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The Muse's News |
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Issue 11.5 - August
2008
ISSN 1480-6975
[ Back
to The Muse's News Index ] [ Home
] This
issue sponsored by: Brett
Manning's Singing Success Vocal Training System
=================================================================
I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Music Reviews - Alex Jasperse & Don Sechelski
@-- 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 - How To Form Your Own Publishing Company -
by Ben McLane, Esq.
@-- 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 1998-2008 - 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. 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 that songwriter in your
life, too - 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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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I hope you're enjoying the warm weather, folks. I know I am!
(And yes, I know a lot of you enjoy warm weather all year round,
but please humor me. ;)).
Lots of stuff in this issue so I'll get to some announcements and
then let you get to it. :)
We have another new reviewer by the name of Dan Cohen. Those of
you with kids might recognize the name "Danna Bannana". Even if
you don't, if you have kids, you might want to look it up because
he has *four* CDs released under that name. He's also had his
songs picked up by Disney and has sung with Sara Hickman. He'll
be handling CD reviews in the Classical, Jazz and Music for Kids
genres - so if you have 'em, send 'em along!
Not only do we have a new reviewer, but we also have a new
columnist. Jan Fabyankovic joins us with her new column, "In A
Muse's Shoes". She'll be interviewing songwriters in all sorts
of genres to talk about how they write what they write, and to
give insight into how inspiration is all around us. Check out
her latest article at http://www.musesmuse.com/col-janf.html .
You won't be disappointed! Her first interview is with Jon Ims!
I have some great news for you guys, too! Do you remember the
advertiser I mentioned in last month's issue? His name is Njal
Frode Lie and he's the wiz at song mastering (especially those
songs that contain a vocal of some kind). Well, he's offered to
*give away* a few song masterings, just to you guys! That's
HUGELY generous of him - but I want to make sure that the free
song mastering will go to someone who will really USE it (or
knows of a friend it can be passed on to - it's transferrable
too!). So if you're interested in this raffle prize, please
write to me and let me know why you think you would really get
the most out of having your song mastered by a pro (for FREE!).
You can visit Njal's website at
http://www.nflproduksjoner.com/?source=mm and have a listen to
the great work he's done in the past so that you'll get an idea
of how he can help you. Note that he *can* do a lot more than
simply master your song (he's done mixing and mastering of entire
albums) - but what's on offer here, is the mastering of one song.
I hope to hear from you! I'll be giving one of these raffle
prizes away over the next three newsletters.
I also want to mention something else - and that is that I'm
*always* looking for great music to put in the next Radio Muse
broadcast! :D So if you'd like to get some online radio play for
your music, please do consider sending something in. (Note that
it doesn't have to be on an album (you could send me a CDR, for
instance), but it *does* need to be radio ready, folks. Sorry -
this *is* radio, of a sort. ;)). All the instructions are right
at http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html (PLEASE PLEASE follow
them! I get people sending me stuff all the time without the
size of bio I need - or ANY bio - without the required paperwork
at all, etc. If you don't follow those instructions, it just
makes featuring your music all that much more difficult.). I
have about six out of the usual 12 songs chosen for Radio Muse
#19 ... and I'd really like to try to have a new show online for
around September or so ... (there tends to be one about every
quarter at this point). So think about it, ok? Thanks, guys. I
look forward to hearing your music. :)
And now, on to the raffle winners. As per usual, if you'd like a
prize yourself, feel free to write to me with your preferences
(at least 2 options would be great) and our contact info so that
I know where to send the prize to. You'll find them all listed
at the top of http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html. Thanks!
* Noel Baxter, from Milton, ON Canada, has won a copy of
Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software
(http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Robert D. Lee from Atlanta, GA, 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.
* Rachelle Nones from Queens, NY, has won a copy of
Indie-Music.com's Musician's Toolkit CD
(http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/)
* Tom Richards from Allston, MA, has won a copy of Schirmer's
Complete Rhyming Dictionary By Paul Zollo" (See
http://www.musicsales.com for more information.)
Hope you enjoy the newsletter! And happy writing. :)
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
NOW WITH SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICING!
