May 2009
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 14, No. 5
NEXT MEETING: 5:00pm Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Officers:
President/Treasurer
Russ Robinson (407) 851-5328
Vice President/Member Reception/Newsletter
Matthew Griffin (407) 903-1212
Secretary
Jacquelyn Gould, crosstyes1@yahoo.com
Website
Carlos Colon (352) 326-4295
Membership
Gilda Corrales (407) 327-5494
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 (at the extreme east end of Robinson, near Orlando Executive Airport) in Orlando.
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 or myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/internationalsongwritersguildorlando .
President's Letter
Dear Members,
At this time of each month, I try not to repeat something I’ve already written. I try to come up with a fresh idea that might be helpful. I think, perhaps, that’s a good attitude to take with your songwriting too; don’t repeat yourself but come up with new ideas. If you decide to send out a CD or tape to a publisher, you’ll need to send it with an introduction letter. I find that if I quietly compose a letter before putting it on paper, it comes out more professional. I don’t remember anyone at the meeting bringing this subject up, but don’t be bashful if you want to do so.
Don’t be afraid to tell us something personal about what’s going on in your world. Who knows, that might very well make a good lyric. And it’s a great way to communicate.
Matt is getting information on two casino cruise ships that sail out of Port Canaveral. Would you like to join us on a group outing? We can get to know each other better; it’s a funful evening. We can talk about it at the meeting.
Hope to see all of you at Sunday’s meeting; we’ve had some good ones lately. Keep busy writing, and bring your latest Sunday.
Russ
A Title That Grabs You
By Matt Griffin
Those of you who’ve had the pleasure/misfortune (pick one) to listen to me rant for some years know how big I am on titles. The title or lyrical hook can make or break a song. I like to say that if you come up with a great title, the lyric almost writes itself. Many of the best lyricists work this way, in fact; they start with a fresh, memorable title and then write to it.
But what makes a title great? I’ve written on this topic several times (though not recently), so I apologize in advance if you’ve heard this before. To me, a great title meets these two tests: it’s instantly memorable, and it sings well. The “sings well” part is easy to understand: put a simple test melody to it and sing it! If it sounds good, you’re in. Try singing these well-known titles: “Lineman of the County”, “Anything Goes”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Pinball Wizard”, and “Eleanor Rigby”. All of them roll off of the tongue quite easily.
The “memorable” part is harder to explain; you kind of know it when you hear it! Ideally, someone would hear the song once and easily pick out and recall the title. Here are a few specific ideas that may help:
Truth is, there are many outstanding titles that don’t seem to follow any formula. But “if you hear it, you’ll know it”. And of course, you can always bring your song to the guild to get the opinions of your fellow writers. In fact, I encourage it.
ISG Bulletin Board
Central Florida Folk is looking for a new venue for their monthly Songwriters’ Round. Till recently, it was held in the Plaza Theater lobby not far from the Union Hall; several ISG members performed there. If anyone knows of a decent venue, preferably in the same general area, please contact Susan Foster-Trewick at susiecool2001@yahoo.com.
Jeff Mason’s gig schedule:
Appearing At O'Keefe's Irish Pub, Fridays from 5pm, musicians welcome!
115 S. Rockingham Tavares, FL, 352-343-2157
Appearing at Tijuana Flats on the Patio (weather permitting), Thursdays and Saturdays at 6pm
444 S. Hunt Club Blvd, Apopka, FL 407 774 0402
Kitty Camp Pet Boarding—A loving, lakeside resort in Fruitland Park. Daily activities include: playtime, bird-watching, brushing, petting, purring, sunbathing, catnapping, and kitty’s favorite…mealtime! Daily/Weekly/Long Term, private rooms and suites available. 25% off weekly stay, FREE first night. Please call for details at 352-205-4284. Posted by ISG member Jackie Gould.
Delivering high-quality FLASH streaming video! No matter what product or service you may be offering, the power of video can be impressive! In fact, flash video is the most effective way to deliver rich media on your website. Video grabs your visitor's interest more so than simply text and images, or even audio. Video keeps visitors on your site longer and often triggers a purchase! Video not only will enhance your marketing message, but it's also entertaining. Video is useful for demonstrating your product or service, as well as teaching, inspiring, and motivating your visitors to become a customer! So if you're holding out with a website that may look outdated or obsolete, you may be losing business. It's time to make a change. Visit my website at http://www.videosaysitall.com. Thanks and call me anytime (352-326-4295)…Carlos Colon
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) Pity Party by Will Campbell
(2) In My Heart by Melanie Fisher
(3) I’m in Love With You by Bob Witmer
(4) Little Debby by Jeff Mason
(5) Cheater’s Song by Ester Starling and Mike Kondol
© 2009 ISG