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The Muse's News |
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The Muse's News
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| * Music Reviews - Don Sechelski, Dan Cohen, Ivan Nossa & Cyrus Rhodes |
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ISSN 1480-6975.
Copyright 1998-2011 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue. |
FIND THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITER 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. Any of these items would make a fantastic present for a songwriter in your life (even if it's you! :-) ) Check it out!
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Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
 CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE MUSIC BUSINESS INTERVIEWS FROM BERKLEE
Berkleemusic is the online extension school of Berklee College of Music. Watch their free, exclusive, music business videos from Berklee's Rethink music conference, covering topics including business models of the future, music publishing, music licensing, copyright challenges, technological innovations that are shifting the industry, and more. Berkleemusic.com offers more then 130 online music courses and certificate programs in music business, songwriting, music production, music theory, arranging, composition, orchestration, guitar, bass, voice, piano and drums.
Enrollment is now open for their January 9th term.
Sign up here for free music business video interviews.
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| Editor's Musings: |
Hi guys! And I hope all of my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of lots to give thanks for. :) Of course, the Holiday advertising has already started here in Canada. That started pretty much as soon as Halloween was done wtih. ;) I'm writing this on November 23rd - and I'm already starting to hear *Christmas carols* being played all over the place. Wow. So if you guys want to have holiday songs ready ... well. You're probably already too late. But that's certainly something to write about - for the positive, I hope ... but often it's heartache that really gets our creative juices flowing, isn't it? Ah, the human condition.
Anyway, there's a ton of great stuff on the website - including a bunch of new articles from our columnists, and some great new reviews from the music reviewing staff. Lots of stuff to check out - plus some last minute calls for submissions from some fantastic songwriting contests. If you haven't already entered the Great American Song Contest, you're really missing out. Just one more day left! (Their blurb is in the Musical Notes section.) There's also some fantastic new articles from John and Brad & Anastasia has a wonderful new book review for you to check out.
So let's get to it, shall we? :) Here are the raffle winners for this month:
Remember: if you'd like to be considered for a raffle prize yourself, have a look at the various prizes offered at the top of The Muse's News webpage, decide which prizes you'd most like, and email me with your top two choices along with your mailing address so that I can get the prizes to you. Yes, it's really that simple. :) (And yes, the mailing address is kinda important. I promise it won't be used for any other reason than to send you your raffle prize - and to mention your approximate location in the notice of raffle winners you see above here.)
I wish you the most wonderful of Happy Holidays, whatever it is you celebrate - and we'll see you this time next month!
All the best,
--Jodi
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Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER 2.0 - NEW PRICE!
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| Music Reviews: Dan Cohen, Don Sechelski, Ivan Nossa & Cyrus Rhodes |
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| Artist Spotlights: |
Great music is only a click away!
Here is a selection of the great artists and bands highlighted
in
the Artist Spotlight section of The Muse's Muse.
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Joe Campbell - Genre: ROCK
Joe Campbell, singer/songwriter from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, finally releases his highly awaited adult alternative rock debut album. His self-titled CD contains fifteen songs about Sex, Love and the human condition and is so highly addictive, you won't be able to turn him off.
Nancy Falkow - Genre: SINGER/SONGWRITER
Nancy Falkow is a melodic and soulful singer-songwriter from Philadelphia, who relocated to Dublin, Ireland in June 2004 on the heels of her well received 3rd release, "Clear View." As a vocalist Falkow has landed guest spots on recordings from Astrud Gilberto to G Love. Her most cherished career highlight was when she toured as a vocalist with Daniel Lanois on his "Shine" Tour in 2003. She is also half of the duo Sunflow and released "Under the Stars" in November 2008.