"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 : Jarrod Brogdon, Chris Propfe,
Chip Withrow, & Don Sechelski
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NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Don Sechelski:
--------------
* Beldock and Watson
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-beldock&watson-jlyandme.html
Alex Jasperse:
--------------
* Unexploded
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-unexploded-ep.html
(Editor's Note: Sorry for the slow month re: reviews, folks.
It's summer! Even our reviewers need a break. ;) They'll be
back to their prolific selves soon. In the meantime, thanks for
your patience - and enjoy YOUR summer! :D)
---------------
******
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
----------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Evans - Genre: COUNTRY
Mark Evans is a truly gifted songwriter in the mold of Billy Joe
Shaver and Kris Kristofferson. He nailed a publishing deal on his
first trip to Nashville and completed his forthcoming CD on his
second trip. Titled I Crawl Out, Mark Evans' debut disc will be
released in England and America.
http://www.markevansmusic.co.uk/
-----
Smokin' Joe Wiseman - Genre: FOLK & TRADITIONAL
A Field By The Sea. It's a pretty stirring title, invoking
visions of desolate beaches, wind-swept heather and frothy,
undulating waves. Smokin' Joe Wiseman came up with it while
looking seawards from Cape St. George towards the cemetery
(marble orchard) - a field by the sea if ever there was one.
http://www.musicforte.com/member/smokinjoewiseman
-----
DateMonthYear - Genre: ROCK
DateMonthYear is not a band, it is a way of doing things - the
composition, production, performance, and marketing of music in
the contemporary environment. DateMonthYear is based in Hamilton,
New Zealand and tends to make music that blends pop melodies,
rock dynamics and movie atmospheres.
http://www.datemonthyear.co.nz/http://www.a3wg.net/ =================================================================
S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Ed Teja
The A-Z Of Music Licensing Program
by Aaron Davison
http://www.howtolicenseyourmusic.com
or you can support Musesmuse.com by clicking on
http://jodimuse.urbrock.hop.clickbank.net/
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In a confused music market, where the ground rules for selling
CDs change daily, where touring becomes both mandatory and
prohibitively expensive at the same time, it's nice to know there
is one area that is growing very nicely. That area is marketing
your music as a part of someone else's package—for Internet use,
and in television programs or movies. The opportunities range
from the interesting to the extraordinary. But how to crack them?
Aaron Davison's online course provides two significant things —
an understanding of the basics of how music licensing works, and
a significant collection of market leads that launch you into
action.
Davison's audio course is a series of short lectures
(downloadable mp3s, and in a player) that provide an overview to
this business. In a simple and understandable way, they present
the types of licensing, how they work, the importance of
production, what passive income is, information on the PROs, and
more. In addition to film and tv, one lecture is on video games,
another growing market. Davison shares information on how to
submit music, and what not to do. As a lesson from the real
world, one that can help you see what it takes, Davison shares
his personal experience in getting started, along with three
songs that he has successfully placed. This gives you an earful
of the kind of music you might be up against — a reference for
the production quality you will need to provide to be successful
in what is a very competitive arena.
An interview with Michael Redman, the founder of My Music
Source.com, provides some insight from an industry middleman.
He talks about what they look for from songwriters and artists,
and what they provide, giving a few case histories. This alone
should give you an idea of how that particular segment of the
industry works.
So that you aren't left with a taste for what to do and no place
to start, Davison has also made available as downloads from the
site a tv/film directory, that gives contact information for 125
places you can submit your own songs. Davison says that he
updates the information frequently and a quick check of the links
included indicates that the leads are viable. Contact information
changes rapidly in this business, so it is important to keep
current.
And, lest you forget the basic information, there is a
downloadable ebook that provides a short course in the basic
information you'll need. This was the basis of Davison's original
course.
This course is not going to place your music, nor structure your
career, but if you want to learn how licensing works, what to do
to get your music into the right hands, and what to expect as you
struggle to do it, then you'll find this a gold mine. If you need
more help, he offers optional coaching as well. And if you accept
Davison's 90 day challenge, you will be putting yourself, and
your music, in the middle of a growing musical industry.
******
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Ed Teja has been working on his own music and now his new CD --
"SOFT DREAMING BLUES" has been released released by Morrhythm
Records (www.outstandingmusic.com). It's a collection of original
(written alone and with an international group of cowriters)
smooth jazz vocals and instrumentals. 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 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!
