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The Muse's News |
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Issue 11.6 - September
2008
ISSN 1480-6975
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Music Reviews - Don Sechelski, Alex Jasperse, Chip Withrow
& Jarrod Brogdon
@-- 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 - Work For Free? - by Carley Baer
@-- 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
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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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SONGFRAME SONGWRITER'S TOOLKIT SOFTWARE - A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE
IN PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITING TOOLS
The Tanager AudioWorks SongFrame Songwriter's Toolkit is perhaps
the most comprehensive songwriting application available for
songwriters and recording musicians. SongFrame provides expert
help in developing interesting chord progressions, melodies,
lyrics, rhythm, and overall song structure.
SongFrame serves as the primary notebook and collaborator for any
songwriter, as well as serving as a musical writing partner for
musicians who utilize digital audio workstation (DAW) recording
or sequencing software. Songs are built with easy-to-use musical
tools which focus on each aspect of the song. This, in
combination with a song framework manager and track-based
platform, make SongFrame truly unique. Chords, progressions,
scales and rhythms can be auditioned and dragged onto tracks
built specifically to hold this information. An Audio Track
provides fast capture of elusive ideas, and a Lyric Track
organizes the songwriter's developed lyrics in a musical context.
The user can listen to the song as it is being written, drag and
drop new ideas, and create endless alternate versions of any
portion.
When songwriting is finished, an export function creates audio
and MIDI file data easily imported into any DAW recording
application, complete with the final versions of all chord,
melody, rhythm and audio tracks. In addition, markers for every
song section and chord change will appear in the DAW's session
file timeline. Visit http://www.tanageraudioworks.com for a
demonstration video and more information.
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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It's been SUCH a busy summer ... and wow. It's almost over. It
really flew past this year. Any of the rest of you experience
that?
I mentioned last month that Njal Frode Lie, the song mastering
wiz, had offered to do a free mastering of a song for a few very
lucky subscribers. Well, Lynn Julian contacted me and the two of
them have been working on a song of hers - but there are still
two giveaways to be ... well... given away. :) So if this is
something that interests you, please contact me ASAP, ok? Have a
visit to Njal's website at 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. I'm hoping to have a
"before" and "after" to let you all have a listen to when Lynn's
song is finished. I'll keep you posted on that.
Just one more thing to share with you - just for the fun and heck
of it (because I've been telling you guys about my voice over
stuff pretty much right from the start). I have a new Commercial
Demo online that I'm really proud of, here:
voiceoversandvocals.com/sounds/JodiKrangle-CommercialDemo4.mp3
For other demos of mine (and a few have been added since I last
mentioned this, I think...) visit
http://www.voiceoversandvocals.com/demos.html .
If you need a voice for anything you're working on, I'd be happy
to talk with you. Otherwise, feel free to just listen and
(hopefully) enjoy. :D
Time for the raffle winners!
Remember - if you'd like a prize yourself, feel free to email me
with your preferences (at least 2 options would be great) and
your 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. And there's another very
exciting prize soon to be added to the roster!
* Melissa Wilkins, from Flowery Branch, GA, has won a copy of
Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software
(http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* Andrea Pace from Indianapolis, IN, 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.
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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 : Don Sechelski, Alex Jasperse,
Chip Withrow & Jarrod Brogdon
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NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Don Sechelski:
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* Earl Musick and Mark Merritt
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-earlmusickmarkmerrit-woodshedn.html
* Bill Popp and The Tapes
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-billpopp-lonelymind.html
Alex Jasperse:
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* Purrr
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-purr-purr.html
Jarrod Brogdon:
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* Ramzi
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-ramzi-colors.html
Chip Withrow:
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* Jenn Lindsay
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-jennlindsay-aforeffort.html
* The Histrioniks
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-thehistrioniks-thin.html
* Blue Line Highway
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-bluelinehighway-perfectcurve.html
---------------
******
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
----------------------------------------------------------------- Bud Buckley - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
Bud Buckley recorded his second CD in Woodstock. "It's About
Time" and has reviewers raving about this acoustic folk/rock (and
more) record. He is often compared to Dylan, Neil Young, Sting
and others. "Bud Buckley makes the kind of music that I want to
hear when I listen to the radio," says a recent Muse's Muse
reviewer (http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-budbuckley-time.html).
