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The Muse's News |
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Issue 10.5 - August 2007
ISSN 1480-6975
[ Back to The Muse's News Index ] [ Home ]
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
@-- Music Reviews - Alex Jasperse, Rick Marchetti, Chip Withrow,
Francesco Emmanuel & Jon Stewart
@-- New Artist Spotlight Additions
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by Ed Teja
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire - brought
to you by singer/songwriter & teacher, Irene Jackson.
@-- Featured Article - The Bloodless Eye Transplant That Can Get
You Signed- by Sean Farrington
@-- 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 1998-2007 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue.
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FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT THE SONGWRITING STORE ON THE MUSE'S MUSE
All sorts of products and services especially for songwriters,
negotiated so that you get the best price possible. Find means
of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids, educational
products, musical instruments and their accessories, and lots
more!
http://www.musesmuse.com/songwriting-store.html
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting
entries for the 2007 competition. Offering better exposure,
bigger prizes ($150,000 (US) - including $25,000 (US) cash) and
the best judges for any songwriting competition in the world.
Judges for 2007 include: Tom Waits; Robert Smith (The Cure);
Loretta Lynn, Frank Black (Pixies) Nelly Furtado, and 7 record
label presidents from major and independent records labels.
For entry information and a complete list of judges please visit
- http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Welcome to another information-packed newsletter. :) Lots for
you this month so I'll try to keep this intro short.
I do want to mention though, that we have a new reviewer. You
can read more about Bhasker Gupta and what type of music he
reviews at http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html . And yes,
he lives and writes in India. (We have a truly worldwide
community here!) Though for some of you, that might be a long
way to send CDs, I do think it'll be well worth your time to give
it a try if his genres reviewed matches what you feel you're
producing.
We have some new columnists too! Brian Lee Corber has joined us
as a new columnist. His articles at
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-brianleecorber.html will talk about
the business of making music and what you need to do to protect
yourself (among other things). While the two articles currently
there are from previous issues of this very newsletter, he will
shortly be adding something brand new - so keep checking!
Kole (Kyle Hicks) joins us with his new column, "Songwriting
Techniques and Theories". You'll find his first article and be
able to keep an eye on any new ones he adds, by visiting
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-kole.html . Please do drop by and
ask any questions you might have. He's looking forward to
hearing from you. :)
I also thought I should mention that the "What's New" page on the
site at http://www.musesmuse.com/whatsnew.html - is
*automatically* updated now any time something new is added to
the site. So keeping an eye on that page will give you the
inside track on everything that's added to the site as it
happens. In realtime.
And now, without further ado, here are the raffle winners for
this month:
* Kimberly Greene from NYC, NY, has won a copy of
Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software
(http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Bridget Huhn from Allentown, PA has won a free 3 month
membership to SongU.com, an Internet-based learning environment
providing online coaching, co-writing and pitching opportunities,
in addition to over 70 multi-level courses developed by
award-winning songwriters.
* Perry Desmond-Davies from Boston, MA, has won a copy of
Indie-Music.com's Musician's Toolkit CD
(http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/)
* Garry B. Prior from Moser River, Nova Scotia, has won a copy of
"How Music Really Works" by Wayne Chase (reviewed below)
As I always like to mention, if you'd like to be considered for a
raffle prize in the future and you haven't yet received one,
please do contact me and let me know what raffle prize you're
interested in receiving. They're all listed at
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html . And remember that I'll
need your contact information in order to get your prize to you,
so please include that in your email.
Enjoy your summer folks!
All the best,
--Jodi
Back to Menu
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER AS YOUR SONGWRITING PARTNER
"This remarkable piece of software turns your Mac or PC into a
valuable songwriter partner"
-- Richard Leiter, Keyboard Magazine
If you have a high speed connection, you can download a 30-Day
demo. If not, we will send you a copy for $9.95 which will be
deducted from the purchase price if you decide to buy.
Receive a special $70.00 discount off the $289.00 list price when
purchasing through the Muse's Muse!
Please use discount coupon # 3004.
Endorsed by: BMI, ASCAP, NSAI, PRS and Taxi.
