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The Muse's News |
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Issue 4.1 - April 2001
ISSN 1480-6975
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Q&A with Nancy A. Reece from Carpe Diem Copyright Management
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart
@-- Songwriting Book Review - Information
@-- Featured Article - THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC: GROUP BREAK-UPS
by Charles Katz
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - by Irene Jackson
@-- Featured Article - YOU TALKIN' TO ME? by Harriet Schock
@-- 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 - 2001, Jodi Krangle. For more
contact information, see end of issue.
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This ezine featured at EzineCenter.com - the Ezine Search
Engine(tm) - http://www.ezinecenter.com/
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Hi everyone. I decided to send this issue out a little early since
I have commitments that will keep me from sending it out on the
last day of the month. I'll also apologize in advance as this
"Musing" is another long one...
First off, I'm extremely excited to mention that the Just Plain
Folks demographics survey: http://www.jpfolks.com/Demographics/ -
has been completed and it contains some really interesting
information. Over 1500 musicians/songwriters answered the poll
(out of a possible 10,000+ - and for these types of things, that
percentage is HUGE) and The Muse's Muse came out quite highly in
their ratings. #1 Favorite Music Resource according to their
members! Not bad, huh? Also, this newsletter came out 7th out of
over 35 other music publications in popularity - above publications
such as Keyboard Magazine & American Songwriter Magazine -
something that surprised both myself and Brian Austin Whitney. I
highly suggest you have a look if you haven't already seen this
servey. It's a fascinating read (and not just because the folks
polled happened to like The Muse's Muse, either. ;-)).
The membership drive has now ended. The clear winners were Ande
Rasmussen (First Place), Rusty Douthitt (Second Place) & Ann Pence
(Third Place). Thanks very much to everyone who participated - and
the sponsors who helped make the contest happen. If you'd like to
see the great prizes these three have won, feel free to drop by
http://www.musesmuse.com/membercontest.html any time you'd like.
I have a new treat for you this month - and for a few months more.
Charles Katz will be offering a regular article about the
maintenance and business of having a band. Those of you who are
performing songwriters in any kind of group environment will find
these articles hugely useful. And for those of you who prefer
being on your own, Harriet Schock has kindly granted me permission
to reprint one of the chapters from her *amazing* book, BECOMING
REMARKABLE. I highly recommend you pick this book up. Very
motivating. (For an easy way to locate it, you can drop by the
Suggested Reading section of The Muse's Muse at
http://www.musesmuse.com/books.html . There's a review there too).
This month's winner of the raffle is actually *last* month's
winner, as it turns out. None of the folks I contacted last month
actually got back to me (hmmm), so ROCK TROUBADOURS: Conversations
On The Art And Craft Of Songwriting, the book reviewed last month,
goes out to David Lynn O'Connor of Nashville, TN. For the review
that was printed then, you're welcome to check out
http://www.musesmuse.com/4.0-March01.html#bookreview .
The first Radio Muse show will be placed online shortly, so keep
watching http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html for more info when
I have it! If you're interested in submitting, drop by that page
for instructions.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to ask you guys a question.
I've been thinking about starting a message board specifically for
The Muse's Muse. This is something I've held off on doing because
I wasn't certain folks would want to participate (and with other
great message boards out there, I wasn't certain one specifically
for here, would fly). What do you think? Would any of you be
interested in moderating a section? And if so, what about? I'm
planning on using the UBB type boards when/if I go through with
this, so moderating should be very simple to manage. Contact me at
editor@musesmuse.com and pass on your opinions and suggestions, ok?
I'd love to hear from you.
And finally, just a little personal note that I couldn't resist
adding in here. My folk group has a new page on MP3.com that we're
extremely excited about. :-) If you're interested in hearing what I
do with my creative energies when I'm not pouring them into The
Muse's Muse, you can check out http://www.mp3.com/ut . (I'm the
brunette in the middle of the black and white photo - though I
confess, that's a rather old picture.)
