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The Muse's News |
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Issue 4.6 - September 2001
ISSN 1480-6975
[ Back to The Muse's News Index ] [ Home ]
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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
@-- Featured Article - IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE - by Robert Angello
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by Jodi Krangle
@-- Featured Article - THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC: Club Contracts
- by Charles Katz
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - by Irene Jackson
@-- Featured Article - OYSTERS & MUSES 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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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 http://www.musesmuse.com/songscope.html for details or contact:
writerinfo@songscope.com ~ Tel: 770.754.4543
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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... This summer went by so quickly I barely
had time to blink! Don't know if any of you feel the same way. In
any case, this issue is packed with information. Duff & Nancy are
taking a break from their Copyright & Publishing Q&A, but there's
tons of other stuff to keep you interested, including another
installment of Charles Katz's THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC, a featured
article by Nashville recording studio owner, Robert Angello, great
music and site reviews from Ben Ohmart and Irene Jackson, a guest
songwriting book reviewer (thanks Grant!), and a fantastic
interview with a founding member of Triumph, singer, songwriter &
rockin' guitarist, Rik Emmett.
The new Radio Muse show (show #5) is now online too so I hope
you'll drop by http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html to have a
listen. Think about sending in your own music for consideration,
ok? We'd love to hear it.
Rick Cohoon of Mattoon, IL, has won a copy of Lyricist
Software generously donated by the folks at Virtual Studio Systems
(see http://www.virtualstudiosystems.com/products.htm for details).
They also have a special on now whereby you can get a copy of this
great software for only $14.95 until September 30th - AND that
includes a special deal for the new upgrade to the program coming
out in October. Not bad, huh?
So that you know, all the subscribers to the Muse's News have a
chance of being chosen in the raffles to receive free stuff.
That's my "thank you" to you for subscribing. :) If you enjoy this
newsletter, why not spread the word? Word of mouth is really
helpful and I hugely appreciate all your efforts in that regard.
And, without further ado, on to the good stuff! :)
I hope you have a wonderful September.
--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...
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/storeref.aspx?refby=musesmuse
Limited Edition Messenger Bags on Sale until September 30th!
Help support The Muse's Muse and look cool with our new, limited
edition Messenger Bags. They're great for the office or school.
Check them out in the online store today, because after September
30th, they'll be history.
Visit http://www.musesmuse.com/musemerchandise.html for more info.
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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 :
There will be a brief pause from this section this month so that
Nancy and Duff can recover from their busy summer. But they'll be
back next month with more of their forum discussions.
Meanwhile, the Q&A's taken from both this newsletter and those
displayed online, are located here:
http://www.musesmuse.com/pubq-a.html - and are arranged by subject.
If you have questions that aren't already covered there, all
instructions on how to ask a question are also included at that
location.
Back to Menu
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE - by Bob Angello
©August 9, 2001, Robert Angello. All Rights Reserved. Used By
Permission.
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Songwriters today are hacking and slashing their way through the
competitive booby traps and mine fields of Music Row. Oh, I'm not
talking about the couple of guys who are hooked up and in the
middle of their glory years. I'm talking about the guys and gals
who have had top ten records, walking the streets, looking for a
publishing deal, and the new kids on the block, trying to "get
something going". The golden days, in Nashville, appear to be over.
There are so many conflicting philosophies on the songwriter demo,
that books have been written and wars nearly fought on the subject.
Remember, the only thing between your vision of your music and the
song screener's ears is your demo. What this article will do is
help you, the writer, sort through some of the confusion and
differences in final product, and focus your energy on the
important aspects of demoing your songs. Wanna hear it? It goes
something like this...
Ring.......ring......ring....."Hello, Angello Sound Studio".
"Yes, I would like some information about your recording services.
I am a songwriter and you were recommended by the Nashville
Songwriters Association International (NSAI)"....
and so the conversation begins.
Typically the first question out of the caller's mouth is,"How much
do you charge for a demo?" Value in a recording session is
something that cannot only be defined by the price. If a
songwriter is learning the craft of song writing, there is a good
chance not all of his/her first work will warrant a huge investment
in demoing. "If you are just gonna play it for your mom, she'll
like it, no matter what!" If, on the other hand, you have a little
experience and your goal is to compete in today's song writing
jungle, there are some things you need to consider.
