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The Muse's News |
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Issue 11.10 - January
2009 ISSN 1480-6975 This
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
----------------------------------------------------------------- @-- Editor's Musings @-- Music Reviews - Alex Jasperse, Chip Withrow, Gian Fiero, Dan Cohen, Don Sechelski & JJ Biener @-- New Artist Spotlight Additions @-- 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 Importance of Listening by Jason Cannata @-- On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your viewing pleasure. @-- Classifieds & Useful Services @-- Contact information ================================================================= ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2008 - Jodi Krangle. For more contact information, see end of issue. ================================================================= FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITING IN YOUR LIFE!
All sorts of products and services especially for songwriters, negotiated so that you get the best price possible. You'll find means of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids, educational products, musical instruments and their accessories, and lots more. Find the perfect gift for the songwriter in your life - even if it's you!
http://www.musesmuse.com/songwriting-store.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MakeAStar.com BRINGS WEB MUSIC CONTESTS TO A NATIONAL TV AUDIENCE
Make A Star is the first web-to-TV talent competition that gives amateur and upstart artists a free and equal chance to gain national TV exposure and thousands in cash prizes.
Artists and fans can register for free at www.MakeAStar.com to upload their music videos, record a live performance on webcam, and vote for their favorite music. The website works in concert with the weekly television broadcast of Make A Star, which premiered on FUSE cable network Saturday December 6th and airs every Saturday at 10:30AM for 13 weeks.
By the end of the show's first season in February 2009, a $10,000 cash prize will be awarded for the best original music, and a $1,000 cash prize will go to the best webcam a cappella performance. Fans and artists are also eligible for a number of cash prizes just for being active and voting on MakeAStar.com.
Go to http://www.MakeAStar.com and submit your music today! Music videos do not have to be expensive or have full production. You can simply plug in your webcam and use the site's embedded webcam recorder to record and submit your song.
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
----------------------------------------------------------------- I hope you all had a wonderful holiday - whatever that happens to have been. I'm not going to talk about New Year's resolutions. (Sorry for even mentioning it there.) You all know if you need to change something you're not happy with. Why does this time of year happen to be so special in that regard? Motivation and inspiration can come from a lot of different sources - not just at the end of one year and the beginning of another. Keep your eyes and ears open ... and you just never know. :)
Lots of stuff in this newsletter though - new CD reviews (a TON of them) plus Gian's 2008 Muse's Muse Music Awards (they're at http://www.musesmuse.com/gian2008-intro.html if you just can't wait!), a great article by Jason Cannatta of Song Warrior Music, the usual informative and interesting Muse's Clues from Irene Jackson and a great review of a new book about Dolly Parton by Ed Teja. And of course, there's more information about new songwriting contests and other marketing avenues for you to get the word out about what you can do. So without any further fuss and bother, here are the raffle winners for this month so that we can get on with it. :)
* Dana Russell, from Rossville, GA, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software (http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Rayn Storm from Denver, CO has won a free 3 month membership to SongU (http://www.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.
* Bruce Mandel, from Otis, MA, has won a copy of Indie-Music.com's Musician's Toolkit CD (http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/)
* Darryl Ellyson from Chesterfield, VA, has won a 6 month subscription to the Onlinegigs (http://www.onlinegigs.com/) service. This valuable service is a powerful tool for musicians, agents, record companies and managers designed to virtually automate the administration of booking and promoting a band or bands.
* John Hamilton from Boulder, CO, has won a copy of Bronson Herrmuth's "100 Miles To A Record Deal" (http://www.songrepair.com/bookforweb2.htm).
* Christie Simmons from Calgary, Alberta, has won a copy of the book reviewed in this month's issue: SMART BLONDE — Dolly Parton by Stephen Miller (http://www.omnibuspress.com)
I had a lot of people write to me after my plea last month. Thanks for taking the time! As always, if you'd like one of these great raffle prizes for your very own, all you need to do is write to me with your first two choices for your prize and your address info (this is important!) so that I can get it to you. The prizes are all listed at the top of http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html .
A very Happy New Year to you all! May it be a productive and successful one for you - no matter how you judge "success". :)
All the best,
--Jodi
Back to Menu ================================================================= S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BRETT MANNING'S SINGING SUCCESS SYSTEMATIC VOCAL TRAINING SYSTEM:
It's the "secret weapon" used by some of the winners of the world's most prestigious vocal awards, including the Doves, the CMA Awards, and yes, the Grammies.
