SongWritersNotes 30 Years Supporting San Diego Songwriters Volume XXVI • May 2012

The San Diego SDSG May Event Songwriters Guild POWER NIGHT SDSongwriters.org [email protected] 858 270 7169 (Sandi Gugliotti) networking 4809 Clairemont Dr. Ste 413 San Diego, CA 92117 business tools

2012 SDSG Board of Directors pitch session President Tim Mudd Vice President Kevin Thomas Treasurer Annie Rettic Power Night on May 21, 2012, features Kevin Thomas, Tiamo, Secretary Diane Waters Webmaster John Pape and Jeff McCullough. A veritable vortex of musical minds focus- Advisors Bridget Brigitte ing their energy & expertise on our careers, our craft, our passion. Sandi Gugliotti Mark Charles Hattersley Photographer Steve Covault Check out SDSG President Tim Mudd’s article on page 2 for more about Kevin Thomas’ proposal for local empowerment. Turn to page 5 for Tiamo’s bio, and In this edition... page 8 for his letter to SDSG in which he describes what he will be bringing to Power Night. Jeff McCullough will be wrapping up the evening with a Pitch Ses- Concierge for Growth sion. See page 4 for more on Jeff and Pitch Guidelines. SDSG President Tim Mudd - Page 2 We look forward to seeing you for Power Night at the Country Inn and Suites, SDSG Party Time! 5975 Lusk Blvd in Sorrento Valley (858) 558-1818 Play the Day Away - Page 3 Monday, May 21, 2012 Jeff McCullough Pitch Session May 21 - Page 4 Registration Opens at 6:00 PM Admission is FREE for SDSG Members. Non-Member Admission is $10. Tiamo Only SDSG Members may pitch. Pitch fee is $10 - two song maximum per Member. Power Night Special Guest - Page 5 SDSG reserves the right to limit submissions further. Networking Tips Part 3 Vance & Tracey Marino - Page 6 Memberships available at SDSongwriters.org or at the door. Take advantage of our 30th Anniversary Membership Special Rate: $30 gets you a one-year SDSG Get Away From It Membership, off er good thru September 30, 2012. Harriet Schock - Page 7

Secret Income Tiamo - Page 8

SDSG Event Review Did you miss these? - Page 9 30th Anniversary Party SDSG Sponsors Thank You! - Page 10 SDSG SUMMER JAM at Club Bohemia June 23, 2012 For details, please see page 3 Your Concierge to Artistic Growth SDSG President / Prime Minister Tim Mudd [email protected]

Recently I’ve had the good fortune of being asked to speak at a couple of music ori- ented conferences. How did this happen? I put myself out there.

I joined the San Diego Songwriter’s Guild in July last year and entered the annual songwriting contest. I met Diane Waters. She suggested I may like to consider taking reigns as President. In January, through the Guild, I met Jim Attebury. He invited me to the Durango Songwriter’s Expo where I spoke on social media. At Durango I met Russ Dixon, Director of Utah’s Soundcheck Expo, where I was invited up to Sundance where I spoke on the business of being “Independent” in April.

In the course of those three key interactions over the last six months, I have, of course, met many other interesting and valuable people. My point is that I would not have experienced any of that had I not made the decision to expose myself to every possible avenue for my songwriting. During our April event, Josquin des Pres stressed the importance of socializing within your community, grasping opportunities and stepping through doors that are opened for you. Consider the San Diego Songwriter’s Guild as your concierge to this world.

Our May event is what we’re billing as “Power Night.” We’ll kick-off with a short presentation by Guild vice presi- dent Kevin Thomas who hopes to open your eyes to the very real possibility of growing our local songwriting community as a whole by combining our strengths and supporting each others’ careers and music oriented busi- nesses. A great example of that will come in the form of our next speaker, Tiamo, who will attempt to guide you away from possibly false notions of self-perception and toward discovering your true value as a writer and artist. To round-out our dynamic trio, renowned local producer Jeff McCullough will host an exclusive pitch session for our members. How awesome is THAT?! If you do nothing else this month for your creative side, make sure to make our songwriting Power Night your one excuse to grow.

Now, if you’re looking for a reason to really socialize (ahem, “party”), don’t miss out on our June 23 event, being held at Rancho Bohemia, the home and studio of Mark and Barby Hattersley. The Hattersleys and Club Bohe- mia Studios have graciously opened their digs to our renegade band of SDSG rebels (sorry, I’ve watched WAY too much Sons Of Anarchy recently) for what can only be considered, and will go down in infamy, as the musi- cal soiree of the season. We’ll be starting at about 3PM and will go until all is blue. Don’t forget to bring your axe and join in our open mic-style musical showcase of “Stars Under The Stars.” Please RSVP with an email to [email protected]. Be sure to let us know if you would like to perform, too.

