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The Muse's News |
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Issue 3.6 - September 2000
ISSN 1480-6975
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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
@-- Q&A with Nancy A. Reece from Carpe Diem Copyright Management
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by Allison Durno
@-- Featured Article - CALLING ALL ANGELS by Donny Marchand
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - by Irene Jackson
@-- Songwriter In Spotlight - Songwriter & Children's Entertainer,
Stefan des Lauriers
@-- 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 - Jodi Krangle. For more contact
information, see end of issue.
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If you enjoy The Muse's News, why not suggest it to friends?
http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=333678
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This ezine featured at EzineCenter.com - the Ezine Search
Engine(tm) - http://www.ezinecenter.com/
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LYRICIST! THE SONGWRITER'S BEST FRIEND HAS ARRIVED . . .
Virtual Studio Systems, Inc. is proud to announce Lyricist, the
first of its kind word processor designed for musicians,
songwriters, and poets. Includes rhyming dictionary, spell checker,
thesaurus, album categorization and more. Visit our web-site
http://www.virtualstudiosystems.com/ to download your FREE 30-DAY TRIAL
COPY and find out about our low 90-day introductory sale price.
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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And another month passes. :) A few more awards have come the way
of The Muse's Muse. Folks seem to really like the new design,
something I find very gratifying. Other than that, there have
been a few more articles added, there's a new chat log up for our
chat with Pat & Pete Luboff (thanks, guys!) and various other
additions throughout the site. Have a look at
http://www.musesmuse.com/whatsnew.html for further details on that.
This month's winner of the reviewed video below, is Amy B. of
Kitchener, Ontario. Congratulations, Amy! The reviewer, Allison
Durno, is the guitarist for my own folk group, Urban Tapestry
(http://www.urbantapestry.org/) and therefore, much better qualified to do
such a review than myself (I don't play guitar). She found the
video and accompanying literature to be really helpful and I'm sure
you all will too. Check it out!
That's about it for this month. I hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Wishing you all the very best,
Back to Menu
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C o p y r i g h t & P u b l i s h i n g Q & A :
with Nancy A. Reece of Carpe Diem Copyright Management
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Q: Hi, I am trying to get my songs copyrighted (with words) but I
am not sure if I should use Form SR or PA to do so. Which would be
better?
-- Jeff K.
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A: Jeff - Visit the US Copyright Web page for more information on
what form to use for what use - The SR is for "Sound Recordings".
It is good to use when you want to register a group of material (as
long as the writer information is identical for each composition
embodying the recording).
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Q: I am recording a CD of all original children's lullabies. I
would like to record another lullaby album of old classic
lullabies. My question is, how would I go about getting the rights
to use some of these very old songs? Can I just record them
because they are so old, or do I still have to get permission?
I would appreciate your input. Thank you very much.
-- Susan M.
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A: You will need to first determine if indeed the work is in public
domain. You may do this by researching the work at songfile.com
and by contacting the US Copyright office to conduct a search.
If the works are indeed in public domain you may record them
without any mechanical license or payment. You may want to
consider if your arrangements are "separately copyrightable" and
issue a new composition under your name as the arranger.
If the works are not yet in public domain you will need to contact
the current copyright holder to secure a compulsory license to
record the works.
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Q: I have a question on copyrighting a song or multiple songs
included in one CD. I.E. If I place, say, three songs with an
artist who records them and I, as the copyright holder, want to
register them with the copyright office, how do I do it? Do I have
to send in three seperate forms with two copies of the CD with each
form (a total of six) and is the artist required to supply me with
these copies free? Or would one or two copies be enough as long as
they were registered at the same time? I know that if I own the
copyright of all the songs on the CD that they can be registered as
a collection with one fee and two CD copies.
-- Everett A.
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A: Do not be confused. Unless you are the owner of the sound
recording as well as the compositions you need to consider just
what version you send in for registration.
