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The Muse's News |
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The Muse's News
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ISSN 1480-6975.
Copyright 1998-2016 - Jodi Krangle.
For more contact information, see end of issue. |
FIND THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITER IN YOUR LIFE!
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Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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“Producers have Pro Tools. Writers have Word. Songwriters have MasterWriter.”
–Rob Thomas
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| Editor's Musings: |
Well guys, those of you that have dropped by The Muse's Muse lately already know the news - I'm closing it down. There are a lot of reasons for that - but mostly it had to do with a combination of my own priorities shifting and my voice over business taking off. Quite frankly, this site has always been a labor of love - which means it didn't exactly pay the bills. ;) After 21+ years running the site and 19+ years putting out this newsletter (and in all that time, I never missed a month), it's time to move on to new passions and to give them all the attention I can.
The online world has changed a LOT since I started this place. There's a ton of social media resources out there for songwriters. I'm positive you'll find tons of information with an easy search. And I'm not taking The Muse's Muse down. I just won't be updating it. So don't worry about favorite articles disappearing. Not for as long as I can keep the lights on. :)
In any case, with the closing of the site will also come the closing of this newsletter. This will be the last time you'll see me in your email. Since this was the beginning of year 19, I'd say I had a pretty good run. ;)
I'd like to thank all the many contributors to this newsletter and the website over the years. There have been a LOT of them - and each and every one helped to make this newsletter and the website, the special resource and community that it turned out to be. Thank you to YOU too - all of you that are still subscribed and actually reading. You don't know how rare you truly are. ;) I appreciate your letting me into your life once a month - and though this will be my last time doing that, I have every confidence you'll do great things.
As it turns out, I DO have a final gift for you - from our friends Danny Arena and Sara Light over at SongU.com - 30 days of a Platinum membership for free! Just go to SongU.com and click on the "Join" link at the top of the page. Then during the signup, enter the redemption code FAMMUSE. No credit card needed. For that month, you'll be able to take up to 5 courses, you'll be able to set up your own website and pitch songs for no cost. It's a really generous offer - but you'll have to take them up on it before June 15th if you're interested (your month will start from the date you sign up). I've known Danny & Sara from before I started this newsletter and I know them to be extremely knowledgeable, helpful and giving people (as the offer above only proves). I know you'll get a HUGE amount of value out of a membership at SongU and I wish you all well on your further journeys into songwriting.
Of course, an issue wouldn't be an issue without raffle winners - so here are the final ones:
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Robert Moehle, from Longview, WA, has won a free 3 month membership to SongU, 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.
- Alice Hesselrode from Windsor, ON Canada, has won a copy of the wonderfully useful book, "100 Miles To A Record Deal" by author and publisher, Bronson Herrmuth.
-
Lindsay McDonald from Richfield, UT, has won a 6 month membership to GuitarMasterClass.net. GMC has tons of helpful videos, instructors and lessons along with a forum for chatting with teachers and students 24/7, recording collaborations, attending video chats, & content for bass, drums, singing, piano, etc..
-
Linda Maki-Griffis from Newberry, MI has won a copy of Jon Harnum's The Practice of Practice as reviewed in last issue's newsletter.
Thank you again for having subscribed. While a lot of the sections in this current newsletter are blank, Brad Dunse actually does have a new Quick Tip for you - and a link to his new site that will be continuing to create those, if you'd like to join him for more.
Lastly, if you happen to have a project you need a voice for (radio or tv commercial, corportate or web (explainer) narrations, documentaries, in show narration, tv or radio station promo/imaging, etc.), you're welcome to check out my voice over website at Piece of Cake Voice Overs & Vocals (I make YOUR job a piece of cake. ;) ).
I wish each and every one of you all the success you can possibly handle. ;) And thanks again for sticking with me for so long.
--Jodi
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Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!)
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BRETT MANNING'S SINGING SUCCESS SYSTEMATIC VOCAL TRAINING SYSTEM:
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Drop by for more details and start
yourself on the road to improving your vocal chops today.
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| Artist Spotlights: |
It's the last issue so ... I hope you'll forgive me
Other bands are still located
in
the Artist Spotlight section of The Muse's Muse.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jodi Krangle - Genre: JAZZ
Jodi Krangle and Chris Conway have collaborated for over 15 years, and have sung together on stages in the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Time Will Tell features songs they have co‐written and those they have composed individually, as well as standards and cover songs they both love and were keen to perform together. Over those past 15 years, Jodi and Chris have often wondered if they would ever make an album together. They used to say "time will tell," and now - at last - it has.
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| Songwriting Book Review by Tim Zbikowski |
No final book review this month, only a last minute review of the Muse’s News. What a great newsletter this has been for 19 years. Heartfelt thanks to Jodi for a tremendous amount of time and effort spent on a job well done. Best of luck to you, Jodi, in all your future endeavors!