“But Tim,” I hear you say, “This all sounds so fantastic, I can’t imagine things could get any better?!” Well, let me tell you – it can. You may not be aware that 2012 is the Thirtieth Anniversary of the San Diego Songwriter’s Guild (yes, I was three years old when it was founded, laugh it up), and as such we’re offering a special membership rate of $30 for the year – that’s 40% off our current annual membership price. We charge non-members $10 for our monthly events, and only members can pitch songs to SDSG guests, so I can’t tell what a great deal this is. It’s like getting nine months worth of events completely free! I don’t know about you, but I love a good bargain. Our $30 Thirtieth Anniversary special will be valid until September 30th, 2012, so if you or someone you know has been thinking of joining or are getting close to your renewal date, jump on this offer before we resume our standard annual membership price of $50 in October.

Moving in to July, I will be taking that month off to attend to the small matter of getting married, and I understand we typically take August to break for the summer. But fear not! We will be back in full force come September with a fall and winter schedule jam-packed with more opportunities for you to learn and grow your craft.

Be well, enjoy writing and I’ll look forward to seeing you at Power Night on May 21st.

Cheers! Tim 30th Anniversary PPartyarty reate, perform, & dream

SDSG’s Summer Jam at Rancho Bohemia Saturday, June 23 Join us for a gathering of friends at Rancho Bohemia, the country estate main- tained by Mark & Barby Hattersley, for an extended afternoon into the wee hours escapade of camaraderie and celebration accompanied by extempo- raneous melodic and rhythmic improvisation, food, laughter and libations.

Don’t forget to bring your axe and join in our open mic-style musical showcase of “Stars Under the Stars.” We’ll have a lighted stage shaded by an expansive Mul- berry Tree, and are planning on a four-song/20 minute max set length for SDSG Members who wish to perform. Jams are also expected to break out periodically.

SDSG will be supplying dogs and burgers, so bring something complimentary, not to mention your favorite beverages, and a suit and towel if you’d like to swim. Some warmer clothes for evening wear might be a good idea as well. We’ll eat, drink, watch SDSG Board Members fi ght over the grill (a wonderful SDSG volunteer opportunity if you are so inclined!), and enjoy some great music with friends.

Please RSVP with an email to [email protected]. Your RSVP will get you an offi cial invite, and directions! Be sure to let us know if you would like to perform, too. In dire straights, you can call Mark at 619 823 3917. 3PM, Saturday, June 23, 2012 Jeff McCullough power night special guest

Producer/Songwriter Jeff McCullough has spent the last 24 years working with a very diverse list of artists. Al Stewart, Big Mountain, Jewel, Tupac, Phil Wickham, Eric Marienthal, Jeff Lorber, Disney, Mc Donalds, Range Rover....

Recently Jeff ’s mix for Smooth jazz sax man Elan Trotman “Heaven in Your Eyes” reached #11 on billboard charts. Jeff produced a cover of the Mariah Carey hit “All I want For Christmas is You” for the Mexican band Vasquez Sound. In 5 short months their videos have reached over 500 million views on YouTube and reached #1 and #2 on iTunes simultane- ously. Jeff ’s new song “Everybody listen” Has been chosen to be per- formed at the UN Global Summit in Rio De Jinero in this summer.

Jeff ’s passion is developing new artists. He is currently working with sev- eral ranging from 10-14 years old who will surely be the stars of tomor- row.

For this Pitch Session, Jeff has advised us he is looking for songs for a contemporary Country artist. She is 14 years old, so it’s important that the songs are age appropriate; i.e. universal lyrics that could apply to a 14 year old or 40 year old. Not kids songs.

She would like to sing about a range of topics but likes country music for its deep emotions and ability to touch on issues of faith without being classifi ed as religious music. Three good examples of this young artist’s infl uences are Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel,” Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me,” and Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” All tempos are welcome.

As Jeff says, “Country is about great stories. We’re looking for the BEST songs. It’s OK if your song isn’t produced country; we can add the fi ddles and steel guitars later.” Tiamo power night special guest

Tiamo De Vettori is a singer/ songwriter who has spoken to over 47,000 people around the world at music colleges, universities, conferences, and seminars and has been featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, and MSNBC.

With a passion for empowering independent artists, Tiamo teaches musi- cians, singers and songwriters about new and progressive ways they can make great full-time income with their music.

