February 2018
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 23, No. 2
Next Meeting Sunday February 4th 5:00pm. (Despite Superbowl Sunday,
we will still be holding a meeting)
The International Songwriter’s Guild meets at 5 PM on the first Sunday of every
month at the Central Florida Musician’s Union building, 3020 East Robinson St.,
Orlando, FL 32803 (at the extreme east end of Robinson, near Orlando Executive
Airport)
Songwriters, composers, performers, publishers, and the curious are encouraged to
join us. Non-members are invited to attend a meeting or two to get a feel for our
group and what we do. If you wish to join, there is an annual fee of only $5. For
more information, visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/isgsongs or myspace page at
The meetings will be structured as follows: 5:00 to 5:30, business and
introductions. 5:30 to 6:00, presentation by a guest speaker (when scheduled), 5:30
or 6:00 to 8:00, song critiques. Please bring a CD or I-phone or mp3 player or
perform your song live, and bring 10 or more lyric sheets. If we have at least 5
songs by members who wish to be scored, and 6 members scoring, then we will have
them entered in the Monthly competition. Everyone is encouraged to write
constructive comments on the lyric sheets.
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's a blog about the Billboard charts analytics for 2017.
https://flypaper.soundfly.com/write/chartmania-breaking-down-billboard-top-40-songs-2017/
Write,Submit,Forget,Repeat
By Jeff Mason
I returned from the TAXI convention with a bag of goodies. Among the business cards, fliers
and magazines I found a rubber wrist band. I don’t remember where it came from. There were
four words printed on it. Write, Submit, Forget and Repeat. A sensible motto for the creative writer
to live by. After further research, I discovered that I could buy coffee mugs, water bottles and shirts
bearing the same four word logo. Available at Amazon and identified as “The Mantra for Creative
People.” I hunted around the TAXI web site and found that I could get a bumper sticker bearing the
mantra. It is also the title of a book by musical cue master Dean Krippaehne. I wrote about him last
May. This 2017 Book is available at Amazon and on Dean’s informative web site
https://www.deankrippaehne.net/media Here is the promotion blurb for the book:
“More often than not what stands between creatives and success is not the roadblocks of the outside
world, but the inner inhibitors - distorted ways of thinking. In his book, "Write, Submit, Forget, Repeat,"
author Dean Krippaehne unmasks those hidden roadblocks of resistance and shines a light on both
new and ancient ways through them and around them. It is the perfect guide for navigating the obstacles
in any creative’s journey. A must read for Songwriters, producers, artists, authors, actors, entrepreneurs,
dancers and those pursuing any other innovative field.”
My appetite is whetted and I hope yours is too. I would be tempted to add one word to the mantra.
I would add the word Record between Write and Submit. Especially applicable for songwriters. For that
is my stumbling block within my limited resources and skills.
I have been fortunate to see two excellent musical documentaries. The first one is “Bang The Bert
Burns Story.” It is billed as “The Greatest Untold Story Of Rock And Roll.” It is indeed an excitiing and
sad story about the man who wrote “Twist and Shout.” He also wrote “Cry Baby,” “Tell Him,” “Piece of My
Heart,” “Hang On Sloopy” and many, many more. He was the person who produced and introduced
Van Morrison to America. He produced The McCoys, Neil Diamond and Soloman Burke. Set against a
tough, 1960’s, New York backdrop we are introduced to the ailing white soul man and the corrupt music
business. His bitter struggle with Atlantic Records, his health and the organized crime syndicate that
bribed disc jockeys to only play certain songs. Featuring interviews with Paul McCartney,Van Morrison,
Keith Richard and Ben E King. We are treated to the genius of Burns in a story that screams to be told.
It is only available on Apple Music and at selected music festivals.
https://www.bangthebertbernsstory.com
The other film is “Hired Gun.” Another tough story about the highs and lows of the music business.
Here we learn about the best musicians, the A list instrumentalists who tour with the super stars. Brilliant
musicians who reap the rewards of being the best but are only as secure as the last date on the contract.
Bands covered in this realistic documentary are Metallica, Kiss, Billy Joel and Alice Cooper. Some come
out looking good. Others not so much. It’s not a business for “nice guys.” The sympathetic cast include
Liberty DeVitto,Rudy Sarzo, Pink, Alice Cooper, drummer Kenny Aranoff and Five Finger Death Punch
guitarist Jason Hook.Ray Parker Jr tells the wonderful and funny story about composing the “Ghost Busters
Theme.” The most poignant moment is told by Cuban bassist Rudy Sarzo as he recalls the tragic death of
Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads. Sadly after the1982 airplane crash in Leesburg, Florida, the band
had to continue on tour. There are more gut wrenching stories in this film. Another must watch documentary.
It’s available on Apple Music, Amazon and NetFlix.
http://www.hiredgunthefilm.com
Finally I must remind you that February Album Writing Month is fast approaching. All you have to do
is write up to 14 songs in February. One song written is better than no song and two is better than one.
Here’s the link. http://fawm.org
See you soon.
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 announced here? Members in good standing
call SusieCool with your appearance schedule! 407-760-2153
If you want to join us at the Central Florida Folk song circle, please show up at
Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux at 3022 Corrine Drive on the last Wednesday of each month
from 6 to 8:30/9pm. The BBB has many delicious items on their menu, and also have some vegetarian stuff.
They also serve beer and wine. They have a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Central-Florida-Folk-Song-Circle-139385302761066/
On February and March 14th we have a playing circle with the Fingerstyle Guitar Group
in the Community room of the winter Park Library.460 E. New England Ave. Winter Park,
FL 32789. 6 to 8:30pm. Songwriters are welcome, but we do try to play our fingerstyle
songs and not use picks. There is more info on the facebook group page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/228147620559285/?fref=nf
SusieCool was the organizer of a Meetup.com group called
"Orlando Creative Music Network"
We have a Facebook page for this group if you want info.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274152179716552/
Current members please send us your website info if you would like your site to be
listed in the ISG members page.
https://sites.google.com/site/isgsusiecool/home/links-and-recommended-reading/member-websites
January 2018 Critique Results
1. That's My Jane Asli Goncer 16.00
2. I'm Not on Your "A" List Anymore Jeff Evans 14.17
3. I am a Lawyer Kent Trewick, Susan Foster-Trewick 13.33
New members always welcome!
© 2018 ISG