A simple melody and lyric version of the compositions placed on
your own sound recording can be registered so that the compositions
are registered. You may seriously consider sending in 1 PA form
for each of the 3 compositions since they are being released by a
third party and you want them clearly indicated as being your
property asap.
Yes, in your mechanical license you may request a number of
promotional or file copies but they are not obligated to give them
to you. As long as the quantity is within reason, they should.
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*****
Carpe Diem's owner and president, Nancy A. Reece has been
involved in the music business since 1983. She was the president
of an independent advertising agency for eight years as well as a
successful personal artist manager for nine years. She
represented the careers of several recording artists and
songwriters including those with EMI, Zomba and Liberty Records
as well as Benson, Starsong, WoodBridge, Temple Hall and N'Soul
Records. She also represented, for a number of years, a Grammy
and Dove nominated record producer. Reece has won awards of
excellence in print magazine advertising and has been named as
one of 2,000 Notable American Women (1995) as well as being
listed in the International Who's Who of Professional and
Business Women (1993). She was also named Cashbox Magazine's
Promoter of the Year (1989).
**If you would like to ask Nancy a copyright or publishing
question for our continuing Q&A section, please send your e-mail
to nreece@musesmuse.com. She can't guarantee she'll get to all of
the questions, but she'll certainly try.**
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : by Ben Ohmart
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Envy Waits - Jen’s Cobbler
A strong voice and a guitar strumming in the back define this Envy.
A rather folk-oriented 50 minutes from Patrick Hughes (guitar) and
Marc Dixon (vocals) could remind one of acoustic Extreme, since
it's really more power-fresh pop than the heartaches and lyrical
choices generally thought of in the folk genre. Let's quote the
opening 'Just a Thought', and you'll see that the whole cd is more
like how a rock band might Start Out a ballad. 'staring blankly,
down a long stairway on a magic carpet ride. speaking softly,
whispering in my ear is the hushed voice of my guide. let's talk
about it now, are you listening'. And then you could imagine the
drums coming in, the electrified guitar crankin' up, can’t you?
Nope, not so here. True, the music and voice are solid. As far as
they go. Just wish they'd go a little farther. Not with crankin' up
and all that. But I feel that I need more….. something. What I get
is a large, tasty cracker, and then I discover dinner's not being
served.
envywaits@aol.com
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OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Steve Kilpatrick - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-kilpatrick.html
Paxton - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-paxton.html
Huffamoose - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-huffamoose.html
First Love - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-firstlove.html
Daniel Simonis - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-simonis.html
Garfield's Birthday - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-garfbirth.html
Wake Up Jonny - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-wakeup.html
Stuart McNair - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-mcnair.html
The Naked Songwriters - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-tns.html
Steve Cerilli - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-cerilli.html
David Shepherd Grossman - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-dsg.html
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******
Ben Ohmart has had 100s of stories and poems in zines and
journals, and had 4 plays produced last year. His lyrics will be
on 2 CDs this year, 1 a gothic album, the other a rock album.
He's currently writing films, with hopes of having one done in
Malaysia soon, and is also trying to break into the prison of
television. He's white, 26, single and loves British comedy. He
lives in Boalsburg, PA, and enjoys watching rabbits eat his
garbage. Contact him at: ohmart@musesmuse.com .
**Ben has kindly consented to do music reviews for this
publication and also for The Muse's Muse itself. If you have an
independently released CD or tape that you'd like to get
reviewed, send it off to: Ben Ohmart, P O Box 750, Boalsburg, PA
16827 or drop by his Music Reviews web section at
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html for more details.**
Back to Menu
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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 Allison Durno
GUITAR PLAYING FOR SONGWRITERS
by Gary Talley
http://www.garytalley.com/
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Gary Talley began his career in 1967 as lead guitarist for "The Box
Tops" and he has developed a reputation as a touring and studio
musician and a highly respected songwriter. Gary's experience and
diverse background inspired him to develop a unique and effective
streamlined approach to teaching guitar especially designed for
songwriters. He highlights this approach on his three lesson
60-minute instructional video, "Guitar Playing For Songwriters".