...CONTINUED @ http://www.musesmuse.com/art-jungle.html
******
Bob Angello has owned and operated his master / demo studio,
Angello Sound Studio, in Nashville, for nearly 17 years. His client
list includes over 200 writers, producers, artists, publishers, and
musicians worldwide. Bob is also an accomplished musician, having
started his career, playing for the legendary songwriter, Tom T.
Hall (5 yrs.), singer/songwriter Suzy Bogguss (5yrs.) Chet Atkins
(1 yr.) Jo Dee Messina (3yrs), Steve Wariner (1yr.), and most
recently Pam Tillis.
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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Elton Dean & Mark Hewins – Bar Torque
Sax man Elton Dean's career is as varied as it is insatiably long.
Along with blowing into classic bands like Bluesology and Soft
Machine, the 70s also saw Dean giving his all to odd-name groups
like Brotherhood of Breath, Ninesense, Weightwatchers and Soft
Head. Oh, and don't forget the compliment Elton John gave him by
taking half his name away for a stage name.
Mark Hewins is hardly a stranger to the music scene either. Ever
since he began his professional career as a guitarist at age 15 in
1970, he's been a session man to the best of them: London
Musicians' Collective, Trevor Watts, Richard Coldman, Roger Smith.
From 1976, he's been in bands starting with Sinclair and the South,
The Polite Force, Soft Heap (another of Elton Dean’s bands), The
Music Doctors, and on and on.
Both born in England, they also happen to specialize in the real
alchemy of improv/experimental jazz/rock. There's nothing rock
about the current 52 minute Bar Torque album; it's a jazz
improvisation with Dean leading his sax against the 3 tracks of
Hewing's guitars. Mostly synth guitars, which is quite an original
sound if you've never heard this version of keyboard. The Brian Eno
sound comes out in full force with tonal messages and large
landscapes of resonance and curious motions.
'Merilyn's Cave' is for me the most invigorating, especially near
the end of its 14:20 minute run, stopping suddenly as if at the
edge of the earth. Underground. Why do I see this being recorded
for a late 60s remake of A Journey to the Center of the Earth,
directed by Warhol? 'Merlin's Cave' would make an apt title as
well, with all its immediate mysticism.
The opening 'Bar Torque' is the longest track at nearly 25 minutes.
Sonic and imagination-capturing. It is ambitious and moves along at
great, low depths among the backing synth, while Dean gets a grip
with where the freestyle tune is going.
New age, mixed with somber jazz atmospherics. Cleverer people will
figure out just exActly where this music belongs in the genre bin.
Get it and deduce what it's saying.
P.S. Dean is currently working on his autobiography and picking out
enough tracks to fill a 3 CD anthology. For someone This important
in the world of jazz, let’s hope nothing sidetracks the man.
http://www.moonjune.com
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OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Jenn London -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000045.html
Four Shadow -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000046.html
Wings Over Water -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000047.html
The Afro-Indian Project -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000048.html
Harv -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000049.html
Kamal -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000050.html
The Cathy Richardson Band -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000051.html
Ray -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000052.html
Harry James & His Orchestra, Featuring Cathy Chemi -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000053.html
Triakel -
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000057.html
---------------
******
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 Grant Steeden
HOW TO WRITE SONGS ON GUITAR - A guitar-playing and songwriting
course by ~ Rikky Rooksby
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0879306114/themusesmuse
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Even upon initial perusal, the breadth of what is covered here
should make it of interest to almost any songwriter - whether it be
the 'bedroom dreamer' with a battered acoustic or the consummate
professional ever seeking 'the ultimate song', there is enough
inspiration for a million songs here, and with references to over
1,400 it should keep you busy for hours!
Starting with the basic forms of songwriting method and working
through Chord Shapes, sequences and song structures up to Advanced
Harmony and lyric writing it gives an excellent general overview of
song creation from Inception upwards which is difficult to fault.
