Rykodisc sign Jay Bennett...

Singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett who was once the driving force behind the twice Grammy-nominated band Wilco, has signed a new record deal with Rykodisc.

His sound is said to be a cross between Elvis Costello mixed with Tom Waits, with a hint of The Replacements and Nick Lowe.

Rykodisc will release his latest offering entitled 'The Magnificent Defeat' on September 26th, 2006.

Here's the scoop...

Calvin

Rykodisc is thrilled to announce the signing of songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett. His long-anticipated solo opus "The Magnificent Defeat" is set for release this September.

This marks the first artist signing for Rykodisc as a Warner Music Group company. Jay was attracted to Rykodisc, and furthermore to WMG's "independent" mentality because of its continued commitment and dedication to developing artists. Jay commented, "We love the small label focus and attention that Rykodisc can give us."

Click here to finish reading the article.

Source http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=147466
/ marketwire.com

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Members From Different Bands Get Together to Form a 'Supergroup'

Take Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Gary Louris and Marc Perlman of the Jayhawks and Dan Murphy of Soul Asylum - and we have a group called 'Golden Smog'.

It all started off as a side project, but now it's becoming more and more apparent that the group is taking off into a more serious journey with their forth album entitled "Another Fine Day".

Here's the scoop...

Calvin

"Can a band populated by artists who most peoplehave never heard of constitute a "supergroup?" If so, Golden Smog isbuilding a case for being the most super supergroup ever, in terms ofactual output. (And not in terms of how supergroups are usually rated:how super the component parts are, and how short the group falls ofbeing more than the sum of its parts.)....."


Click here to finish reading the article.

Source http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20060722/AE/107220052
Stewart Oksenhorn / vailidaily.com

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, record, demo

Link the Voice & Guitar Through Parallel Melodies

For the more musically minded, (specifically those who play guitar), I dug up this short article how to link your vocals to the guitar using a parallel melody.

So in other words, using intervals between the vocal and the guitar to create melodies. Pretty cool. Check out the full article out here.

Calvin

"Songwriting, at a fundamental level,
involves the uniting of melody and harmony:
the singing of a melody, and its union with a
supporting harmony. For soloist singer/
songwriter/guitarists, this accompanying
harmony is created and played on guitar. For
many bands, too, the guitar is the main
conveyor of harmony. In cases such as these,
one very simple way of adding interest to a
song is by paralleling a melody that’s sung
with a melody that’s played on guitar....."

Source http://musesmuse.com/LinkingVocalsandGuitar.pdf

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, record, studio, demo

John Lennon Songwriting Competition 2006

Some of you may recall my previous post on the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

Here, Rob explains the process and prizes.

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, competition, record, demo

I Give You - Prince

After several emails requesting a song from 'Prince' , I decided to add one here for your viewing and listening pleasure :-)

Here is 'Purple Rain' , performed by Prince and the Revolution. The genius of this song is that it combines elements of all pop, rock, gospel and soul.

The song is taken directly from his album (and film) entitled 'Purple Rain' and remains his biggest selling album to date.

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Paul Simon: "I don't really care what age likes what I do,... I care whether anybody likes what I do, whether it means something to them"

.....and that's exactly the attitude which enables him to just keep on going.

Paul Simon's career has spanned over three decades and a chunk of that success is attached to the duo 'Simon & Garfunkel'. It was in 1970 that Simon began writing and recording his own solo material and enjoyed peak solo success in the 80s when he released Graceland - for which he won a Grammy Award.

He is one of the most prolific singer-songwriter's out there and his out-put has been of the highest calibre.

Simon has now released a new album entitled 'Surprise' and once again he explores new territory - fusing with electronic music talent Brian Eno.

Check out the article.

Calvin

"It has been two decades since American songwriting icon Paul Simon turned much of the world onto African music with Graceland and six years since he released an album of new material.

The terrorist attacks on America, Simon's 60th birthday and a long-overdue reunion with his 1960s singing partner, Art Garfunkel, came and went after the release of 2000's You're the One, which made only a ripple in the music industry.

Now, Simon has released Surprise, a smart, refreshing CD that finds him exploring new territory with another icon, electronic-music pioneer Brian Eno, and giving voice to listeners who are taking stock of their lives...."

Click here to finish reading the article.

Source http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/
2006-07/24/content_647804.htm / By Larry Rodgers /
The Arizona Republic/ Chinadaily.com

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, record, songs, demo's, publish

The Great Joni Mitchell

I once read, a great songwriter touches 'almost' everybody. Joni Mitchell has may classics under her belt and has performed many times in her life. However, it was this performance (at age 57) that totally grabbed me and blow me away.

It's her song 'Both Sides Now' and she's backed up by a full string orchestra. The ballad is slow and moving.... it really did touch me.

"Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere, i've looked at cloud that way.
But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone.
So many things i would have done but clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions i recall.
I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons and junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real; i've looked at love that way.
But now it's just another show. you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.