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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES
The Great American Song Contest offers $10,000 in prizes and
features awards for 45 winners in 9 categories. Entrants receive
written evaluations of their songs from the judges.
Music-industry judges include prominent publishers, recording
artists, songwriters and producers. This annual International
event is sponsored by Songwriters Resource Network, a trusted
education resource for songwriters. Submission deadline
is Oct. 10th 2008.
http://www.greatamericansong.com
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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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HOOKS, LINES AND SINGERS 2008
Hooks, Lines and Singers is a songwriting contest benefiting the
Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. All entries must
include a $20 entry fee. Songs will be judged by Nashville
Industry Professionals and must be received by Sept. 17, 2008.
For additional information: http://www.hookslinesandsingers.com
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5TH ANNUAL IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) ACCEPTING
ENTRIES
The 5th 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 awards in
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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"BALLADS FOR BALLOTS 2008"
"Ballads for Ballots 2008" is a national music video contest
sponsored by HCD Research, a communications research firm
headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The firm is partnering with The
Tribune Company to host the contest on its Mediacurves.com
website and on The Tribune Company's The Swamp website. HCD
Research is inviting contestants to submit an original song or
song parody approximately 45-90 seconds in length in support of
their political party or candidate. The first 100 qualified
entries will receive $25 and become eligible for two grand prizes
of $5,000 for the best Republican and Democrat video. The contest
began on June 15 and will conclude on August 25. To learn more
about the contest go to:
http://www.mediacurves.com/balladsforballots/rules.cfm
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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/)
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INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting
entries for the 2009 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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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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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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NEWNOISEREPORT.COM IS FEATURING TOP UNSIGNED SONGWRITERS!
NewNoiseReport.com is a brand new website dedicated to helping
the best unsigned songwriters (in the U.S.A and Canada) gain the
exposure necessary to succeed. The website is visited by
thousands of industry professionals such as Major and Indie label
A&R, Publishers, Attorneys, Booking Agents, and Managers. Check
out the site and submit your music today! www.newnoisereport.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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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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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LEARN HOW TO LICENSE YOUR MUSIC FOR USE IN TV AND FILMS!
Would you like to learn how to license your music for use in TV
and Films and generate money with your music? Visit
aarondavison.com today to sign up for a free newsletter with
information on the music licensing business. Aaron is a Berklee
College Of Music Alumnus who has been working in the music
licensing business for over five years. Learn how to place you
songs in TV, Films, Video Games and more and create a passive
income stream with your music.
http://tinyurl.com/6xtusv
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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!
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INDIE ARTISTS: JOIN MYBANDSMUSIC.COM & YOU COULD WIN $1000!
Come and join a new site called MyBandsMusic, dedicated to indie
artists where you can create a profile, upload tracks and videos,
start your own blog, open a storefront, post announcements and
events, get input from fans, and more. The best part is that it
is all free!
Currently we are running a contest until the end of March. The
artist that has the most fans sign up on their MyBandsMusic
account wins a check for $1000!! Visit MyBandsMusic.com for more
details.
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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
©1998-2008 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The other night I went to a live concert by one of my songwriting
heroes, James Taylor. He finally came to little old Victoria BC,
where I live, and I finally got to scratch him off my bucket
list. For those of you who don't know what a "bucket list" is, I
suggest you look up the movie :-) . Basically, it's a list of
things you want to do before you die.
James Taylor was a huge influence on my songwriting in the 70's
with songs like "Carolina On My Mind" and "Sweet Baby James",
both of which he included in his set list the other night. But
outside of his own wonderful writing, James was, and still is, a
great interpreter of other's songs. He covers them in a way that
makes them sound like his own. "Handyman", "Up On The Roof" and
"How Sweet It Is" come to mind, but they are only a small example
of his work.
Cover songs are a finicky thing to perform...if you make a cover
version too much like the original, what's the point? If you go
too far out in left field with it, it often loses its original
dynamic and falls flat. And ultimately, if you really loved the
original version of a song, can you possible love a cover
version? So, why would I even bother to write a songwriting
column about cover songs?