After quitting his day job to pursue his dream as a solo singer/songwriter, within 2 weeks, Tiamo found a way to make $20,000 per month. At the same time, he began performing for audiences of up to 15,000 people and accomplished this without an agent, manager, or publicist. Tiamo has also raised over $25,000 toward his CD projects through fan funding and has built a very loyal following in unconventional ways.

With a vision of changing the landscape of the music industry and help- ing unsigned musicians to reach their dreams of a prosperous career in music, in addition to public speaking, Tiamo off ers individual and group success coaching for musicians.

To learn more, visit Tiamo’s website for musicians at:

MusiciansMoneyMakingSecrets.com TIPS for “It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You” NETWORKING Part 3: Follow Me By Tracey & Vance Marino

Having a great song is not enough. Networking and fi nished CD, web presence, etc.). And of the 12, a lucky meeting people are among the keys to success in the mu- fi ve ended up signing endorsement deals. Those fi ve, sic business. These are basic, common-sense pointers -- Jack said, took the time to “follow up.” It’s as simple as introduced by a famous song title. These tips don’t lie! that!

“FOLLOW ME” Some tips Jack off ered on how to follow up: Written by Michael Bradford & Michael L. Shafer • Email. It’s the easiest and can be done at any time. Recorded by Uncle Kracker Phone calls can be interruptive -- and too often you play phone tag. TIP: The Importance Of Following Up • Check out the person you’re contacting. Visit their We were at a monthly songwriter meeting where one company’s website. Find the person on Facebook of the topics was “following up.” Amazingly (but not or LinkedIn. Follow them on Twitter. Google them. surprisingly), all 16 people in our group had a story about a major missed opportunity because of a fear • Get personal! Jack said he is always impressed if of following up or keeping in contact with a music in- someone knows something about him, like the fact dustry person! he’s originally from New York City. It shows interest and you can fi nd common ground. One person in the group had a diff erent perspective. “Jack” works for a famous guitar company and is on Enjoy the journey! the other side of the table. His job is to fi nd artists and bands for endorsement deals. After attending the Tracey & Vance Marino are fi lm/TV composers & song- NAMM Show in January, he said he personally handed writers who have had their music placed in TV shows out about 1,000 business cards. such as “Oprah Winfrey,” “Dr. Oz,” “Nate Berkus,” “Access Hollywood,” etc. Their song “Carnival Lights” was placed Of the 1,000 contacts, Jack said only 30 followed up! in the Disney fi lm “The Last Song,” starring Miley Cyrus. Of those 30, 12 had the “goods” of being professional For their list of upcoming music industry events, visit: musicians (having a press kit, fan base, booked tours, www.SongMakerPro.com/events

Her are two other great resources within the San Diego songwriting community:

Stop by http://www.meetup.com/SDSongwriters for more info on the Songwriters Meetup, which meets every other Wednesday.