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| Songwriting Book Review
By: Anastasia Karalekas |
"Does the Noise in my Head Bother You?"
by Steven Tyler
www.harpercollins.com
I’m a huge Aerosmith fan. I remember someone asking me what my favorite rock band was, and I said Aerosmith. So I couldn’t wait to review this book. I was expecting to get a memoir of wild times touring with a rock and roll band; what I got was a surprising mix of rock memoir, brutally honest biography, a peek into Steven Tyler’s life growing up… and some interesting songwriting tips!
But don’t expect to go through Tyler’s life in chronological order. The book is written in a very non-linear way. It jumps around from one event to another, much like Tyler does onstage (and find out the hilarious reason why he does so!) Aside from the pictures giving you a deeper-than-expected peek into Tyler’s life, nothing else here is as neatly organized. But this is not to say that it’s a mess. Not at all. It’s just written in a way that you feel like you’re having a conversation with Tyler, and he’s telling you about all the crazy antics of the day as he remembers each and every juicy tidbit he divulges here. The man really is a master wordsmith. Not only do we see that from the songs he’s written, but also how he captures our attention with his choice of words in this book. He is unique in every sense of the word.
Be warned though, this biography is one wild ride. Tyler makes no secret about the life he has led so far. He also makes no secret about what the others around him were doing in his days of sex, drugs and rock and roll. I have to admit, reading this memoir sparked an interest in me to want to read more biographies...
And the honesty doesn’t stop there. Steven Tyler gets to the truth about songwriting too. Tyler talks about what a song is to him, how it gets created, what it’s like to write a song with someone, and what is going on, or not going on, as you’re singing it. And a little bit about fifths and dissonance to boot!
Interspersed throughout the book are verses of the lyrics he has written over the years. It’s quite a treat to see these songs coming together, to know what triggered the inspiration for a song; the story behind it; how long it took for a song to be completed. Some things you just can’t learn in a classroom or step-by-step book. Some of it is just interesting, and often comical wisdom passed down from none other than the iconic Steven Tyler. Tyler talks about the lengthy process of writing “Dream On”. And don’t we all have our own “Dream On”, that song we keep revisiting, nurturing? Discover how much this song means to him, how it truly defined him. “That song took this band to places where we could only dream on.” (p. 121) And find out how others felt about it, too.
Steven Tyler calls himself a peripheral visionary, an over-sensitive artist who hears what people don’t say and sees the invisible. And his numerous creations over the years solidify this. So, does the noise in his head bother me? No. In fact, it’s music to my ears.
******
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Anastasia Karalekas is a self-taught guitarist and music absorber. When she is not learning, learning, learning, she spends her time writing fiction and poetry. After taking some private guitar lessons, her teacher encouraged her to try putting some of her poems to music, and she's been writing songs ever since.
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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Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) |
BRETT MANNING'S SINGING SUCCESS SYSTEMATIC VOCAL TRAINING SYSTEM:
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| Musical Notes: Songwriting Contests & Market Info. |
In the interest of conserving space (when I need to), I will be including only
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!
DEADLINE DUE SOON IN 13th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST
Wednesday (November 30) is this year's last chance to submit your songs
in the Great American Song Contest. This highly respected songwriting event
features awards for 45 winning songwriters and provides $10,000 in
Prizes. Also, entrants receive written evaluations of their songs from
established music-industry pros, including publishers, music producers and
recording artists. Open to amateur songwriters, lyricists and composers
around the world. Sponsored by Songwriters Resource Network, a trusted
educational resource for songwriters everywhere. Submission deadline:
November 30, 2011.
For details, visit: http://www.GreatAmericanSong.com
For details, visit: http://www.GreatAmericanSong.com
TIPPERARY INTERNATIONAL SONG OF PEACE
Tipperary Peace Convention has announced that it is now accepting entries for the 2012 Tipperary International Song of Peace Contest, which will take place in Tipperary Town, Ireland. So what kind of songs are Tipperary Peace Convention looking for? Well they are looking for songs of Peace, Love and Harmony; about people, places or things; in fact anything that one feels constitutes a 'Sense of Peace'. The organisers are very anxious that the contest embrace all musical tastes so all genre of music is acceptable. Entries must be submitted on a compact disc or cassette tape with one copy of the type-written lyric. The entry fee is €25 (euro) or equivalent amount in cash or cheque of your own currency (however no foreign postal orders accepted).