On my way to a barbeque the other week, I heard a promo for a CBC
radio show called "Under The Covers"
(http://www.cbc.ca/radiosummer/underthecovers/guide.html). This
is a series of shows all about cover songs. They were promoting
an episode called "Bubblegum Pop Songs Covers", saying "What
happens when you take an over-produced Top 40 pop song and
perform a stripped down version? Sometimes you find a pretty darn
good song hidden in there." Well, my ears perked right up. I
have to say, much to my discredit I don't give a lot of credence
to pop songs these days, for the most part because they don't
speak much to me. The "pop" songs of my generation were wildly
different, of course, and those of the generations before me even
different still. But were they?
Years ago when I heard James Taylor's versions of those old
songs, I fell in love with them. And this is what piqued my
curiosity. Maybe I actually get distracted by the production and
don't allow myself to appreciate the song.
So what do more contemporary pop songs sound like when they are
put in the hands of very different sounding artists and
producers? You'd be surprised. The most interesting aspect to me
is that although I've heard most of these songs in their original
clothes, they sound so completely new and sometimes even better
than the original. In fact, one of the first cover songs that
the hosts discuss, Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me
Lately", actually sounds "old" in that the production seems to
come out of the 70's in that James Brown funk style.
Interesting!
When you get to the page, look for the section to the right where
you can scan through various podcasts of past episodes of the
show. Look for the July 12th episode called "Bubblegum Pop Songs
Covers" and hit the play button and see for yourself!
It could be that you don't like the cover versions of some of the
songs, but the whole point is, as far as I am concerned, how we
hear our own songs. What if we gave one of our songs to an
artist or band in a completely different genre than the song was
intended for, and let them have their way with it? Even beyond
that, is there a way for us to hear our own songs differently?
Pop songs can be pretty darn good. Who'd a thunk it?
******
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 Ben McLane, Esq.
How To Form Your Own Publishing Company
(Editor's Note: Things are *slightly* different if you live some
place outside of the US - but this should still give you the
general principle of the thing.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The area of the music business known as publishing can be very
lucrative. Because of the income potential, many writers form
their own publishing companies. Some writers do this in order to
"keep their publishing," while others do so because the
established publishing companies have shown no interest. However,
getting published means nothing if the songs are not recorded or
exploited in some other way. Thus, If a writer is also an artist
who has an independent record coming out, or has a song being
used in a film or on television, the writer should consider
forming a publishing company.
It is easy to form a publishing company assuming that there is a
record coming out or if a film or television show is using one of
the writer's songs. First, the writer must affiliate with ASCAP
or BMI. (Both, if the writer intends to publish other writer's
songs as well.) The reason for joining is that these rights
societies pay the publisher performance royalties if the songs
are played on radio, television, etc. These societies will not
let a publisher use a name which is similar to an existing
company because the wrong party might be paid accidentally. An
uncommon name should be selected for the company so that the name
will clear. If the publisher is also a writer that has not yet
affiliated with either BMI or ASCAP, he or she should affiliate
as a writer with one of the two societies at the same time as
joining as a publisher. Because the societies require that the
song's publisher be affiliated with the same society as the
song's writer, the publisher will have to affiliate as a
publisher with the same society joined as a writer. Part of the
registration process will involve registering all songs written
by the writer with the performance rights society selected.
If the publishing entity will not be operating as a corporation,
the second step is to file a "fictitious name statement" with the
county recorder. This puts the public on notice that the
publisher is doing business under a name that is different from
the writer's surname. In California, this statement is necessary
in order to open a bank account, and to cash checks made out to
that name.
Third, the publisher must register the songs to be published with
the Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. in the name of the
publishing entity. If the songs have already been copyrighted
under the name of the writer, assignments need to be filed which
transfer the ownership of the songs to the name of the publisher.
Fourth, it is advisable to affiliate with the Harry Fox Agency in
New York. For a small percentage fee, the Harry Fox Agency acts
as the publisher's agent to issue mechanical licenses (which
allow others to record the songs), collects the mechanical
royalties, and accounts to the publisher.
Finally, if the artist ends up signing a record deal, publishers
will want to become the publisher because a record deal almost
always ensures that the songs will generate some income. By
acting as his or her own publisher, this does not mean that the
writer cannot one day be published by a larger, more established
publishing company in exchange for an advance and better
promotion of the songs. The writer simply has to assign the
publishing over to the major publisher.
