriting Tips that Point You to Simplicity - by Paul Babelay - You have probably heard before "keep it simple." But how do we do that? It's easier said than done sometimes. Let us point you to some keys of simplicity that will help you keep the main thing the main thing.
  
  
• Songwriting - Part 5 - by Tom Hess - In this article you will learn about using principles of orchestration to your advantage when writing music. 
  
  
  

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Creativity:

• Comfort Zone: Enter at Your Own Risk - by Mary Dawson - Most songwriters live in fear of the dreaded disease known as Writer's Block. But there is an even more dangerous condition that can attack the creative soul. It's called the Comfort Zone. Mary Dawson identifies the symptoms and offers some remedies.
  
  
• Blue Collar Rockin'#2 - by Mick Polich - Mick explores when we do our 'best work' as musicians. Can it happen more than once? Find out!
  
  
• The Theory of Appreciative Comparison *Part 1* - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - A theory borrowed from the world of Psychology but adapted to Music. (Introduction to the Theory and it's purpose)
  
  
• Growls, Grunts and Moans - by Tim Ogle - Don't be afraid to be "uncool" while songwriting.
  
  
  
• The Importance of Musical Exploration - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - In this article, I explain the importance of studying and learning from music styles different from your own.
  
  
• Chord Connections - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - This article will focus on the movement of chords within a progression and the possible ways to phrase your melodies based off of this movement.
  
  
• Becoming A Fearless Lyric Writer - by Andrea Stolpe - Tips and strategies for taking your lyric writing to new levels.
  
  
  
• Songwriting Courses Online at Berkleemusic.com - by Andrea Stolpe - More information about Andrea's Songwriting Techniques classes online at BerkleeMusic.com.
  
  
  
• Horizontal and Vertical Thinking (Vertical Thinking Part 1) - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - There are two main ways of thinking when it comes to Composition and Songwriting.  This article will explain the second and most familiar school of thought, Vertical Thinking.
  
  
• Quality Versus Quantity - by Mary Dawson - A reality check for those who love the songwriting process but have not identified their writing goals nor mastered the Language of Songwriting that produces Hits.
  
  
• 3 ways to get out of a Songwriting Rut - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - This article lists 3 different things I did to get through the songwriting "ruts" I encountered while composing music for my debut album "Exile."
  
  
• Music Life: 01 - Creative and Everyday Can Co-Exist - by Brian Donovan - Want to devote your life to your music, but the selling of your soul has your personal life in shambles?  Here's how to make your creative life and your everyday life peacefully, and productively, co-exist.
  
  
  
• Interview with Reggie Young - Part 2 - by Bronson Herrmuth - Part 2 of my studio interview with Reggie Young.
  
  
• Music Life: 02 - How NOT to Practice - by Brian Donovan - This month, we'll set goals to make our practicing SO efficient, that we'll hardly have to practice at all . . .
  
  
  
• Music Life: 03 - Practicing With NO Instrument - by Brian Donovan - If you're a human being, you won't ALWAYS be near your instrument to practice.  Here's how to bridge that gap...
  
  
• Pick A Direction - by Carley Baer - One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was, "one step at a time." I repeat it to myself when I'm at the bottom of a massive hill, looking up at where I want to be. One step at a time. Don't think about the hill. Think about this next step. This next step is all there is. You'll get there eventually. However, these days I feel less like I'm at the bottom of a hill and more like I'm in the middle of a valley, with hills coming up on all sides. Which hill should I climb? Which one gets me closer to where I want to go? One step at a time is all well and good, but it's not really going to help if I don't pick a direction first.
  
  
• Music Life: 04 - Music By Myself? Or Live As A Group? - by Brian Donovan - Relationship issues?  Blame your music.  Here's the way that I solved the life vs. music dilemma.
  
  
  
• Getting into the Flow - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - In this article I discuss a few ways on how to open yourself to the muse and in doing so, eliminate mental and creative blocks while composing.
  
  
• Interview with Beeb Birtles - by Jan Fabyankovic - A Q&A interview with Beeb Birtles who is a founding member of the Australian group, Little River Band, now on his own and still making the music he loves.
  
  
  
• Songwriters! - What'cha Doin' In Your Rhythm Fit? - by Khaliq Glover - This article is about foundation. All Songwriters, Musicians, and Producers should thoroughly study these great masters I'm about to mention, to remind themselves about how great songs and craftmanship can change the world. Study them well.
  
  
  
• Alan O'Day ("Angie Baby" writer) said his new CD "made his day." - by Jan Fabyankovic - An interview with the hit singer-songwriter of "Undercover Angel" and "Angie Baby", who has released his first new album in 28 years.
  