The closing date for entries is February 1st, 2012. From the entries received, 10 songs will be chosen to compete 'live' in the Grand Final in Tipperary Town, Ireland, to be held on a date to be confirmed in May/June 2012. The winning song will receive a cheque for €1,500 (euro) and a specially commissioned Tipperary Crystal Trophy. Entry Forms are now available and can be downloaded from the organisers website: www.tipperarypeace.ie or on www.sonicbids.com . Further information from the Contest Secretary, Martin Quinn on martinquinns@eircom.net
AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER OFFERING SONGWRITING TIPS AND CRITIQUING SERVICES
Award winning songwriter Jane Eamon is offering songwriting one on one classes via Skype. These sessions are one hour in length and can cover any topic you'd like to address. From writing, to critique, to ideas and games. Or just to share your thoughts and get feedback. If you're interested in a session contact janeeamon@shaw.ca to schedule a class.
EVOLUTION GARDEN MUSIC AWARD 2012
Website Address: www.egmaward.com
Dates: its on now! deadline for entry 31/01/2012
Registration fee: £10 per song
Description: Evolution Garden and Tom Newman (Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells producer / Virgin Records co founder) are looking for original global talent! Entrants must submit their original song/composition on mp3 format. Prize worth £100,000.
SELL YOUR MUSIC FOR FREE & KEEP 100% OF YOUR SALES
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SANDRA JAMES MUSIC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES:
It's that time again! The Sandra James Music Foundation is pleased to announce the Sandra James Songwriting Contest 2012, now in its 4th year! This contest will provide an opportunity to promote the music and message of Sandra James by having entrants compose new songs that mirror her ideals. The foundation hopes the contest will amplify her message and present more opportunities for others to hear Sandra's songs and know her passions. The contest will run from November 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012. Start planning now to get your song in by the end of January. First prize is $2500! Visit us online for more information: www.sandrajames.com or www.facebook.com . We look forward to hearing from you!
MUSIKPITCH: NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR SONGWRITING OPPORTUNITIES
MusikPitch is a brand new website where songwriters can find the
latest opportunities from companies, studios, and individuals
looking for custom songs. It's a straightforward marketplace,
where you can get your music heard and win contracts, regardless
of your experience and location. New projects are posted daily —
from big name movie studios and company brands to non-profits and
schools. Start browsing for great new opportunities today! http://www.musikpitch.com
ENTER THE HYPE HUSTLE MONTHLY CONTEST FOR MUSICIANS - FOR FREE!
The Hype Hustle is contest a for musicians which measures online hustle over musical talent. The contest has a one month registration period and runs for the entirety of the next calendar month. Applications are free and are available during the registration month before the competition. HHP or Hype Hustle Points, are used to keep score, and are awarded for various ways of connecting with fans. At the end of the competition, those with the most HHP will be awarded prizes including professionally mixed and mastered singles, music videos, photo shoots, web sites, and viral marketing campaigns. Only 3 artists will win, but all artists will enjoy the publicity and and internet exposure the Hype Hustle provides for up and coming musicians. Official rules and regulations apply and and can be read HERE. Applications are FREE and available upon request info@hypehustle.com
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.
THE INDIE VENUE BIBLE - A GROUNDBREAKING VENUE DIRECTORY FOR ANY
ARTIST PLANNING TO TOUR IN THE US OR CANADA!
32,000 live music venues of all sizes are featured including
clubs, bars, restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, theaters, halls,
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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! Click here for more information!
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Muse's Clues - By John Brhel
©2011 John Brhel. All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission |
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“Don't care if critics ever jump in line.”