http://www.budbuckley.com/
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Naz B - Genre: RAP & HIP HOP
This Zurich-based Rapper talks about the real streets and real
stories, about real people - stories from all over the world,
anthems for a global Hip Hop generation, not some diamonds and
cars fantasy world. Naz B brings together a creative crew around
him from all over the world, mixing different flavours together
in a cultural melting pot.
http://www.nazb.com/
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Frank Villafañe - Genre: JAZZ
Frank's instrumental Latin Jazz excursion consists of five
atypical compositions. Each is an eclectic mix of
Afro-Cuban/Brazilian percussion, overlaid with poignant harmonic
melodies furnished by piano and vibes, and punctuated with
pulsating acoustic bass. Mostly hot, sometimes cool, but always
engaging, South Beach is as diverse and exciting as the famous
beach for which it was named.
http://www.frankmv.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
Artist Development - by Eugene Foley
http://www.FoleyEntertainment.com
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If you are planning a career in music there are a number of ways
to go about pursuing it. Most musicians get together with
friends, form a band, start gigging, and looking for fame and
fortune. Some even find it that way. Most don't. Not because they
aren't talented (although some just aren't), but often because
that is the hard road to travel.
So what is the easy way? Well, unfortunately, there isn't one.
But there are easier paths to follow, and they require some
planning, a knowledge of the industry, some self evaluation (what
are your strengths and weaknesses) and hard work. In this book,
Eugene Foley digs into his own background as an agent,
entertainment lawyer, and, yes, musician, to provide some
analysis of the process and some good thoughts to move you along
an upward path.
One step at a time, Foley breaks down the elements you need to
buy, create, beg or borrow to get your act on the success path.
He talks about press kits (what should be in them), marketing,
demo recordings, your team (it isn't just about the band anymore,
Toto), touring, more marketing, planning and execution. If this
sounds a lot more like running a business than a band, then you
are reading correctly. Foley expects you to understand that this
is exactly what you face. In addition to playing music, writing
new tunes, and recording, you will spend hours dealing with
accountants and lawyers, employees and independent contractors.
Call them roadies and managers and band members if that feels
better, but be sure you understand what the relationships really
are. You don't have to do any of it, but the steps presented
here are distilled from experience and make the process quicker,
and more sure.
Thus, part of the book talks about the options of forming your
own publishing company and even record label (an option that is
growing in popularity in this online marketing age.) In one
telling paragraph, in the context of running your own record
label, Foley writes: "Be sure that your staff and your artists
know where you're headed, how you plan to get there, how you plan
to stay there, what you expect from them, and how they fit into
your vision." Again, the business concept dominates. These words
don't mean that Foley wants to push you into starting publishing
or record companies. In fact, he shows a fondness for using the
muscle of major labels and major publishing houses, even with
their diminished role, to promote your career. This is because
they have the money, leverage and distribution to further what
you want. That doesn't mean you can ignore what the label wants,
but it does mean having, and sticking to, that vision thing, in a
businesslike way, whether you are beginning negotiations with the
label, or happily spending their money. And, if you do want to
follow your own dream, Foley wants you to understand what it
involves. If you know what you are getting into, you won't spend
too much time and effort pursuing something that really might not
be right for you, and if it is right, you'll be able to go at it
full tilt from the beginning.
No book covers everything, and this book will probably leave you
wanting more information. But that is a good thing. I personally
would have enjoyed more information on the career of the pure
songwriter — some of the information is totally inapplicable to
the nonperforming songwriter, for instance, and there is much
left unsaid about plugging tunes outside of getting covers. But
this thoughtful view of your chosen business is a well written
eye opener about the business of music, and a wonderful source of
ideas for the performing artist and songwriter who is serious
about pursuing the slippery goals of fame and fortune.
******
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!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 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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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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SEEKING MUSIC SUBMISSION FOR THE ELEVATE FILM FESTIVAL
ELEVATE Film Festival is accepting submissions from musicians for
our music video category as well as for film soundtracks. If you
are chosen for the music video category, you will be assigned a
professional director and crew who will make a music video for
you in 7 days. It will premiere at the Nokia Theatre October 5th
2008 for a live audience of 7000 people. If your music is chosen
for the filmmaker library your music may be featured in one of
the films the night of the event.
