October 2005
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 10, No. 10
NEXT MEETING 5:00pm Sunday, October 2nd, 2005
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 .
Officers:
President/Treasurer
Russ Robinson (407) 851-5328
Vice President/Member Reception/Newsletter
Matthew Griffin (407) 903-1212
Secretary
Jacquelyn Fain, crosstyes1@yahoo.com
Membership
Susan Foster-Trewick (407) 760-2153
Website
Carlos Colon (352) 326-4295
Archives
Barbara Ross (407) 862-2795
President's Letter
Dear Members,
Folks, our dear friend Russ is under the weather and asked me to write for him this month. Russ spent about 10 days in the hospital with a nasty infection, and he’s now rehabbing at a facility in east Orlando. I’d give out the phone number, but the main thing he needs right now is rest. If all goes well, he should be back home in a couple of weeks.
There’s a phrase I’ve never understood: “under the weather”. Our Americanized English language has so many strange idioms; no wonder people raised in other countries have so much trouble learning it!
I’d like to offer an apology to those who showed up for last month’s ISG meeting with notebook in hand. In last month’s newsletter, Russ promised that “Matt and I” would conduct a little seminar on the different types of publishers. Unfortunately that Sunday is the same day Russ was put in the hospital, and he couldn’t make the meeting. And in truth, I know very little about the various types of publishers! Russ will talk about publishing at a future Guild meeting; it may not be this Sunday, however, as I’m still not sure if he’ll be physically up to it.
Whether Russ is there or not, we will be there to listen to original songs. I get a real kick out of hearing the original works of promising new writers as well as our more “mature” regulars. For goodness sake, keep writing and bringing in fresh material. There’s no better place in town to get friendly, useful criticism. The word “criticism” has a negative context but shouldn’t; constructive criticism is a must for developing writers.
Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Matt
The Trouble with Co-Writers
By Matt Griffin
I’ve written more than one article on the benefits of collaboration. Taking on a co-writer who complements your skills is a great way to write a better song than either of you could have written yourself. Having said that, it isn’t always Sunday in the meadow! There are pitfalls that all songwriters need to be aware of. The most obvious one: some collaborators don’t complement each other well. I’m primarily a lyricist, and I will probably never attempt to co-write with another lyricist; I’m stubborn about my words, and several previous tries didn’t work out well at all. Try to find a person with skills in areas that aren’t your strong suit.
There are certainly other potential “gotchas”. ISG member Ester Starling is having trouble with a number of songs she co-wrote some years ago. One collaborator moved away, and she can’t locate him. Another collaborator doesn’t get along with her any more. These are tough problems, since they prevent her from really being able to do much with those songs.
I think personality traits are really important in co-writing. It doesn’t matter how much your skills complement each other if you can’t stand to be in the same room! If you don’t really get along with someone, find another co-writer or you may find yourself in Ester’s situation down the road. On the other hand, supposedly Rogers and Hammerstein hated each other. And they did all right!
One more relevant notion: co-writers need to have a “business plan” if you will, preferably in writing. A tacit understanding that songwriter’s royalties will be split 50/50 may not be enough if your song makes it to the charts. I recommend signing a collaboration agreement up front. I found two decent-looking documents on-line at www.writesongs.com and www.copyrightguru.com ; I’m sure there are others. If anyone has what they think is a good written agreement, bring it to Sunday’s meeting and we’ll all have a look.
I still think collaboration is worth the trouble. Do your homework, and find a compatible writer. Good luck! J
ISG Bulletin Board
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 “Services” 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.websandresumes.com/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!
August Top Three—Results of monthly critique session
(1) Applebrandy Love by Estee Starling and David Duncan
(2) New Horizon by Emil Ernyey
(3) Echos of Arabia by Emil Ernyey
© 2005 ISG