--“Secrets,” OneRepublic
If you’re Ryan Tedder, songwriter and frontman for OneRepublic, it’s easy to disregard what critics have to say about your music. Who needs critical approval when you’re making millions playing in an alternative rock band and writing hits for the likes of Beyonce, Adele and Carrie Underwood?
If you’re someone like me – an unknown struggling to get your songs cut -- critical approval is something to be desired, whether it is that of a publisher, record executive or man on the street. While you don’t need critical approval to validate your existence as a songwriter – you write, therefore you are – it’s sort of necessary for someone to like your music if you intend on making any money off of it or building a fanbase.
Sure, your mom loves your little ditties. Your SO thinks “you’re gonna be famous!” But do your songs really measure up to those of the pros? Unless your mom’s an A&R exec and your girlfriend’s a song plugger, their opinions – as positive and well-intentioned as they may be –amount to zilch in the music business.
This is where Jon Griffin comes in. Songwriter and graduate of the now-defunct Dick Grove School of Music, Griffin recently launched the website IsMySongGood.com to provide songwriters a platform in which to get songs critiqued by unbiased listeners. No loving praise from Mommy here, nossir.
One of Griffin’s goals in starting IsMySongGood.com is to give songwriters a chance to receive real feedback from people who actively seek out and buy music, rather than that of the “gatekeepers” aka music publishers. According to Griffin, you’ll “get a true reflection of what real people think of your new song” by submitting it to IsMySongGood.com
Want to find out how your new tune measures up before spending precious time and money recording a fully produced demo? Register at IsMySongGood.com, upload your MP3’s and see what listeners have to say, free of charge. No matter what type of music you write – rock, pop, country, easy listening, Latin – you can get (brutally) honest feedback at IsMySongGood.com.
Reviews come in the form of written feedback or a starred rating. Be prepared for no-holds-barred review. Reviewer aren’t paid, meaning you’ll be receiving feedback from people simply seeking out new music, as opposed to pros looking to make a buck in exchange for a colorful hatchet job.
Griffin hails IsMySongGood.com as a great resource for songwriters who don’t live in music centers (e.g. Nashville, New York, LA) or “or don't really have a network to shop songs with.” Live in Monowi, Nebraska (Population: 1)? Get feedback from music listeners all over the world, no plane ticket required.
According to Griffin, “you finally will be able to know for sure how good that song really is.” While it’s always a good idea to receive critique outside your own, as with any type of review, you shouldn’t let one bad one put a damper on your efforts. Someone reviewing your country tune might not have an appreciation for the genre and slam you accordingly. Put our music out there, listen to what reviewers have to say -- but take it all with a grain of salt. Griffin even writes “…don’t take it personally” in the site’s FAQ.
Consider signing up at IsMySongGood.com and seeing how your songs fare. What’s the worst that can happen? So, someone says your song “sounds like nails on a chalkboard meets screeching tires.” Big deal. The best that can happen is you use someone’s anonymous feedback to improve your song. Say some random reviewer comments that your song “has a great melody, but the lyric is a little confusing.” You could be insecure and write off the reviewer as someone who doesn’t know what he or she’s talking about. Or you can take a good hard look at your lyric and consider a rewrite to make it more palatable to the average listener.
If your goal is to improve as a songwriter, IsMySongGood.com is a great resource. If you’re not ready to receive blunt feedback from strangers and/or put your songwriting under a microscope, steer clear from websites like IsMySongGood.com. If you’re sure you’re on par with Goffin & King and don’t need to waste your time getting feedback from real music listeners, Godspeed naïve songwriter.
While music maven Ryan Tedder may not care about what critics has to say, his career is built on the consensus of the music industry’s biggest pool of critics: music listeners. Music critics don’t have to write for glossy magazines or trendy websites; they can be as ordinary as your mailman or kid sister. If you want to make a career as a songwriter, you’ve got to earn the approval of your intended listener base, be it that of a small sub-genre like anti-folk or the masses that watch “American Idol.”
