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The Muse's News |
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Issue 12.7 - October
2009
ISSN 1480-6975 This
issue sponsored by: 
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Music Reviews - 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 - TARGET A CONTEMPORARY SONG GENRE - PART 1
- by Robin Frederick
@-- 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 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
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) ACCEPTING ENTRIES NOW
DEADLINE APPROACHING SOON
Called "the songwriting competition to take note of" by the New
York Times, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) gives
away over $150,000 in cash and prizes including a $25,000 cash
Grand Prize, the largest cash Grand Prize of any songwriting
competition in the world! ISC's prestigious judges include Kings
of Leon; Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); Tom Waits; Adele; Wynonna;
Jeff Beck; Alejandro Sanz; Loretta Lynn; Snow Patrol; Steve
Winwood; McCoy Tyner; The Shins; Michael W. Smith; Robbie
Williams; Jeremy Camp; and many more. Judges also include
high-profile record label executives including Seymour Stein
(Chairman/CEO, Sire Records); Monte Lipman (President, Universal
Republic Records); Amanda Ghost (President, Epic Records); and
many more. Go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com for more
info and an entry form.
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Hi folks. Well, summer is winding down ... I haven't quite seen
a lot of turning leaves here, but it's coming. I can feel it in
the air. This is actually my favorite time of year (October is
my birthday month, so I'm a little biased ;) ). I hope you're
all finding a lot of inspiration for your songs.
Of course, I'll do everything I can to provide *more* inspiration
with this newsletter! :) (And there are a TON new articles on the
site to help with that. You can see all of them listed towards
the end here.)
A couple of things I want to mention. We once again have a new
columnist! Cyrus Rhodes has joined up with his new column "Biz
Talk". He'll be talking about all things related to the music
industry from how to book a gig, what A&R reps look for, and lots
more. There will be a new article every Monday, so check out his
menu page on a regular basis! It's at
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk.html .
I should also mention that if you're interested in learning how
to play guitar - or MORE about how to play guitar if you've
already gotten a good start on your own, Scott Morris' guitar
method is now on sale for $100 off. And I mention this here
because his offer has already pretty much finished for everyone
else - but he's graciously agreed to allow me to offer this
discount to you guys until October 15th.
You can see 2 free guitar lesson video samples from Scott's
website (it'll help you get started learning 5th/power chords
right away) by visiting here: http://tinyurl.com/scottmorris
And now, getting to the raffle winners:
* Luigi Cappel, North Shore, New Zealand, has won a copy of
Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software
(http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html).
* J. Poet San Francisco, CA, 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.
* Mike Hyden from Ralston, NE has won a copy of
"100 Miles To A Record Deal" by author and publisher Bronson
Herrmuth. (http://www.songrepair.com/bookforweb2.htm)
As I mention every month, if you'd like one of these raffle
prizes (they're all listed at the top of
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html), feel free to write to me
with your first two choices for a raffle prize, include your
contact information so I know where to *send* it, and that's it!
You're in! :)
Happy writing, guys!
All the very 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!)
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WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER 2.0 - JUST RELEASED!
(Muse's News readers get a special discount!)
MasterWriter is one of the most remarkable software programs ever
developed for the songwriter. Its unique features together with
an amazing array of reference dictionaries provide the songwriter
with everything he or she needs, in one easy to use program. Why
struggle to find the right word or phrase when you can have all
the possibilities in an instant. In a world where good is rarely
good enough, MasterWriter will be an invaluable tool in helping
the songwriter consistently create the exceptional.
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 *$50* discount just by ordering through The
Muse's Muse! Please use discount coupon # 3004.
Endorsed by: BMI, ASCAP, NSAI, PRS and Taxi.