In the land of Cathryn Beeks’ ListenLocalsd.com: Shows every Tuesday at House of Blues 7 to 11, and Thursday at The Go Lounge 7 to 11 - all free! THE GAME songwriter’s event June 3rd - write a song to the title “HAND MADE” THE SONGWRITER SLEEP OVER June 22/24 - Songwriter Camp at Lake Jennings Send in up to three mp3s to be considered for radio play on 102.1 KPRi Get all the info at ListenLocalsd.com Get Away from It by Harriet Schock Can you see the box bet- back there like a boomerang within minutes. But with ter from inside the box or my most recent song, a song I was writing for my sis- outside the box? Well, you ter, I took a four or five month break. I didn’t consider see it two different ways, it a break. I thought I wasn’t getting anywhere with the I guess. But if you’re look- song and I refused to give my only sister a song that ing for objectivity and was lame, so I put it away. Six months later, I woke up perspective, you might one day and in the twilight between snooze alarms, I try getting outside. got the end of the chorus. The whole song builds to that and the title sits right in the last line of that section. I think the same may be true of songs. I believe most I probably couldn’t have gotten that six months earlier. of the writing needs to be done INSIDE the experience. So if I’d kept after it, I may have gotten something infe- As Natalie Goldberg talks about in Writing Down The rior. As often happens in my experience, this little per- Bones, write as much as possible from “First Thoughts.” sonal song I wrote to my sister to express something to It’s good to get as much written as you can from that one person something I felt deeply has become one of moment of being truly immersed in the original inspi- the songs everyone asks for when I perform. I suppose ration and desire to communicate. It’s also good to get other people have big sisters or brothers also. away from it for a while. It’s going to gnaw at you like a hungry child anyway, so you aren’t going to be in dan- Then there are the writers who won’t leave a song ger of forgetting it entirely. alone until they ruin it. I have students I want to hog tie to keep their hands off their songs after the songs have I’ve had students who complain about being obsessive. reached a certain point. Here’s a quote from one of them: There’s a famous joke about the screenwriter who’s on “What drives me insane is that after I do the best I the desert with a film producer and they’ve been dying can do, paint the pictures, find the truth, lay bare of thirst for days until they finally find a pool of water the emotion, all I may still have is just a ‘good’ and it turns out not to be a mirage, but the real thing. song and, if it is only good, have I really done my The writer starts to drink and the producer stops him best? And what drives me crazy is that I am not and starts peeing into the pool. When the writer asks objective enough to know whether it is good or him what he’s doing, the producer replies, “I’m just im- not and when to move on. Those who say you proving it a little.” Although this joke is more a reflection can’t beat a dead horse have not seen an obses- of how script writers feel about the creative interven- sive-compulsive person in action! In the end, you tion of producers, I tell it to my writers who can’t stop still have a dead horse. Just shoot me now!” “improving” their songs even after they’re already great. They compulsively rewrite until they are divorced from Steve Wagner, a former student and wonderful song- original surge of creative power that inspired them in writer, recognizes the wisdom in taking a break. He feels the first place. They’ve perfected the songs right out of it allows him to come back to the song with the original all emotional impact. enthusiasm and vision he once had for it. He wrote me recently, “I had to get away from this for a while and I Sometimes the laws of inertia just keep you working was successful at extricating myself, withdrawing from on something that was finished weeks earlier. Taking a it so that I am excited to dive back in.” Kahlil Gibran’s break from the song can help you see it again with new, advice to lovers would be well taken by songwriters for appreciative eyes. A rather odd example of this last their songs: “Let there be spaces in your togetherness.” point happened to me this week. I was reading some In that space, we might actually gain the understand- new reviews of my work on Allmusic.com and my eyes ing we are seeking for what the song needs. drifted down to the discography section and I found there was a recording of one of my songs I never knew That said, I must confess I usually write a song in a few about. It was published by Jobete and they apparently consecutive sittings. I can’t leave it alone. I’ll think that’s pitched the song and secured the record, never men- all I’m going to do and I turn the keyboard off, leave tioning it to me. When I heard the cover, it was as if the the room and try to do something else, and I’m right song were someone else’s. I wrote it more than 10 years Continues on Page 9 10 Secret Income Streams for Musicians

Alternative Ways to Make Great Full-Time Income with Your Music While Getting Massive Exposure

Dear SDSG members,

A few years ago, after promoting my biggest concert of the year every day for 3 months and having only 2 people show up (my 2 best friends), I felt defeated and decided to quit pursuing my dream of becoming a full-time singer/songwriter. I had a strong entrepreneurial background, but never infused what I had learned with my music because I always saw these two areas as independent of each other. But once I realized that I could overlap music with entrepreneurship, rather than quit, I did the opposite…and in a way that will surprise you.

Musicians, if you’ve ever felt discouraged like me, I’m going to tell you how you can empower yourself as an un- signed artist in ways that you’ve never heard of before. I’m inviting you to put your doubts and frustrations aside and be open to brand new possibilities. Are you ready for a major shift in perspective and in the results you get with your music?

Once my perspective shifted and I started thinking like a “Music-Preneur”, my music business exploded. Eventu- ally, I was able to quit my day job and within 2 weeks, I made $18,000 as an unsigned solo artist with no manager, agent, or publicist. The following week, I performed in front of 15,000 people for 1 show. Today, I put myself in position to make $400-$500 per minute with my music in a fi eld where no musicians are. Why? Because they don’t know what I know. Now, I want to share my secrets with you so you can have the same kind of invigorating results.

What I am going to share with you on May 21st are the exact steps that I took to make a great living as a solo artist. There are hidden gems and goldmines everywhere for musicians, and I am going to tell you where to look and what to do once you get there. The formula I use is so simple that, even today, I’m stunned at how well this works.

I’m also going to tell you about an industry that spent 122 billion last year and they are LOOKING to book musi- cians just like you. They have serious budgets to spend, which means you have serious income to make. I’ll also tell you how you can easily make (yes, I said easily) $10,000 per month as an independent musician. And if you’ve been putting off recording your new CD, I’m going to share with you how you can raise over $25,000 like I did through fan funding. And the greatest part about all this is, I will show you how you can do this while having fun, not compromising your art, and having the freedom to choose.

I spend 15 minutes per week on Facebook and Twitter, I don’t tour, and I do things on my terms. If I want to take a month off , I can. This is the life I want for you. Why? Because I remember what it’s like to be a struggling artist and I’ve committed to giving back to musicians who I honor for their talent, gift, and passion.