  
  
• Music Life: 06 - MUSICAL PRODUCTIVITY! - Part 1 - Organize Musical Ideas - by Brian Donovan - We started talking about the wealth of ideas you carry in your head: how to collect them, how to organize them all and how to make them into something you can be proud of.  This installment, we cover the organization of those small ideas that turn into BIG profits.  Both emotionally and monetarily.
  
  
  
• Whatever You Do, Don't Look Down - by Carley Baer - Writer's block suuuuuuucks.
  
  
  
• The Minor 2nd - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - The often misunderstood and under appreciated interval.  In this article, I will be showing you how you can practically use this "dissonant" interval in your own music.
  
  
• The Eurovision Song Contest - Lost to the songwriter for good? - by Trevor Krueger - The Eurovision Song Contest - Whether you love it or loathe it, has always been a major opening for song writers. But, now even that's changing here in the U.K.
  
  
• Adding Color to Your Music - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - In this article, I discuss one of the techniques to add "color" to your music.  Specifically, we will be replacing "1" with "9" and not only understand it's function, but it's role in other genres of music.
  
  
  
• Music Life: 08 - MUSICAL PRODUCTIVITY! - Part 3 - Arrange Scratch-Vers. Into DEMOS - by Brian Donovan - ...the next step in making your musical productivity a reality...
  
  
  
• Bring an Umbrella - by Carley Baer - She's back from her travels, and she has stories to tell. :)
  
  
• Music Life: 12 - Omni Focus And My Lyrics - by Brian Donovan - I'm always on the lookout for a new system that makes my creativity easier to manage.  Recently I stumbled onto Omni Focus by The Omni Group...and it has changed my creative life forever!  Hopefully, it will change YOUR creative life as well...
  
  
  
• 5 Composition Tips for the Young Composer - by Kole (Kyle Hicks) - I’ve written down these 5 tips for the young composer. It doesn’t matter what style, what level, or how far you truly want to take it… from hobbyist to professional, these 5 tips will greatly improve your composition ability.
  
  
• How To Make A Great Guitar Solo - by Tom Hess - This article will show you how to instantly improve your guitar solos.  You will learn new creative ideas that will greatly advance your lead guitar playing.
  
  
  
• Songwriting Articles - Power to the Poet: Rhymes - by Bud Tower - We all think we know what rhymes are and what rhymes. But, the devil is in the details and the more we really know about what rhymes and why, the better and more efficiently we as writers can express ourselves.
  
  

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Guitar:

• Fretboard Travels - by Alex Jasperse - A concise tried and tested travel guide to warm up exercises on the guitar.
  
  
• Crazy Little Word Called “Shred” - by Alex Jasperse - How the need for speed has somehow become how we define a good guitarist.
  
  
  
• Why Not Globalize the Guitar? - by Alex Jasperse - Ever thought about making music with someone from a different end of the globe? Why not? If you have some basic recording gear, and a willingness to learn, maybe it's time to explore the range of options you have...
  
  
  
• What the Effects? - by Alex Jasperse - A quick look at the pros and cons of three types of guitar effects units that exist.
  
  
• Playing with Uncommon Arpeggios - by Alex Jasperse - The next step in stretching your fingers a little bit more.
  
  
  
• Blue Collar's Sneaky Little Tips For Ghee-tar And Bass, Vol. #1 - by Mick Polich - Looking for a few quick tips to head down another avenue with your guitar and bass playing? In this first installment, Mick pawns off what pithy knowledge he's learned over 30 years in regards to guitar and bass playing tips.....
  
  
• Bass Guitar Tips #1 - by Scott Morris - Scott's first article is an easy introduction to learning how to play the bass.  You'll be jamming along with other guitarists in no time!
  
  
  
• Bass Guitar Tips #2 * The Major Scale - by Scott Morris - A bass guitar scales primer lesson - the Major scale.
  
  
  
• How To Improve Your Guitar Technique - Part 1 - by Tom Hess - This article will help you to improve your guitar playing so that you can become a much more expressive musician and songwriter.
  
  

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Lifestyle:

• The Importance of Childhood Experiences - by Trevor Krueger - Kids these days aren't experiencing the same things kids in earlier generations experienced.  How will this affect what they decide to write songs about as they grow older?
  
  
• Blue Collar Rockin' #3-LISTENING!!! - by Mick Polich - Hey,you - are you listening? Mick looks at the topic of listening as a musician and offers some hopefully helpful hints on how to improve your 'listening' habits for all your musical endeavors!
  
