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SDSG’s 21st Annual
Song Contest
SongWritersNotesThe San Diego Songwriters [email protected]
4809 Clairemont Dr. Ste 413San Diego, CA 92117
2012 SDSG Board of DirectorsPresident Tim MuddVice President Diane WatersTreasurer Annie RetticSecretary Al TorresWebmaster John PapeAdvisors Bridget Brigitte Sandi Gugliotti Mark Charles HattersleyPhotographer Steve Covault
In this edition...
SDSG 2012 Song ContestPage One
Connections that Countby Tim Mud Page Two
Michael Laskow of Taxi visits with SDSGPage Three
Networking Tips withthe MarinosPart Four on Page Four
SDSG Around TownPage Five
Contest Entry FormPage Six
SDSG SponsorsPage Seven
30 Years Supporting San Diego Songwriters Volume XXVI • October - November 2012
SDSG’s 21st Annual Song Contest will be held Monday, November 5, 2012 at the Country Inn & Suites in Sorrento Valley. The contest is a popular tra-dition for San Diego writers, and offers a unique opportunity to hear a tremen-dous cross section of local work. Prize winners are to be selected by a panel of industry professionals in this exciting event, during which recorded song entries are played in the presence of both judges and audience. Songs will be heard, winners will be announced, and prizes awarded on one jam-packed night, an exciting prospect indeed.
This year’s panel of judges includes Mark “Mookie” Kaszor from FM 94.9, tour-ing singer/songwriter and producer Will Edwards, studio owner and writer/producer extraordinaire Josquin des Pres, and the winner of our 20th Annual Song Contest, Lindsay White. We'll be giving away great prizes, donated by SDSG's sponsors, to the top four songs plus honorable mentions, too.
The contest is open to the public. You may join the Guild or re-new your membership simultaneously with your entry and take advantage of member discounts. Check the Guild website at SDSongwriters.org for membership info and more, including a first for SDSG, on-line song registration. Submit your entries in advance via our new on-line process, developed by SDSG’s webmaster John Pape. Or submit in-person on the night of the contest. Up to 70 recorded songs will be judged. Entry Form and Rules follow on Page Six of this newsletter, and can also be viewed on-line at SDSongwriters.org.
If you are a songwriter, or a producer or artist looking for some new material, please join us on November 5.
Monday, November 5, 2012 Registration Opens at 6:00 PMCountry Inn & Suites, 5975 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego 92121
SDSG Memberships available at SDSongwriters.org or at the door.
Connections that CountSDSG President Tim Mudd [email protected]
The first job I held when I came to America involved cold calling on behalf of the Sierra Club in Boulder, Colorado. I was seventeen years old and, instead of worrying about the negative stereotypes that usually accompany that position, I focused on the good I felt I was contrib-uting to, and the awareness I knew I was creating. I recently called upon that early employ-ment experience here in San Diego with SDSG.
The most consistent criticism I’ve heard from members and associates of the San Diego Songwriter’s Guild over the last ten months is that we’re missing a personal connection in our role as a reliable resource in San Diego’s songwriting community; this is something our Board Members, advisors and I have been working to change in 2012 and moving forward.
We decided to reach out directly to you, by phone, to reintroduce the Guild as a progressive organization with a rejuvenated mandate. When we called, we asked you to be candid about your past experiences with us and how we could effect positive changes you’d like to see in an organization whose overall mission is to help you achieve your songwriting goals.
We took our existing member and supporter list and divided it equally among our Board members to make the calls be-fore the end of September. As I picked-up the phone to make my portion of the calls, I was surprised to feel the same rush of excitement I experienced eighteen years ago in Boulder; once more I was doing something otherwise mundane (and frankly annoying) in the name of an organization I truly believe provides an invaluable service to our community. I had some fantastic conversations and learned an awful lot about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we can go ‚ something we’re all going to have a part in whether it’s due to our work as an organization or your support as an active member.
If you didn’t receive a call from Diane, Al, John, Annie or me, our doors are always wide open to your thoughts, but you may also want to double-check your membership status. For that you can drop us an email through the contact page on our ever-expanding website here: http://sdsongwriters.org/about/contact/ (thank you John Pape). If you know it’s been over 12 months since you re-upped your dues, visit http://sdsongwriters.org, click the ‘Pay Now’ button under ‘Join SDSG’ in the top left corner of the home page and you’ll be set for all the great events and opportunities we’re readying for you in 2013.