I've looked at love from both sides now,
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions i recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud to say "i love you" right out loud,
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, i've looked at life that way.
But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say
I've changed.
Something's lost but something's gained in living every day.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions i recall.
I really don't know life at all"

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, record, studio, demo

Australian Songwriter Gains Even More Acclaim

Current Australian National Songwriting Content winner John Harely has scored another place  - this time in the top 20 - in another songwriting competition called 'Unisong'.

A 'top 20' position may not seem like much to the naked eye, but most don't realize that Unisong is a HUGE contest, and is judged by some heavyweight writers, - such as Peter Frampton, Bruce Lundvall & Desmond Child, Diane Warren and a host of others.

"While the winner of the current Australian National Songwriting contest is hard at work on new songs for another album the accolades keep pouring in for songs off his current album ‘Hope Harbour’…..this time from the judges of Unisong International Songwriting Contest who gave birth to songwriters Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Buffet, Stewart Copeland, Mick Fleetwood, Indigo Girls, Glady’s Knight, Peter Frampton, Lisa Loeb, Bonnie Raitt, Don Was and well, I’m sure you get the picture….. "

Click here to finish reading the article.

Source http://www.prleap.com/pr/42067/ (prleap.com)

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, record, studio, demo

Aerosmith Biggest Hit To Date

Most Aerosmith fans I know will loath at the fact that their biggest hit 'I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing' was written by Diane Warren - a songwriter who has written predominantly ballads for artists mainly in the pop/soul & country arena. But I have another perspective on the matter.

If you are judging the song from a 'band' standpoint, then you probably will never fully appreciate the song. Fans of rock know the exciting music they are known for, and some would rather push the song to one side - for every reason pertaining to ..."it's just not Aerosmith."

But when you listen to it form a songwriter's point of you, you know that it's quite simply a great love song which the band have performed brilliantly.

Here's the video to a song that won a Grammy Award, went to number one in the USA and stayed in the top 5 of the singles chart all over Europe for weeks on end.

Calvin

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, songwriter, online, tips, record, studio, demo

Local Man Wins Songwriting Awards With Insightful Lyrics

If you started to play an instrument or write songs from as a child - and LEFT all those skills behind as soon as you entered adulthood, do you think it is likely that you would then pick up where you left off 15 years later?

Well, for Scott Pearce - not only is this true, but he has also come back in style.

Here is an article of a man who just recently gained second place in a songwriting contest by the Austin Songwriters Group....and relaxingly says, "I'm more comfortable in my own skin now than I was 15 years ago."

On a sea of crystal glass
streets of solid gold
walls of every precious stone
No pain

That's the vision of Winterville songwriter Scott Pearce in "No Tears," the song that brought him his second consecutive grand prize in a contest sponsored last month by the Austin Songwriters Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and developing aspiring songwriters.

Click here to finish reading the article.

Source http://www.reflector.com/local/content/news/
stories/2006/07/21/songwriter.html / T. Scott Batchelor
/ www.reflector.com]

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, news, songs, record, studio, contest, competition

Stevie Wonder - Beautiful Performance

Stevie Wonder is a timeless musical genius. Amongst my many favorite songwriters, he sits in the top ten in my list. I couldn't help but share this performance.

'All Is Fair In Love' - by Stevie Wonder.

technorati tags:learn, songwritng, tips, online, record, studio

Music Camp Helps Kids Tap Into Their Songwriting Abilities

I always find it very inspiring whenever I read an article on talented children who are pushed and encouraged to further heights - giving them the opportunity to showcase their work.

Here is an article of 15 year old Zan Grimsbo has been playin the guitar since he was 5, and in the last year has started writing lyrics for his own musical compositions.

He will soon be participating in the Severin Sisters' American Roots Music Camp in Salem... - where I'm sure his confidence will be elevated.

Calvin

-------------------------

"Zac Grimsbo, 15, has spent a good chunk of his summer working in the dusty fields of Rickreall. The young man has been driving a hay baler at a neighboring farm.

Sitting in an air-conditioned cab, Zac has had plenty of time to listen to the lyrics and music in his head.

Two weeks from now, the young man who's been playing guitar for about five years will give flight to his pent-up musical passion when he participates in the Severin Sisters' American Roots Music Camp in Salem.

His mom, Kristina, said her son is looking forward to the camp, and she's excited about the crafts he'll bring home. But she's not pining for origami frogs or Chinese knots. She's eager to hear Zac's next song...."

------------------------

Click here to finish reading the article.

Source http://159.54.226.83/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/
COLUMN0101/607210306/1064 / CAROL MCALICE CURRIE/ StatesmanJournal.com

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, record, music, studio

Singer-Songwriter is now a Headliner....

Singer Songwriter Clare Bowditch has been opening for large concerts for artists such as James Blunt and Bernard Fanning. Now for the first time, she's decided to step into the limelight for herself.

Read the full article here.

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, news, songwriter

Songwriter Richard Bassett to have Island Retreat

Multi-award winning songwriter Richard Bassett (president of the Bermuda Songwriters Association) is throwing an Island 'retreat' for budding artists.

