May 2008
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 13, No. 5
NEXT MEETING: 5:00pm Sunday, May 4th, 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,
I’ve had two calls recently from performing Guild members, asking if they are safe performing their original songs before the copyright registration comes back. Apparently a member heard that someone else performed one of his songs and took credit for it. Be careful, folks. In my opinion, you probably should wait for the copyright to come back. People in the audience can, of course, record what they’re hearing on small personal recorders.
I don’t want to use the name, but a corporation has asked if Matt and I screen ISG songs before they’re sent out. Of course we don’t. If you send something out and use the name of our Guild, make sure it’s a decent quality recording. A simple guitar and voice sung into a tape recorder very likely doesn’t cut it. My best advice is to bring your song to a meeting and let us help you get it in shape.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you Sunday. It’s always a pleasure to hear your latest endeavors. After all of these years, it’s still exciting to me to hear what our writers are doing.
Russ
Can You Write Anywhere?
By Matt Griffin
People like to say you can write anywhere. Is it really true? And is it true for a songwriter?
In theory, I think the answer is largely yes. There are limitations, but most are surmountable. I’m writing this article on my laptop while waiting for a plane in Huntsville , Alabama . While the airport is reasonably nice and not too busy, conditions aren’t the best for a songwriter. The terminal is bathed in background “elevator” music, which of course is distracting. Plus, truth be told, I’m a nervous traveler and don’t really feel all that comfortable.
So using my simple example, we’ve already touched on a few key points. First is, technology can help! I have an inexpensive laptop, and it does just fine for most of what I do. Certainly it works well for lyric writing using a word processor. But I also have some inexpensive music software and a cheap pair of headphones—do you see a pattern here? I’m pretty cheap, but the tools to be a “mobile songwriter” are mostly not very costly. Add a free internet connection at a coffeehouse or hotel room, and you have access to web sites for fresh ideas or perhaps an on-line rhyming dictionary. Have songwriting, will travel! Also, a small tape or digital recorder is worth its wait in gold when you have an idea and aren’t in a position or location where you can immediately start writing. The only thing I feel I lack is a portable keyboard; somebody must make an inexpensive one. J
As I mentioned, there are realistic limitations. Background music drives me crazy, and it’s especially difficult to do composition or melody work when some other music is playing. But I find I can usually do lyrics, especially if it’s editing or crafting of a partially-written work. Certainly it also is important to be reasonably relaxed. If you find yourself stuck in a bad part of town, forget it; it’s hard to feel musical when you’re worried about maintaining your cash supply and personal space. J
A related question is, can you be a songwriter and live anywhere? That’s a different question entirely, and worth asking since we don’t live in Nashville or LA or New York . If your goal is to chart hits, we need to be honest: it really is an advantage to live in Nashville . Physical proximity to the music industry helps when you need to knock on doors! But there are opportunities in Orlando , including local bands and performers and some music industry reps. And technology, again, can come to our rescue. For example, by posting music on the internet (see last month’s article), we can literally bring the world to our doorstep.
So try to take advantage of the tools and opportunities available to you. And ask around; folks are always coming up with new ideas. We should all be able to write, virtually wherever we are. J
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!
April’s Top Songs—Results of monthly critique session
(1) Luv-er Me by Susan Foster-Trewick and Lisa Firestone
(2) I Thought That It Was You by Bob Witmer
(3) Imperfection by Ester Starling and Mike Kondol
(4) Little Girl Blue by Jeff Mason
(5) (You Are My) Special Angel by Kristen Bruno
© 2008 ISG