And you can try before you buy!
http://www.musesmuse.com/masterwriter-songwriting-software.html
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : Chip Withrow & Don Sechelski
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NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
SLOW month for reviews this month, folks. But it'll pick up
again - and Cyrus Rhodes has joined us as a reviewer (he's the
guy who has a new Biz Talk column here too!) - so if you have a
CD you'd like reviewed, now's the time to get it in! :)
Don Sechelski:
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* Drum Dynasty
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-drumdynasty-dd.html
* Attack Ships On Fire
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-attackshipsonfire-punches.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
----------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Tapestry - Genre: FOLK & TRADITIONAL
This award-winning Toronto-based folk trio has a musical style
running from traditional folk ballads to blues, pop and humor,
with a variety of vocal and acoustic instrumental arrangements.
If you'd enjoy a blend of Barenaked Ladies, They Might Be Giants
and the Indigo Girls, you'll love their unique and quirky sound.
http://www.urbantapestry.org/
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Graham Hobson & the BRS - Genre: POP
Award-winning piano powerpop that will have you singing at the
top of your lungs in the car. Soccer mums stopped at traffic
lights will be disturbed - you'll play air drums - you rock! If
you dig Folds, Elton and Billy you'll love Graham Hobson & the
BRS!
http://www.grahamhobsonbrs.com/
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S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Ed Teja
Songwriting For Your Original Act
by Cat Cohen
www.catcohen.com
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If you are a performing songwriter or the songwriter in a band,
you probably already know that there seems to be a large
difference between a "good song" and a song that is good for your
act. Many great songs just don't seem to go over. Perhaps what
you haven't worked out is what song crafting factors make those
differences. Cat Cohen's book takes his songwriting experience
and focuses in on giving you some guidelines for crafting songs
that will fit your act to a tee.
The emphasis here is writing commercial music, but commercial
music is simply music that sells. Sure, you already worked out
that your songs have to be catchy and original, but to a large
extent those are just words used to describe commercial music and
don't add any useful information. What makes a song catchy? What
is originality in a song (or a performance, for that matter)?
This book takes a look at some of the elements you can craft into
your material — not boilerplate solutions, as those would be
anything but fresh, but a more nuts and bolts look at some of the
ingredients and how they work, and how they combine.
The first part of the book takes you through something of a
songwriter's marketing checklist to help you position your act.
Some of these things you've probably worked out, but here they
are put into a context so you can see how they affect the songs
you perform. One important thread running through this discussion
is how you are positioning yourself. What is original about your
songs or band and how are your songs helping strengthen that
message? He takes you through an analysis of your audience, your
genre, and your core message that will help you define yourself.
In the second part of the book, Cohen tackles some song crafting
guidelines that you can use to craft tunes to fit the image
you've now defined. Cohen tackles issues such as the groove —
what affect do various tempos and meters have on your song and
how does the kind of syncopation influence the groove?
Amid some more or less conventional information are gems such as,
when writing lyrics, focusing on the relationship between the
singer and the person the song is sung to. The description of
song sections and forms also provides some good food for thought.
If you understand the real purpose of each section, such as the
chorus, then you can move from writing something that is like
songs you’ve heard, to crafting one that serves your purposes.
******
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 TO WRITE SONGS ON THE GUITAR
Many times when people decide to learn how to play the guitar,
they get frustrated with trying to switch fingers when having to
change from one chord to another. Did you know that one of the
very most common chords used to play the most popular styles of
music is called a 5th chord (also known as a power chord) and
that it only requires using 2 fingers?! And that instead of
having to constantly change your fingers when changing to other
chords, all you have to do is move the same 2 finger position up
or down the neck of the guitar, in order to change to a different
chord?
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/scottmorris to see this free
guitar lesson video demonstration of 5th (power) chords. These
are the things that most private guitar teachers won't show you,
as they make their living by showing you just a little bit at a
time so that you keep coming back.
That's why you should seriously consider purchasing the Scott
Morris guitar method. Why? Because Scott's method has earned a
Billboard top rating and has also been chosen exclusively as the
number 1 best on-line guitar learning method by the Video
Professor, and soon to be a part of the new Video Professor TV
commercials and website. And if you buy his method today, you can
save $100.00 OFF! the every day price (only until October 15th!).