  
• Daily Activities of a Career Songwriter - by Andrea Stolpe - It’s true that no two songwriters' careers are alike.  Most of us start with no contacts, little experience, and a lot of inspiration.  Gradually we expand our network of contacts that will play key roles in opening doors to that publishing deal, artist deal, recording facility, producer, co-writer, event booker, agent, manager, or that one fan that becomes an unexpected loudspeaker to the world.
  
  
  
• A Return to Reason? - by Trevor Krueger - Are the ISP's finally getting serious about free downloads from the net and their responsibility to do what they can to protect the future of music as we know it?
  
  
• CYNICAL GIRL ISO CODE MONKEY - by Cheryl Mullen - Everybody has their "dealbreakers" when seeking out a potential mate. Mine just happen to be musical.
  
  
• BLACK SUNDAY SET LIST - by Cheryl Mullen - February 14--or as I like to call it, Black Sunday--is fast approaching. Here's a set list for those of us who aren't feeling the warm, fuzzy, sugar-induced high this time of year.
  
  

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Publishing:

• The Real World - Part 2 - by Guy Betar - This article continues the review of some real life problems of co-authorship, licenses and copyright in relation to compositions.
  
  
• Royalties and the Law - by Brian Corber - The informal resolution processes of the three domestic PRO's - A brief analysis.
  
  
• ASCAP Seeks To Destroy The Music Download Business By A Move In A New York Federal District Court - by Brian Corber - There is a major fight brewing between different segments of the music business: ASCAP and the RIAA and the record companies: ASCAP has filed a motion seeking an order from a New York Federal Court to declare all downloads of music as public performances, giving ASCAP, BMI and SESAC a piece of the action in private download transactions, such as from iTunes or Rhapsody (http://www.ascap.com/press/2007/030107_transmissions.html). The matter has been set for a trail to begin May 21, 2007.
  
  
• Briefly: Dispelling Some Myths About Copyrights In Music - by Brian Corber - Describing how one really protects a copyright and what PROs do with a slice of the copyright assigned to them for administration.  With some extra confusion about "mechanicals" and how they do it internationally.
  
  
• The myth about "the poor man's copyright" and other myths - by Brian Corber - Many songwriters believe they can establish and protect the copyrights in their songs by using "the poor man's copyright."  That is, mailing the song to yourself in a sealed envelope.  That is a really false urban legend and ought to be dispelled. There's also the myth about registering your song with a performance rights organization.  This article discusses and destroys those myths.
  
  
• On The Subject Of Cowriting - by Bronson Herrmuth - My thoughts and musings on the subject of cowriting for all of you songwriters here at musesmuse.com
  
  

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Software Review:

• Hope of Audacity - by JJ Biener - Can a free, open source audio editor like Audacity really provide the kind of functionality necessary to find its way into the toolkit of someone doing serious audio work?
  
  

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Vocal Tips:

• Effective Lead Vocals, Part 1 - by Jeannie Deva - What makes one singer's voice "really do it to you" while another's leaves you feeling ho-hum? Is it just that some have it and some don't - Some indescribable and mysterious achievement of luck and lineage?
  
  
  
• Singing or Straining? - by Jeannie Deva - You can hear it in the sound of your voice and feel it in your throat when it happens. The muscles tense and your vocal tone sounds pinched and shrill. You’re straining and if your voice doesn’t crack, you can consider yourself lucky. If this happens to you, you're not alone. Vocal strain is very common and some singers don't realize they are doing it, because there are degrees of it from mild to severe. There is no need to suffer the consequences when you can learn the remedy in this vocal tip by International Vocal Expert, Jeannie Deva.
  
  
• Effective Lead Vocals, Part 2 - by Jeannie Deva - The second in a three-part series, Celebrity Vocal Coach Jeannie Deva focuses on several other components to help you "sell" your song with conviction and artistry.
  
  
• Effective Lead Vocals, Part 3 – Achieving An Effective Performance - by Jeannie Deva - Celebrity Vocal Coach Jeannie Deva reveals some of the elements that contribute to an effective performance - for both the performer and the audience.
  
  
• Eliminating Nasality, by Celebrity Vocal Coach Jeannie Deva - by Jeannie Deva - Are you concerned about having a nasal voice? Jeannie Deva, one of the top vocal coaches in the world, has some remedies for you in this article. If you are simply interested in exploring and further developing your voice, you'll find this exercise particularly helpful with fast results.
  
  
• Three Quick Tips to Sing Better Fast - by Jeannie Deva - Jeannie offers a few tricks of the trade that can make singing easier, no matter what your style. She discusses three important tips that can assist singers, and fully explains how you can utilize these tips for maximum effect and improvement.
  
  
• Songwriting Articles - Building a Successful Sound by Brett Manning - Tips on achieving commercial success as a singer, by Brett Manning.
  
  
  

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