In his video, he moves through a series of exercises using guitar
technique to enhance the songwriting process. Talley demonstrates
to beginner and advanced players alike how to use innovative chord
progressions and rhythm patterns in their guitar playing. The video
is accompanied by a series of helpful guitar charts and diagrams
that are clearly explained on the video.
The video is split into three lessons, each focusing on an area of
guitar technique meant to expand one's skill and knowledge and
inspire songwriting ideas. Lesson 1 focuses on the common chords
used in each musical key and how to use the accompanying charts to
learn increasingly complex chord progressions. The lesson also
demonstrates the use of connector chords in each key. Lesson 2
expands chord development further, looking at color chords,
diminished and augmented chords, chain of seventh chords, flat 7's,
flat 3's and power chords. Lesson 3 focuses on rhythm, providing
useful exercises for strumming and finger picking techniques, as
well as information on how to use a capo in effective songwriting.
Talley conducts his lessons in a simple and encouraging style that
is beneficial to the beginning guitar player, but also challenging
and informative for the more advanced guitarist. His exercises and
advice provide good inspiration for more effective songwriting. To
order Gary Talley's "Guitar Playing for Songwriters" call
1-800-484-1075 enter PIN #9170. For more information, e-mail him at
guitar@bellsouth.net or visit his web site listed above.
******
Allison Durno is an elementary school teacher who also teaches
vocal and instrumental music to children. She plays guitar, sings
and writes songs for the folk/filk group, Urban Tapestry
(http://www.urbantapestry.org/).
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UNLEASH THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THE INTERNET WITH SONGSCOPE.COM!
SongScope is a valuable tool enabling you to build an on-line song
catalog, accessible only by proven industry professionals. Receive
FREE email informing you every time record producers and industry
professionals make requests. Songs listings are only $19.95 per
year. An ecommerce enabled marketing/promotion page and tour
calendar are also available for performing songwriters to get
further artist exposure. See www.musesmuse.com/songscope.html for
details or contact: writerinfo@songscope.com ~ Tel: 770.754.4543
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
CALLING ALL ANGELS
by Donny Marchand
..in which Danny attempts to get funding for his musical theater
production. Those of you trying to get funding for anything - be
it going on tour, starting on a new album, etc., will likely notice
a few similarities here...
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Why do angels only manifest themselves to the chosen few? Is it
really the will of God to shroud their presence from the majority
of mankind? Or is it the elite who decide who will be so blessed?
I've heard that Gabriel is busy blowing his horn, and that Michael
is fairly occupied fighting battles in some distant land. But where
on earth do the rest of the cherubs hang out? Why are the names of
the CIA's operatives in Iraq easier to discover than a register of
divine creatures? While the answer to that question appears as
baffling as the secret of the universe, I suspect the cause lies
closer to this space ship we all ride on! To paraphrase, "Man works
in mysterious ways."
Obtaining funding for any creative project is no easy task. Still,
there are a number of avenues a frustrated soul can trundle down,
depending on the nature of the beast. More often than not the way
looks clear ahead. So off you go, adrenaline in full flow,
excitingly anticipating the joy of accomplishment when you'll reach
the desired destination. However, shortly into the journey you
discover that someone who has traveled on this path before you has
erected a brick wall. To make sure you fathom the message of the
obstacle a large sign reading "No Entry Beyond This Point", is
fixed upon it. You hurry back in the direction from whence you
came, looking for a place to procure a sledgehammer or even a
bulldozer. Unfortunately, you are apprised of the fact that you've
been banished from the emporiums who trade in these items. In
despair you slog back to your bedsit. Sitting there in the cold and
dark (you were convinced you'd paid the utility bills?) you
contemplate the meaning of life. Who said, "The meek shall inherit
the earth"? Probably some politician trying to delude us underlings
into believing there was hope. There seems to be no solace. Suicide
is out of the question, it's too dangerous. Besides, that's the
solution after your show flops, not when you can't even get it
staged. Calm down, you tell yourself, a cool head is needed to see
things clearly. So you decide to spend the rest of the evening
entertaining a bottle of whiskey.