Updates to The Muse's Muse web site can be found at
http://www.musesmuse.com/whatsnew.html as per usual.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck with your writing!
--Jodi
Back to Menu
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SHAMELESS PLUG:
Drop by http://www.musesmuse.com/musemerchandise.html today to pick
up your very own Muse's Muse shirt, mug or mousepad! And while
you're at it, think about starting your *own* store. It would be
pretty cool to sell your own band's logo or design on promo items,
wouldn't it? And starting up a store requires no investment of
money on your part at all. Details on how to do that are only a
click away...
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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: I just started my own record label in Ohio. I used to be with a
partnership and have written 2 songs with them (not the hook, but
the verses). However, they were not a legit business, so I broke up
with them and started my own company. I asked them to write out a
percentage agreement for the songs, but they refused. My question
is this: Per the Copyright Law 201A, is it true that this song
cannot be copyrighted unless there is a percentage agreement? I
had several attorneys and producers from Major record companies
tell me this. Thanks!!
-- Eugene W.
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A: Hi Eugene. This is a little outside of my area of expertise,
but I've asked Duff Berschback, our resident law expert,
(http://www.musesmuse.com/songlaw.html) to see if he can answer it
for you. This is his response:
"I'm assuming what you want to know is what copyright law's
"default position" is with respect to joint works (A "Joint Work"
as defined in Section 101 of the Copyright Act is "a work prepared
by two or more authors with the intention that their contributions
be merged into inseparable or interdependent parts of a unitary
whole"). The answer to your specific question is: NO. The answer to
your implicit question is: if you wrote the verses and the other
person wrote the music and you both intended for it to be one song,
you BOTH have an interest in the WHOLE work, not just the part you
each contributed. So, for example, one of you could license the
entire song, subject to paying pro rata royalties for the usage.
Hope that helps. --Duff"
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Q: Hi Nancy....
All my lyrics are copyrighted and registered at the LOC in
collections. I now have several co-writers who are writing music
for many of my lyrics. One is already on demo, 5 more will be
finished within a couple of weeks, and there are others on the way.
How do I copyright the final products? Do I use the PA form? SR?
CA? While songwriters are encouraged to always have everything
copyrighted, I have not been able to find information covering this
situation. -- Sunny
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A: Sunny-
You will need to be sure that when the new PA is sent in that it
clearly indicates you have written the lyric and the
collaborator(s) have written the music. The new work will then be
appropriately registered.
The SR is for the Sound recording itself. It is a separate
copyrightable item. If you own the master(s) then you would
register those masters with the SR Form in addition to the
registration of the underlying work.
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Q: Hi Nancy,
I am a somewhat new songwriter, and am wondering what exactly
consitutes plagiarism. I am not speaking of melody, but rather of
lyrics. Sometimes I will write a line, and it comes so easily I
think I must have heard it someplace before....but have no idea
where, when, how or why.....or IF in fact that is true or it is
just a day when my muse is being very active. It seems to me there
are only so many ways things can be said, and inevitably at some
point I may repeat a phrase or something. This really scares me.
-- Sharon R.
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A: Sharon -
First of all living in fear must affect the creative process - so
stop that. If you discover that you have inadvertently used a
phrase that is from a copyrighted work, then of course, you would
need to make adjustments or go about asking permission for the
derivative.
There are certain specific requirements in proving copyright
infringement and if you later find that your work accidentally
infringed on a pre-existing work, you would be given notice and
opportunity to remedy.
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TO VIEW OTHER QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES, SEE NANCY'S COPYRIGHT &
PUBLISHING Q&A ONLINE AT http://www.musesmuse.com/pubq-a.html .
Please note: Nancy received a *lot* of e-mail in a month. If you
sent in a question but have not heard a reply, it's very likely it
already *has* an answer online. It's always a good idea to
thoroughly look through the Copyright & Publishing Q&A online to
see if your question has already been asked before you send in a
request. Thanks!