Talking of events and opportunities, one of the highlights of our calendar is fast approaching in the form of our Annual Songwriting Competition which will be held at our regular meeting spot, the Country Inn & Suites in Mira Mesa (5975 Lusk Blvd. San Diego, 92121) on Monday, November 5th. I’m personally very excited about our panel of judges this year who I believe possess some of the most trusted ears in the business. It will truly be a very special evening we share. This year, for the first time, we’re offering online signup and submission of your songs in advance of the event. You can learn more about that here: http://sdsongwriters.org/events/annual-song-contest/.
Don’t forget that you can practice your voting skills for the General Election (which falls the day after our Annual Songwrit-ing Contest) as we re-elect and confirm our 2013 SDSG Board members on November 5. I’ll be asking for your voice in reconfirming my position as President, Annie Rettic’s position as Treasurer and confirming our new roles for Diane Waters as Vice-President (a position vacated by Kevin Thomas in June), John Pape in the newly-created Director of Technology chair and Al Torres as Secretary to the Board (the position vacated by Diane Waters when she took the Vice-President elect mantle).
Our 2013 event calendar is already filling up nicely with some fantastic industry professionals for song pitches and, as per your feedback, we’ll also be placing more emphasis on learning events and songwriting workshops so be on the lookout for more information about those in the next edition of Songwriter’s Notes. There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to our present day San Diego Songwriter’s Guild, and much more is to come in our future. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your continued support; it’s the only way we can continue this thing we do.
Have a fantastic autumn and, for all of you who enter our 21st Annual Songwriting Contest, good luck!
Tim Mudd SDSG President/Prime Minister
Tim
Taxi’s Michael Laskow
visits with SDSG
What a great evening we enjoyed with Taxi CEO and President Michael Laskow on Sept 24th... it was a real treat. Michael shared his den with us via Skype for an evening of songs and real-world songwriting advice. Except for the fact that we couldn’t see his legs, the Skype visit pretty much felt like he was right in the room with us! Drawing on his years of experience in the music business and his frequent interaction with re-cord company executives, fi lm and TV supervisors and publishers, Michael generously provided attending San Diego Songwriters Guild Members with right-on-the-money observations about their songs’ strengths and weaknesses. Michael off ered invaluable advice on career paths, how to improve songs and performances, and recording tips, all while he was enjoying our group and the great energy in the room! He was defi nitely jazzed about being “virtually” with us and listen-ing to the music submitted. Michael exhibited a genuine desire to help everyone there and to mentor the group. In his words: “I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed doing it!!! What a great group......I look for-ward to doing it again soon. Best regards to you all!” Well, we sure enjoyed having you with us, too, Michael, and we look forward to doing it again soon! If we get a bigger screen next time.. you may be larger than life on Skype!!!
With the Taxi Road Rally coming up November 8-11, Michael is sure to be busy for the next few weeks, but we’ll certainly look forward to his next visit, be it virtual or in-person. Thanks to Michael and everyone who joined us. We at SDSG hope each attendee took away something good from the evening... I know I did.
Diane WatersSDSG Vice President
Visit www.taxi.com for more information about Taxi, the songwriter’s vehicle.
Michael Laskow has become one of the most well-connected people in the music business today. As President and Chief Executive Offi cer of TAXI, he is in daily contact with Directors and Vice Presidents of A&R at virtually all major record labels, many prominent independent labels, publishers, and music supervisors working on fi lm and TV projects.
Laskow began his career in 1974 at Criteria Studios in Miami Florida. As an engineer/producer Laskow has worked with artists such as Neil Young, Firefall, Melanie, Cheap Trick, Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and many more.
In 1992 Michael founded TAXI, the Independent A&R Vehicle. TAXI specializes in helping major record labels, publishers, and music supervisors for fi lm and television fi nd new talent and songwriters throughout the United States and 30 other countries. It has been hailed as the most realistic method available to get one’s music to ma-jor companies in the music industry. TAXI works with over 500 companies including A&M, Almo Sounds, Arista, Atlantic, BMG, Benson, Capitol, Columbia, DreamWorks, Elektra, Epic, Geff en, Interscope, Island, Maverick, MCA, Mercury, Motown, RCA, Sony, Virgin, Warner Brothers, Word, and many more.
Having a great song is not enough. Networking and meeting people are among the keys to success in the music business. These basic, common-sense pointers are introduced by a famous song title. These tips don’t lie!
“SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT”Written by Shirley Eikhard and Recorded by Bonnie Raitt
No one believes us when we confess this, but when we started in the music industry, we were shy. But now we actually enjoy going to music conventions and events throughout the year. Honestly, one of the things that held us back was we didn’t know how to start a conversation! The thought of talking to strangers was a bit terrifying. What do you say? How do you get the other person to talk? So over the years, we came up with some “foolproof” topics that engage just about anyone in conversation when going to a music event. We learned that you don’t just talk. Now, we put on a smile, introduce ourselves, and start asking. Here are a few of our favorite questions to get the conversation started:
• Are you a songwriter? (Or performer, musician, composer, etc., if this is a general music event.) Follow up with, “What type of music do you write/perform?”