The following morning you fall out of bed with a new-found
exuberance. While hand- blending the Alka-Seltzer with a Bloody
Mary you suddenly recall a rumor you have heard. Perhaps you read
it in The Stooge! No matter, the important thing is you remember it
now. It seems that there is this secret organization that has an
enormous list of kind-hearted, generous angels who have bags of
money, they don't know what to do with. It's called "The Society Of
Plays Spurned", or SOPS if you prefer acronyms. You get their
number from Directory Inquiries. Elated by the fact that the phone
was still connected you summon up the courage and call them. The
lady at the other end informs you that to have access to their
hallowed list you must be a member of the society. To become a
member you have to meet certain criteria. You ask her to elaborate.
She explains that unless you are already immensely successful and
have considerable wealth you cannot become a member. I'm sure you
can appreciate we have to abide by our charter, she adds while
you're hanging up.
Undeterred, you conclude that plan B would be a reasonable
alternative. Grabbing an old copy of The Stooge, you flick through
the pages till you come across the add that caught your eye a week
or so before. It reads: "Why Nobody Likes A Nobody. Because Nobody
Isn't Represented By SOMEBODYS. The Agency That Everybody
Contacts." Fingers twitching you dial their number. "Hello,
Somebodys Agency, Mr. Concerned speaking. How may I help you?"
Sounds promising, you think, and your faith in humanity starts to
return. "Yes, I wonder..., you see..., well I'm looking for an
agent who could...", Cutting you short Concerned says, "Sorry, we
don't take unsolicited calls unless you pay the $1,000.00 fee
first." You answer,"Can I pay with my American Express card,
hello...hello...hello, are you still there?" Click!
So far, so bad! Nevertheless, might as well continue using the
phone before Cable Ripoff disconnect the line. You decide to ring
that famous benevolent producer Lord Anorak. "Hello, Good Fairy
Productions", a machine answers, "Press one for the tea lady, two
for the post room boy, three for the security guard, or hold if you
wish to speak with someone who matters." Sixteen minutes of music
from the show "Rats" later, a human voice appears. "Lord Anorak
here, who's calling?" "Good morning, your majesty, my name is Mr.
Wannabee," "Yes, what do you want? And please make it quick! I'm
having lunch with Sir Kermit at Toad Hall, and I must be off
shortly." Nervously you reply, "I was wondering if you have had the
chance to read the script I sent you yet?" "When did you send it
in?", he asks. "Ten years ago, sir.", you say. "Well, I've had a
very busy schedule lately, so jog my memory and remind me of the
title." "I'm sorry," you reply, "It's been so long I've forgotten
it." "Well, call me back when you've remembered it!" he snarls.
"When will you be available again?" you ask. Irritation fills the
timbre of his voice as he replies, "In about ten years." Clunk!
"To those who have, more shall be given. To those who have not,
even the little they have shall be taken away." The guy who said
that must have been in showbiz.
Behold!! Just when you believe all is lost, God performs a miracle.
He invents the Internet. That universal highway where voyagers of
all persuasions can travel unhindered by those who would thwart
every effort to obtain achievement. Surfing the web unfettered we
can circumvent the barricades, walls and obstacles forged against
us on Terra Firma. We can market our wares to anyone and everyone
without needing the approval of the overlords. We can let the
masses decide the validity of our product. Here on the net we can
have our day in court. And best of all, nothing can stop us from
representing ourselves. The choice is all yours. Continue being a
slave to the elite's system or roam the cosmos a free man with the
blessing of the Almighty!
As for me, myself and I - we're hooked. Now there only remains the
problem of getting the electricity reconnected.