You can see 2 free guitar lesson video samples from Scott's
original website that will help you get started learning
5th/power chords right away!
Scott was also kind enough to share 2 additional free video
lessons that you won't find anywhere else on his website.
Click here!
http://tinyurl.com/scottmorris to watch these great guitar lesson
videos offered by Scott Morris.
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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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11th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES!
The highly recommended Great American Song Contest is open to
amateur songwriters everywhere. This annual international event
features prestigious awards to 45 winners in 9 categories and
provides $10,000 in Prizes. Music-industry judges include
prominent publishers, music producers and recording artists.
Entrants receive written evaluations of their songs. Songwriters,
lyricists and composers are invited. Sponsored by Songwriters
Resource Network, a trusted educational resource for songwriters
everywhere. Submission deadline is October 30, 2009. For details,
visit: For details, visit: http://www.GreatAmericanSong.com
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SONGWRITING CONSULTATION SPECIAL OFFER:
Pete and Pat Luboff are offering a special rate to Muse's Muse
readers on a single song consultation:
http://www.writesongs.com/consults.html MM readers get a $5
discount by sending $15 via PayPal to peteandpat@comcast.net
instead of using the $20 single-song button on the site. Please
email the songs to the same address (mp3 attachment with the
lyrics in the body of the email - lyrics only are fine).
Response will be by email. Offer is good until 12/1/09.
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MUSIC AID 2009
The Music Aid International Song Contest and Music Awards is now
accepting entries. This is a unique, high profile and worthy
event for songwriters, bands, solo artists, composers and music
video makers and EVERYONE is guaranteed to receive at least $100
in prizes (including free copyright registration) just for
entering and taking part. Full details at http://www.musicaid.org
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THE BANDIT A&R NEWSLETTER - FREE SAMPLE COPY
ARE YOU an unsigned act, songwriter or producer?? Looking for a
Record, Publishing, Management and Licensing deal worldwide,
especially in the UK and USA? Each month the BANDIT A&R
NEWSLETTER publishes features on Labels, Publishers, Managements
etc looking to sign acts, songs or masters. Get yourself a FREE
SAMPLE COPY from: bandit.366@aweber.com
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THE 6th ANNUAL IAMA (INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS) KICKS
OFF
The 6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is
currently accepting entries, this awards competition is judged
based on songwriting, performance & artistry. Win prizes in 8
different categories: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best
Group/Duo, Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental,
Open, Bluegrass/Country. There will also be an Overall Grand
Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth US$11,000, which
includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and
Canada, featured on Acoustic Cafe, a syndicated radio program.
You may also obtain the entry form at: http://www.inacoustic.com
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ARE YOUR SONGS BEING PLAYED ON THE RADIO? FIND OUT NOW!
streamSerf.com is an independent, music-auditing technology
company founded to provide the music industry with even greater
power, flexibility and functionality to audit the airplay of
music through traditional radio stations, satellite radio
stations and Internet streams. And we're delivering over 150
million pages of free reports on current radio airplay.
We listen to the radio... lots and lots of radio. Then we take
all that data we get from listening and package it up into
meaningful reports... reports that you can use. Our
patent-pending technology allows us to listen to thousands and
thousands of radio stations at the same time... Satellite,
Internet and Terrestrial Broadcast stations! As a matter of fact,
we are currently listening to over 30 MILLION HOURS of radio per
year in 65 countries across the planet. If there's a song being
played on the radio, there's a good chance we hear it.
Check out http://www.streamserf.com now. We make music count!
