May 2018
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 23, No. 5
Next Meeting Sunday May 6th 5:00pm.
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/
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/Home/open-mic-directory-central-florida
This And That
By Jeff Mason
This month I find myself without a theme for my article. When I find myself in this place I start
to write and usually (not always) a theme will appear. I have made a list of musical ideas and
I will refer to them. It certainly appears to be a bit of this and a bit of that.
In January I was told about an article where someone had broke down every song that
reached the Billboard Top 5 in 2017. Songwriter, producer and author Ralph Murphy used to
perform a similar service but I have not seen one of his breakdowns since 2015.
http://murphyslawsofsongwriting.com I was pleased to see this comprehensive breakdown by
Dean Olivet. There are a couple of surprising finds. For example: 60% of the forty songs
examined are in a minor or minor mode key, That figure climbs to 80% when we examine the
songs that reached number one. Around 80 BPM was the “winning tempo” of the year. It’s fun
to queue up the songs on whatever music streaming service you use and follow the the fascinating
facts as you listen to them.The web platform Soundfly which hosts the article is an interesting
place to be. There are links to a lot of musical tools and blogs.
https://flypaper.soundfly.com/write/chartmania-breaking-down-billboard-top-40-songs-2017/
I have been struggling with sleep apnea and insomnia. I am well aware of how it has disrupted
my songwriting regimen. This description of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s work shedule is where I would
like to be.
“Beethoven rose at dawn and wasted little time getting down to work. His breakfast was coffee,
which he prepared himself with great care: 60 beans per cup. After his midday meal, he embarked
on a long walk, which would occupy much of the rest of the afternoon. As the day wound down, he
might stop at a tavern to read the newspapers. Evenings were often spent with company or at the
theatre, although in winter he preferred to stay at home and read. He retired early, going to bed at
10pm at the latest.”
Nothing has changed since Beethoven’s time. Most of today’s pros work the same way.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/oct/05/daily-rituals-creative-minds-mason-currey
Last year I attended a few lectures on music production and the business of music. The production
class was hosted by a man named Fett and the business class was taught by his partner Nancy Moran.
They are the proprietors of the Azalea Music Group. I found them to be very good teachers. I have, since,
viewed a series of videos on recording which were taught by Fett. He has a very clear and concise teaching style.
I received a tip from them about a free online music conference which starts on May 1st and
lasts ten days. It’s called the Profitable Music Conference and is “hosted by Bree Noble who is known for
helping musicians learn to make money from music. And it's open to ALL musicians, songwriters, producers,
& performers of all levels.” This is how it works. “You'll have access to each interview for 48 hours after it airs.
So, you can watch (and RE-watch) them at whatever time works for YOU.” There will be 39 presenters.
This is the link to register.
https://profitablemusiciansummit.com/home
Finally, I would like to tell you about an inspiring documentary on the music and music roots of
Elvis Presley. It is an HBO documentary called “The Searcher.” I expect it will be available on other
streaming platforms in the not too distant future. It is tinged with sadness for me as one of narrators is
Tom Petty who passed away last fall.
https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/elvis-presley-the-searcher
That’s all have for you this month. A bit of this and a bit of that!
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 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 May 16th 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 is 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
No Critique scores for April
New members always welcome!
© 2018 ISG