• “Have you been to this event before?” If so, follow up with, “What do you like about it?” and “What other events like this do you go to?” It’s a great way to find out about other organizations and groups that might further your music career.
• “Where are you from? If the person is local, ask how long he’s lived here or how does he like living here, etc. Fol-low up with, “What’s there to do around here?” Ask about concerts, restaurants, or places to check out.
• I’d love to hear your music. Do you have a business card?” And be sincere! At this point, you can only hope the
person has enough social graces to ask you for your business card, but just in case he doesn’t (or forgets to), be ready to offer him one of yours. And when you get home, be sure to check out the person’s website and music. Then, follow up with an email. That’s really the key.
If you’re connecting, the person might invite you to come along to an event. Or introduce you to other like-minded people. Or become a collaborator. Who knows? This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Enjoy the journey!
Tracey & Vance Marino are a film/TV composing and songwriting team who have had their music placed in TV shows such as “The Voice,” “Oprah Winfrey,” “Dr. Oz,” “Pawn Stars,” “Made,” “Last Call with Carson Daly,” and many others. They’ve also had placements in feature films including a Disney/Touchstone Pictures film “The Last Song,” starring Miley Cyrus. They are also the NSAI Coordinators for the San Diego Chapter. For upcoming music industry events, go to their website at: www.SongMakerPro.com/events
TIPS for “It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You”
NETWORKING Part 4: Conversation
By Tracey & Vance Marino Starters
SDSG’s Susan Addams wrote to share some happy song writing news... “One of my songs received runner up status in the Song of the Year contest... it is called ‘One Prayer.’ A huge coup in the reach for writing legitimacy!”
Around Town with SDSG
SDSG President Tim Mudd and musical partner Cody Williams
enjoyed a very cool gig recently... they opened for the Doobie Brothers
at Humphreys! Tim advised us the night was a blast, and the duo was very well received. Congrats Tim
and Cody on a job well done!
It is rare to fi nd a play devoted to the subject of songwriting, “Words By - Ira Gershwin and
the Great American Songbook” is running at the North Coast Rep Theatre from Oct 17 thru
Nov 18. Visit www.northcoastrep.org for details.
Dear Ms. Addams :
This is Jennifer with the Song of the Year songwrit-
ing contest. You did incredibly well in the contest.
You had an entry that received the Runner Up
placement!
The ‘Runner Up’ placement shows that your song
received extremely high scores and was found to
be competitive with the winning songs. Only the top
writers receive this placement.
By the way the vocal styling for ‘One Prayer’ is
excellent. Great job and congratulations on your
songwriting placement!
Jennifer - Song of the Year Staff
F
Join Bridget Brigitte and Bionic Sisters on Tuesday evening November 20 7:30-9pm for a special multi-artist musical night at North Coast Repertory Theatre, “Four Musicians, Four Songs.” Featuring Mira Parfi tt, Jing Jing Evans, Christine Parker, and Mark & Marshall Hattersley, the evening will showcase these accomplished acoustic recording artists performing songs on guitar, piano, and an ancient Chinese instrument, the gu zheng.
A portion of proceeds will benefi t the Arts for Healing Program at Sharp McDonald Center. Bionic Sis-ters Productions has produced multi-artist musical evenings since 2002, placing special emphasis on pro-moting women performers, but all shows feature both women and men. We invite you to bring a canned or dry food donation for our San Diego Food Bank barrel, our show is just two days before Thanksgiving.For more info: bionicsisters.com northcoastrep.org
Per-Song Payment Enclosed (circle one): Current SDSG Member: $10 mail or $15 in-person Non-Member: $15 mail $20 in-person
Song Title: CD Track Number:
Songwriter Name(s):
Contact Name/Relationship to Writer(s):
Contact Address:
Day Phone: Eve Phone: Email:
I have read the contest rules and accept the terms and conditions. Signed: Songwriter’s Signature and Date
2012 SDSG Song Contest Entry Form - Submit ONE with EACH song entered
November 5, 2012 at Country Inn & Suites, 5975 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego 92121 Contest Registration Opens at 6PM. Contest Judging Begins at 7PM
Visit our website to register & submit entries in advance: www.sdsongwriters.org
Cut off for on-line registration is 3PM, Nov 4. Mail-Ins must be received by Oct 29.