Learn the one mistake even professional singers make, that drains away 3 times more vocal energy and yields only half the needed vocal power. Find out about the 3 simple exercises that allow even a "beginner" to make rapid increases in range (this also eliminates vocal strain). Learn Brett's secret for "dissolving" your break, so you'll never have to flip into falsetto again, but you'll still sing as high as you want--in full voice - and LOTS more.
The package includes 12 audio CDs (packed with 17 repeatable lessons, including both technique--the simple, yet powerful exercises, and style lessons for building vocal licks and trills); a workbook for illustration; and a DVD for visual reference and demonstration. It's a complete course - and it has a money-back guarantee!
Visit http://tinyurl.com/35t3lz for more details and start yourself on the road to improving your vocal chops today!
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Alex Jasperse, Chip Withrow, Gian Fiero, Dan Cohen, Don Sechelski & JJ Biener ----------------------------------------------------------------- Gian Fiero's 2008 Muse's Muse Awards are now online! Visit http://www.musesmuse.com/gian2008-intro.html for details.
NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Alex Jasperse: --------------
* Shouse http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-shouse-alone.html
Chip Withrow: -------------
* Jam-Lab http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-jamlab-gain.html * Kickin Grass Band http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-thekickingrassband.html
Gian Fiero: -----------
* Tracy Millar http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-tracymillar-notthatgirl.html * Coko http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-coko-thegreatest.html * Tracy Cruz http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-tracycruz-feelosophy.html * Duffy http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-duffy-steppingstone.html * Justin Stein http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-justinstein-js.html * Saint http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-saint-rollwitme.html * Six O'Clock News http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-sixoclocknews-angryplace.html
Dan Cohen: ----------
* Ranlom http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-ranlom-goingonholiday.html * Groovy Ruby http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-groovyruby-strong.html
Don Sechelski: -------------- * Tom Kimmel http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-tomkimmel-neversawblue.html * Tara Linda and Luna Nueva http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-taralindalunanueva.html * Greenlight Caravan http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-greenlight-mother.html
JJ Biener: ----------
* Art Carter http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-artcarter-freedomrains.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!
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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
----------------------------------------------------------------- Frank Villafañe - Genre: JAZZ
Punto De Vista (ViewPoint), Frank Villafañe's latest CD, blends traditional latin rhythms and forms with contemporary technology. Incorporating modern inventive stylings and electronica, it strikes a balance between the established and the unconventional. Completely computer generated, Punto De Vista (ViewPoint) is an atypical latin jazz release, and perfects Frank's pioneer concept of virtual latin jazz.
http://www.myspace.com/frankvillafane
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Andy Michaels - Genre: EASY LISTENING
Andy Michaels is a Australian singer/songwriter and performer with a passionate and heart felt voice who combines beautiful music and melodies with lyrics in the genre of Bob Dylan and Neil Young. He believes a song should be a whole story spelling experience.
http://www.andymichaels.com/ =================================================================
S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Ed Teja
SMART BLONDE — Dolly Parton by Stephen Miller http://www.omnibuspress.com
----------------------------------------------------------------- There seem to be a large number of biographies of music personalities coming out these days. Perhaps in these chaotic times it is even more interesting to learn how successful people accomplished all that they did. Dolly Parton has accomplished more than most. An extremely successful songwriter and performer, she has also done well in other businesses. And she started with nothing but determination, making this a classic rags to riches story.
Although this is an unofficial biography, Miller managed to get insights from people close to his subject, including one of her sisters and people in the business. Combined with public records and publicly known information he pieced together a coherent and compelling picture of a very focused girl, then woman, who set out to make her mark in the music industry with as few missteps as possible. She worked quickly, and did not languish long in the crowd of struggling performers. Swept up by Porter Wagoner's Wagon Train, she immediately captured the attention of the public. A series of duet albums with Porter lasted many years, even when that relationship was no longer so golden.
Ironically, she seemed to be more sure footed, more clear about her image, when she was an unknown than once she achieved a certain amount of fame. She changed musical styles a great deal, but some seemed to be, for her fans at least, mistakes. But then she would go back to her roots and all was forgiven. Her work with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt took all three back to music they loved and undoubtedly won new fans for all three. And, over the years, Dolly recorded with many well known singers, such as Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee and Kris Kristofferson. But she was always herself, and not someone's costar. That sustained her efforts, even through her work in television, movies, and Broadway. Hit or miss, success or failure, she puts a unique stamp on her work.