Winner Best of Show Macworld 2003
http://www.musesmuse.com/masterwriter-songwriting-software.html
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Alex Jasperse, Rick Marchetti,
Chip Withrow, Francesco Emmanuel &
Jon Stewart
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NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Alex Jasperse:
* Blip Fool
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-blipfool.html
* Conveniens
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-conveniens.html
Jon Stewart:
* Heiskell
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-heiskell-aneurysm.html
Rick Marchetti:
* Donna Beasley
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-donnabeasley-gs.html
Chip Withrow:
* Melissa Giges
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-melissagiges.html
* The Histrioniks
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-histrioniks-about.html
Francesco Emmanuel:
* The Russel Leon Band
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-russelleonband-redgreen.html
* The Cringe
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-thecringe-scratch.html
* The Thunderlords
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-thethunderlords-noisy.html
* Sandy Foster
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-sandyfoster-caramelize.html
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******
For bios on each of the reviewers, see
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html . If you're considering
sending in your own CD for review, you can also view that page to
find out which reviewer reviews your genre. Thanks!
Back to Menu
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N e w A r t i s t S p o t l i g h t A d d i t i o n s :
Great music is only a click away!
Here are just some of the great CDs highlighted in the
Artist Spotlight section of The Muse's Muse at
http://www.musesmuse.com/artistspotlights.html
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Lee Rogers - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
With musical influences including Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen,
Sting and James Taylor, Lee Rogers' brand of blues-laced rock/pop
has the distinctive charm of fellow countryman Van Morrison.
http://www.leerogersmusic.com/
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Clay McClinton - Genre: COUNTRY
Clay McClinton's musical sound is woven together with rawhide and
hemp, barbwire and willow reed. It's that eclectic sound born in
Texas where honky tonk, Delta blues and soulful rock meld
seamlessly. Clay's music introduces "alternative country" to
"contemporary blues," and the two genres become fast friends.
http://www.claymcclinton.com/
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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 Ed Teja
HOW MUSIC REALLY WORKS - By Wayne Chase
http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/
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I confess to being a compulsive reader. When a new songwriting
book arrives, I often stop doing other things and devour the
book. Then, assuming no other books arrive, I go back and read
the book several times. This book was an exception. Devouring it
at a sitting is an impossibility.
You see this is not a collection of ideas or techniques, but
rather, some new and different theories about songs and
songwriting, based on some innovative ideas and assumptions.
There are two main threads — one dealing with music and one with
lyrics — that both hinge on Chase's research into what makes a
song compelling, or, even more, a standard. The research is
largely based on a collection of songs that have withstood the
test of time — the Gold Standard Song List (check it out at
http://www.GoldStandardSongList.com).
Chase analyzes these classic songs and provides tools you can use
to analyze any song to see why it grabs you — but not in any
conventional way. In fact you don't need to read music at all to
get into his approach. He starts with basics, giving you some
solid information on chords and intervals, all the time
interwoven with his ideas on what works and what doesn't.
When it comes to writing lyrics, Chase has a method designed to
involve the subconscious as much, or maybe more, than the
conscious. There is little here about writing hooks because he
doesn't think that approach works. "Don’t obsess about whether or
not your song has a hook, or where to put the hook," he says.
"That's a complete waste of time." Instead he focuses on lyrics
that connect to emotions.
I offer potential readers two caveats. Well, three. First, this
method is very scientifically based, which might not appeal to
your artistic nature. I personally found it an interesting
challenge to relate writing emotionally compelling lyrics with a
scientific construction technique. (It is far too complex to
summarize, which would only trivialize it.) The second caveat is
that you need to jump completely into the system, be willing to
suspend disbelief, as it were, and give it a try. That is a lot
of work. There is much to learn and Chase says it can take years
to get completely comfortable with his system (to reach the point
of consistently writing great songs, that is).
The third caveat has less to do with songwriting and more with
style. This book is opinionated. If you are into anti-evolution
science, and/or easily offended, it is unlikely you will get past
the introductory sections. Chase pulls no punches in the
importance of evolutionary science (and the role it plays), and
his tone is quite dismissive of other ideas. Of course, given the
tone of the title, you know that Chase is a strong believer in
his own theories. And who would buy a book that offered insights
into what music _might_ be about?