It’s time for you to take charge of your music destiny. Get ready for May 21st because after this very special eve- ning, your music career may never be the same again.

Celebrating your success to come, Tiamo MusiciansMoneyMakingSecrets.com Josquin des Pres The Sparkle Pitch Session Seminar SDSG’s February and April 2012 Events

On February 27, SDSG President Tim Mudd and long-time SDSG Advisor Mark Charles Hattersley combined their resources and experience to off er us the op- portunity to take our work to the next level, aurally and visually. The idea behind their Sparkle Seminar was a holistic approach to what our fans will hear and see when they pick up our CDs, visit with us online, or learn about us via our promotional materials. Mark and Tim looked and listened at attendees’ music and packaging during the seminar, and we checked out some tasty cookies, too... thanks to Pam Bowen!

On April 2, SDSG welcomed prolifi c songwriter, composer, producer and author Josquin des Pres, who off ered insights gained in his over 30 years working in the business of music, with a focus on today’s environment. We combined this educational seminar with a pitch session; Josquin, owner of publisher Track Star Entertainment, Inc. provided tips on methods he has put to successful use in his career and, for the piece de resis- tance, listened to and critiqued SDSG Member’s music. Josquin expressed an interest in a number of pieces he heard. Members whose music was picked up should take a hint from Tracey and Vance Marino’s tips in this edition of SongWriters Notes: Follow Up! We also gave away a copy of Josquin’s books Reality Check and Creative Careers in Music to two of the evening’s attendees, and were pleased to welcome Emmy Award-winning television news journal- ist and anchor Brian Christie, host and executive producer of Wealth TV’s The Boomer Show as well. Brian off ered us some much appreciated thoughts on the business, too. Thank you Josquin for sharing so generously of your time!

Get Away from It Harriet Schock continued from page 7 ago, and the time away from it gave me perspective. It was quite a diff erent experience from hearing the demo I had done right after I wrote it. And fortunately I was impressed with the song.

So the next time you’re compulsively rewriting the life out of your song or looking for that key to solve a song’s problem, take a break. Take a walk. Take a vacation. One way or another, get away from it. You’ll benefi t from it. And so will the song.

Harriet Schock wrote the words and music to the Grammy-nominated #1 hit for Helen Reddy, “Ain’t No Way To Treat A Lady” plus many songs for other artists, TV shows and fi lms. She co-wrote the theme for “Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks,” currently showing in 30 countries. She and her band were featured in Henry Jaglom’s fi lm “Irene In Time” performing 4 of Harriet’s songs. She also scored two other Jaglom fi lms and will star in the upcoming movie “Just 45 Minutes from Broadway,“ currently in post-production. Harriet is in the process of writing the songs for “Last of the Bad Girls,” a musical with book by Diane Ladd. Karen Black wrote the play, “Missouri Waltz,” around fi ve of Harriet’s songs, which ran for 6 weeks at the Blank Theatre in Hollywood as well as in Macon, Georgia. Harriet teaches songwriting pri- vately, in classes and online. In 2007, L.A. Women In Music honored Harriet a Career Achievement and Industry Contribution award. For her performance schedule, list of credits and samples of her work or For information on classes, one-on-one consultation information on book or (Becoming Remarkable, for Songwriters and and online courses, visit www.harrietschock.com or Those Who Love Songs), her songwriting classes and consultation, call 323 934-5691. SDSG members receive one-half go to www.harrietschock.com. price initial songwriting consultation.($30 for you)

© Harriet Schock All Rights Reserved Audio Engineering Program Learn 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 Event Explore 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 Tracking Signature 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. Rancho Bohemia Signature Sound Studios studios [email protected] 858 268 0134

nsors Beach City Graphics [email protected] 760 415 8900

Mark Charles Hattersley - Rancho Bohemia Studios [email protected] 619 823 3917

Guitar Trader MusicPower.com Producer-Keyboardist-Engineer SDSG Spo 7120 Clairemont Mesa Blvd (858) 565-8814 Mark Charles Hattersley [email protected] Kevin Thomas Music [email protected] 619 823 3917

Studio West studiowest.com 858 592 9497 San Diego Songwriters Guild

POWER NIGHT Jeff McCullough Kevin Thomas Tiamo Monday, May 21

30th Anniversary PARTY Summer Jam Saturday, June 23

TIPS from Pro Writers Vance & Tracey Marino Harriet Schock

Thoughts & Words Tim Mudd

SDSongwriters.org [email protected]

SongWritersNotes The San Diego Songwriters Guild Clairemont Dr. Ste 413 San Diego, CA 92117

Address Correction Requested

Next Event Monday May 21