The Australian Songwriter
Issue 90, November 2012
First published 1979
The Magazine of The Australian Songwriters Association Inc.
In this edition:
Chairman’s Message
Editor’s Message
Top 25 Category Winners in the 2012 Australian Songwriting Contest
2012 Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee: Don Walker (Cold Chisel)
ASA Member Profile: Alec Raymer
ASA Member Profile: Kaitlyn Thomas
Ten Keys To Unlock Creative Songwriting: Final
Members News
Sponsors Profiles
ASA Member Profile: Kylie Stephens
ASA Member Profile: Kathy Prosser
New ASA Regional Co-Ordinator for Western Australia: Mike Cardy
Festivals Roundup
The Load Out
Official Sponsors of the 2012 Australian Songwriting Contest
About Us:
o Aims of the ASA o History of the Association o Contact Us o Patron o Life Members o Directors o Regional Co-Ordinators
Chairman’s Message
All ASA Members,
Here we go!
November will be the most hectic month on the ASA Calendar as we build to our 2012 National Songwriting Awards Night. Pretty soon our Finals Judges will come up with the Top Ten place getters in every Category of the ASA 2012 Song Contest. They will of course be announced and feted on our special evening in December. It will be huge.
Between now and then there is just enough time to check out the ASA November 2012 e-mag.
Our Vice Chairman/Financial Officer/Editor Alan Gilmour has been slaving away as usual to bring you lots of interviews and stories about Members, along with helpful hints from some of Australia’s best Songwriters. The 2012 Song Contest Finalists are also listed.
All in all, it is just the thing to get you in the mood for the Awards. So read on and get ready for the big night on Wednesday 12 December.
Remember, if you are a Songwriter you should belong to the ASA.
Denny Burgess Chairman
Editor’s Message
In this edition we announce the names of the Top 25 Category Winners in the 2012 Australian Songwriting Contest. Congratulations to everyone in the winners. The Top 10s will be announced shortly.
In this edition we also feature Member Profiles on Alec Raymer, Kaitlyn Thomas, Kylie Stephens and Kathy Prosser.
We also wind up Ray Burton’s Ten Keys To Creative Songwriting and thank Ray for allowing us to publish these articles in the ASA magazine.
The Australian Songwriter welcomes written contributions from ASA members and readers of the magazine. If you have anything that you would like to say about yourself, other songwriters/musicians/artists/new releases or upcoming events simply send your contribution via email to the Editor at [email protected].
Cheers,
Alan Gilmour
Top 25 Category Winners in the 2012 Australian Songwriting Contest
We are pleased to announce that the following entrants have made it through the Second Round of judging in the 2012 Australian Songwriting Contest. Congratulations to them all.
Please note that some Top 25 Category lists contain more than 25 songs as a result of ties in their rankings. In the event of ties, all songs go through to the final round of judging.
Here we go!!! Good luck and congratulations if you made it. If you didn't make it, keep writing and try again...the standard was very high, so some great songs unfortunately had to be cut.