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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.**
Back to Menu
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : by Ben Ohmart
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In the Beginning A songwriter's tribute to Garth Brooks
Listen up, all ye would-be songwriters. This is the cd you must buy
and aspire to. Even if the quality of the performances and songs
themselves were to suck, you must buy. Why? These are Garth Brooks
songs sung by the people who penned them, either alone or with
Garth on co-writer credit. Yes, these are the rich songwriters, the
ones who could buy and sell us ignorant and usual and normal people
5 times over, the ones who actually DON'T WASTE their demo postage
sending tapes to Nashville.
You'll be hearing performances by Pat Alger (who wrote 4 #1 Garth
songs like 'The Thunder Rolls', as well as having written for the
likes of The Everly Bros., Dolly Parton, and Trisha Yearwood’s #1
album, 'Like We Never Had a Broken Heart'), Tony Arata (7 songs
recorded by Garth, and others…), Dewayne Blackwell (1st hit in
1959, wrote the big song in Eastwood's Sudden Impact film, etc,
etc.), and others so numerous it's depressing.
Professionals. Rather than spend 100s or 1000s to sign onto a
songwriting seminar they're probably giving in California
somewhere, grab hold of this country cd and listen to what you've
got to write to make it in this biz. Up to track 5 already, I
haven't heard a voice yet that couldn't hold its own audience,
however. These are obviously singer-songwriters who have the
confidence to sing it, dream it, be it. Take the softness that is
Kent Blazy, doing his 'If Tomorrow Never Comes'. Beautiful song
that may not have the best voice behind it, but it's rather
impossible to tell with a country ballad. Sometimes the sicker you
sound, the better the emotional impact. Nah, he's not sick, he's
uncertain, he's a fine craftsman who's had Garth flick a voice on 8
of his songs, plus many other artists singing his wares. With wares
like this, it's no wonder.
That 1959 #1 song from Dewayne is on here, performed by the man
himself. Good voice. Just a guitar, and an ooooo from a troupe of
chorus girls behind him, that's all it takes. 2.22 minutes later,
you've got an idea what shot it up the charts, and why it made a
Brooks comeback.
One of the softest songwriters here is Victoria Shaw, giving out a
pro-professional 'The River', a co-written #1 hit with Garth.
Guitar work somewhat like the lite 'Leader of the Band', and just
ravishing. I don't know what Garth's final version sounded like,
but chances are it couldn't beat this softie by much. Victoria was
the opening act for Garth's historic Central Park concert from
1997. To continue with her other existing credits would take up
the rest of the page, but suffice it to say her dog shall never
know hunger.
There's not much overproduction on the cd. These could all be demos
themselves, yet the playing is unerring and the choice of material
is hard to condemn, even to those without boots and hats. It's a
tribute to a great performer. But it's also a blueprint from which
the countless unwashed may glean the secrets of the pharaohs.
http://www.garthtribute.com/
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OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
John Barnard - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-barnard.html
Malkum & Chris - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-m&c.html
Pieces of a Dream - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-poad.html
Stephanie Sante - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-sante.html
Kendra Shank - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-shank.html
Charlie Strater - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-strater.html
Abbie Gardner - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-gardner.html
J.P. Taylor - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-taylor.html
The Boss Of The Walking Bass -
http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-theboss.html
The Foxymorons - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-foxymorons.html
Carol Wood - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-wood.html
Midiboy - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-midiboy.html
Patti Rothberg - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-rothberg.html
Laya Fisher - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-fisher.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 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. Song listings are only $29.95 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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S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by Jodi Krangle
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There will be a new book review next month, but if you're
interested in reading some of the previous reviews, feel free to
have a look at the Suggested Reading section of The Muse's Muse at
http://www.musesmuse.com/books.html . Most of the books there have
a link to a review so that you can read about the book and how it
might be useful to you, before deciding to pick up a copy for
yourself. There is also a new book featured on the main page of
The Muse's Muse each month. This month's featured book is Jason
Blume's - 6 STEPS TO SONGWRITING SUCCESS. A review can be looked
at by going here:
http://www.musesmuse.com/2.10-January00.html#bookreview
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
Charles will be providing us with a series of articles discussing
common problems performing songwriters might face within the music
business.
