Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 28, No. 07
July 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 July 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 another article by Andrea Stolpe.
https://www.andreastolpe.com/articles/how-to-write-a-chorus-in-4-steps
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.
Staying Up To Date
by Jackie Mason
In search of inspiration. I think I’ve been writing these articles for about thirteen years. It’s difficult to find something unique after all this time. I confess that I don’t always follow the advice that I pass on here. So I’ll return to inspiration. I’ll often enter the term “songwriting tips” in a YouTube or Google search. We do live in a a brave new world. So much will pop up in that search. I used to spend hours in the library. Now with one click a whole treasure trove is at my disposal.
The first piece of treasure is on YouTube. It’s presented by Keppie Couts who teaches songwriting and lyric writing for Berklee Online. There is more about her on the Berklee website.
https://online.berklee.edu/faculty/keppie-coutts The video is titled “8 Songwriting Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuP1YVs6m7M It was published on May 8th, 2023. It’s a fresh approach and is right up to date. I’ve noticed that I get more from it with each viewing. I won’t examine each tip as I will leave that to you, dear reader. I will tell you about my favorite tips. I like the first tip “Find A Title.” It’s one I am already aware of but Keppie makes me acutely aware of it’s importance. As I said it’s a fresh approach. She reminds us how the title anchors a song to an idea. She tells us how Nashville songwriters carry a book of titles or a “Hook Book.” I like Tip 3 which is “Amplified Reality.” Leave out unnecessary words and phrases. She quotes author Stephen King “Writing Is refined thought.” I found Tip 4 illuminating. “Focus A Disproportionate Amount Of Time On The First Line Of Your Song.” Remember that first impressions are important. She gives us a very good example of a great opening line from Paul Simon’s song “Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover.” “The problem is all inside your head she said to me.” It sets up a conflict right away. Here’s a link to that song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyuam-1nMQA Her next example of a good opening line is from the song “White Flag” by Dido. “I know you think that I shouldn’t still love you.” I’ve never heard this song before but that opening line presents all kinds of scenarios.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/amgqZQtoBAo This is a list of the 8 tips:
“Tip 1: Find the title at your earliest possible convenience Tip 2: Whatever your title or hook is, repeat it at least twice inside the chorus Tip 3: Amplify reality Tip 4: Focus a disproportionate amount of time on the first line of your song Tip 5: Choose the right point of view for your song Tip 6: Save the highest note of your song for the chorus Tip 7: Quality in songwriting is a factor of quantity Tip 8: Do not mistake generic lyrics for universally relatable lyrics.”
Tip 5 “Choose the right point of view for your song” is something I’ve known about but the way Keppie presented it has caused me to rethink it’s importance.
I urge you to study this video in depth. It will help your songwriting. I’ll close for now. From 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 Jun, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2023 ISG