Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
February 2023
Volume 28, No. 02
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
The next zoom feedback session will be February 5th.from 5 to 8pm.
We will send details under a separate e-mail,
and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
If you want the zoom meeting details,
please e-mail us at isgorlando@gmail.com
Hopefully we will soon be meeting in person again.
Please stay tuned for more info.
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 are asking members to renew their dues for 2023. 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.
Here is a retreat being hosted by Fett and Nancy Moran
Song Craft #2
by Jackie Mason
This month I return to my November 2022 article “Songcraft.” I was talking about a 2016 interview between songwriter Marty Dodson and Taxi’s Michael Laskow. It can be found at YouTube. Here’s the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9cMGsCmkw&t=2823s and it’s titled “Country Songwriting Techniques with Marty Dodson.”
The important tip that Marty gave us is that up tempo music is what people want. He learned the importance of this by observing audiences. He’s mainly a lyricist. That’s his craft. That’s what he brings in to a room with other co-writers. I realize that I’ve learned the fundamental importance of observation and how to apply it to storytelling. I’ve learned it from studying this interview.
Michael brings up songwriter/teacher Ralph Murphy and his Harlan Howard stories. Harlan was once the King of Music Row in Nashville. It’s easy to see why with hits by Patsy Cline. “I Fall to Pieces”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ml-ihcouA and Ray Charles, “Busted.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opIaQNTZQUo Harlan was a true observer of people and things they said. Here’s a quote from Harlan Howard:
He said, “I can show you restaurant napkins, bar napkins, whatever, full of titles. All these years, from age 12 to now, I’ve trained myself to listen to everything that’s said. I read the paper from front to back. Even there in the news, you might find something that’s interesting. A title, an idea—all these things are floating around.” Harlan’s biggest hit was “Heartaches By The Number” recorded by Ray Price. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plsrmXJFuLk here’s another quote: “The toughest songs in the world to write are love songs,” he said. “‘I love you and I will forever and blah blah blah.’ I’d rather get into a song about a relationship that’s a little bit shaky or even tragic. That in my mind represents country music and the drama of the man-woman thing. That to me is the most fun to write.” This is the Harlan interview where I found these quotes https://performingsongwriter.com/harlan-howard/ “Performing Songwriter” “Harlan Howard” by Lydia Hutchinson.
The conversation in the Taxi interview turns to description. It’s really about how much description is too much. Marty likens it to the den in one’s home. You don’t put too much stuff in the room. You put just enough furniture in the room to make it comfortable. Think of the furniture as detail and that’s what you need in your song.”Just enough detail” will suffice. This is a very informative video and even though it’s from 2016 it remains inspirational.
Marty says that for him “there are no songwriting rules, there are communication rules.” For example, don't change the pronouns halfway through a song. That miscommunication confuses the listener. Marty and his songwriting partner Clay Mills are the owners of songtown.com. That’s a very good place to take your songwriting to another level. Here is a link to a positive article about writing songs https://songtown.com/on-songwriting/its-never-too-late-songwriting-dreams/ That’s right, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. This is a great place to learn the craft and business of songwriting. Also, check out taxi.com for more invaluable tips.
Before I leave may I remind you that the February Album Writing Month (FAWM) begins next week on February 1st. fawm.com I just reset my password so I’m logged in. The challenge is can you write 14 songs in February?
I’m saying goodbye to Jeff Beck and David Crosby. Both musicians left us in the last month. Gone but not forgotten. I’m still trying to extend my stay at the Song Motel. 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.
Steve Hodak hosts several newly listed open mics on the East coast.
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 January, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2023 ISG