There are multiple stories in this book, giving it some dimensionality that sometimes goes missing from celebrity stories. At the core of the woman who would be a singing star is the struggling songwriter who wants to express her unique self in her music, and the woman who must establish relationships with family and friends while remaining in charge of her life. It is a battle fought on several fronts, and with the press creating additional difficulties, especially in their speculations about a part of her life that she has kept out of public view. You don't get any special insights into that private side in this book. That isn't what it is about, and the author doesn't seem to think it important to the larger story. For that, a giant salute.
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ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Ed Teja writes a broad range of music. His songs and instrumentals have appeared in television shows (Court TV and Discover Channel) and in a variety of videos. He has had two CDs released by Morrhythm Records (www.outstandingmusic.com) and is currently cowriting songs with an exciting singer who is working on her second CD. As a performer, Ed 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, Pickamania, and the Tucson (Arizona) Folk Festival.
You can hear some of Ed's music at: http://www.myspace.com/edteja
If you'd like *your* book reviewed (as long as it has something to do with songwriting, of course!), please do email us and let us know!
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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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LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR - QUICKLY AND EASILY!
You Can Play Guitar author and publisher Scott Morris now offers 7 Free email guitar lessons that include easy to learn guitar tablature, a sound file and free guitar lesson videos of his easy to learn Billboard top rated guitar method that includes learning guitar scales and theory used by professional songwriters. The Free Guitar Lesson Videos - teach samples of learning the names of the notes, sharps and flats, easy to play guitar chords and more great information for beginner to professional level guitarist.
http://tinyurl.com/6o27j7
================================================================= 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! ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE 12TH ANNUAL COOCH MUSIC AMATUER SONGWRITING CONTEST
Cooch Music has launched its 12th Amateur Songwriting Competition. The International songwriting contest began in 1999 giving songwriters, bands and musicians the ability to enter a contest that is aimed at amateurs (writers who make less then $5000 a year in royalties) only)!
Arinana Stewart, R&B winner of the 8th Cooch Music Songwriting Competition, was signed by a producer after winning and her first assignment was to co-write three songs for Bad Boy Records new super group B5!
Songs are to be judged on originality, lyrics, melody and composition. Quality of performance and production will not be considered. All prizes are designed to help the amateur songwriter further their career. Complete prize list can be seen at coochmusic.com. Cooch Music's categories include: Rock/Alternative, Country, Pop/Dance, Folk/World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop/ Rap, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Novelty/Comedy/Children's, and Lyrics Only. Prize Alert!!!! Grand Prize winner will receive and autographed acoustic guitar signed by all the members of Three Doors Down. Visit the official website for a complete list of all sponsors and prizes.
Deadline: 31st January 2009 Fee: $20 Details: http://www.coochmusic.com
Special Offer for Musesmuse.com visitors! 1/2 price entries! That's right Now Only $10 an entry for Musesmuse.com visitors! MAIL IN OFFER ONLY. ENTER AS MANY ENTRIES AS YOU WANT WITH NO LIMIT ON THE SPECIAL OFFER. SAVE $10 on every entry. And a chance to win the autographed guitar by 3 Doors Down! But you must enter by Jan 31ST.2008 in order to get this special offer! Just print out this ad and send it in with your entries! ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED, 2009 BEGINS
Jordan Zevon wins the Overall Grand Prize of the 2008 USA Songwriting Competition along with co-writers Jordan Summers & Morty Coyle. His winning song home will be on the USA Songwriting Competition's compilation CD this year. See complete winners' list here: http://www.songwriting.net/winnners.html
14th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries. Winning songs will receive radio airplay in United States and Canada along with great prizes such as a Top Prize of over $50,000. Please obtain the entry form at: http://www.songwriting.net/entryform.html
Or enter online here with your MP3: http://online.songwriting.net ----------------------------------------------------------------- AFFORDABLE PRESS RELEASE DISTRIBUTION
My PR Music Wire offers press release writing and direct email distribution to thousands of music journalists, radio stations, and managers. You can also post your music press release for free on our website by emailing it to freewire@myprmusicwire.com. Receive 10% off your entire order when you enter the coupon code muse10 at checkout!
http://www.myprmusicwire.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- STACK THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR WITH THE ULTIMATE PROMOTION AND FREE CONSULTATIONS
Do you have a dream of having your music heard, being on the radio, or writing songs for other artists? You're not alone. And now, there's a faster and better way than ever before to get there. Song Warrior Music will promote your music professionally, to only publishers, producers, and record labels who specialize in your style of music and are actively seeking new songs. From the design and production of presentation materials to follow up calls/letters/mailings, and unlimited consultation before, during, and after the promotion, everything is custom designed to fit your music and your specific goals. Song Warrior Music is committed to putting the music first and giving you the absolute best possible chance for achieving your dream, because it's not just a career, it's your music. So, if you are ready to go for that dream, to schedule your free consultation, just go to http://www.songwarriormusic.com/musesmuse or call (573) 814-2169. You can talk with the owner, Jason Cannata, directly, ask him any questions you have, and find out more about The Song Warrior Music Promotion. If you believe in yourself and your dreams, and never give up, anything is possible, so contact Song Warrior Music today and Go For It! ----------------------------------------------------------------- HOW CAN MUSOWIKI HELP YOU?