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC: GROUP BREAK-UPS by Charles Katz
©2001, Charles Katz. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
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As Neil Sedaka's song states "Breaking Up is Hard To Do"
A few years ago my wife's cousins were in a popular Jazz group from
LA. They toured North America and Europe and the record labels
loved their style of music. They struck gold. Their album was the
sound track for a famous movie and the lead song got excellent
radio rotation. Over that summer some of the members went touring
with another group to pursue artistic interest. When they returned,
the singer had formed a new band with the same name and was playing
the songs from the CD.
Needless to say there were a mess of problems and lawsuits that
could have been easily avoided with some proper planning.
What happens to the royalties on the album, recording contracts,
treatment of leaving members, and the band name?
A simple "Group Artist Rider" contract can be written to handle the
following issues.
1. Method for old members to leave and new members to join.
2. Equitable treatment and disbursement of royalties for old and
new members.
3. Who owns the group name?
4. What happens when the band dissolves?
5. Record company caveat for selection of new members.
6. Record company caveat to break up the group if members leave.
7. Guarantees of advancement by members of bands that were jointly
signed.
8. Favorable terms to leaving members.
All these issues are as sensitive as a marriage contract and
although distasteful, must be discussed in detail with an attorney
or business manager.
Having a written agreement between band members can provide the
necessary protection performing songwriters need if they decide to
pursue different opportunities.
Stay tuned for next month's article:
GROUP NAMES : How to Choose a name and Protect it
******
Charles Katz owns a high-tech company, Printerm, established for 20
years, and manages a Record Label, Windrift Music Inc. He currently
has a CD "Night Driving Music" installed at Internet sites in the
US, UK, and Asia collecting royalties. Charles is presently working
on his second CD with a female recording artist and has established
a virtual band, Spencer K for that project. As a business leader,
musician, publisher, and promoter, he is now providing his
expertise for fellow artists. Contact: ckatz@windriftmusic.com
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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GGM SONG CONTEST 2001
The 2nd Annual international songwriters contest "the GGM Song
Contest 2001" put together by God's Gift Music, Inc., an indie
music label based in Dallas, Texas, is opening entries the first
week of April 2001 and closing entry by the last week of May 01.
This year, entries are expected from nationwide and overseas. Last
year, entries were received from Japan, Australia, England,
Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Canada, as well as the US. All music
categories will be accepted, Genre: Christian and Secular. The
purpose of the song Contest is to help expose those valuable
artists and songwriters out there that need to be discovered. More
than $10,000 is expected to be won. For more info and an entry form
visit: http://www.godsgift-music.com/contest.
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NEW 'RADIO MUSE' WEBCAST FOR INDEPENDENT SONGWRITERS
- NOW SEEKING MUSIC!
The Muse's Muse & Host, Jan Best of Independent Songwriter
Web-Magazine, are putting together a series of shows, one every
month, featuring the songs of independent songwriters just like
you! See http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html for details on how
you can send in your own music for consideration.
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PERFORMING SONGWRITER COMPETITION:
Entries are due April 15, 2001, for the Ninth Annual Performing
Songwriter Competition at the Rose Garden Coffeehouse in Mansfield,
MA, near Boston. Three finalists will be selected and must be able
to appear for the Live Finals at the Rose Garden on Saturday, May
19 to perform their entered songs. The featured performer that
evening is Ellis Paul. There is a $100 first prize, and the winner
also gets gigs at the Rose Garden and the prestigious SummerFest
event held in July in New Bedford, MA. Official rules and entry
form are available online at the Rose Garden web site:
http://www.rosegardenfolk.com
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LAKE COUNTY FOLK FESTIVAL & SONGWRITERS' COMPETITION:
The Seventh Annual Lake County Folk Festival will take place on
Sunday, August 5th in Lake Zurich, IL. The songwriters' competition
includes cash prizes for the top 3 finishers and a place on next
year's Main Stage. For rules and entry form, e-mail
kmoretti@aol.com. For more info on the fest visit the
soon-to-be-updated Lake County Folk Club website:
http://members.xoom.com/lakefolk/
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30TH WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL - NEWSONGS SHOWCASE:
Sept 13-16 2001 Winfield,KS.
