Monday, December 17, 2012

USA Songwriting Competition Newsletter

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The World's Leading International Songwriting Competition


“Songwriting is how I make sense of things. It’s how I make my way through the world” ~ Mary Chapin Carpenter, songwriter








USA Songwriting Competition Newsletter 


12/12/12


** 18th Annual USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION BEGINS
18th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries. Winning songs will receive radio airplay in United States and Canada along with great prizes such as a Top Prize of over $50,000.
Sponsors of the 2013 Competition are: New Music Weekly, AirplayAccess.com, Loggins Promotion, Sony, Audio-Technica, D'Addario Strings, Presonus, iZotope, Propellerheads, Notion Software, Recording Magazine, Acoustica, Sonoma Wireworks, Acoustic Café Radio Program, LivewireMusician.com, Reverbnation, Broadjam, Sirius XM Radio, Sonicbids, etc.
FREE EARLY ENTRY BONUS: First 1,000 entries will each receive a Recording magazine digital subscription worth $17.99. Hurry, Enter Now online with your MP3, Youtube, Reverbnation, Myspace or Soundcloud files here:
Or enter by using printing the mail-in entry form found here:



===[Sponsored in part by New Music Weekly]============
NEW MUSIC WEEKLY covers the radio and music industry within its weekly magazine, website, NMW-mail and fax services. NMW, built by radio stations who "break" the hits first, has become thestandard for tracking radio airplay nationwide. For information visit:www.newmusicweekly.com or call 310-325-9997
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** 2012 WINNERS ANNOUNCED - MILEY CYRUS' SIDEMAN WINS TOP HONORS

Results of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition have been announced. Los Angeles based songwriter Mike Schmid won the top position of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition.

Berklee College of Music trained Mike Schmid won Overall Grand Prize as well as the first prize of the Children's music category with his song “Can You See All The Colors”. This is the first time that the winner of the Children's music category won the Overall Grand Prize. Mike Schmid is professional keyboard player and has toured with Miley Cyrus and Jessica Simpson. He also received a bachelors degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music.

Jonathan Ferreri, Chris Upton & Ashley Upton of Nashville, TN won the Overall 2nd Prize with "20 Years". He has won honorable mention prize in 2010.

Charlotte Sometimes won the Overall 3rd Prize with "Paint The Sky". she also appeared on the hit TV show "The Voice". American Idol contestants have also placed on USA Songwriting Competition:  Ashley Robles (American Idol, 2012 Season) and Marissa Pontecorvo (American Idol, 2012 Season) won honorable mention awards at the 2012 USA Songwriting Competition.

Helle Hansen, from Denmark is a 11-time consecutive year honorable mention winner, making her the most consecutive year winner in USA SOngwriting Competition's history so far. Sherri Gough won First prize in the Lyrics category, making this her 2nd win. She won also First Prize in 2010.

Other winners came from Australia, Canada, France, Spain, Belguim, Singapore, and Austria

See full results of the winners here:




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*** PAST WINNERS & FINALISTS' UPDATES
*Alexander Cardinale (2011 USA Songwriting Competition First Prize winner & Overall 2nd Prize) won Hollywood Music in Media Award for "Best Song in a TV Show" on "90210" with the same song he won for USA Songwriting Competition "Traffic Lights".

*Adrianne Gonzalez (1999 USA Songwriting Competition Overall Grand Prize Winner) made the cover of Performer Magazine of the October 2012 issue. She is part of the band "The Rescues" and they are signed to Universal Records.

*Lorraine Ferro (2000 USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention Winner) appeared on the hit TV show "The Voice" singing "Skyscraper" written by another USA Songwriting Competition winner.

*Lindy Robbins (1999 USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention Winner) co-wrote  Demi Lovato's hit song "Skyscraper", the song hit #10 on the Billboard Charts. She also wrote the Top 5 hit song "Incomplete" by the Backstreet Boys. She has also written songs for Hot Chelle Rae, Jason Derulo,  Selena Gomes, Leona Lewis and many more.

*Aaron Tap (1998 USA Songwriting Competition First Prize Winner, Pop) plays with hit artist Matt Nathanson's band. His guitar work can be heard in Matt Nathanson's hit song "Come On Get Higher".

*The Wailin Jennys (8th Annual IAMA, Best Group, First Prize Winner) had their winning song "Bird Song" aired on NPR radio's "A Prairie Home Companion".

*Dave Berg (2003 USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention Winner) has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Los Angeles and New York-based Downtown Music Publishing, and his upcoming full length album Not Quite So Alone will be released by Downtown imprint Mercer Street Records. Berg’s credits as a country songwriter include the No. 1 hits “Somebody” by Reba McEntire, “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” and “These Are My People” by Rodney Atkins, and “Moments” by Emerson Drive.