We are looking for musicians who are unique, have a positive vibe
and have a powerful message or uplifting feel to their music. We
want world music,rock, soul, country, ambient, tribal, Hip Hop
..basically everything. We are open to submissions from all
countries. All inquires should be directed to
music@elevatefilms.com
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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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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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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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
September is a month that always reminds me of new beginnings,
probably because it's when school starts again around here, and I
get back to teaching! And this month I've found a songwriting
blog that is pretty academic in nature called "The Science of
Songwriting" (http://www.midside.com/).
It's always interesting to me to see someone analyze a song to
such a degree. Arguably, when we sit down to write something,
we're not thinking about too much other than expressing ourselves
in some meaningful way. The thinking part comes later, when we
have to do the re-writing. And let's face it, the songs that
become hits these days often do so for reasons other than the
fact that they are "great" songs. There's a lot more to it than
that. We could argue all day about what makes a great song
because it's far too subjective.
But Trevor de Clercq's blog attempts to explore "how songs are
written and how to write better songs". A tall order in many
ways, and somewhat technical at times, the articles are helped
along with audio examples of popular songs to demonstrate his
analyses.
One article, "The Effects of Repetition on Preferences", analyzes
the repetition of choruses of a number of songs in different
genres. He conducted a small study with a number of participants
listening to samples of 18 songs and had them rate the songs
specifically around the repetition of their choruses. It's not a
perfect study, of course. How many of us would also be
subliminally influenced by whether or not we liked the song or
the artist in the first place? But it is still an interesting
study.
In another article he discusses something called "organicism",
which he defined as a piece growing out of a single idea.
Admittedly, I looked the word up just to see if I could get a
more rounded definition! But in very simple terms, organicism in
a song has to do with the parts of the song, the verses and the
chorus, etc., all relating to each other musically. For
instance, the chorus might have the same chords as the verse, but
in a different order.
He compared two versions of the song "With A Little Help From My
Friends"; the original Beatles version and a subsequent version
by Joe Cocker. If you're a fan of music theory, it's an
interesting comparison. He further explores organicism in a
Dixie Chicks Song called "Long Time Gone". You might get a
little lost when he talks about the "elision in the hypermeter",
but there is enough discussion in more basic terms that'll keep
you interested, and being able to listen to the examples will
help a lot.
Let's face it, understanding organicism isn't necessarily going
to make you a better songwriter by itself. But I remember back
to the very first songwriting course I took at Douglas College in
1977 (yeah, that's a long time ago!), when I first heard someone
put names to things that I never even knew there were names for,
like "form" and "meter". It was exciting to learn all about what
I had always been doing without thinking, and it made me listen a
lot more carefully to other songs and get a better sense of how
it all comes together.
So summer's over...time to dust off the brain and learn something
new!
******
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 Carley Baer
Work for Free?
Sure, music is ridiculously lucrative if you're a mega-star, but
what about us lowly independents? Do we have to keep slaving
away for free until someone discovers us and pays us the money
we're worth?
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They say that Portland, OR has the most micro-breweries, strip
clubs, and indie musicians per capita than any other US city.
I've lived here for a couple years now and I think that statement
is true on all three counts, but especially the last. Musicians
are everywhere in this town. You can catch a live show at any
hour, on any night of the week, at no less than 25 different
venues. It is this that lured me here from my
indie-music-challenged Midwestern hometown, but it is also this
that shoots me in the foot whenever I try to book gigs for
myself.
This place has too damn many musicians.
Now, it is wholly refreshing to live in an entire city that's
pretty dedicated to the arts. People have a lot more sympathy
when you talk about the rigors of self-promotion; they don't
flash fake smiles and then tell you to get a "real job."
Conversely, though, the competition is cutthroat. Venues book
months in advance because the list of talent is so long, and
that's to say nothing of the
less-talented-but-every-bit-as-tenacious crowd that doesn't get
booked nearly as often but still clogs the pipes trying.