Engraved medallions & performance during the festival.
A. Bluegrass Songs, B. Country Songs, C. Instrumentals (songs
without words), D. Songs for Children, E. Religious/Spiritual
Songs, F. Songs of Love, G. Songs of Humor and Silliness, H. Songs
about Feelin' Blue, I. 30 years of the Walnut Valley Festival, J.
Songs of Opinion
Requirements: No limit on number of songs submitted, one song/
cassette tape, written copy of the words, folded 3 times and
rubberbanded to the cassette.Your name, address, city, state zip, &
TELEPHONE on the lyric sheet and the label of the tape. SASE If
you wish constructive feedback from the anon. judges
Deadline: Postmarked on or before Friday, AUGUST 1, 2001.
Check or money order for $6.00 with each song submitted, payable
to:
Walnut Valley Association
NewSongs Showcase -- Category:_______________
P. O. Box 245
Winfield, KS 67156
Notification: Songwriters selected will be notified by TELEPHONE,
BETWEEN AUG 31ST AND SEPT 5TH. Contact: festival 620-221-3250 or
crow@zassafras.org ( mc)
Back to Menu
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2001 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By
Permission
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Remember when the word "indie" didn't exist? Well, I still don't
know if you'd find it in the dictionary, but I'm talking more about
the idea of artists and songwriters being "independent". It
doesn't seem to me too long ago that the only hope of having any
kind of success as an artist or songwriter was the traditional
method, by being signed to a label or publisher.
The music business has undergone a huge revolution in the past few
years, with the internet hastening these changes even more. On the
internet, you'll literally find everything you need to know about
writing, recording, performing, promoting, manufacturing, and
anything else you can think of that is related to music.
Indie-Music.com ( http://www.indie-music.com/ ) is a site that
offers information on all of these and more! You can register
yourself as an artist or band, you find loads of articles and
how-to's, you can look up radio stations all over the US and Canada
to send your CD's to, get reviews, book a tour, find a recording
studio...and on and on.
When I checked the site out, I paid particular attention to the
Education section. Under "Downloads", I found a site with sample
contracts and a link to the US Copyright office forms, and the
"Article Library" is stuffed full of tips and articles. Some
article titles are "Capturing Your Creativity", "10 Ways to Bust
Writer's Block", "Carpal Tunnel in Musicians", "Looking for
Sponsorship?" and "RX for Stage Fright"!
You could spend hours here getting ideas on how to advance your
career as a songwriter and/or artist. And if you haven't figured
it out by now, the key to becoming "Indie" is (my favourite line)
"Arm yourself with knowledge!" This is a great place to start!
******
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 eagerly anticipated CD "Catnip" is
finally here, and her earlier recordings have had attention
everywhere from Japan to South America.
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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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
YOU TALKIN' TO ME? by Harriet Schock
©2001, Harriet Schock.
All Rights Reserved. Reprinted With Permission.
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YOU TALKIN' TO ME?" Robert De Niro says in "Taxi Driver." And
that's the way I feel when I hear a song that's supposed to be
directed at me, the listener, and yet it's a pill I refuse to
swallow. Two things come to mind as the culprit: 1) When a song is
preachy, I immediately tune out and 2) When it's so in my face and
accusatory, I refuse to identify with the person the singer is
blasting or describing. The singer may be "talkin' to me," but I'm
not listening.
So how do we get the listener to swallow the pill, to identify with
the person who's being straightened out, to become enlightened?