From its opening with the author's own introduction, up to his
interesting (if brief) sound bytes from famous songwriters ranging
across Weller to Garbage, Dylan to Zappa and more ... there
is, indeed, plenty to make you think and even some recommended
listening - although if you don't own at least some of these albums
already you should be ashamed of yourselves!
In all, a fine book from an interesting talent with much personal
experience of the industry that I would highly recommend for
everyone's personal library.
******
Grant Steeden has been songwriting for almost 7 years now, mostly
for bands he's been a member of and local colleagues. He completed
an advanced certificate in contemporary music in June and is
currently in the process of writing a project for an exceptional
local female singer which, if all goes according to plan, will be
demo'd in a studio within the next few weeks. He unfortunately has
to do telephone work part-time to pay the bills, but hey - free
internet access is a perk and he thoroughly enjoys passing all the
horrible callers to another department. He's 28, single and loves
people watching when he should be working - apparently there's a
lot of inspiration to be had in wondering what/where and why all
those people go running by. (He also seems to supply free clichés
like that one, barf anyone?)
He can be reached at bartfastslarti@hotmail.com
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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: Showcasing - by Charles Katz
©2001, Charles Katz. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
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One of my favorite songs of the '70s is "Listen to the Music" by
the Doobie Brothers Words and Music by Tom Johnston.
"Oh,____oh, listen to the music, oh, ,oh, listen to the music" is
the repeated Chorus and that is what showcasing is all about -
getting your tune across to the audience.
It is a simple concept. Produce a great CD and introduce it at your
showcasing release party. The difficulty is in the meticulous
follow through required.
The following items are the main issues to consider.
1. The Club
Choose a popular club that attracts an audience that enjoys your
type of music. Sometimes you buy that club out by renting it for
the night and organizing the sound and lighting etc. Other
occasions may involve a scenario where you pay to play by buying a
minimum of tickets from the club owner.
2. Make sure you are on the club mailer and your poster is
properly displayed.
3. Secure the optimum time for appearance when the Media and A &R
representatives are most likely to be present.
4. Choose a club that has the proper stage and enough room to
accommodate your equipment.
5. Make sure the club has a good PA System with Reverb , 3 inputs,
Sound Board and a well trained sound operator.
6. Show up on time for sound checks and performances. Very
Important. Give yourself at least one hour for sound check.
7. Have excellent lighting and proper communication with the
lighting operator.
8. Most artists will play a maximum of two sets, 40 minutes each.
9. Be amiable and cooperative with club staff - especially the
sound man.
10. Prepare guest lists with the owner to welcome important VIPs.
11. Dress to be controversial and/or at least be interesting to
your Audience, creating a receptive mood. Don't show up in your
regular work clothes from your day job!!
12. Perform original material and no cover songs especially when A
& R staff are present. I recently heard a very popular group end
their song with a Beatles riff. Not Cool.
13. Get the appropriate industry people there. If it takes bribery
and coercion , do it!!
14. GET YOUR FANS OUT THERE!!! Email, Flyers, Mail List, Press
Releases, Radio, Television, Posters
Stay tuned for next month's article:
Publicity: How To get 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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'RADIO MUSE' WEBCAST FOR INDEPENDENT SONGWRITERS - 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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ATTENTION CHICAGO AREA SONGWRITERS!
Pat & Pete Luboff will be conducting an afternoon workshop in the
Windy City on Saturday, September 8, from 1PM TO 5PM. The location
is near the intersections of Western and Estis. The cost will be
$30 at the door, or $20 to Muse's Musers who pre-register by phone
(615-596-3482) or e-mail (accessed from the Luboffs' web site
www.writesongs.com). Deadline for preregistration is September 4.
A message from Pat & Pete:
Our "12 Steps to Building Better Songs" workshop is a unique
learning experience. It is an audience participation workshop in
which we lead the entire group in a collaboration on a new song. We
field titles from the writers, then talk about what makes a title
strong. Together, the group chooses a title and we discuss all the
many aspects that emanate from the title: story lines, characters,
song structures, musical styles. When we all agree on what the song
is about we can begin to write the lyric of the song together. Then
we show how a melody can arise from the lyric and participants
collaborate on the beginning of the melody. Collaboration skills
and legal aspects are covered. This is based on the method of
leading large group collaborations we have developed in our Los
Angeles workshops. The way it involves the writers make it a very
exciting learning experience for all.
