October 2008
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 13, No. 10
NEXT MEETING: 5:00pm Sunday, October 5th, 2008
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
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,
This has been a busy month for me. I’ve had several houseguests from out-of-state. I’m trying to get some of them to move to Florida . One just left to go back to California ; his name is Don Livingston. You may have seen his name in print, he was an associate of Elvis Presley’s. He manages a recording studio that is one of the largest in the U.S.
Some of you may remember former ISG member Jeff Parrish. He called a few days ago to say he would stop by to see me on his way from Miami to New York . He’s been acting in a leading role in the play Ben Hur. Jeff asked about the Guild, and mentioned how much he used to enjoy it. He’s now a member of a songwriter’s group in New York .
Hey, do you ever, while driving alone, put words and music together? The other day I was singing away at a stoplight, and the fellow in the car next to mine hollered, “sing louder, it sounds good!” The embarrassment made me shut up.
I really enjoyed our last meeting, we again heard some talented writers and musicians. Hope to see all of you next meeting; bring us your latest hit. ISG member Susan Foster-Trewick is going to give us another demonstration of music software (Acid and SoundForge). That should be interesting, so join us.
Russ
Best Bang for your Buck
By Matt Griffin
We talk a lot in our money-obsessed culture about getting the “best bang for the buck”. Generally speaking, the goal is efficient use of currency. When we go grocery shopping, we try to get the most and/or best food we can for the money we spend (getting harder, isn’t it?). Everyone loves to get a bargain: buy-one-get-one-free, double coupons, “we’ll beat any deal”, extra 50% off all clearance items, and so on.
But “currency” isn’t always money. My life is busy, sometimes excruciatingly so, and so probably is yours. It can be hard to find the time to do the want-to’s because we’re spending all day every day doing the have-to’s. How can we as songwriters get the most bang for our buck, in this case time? Efficient use of the available time is important for writers, particularly those of us who have other jobs so we can support ourselves and our families.
Multi-tasking is one option, depending on how you write. I have found that if I carry a small tape recorder with me, I can do lyric and melody work in the car during my commute. If the task at hand is relatively mindless (perhaps mowing the lawn, cleaning the bathroom, or folding laundry), you may well be able to work on your latest song at the same time.
Of course, sometimes you have to be sitting in front of your piano or computer or eight-track recorder. Perhaps you can schedule some regular time for writing, just as you schedule time for dentist appointments and such. And when you do have time set aside, use it well! If possible, set up in a location away from distractions. I’ve finally just accepted the fact that I cannot write anywhere near a running TV. Preparation helps, too. Have everything you might need readily available, and have a plan for how you’re going to utilize the time.
I like to have multiple writing projects going at the same time, at different stages of production, because sometimes the plan doesn’t work out. If I sit down intending to compose music and nothing comes to me, I can pull up a partially-written lyric on my laptop and work on that. And if I really can’t get a creative thing going, there are plenty of other related tasks that always need doing: print a lyric-in-progress, burn a CD or make a label, catalogue songs, and…well, you get the idea.
You may also be able to let technology save you some time, if you have the resources. If you’re good with a computer, there are lots of software packages out there that can shorten your song development time (once you’ve learned how to use them, of course). There are hardware devices too, like sound modules and keyboards and mixers, that can lessen the burden and improve your demo output too. Or if your wallet can stand it, you can really save time and pay someone else to make your demo.
And if you shop around for these things, maybe you can find a bargain. J
ISG Bulletin Board
The services of Park Ave. CDs are available to local songwriters who want to sell their CDs. I have used their services for my 1st CD—Starling. This past week I left 5 copies of my second CD— Blue Star Highway (lyrics by Ester Starling, music by Mike Kondol).
There is no charge to you. They earn a modest commission from you on any sold. Location is 2916 Corrine Dr. , Winter Park , FL , phone 407-282-1616, web www.parkavecds.com. They are friendly and helpful; visit or call for details. Posted by ISG member Ester Starling.
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.
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!
September’s Top Songs—Results of monthly critique session
(1) Always Friends by Mary Austin and Susan Foster-Trewick
(2) Running Backwards by Ester Starling and Mike Kondol
© 2008 ISG