Musowiki.net is a FREE global directory of music-industry services. It helps Musos who want to grow their music to connect with people offering help. Whether you need to write better songs, learn to play or to book your next tour of Europe, Musowiki contains services that bring your goals within reach.
People offering services that help Musos can LIST THEMSELVES FREE (instructions are here: http://musowiki.net/index.php/Category:Listing). Just copy, paste and fill in the blanks.
If someone has done a great job for you, give them a boost by saying so on their discussion page. There are many ways you can support the project - feel free to explore the community. www.musowiki.net --------------------------------------------------------- THE DELI: A MUSIC WEBSITE FOCUSING ON LOCAL MUSIC SCENES
The Deli is the website that every A&R person and local promoter checks out on a weekly basis. Our publication and web sites focus on local music scenes and emerging artists (from rock to folk to experimental, with a little bit of hip hop as well). We currently publish a printed magazine about the NYC music scene and have daily updated , separate web pages tackling the new emerging music in NYC, LA, SF and Nashville. Check it out here www.thedelimagazine.com.
You can submit your music via the web through our open blog pages (here's the one for Nashville: http://www.thedelimagazine.com/nashville/openblog/) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE INDIE VENUE BIBLE - A GROUNDBREAKING VENUE DIRECTORY FOR ANY ARTIST PLANNING TO TOUR IN THE US OR CANADA!
26,000 live music venues of all sizes are featured including clubs, bars, restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, theaters, halls, churches, book stores, community centers, house concerts and open mics. There are also 1,500 festivals listed as well as over 1,000 colleges for any artist that wants to plan a college tour.
Jumpstart your tour today! Visit https://nt4.magma.ca/bigmeteor/ivbmuse_order.cfm for more information! ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2009 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
----------------------------------------------------------------- Considering the present state of the economy world-wide, you wouldn't think that there would be much chance for someone to get back IN to the business, let alone start from the very beginning. But sometimes talent and hard work simply win out.
I remember a number of years back when Leonard Cohen stepped up to accept his Juno (the Canadian Grammy) for "Best Male Vocal". "Only in Canada," he said, "could someone like ME get Best Male Vocal!" It was funny because Cohen, of course, has a voice that only some can truly appreciate. My husband, for instance, can't stand the guy...my brother things he is utterly amazing.
In more recent years, the 74-year-old Cohen has struggled financially because his long-time manager allegedly misappropriated US $5 million from his retirement fund, leaving Cohen with no choice but to get back to his writing and performing to try and make some of it back. He must have built up some pretty good karma in his quiet years (he's a Buddhist :-)) because since making that decision, he has enjoyed great success in more than one way. Not only have his live concerts done exceptionally well, but his song "Hallelujah" has become a hit yet again in 2008 from two separate sources, one being Jeff Buckley's version which went to number 1 on iTunes after being performed on American Idol, and the second from singer/songwriter Kate Foegele after her version was released on the teenage television show "One Tree Hill".
Leonard Cohen is one of those rare songwriters who has successfully bridged poetry and lyrics. He also writes fiction along with his poetry and songs, and is reported to have always had a very strong work ethic, living sparsely and writing furiously through the 60's and 70's, for example, when he moved to the US to become a singer/songwriter.
Because of his recent resurgence, there have been a number of interesting articles written about Leonard and his lyrics, two of them being on the UK's Guardian website. One called the "High Priest of Minimalism" (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/jun/28/culture.popandrock), is an exploration of Cohen's taste for literary references in his lyrics over the years. Another article titled "Who's Got the Definitive Hallelujah?" (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/dec/18/popandrock-christmas) discusses the song in its many incarnations. Hallelujah is reported to have been pared down from an original 80 verses and took 5 years to write. How many of you out there have spent that much time (and that many verses) on one song? I personally enjoy the Rufus Wainwright version...if you ever get the chance to listen to that one, you'll see what I mean.
Love him or hate him, you have to admire the fact that Leonard Cohen has managed to put himself back into the spotlight when most guys his age would be sitting back and enjoying the scenery. Assuming they could afford to, that is.