We look forward to seeing you in Chicago. Write On!
--Pat & Pete Luboff
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DALLAS SONGWRITERS 2001 ANNUAL SONG CONTEST
- Deadline September 15, 2001
Dallas Songwriters Association does it again with one of the
largest ever Songwriting Association Contests in prizes and cash
valued over $4,500! Three Grand Prize Winners and Ten Song
Categories. Finalists in each category will be judged by music
industry professionals from record labels and publishing companies
& Grand Prize winners will be chosen by members of Tonos.Com!
Song Categories Are: Country/Western. Hip Hop/Pop/Rock/R&B,
Folk/Bluegrass, Christian/Inspirational, Singer-Songwriter, Lyrics,
Children’s/Novelty, Easy Listening/Instrumental/New Age, Jazz/World
Beat/Latin, and Love Songs.
Hurry to beat the September 15th deadline. This could be your
chance to be discovered by an industry pro! To print your entry
form, go to www.dallassongwriters.org under Song Contest 2001. Or
write or email: Dallas Songwriters Association, 2001 Song Contest,
James or Annie Cornelius, P.O. Box 459, Royse City, TX 75189,
972-636-9230, Email: jaelius@flash.net
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BOSA SONGWRITING AWARDS:
The BOSA Songwriting Awards is a twice yearly global competition
where the best songs and artists are showcased to Music Publishers
and other Industry Professionals for review in addition to category
prizes.
Site URL: http://bosa.iwarp.com
Current Deadline to Enter: October 19, 2001
Contact: info@bosa.iwarp.com
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GMIA SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE 2001 AT EDDIE'S ATTIC
The Georgia Music Industry Association announces the 22nd Annual
Songwriters Showcase & Awards Show at "Eddie's Attic" in Atlanta,
Ga. November 8th, 2001. ( www.gmia.org )
"Eddie's Attic" is one of "The Premier" songwriter's showcase
opportunitys in the South where "The Indigo Girls" & "Shawn
Mullins" launched careers. Be heard and seen performing your own
original material at this event sponsored by ASCAP,BMI,SESAC, Mars
Music,Lowery Music Group and many more.
Submit your original songs in "Any Genre" including
Acoustic,Pop,Rock,Rap/Hip Hop,Country,Folk,CCM,AAA, by the entry
deadline of September 27th, 2001 for judging by Music Industry
professionals for Cash Prizes and your chance to perform for Music
Industry pros.
Send an Email to GMIA President, Cindy-Lou Harrington at (
cindy-lou@mindspring.com ) or GMIA Board Director, Michael Harris
Watson at ( watsonmichaelh@netscape.net ) to receive the entry via
pdf document or call 404-266-2666 to request it by mail.
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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One of the first websites I encountered, WAY back when I discovered
the internet, was the Singer/Songwriter Directory. It could easily
have turned into one of those long-forgotten websites that I
wouldn't have remembered even joining, except for one thing. It
has continued to grow by leaps and bounds and Jacques Herman has
done an excellent job of not only maintaining it, but building it
into a thriving community.
There are several ways that you might use the Singer/Songwriter
Directory, found here: http://singer-songwriter.com/index.html
First of all, if you're a songwriter and you have a website, the
most obvious thing to do would be to join up! But beyond that, the
directory gives you some opportunities you may not have thought of.
If you're designing a website, or updating an existing one, or you
have someone doing the work for you...why not check out some of
these websites to get some ideas? The design of a website is often
not given enough attention in a hurry to get the darn thing online!
With a little creativity, you'll put together something that will
bring your fans back time and time again. Pay attention to several
factors...ease of navigation, colors and font themes, pictures and
audio files, bios and performance information. Not all of these
websites will be well designed...ask yourself what you DON'T want
in a website and look for examples of those!
Another use of the Singer/Songwriter directory is to check out the
"competition"! The directory breaks down the search in several
ways...alphabetically, so you can look up specific artists...by
genre, and by region. Not only will you find out what people are
writing, but you could also come up with some venues that you might
like to perform in, and you might even end up finding a few new
favourite artists!