Now the question is, how would “Secrets” fare on IsMySongGood.com?
******
John Brhel is a songwriter from upstate New York who wrote his first batch of pop songs before graduating from elementary school. A lover of all music, John writes country songs, plays in a punk band and spends a good deal of his free time listening to Diane Warren ballads. John regularly attends industry events in New York and Los Angeles and is a member of ASCAP and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. A lover of melody and the left-field chord change, John lives and breathes songs. He is always on the lookout for Skype cowriters. |
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Featured Article - By Brad Dunse
QUICK TIP: Can you hear me now?
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“Can you hear me now? … How about now? ... What about now?”
Remember those “Can you hear me now” cell phone commercials with a caller holding a phone to the ear with one hand and the other waving circles overhead trying to get the call through? You don’t want similar when presenting a song for an evaluation. Piggy-backing last month’s evaluation bit, we’ll quickly cover a couple song presentation points before resuming craft orientated tips next month.
You’ve probably been told evaluations aren’t based on whether you can sing or play like a pro, and it’s true they aren’t auditions for “America Has Talent,” but over the years I’ve observed some avoidable situations which have negatively affected a song’s evaluation.
1. Tune Up. Playing live with an instrument that is tunable? Tune that thing. Besides those with pitch sensitivity being majorly distracted, a detuned instrument can have an even undetectable negative affect on a song. Years ago, Mike Deasy, one of the most recorded session guitarists of all time told me if an instrument is out of tune, a song can be played flawlessly and folks will still sit with a screwed brow trying to figure out what was wrong. They know something was but not sure what. So why risk it? Tune up. If you can't or don't know how to tune your instrument, just ask, someone will help you out.
2. Belt it out. Granted, often folks are still learning their own songs at evaluation time, lacking confidence compared to songs already written, but sing it as powerfully as you can. Get the vocals out in front of the instrument … no mumbling. No one expects perfection, but they do want to hear what the words are, how they are stressed, metered, and melodiedif that is a word.
Even though evaluators in a group setting might have lyric sheets to look at, mumbling the words in a performance does not help them see how the meter flows, how syllables are stressed, and that sort of thing. Some evaluators, such as myself if afforded the time and not in a live session, prefer to listen first then look, because that’s exactly what an audience will be doing.
Dude, this is your song, relax, breathe a little bit, lower the music stand from your face, be proud of it … your song that is not your face … well that too I suppose if it’s in keeping, and belt it out! If you just aren’t a singer, all is not lost, get one of your songwritin’ mates to sing it for you.
3. Backup music. In either pre-recorded or live performances, the supporting music is not the main focus at this point. It’s important the musical accompaniment is in the background so we get an idea but vocals should be out front and clearly heard.
If you are singing as boldly as you can and are still not being heard because of the loudness of the instrument or music, either play lighter, use a thinner pick, or turn down the instrument track volume so vocals are out front.
Also if you have a demo recording, now is not the time to show off your lead guitar chops or ability to mix pounding instrument tracks in your home studio. You can still give rhythms and grooves if doing a pop tune, but save tucking the vocals in your Clapton-, Satriani-, Hendrix- SRV-like masterpiece for the final mix. One quick note, don’t invest money into a demo before getting your song evaluated or at least know you aren’t going to have to rerecord it after someone tells you it would be a good idea to eliminate the fifth verse, it needs a bridge, or the bridge you do have has the same chords as the verse and needs changing.
Closely related is a lyric sheet for people to mark up and return to you. I'd bring twenty sheets, double spaced if possible but all on one sheet, labeled verse-chorus-bridge, copyright statement at the bottom (© 2011 Your Name. All Rights Reserved), a space for the evaluator's name, and the date. Doing this:
• Gives you a name for later if you need more info on the feedback given.
• Gives proof to Uncle Sam you were at the meeting for mileage tax write-offs and supports your case of intent to earn income as a serious songwriter.