So I leave you on that note (ha, a little pun). Here's to a Happy and Prosperous New Year for all of you songwriters out there!
******
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles and a songwriter's messageboard.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com Songs: http://www.soundclick.com/irenejackson
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e : by Jason Cannata
THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING © 2008 http://www.songwarriormusic.com
----------------------------------------------------------------- I know you've heard a lot of songs, but the next time you hear them, try to concentrate on things you weren't thinking of before. What's causing you to react the way you do to it? If you really like it and you feel moved by it, find out why. Take a look at it closely and take each part separately. Is it the lyrics that drew you in? Or maybe it's the guitar part, or a certain chord they used in the chorus. Listen to each of the background instruments too. By doing this, you'll see all the clever little tricks that have been used and more importantly, you will understand why they work.
Don't just listen that way to your favorite songs, concentrate on the ones you don't like too. Are the lyrics stupid? Is the melody annoying or not interesting enough? Many times, the songs you don't care for can teach you just as much as the ones you enjoy. They can show you what to avoid so you don't unintentionally fall into the same traps. And then there are the songs that you may not like, but there are still one or two things about them that impressed you. Be honest and give credit where credit is due. I've listened to many songs where I thought "wow, that melody is really catchy, but it's too bad the lyrics aren't that good and don't go well with it". In that case, I would focus on the melody and try to find what techniques were used with it.
The more songs you listen to from the "inside out", the more techniques you will be exposed to, and pick up along the way. This will give you a much greater range of things to work with when you write your songs. Eventually, you will be prepared for virtually every situation you encounter in writing your songs. When you get to that part where you're not sure what should come next in a song you're working on, you'll have tons of ideas because you will have the knowledge you got from listening and understanding all those different kinds of songs. Then, songwriting will not only become easier, but it will also be a lot more fun for you. In creativity, the more options you have to work with, the better.
Using the analogy of painting a picture, you can imagine how the artist would be limited if all he/she had to work with were three colors, blue, red, and yellow. They have to create a picture that they know will work with those colors. That means that they can't draw whatever their imagination thinks of. Their imagination is now limited to creating things that will only work within the means they have to create the picture. But if they had more colors, such as purple, orange, and pink, they would have a little more room and it opens up the possibility of new ideas. So they keep building and building their collection of colors until finally they have ones like magenta, teal, and cadet blue, and so on. Now, when they get to a part of the painting where they have to use red, they have several options. They don't have to settle for just "red". They now have things like scarlet, crimson, and violet red to choose from. The paintings are really brought to life and they have much more depth to them because the painter can go wherever their imagination takes them.
The things you learn from the songs you listen to are your "colors". You can never have enough different colors or ways to use them. Building your color palette takes time, but the good news is it's also a lot of fun because you'll be doing one of your favorite things, listening to music! So the next time you hear a song, really listen to it. It also helps to keep notes on each song so you can refer back to them. They don't have to be detailed explanations, just short phrases so you remember what you were thinking of when you listened to it. These notes can also help you deal with writer's block by giving you new ideas to write with.
*****
Jason Cannata has been in the music business for over fifteen years as a songwriter, artist, and producer, with five songs on the radio, and he has created a company, Song Warrior Music, that is focused on helping others achieve their dreams in a completely new way that is changing how the music industry works forever. If your goal is having your music heard, being on the radio, or writing music for other artists, go to http://www.songwarriormusic.com/musesmuse today and schedule your free consultation to see how Jason can help you enjoy building a successful music career.
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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 :
----------------------------------------------------------------- New Year's Resolutions for Songwriters - By Mary Dawson http://www.musesmuse.com/marydawson-resolutions2009.html
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.
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Q&A: What about compilation CDs? Are they a good deal for an aspiring songwriter or not? - Answered by Mary Dawson http://www.musesmuse.com/qa-compilations.html
Meilyssia asks whether or not it's a good idea for a songwriter to get a song published in a "compilation CD". -----
Blue Collar Holiday Reflections 2008 - By Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-michpolich-xmas08reflections.html
Break out the nog, and nestle up to the fire, as ol' Uncle Mick looks back 20 years ago to do a bit of holiday reflection of music,community, and spirit...
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I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It - A Lot!!! - By Khaliq Glover http://www.musesmuse.com/col-khaliq-bettersongwriting.html
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.
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This Is Who You Are, This Is What You Do - By Mick Polich http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-whoyouare.html
Happy holidays, peeps! Blue Collar is into year-end reflections before we head into the new era - this time, Mick explores a bit about searching for ' you' in your art and music...
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----------------------------------------------------------------- Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
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