Jacques has even added a Singer/Songwriter radio...play it while
you're surfing, and if you hear someone you like, you can do a
search on the site for the link! You can read through some of the
topics in the Singer/Songwriter Forum, or chat live with some other
songwriters. And along with all of this, there are also links to
publishers, songwriter organizations, record companies and studios
and more.
Use your imagination and you can come up with a few ideas for using
the Singer/Songwriter Directory to your advantage...that's what
it's there for!
******
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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S o n g w r i t e r I n S p o t l i g h t :
Guitarist/singer/songwriter & founding member of Triumph,
Rik Emmett
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"RIK EMMETT is one of Canada's most respected musicians: a virtuoso
guitarist & singer/songwriter with an award-winning, multi-gold and
platinum history that earned him a spot in the Canadian Rock Hall
of Fame. He currently owns and runs OPEN HOUSE Records, and has
established an ambitious catalogue of guitar-based original music
of all styles. Rik is also an experienced, articulate clinician,
educator, adjudicator, consultant, cartoonist, columnist and
author. For four years, www.rikemmett.com has been one of the most
successful pioneering independent ventures on the internet, where
you can get up-to-date, comprehensive information on his career."
He also gives one hell of a good interview. How does an extremely
popular performer keep it all together? Here's some insight into
Rik's writing process, how he deals with criticism, how he finds
time to write, how he uses today's technologies to get ahead, and
how he manages to keep his family life intact through it all. How
does he keep himself sane in this insane business? Read on to find
out.
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Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and your musical
influences? How did you get into songwriting?
-----------------
A: I had been a singer in the school and church choirs ever since I
was 8 or 9. At around the age of 11 (1964), the boys from our
neighbourhood used to gather 'round the old Seabreeze record
player, and lip-sync to Beatles 45's as we strummed tennis rackets.
Then my granddad gave me an old catalogue acoustic guitar - one
that had palm trees and a hula girl stenciled on the front. After
I'd learned to play a C and an A minor first position chord, I
wrote a song. Now, in retrospect, I can see that the whole thing -
the ambition of wanting to be popular & accepted, the
competitive/performance aspect of 'play' (the physical/mental
challenge), the control-freak psychology of trying to understand
and explain the universe by creating tiny little controllable bits
of it in music/songs/stories/paintings - led to singing and
guitar-playing and songwriting being all wrapped up in one
relatively natural, organic kind of pursuit. I was naturally
left-handed (dextrosinistral, actually - things of strength
southpaw, fine motor control - writing, holding a fork -
right-handed), and began to learn to play in the standard
right-handed way, which gave me some natural advantages for
left-hand fingerings over contemporaries. Having early advantages
led to having early successes, and plenty of positive
reinforcement. So I'd play my ditty for my mom, and she'd say,
"You're amazing. You're fantastic." Which gave me the kind of
courage to think that someday I could get the critics in newspapers
to say the same kind of things. 'Defining' moments are hard to
pinpoint, because I think the process becomes one of accumulation -
putting together basement bands that played at private parties:
being the singer/songwriter that everyone at high school remembered
from the talent nights and assemblies: sitting at a campfire on
Wasaga Beach, or at a YMCA 'coffeehouse' night, playing Paul Simon
and James Taylor songs, then throwing in some original songs and
guitar pieces and having people react with strong acceptance: these
were the kinds of things that gave the thought of 'career' some
momentum. In phase two of 'career' development, I was jobbing,
playing in wedding & bar mitzvah bands, or C-lounge country bands,
and being exposed to covering that eclectic mix of classic standard
kinds of popular songs, soaking up influences. And even in phase
three, when I was wearing spandex and makeup, playing blazing hard
rock solos and taking musical talents in a more obvious 'show-biz'
direction, earning bigger paychecks and building a larger
reputation, the thing that was still the most satisfying aspect of
self-expression was to sit down with an acoustic, create, write,
then sing & play something that I wrote myself. Even the anthems
that filled arenas for Triumph can be boiled down to simple
acoustic folk songs, which is how they started life anyway. I know
that my career 'reputation' is probably more one of 'guitarist' -
but the truth is, I'm one of those dreaded multiple-slash kinds of
people - guitarist/singer/songwriter (add
producer/arranger/recording artist into that mix), and it's all
just one big ball of wax.