~Were you a past winner or finalist of the IAMA or USA Songwriting Competition and have some interesting news on yourself? If so, please e-mail us at:
info@songwriting.net



===[Sponsored in part by Loggins Promotion]============
LOGGINS PROMOTION is the leading radio promotion and marketing firm providing services to all genres of music. We operate at the highest level of efficiency and integrity, so that you receive maximum promotion, exposure, and attention. For further info: 888-325-2901 or email:promo@logginspromotion.com
www.logginspromotion.com
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*** SONGWRITERS SHOWCASES
USA Songwriting Competition will present a showcase at during world renowned "SXSW" in Austin, TX:
WHEN: Friday, March 15, 2013, from 7pm to 10pm
WHERE: Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3826 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX
(512) 477-2900
NO COVER: no SXSW badges needed
~Music Acts To Perform:
TBA

USA Songwriting Competition will present a showcase at the world renowned "Bluebird Cafe" in Nashville, TN:
WHEN: Thursday, May 9, 2013: 6pm - 8pm
WHERE:  Bluebird Cafe, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215-2700, Tel: (615) 383-1461 (alcohol & food are served, reservations are accepted). NO COVER.
~Songwriters to perform:
TBA

*Are you a songwriter or band Interested in performing in any of these showcases? If so, please e-mail info@songwriting.net with your website address.



Songwriting Tips & News:








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XPOrAdio.com is the Songwriter Radio Showcase for all aspiring as well as professional songwriters, and musical groups that perform their original songs. Developed by a songwriter exclusively for songwriters, performers, and recording acts to XPOSE and promote their music, and for all the wonderful music fans throughout the world who appreciate and respect the talent, inspiration, creativity, and perhaps even the courage it takes to express oneself through writing songs.
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** COMPILATION CD 
"NEW MUSIC NOW Vol 9" - THE USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION COMPILATION CD. USA Songwriting Competition's CD Compilation. This CD is out and features winners such as Nenna Yvonne, Alexander Cardinale, Molly Hunt, etc. 

"New ACOUSTIC MUSIC Vol 8" - featuring winners and runner-ups of the 8th Annual IAMA will be out later this month. Artists includes; Maddy Rodriguez, Doug Young, The Wailin Jennys, etc.


** COOL MERCHANDISE
You can now purchase our cool USA Songwriting Competition T-shirts, Hats & other stuff online:
http://www.cafepress.com/usasong


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Music Books Plus is your best source for music & audio books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, software & sheet music. We carry over 12,000 titles on Music Business, Songwriting, Arranging, Theory, Directories, Pro Audio, Video, Live Sound, Recording, Lighting, MIDI, Synthesizers, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Violin, Brass, Woodwinds, Harmonica, Voice, Biographies, Fake Books, Songbooks. Worldwide shipping. Free Newsletter. Check out www.musicbooksplus.com
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** MUSIC CONFERENCES, FESTIVALS, & WORKSHOP PARTNERS

~Winter NAMM: January 24 - 27, 2013. Anaheim, CA, USA

~MIDEM: January 26 - 29, 2013, Cannes, FRANCE

~25th annual International Folk Alliance Conference: February 20-24, 2013; Toronto, CANADA

~SXSW Music Conference: March 12 - 17, 2013, Austin, TX, USA

~Franfurt Musikmesse 2013: April 10 - 13, 2013, Frankfurt, GERMANY


~2013 ASCAP EXPO: April 18-20, Los Angeles, CA, USA




===[ REFER A MUSICIAN FRIEND TO US ]==============
Tell a musician or songwriter to sign up for this FREE informative e-mail newsletter of USA Songwriting Competition with chock full of opportunities for the musician or songwriter, please e-mail† them on where to sign-up:
http://www.songwriting.net/join
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*GuitarJack (Sonoma Wireworks). For more information on these products, click here:
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===[ To Advertise ]================================
To advertise in the newsletter, please e-mail: ira@songwriting.net
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Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year to all! May the new year bring you all great joy and better music making! Warmest Wishes!


Best Wishes...Jessica Brandon, Artist Relations ~~


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

MSMA Newsletter DEC. 2012

Welcome to the MSMA Newsletter!

The annual Cypress Moon Studios/MSMA Christmas Party is on Tuesday, December 18th, at Cypress Moon Studios.  The party will start at 7pm.  We invite all of you to attend this great event.  The Decoys (and a whole lot of other folks) will be playing some tunes.

The MSMA is planning for a productive year in 2013.  Be among the first to here about our new plans.