The biggest concern that arises in this situation is money. You
may remember that, in my last column, I stood on my soapbox
decrying the use of money as the definitive measure of value in
music. I honestly believe that that is true for recorded music;
it's already recorded, so you may as well try to get people to
listen to it, whether or not they pay for it. However, for live
performances, it is an entirely different matter. There is a
tremendous amount of energy expended by a performer, every single
time, and it deserves to be rewarded-- particularly when that
energy is responsible for keeping patrons at the bar.
In a town like Portland, though, it's hard to get paid. For one
thing, for every legitimately good artist that wants to be paid,
there are a dozen that are willing to play for free. Because of
this, venues have gotten into the habit of not paying anyone
anything even closely resembling a living wage. Often, you'll
find that the only payment offered is a free drink and some
"exposure." Now excuse me, for I must digress.
Exposure is one of my most hated euphemisms: it is the most
condescending way to tell a person that they're working for free.
It might be fine when you're just starting out and need any kind
of experience to boost you into the higher echelons of the music
network, but once you've been playing out for a couple years and
have been diligently honing your craft, "exposure" is insulting.
Imagine being a bar owner and telling your staff that they won't
be getting paid tonight, but frame it in such a way that tries to
make it sound like it's a really great opportunity for them.
Your staff would walk out on you in a heartbeat, and yet
musicians (who arguably do just as much to keep patrons in a bar)
are trained from the beginning to accept this as a standard
business practice.
To read the rest of this article, please visit
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-carleybaer-workforfree.html
*****
Carley Baer is an indie musician with a fierce DIY spirit.
Having chosen the guitar over the violin at the tender age of 16,
she began writing deeply confessional songs and developing a
distinct vocal style. Since then, she's drawn on influences like
Ani Difranco and Ella Fitzgerald to create a sound that's all her
own. She has recorded and self-released two CDs and an EP, and
tours as often as she can. More information at
www.myspace.com/carleybaer, and www.carleybaer.com.
Back 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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Interview with Beeb Birtles - By Jan Fabyankovic
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-janf-int-beebbirtles.html
A Q&A interview with Beeb Birtles who is a founding member of the
Australian group, Little River Band, now on his own and still
making the music he loves.
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Blue Collar's Guitar Gunslingers! - By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-guitargunslingers.html
First in a series perhaps (always seems to be a lot of hotshot
guitarists out there), Mick looks entry-level at the concept of
'guitar gunslingerism', and why it transcends thru generations of
players!
-----
Music Life: 5 - Technology Is Your Songwriting Partner
- By Brian Donovan
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-briandonovan-musiclife5.html
Too many gadgets in your pockets: a pen, paper, a recorder of
some kind? Just trying to decipher what you need to turn your
ideas into completed songs? This is how I do it everyday.
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Guest Blog: Keith Siegfried on"How to Rehearse The Neighborhood
Band" Part Two! (Mick Polich)
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-keithsiegfried2.html
Well, old buddy/bassist/singer/guitarist, and soon-to-be web site
designer and curator for the Mickster, Keith Siegfried, is back
with part two of our series on the very blue - collar aspects of
rehearsing a neighborhood band. Schedules, keeping band mates
happy, the drama, blah, blah -yes, folks, it's all there as the
Bridge Brothers prepare for an annual fall tradition back in
Alpharetta, Ga. - KreiFest!!
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Blue Collar Presents (Some Of) The Classic Midwest Party Bands!
By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-midwestpartybands.html
Ah yes, the good ol' Boogie/Rock era of the 1970's - glad we
survived all that moo-ha! Mick looks at a few of the era's
classic bands and suggests some album primers to get you started
before you raise your glass high and shake that thang!
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"A Change Is Gonna Do You Good" - By Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-change.html
Change can be good (or so Sheryl Crow says). How do we get there,
with music, art, and life? Mick looks at a few point on the
matter.....
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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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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 for your key to better guitar playing!
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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
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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
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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
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The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about
songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint
The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate
credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is
included (including credits and information at the end of each
issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com.
All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information (how to subscribe and
unsubscribe, etc.) will be available at:
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html
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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adinfo@musesmuse.com - How to place a classified ad, pass
on market information or sponsor
The Muse's News.
editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.
SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com
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Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National
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