Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 29, No. 06
June 2024
Live meetings are Cancelled due to CoronaVirus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
The next zoom feedback session will be Sunday June 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/
Webpages, Pros And Cons
by Jackie Mason
I have had a bumpy road when it comes to managing my own webpage. Some of those bumps have not been entirely my fault.
People have let me down and I haven’t had the skill set needed to fix the problems. There was a time when my webpage was running
smoothly but I had someone guiding me. Looking back I realize I didn’t have the whole setup figured out in my mind. At the beginning
of Covid I resolved to learn about Wordpress which is where my page had landed. Again not my fault. I made a little progress but I hit
a roadblock and got distracted. That’s on me. I am attempting to get back out playing and I need a social media presence. So I’ve
returned to self-tuition on Webpages. I’ve figured my way around the roadblock that had distracted me and left me so frustrated.
That was my first goal. That’s Mission Accomplished. It is in a way but really it’s just a small step. I can say that I have a better grasp of
the whole picture and set up.
What’s the worst thing about being a musician today? Some may say it’s the parsimonious nature of the music business. For me it’s
the number of hats I have to wear. I hadn’t planned on being a webpage designer but I don’t have a choice. The biggest disadvantage to
having a webpage is that it’s time consuming. It needs to be attended to with a regular maintenance routine. So as my choices become
clearer, the sooner I can get this project finished the quicker I can get out and make some money. Then I’ll be able to afford to hire skilled
help. The second disadvantage is that it distracts me from writing songs and performing. This is a dilemma which I am being forced to resolve.
I am having to look under the hood of WordPress because there are advantages to having my own functioning webpage. If I have a webpage I can build a wider audience. I can reach out to other brands. I can find collaborators. The following link takes you to this article.
“Is it Necessary for Musicians to Build a Social Media Following Today?” I liked the following quote from the article, “It’s not unusual for
musicians to find the idea of building a social media following overwhelming.” It seems to be talking to me.
https://whisperroom.com/tips/is-it-necessary-for-musicians-to-build-a-social-media-following-today/#
TAXI president Michael Laskow makes his point of view clear in the following discussion with Joe Longo, Learning Development Coordinator at Bandzoogle. Michael states, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been disappointed when I hear about a musician who I want to check out, and they only have social media. Most don’t know how to use their socials very well, and even when they do, I don’t find everything I need to know about them. How much success have you had with your music that can be directly attributable to your social media? Yep, that’s what I thought — practically none. However, when I Google a musician, and the first thing I see at the top of the page is something like XYZMusician I click and usually learn everything I need to know: What their story is, what their music sounds like, when and where their gigs are, what their videos look like if they have an EPK if they sell merch, do they have a Patreon, what their career path looks like, and how to contact him or her. Oh yeah, and links to all of their social media.”
“Why Musicians Without Websites Miss Out!” It was streamed live on Feb 19, 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c11Yf5zzJxA
In this interview I had most of my conflicts addressed. It’s wide ranging, very deep and informative. TAXI is an A and R company dealing with songwriters and composers and it answers specific questions applicable to that audience. I will be taking a harder look at
https://bandzoogle.com It’s a website builder geared to serve musicians. I like this video because if you scroll down you will find video chapters. For example at 1.18.41 the following question was asked, “Is it possible for a non-performing songwriter to build a fanbase? How can a website help?”
The answer was unequivocally yes.
You will have to read the rest of the answer in the show transcript.
Keep scrolling down and keep writing songs.
From the Song Motel on the seedy side of town, have a safe month.
WebChatter
by CyberToad
Ralph Murphy
Hit Song Checklist:
60 seconds to first use of title
did you explain the premise of the song?
did you establish the structure of the song?
did you invite the listener in?
what would a distracted woman at worst time of day think
of the character of the singer?
is the singer’s roll as portrayed in the song consistent
with the image of the artist you’re going to pitch it to
or that you’re surrounding it?
is the story set up with ear-catching new detail? not the
same old rubbish. Come up with a purple tiara on a red
flower or some shit like that
is the hook or title properly set up?
is the hook or title memorable because it was properly set up?
and the melody compliments it
is the language consistent with character and setting
and remember:
the more fun you have, the more money you’ll make, so have fun!
We are asking members to renew their dues for 2024. 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.
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 May, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2024 ISG