AUSTRALIA CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
A Song of Hope by Jim Paterson Our Land Our Water Our Future by Dexter Moore Anzac Morning by Justin Linkins Paint It Red by Anabelle Kay Australia by Alita Fahey Playing The Hopetoun by Bradley Christmas Dinky Di Aussie by Phil Splitter Red Dirt Wanderer by snez d Down Under in Australia by Phil Splitter Roadtrippin Rhiannon by Corby & Roger Corbett Dunedoo Station by Kathleen Coleman Stolen by Mike Martin Eleven Eleven 1918 by Kieran Roberts The Green and the Gold by Phil Splitter Fair Dinkum by Kathy Prosser The Spirit of Australia by Manfred Vijars & Shaza Home by Gary Keady & John Vallins Leigh I'm Almost Home by Fiona Karamanlidis Thomas Alfred Marshall by Michael King & Gavin In His Field of Gold by Jennifer Hannam Marshall Into His Arms Again by Andrew Winton Welcome To Australia by Andrew Horabin It's un-Astrayan by Steve Montgomery You Gotta Be A Bloke, Mate byAndrew Horabin Lionel Rose by Patrick Connor You Made Us Better by Neil Wise & Dean Anderson Night Horses by Alita Fahey & Colin MacKenzie You, The Boy, The Dog & Me by Robert McIntosh One Last Shot by Vanessa Craven You've Been So Good To Me by Julie McAllan
BALLAD CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
A Love Song by Katie Hardyman Never Thought I'd Be One of the Lucky Ones by Be Still Sad Heart by Snez D Rachel Summerell Because I Loved You by Susan Muranty & Ritchie Not My Island by Rebecca Moore Neville & Sven Tydeman Say I Do by Andrew Horabin Buccaneer by Stuart Hall Silently Secretly Yours by Kieran Roberts & David He Still Remembers by Kathleen Coleman Eastwood Hope, Faith, Love by Ryan Enright Silicon Heart by Simon Self & Mark Wyer How'd I Come To Be by Dani Karis Sit Down Beside Me by Sally King I Fly To You by Phil Riggio So Sad by Katie Hardyman I Wanna Go Home by Bradley Christmas The Last Time by Elisa Kate Into His Arms Again by Andrew Winton The Right Man by Paul Owen & Paul Owen & I've Done My Time by Mason Clarke Sabrina Alison & Roger Corbett Love Got in the Way by Nelda Tronnolone This Time by Melia Naughton Love Tequila by Sally Street Turn Around by James Hampton Love That's Lasting by Sally King What Might Have Been by Brian Daly & Mark Wells My Heart Goes Along by Magdalena Macdonald Where the Willows Weep by Glen Naylor My Hesitation by Jacques Mario Gentil You're Everything by Magdalena Macdonald
CONTEMPORARY POP DANCE (alphabetical order by song titles)
All My Money's Gone by James Hampton Highlights by Brian M Chapman All The Way by Brian M Chapman I Don't Wanna be your Facebook Friend by Alone (Bye, Bye) by Aislinn Sharp Christopher Pye Bam Bam by Stacy Tierney Lady by Rob Thompson Boy by Shameem Taheri-Lee Lost In the Middle by Sam Korn Brand New Shoes by Loren Kate Steenkamp Love this life by Danny Hooper Cloudstreet by Chris McKimm & Kim Waddell Moola Moola by Stacy Tierney Crumble by Graham Hull Over by Matt Allen Date With Destiny by Dimitra Politis Sabrina and the Red Vans_ Alice Dwyte by Sabrina Dick-Tation by Peta Evans-Taylor Sandapa Does She by John Greenwood She's Comin Down by Brad Gandy Faithful by Robert Cini Silly Girl by Lola Brinton Famous by Rob Thompson So Confused by Karen Guymer Flying Together by Bunty Bisharah Stratosphere by Madeline Perrone Get Up And Dance by Jacques Mario Gentil The Way It Was by Jesse Marantz Heart In Drive by Rebekah Strongman Win Back Your Heart by James Hampton
COUNTRY CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