******
Donny Marchand has written songs for Roger Daltrey, Peaches and
Herb, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, James Last, and many more. He
also wrote the music and lyrics for "Sex and Violence at the
Fantasy Cafe" which was staged at the Edinborough Festival and
music and lyrics for a new version of "Comedy of Errors" which
toured Italy. He has produced two original musicals written by
himself - "Picasso" at the Hackney Empire and "Better the Devil" at
the Springfield theater in London. Donny is currently seeking
finance for his latest project "Accidentally on Purpose", a show
inspired by his psychiatrist! You can read the synopsis and
listen to the music for this show by visiting
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/parousia/index.shtml . If you would like
to contact Donny, he would be happy to receive your feedback and
can be reached through his website at http//donnymarchand.co.uk.
Back to Menu
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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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DIGITAL UNDERDOG PRODUCTIONS ARE LOOKING FOR SONGWRITERS
for our artists. We are mainly looking for songwriters in the
genre of top 10, R&B and adult contemporary. We liase with record
labels on behalf of artists and also offer production, arranging
and programming. Contact us for more info:
Craft
Digital Underdog Productions
http://go.to/digitalunderdog
Mainfeature Records(UK)
http://mfr.ontheweb.nu/
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DEEDEE OMALLEY'S SONGWRITING WORKSHOP: Beginning to advanced
Why waste time and money? I can help you polish your song from
demo to masterpiece. If you have always wanted to write a great
song but thought it was too difficult or would take too long to
learn, drop all those ideas and start living your dream!
Call 818.487.8900 or e-mail newedge@earthlink.net...to find out
more about Deedee OMalley as an artist go to
http://www.deedeeomalley.com/
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THE DALLAS SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ITS Y2K SONG CONTEST
The contest deadline is September 15, 2000. ENTRY FEE for Song
Contest is: $15 for first entry, $10 for each additional entry.
Grand Prizes
1ST PLACE GRAND PRIZE - The Townes Van Zandt Award TONY IOMMI
GUITAR DONATED BY GIBSON GUITARS VALUED AT $4,990! A ONE YEAR
MEMBERSHIP TO TAXI, AN INTERVIEW WITH MARY DAWSON ON "I WRITE THE
SONGS" RADIO SHOW 5 HOURS STUDIO TIME WITH CRYSTAL CLEAR STUDIOS- A
$350 VALUE
2ND PLACE GRAND PRIZE - 1 YR MEMBERSHIP TO TAXI DUPLICATIONSERVICE-
VALUEOF $299 FROM GREENROOM PRODUCTIONS A SONG DEMO FROM BIG RED
STUDIOS, NASHVILLE,TN - A $300 VALUE A ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO
LIQUID AUDIO NETWORK
3RD PLACE GRAND PRIZE - 1 YR MEMBERSHIP TO TAXI SONG DEMO VALUEOF
$300 BY McCLAIN'S STUDIOS GARLAND, TX SONGWRITING CONSULTATION WITH
MARY DAWSON OF "I WRITE THE SONGS RADIO SHOW," -A $50 VALUE
Three Winners Each Song Category*
Please direct inquiries and entries to:
Dallas Songwriters Association, YK2 Song Contest P.O. Box 459,
Royce City, TX 75189-0459 (214) 750-0916
E-Mail:jaelius@flash.net . Dallas Songwriters Association is a 501
C-3 non-profit, educational association.
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MUSIC JOURNALISTS WANTED:
Neo, a syndicated music information company serving alternative
publications, is seeking high quality music writers. Credentials
aren't important - being a lucid, persuasive writer with excellent
music knowledge, is. We are a unique service and we accept
submissions related only to specific music genres. Please read our
submission guidelines at
http://www.getneo.com/jobs.htm ~ Neo Media
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M.I.C. (MUSIC INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS)
M.I.C is a new monthly unsigned artists/bands & songwriters
magazine which features record labels, professional music managers,
film companies, promoters, etc., who are all actively seeking new
talent. It is a UK based magazine with worldwide readership. We
are eager to develop bands from all corners of the globe and we
welcome submissions from everyone. So far, we have had great
success and are particularly proud of our multi-national
representation to the UK music industry. Three bands have been
signed, another band has been given the opportunity to work on
soundtracks for Sky Sports, two bands have been approached by
Prince's management company and Stereophonics Management Company,
another band is in discussions with major record labels and a final
band has been given free record studio time (and that's all
happened in 2 months!)