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TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS: FANS SUPPORT ARTISTS DIRECTLY WITH FEED
THE MUSE..ONE DOLLAR AT A TIME
Feed The Muse presents a simple model for creators and audiences
to join together and keep the arts flourishing and is a simple
yet effective vehicle for musicians to fund their creative
projects and connect to their audience in a meaningful way. It
provides a means for artists to ask their fans, families and
friends to contribute financially in the artists’ evolution.
If an artist has 5,000 MySpace "friends" and each contribute
even $2 that totes up to $10,000 for the next tour or recording
project. This process allows fans who are passionate about their
artists and want to see them continue creating, the opportunity
to do so without having to make a large contribution. Feed The
Muse runs on the concept of microdonations. Every dollar, every
donation no matter how small is a statement of faith in the
project and moves it closer to completion.
Visit www.feedthemuse.net to see how easy it can be to get the
support you need.
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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/
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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!
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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 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!
Back to Menu
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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
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"Music has the ability to crystallize emotional states,
crystallize feelings." And with that, begins a 20-part series on
CBC Radio in Canada about "20 Pieces of Music That Changed the
World"
(http://www.cbc.ca/thesundayedition/features/20pieces.html). Not
all 20 episodes are up yet, they are only at 14 as I type this,
so you've got a lot of catching up to do if you don't mind
checking out these podcasts on the CBC webpage. In fact, you
still have time to email the show and let them know what song or
songs changed YOUR world. Maybe you'll hear them on upcoming
shows! Each podcast is about 25-30 minutes in length and
certainly worth a listen to.
The first episode talks about Elvis Presley's "That's Alright"
which was the very first song he recorded at Sun Records in
Memphis, Tennessee with the legendary Sam Phillips. The original
song was heard by almost no one other than the black population
because at that time, in 1946, music was quite segregated, even
to the point where there were "race charts" exclusively for
black people. Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup wrote and sang the first
version of "That's All Right", which was eventually recorded and
released by Elvis Presley in July 1954. Somehow, Elvis had heard
Crudup's version of the song, and he turned it into a little bit
of history. Pop music now belonged to young people of all races,
and youth with its inherent sexuality and heartbreak took the
stage.
If you are a songwriter, then you love music, all kinds of it,
and although we may not even dream about changing the world with
one of our songs, finding out how others did can be a fascinating
journey. What combination of sounds, circumstances and even
visions gives birth to a song or piece of music that forever
changes us as human beings? Even if a song that was particularly
special to you isn't on the list (and it probably won't be!),
what is it about that song that did what it did to you? In the
beginning of the series, Robert Harris discusses the idea that
"all art aspires to the level of music", and how music goes right
into your brain and immediately affects you in a way that is
beyond the power of words. Certain pieces of music do this on a
much grander scale in that the world is never the same because of
it.
So what can a songwriter hope to learn from these podcasts? How
to change the world with your songs? Not necessarily :-) But
knowing where so much of our music comes from and how it evolved
into what we listen to today gives us, I think, the opportunity
to not just reflect our own influences in our writing, but
understand the impact that even our own songs can have on the
world around us. Songs are powerful things!
******
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 Robin Frederick, author of "Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting"
TARGET A CONTEMPORARY SONG GENRE - PART 1
Make Your Song Stand Out by Fitting In!
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If you've been struggling to find a place for your songs in the
music industry, here's a suggestion that will help!
Imagine you've been asked to build a house. Without drawing up
any plans or consulting potential homeowners, you jump right in
and construct a unique dwelling that's a cross between a ski
chalet, an office building, and a log cabin. Proudly, you show it
off to prospective buyers. At first they seem merely puzzled,
then they grow frustrated, and finally they turn and walk away,
making it clear they're just not interested in living there.
What does this have to do with songwriting? If you write a song
that's a combination of two or three genres, you may find that
listeners-the people you're inviting into your song-are confused
or uninterested. Your song may have plenty of emotional content
and an intriguing story to tell but if it's straddling too many
styles listeners may not hang around long enough to discover
those things.
