March 2021
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 26, No. 03
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
We will send details under a separate e-mail,
and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
We expect it to be scheduled for Sunday March 7th at 5pm.
If you want the zoom meeting details, please e-mail us
at isgorlando@gmail.com
Any Details not in this newsletter are at:
If you wish to join our Facebook group, please check us out at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
WebChatter
by CyberToad
We have been forgetting to ask members to renew their dues. It costs only $5 per year, and it helps us to defray costs for the zoom meetings.
We have 2 methods of payment. Either paypal to our treasurer Asli Goncer's paypal account. The paypal access is at aslivision@gmail.com
or you can mail a $5 check to
Asli Goncer
2849 Babylon Court
Oviedo, FL 32765
Either way, we appreciate your continued support.
Creative Collaborations #2
By Jackie Mason
When I finished my last article I’d come to a description of the neurological condition known as synesthesia. Not being a doctor, I’m going to provide a link that describes the condition and let you draw your own conclusion. https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/syne.html I’ve read it could be considered a gift. There is a long list of musicians who have it.
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/20_famous_musicians_with_synesthesia-50633
I, also, had found a talented teacher named Friedemann Findeisen. He has a songwriting website called Holistic Songwriting.
https://blog.holistic-songwriting.com/welcome-package/
Friedemann has a YouTube channel and in this video he describes how Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas write and produce songs. As well, he describes Billie’s approach to making videos. It’s important, especially in light of the fact that both she and her brother have synesthesia. Unfortunately this video comes with advertisements, so remember to click in the bottom right hand corner of your screen after 5 seconds. The video is titled “How Billie Eilish Writes A Song/ Artists Series.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eEEYOE8HvA
He poses the question “Which three words best describe Billie’s image?” He gives us his answer and they are “Minimal,” “Ethereal” and “Horror.” I think that is a good answer. He demonstrates the musical patterns and chord progressions in a clear way. At the same time, he illustrates the neat musical twists that they come up with. Just watch and listen to this section over and over. Sometimes osmosis is the best way to learn. You’ll find it will help in your songwriting. Even if you feel you don’t understand it, your subconscious will absorb it. Songwriter and teacher Robin Frederick talks about this all of the time. Friedemann talks about her melody lines. From the first time I heard Finneas play one of his own songs I was aware of the jazz influences in his music. You can find them in Billie’s songs too. it’s old school songwriting. The melodies are like nursery rhymes. It’s a good place to come up with your own musical ideas. If you want to sound contemporary, play nursery rhymes. It’s not surprising after 50 years of Sesame St raising our children. Once more learn by osmosis.He says there is a “childish, innocent, vulnerable” feeling to her choice of melody lines. Friedemann talks about her harmonies. Remember these two artists have spent a lot of time in choir. They understand harmony very well. They understand it enough to play it simple until it’s time to play it complex and surprise us.
Friedemann points out the minimal nature of the backing music. Mostly bass, kick drum and an acoustic instrument or synth. What gives the production it’s thickness is the layering of track upon track. The songs are constructed one block of sound upon another. He also points out that her videos are minimal. Often just two colors. I think that’s because of how she sees stuff. The synesthesia plays it’s part in her video production style.
I really advise everyone to watch this video and go to his webpage too. This is a great musical lesson on songwriting, production and video. He has a particularly good analysis on plot. He points out that the video color schemes that Billie chooses, can be traced back to various iconic movie and television shows. She draws her influences from horror movies.
Like The Beatles, from another time, she knows her audience very well. Before I finish this article, I would like to post three video links to Finneas’s songs where you can clearly hear his jazz roots. The first song is titled “I Don’t Miss You At All.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVT0kD1Qz7I
This next one is titled “Let’s Fall In Love For The Night.” Do check out his Beatle’s guitar strap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb8nZMvw2sM and the poignant “I Lost A Friend.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQU6NnQZUsE
I could write another five articles about these two talented siblings. That would be self indulgent and I've made that mistake before! I must be moving on. Stay safe.
ISG Bulletin Board
Meeting space graciously provided by Central Florida Musicians Association,
Local 389. You are invited to join the largest union in the world, representing the
interests of the professional musician. Visit their website at afm389.org for more
information. You may reach them by phone at: 407-894-8666.
Why isn't your gig or live stream announced here? Members in good standing call SusieCool
with your appearance schedule! 407-760-2153 or e-mail her the details at isgorlando@gmail.com
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/Home/open-mic-directory-central-florida
SusieCool is the admin for a Facebook group called "Orlando Creative Music Network"
where we give out info on songwriter meetings, playing circles, open mics, workshops and concerts.
We have a Facebook page for this group if you want to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274152179716552/
No Critique scores for February, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2021 ISG