M.I.C. provides free exposure and publicity for unsigned
bands/artist and songwriters etc. We also have our own record
label for promoting/showcasing new talent with the first
compilation release planned for September 2000. All artists are
welcome to send samples of their work, photo & biog. into our demo
review section.
For a free sample copy of the magazine, please e-mail:
melee@supanet.com or you can view a small sample of the magazine by
surfing to: www.mp3musicscene.com/mic/ . Please send all demos etc
to: M.I.C. PO BOX 1742, SHEFFIELD S8 0GA UNITED KINGDOM.
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SONG SHOPPING CENTER -
http://TrowbridgePlanetEarth.com/T2/T2C1.html
SUBMIT YOUR SONG -
http://trowbridgeplanetearth.com/T2/T2S1.html%20
McClure & Trowbridge Publishing, a Nashville TN niche and
alternative music publisher, announces today that its WWW,
Internet, and office song promotion services, previously available
only to Trowbridge Writers, are available to Trowbridge Associates
as well. Associates, independent songwriters whom McClure &
Trowbridge sign to promotional contracts, now have a "leg up" into
the fast paced world of music plugging and the faster yet Internet.
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JOERECORDS.COM IS SEEKING MUSIC:
joerecords.com is seeking compilations, unusual, weird,
hard-to-find, ethnic and world music. If you are interested in
submitting, send to:
4047 49th SW,Seattle, Washington 98116
or contact katehart@speakeasy.org
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Back to Menu
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
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A site that I have been hanging out at the last couple of weeks is
http://www.liveonthenet.com/. "Live On The Net" is chock full of
live and archived events that you can view...anything from cartoons
to wrestling!
So why have I been hanging out there? Because it ALSO has a whole
bunch of music-related events, including a huge selection of
archived Bluebird Cafe songwriter nights! For any of you who
haven't heard of the legendary Bluebird Cafe, it's located in
Nashville, Tennessee, certainly the country songwriter's mecca.
Anyone who lives there will tell you that country is not the only
type of music you'll hear in Nashville, and when you listen to some
these archived songwriter's nights, you'll hear different styles as
well. On Monday nights any songwriter can go to the Bluebird and
have an opportunity to play one or two songs in front of a very
discerning audience. You'll see newer writers and you'll see those
who've obviously been writing for awhile. On other evenings
you'll find more established songwriters performing their gems.
The last time I looked there were 15 pages of Bluebird events you
could choose from!
You will require the latest Real Audio software to view these
events and you'll have to register first to view the archives, but
it is all free and very easy to sign up. Once you've registered,
go to the "music" section, and choose a style. "Country" is where
you'll find the Bluebird...in the upper right-hand corner you'll
see a search box where you type in "bluebird" and you'll find the
first of many pages of archived events. On one Monday evening I
actually tuned in to watch the whole event being broadcast live.
A songwriting acquaintance said he would be performing there that
night, and I got to see him live on the net! Very cool :-)
Another venue is the Broken Spoke, which is also in Nashville, but
not as well-known as the Bluebird. The "Broken Spoke Songwriter
Cafe" has almost as many archived songwriter nights as the
Bluebird.
Have you ever tried singing at an open mic? Want to see how it
works? These events will give you a good idea of the process.
Take a look and then note how high your pulse rate goes while your
watching :-)
******
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 more links of interest. Her latest CD "Motor Scooter" has
had attention everywhere from Japan to South America, and a new
release is due out sometime in 1999.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com/
Songs on MP3:
http://www.mp3.com/artists/20/irene_jackson.html
Back to Menu
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S O N G W R I T E R I N S P O T L I G H T :
Songwriter & Children's Entertainer, Stefan des Lauriers
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There's a long history of songwriters writing through adversity -
using their experiences to make a difference in others' lives.