--Tim Zbikowski
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Sponsor Message:
(Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) |
THE INDIE BIBLE PRESENTS THE ULTIMATE INDIE BUNDLE!
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Radio Stations, Music Magazines, Venues, Labels, Distributors and much more!
Click here for details and to order online. |
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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!
FREE BOOKING AT REPUTABLE VENUES IN MOST MAJOR CITIES!
Afton is a free booking service that focuses on booking local and regional artists of all genres at legitimate music venues in their home region. Our primary goal is to book local artists on well-attended live shows. Perform Live. Get Paid. No Fees!
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FREE 4 PART SONGWRITING VIDEO SERIES
If you want to know the exact songwriting components used in songs people actually want to download and own, this free 4 Part Songwriting Video Series will teach you just that. The videos even come with cheat sheets for you to use as an easy reference next time you’re writing a song. Start watching the FREE songwriting videos (and download your cheat sheets) by clicking here.
WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE RADIO: PLAYING THE BEST MUSIC BY FEMALE ARTISTS IN ALL GENRES
Women of Substance Radio is an Internet Radio Station (with our own Mobile App) that has been on the air for 7 years. Our review board hand-picks the BEST music by female artists in all genres from both label artists and Indies. New music is added weekly and promoted on Social Media. We also feature videos on our blog daily. WOSRadio is a unique platform for Female Indie Artists to showcase and promote their music to targeted listeners and music buyers.
Visit: www.WOSRadio.com / Listen: www.rdo.to/wosradio
SONGWRITER CONNECTION KICKSTARTS YOUR MUSIC CAREER
Songwriter Connect will connect you to established artists near you. We are creating a new platform for songwriters and composers. The main feature will be that we will connect you to established artists near you. We also cater for local, unrecognized singers and bands who are on the lookout for talented and screened songwriters to collaborate on their next project. Register now to be one of the first songwriters on this innovative platform! www.songwriter-connect.com
TUNII.COM:
A REVOLUTIONARY NEW WAY TO SHARE AND PROMOTE MUSIC
Tunii.com pays Fans to Follow and Promote Songs and is 100% FREE to join for both recording artists and music fans. Join us in our mission of making Tunii the future of the music industry where together we can all share in the success for connecting artists and fans around the world. Sign up today through this special Muse's Muse link and please check out our short “How Tunii works video” It's Easy, it's FREE and it's Fun!
BOOKING & TOURING SUCCESS STRATEGIES & SECRETS ONLINE COURSE
Getting great gigs, building your audience and selling more merchandise is exactly what your career is all about. This online course is jam-packed with 12 hours of downloadable audio mp3s and PDF Action Guides. There are 5 modules: Module 1: Tour Goals & Planning Strategies, Module 2: Routing Your Tours, Module 3: Negotiation Techniques & Contracts, Module 4: Working with Presenters, Bookers, Promoters/Advancing the Date, Module 5: Targeting Your Markets for Maximum Audiences. Plus 2 hours of bonus classes, BONUS #1: Website Maximizer-Is you’re your Website Selling You? Learn how. BONUS #2: Copy Writing: How to write fan emails, press releases and other promo copy that get responses. Bonus # 3: Three free Industry Biz Booster Monthly Mentor Interviews. And finally, weekly call-in office hours to talk with former agent, manager, author, creator, Jeri Goldstein directly, about the course and your career. Booking & Touring Success Strategies & Secrets gives you artist-tested, step-by-step strategies to help you reach your career goals and make all of your tours profitable. http://performingbiz.com.
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@telus.net to schedule a class.
HAVE YOU EVER STRUGGLED TO FIND THE RIGHT CHORD OR NOTE TO FIT SOMEWHERE IN YOUR SONG?
Hooktheory is a free resource that can show you how to integrate basic music theory into your songwriting process, making it easier to write catchy chord progressions and melody. Hooktheory currently consists of three main areas:
1. The Hookbook demonstrates basic principles of music theory and how they relate to popular music. It's filled with multimedia-rich content explaining musical concepts synchronized to real songs so you can hear what you are learning and make connections easier.
2. The Music Editor lets you write chord progressions in Roman Numeral notation and listen to them in any key. Add a melody, save your work, share it with friends, or export it to Garageband, sheet music, or guitar tab.
3. The Analysis Wiki is a user-generated collection of analyses of popular songs. Look up the chord progression and melody of a song, or use the music editor to create your own analyses.
Check it out now!
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Muse's Clues
©2014-2016 All Rights Reserved.
Used By Permission |
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Featured Article - By Brad Dunse
QUICK TIP: Unsettling the Score in Your Lyric |
Before popping the cork off this month’s Quick Tip…
Since refreshable content is ending at Muses Muse, This is my last featured article.
