April 2023
Hello folks,
Here is the latest ISG newsletter. Please reply with “Remove” in the subject line
if you wish to be removed from the ISG mailing list.
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Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 28, No. 04
April 2023
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
The next zoom feedback session will be Sunday April 2nd.
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
Here is an article by Andrea Stolpe.
https://www.andreastolpe.com/articles/a-process-for-your-songwriting
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.
Searching
by Jackie Mason
Modern life is complex and at times chaotic. I think some of the chaos is exacerbated by the technology that we own. Since February I have had to juggle much needed house repairs and multiple car breakdowns. Then one of my favorite drum machines quit working. I’ve been without a vehicle for more than a month. Add to that multiple doctor visits. Well we are old after all is said and done. While writing this opening paragraph I became aware I could turn it into a blues song. Still wearing my songwriter’s hat, I thought that the phrase “after all is said and done” would make a good song title. I did a quick Google search and realized I’m not the first. It rolls off the tongue so well. Titles are fair game so I’m not despondent about that fact.
I arrived at this article with no ideas and quickly and disappeared down an internet rabbit hole. That is why I chose the title “Searching.” Last month I wrote about the sad passing of Burt Bacharach. I had continued to work on some of his songs. “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” has always been a favorite of mine. Check out this English version of the song by Sandie Shaw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx5otxLS3qc I am not sure how well known she was in America. She always performed barefoot and was known as "the barefoot pop princess of the 1960s.” Another song I have been playing is “24 Hours From Tulsa” by the underrated American singer Gene Pitney. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zugy2rkSM7g Gene was a good songwriter himself. I’m not sure I’d play these songs on a gig but they are worth studying. I would definitely play “Walk On By” on a gig. There is a lovely rhythm and blues/ jazz vibe to this song. It’s definitely worth a revisit for me. Listen to this treatment by The Stranglers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYkqLm9cM3Y “24 Hours From Tulsa” puts me in mind of this song by Billie Joe Royal, “Down In The Boondocks” https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=down+in+the+boondocks This was written by another under valued songwriter Joe South. Check out his song “Hush.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M9se64HoTg This was later recorded by Deep Purple. I would cover these last two songs. Continuing this music thread I will throw another song in the mix.”Drift Away” by Dobie Gray and written by Mentor Williams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIuyDWzctgY&list=RDNIuyDWzctgY&start_radio=1 Learn these songs and see what comes up for you as a songwriter. Mentor Williams was the brother of songwriter/actor Paul Williams.
As I chased the white rabbit in search of inspiration I found my treasure. I have not written much about Paul McCartney. I think because I’ve never heard a good interview where he talked about his writing process. The treasure I found was a Hulu documentary “McCartney 3,2,1” in which he talks about music with producer Rick Rubin. We hear how the song “Michelle” was developed. We hear about his musical influences.”Sgt Pepper” was influenced by The Beach Boys “Pet Sounds.” It’s the best interview I have heard with McCartney. This is the header from the YouTube video.
“Paul McCartney sits down for a rare in-depth one-on-one with Rick Rubin to discuss his groundbreaking work with The Beatles, the emblematic 70s arena-rock of Wings, and his 50 years and counting as a solo artist, in this six-episode series that explores music and creativity in a unique and revelatory manner. Join Paul and Rick for an intimate conversation about the musicianship, songwriting, ingenuity, influences, and personal relationships that informed the iconic songs that have served as the soundtracks of our lives.” This is the link. It's two documentaries so have fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-b4INqB85I This will inspire you.
Well so long from the song motel. Have a safe month
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 March, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2023 ISG