Stefan and his writing is no exception. He has channeled his
creative energy in a unique and extremely rewarding way by writing
songs for children. It's a tough road, but he's doing pretty good
so far. If any of you out there have ideas on how to help Stefan
achieve his goals, I hope you'll write to him through his web sites
to let him know. I've taken the time to listen to his music and
have been much impressed. Quite apart from helping out Stefan,
you'd make a lot of kids really happy.
Here's his story in his own words:
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Getting involved in children's music was an inevitable thing, it
was something inside of me that was destined to come out. Early in
the nineties, when I was working as a photographer, I was struck by
the urge to write and illustrate children's stories. I made a few
dummy books with watercolors based on some of my more whimsical
songs. That was just before I was diagnosed with Parkinson's
disease, in November of 1994.
After the diagnosis, I came home and picked up my Martin guitar and
found that I had lost some dexterity in my left hand. That
explained why I was knocking over tripods and messing up my photo
shoots. I gradually phased out photography and sold my cameras, and
decided to concentrate solely on music.
I started work on my debut CD Elevation. While the CD was being
made I wrote many songs. My repertoire went from about fifteen good
songs to fifty. Many of the songs that came to me were actually
children's songs. I write children's songs that are suitable for
grown ups and mature songs that are suitable for children.
The first winter I started writing was very bleak. I had no money
to record, and had only a few friends to help me. I sent out many
letters to foundations seeking grant money and received a lot of
rejection letters. At the time I was put on a medication that
enabled me to perform relatively well. I set up a home recording
studio to document my work. Many of the songs that I recorded on my
CD's were based on one time performances of very complicated guitar
pieces. Having an outlet for my music was very therapeutic. The
first song that I wrote after the long hiatus was called "Vision of
Victory", about climbing a mountain out of shape.
One of inspirations behind the songs and stories was my grandfather
who used to do a Vaudeville routine in the pubs of London's East
End. Just before he died of cancer he put on a performance for us
kids, a short dance where he imitated a locomotive. He always had a
positive attitude no matter what happened, so I made the same
determination. The songs "Soft Shoe", "Sweeping the Fog Away", and
the story "Tatterdemalion Train" are all about my grandfather. Kids
need positive role models.
After my first CD was released I was accepted into the sponsorship
program of the New York Foundation for the Arts to seek financing
for my children's CD which was to be called 'Time of Wonder'. Based
on the acceptance and the nature of my work I was able to get Ken
Whiteley to co-produce my children's CD. Half the work was done in
Ossining, New York, with Sharkey McEwen and then it was sent to Ken
Whiteley in Toronto to sweeten with many roots instruments. By this
time I was losing my voice and could only manage to play guitar on
three of the songs. I was so busy recording and writing that I was
unable to get any grant money. (I was told that NYFA would keep my
account open so that I could continue seeking grant money to pursue
children's music, in case you know of anyone who is interested in
making a contribution.)
Before the album was finished one of my songs, "Wind-up Monkey
Dance" was a finalist in the Best Song For Older Kids category in
the Children's Web Awards at http://www.childrensmusic.org/. In November of
1999 after two years production work my children's CD was released.
Since then all but three of the 18 songs on it have been aired on
Folk Radio and Children's radio shows.
The last five years have been a time of intense creativity. I wrote
my autobiography, 'Symphony in A Flat Tire', designed and maintain
a website at http://www.musickingdom.com/ (where lyrics to my songs
and stories can be found) produced two albums, and presently I am
writing a musical entitled 'Carousel Wind'.
Sales from my CD are not what they should be. But what makes it all
rewarding is to go to a friend's house, run into a kid I've never
met who has my CD and hear him say, "I listen to it all the time."
'Time of Wonder' by Stefan des Lauriers - available at
amazon.comhttp://cdbaby.com/lauriers (RealAudio clips)
http://www.musickingdom.com/ (RealAudio of 18 songs)
http://www.mp3.com/StefandesLauriers
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