It will be held on October at the Beaches Resort.

Calvin

----------------------

Mr. Bassett said they were bringing in threeindustry workshop hosts and also pulling on the talents of a localsongwriter and musician for the event.

“Jason Blume is a professional songwriter. His songs have been featured on more than 50 million albums/units,” said Mr. Bassett

“He writes for artists such as Brittany Spears, Jessie McCartney and Back Street Boys.

“StevenMemel is a performance coach from LA. He has worked with artists fromAtlantic, BMG, Jazz J Records, Dreamworks and more.
“Gilli Moon is asinger/songwriter/recording artist and she is going to focus more onartist development and looking at being an independent artist and whatthat means.”

Although the event is set to take place at the 9 Beaches Resort, there will be other events taking place outside of the resort.

Click here to finish reading the article.

[source http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20060718/LIFESTYLE/107180139 / by Rene Hill]

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, news, write, a, song

Hayes Carll Releases New Album

Texas based singer-songwriter Hayes Carll releases his second album, and showcases a sense of humor in his follow up entitled 'Little Rock'

His songs invites comparison to other Texas based artists such as Steve Earle and Guy Clark.

Here, he talks about songwriting for his new CD.

-----------------------------

-- Releasing a second album is a terrifying prospect for many singer-songwriters. Why? Debut albums are filled with a lifetime of material, songs they've spent their entire life writing. But the follow-up is made up of new songs. Add to that the burden of meeting the expectations of fans and critics who adored your first CD, and you're in a pressure-filled situation. Did Texan Hayes Carll succumb to the dreaded "sophomore slump" with the release of his second album? VOA's Katherine Cole reports the answer is "No!" --

Click here to finish reading the article.

[source http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-07-17-voa54.cfm / by Katherine Cole]

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips, news

Daniel Powter: Songwriting at a Late Age...

Singer/Songwriter Daniel Powter has done extremely well for breaking inas a new artist. The Canadian star is enjoying success at a relativelylate age (at 35) but clearly showcasing that age is irrelevant when thesongs are top notch.

Here, he talks about his success, his new single and himself as a songwriter.





It’s been an amazing year for Canadian singer/songwriter/pianist Daniel Powter. His song “Bad Day” has become one of the biggest hits in recent years, receiving worldwide radio and TV play for a full year now, and is still going strong. His debut album Daniel Powter was released in April on Warner Bros. Records, and was quickly certified gold in the U.S. and is platinum in several other countries. In addition, Powter has just launched his first U.S. tour, and has released his follow-up single, “Jimmy Gets High.”

Click here to finish reading the article.

[source http://www.songwriteruniverse.com/danielpowter123.htm]

[songwriteruniverse.com / Dale Kawashima]

Related Tags: learn songwriting, songwriting tips, songwriting news, daniel powter

Struggling with Lyrics....

It's not uncommon for musicians to struggle with writing lyrics. In fact, I meet people on a weekly basis who find it hard to bang out a few words.

The thing is, most musicians are under the impression that you have to be 'poetic' when creating lyrics. Well, that's simply not true. Not only do you not have to be poetic, but you don't always need to rhyme either.

There are only a few 'key elements' that you need in order to maximise your chances of lyrical success. These are: The topic of the song, the structure & arrangement, the rhyming patterns and using metaphor and simile.

If you can learn to master these, then you're well on your way.

Calvin

Franz Ferdinand Shares Their Songwriting Tips

Now this is what I love to see.

UK based band Franz Ferdinand are to hold a songwriting 'clinic' in an upcoming writers workshop in Scotland.

They will make their appearance at Edinburgh's International Book Festival on August the 22nd and will be sharing their songwriting strategies to a crowd that is expected to be mostly children.

"Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy will be talking about their songs and how they write lyrics in a special family event at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival. In this exclusive event, you can hear about the inspirations and stories behind this massively successful band. Alex & Nick will be in conversation with music journalist Craig McLean......"

To finish the article, click here.

[Source http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/franz_ferdinand.php / www.edbookfest.co.uk]

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, online, tips

Pop Princess Writes Abouts Her Cancer

Pop star Kylie Minogue has shared that she has written songs about her cancer battle for her new 'self penned' album.

"Kylie Minogue has revealed she has written songs about her cancer battle for her new album.
The singer is still undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year - but says the ordeal has changed her outlook on life and has inspired her songwriting....."

You can read about the full story here.

[source http://musicnews.virgin.net/Virgin
/Lifestyle/Music/virginMusicNewsDetail/
0,13556,1335280_music,00.html / Virgin.net]

technorati tags:learn, songwriting, tips, online, news

Not in the Mood to Write a Song?

We've all been there. In fact, I'm there today - which caused me to make this post.

Must you always be writing? No. not really. Today, I'm going to fool around on the piano. Just mess around with some chords. I'm not even gonna think about it. No lyrics, no melodies - no structure. Just improvise. I'm not even going to try to be musically clever. I'm gonna keep it simple.

Calvin

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