After all, some songs actually make us better people, and how does
the writer do that? Well, I can think of four songs right off the
bat that have done that for me. John Prine's "Hello In There," so
affected me when I first heard it, that it actually changed my
behavior. I recently heard it again at a Bette Midler concert and I
was moved by it again, as I am every time I hear it. When I walk
down the street and pass an elderly person, I take Prine's
suggestion and say "Hello" in there. I was not totally oblivious to
the situation before I heard the song, but it awakened me more
and somehow gave me permission or a mission. If he had simply
screamed at us for ignoring old people, we would have tuned it out.
But when you hear the song, you'll hear how sweetly he seduces us
to his viewpoint and how safe he makes it for us to agree with him.
Great writing does that.
Joni Mitchell in "Trouble Child" paints a picture of a person who's
as crazy at that moment as I sometimes feel. So, when I hear it, I
don't feel like I'm the only one who's "under the thumb of the
maid," or who needs love so badly yet can't give it, or whatever
set of aberrations is biting me at the moment. So specific and
revealing is the lyric, and yet so brilliantly pointed inward, that
we race to identify with it. "That's me," we say. "I break like the
waves at Malibu. I feel just like that." The specificity of the
confession (even though it's told in the second person) is what
helps us find ourselves in it. She doesn't dwell in this song on
the disasters we wreak on others when we're in this shape, but we
feel secure in going down that trail of thought in the privacy of
our cars, or wherever the radio brings us the song.
Bob Dylan can nail a person in a song just about better than
anyone. And when he's nailing you, you know it. How many times have
those of us of the feminine gender heard "She takes . . . she makes
love . . . she aches . . . just like a woman . . . but she breaks
just like a little girl" and felt really awful (in a good way, of
course)? We see those childish, bratty parts of ourselves that have
left a trail of broken pieces, and no matter how together we think
we have it, we know that Dylan has seen our worst side. That's why
I love Dylan's response to the interviewer who was defending the
cover version of the song that changed the lyric to "she breaks up
just like a little girl." The interviewer assured him the artist
was simply doing her version of it. Dylan's repeated response was,
"No. She got it wrong." And I have to agree. The difference between
"breaks" and "breaks up" is pivotal. He meant "breaks."
Perhaps the most successful song I've heard at awakening us to
things about ourselves that are difficult to look at is "Secret
Garden" by Bruce Springsteen. He doesn't rail at a woman for
withholding herself, beg for sympathy or position himself as
victim. He simply speaks to another man, as if he's giving the
sagest advice in the world. He warns him that she'll "let you in
her house . . . in her car . . ." but that however you may hunger
for the nourishment of true intimacy with her, it will always
remain "a million miles away." By the third time I heard this, I
wanted to scream "mea culpa!" and throw myself on the ground like
Audrey Hepburn in "A Nun's Story," begging his forgiveness, as well
as the forgiveness of every man who has ever been left hungry by
any woman. The music is such a beautiful, soft carrier wave for the
communication and the lyric is so matter-of-fact and non-accusing.
He gives us the space to confess, to look at what we do and, who
knows? Maybe even to change.
Look at the power of great songwriting. It can wake us up, make us
see ourselves as we are at moments when we like to be the most
asleep to our true selves. It can change our attitudes and
behaviors. It can change the way nations think and perceive the
world. And, perhaps most important, it can change the individual
and inspire him/her to be more caring. Anyone who thinks
songwriting is a frivolous profession is simply doing it wrong.
******
Harriet Schock is a multi-platinum songwriter/recording artist
whose songs have been recorded my numerous artists, nominated for
a Grammy and used in films. Her fourth and fifth cds, American
Romance and Rosebud, have recently been nationally released, as
well as her book, BECOMING REMARKABLE, published by Blue Dolphin,
from which this article was excerpted (Chapter 22). As well as
performing worldwide, she speaks, teaches and consults in person
and via the internet. For further information about her book, CDs,
concerts or consultation, go to http://harrietschock.com/ or call
(323) 934-5691.