• Gives you proof that your song was seen by members of an organization on a certain date so you can help win that big infringement case someday.
Happy writing, check ya next month, and Merry Christmas!
*****
Brad Dunse is a performing songwriter based deep in the country's heartland reflecting sensitivity of daily living in his songs. Writing primarily in Folk, Country, Pop, or Americana, he occasionally writes CCM. Co-writer of The Wall, a tribute to Viet Vets receiving major market airplay, he's also received airplay on NPR, local public, independent, and web radio. He is a freelance writer, is board member of Minnesota Association of Songwriters, been member or involved in ASCAP, NSAI, SongU and other organizations. You can visit his web site at WWW.BRADDUNSEMUSIC.COM as well Add As Facebook Friend or Follow Him On Twitter. |
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| "ON SITE" FEATURED ARTICLE(S) |
How Radiohead Got it Right, and Your Band Can Too - by Draven Grey
Stop struggling with your marketing. A brief look at how you can use Radiohead’s successful marketing tactics for your own band.
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Backstage With The Band-Aids: Emerald - by Cheryl Mullen
Soon after I published “THE GOOD GROUPIE’S TEN COMMANDMENTS” in 2008, I started getting emails from groupies seeking my advice on how to handle certain situations with their bands. This was absolutely the most serious one I received.
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Rock Revival pt 1 - Death Valley High Talks Independent Rock
- by James Moore
If you are supporting your tone with a relaxed but engaged belly breath - a breath that seems to fill your whole body, this will create a firm 'platform' on which your tone rests. When a singer is under pitch, it is almost always simply because they aren't engaging enough vital breath energy that then becomes firm breath support for the voice.
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Rock Revival pt 2 - Danger Van Gorder From Countless Thousands
- by James Moore
In the 2nd installment of "Rock Revival" I spoke with the very talented and hard working Danger Van Gorder, lead man of the stellar alternative/punk band Countless Thousands. Van Gorder is a perfect subject to discuss music marketing with. He is passionate about his craft, first and foremost. He also works very hard promoting his music, and he uses a variety of tactics to do so. While may bands waste precious time on social networks, Countless Thousands perfect their song-writing craft and aim for real press. I believe that hard work and a positive attitude both generate results, and he certainly has both.
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Pitch Problems???? - Breathe! - by Beth Lawrence
If you are supporting your tone with a relaxed but engaged belly breath - a breath that seems to fill your whole body, this will create a firm 'platform' on which your tone rests. When a singer is under pitch, it is almost always simply because they aren't engaging enough vital breath energy that then becomes firm breath support for the voice.
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What Did We Know and When Did We Know It? - by Bill Pere
"What did he know and when did he know it?" This key question from the Watergate era brought down a President. It can also bring down – or elevate – a song. The presentation of a song by a writer to a listener is a social interaction – a conversation of sorts. Like any communication, if the songwriter cares about his/her message, the goal of the interaction is to forge a connection between singer and listener, so that both are on the same wavelength with common understanding. This article gives you some do's and dont's.
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| Classifieds & Useful Services |
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SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC FOR INDIE-MUSIC'S TOP 25
Indie-Music is seeking artist submissions for its prestigious annual Top 25 Awards. This exclusive competition features the best independent artists and songs in a year-long campaign which exposes their music to thousands of potential new fans and industry backers. Artists worldwide are invited to submit their music for placement on the website, which receives millions of hits every year. All genres welcome.
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THE 11th EDITION OF THE INDIE BIBLE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
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LYRICIST VERSION 3: THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND
Lyricist is the first-of-its-kind word processor designed
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THE SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITER MOTIVATION & MEDITATION AUDIO
Inspired by the songwriter's journey, and through understanding
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Limited Introductory Offer of $12.95 for Digital Download
Discounts for CD, and CD/Digital Download Combo shown on ordering
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ADVERTISING RATES:
For Classifieds: US$50 Max. 7 lines (though I
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Click here for Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
opportunities.
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