Bummer?
Nah…
I launched a new deal for songwriting tips and tricks. Even got Jodi’s blessing.
More tips… more examples… more detail… even occasional songwriting entrepreneurial info.
Plus, I’ve tossed in some audio content as well. Sort of a private podcast.
Cranking it up at Tunesmith Tips.
Something else too. I was strongly advised not to offer it, but, I said, “Screw it! I’m doin’ it anyway.” A deal worth $30 value, absolutely FREE.
More on that when you download a free copy of Here’s What You Can Do With Your Song Evaluation… Pal.
Time to lift our butts off the chair, join in on a chorus of, “For she’s a jolly good fellow…,” and give Jodi a big applause.
The heart and soul she’s put into the Muses Muse e-zine over the past 19-years I’m sure was as rewarding for her as it was for its readers.
She’s been an awesome editor for all the years I’ve written for Muses Muse. Not to mention the tons of stuff she’s given away to help songwriters everywhere.
Thanks Jodi, you’re the best!
Now. On with the tip.
What if you could ramp up the emotion of your tune, And maybe snag a jealous eye from your songwriter friends at the same time.
I’m talkin about something your listeners won’t even consciously realize you’re doing.
Most songwriters don’t even know about this technique. But you will. At least you’ll get a taste by the time you’re done reading here.
It’s pretty sly actually.
Let’s take a simple lyric like:
He STOMPED up the STAIRS so she’d HEAR him,
BOTH of them SMILING--she COULDN’T RESIST,
The DOOR of her BEDROOM flew OPEN,
He TICKLED, she GIGGLED, they CUDDLED, they KISSED.
Nope. No Grammy here, but you get the stress and rhythm happening, right?
Line 1: Three and a half stresses.
Line 2: Four stresses.
Line 3: Three and a half stresses.
Line 4: Four stresses.
A happy little lyric, in a happy little scene, wrapped up in a happy little meter, in a happy little rhyme.
But, what if the story was darker?
Something like:
He CREEPED up the STAIRS but she’d HEARD him,
BULLETS of SWEAT… FORMED when he STOPPED
The DOOR of her BEDROOM flew OPEN,
He RUSHED, they FOUGHT, she KICKED, he DROPPED.
Oh-oh.
Happy little stress pattern with a happy little meter, but not such a happy little lyric.
It’s like singing:
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream,
Horribly, horribly, horribly, horribly,
They sunk he drowned she screamed.
Eeeewwwww!
Nothing like trashing a cute little lyric meter with a tragedy.
Feels kind’a like showering with your socks on. Something ain’t quite right.
What if we wanted to keep the story on our second example, but not force it on a mismatched cutie-pie meter and rhyme? Maybe something like:
He CREEPED up the STAIRS but she’d HEARD him,
BULLETS of SWEAT… FORMED when he STOPPED
The DOOR of her BEDROOM flew OPEN,
He DROPPED… when she SNAPPED…
Okay. So now we have:
Line 1: Three and a half stresses.
Line 2: four stresses.
Line 3: Three and a half stresses.
Line 4: Two stresses.
A little more unsettling now, huh?
The pattern of the word meter is broken.
The distant consonant rhyme leaves us hanging.
But, it all matches the uneasy emotion of the lyric.
Plus, this forces a different melody which will be more interesting to the lyrics content.
This is just one simple example. The point is, mirror your story’s emotion with an equally happy, or unsettled, meter and rhyme.
There are other techniques to expand this idea, but, again, we don’t have time to cover them here.
Sneak in a melody and music arrangement to back up the lyric, and that’s powerful stuff.
To you, the reader, thank you for all the positive feedback you’ve e-mailed over the years. I really appreciate it.
I’m jazzed you picked up a fair dose of helpful tricks, tips, and ideas to help you in this craft we love so much.
The gift worth $30 value? I’ll explain more in a minute.
Join me at http://www.tunesmithtips.com for more info. Don’t forget to pick up your copy of “Here’s What You Can Do With Your Song Evaluation… Pal!”
See you there. Until then…
*****
A performing songwriter, Brad Dunse is member of ASCAP, NSAI, SongU, and Minnesota Association of Songwriters. His songs have been played on various independent, internet, and public radio stations across the country with The Wall touching a major country market station. Interested in song evaluations? Go to Brad's site for more information. |
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| "ON SITE" FEATURED ARTICLE(S) |
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| Classifieds & Useful Services |
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ADVERTISING RATES:
For Classifieds: US$50 Max. 7 lines (though I
do make exceptions), where a line = 65 characters including
spaces and punctuation. All contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com.
Click here for Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
opportunities. |
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