March 2008
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 13, No. 3
NEXT MEETING: 5:00pm Sunday, March 2nd, 2008
Officers:
President/Treasurer
Russ Robinson (407) 851-5328
Vice President/Member Reception/Newsletter
Matthew Griffin (407) 903-1212
Secretary
Jacquelyn Fain, crosstyes1@yahoo.com
Website
Carlos Colon (352) 326-4295
Archives
Barbara Ross (407) 862-2795
Membership
Gilda Corrales (407) 327-5494
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. For more information, visit our website at www.isgorlando.org .
President's Letter
Dear Members,
Hey, it’s getting close to Spring. And isn’t it great we live in Florida ? Do you realize how lucky we are? I get calls from New York songwriters, and they all say they wish they could live in Florida , too. We need to concentrate on writing the lyrics regarding our mild winters. I’ll bet the state government folks would pick that up in a hurry. Maybe that would be a good project, let’s see what we can come up with for the next meeting.
You might know that I often get calls to furnish talent to the Beardall Senior Center . Some of us in show business locally have performed there for the seniors. They are a great audience. Some of them are even retired from show business. Let’s think about doing a show; I’ll be happy to accompany and rehearse with any of you.
I’ve met a very fine Spanish professional female singer. I’m sure she’d be willing to appear, and maybe even to bring other performers. I bet there are a lot of Spanish seniors that would love that. I doubt if anyone like that has appeared at Beardall before. I would like to have English as well as Spanish songs performed. This also would be an ideal time to have your new songs heard. Anyone interested?
Hope to see you all this Sunday, as always.
Russ
A Roll of the Dice
By Matt Griffin
I have to confess, I’m feeling pretty excited. And for once, it has nothing to do with music. The last week of February, I’m going to be staying on the Vegas Strip with my father. After years with little in common, he and I seem to have bonded over, well, slot machines. I’m not certain what that says about me as a person, but it is what it is. J
Gambling is one of those activities I’ve always had a little trouble, uh, justifying. The morals aspect of it is a bit troublesome; I lump it in with drinking and swearing as vices I can find a way to live with. Seems to me none of the three is too serious of a problem, as long as there is moderation. Of course, I’m not sure the other members of my church discussion group would necessarily agree. J
But it is exciting, isn’t it? It was hard for me at first because I’m a bit of a cheapskate, and the risk is the obvious: you lose your money. Each bet can be a win or loss (or sometimes a partial win on a slot machine). The casinos let you win occasionally, of course, so you can experience the high of winning and keep trying for it. It can certainly be addictive, if you’re not careful. I look at is as entertainment and budget an amount I expect to lose, which helps to keep things sane.
The alternative? Stay home. If you risk nothing, you can’t win or lose. As writers, we have to take some risks all the time. Presenting a song for critique is a risk; you’re sticking your neck out there pretty far, and sometimes it hurts, doesn’t it? Collaborating is another risk that many of us take, and it presents its own rewards—and dangers. It’s not that easy to share your creation with someone else; it takes a level of trust, even faith. But the reward when it works out: a song that’s better than either of you could have managed on your own. Those of you who perform your own material take a risk every time you step on stage. The audience may be indifferent or, worse, may dislike your act altogether.
Want to go further with your songs? It’ll take bigger risks. Takes lots of time and/or money to produce a decent demo, for instance. If you send your songs out to publishers or artists or recording companies, you really need to have confidence in your material and in yourself; those folks can be brutal. The higher you aim, the greater the risk—and the greater the potential reward.
Go ahead, roll the dice. Talk about exciting…
ISG Bulletin Board
Jeff Mason’s gig schedule:
Appearing At O'Keefe's Irish Pub, Fridays & Saturdays from 5pm, musicians welcome!
115 S. Rockingham Tavares, FL, 352-343-2157
Appearing at Tijuana Flats on the Patio (weather permitting), Thursdays at 6pm
444 S. Hunt Club Blvd , Apopka , FL 407 774 0402
Lead Sheet preparation by Carlos Colon. A simple lead sheet contains the melody, lyrics and chord symbols. For more information, visit my website at www.cecoriginals.com and click on “Lead Sheets” at the top of the page. Website design also available. Use your website address in advertising. Newspapers, business cards, fliers, to name a few and let’s not forget the use of email. Send your link to potential clients. For more information, visit a few of my clients sites at http://www.ticopeach.net/clients.htm.
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.
We’re always looking for material for the newsletter. If you have any information that you would like to see added to the newsletter, please see Matt Griffin at the meetings or email him at isgorl@cfl.rr.com . Please keep your articles brief and to the point. Print deadline for the newsletter is approximately two weeks prior to the monthly meeting.
Classified advertising may be placed free of charge to members in good standing with the ISG . For more information on display advertising and/or classified advertising for non-members, please call Russ or Matt or email: isgorl@cfl.rr.com ..
Why isn't your gig announced here? Call us with your appearance schedule!
Place your classified ad or gig announcement here! Free to ISG members as always! Just get your text to Matt by the print deadline (usually the Friday 16 days prior to the monthly meeting); email is best ( isgorl@cfl.rr.com ).
New members always welcome!
February’s Top Songs—Results of monthly critique session
No critiques in February; check back next month!
© 2008 ISG