Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 29, No. 12
December 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 December 1st at 5pm.
We will send details closer to the date, under a
separate e-mail, and an announcement on the Facebook group page.
please e-mail us at isgorlando@gmail.com if you have any questions
Hopefully we will eventually be meeting in person again.
Please stay tuned for more info.
We are asking 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.
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/
Verse Two Blues
by Jackie Mason
I’ve called it “the second verse trap.” You’ve written a strong verse and chorus and you’ve reached the point of
writing the second verse. Then this happens. You have no ideas for the second verse. You don’t know where this
song is going. Here’s the blunt truth. You don’t even know what the song is about. I am not sure if the phrase
“the second verse trap” is something that I made up. It may be a phrase I’ve heard and absorbed. For the moment
I’ll take the credit until proven wrong.
For me it’s a trap. A long time ago I had an idea for a song. I had an interesting title and I discovered some
interesting musical motifs to accompany my lyrics. By the time I came to write the second verse I was lost. It felt
like I was stuck in traffic. I am now able to look back at that idea and see solutions. I thought It may be good to see
how others cope with the “second verse curse.” That’s what Judy Stakee calls it in her article “2nd-verse-curse.”
https://www.judystakee.com/blog/2nd-verse-curse She offers some creative solutions and refers us to songs that
help highlight her ideas. She says “ask yourself: Where should the story go?” “Ask yourself: What hasn’t been said?
She says “Write to the Hook.” She provides a song for each question and another song which is an example of
“Writing to the Hook.” There’s a link to each song in the article. I like her webpage. It’s clear and professional.
Tastefully designed yet informative.
I also found this which tells you all about her approach to creativity
https://www.cultr.com/news/judy-stakee-interview-mind-body-soul-takes-over-songwriting/
For more answers I sought out an older Ralph Murphy video. He says “90% of the time you will write your second
verse first.” Ralph calls it “Second Verse Hell.” He has some theories about it. Watch Ralph’s lecture from 21.55 where
he talks about how we lose our way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wBOUJ5Mbrk&list=PL94P5dPjlg2XWFO5jw_UvDJLIxCOj0kEz&index=2&t=3446s
Ralph had some definite ideas about the use of pronouns. It makes sense to change the point of view. It can trigger new ideas.
In her book “The Craft of Lyric Writing” Sheila Davis devotes a whole chapter to point of view “ Chapter 9 Picking
Your Treatment and Choosing a Point of View.” This is one of the classic songwriter books.
I visited many places on the internet and listened to many teachers while I researched this article. I am impressed
with the work of Judy Stakee. Her resume is substantial and her web page is inspiring. More about song teachers next month.
From the song motel, stay safe.
WebChatter
by CyberToad
Greetings to you ISG'ers from the cybertoad. As a songwriter, I have been thinking about trying to make a few
pennies from my songs. I have done my research, and many years ago, I joined CDBaby, back when they
actually sold CD's, (I "sold" 2 CD's, and one was to my cousin, spent money, and got nothing), but since then,
I have not yet gone the route of paying a distributor like DistroKid, TuneCore or one of the many others to get
my stuff out to streaming platforms. I'm not sure why, but honestly, the thought of getting pennies by having
my music on Spotify and Apple doesn't really seem attractive or effective.
If you are interested in finding out what the experts think about streaming and distributors, I am sending a link
to Ari Herstand's very thorough comparison blog:
https://aristake.com/digital-distribution-comparison/
I may have shared this some years ago, but in my defense, he is constantly updating it.
On the other hand, I have been a member of bandcamp for many years, but have not been taking advantage
of the fact that money can be made by using their services. I am seriously thinking about taking the plunge,
dusting off my Paypal account and leaping in.
I recently met 2 songwriters on zoom who are making money there, and they were very happy with the results.
I will share one of them at the end of the article.
In the meantime, bandcamp has a guide that helps explain what they are about.
Here is the link: https://bandcamp.com/guide
Here is JD Cotton's bandcamp site:
https://jamesdeancotton.bandcamp.com/music
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 Florida East coast. Please call ahead before making any long trips.
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 November, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
Newsletter by SusieCoolSongs
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/
© 2024 ISG