 

 













Review Of The Jake Landers Benefit

By Terry Pace
Multi-Grammy Award nominees The SteelDrivers (featuring Muscle Shoals' own Gary Nichols) with legendary Muscle Shoals songwriter and bluegrass music legend Jake Landers ("Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine," "Beyond the Gate," "Soldier's Return") at the Ritz Theatre in Sheffield, Alabama, during a special Oct. 16, 2012, benefit concert that raised funds to help pay Jake's medical bills. In addition to The Steel Drivers, the all-star show featured performances by Muscle Shoals songwriters Walt Aldridge, Chris Tompkins, Peanutt Montgomery and Rusty Moody as well as the bands Iron Horse and Doctors, Lawyers and Such. An inductee of the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, Jake was a member of Bill Monroe's famed Bluegrass Boys as well as the Dixie Gentlemen, an influential Shoals-based bluegrass band that also featured Vassar Clements, Rual Yarborough and Herschel Sizemore.


Photo of Gary Nichols, Richard Bailey, Jake Landers, Mike Fleming,Tammy Rogers & Tony Robertson


Big River Broadcasting Program Director Fletch Brown is Growing Up!

Fletch is celebrating the beginning of his Midlife Crisis by bringing together friends and fans for a good cause. Come join the fun. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

December 13, 2012
Sundance Saloon, Muscle Shoals, AL
7pm
$5 cover





















         


David's Diary 

Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Bassist David Hood has kept all of his work diaries from the mid-sixties to the present. Because they contain information that spotlights the rich history of Muscle Shoals Music, he will share one segment of his diary in this column each month.
















By David Hood

Of the many great records associated with Muscle Shoals, most were recorded in the local studios. A notable exception is Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years". Because of Simon's busy schedule, Roger Hawkins, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Beckett and David Hood flew to New York City on October 1, 1974 to record with Paul and his co-producer Phil Ramone at CBS studios.

The entire first day was spent while Paul and Barry worked out the electric piano intro and first verse. The next day the rest of the rhythm section got to work and knocked out the rest of the track in short order. They were joined on the recording by Micheal Brecker’s overdubbed sax solo and strings and woodwinds arranged by Bob James. “Still Crazy After All These Years” would become one of Paul’s signature songs and would reach Number 1 on the U.S. album chart on December 6, 1975.
 



MSMA 2012
Board
of Directors

Jimmy Nutt - President  
Rodney Hall - Vice President
Larry Bowser - Sec/Treasurer  
David Hood - Past President

Wiley Barnard
Dick Cooper  
Nick Martin
Suzanne Bolton  
Terry Pace



Kathie Adams, Scott Boyer, Russell Mefford, Wayne Bridge, Scooter Muse & Nancy Bridge at the Fiddleworms CD Listening Party for "See The Light."
Photo of Chris Tompkins and Carrie Underwood

Big Deal



-Chris Tompkins gets Grammy Nomination for Carrie Underwood's hit "Blown Away."  The song was written by Tompkins and Josh Kear.  "Blown Away" is nominated for "Country Song of the Year."

-The Civil Wars were nominated for the Grammy for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance" for their collaboration with country superstar Taylor Swift on the track "Safe & Sound."

-The Alabama Shakes were nominated for Grammys in "Best New Artist" and "Best Rock Performance" categories for "Hold On," a track from their debut album "Boys & Girls."
The Times Daily

-Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham are scheduled to be inducted into the Alabama Music Hall Of Fame at its Awards and Induction Ceremony in September of 2013.
Other inductees include Candi Staton, Hank Locklin, Sun Ra & Charlie Monk.

Muscle Shoals
To Music Row Live

December 20, 2012
The Marriott Event Center
8-10p

We are excited to announce that Country Music Star Jimmy Wayne will be taking the Muscle Shoals to Music Row LIVE stage on Thursday December 20th!! He is also bringing along with him his hit songwriting friends Tony Arata & Pat Alger. (Tony wrote "The Dance" for Garth Brooks and has had number 1 records with "Here I am" for Patty Loveless, "Dreaming with my eyes Open" Clay Walker and many more. Pat Alger wrote unanswered prayers for Garth Brooks & "The Thunder Rolls").

This will be a very special Muscle Shoals to Music Row LIVE.
Tickets are $20 and 100% of the tickets sales will go to Jimmy's "Meet Me Halfway" fund that will directly benefit homeless children or children in foster care.

(There is a video on KIX's website that people can watch to learn more about the charity and also a link for people to make a donation if you are unable to attend.)

http://www.kix96country.com








Rhyal Knight at the Grand Opening for the Commercial Music Dept. of UNA's new Event Center

Donations

Simply click the link below to pay through PayPal.
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OR
Send check or Money Order to:
MSMA
PO Box 2383
Muscle Shoals, Al 35662

***Please include your name, address and email.

Mission Statement

To preserve and promote the legacy and future of Muscle Shoals music.

Contact us at:
mailto:themsma@gmail.com