Finding listeners and a place in the music industry for your
songs begins with finding a contemporary genre you want to write
in. So before you start humming your next melody or roughing out
a lyric, let's spend some time exploring this amazingly useful
concept.
What is a music genre?
Music genres have been around for hundreds of years. A couple
centuries ago, there were just a few genres; these included
religious music, classical music, and folk songs. Today we have
numerous genres with names like Country, Rock, Pop, R&B, Dance,
Hip-Hop, Jazz, Electronica, Americana and sub-genres such as
Neo-Traditional Country, Dance-Pop, Teen-Pop, EMO, and Neo-Soul.
Wikipedia lists 26 sub-genres of Blues! How do you deal with all
this?!!
There's only one important thing to keep in mind: All of these
genres have been separated, named, and identified because they
appeal to different audiences. There's nothing inherently better
or worse, more or less creative about any of them. But they
differ markedly in melodic and lyric style, themes, chord
progressions, rhythm, and production and each one has an audience
that likes a certain sound. Listeners who like Modern Rock
generally aren't crazy about Traditional Country and vice versa.
Think of your own likes and dislikes; there are probably certain
styles of music you love and others you don't like at all. Each
set of listeners wants to easily find the artists and music they
like. Record labels, radio, and song publishers want to deliver
it to them! So the music industry began classifying the music
based on similarities of sound and audience.
So why is this important to you?
If you write a song that does not share the melodic, lyric, or
thematic characteristics of a commercial music genre, you're
going to have a hard time when it comes to selling it. Publishers
and record labels are looking for songs and artists that sound
like they could be played on major radio stations; these stations
play songs that fall into one of four broad, contemporary genres:
Pop, Rock, Country, or R&B. If your song doesn't fit into any of
these current genres, radio isn't likely to play it because their
audience may not respond positively. You might have success
selling it in a niche market or releasing it as an independent
artist and seeking your own audience, but as far as finding a
home for it in the commercial, mainstream music industry, the
odds are not in your favor. The other major outlet for songs,
film/TV placement, also favors the Big Four mainstream genres.
Get to know your genre
Each genre has some general characteristics within the melody,
lyric, chord, and production elements. For example, one of the
hallmarks of today's Pop singer-songwriter melodies (a la John
Mayer, Colbie Caillat, and Jason Mraz) is the use of a variety of
line lengths and unexpected starting points for those lines. This
type of melody keeps listeners off-balance, guessing what will
happen next. Country songwriters have adopted this technique,
too, but they don't use it nearly as much as Pop
Singer-Songwriters; instead, they spice up the melody in
carefully chosen spots. So, when you compare a Pop hit song like
the Fray's "How to Save a Life" with a Country hit like Trace
Adkins' "You're Gonna Miss This," you'll notice that the sound
and feel are very different. These two melodies share many
elements of song craft but use them in different ways and
amounts.
There are lyric differences between genres, too. An aggressive,
bold Rock lyric won't work well in the conversational,
image-filled Country genre or the sensual, story-driven R&B
style. Language, characters, situations, and attitudes vary from
genre to genre. While these styles share some important elements
of lyric song craft-a strong opening line that launches the
listener into the middle of the situation, a powerful lyric hook,
a memorable payoff line at the end of the chorus-the overall
effect varies from genre to genre because the lyric language is
different.
You can find and listen to examples from each mainstream genre at
Billboard.com (http://www.billboard.com). Just click on "Charts"
then choose the genre you're interested in. If you don't know
which one you'd like to write in, check out all the charts. When
you find one with three or four songs in the top twenty that you
like, then that's a style worth exploring. Of course you won't
like all the hits on any chart. I never do! Look for those
special songs that have strong appeal for you and study those.
CONTINUE NEXT MONTH IN PART 2....
*****
This article is based on Shortcut #117 in "Shortcuts to Hit
Songwriting: 126 Proven Techniques for Writing Songs That Sell."