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Q: Sounds like it's been one crazy ride! You talk a great deal
about positive reinforcement as being a guiding influence in your
musical career. Criticism must have been hard to deal with -
especially later on in your career when you became better known and
more people felt they had the right to criticize. How did you deal
with it? Any tips for helping new performer/songwriters handle that
sort of thing? How did you deal with it in the beginning of your
career as opposed to now? What are the differences? If you can
think of a particular incident that you learned from, feel free to
talk about it (no need to name names).
-----------------
For the answers to this and many more questions, see the rest of
the interview at http://www.musesmuse.com/int-rikemmett.htmlBack to Menu
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" O N S I T E " F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E :
Two Article Series by Ken Klar of Must Have Music:
GETTING THE PRO'S ON YOUR SIDE:
Building a Fan-Base - Who Needs One And Why?
So you're convinced you have the greatest songs around on the
greatest CD ever produced. When you go to meet with the pro's in
the industry who can help your career, what do you have to bring to
the table? If you remember the "business" in "Music Business",
you'll make sure you have something that will interest them and
make nice little dollar signs appear in their eyes. Ken talks about
why you need a fan base and gives some helpful hints on how to get
one.
http://www.musesmuse.com/art-klar1.html to read more.
GETTING THE PRO'S ON YOUR SIDE:
Marketing 101
"Here's the situation. You've worked incredibly hard and managed to
finish your Debut CD. You're ready to announce yourself to the
world. How do you market this thing so that your dream of one day
being able to earn a living playing music can actually come true?"
http://www.musesmuse.com/art-klar2.html to read on.
******
Ken Klar is a Songwriter and Managing Director of Must Have Music
(BMI), which has spent the last ten years, developing an extensive
catalog of top quality original songs ranging from Adult
Contemporary, Pop/R&B, Contemporary Christian, Pop-Rock and
Country. The current catalog includes more than one hundred songs
that have been placed with Independent Artists across the country.
For information about this and other music industry related topics,
go to http://www.musthavemusic.net .
Back to Menu
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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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LYRICIST! SPECIAL SALE VERSION 1.2. $14.95 UNTIL SEPT 30, 2001.
Virtual Studio Systems, Inc. is proud to announce a special
liquidation sale for Version 1.2. Lyricist, the first of its kind
word processor designed for musicians, songwriters, and poets.
Includes a rhyming dictionary, spell checker, thesaurus, album
categorization and more. Ver 2 will include Chord Charting and
Song Arranging. A special deal will be offered to all registered
Lyricist users when Ver 2 is released in Oct 2001. Visit our
web-site at www.virtualstudiosystems.com for more information Call
us at 888.732.1176 U.S or 603.726.4911 outside the U.S.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOMA MUSIC, IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING ORIGINAL MATERIAL
from those who are looking to have their songs placed in
television, film, and commercials. We are also looking to hear from
emerging indie bands, solo artists, and great songwriters who are
targeting the major and indie record labels hoping to land a
recording contract. All styles of music are welcome and eligible
for licensing. Broadcast quality vocal and instrumental tracks are
a must!. Visit www.noma1.com for more information.
Phone: 877-980-7700. E-mail: promotion@noma1.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CHECK OUT STARPOLISH.COM - THE SITE FOR ARTISTS
StarPolish is dedicated to educating and empowering artists, with
an emphasis on artist advocacy and artist development. We are also
committed to supporting the arts by rewarding and highlighting the
most hard-working and deserving artists.StarPolish is a
collaborative effort between artists and music industry
professionals. We have tons of content including: the largest
advice library, a place to sell your music with the most favorable
rates on the web, a database of resources around the country and in
you area, industry news, as well as much much more...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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 .
Back to Menu
=================================================================
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:
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The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
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For further information, send your e-mail to:
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adinfo@musesmuse.com - How to place a classified ad, pass
on market information or sponsor
The Muse's News.
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
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