Having only had the book a short time, I can't comment on the
validity of the approach. I have experimented with parts of it,
and although no hit songs have popped out yet, I found the ideas
illuminated my own thoughts about music. If it does nothing else,
this is a book that makes you think — re-examine your assumptions
and approaches. It couldn't hurt any serious songwriter to give
this method a try. After all, perhaps Wayne Chase does know how
music really works. And, if you love the science and art of
songwriting, it is a fascinating book.
******
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Ed Teja lives in New Mexico, USA, writing songs and
instrumentals, and trying to find them loving homes. Performing
since the early 60s, he has appeared at strange venues in Hong
Kong, Canada, St. Martin, Bequia, Venezuela, Grenada and
Trinidad, as well as the Silver City (New Mexico) Blues festival
in 2003, and the Tucson (Arizona) Folk Festival in 2006. Working
as a magazine editor and freelance writer, his articles appeared
in magazines ranging from Pro Sound News, BYTE magazine, to
Import/Export, and with book reviews in THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING
POST, and The Midwest Review of Books.
Find out more about Ed at: http://www.geocities.com/edtejaBack to Menu
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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THE SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER MOTIVATION & MEDITATION AUDIO
Inspired by the songwriter's journey, and through understanding
the principles talked about in "THE SECRET", this audio program
is specifically created for the songwriter based on those
findings. Through Power of Thought and Understanding the Law of
Attraction, you will have the tools, knowledge & ability to
create the thoughts, experiences, and circumstances to be a
phenomenally Successful Songwriter. Included is a guided
meditation that is as passionate as it is empowering!
Muse's Muse Visitors - Enter Promo Code: 42567 for Discount.
http://www.songwritermeditation.com/
Limited Introductory Offer of $12.95 for Digital Download
Discounts for CD, and CD/Digital Download Combo shown on ordering
page.
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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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THE 2007 SINGER/SONGWRITER AWARDS (Round 4)
The Singer/Songwriter Awards from We Are Listening is about the
hottest international songwriting contest in the world. It's no
surprise that participating artists have gone on to sign with top
management, license their music for film and television, as well
as collaborate with renowned producers and enjoy substantial
uplifts in independent record sales.
Details: http://www.wearelistening.org/singer.php
Deadline: Sep 2nd 2007
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FREE MUSIC PROMOTIONS EBOOK!
The author of The Little Black Book Of Band Profit Secrets has
come thru again! He's just published: "Co-Op Synergy Power, Your
Fast-Track To Profit, Exposure And Free Advertising..." and
musesmuse.com fans can get it for free.
Click here> http://jodimuse.ssl4000.hop.clickbank.net/
And be sure to check out The Little Black Book Of Band Profit
Secrets while your there... It's worth the look.
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BREAKING THE BAND
We Are Listening have rounded up all of our resources for the
definitive opportunity and all-encompassing experience for
independent artists – Breaking the Band!
Imagine every song contest, licensing, press, booking, touring
and festival showcasing opportunity rolled into one. Now, imagine
playing a prime-time slot at a major US music festival, licensing
your songs to at least 3 major television networks, enjoying
extensive radio play, working 100 media outlets and receiving
months of booking and tour support.
This may be the big break you've been waiting for.
http://www.wearelistening.org/about_btb.php
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STUDIOTRAXX.COM: BREAKING NEW GROUND - FOR YOU!
StudioTraxx.com provides an e-commerce platform that allows
artists/bands to purchase and book time with musicians,
engineers, producers, and other music professionals for online
studio collaboration purposes. They facilitate the entire music
production process from beginning to end — from finding and
booking the right talent to managing all resulting collaboration
activities.
StudioTraxx is actively building its talent network and is
encouraging both those who offer services and those who need
services to sign up and register. There are no costs to join the
site. Creating an account is FREE.
http://www.studiotraxx.com/?partner=837
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INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AID AWARDS
The second International Music Awards contest from Music Aid is
now accepting entries. This is a unique opportunity to represent
your country and win an international songwriting award from The
Music Aid Organization. The best entries will receive Gold Disc
Awards and will feature on the Music Aid Save Our Planet album.