Check it out at Amazon.com. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982004001)
It's filled with 125 more useful, practical song craft shortcuts
you can use to give your songs emotional impact, memorability,
and commercial appeal.
Robin Frederick has written over 500 songs for television,
records, theater, and audio products. She is a former Director of
A&R for Rhino Records and Executive Producer of more than 60
albums. Robin is the author of "Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting."
She currently oversees the A&R Team for TAXI, the world's leading
independent A&R company.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobinFrederick
Blog: http://www.robinfrederick.com/news.html
Discover songwriting tips, games, and exercises at
www.RobinFrederick.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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Songwriting - Part 2 - by Tom Hess
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-tomhess-songwriting2.html
In Part 2 of this article series you will learn more innovative
ways of using melody and chords to enhance your songwriting.
-----
The demise of the UK Recording Studio - by Trevor Krueger
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-trevorkrueger-ukstudiodemise.html
Technology continues to threaten the foundations of "quality"
recording to the point that many top London Studios are already
gone or facing closure.
-----
Eliminating Nasality, by Celebrity Vocal Coach Jeannie Deva
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-jeanniedeva-nasal.html
Are you concerned about having a nasal voice? Jeannie Deva, one
of the top vocal coaches in the world, has some remedies for you
in this article. If you are simply interested in exploring and
further developing your voice, you'll find this exercise
particularly helpful with fast results.
-----
Mixing - by Cyrus Rhodes
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-mixing.html
These components generally make for an industry standard mix.
-----
POS is Never Wrong - by Cyrus Rhodes
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-biztalk-pos.html
At the end of the day, it's still all about money.
-----
The A&R Representative - by Cyrus Rhodes
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-bizztalk-a&r.html
This article takes an in-depth look at the A&R Representative,
and what role they play in the Music Industry.
-----
Music Life: 12 - Omni Focus And My Lyrics
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-briandonovan-musiclife12.html
I'm always on the lookout for a new system that makes my
creativity easier to manage. Recently I stumbled onto Omni Focus
by The Omni Group...and it has changed my creative life forever!
Hopefully, it will change YOUR creative life as well...
-----
Groove Can Happen Anywhere! - by Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-groove.html
Does it take a formal, or 'known' setting such as a bar, concert
hall, or festival for a music groove to happen? Mick answers some
questions on that one to reinforce the idea that getting your
musical groove on happens anywhere, and any time....
-----
Les Paul - Setting Some Things Straight - by Mick Polich
http://www.musesmuse.com/col-mickpolich-lespaul.html
In the wake of his passing, there are a thousand and one blogs,
iReports, and You Tube tributes to guitar innovator Les Paul.
Mick takes on a few 'myths' about Les to hopefully get some facts
straight on the man, and legend.
=================================================================
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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It's the "secret weapon" used by some of the winners of the
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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
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The package includes 12 audio CDs (packed with 17 repeatable
lessons, including both technique--the simple, yet powerful
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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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VOCAL RANGE & CONTROL - YOUR UNIQUE VOICE
Expand your vocal range and improve your tone with The Deva
Method®. For less than the price of one voice lesson, you can
study with celebrity vocal coach Jeannie Deva through the
acclaimed "Contemporary Vocalist Vol. 1" book and 4 CD set. With
easy to understand and use exercises you can develop effortless
breath support and control of your voice.
Impressive Results
I'm a professional male rock singer with 20 years experience. I
studied with two highly acclaimed vocal instructors while living
in Los Angeles... I started "The Deva Method" while driving to
gigs about a month ago and I'm very impressed with the results...
My bandmates and I are stunned at the increase in my range and
stamina. I've tried other "off the shelf" warm up CDs, but think
this one is by far the best. --- Amazon.com review by K. Andrews
(Roseland, FL)
Join the thousands of other singers who own Jeannie Deva's
materials and become the singer you always dreamed you could be.
Visit http://www.clickXchange.com/er.phtml?act=2019983.2 today.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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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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.
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