In conclusion, if an artist is planning to release his or her own
record and is without a publisher, forming a publishing company
might be advisable and the above-mentioned steps should be
helpful in doing so.
*****
For more information on Ben, visit his website at
http://www.benmclane.com
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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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Interview With Jon Ims - By Jan Fabyankovic
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-janf-int-jonims.html
This is a Q/A interview with Jon Ims who wrote Trisha Yearwood's
#1 breakout hit single "She's In Love With The Boy" which was
named BMI's Song Of The Year in 1992 in addition to other great
songs.
-----
A Pirate's Life For Me - By Carley Baer
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-carleybaer-piracy.html
Sure, piracy sounds like a bad thing. But when it comes down to
getting every last dime vs. sacrificing a CD or two to get your
music out there, what's really the better option?
-----
A Return To Reason - by Trevor Krueger
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-trevorkrueger-musicdownloads.html
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?
-----
WHAT'S LOWE GOT TO DO WITH IT? - By Cheryl Mullen
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-cherylmullen-coping.html
Some people spend hundreds of dollars in psychotherapy to cope
with their grief and pain. I write columns for the Muse's Muse.
-----
Getting into the Flow - By Kole (Kyle Hicks)
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-kole-intotheflow.html
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.
-----
Music Life: 4 - Music By Myself? Or Live As A Group?
- By Brian Donovan
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-briandonovan-musiclife4.html
Relationship issues? Blame your music. Here's the way that I
solved the life vs. music dilemma.
-----
Guest Blog #4: Mick Polich "Guitar Influences" Interview by Dave
Powell! - By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolick-davepowell.html
O.k., I'll take a break now, but I needed to get this latest post
in from my buddy Dave Powell of Omaha. Dave and I got back almost
30 years, and he was kind enough to come up with an idea to
interview me on certain influences I've had musically,
concentrating on some of our shared guitar influences. Yep, it's
Codgerville Memory Lane, but if y'all are willing to go down that
path, then we'll keep the light on and the door open! So, o.k.
Brother Dave, take it away and ask some questions........
-----
Jambands, Family Reunions, and the 4th Of July - By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-reunions.html
Wow -ANOTHER installment so soon? Yep, and many thanks to
editor/Muse creator Jodi Krangle for letting me post like a
madman here at this point! Well, bowing to good-natured, but a
relentless flow of gentle, yet forceful pressure (how's that for
passive-aggressiveness?) from my in-laws, I look at our recent
annual family reunion trip to Storm Lake, IA., with the spotlight
on a few celebrated local music heroes and a time-honored
small-town tradition....
-----
Guest Blog #3 - Keith Siegfried! - By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-keithsiegfried.html
Wow, the "Guest Blogs" have been lining up something fierce -
this install, we have our good buddy from Atlanta,
singer/bassist/guitarist/sip n' picker Keith Siegfried (who's
also been known to throw a pretty mean across-the-field ball to
first for the out....). Keith will be logging in as our old
neighborhood band, the Bridge Brothers, prepare for the annual
KreiFest gig come fall - probably my favorite gig to play back in
the Atlanta days. So, we welcome the first of a few blogs from
good ol' "Mr. Keef"....
-----
A Wedding, A Small Town, and New Old Friends - By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-greenbay.html
We head up to the hamlet of Green Bay,WS., for this installment
-population a little over 102,000 ( double that on game day for
the Green Bay Packers). We look at, in a short space, the
interwoven lives of a wedding and old friends in a small town
that happens to hold a heralded NFL football franchise....
=================================================================
C l a s s i f i e d s & U s e f u l S e r v i c e s :
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THE 9th 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 9th 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Click here to find out how you can improve your
guitar playing today!
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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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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
includes a Rhyming Dictionary, Thesaurus, Album Categorization,
Chord Charting, Chord Generator, Song Arrangement, and On-Line
Copyright Link.
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
a line = 65 characters including spaces and punctuation. All
contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com
For Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
opportunities, please see http://www.musesmuse.com/media.html .
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C o n t a c t I n f o & C r e d i t s :
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Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR
Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about
songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint
The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate
credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is
included (including credits and information at the end of each
issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com.
All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information (how to subscribe and
unsubscribe, etc.) will be available at:
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The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
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For further information, send your e-mail to:
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The Muse's News.
editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.
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Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National
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