Embedded Files
March 2019
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 24, No. 3
Next meeting Sunday March 3rd 2019 at 5pm
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
The meetings will be structured as follows: 5:00 to 5:30, business, networking and
introductions. 5:30 to 6:00, presentation by a guest speaker (when scheduled),
or a short workshop/exercise. 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/
Mistakes (Part 3)
By Jeff Mason
This article is a continuation of last month’s article “Mistakes Part 2).” I had reviewed a video discussion
between song coach Robin Frederick and TAXI president Michael Laskow. It took place on December 10, 2018
and the topic was “10 Mistakes Songwriters Make.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7e40GkgzH8
Mistake Number 6; Music And Lyric Could Be Working Together More Effectively.
You don’t see this mistake with more experienced songwriters. Robin gives us an example of an upbeat,
positive lyric “Pick yourself up and you can do it” set to a blues instrumental track. The problem with that is blues
is about survival, life is tough and hard and so the lyrics are not matching the gritty underlying music. You need
to use happy, upbeat music with happy, upbeat lyrics. The example cited is the 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
by Bobby McFerrin. Here we have a happy go lucky, syncopated lyric set to a happy go lucky melody and
instrumentation. Although I must add that the main instrument used is the human voice as it’s all a cappella.
It does have some finger snapping keeping the beat. It has the distinction of being the first a cappella song to
reach number one in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It, nevertheless, is a great example for us to study.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
On this mistake Robin gives us this rule to live by, “When it comes to emotion the music always wins.” I will throw
in another song example not mentioned in this discussion and that would be “In The Summertime” by Mungo Jerry.
In 1970 this happy, infectious melody with matching lyrics hit number one around the world. It’s still worth a spin!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG0oBPtyNb0
Mistake Number Seven; Writing Songs That Sound Dated.
This is a common mistake and it sparks a discussion about the merits of modern music. So many of us, including
myself, are stuck in the past. Robin says, “every so often as songwriters we need to give ourselves a re-set and listen
to what other people are listening to.” This is how we gain knowledge. People say they don’t like today’s music but
Robin and Michael argue that there’s good music out there. Don’t be close minded. Expand your horizons. They argue
that today’s music is just as creative as it was in the 1960’s. Robin goes on to quote from hit songwriter and producer
Richard Harris (not the famous Irish actor) who says that when people say today’s music is bad they can’t be listening
to the same music he is. http://www.richardharrismusic.com/Home.html Robin suggests we go to Billboard and check
out the music on today’s charts. Find two songs you like and study them. Live with them. Delve deep into them. She
says that today’s lyrics are more vivid and emotional than songs from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. We are reminded that
music in the past was the only portable medium along with books and magazines. It’s different now, there are other
competing forms of entertainment that are portable. The smart phone has altered the entertainment landscape. Today’s
melodies have more momentum. Music is a more physical medium now. You have to get into the listener’s heads and
think about how they are feeling physically. That is not an entirely new concept. Old rhythm and blues could move people.
You can’t listen to great ryhthm and blues and not move. That’s because of the groove. She urges us to write to grooves.
Go to Groove Monkee, Big Fish Audio, Drum Loops or splice.com and experiment. Just be careful how you use them
because those samples are copyrighted. Another place to get drum grooves is drumsondemand.com
These days songs with light pulses are being used in films and television. Let me stress they are not using a heavy pulse
because that would detract from the story. She suggests we listen to “Dorian” by Agnes Obel. She has had many television
and film placements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJzp2SRs0Ak
This is another resource we must use as songwriters. tunefind.com Here is Agnes’s page at tunefind.
https://www.tunefind.com/artist/agnes-obel Another artist named by Robin is Fleurie who has many television and film
placements. Listen to the moody and atmospheric “Breathe.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE60q4Kf8f8 She, also, has her own page on tunefind.
https://www.tunefind.com/artist/fleurie Another producer to check out is Tommee Proffitt. He has produced Fleurie.
https://www.tommeeprofitt.com/artists
I think I have given you a lot to ponder. Next month I will complete this series of articles.
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 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
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 Wednesday February 20th and March 29th 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. The event usually takes place on 3rd Wednesdays, but sometimes
2nd Wednesdays. 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 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/
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 contest for February
New members always welcome!
© 2019 ISG
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International Songwriter's Guild
Website: www.tinyurl.com/isgsongs
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
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