There are also categories for Best Band, Best Male and Female
Solo Artists, Best Production and Best Composition as well as
Best Songwriter.
Visit http://www.musicaid.org/ or http://www.musicaidawards.com/ for full
details.
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THE INDIE GUIDE IS ON SALE FOR $10.95 AND INCLUDES THE INDIE
CONTACT GUIDE!
For a limited time only, North Shore Records, Inc, in celebration
of tour season and music success has put The Indie Guide on sale
for $10.95 plus shipping. The normal cost is $25.95 plus
shipping. In addition to the 190-page book, The Indie Contact
Guide, which contains thousands of contact names, address, email
addresses, phone numbers and contact names will be included.
To Your Music Success! http://www.theindieguide.com/
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1st ANNUAL How Songwriting Really Works Retreat, Vancouver BC
Canada
August 12-17, 2007 with Wayne Chase, author of How Music Really
Works
How Songwriting Really Works: Techniques & Secrets of the World’s
Greatest Songwriters is designed for songwriters committed to
writing songs that will stand the test of time. Retreat leader
Wayne Chase is the author of How Music Really Works, a
comprehensive presentation of the music and lyrical techniques of
writing classic songs. This retreat will be unlike anything else
available anywhere in the world. Wayne is a music scholar and has
studied music and language for over 25 years from the perspective
of how our brain processes words and music and the emotional
value of words. Wayne holds 5 patents in connotative analysis and
is one of the worlds leading experts on the emotional meaning in
language. Wayne is also the creator of the Gold Standard Song
List, a compilation of 5,000 of the greatest songs of all time in
11 genres. Details on Wayne’s work at
http://www.howmusicreallyworks.com/Index.html. The all-inclusive
cost for the 6-day/5-night event including 14 meals, beverages,
snack, full use of resort amenities, adventure activity and all
workshop sessions starts at just $620 US per person (camping
option) with advance registration.
Event Organizers: Bryan Fogelman: bryan@reorafting.com and Amber
Kendall: amber@reorafting.com
Phone: 800-736-7238 (9-5 PM PST)
Visit:
www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/muse--s_muse_prize_draw.html for
a free $50 gift certificate for this retreat. These discounts
will only be offered until August 10th!
The winner of the $200 scholarship prize was Rick Hendricks from
the Netherlands. Congratulations, Rick!
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ASHBY ARTS FESTIVAL SONG WRITING CONTEST
This is new contest forming part of the Ashby de la Zouch Arts
Festival which takes place during the first 2 weeks of August.
We're looking for original, unpublished songs of any genre. The
top 10 finalists will be invited to battle it out for the prizes
at an Open Mic which will follow the festival's song writing
workshop taking place earlier in the day. £50 First Prize -
Runner up - £25. Collaborative entries welcome.
Entries must be submitted on tape or disc by Friday, 3rd August,
2007.
Finalists must be prepared to perform on Saturday, 11th August,
2007 from 4.00 pm or get someone to do it for them! This
competition is being supported by creative writing community,
www.writelink.co.uk
Entry form and full details can be downloaded here:
http://www.writelink.co.uk/songwritingcontest.
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4TH ANNUAL IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) KICKS OFF
The 4th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is
currently accepting entries. IAMA (International Acoustic Music
Awards) promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and
artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting
radio and web exposure through this competition. Win prizes in 8
different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative,
Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass/Country, Best Male Artist, Best
Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. http://www.inacoustic.com/
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THE INDIE GUIDE IS ON SALE FOR $10.95 AND INCLUDES THE INDIE
CONTACT GUIDE!
For a limited time only, North Shore Records, Inc, in celebration
of tour season and music success has put The Indie Guide on sale
for $10.95 plus shipping. The normal cost is $25.95 plus
shipping. In addition to the 190-page book, The Indie Contact
Guide, which contains thousands of contact names, address, email
addresses, phone numbers and contact names will be included.