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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 :
Songwriting Elegance Through Song Form:
The "AAA" Song
by Mary Dawson
http://www.musesmuse.com/mary-songform-aaa.html
This is the second in a new series of articles talking about the
most effective ways to create songs using particular "forms". If
you're a little iffy on lyrical patterns and want to get your ideas
across with a maximum of style and elegance, knowing song forms is
the best help you can give yourself! The Introduction to the series
can be found at http://www.musesmuse.com/mary-songform-intro.html .
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C l a s s i f i e d s & U s e f u l S e r v i c e s :
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USA INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Songwriters! Enter to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash,
merchandise and more! This the largest prize package in any annual
songwriting competition. Also, winners' songs will be featured on a
nationally syndicated radio program serving over 60 cities in the
US and Canada. Judges include A&R Managers from Major Record labels
and publishers. Visit: http://www.songwriting.net/mm.html
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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 catagorization and more. Visit our web-site at
www.virtualstudiosystems.com and download your free 30-day trial
today. Call us at 888.732.1176 U.S or 603.726.4911 outside the
U.S. and mention this ad to receive a $10 discount towards your
purchase.
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THE SONGWRITER'S GUIDE TO DEMO SUBMISSION...
Everything you need to know to get your songs heard! Updated for
2001, our guide can give you an edge over the thousands of other
songwriters trying desperately to get their songs listened to.
You'll learn how to package your demos like a pro, discover where
to send your demos, learn how to market your songs online, locate
songwriter organizations and more! http://www.music-song-lyric.com
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WINDRIFT SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Windrift Music, a new music label in Toronto is sponsoring a free
songwriting competition. THERE IS NO ENTRY CHARGE:
Grand Prize * $500 in cash * Make Your own demo CD * 50 CDs
courtesy of Windrift Music * Web Hosting of Your Song on Windrift
Music Site * Artist Home Page with download of music * 1000
promotional Flyers of CD * Free promotion of artist CD to major
labels. The deadline is June 30th, 2001. Contest details are
located on the Windrift web site:
http://www.windriftmusic.com/contest.html
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ATTENTION SONGWRITERS! YOUR SONG MAY BE THE SOUND OF SUCCESS!
The Billboard Song Contest has some new and exciting changes taking
place this year. For the first time ever, we are offering the
"Excellence in Songwriting Award" for our first place winners. The
Billboard Song Contest is open to both amateur and semi-
professional songwriters. Entry forms can be obtained by calling
us toll free at 888-989-0351, at www.billboard.com/songcontest, or
email at bbsc@jimhalsey.com.
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GO GLOBAL WITH CDSTREET.COM
CDstreet.com is your secure source for credit card music ordering
in your own website. As a member of the CDstreet network, you will
have access to the most cost-effective, secure transaction
processing for global music merchandise distribution. Plus, no
setup fee and no sales equals no cost!
Check it out - http://www.cdstreet.com
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GET YOUR COPY OF THE INDIE CONTACT BIBLE & START MAKING WAVES!
This is an absolutely priceless resource for indie musicians. If
you want your music reviewed, on the radio, *heard*, THIS is the
resource you need to have. It's not going to tell you "how" but it
will *certainly* tell you "who". I highly recommend you pick it up
in order to compliment your other music marketing techniques. Have
a look at this url and read through a few sample pages to see what
I mean: http://www.bigmeteor.com/muse
(Full review at http://www.musesmuse.com/3.4-July00.html#book)
=================================================================
ADVERTISING RATES: For Classifieds: US$25 Max. 8 lines, where
a line = 65 characters including spaces and punctuation. All
contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com
For Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
opportunities, please see http://www.musesmuse.com/media.html .
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C o n t a c t I n f o & C r e d i t s :
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Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR
Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER
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The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about
songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint
The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate
credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is
included (including credits and information at the end of each
issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com.
All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information will be available at:
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html
The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
songwriters: http://www.musesmuse.com/
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.
info@musesmuse.com - How to subscribe, unsubscribe, etc.
editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.
SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com
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Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National
Library of Canada ecollection:
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