EACH IN-PERSON OR MAIL-IN ENTRY MUST CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING: • Entry Form: Completed and signed Entry Form, see below, photocopy is OK. One Form per song entered.• CD: Each song must be submitted on its own individual CD. Indicate the track number of the submitted song.• Lyric Sheets: 5 copies of lyric sheets (please include English translation if applicable). Sheets are not required for in-
strumental compositions. Performer’s/songwriter’s names must not appear on lyric sheets. Entries will be number coded to assure impartiality in judging.
Mail-In fees are $10 (Current SDSG Member) or $15 (Non-Member) per song (check/m.o. payable to SDSG)In-Person fees are $15 (Current SDSG Member) and $20 (Non-Member) per song.
One check or money order for multiple entries is acceptable. Join SDSG or renew your expired membership when you enter and you may enter at member rates. Memberships available at the door or at SDSongwriters.org.
• Song entries will be judged by a committee consisting of in-dustry professionals and songwriters. Judges will score entries on five criteria: lyrics, melody, form, originality and presen-tation. All styles of music are eligible, but instrumentals will receive no lyric score.
• Each entry must be the contestant’s original work. • Contestants and their collaborators retain all rights to works
submitted, but entries will not be returned by SDSG.• Contest is open to amateur songwriters, meaning one who has
not been employed as a staff writer for a publishing company, who is not being paid for such services, and/or who has not received more than $2,500 in song royalty income within the past year. No song previously recorded and released through major national distribution in any country is eligible.
• Past Grand Prize (Platinum) winners of the San Diego Song-writer’s Guild Song Contest are not eligible to enter the con-test. All other previous entrants are eligible.
• The contest is open to songwriters who are 18 years of age or older on the date of entry submission. Any entrant who is a minor in his or her jurisdiction of legal residence must submit written permission from his or her parent or legal guardian to participate in the contest.
• Entrants (or a representative) must be present at the awards presentation on November 5, 2012 to win. Entrants who are not present or personally represented at the awards presentation will be disqualified from consideration for prizes and awards.
• Prize winning songs from prior SDSG Song Contests may not be entered. This does not include songs from SDSG Perform-ing Songwriters contests.
• Prizes for this year’s contest have yet to be determined. Check out prizes from prior years at our website Note: many of the prizes are “San Diego” based and can only be redeemed in San Diego stores, offices, and studios.
• Winners are responsible for division of prizes and taxes.• No more than 70 entries will be accepted.• A maximum of two of entries will be accepted per writer. Co-
writes count proportionately toward this total. (For example: an entry with two writers counts as 1/2 of one entry for each writer.) SDSG reserves the right to limit entries further.
• Entries that violate these rules may be disqualified, and submit-ted fees will not be returned. All judges’ decisions are final.
• SDSG is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdirected, postage due, stolen, or misappropriated entries.
SAN DIEGO SONGWRITERS GUILD • 2012 SONG CONTEST RULES
Please Print Legibly
Signature Sound [email protected] 858 268 0134
Beach City [email protected] 760 415 8900
Mark Charles Hattersley - Rancho Bohemia Studios [email protected] 619 823 3917
Guitar TraderMusicPower.com7120 Clairemont Mesa Blvd (858) 565-8814
Kevin Thomas [email protected]
Studio Weststudiowest.com858 592 9497
SDSG
Spo
nsor
s Rancho Bohemia studios
Producer-Keyboardist-Engineer
Mark Charles Hattersley
619 823 3917
Audio Engineering ProgramLearn and acquire the necessary skills to record music within a professional environ-ment. You will gain experience and work with a band consisting of drums, bass gui-tar, piano and vocals in Studio-A.
Mixing EventExplore the techniques used in the modern mixing studio. Veteran Engineer Christian Cummings will cover concepts including the use of eq, volume balance, compression, eff ects, automation and various production techniques.
Online Drum TrackingSignature Sound is now off ering the public an opportunity for everyone to have their drums record-ed in our exceptional live room. Send us your track and we will have the drums recorded to your liking. Visit us at signaturesound.com or give us a call at 858.268.0134.
Next Event Monday, November 5
SongWritersNotesThe San Diego Songwriters Guild
4809 Clairemont Dr. Ste 413San Diego, CA 92117
Address Correction Requested
San Diego Songwriters Guild
21st Annual SONG CONTESTRegister in Advance On-Line!
Monday, November 5
Taxi’s Michael Laskow Event Review
Contacts that CountTim Mudd
Networking TipsTracey & Vance Marino
Around Town with SDSG
SDSongwriters.org