To Your Music Success! http://www.theindieguide.com/
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3rd ANNUAL WRITERS IN THE ROUND CREATIVE RETREAT,
Star Island, Rye, New Hampshire - next town over from Portsmouth,
NH - For songwriters and poets. September 6-9, 2007 with Bernice
Lewis, songwriting instructor and Mark Decarteret, poetry
instructor. Email Conference organizer Deidre Randall, songwriter
and poet, at talk@witrhome.org or call 603-205-0552 for info.
The Writers in the Round Retreat on Star Island is a multi-day
creative retreat for songwriters and poets in a beautiful natural
setting. The retreat is a time for creative growth in a safe
environment, fostered by instructors who are experts in their
art, be it songwriting, or poetry and who are whole-souled in
their approach to life. The small group experience consists of
classes for instruction, workshops for creative expression, and
evening programs, which support a healthy group dynamic.
Participants are encouraged to take risks and push themselves to
explore new aspects to the process of writing. Honesty,
compassion, and humor are qualities valued by retreat organizers
and participants. Past participants report publishing poetry
written on island, and increased or renewed musical performing as
a result of the retreat experience.
Details on the WITR Creative Retreat, Writers in the Round weekly
live radio show and ongoing live event series can be found at
http://www.witrhome.org/. The all-inclusive cost for the
4-day/3-night event includes meals, lodging in an historical
hotel on a beautiful island, a 30 minute boat trip to and from
Rye, NH and all workshop sessions. Packages are from $351 for
triple occupancy, $368 for double, and $422 for a single room,
per person. Deposit of $150 is required for registration and
balance of payment is made on island.
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FREE SONGWRITING, FILM, TV, AND VIDEO GAME SUBMISSIONS AT
MUSICGORILLA.COM!
MusicGorilla.com works with Songwriters, Bands, Musicians, and
Artists to get their original material into the eyes and ears of
industry members who have the ability to take their careers to
the next level. We work with Reps from all facets of the Music
Industry. Our artists have the opportunity to submit their songs
to established artists looking for new material. In addition, our
clients get access to submissions for film, TV and video games,
all of our submissions are FREE. MG Artists are eligible for free
live label showcases, digital distribution with MSN and Loudeye
and more. We don't take any piece of any deals made on our site,
and have had many successes including placement, songwriting and
publishing deals.
Muse's Muse artists get 10% off of memberships!
Just enter the promotional code "muse" during registration.
http://www.musicgorilla.com/
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SONGWRITING CONSULTATION SPECIAL OFFER:
Pete & Pat Luboff will pay for the phone call for Muse's Muse
songwriters who use the Luboffs' songwriting consultation
service. The service provides detailed, constructive song
analysis, answers to all your creative and business questions and
references to contacts when appropriate. Visit
http://www.writesongs.com/consults.htm for more information.
Back to Menu
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2007 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission
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Recently I went to see the movie musical "Hairspray". Sometimes
you have to admit that musicals don't translate that well to
film--I think The Producers fell a little short, for instance.
But Hairspray is right up there with the best in my humble
opinion! I've always enjoyed the old MGM musicals too, they
really knew how to put them together.
Hairspray is a story about a teen dance show on television in
Baltimore in the early 1960's, sponsored by, you guessed it, a
brand of hairspray! It also deals with more serious topics such
as segregation, but for the most part it tells the tale of an
overweight girl trying to be a dancer on the show. There are
some great songs and clever lines. My favourite line was from
the song "Run and Tell That!" where the character "Seaweed" sings
about his colour: "The blacker the berry, the sweeter the
juice!". One of the best things about the songs in this musical
is that even though they were written in the 90's, they reflect
the era of the 60's really well, including the contrast between
styles like R&B and Pop.
