April 2019
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 24, No. 4
Next meeting Sunday April 7th 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 4)
By Jeff Mason
This article is a continuation of last month’s article “Mistakes Part 3).” 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 8; Waiting Too Late To Ask What Genre You’re In.
Robin refers to this as an “old chestnut.” She says that it’s still happening and probably always
will. Someone has produced and finished a song. Possibly spent a ton of money on it and have hired
a producer. Alternatively the person has produced it himself and invested a lot of time on the song.
Then that person asks, “What genre is it?” Robin says, “You should be asking what genre you are
writing for when you start your song.” “Don’t ask at the end!”. She advises to choose your reference
artists. This advice is for songwriters who are pitching their songs through TAXI. There are always three
reference artists named for a TAXI submission. This is worthwhile advice for any songwriter who is
looking to pitch to a specific artist. Once you have that figured out she advises to “steal like a songwriter!”
Don’t steal the melody or the lyrics but listen to the reference artist. Listen to the production and see
how their arrangement builds. Get the tempo, vibe or groove and apply it to your song. Get their techniques
down and apply it to your song. She recommends the book “Steal Like An Artist” by Austin Kleon, which
is essentially saying the same thing. https://austinkleon.com/steal/ The much disputed quotation,
“Good artists borrow, great artists steal” is mentioned by Robin. Was it Picasso or TS Eliot who said it?
It’s not a question I am willing to answer here! I just want you to take the sentiment to heart. Once you’ve
got the techniques and style figured out you’ll know what your genre is. Beware of your inspirational ideas
because they are non-linear and are coming at you all the time. Write and produce in the chosen style
and record the inspirational ideas for a later date. This is the discipline that you need to write in a focused
way. Robin advises to “get your inspiration on a leash.” And Michael concludes this part of of the conversation
with, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Good advice.
Mistake Number 9; Not Writing Enough, Not Growing Your Catalog.
“Unfinished songs mostly happen when your inspiration has led you off into other directions. You end up
trying to fit a line in and hammering a square peg into a round hole. You get stuck. You think it’s writer’s block
but it’s not writer’s block. It’s that you can’t solve the problem. Inspiration is what got you into trouble. It’s like
a puppy that runs everywhere. While you are writing, your inspiration is working on other songs.”
Hit songwriter Jon Asher says his cell phone is his best friend. Get into the habit of keeping your cell phone
handy and catch those inspirational ideas. I have been doing the same thing. There is a library of ideas on my
cell phone. https://www.jonasher.com/sonics
“Go back to your unfinished song and sort out what you’ve done. Take your unfinished song to a knowledgeable
person or walk away and return and give it the fresh ears test.” You can bring it into a songwriter’s group and have
them listen to it. Above all keep writing new songs. If you are stuck move on to a new song. Shelve the unfinished
song for a while and then return to it.
Mistake Number 10; Aim Your Songwriting At A Target.
Robin begins with a quote from John Asher. “The cut is coming, the placement is coming, you just haven’t
written it yet.” You need to know your strengths. You need to know what you can do easily. This is a Walt Disney
quote from Michael, “Stop talking about it and just do it.” Follow your instincts. “It’s like when you see someone
who may be the love of your life. You don’t follow your instinct and you never see that person again.” This advice
is more for TAXI members and for someone on the fence about joining TAXI. I still find the advice valid. Pick a
genre and go deep into it.
So there is the tenth mistake that songwriters make. It’s been an interesting four month journey for me and I
hope for you as well. See you next month.
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 April 17th 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
Critique Results-March 2019
1. Long Before You Were Gone Asli Goncer 17.50
2. Little This Little That Ron Collins 16.00
3. Let Me Come Home Jeff Evans 15.75
New members always welcome!
© 2019 ISG