It got me to thinking about musicals and some of the great
writers, especially of the older writers like Rogers and
Hammerstein or Cole Porter who made their living from these
productions and had great successes. So I did a little digging
around to see what I could find online. One website, "Songs From
The Musicals" (http://www.geocities.com/ding3371/) has a
collection of lyrics from some of the better known musicals. It
requires Flash to view the site and even though it's a Geocities
sponsored site, it is well designed and easy to navigate. It
also includes librettos (Italian for "little book") of some of
them. Libretto is the dialogue, although it originally meant
text or words of an opera. There, maybe you learned a new word
today. :) There are also a few 30 second audio clips from some
of the songs so you can have a listen. In perusing through the
older lyrics especially, they are a real study in internal
rhymes, varying forms and clever lyrical twists. Many of these
songs leapt from the stage and screen and became hits on their
own, including Cabaret, Fame, How Deep is Your Love from Saturday
Night Fever, and Lady is a Tramp from Babes in Arms. So if you
think musicals have nothing to do with hits, you're wrong!
Musicals101 (http://www.musicals101.com/index.html) is an
excellent reference site which goes into how musicals are made,
their history, reviews...it even tells you how to put on a
musical! There are many, many areas to explore on this
particular website. If you're already a musical "expert",
there's a crossword you can try out
(http://www.writing.com/main/crosswords/item_id/1220413) and a
trivia game you can play
(http://thinks.com/trivia/songs-musicals.htm).
On our very own Muse's Muse website, David Reiser talks about the
art of writing musicals
(http://www.musesmuse.com/art-writingmusicals.html) and I also
found a great compilation of links on every aspect of writing
musicals on Ken Lyen's website
(http://www.kenlyen.com/gpage37.html), including links to
songwriting articles on the Muse's Muse and others.
So as the summer hits its peak and you find yourself with some
time to spare, I'd suggest checking out some of these websites,
and hitting your favourite video rental outlet to find a musical
or two to watch. There is always something magical about a
musical!
******
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in
Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also
maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles
and a songwriter's messageboard.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com/
Songs: http://www.soundclick.com/irenejackson
Back to Menu
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e : by Sean Farrington © 2007
The Bloodless Eye Transplant That Can Get You Signed
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Imagine for a moment that you are a big label executive scouting
out new talent to sign to your new roster of acts.
In front of you, you have two unsigned artists and you have one
slot to fill.
Both artists have incredible stage presence, singing chops,
killer moves, and can write songs that make people sing, dance
and cry. To top it all off, both artists have looks that will
appeal to their target audience.
For all intents and purposes, both artists have the same raw
material that could make you look good to your bosses.
However in spite of all of this, there are some serious
differences.
Artist A has the following also going for them - They:
- Have sold 25,000 CDs on their own without a distribution deal,
or even an "in store presence."
- Consistently draw 300-700 fans to their prime gigs.
- Get great media coverage in advance of every major show.
- Make a generous percentage of their income off of merch sales.
- Have more than just a buzz on the streets... artist "A" has
crazed fans actively working to promote their gigs.
- Know how to get actual radio play, even in today's impervious
conglomerate-led radio market.
- Know how to sell tons of downloads without the help of iTunes.
- Have a "non-MySpace" website that draws thousands of visitors
(not hits) each and every month.
Artist B has the following:
- Their good looks and the scooter they drove in on.
Now tell me, as a salaried employee for a big label who looks
forward to receiving enough income to continue to lease their
Lexus, and to make payments on their 3500 square foot house --
which artist do you think you would sign?
Remember your bosses rely on you to deliver the goods by
"Discovering and Developing" new talent that will sell boatloads
of records for your company.
So Which Artist Would You Choose?
AND
With all things being equal, why would you choose one artist over
the other in the first place?
Here's why: Because you know that if you give the exact same
recording, marketing and distribution resources to both artists,
one artist is certain to give you - and your company - a
guaranteed return on investment and the other has no such
guarantee.
How Do You Know This?
Its called "Evidence Of Success."
Band A can show you bottom line facts, figures and stats that
prove that they will take what you are offering them in a label
contract, and leverage it by adding it to what they are already
doing.
Only now, they will be using the same know-how they've already
used to achieve their success - and now they will do so with more
money behind them and bigger, more powerful tools to use.
Can you see the difference?
I hope so. This little exercise is what I call the "Bloodless Eye
Transplant." It is a way to get inside the head of the label
execs to see what they are looking for.
Now listen closely as I wrap this up -- the days of the "Artist
Development Deal" are fading fast.
As you know, development deals are where a label will sign an
aspiring artist to develop them in hopes of building a "viable
product" at some future point. Then when the artists under
development are deemed to be ripe and ready for the pickin' the
label will finally back them up with marketing and distribution
resources.
Why Are These Deals Going Away?
One word -- Budgets. With the drastic shifts occurring inside the
music industry, the big label's profit margins are getting
squeezed and this is forcing them to be more guarded and wise
with their money.
This is precisely why you are seeing so many "flavor-of-the-week"
artists being signed.
Fueled by the fear of making a mistake and losing money, labels
are signing artists that match the sound of someone who has made
it big already. This strategy – in their mind – eliminates some
of the risk involved with signing new artists because the labels
realize that people are already hungry for that flavor of music.
No guesswork.
So, taking what you have just experienced with your bloodless eye
transplant, you might want to sit down and ask yourself: "How can
I take my very own evidence of success and package it to attract
big label attention?"
Or if you have no evidence of success that is yet appealing to
big labels, consider what skills and actions you will need to
take to get some. Because frankly in today's market, having your
own Evidence Of Success is the only guaranteed way to get
yourself signed.
*****
Sean Farrington is the author of The Little Black Book Of Band
Profit Secrets, where he reveals the proven tools that real
artist use to create genuine Label-Exec-Drooling profits and
popularity that generates real big-label offers. You can learn
more at BandProfit.comBack to Menu
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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 :
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Networking That Works - by Tim Ogle
http://www.musesmuse.com/timogle-networking1.html
The first five of what may become the "Ten Commandment's" of
networking.
----
Stepping Stones from The Cradle to The Grave - by Trevor Krueger
http://www.musesmuse.com/trevor-cradle.html
Life is full of music, but there exists for each of us certain
songs that stay with us forever.
=================================================================
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 3: THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND
Lyricist is the first-of-its-kind word processor designed
specifically for musicians, songwriters, and poets. The software
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The new version 3 release adds support for "Piano Style" chord
symbols, Nashville Number System, and Transposition features -
all in one easy-to-use package - and all for only $44.95! (That's
$5.00 off to all Muse's News readers who purchase from the review
link at www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html!)
This tool will revolutionize the way you write and organize your
writing. Be the best songwriter you can be and purchase Lyricist
today! http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html
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THE 8th EDITION OF THE INDIE BIBLE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
The Indie Bible shows you where to get your music reviewed, your
songs played, and your CDs sold. Now in its Seventh Edition, The
Indie Bible has 330 pages of valuable contacts and music-related
articles.
The 8th Edition of the Indie Bible contains:
4200 publications around the world that will REVIEW your CD!
3400 radio stations around the world that will PLAY your songs!
500 vendors and services that will help you to SELL your music!
200 sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3 files!
500 helpful resources and sites where you can PROMOTE your band!
52 articles that will help your career to MOVE forward rapidly!
Listings include web, e-mail and physical address, as well as
phone and fax numbers.
For details and to order online visit:
http://www.bigmeteor.com/muse
-----------------------------------------------------------------
REAL ANSWERS TO REAL QUESTIONS,
An eBook About Copyright & Publishing
If you want to know how to protect yourself as a songwriter in
this digital age, you need this book - EXCLUSIVELY offered
through The Muse's Muse. And it's now on sale for half price!
Visit http://www.musesmuse.com/realarealq.html to learn more!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
INDIE-MUSIC.COM - WHERE SERIOUS MUSICIANS SURF
One of the most respected and imitated indie music sites on the
web, Indie-Music.com has been serving the Independent Music
Community since 1996 with streaming audio, monthly CD Reviews,
huge industry search directory, success-building resources,
classifieds, and much-needed recognition. The site offers a
wealth of information to artists trying to survive & thrive in
today's competitive music industry.
http://www.indie-music.com/
=================================================================
ADVERTISING RATES: For Classifieds: US$50 Max. 8 lines, where
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contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com
For Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
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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
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