5:49 by Melia Naughton Moving Along by Alec Raymer & Michael King Broncs Boots and V8 Utes by Shane Johnson NoOnes Girl by Jennifer Hannam & Lynn Hazelton Cold Wind Rising by Danielle Karis Red Dirt Wanderer by Snez D Colour and Rhyme by Darren Sugars Reminisce by Craig Morrison Country Song by Danny Hooper Roadtrippin by Rhiannon Corby Don't Go There by Paul Owen & Roger Corbett The Comfort of a Stranger by John Walsh & Mike Don't Look Back by Lola Brinton & M Brakefield Carr Give Me Time To Talk To Jesus by Leo Taylor The Dark Horse by Jim Paterson God Bless The Farmers by Julie McAllan The Right Man by Paul Owen Sabrina Alison & Hayfield Girls by Michael Waugh Roger Corbett Hello Beer by Bryen Willems Wanna Get Hot by Graham Hull How Love Can Feel by Karen Guymer When I'm With You by Magdalena Macdonald I Don't Want These Days To End by James Donnelly When This All Comes Down by Andrew Winton If You Loved Me by Magdalena Macdonald When You've Got It Good by Steve McNaughton I'm Missing by John Greenwood Why Did You Go by Kathleen Coleman In His Field of Gold by Jennifer Hannam & Lynn Why Don't We Meet Halfway by Tahlia McGahey Hazelton
FOLK ACOUSTIC CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
Baby It's You by Paul Owen & Roger Corbett Long Time by Trevor Atkinson Armistice Day by Noel Gardner My Beautiful World by Melissa Robertson Boy From Boarding School by Pasqual Deleo My Folks by Gleny Rae Christmas In a Cage by Sharlene Rainford Song for the Newborn by Tony King Disappointed by Andrew Winton Taser Me by Don Cowling Faithful by Robert Cini The Dream by Meaghan Nelson Go Easy by Melia Naughton The Dreams of Gustav Klimt (The Kiss) by Susan Here With You by Craig Pinkney Muranty & Robert J Sedky & Phil Turcio Honest With You by Melia Naughton The Tide by Rebecca Moore How Love Can Feel by Karen Guymer The Watchmaker by Snez D I Can't Unlove You by Susan Muranty & Ritchie The Wedding Charge by Danielle Karis Neville & Sven Tydeman This Battle Ground by Danny Hooper I Could Never Leave You by Kieran Roberts Travelled for Miles by Loren Kate Steenkamp In His Field of Gold by Jennifer Hannam Waiting by Andrew Winton Into His Arms Again by Andrew Winton What Happens To Boys by Andrew Horabin I Think It Means Something by Andrew Winton When This All Comes Down by Andrew Winton
INSTRUMENTAL CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
Arise by Steffen Ehlers One Eyed Cat by Mark Tinson Bunny Run Through An Easter Tunnel by Manjia Luo Reef Madness by Mark Tinson Chanson De Lune by Andrea Corish Renegade by Annie McAllister Cool As! by Jim Ottaway Riverboat by Ray Saunders Daddy's Daughter by Katie Hardyman Russian Caravan Tea by Vanessa Craven Euphoria by James Brecknell Storm by Allan Pan Expedition by Philip Feinstein Sweet Philly Soul by Jim Ottaway Explode by Kieran Roberts The Brumbies by Andrew Farrell Farrell Flight of the Albatross by Fiona Joy Hawkins The Dark Road (Part 2) by John Trager & Michael I'm Just A Child by Katie Hardyman Zammit Jazz Journey to Classical by Pete Hawkes The Key by Mark Tinson Love,Love,Love by Ray Clarke The Storm by Mark Tinson Mr Dudley by Andrew Winton The Stumble by Mark Tinson No looking back by Peter McGavin The Wolfe by Mark Tinson
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
All Alone At Christmas by Mayuka Nagasawa Like There's No Tomorrow by Michael McGee All My Dreams by Jay Goldfarb Little Things by Mark Cariker Bird On a Powerline by Eric Erdman Love Won't Let You Down by Michael McGee Clouds In My Hair by Rolf Schnyder Raindrops from Heaven by Mark Courtney Clouds In My Hair by Michael McGee The Devil Wants Another Dance by Mark Keller Creatures of the Night by Lacy Rose The Peace Within by Susan Hewitt Dancing To a Heartbeat by Michael McGee Walk Away by Susan Hewitt Do You Miss The Heat by Debra M. Gussin Welcome To Crazy Town by Jude Treder-Wolff Don't Look Back by Lola Brinton & M Brakefield When I Win The Big One by Roy Williams Gentle Father by Susan Hewitt When Vernon Moved From Tupelo by Mark God's Carrying Me by Michael McGee Stepakoff If Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right by Eric Erdman With You by Olivia Kierdal If You Don't Stand For Love (What Do You Stand You & Me by Melia Norton For?) by James Laev You Don't Look Good in Lies by Michael McGee In Love With Fallin in Love by Susan Hewitt You Feel Like Home by Richard Harris Is That You by Debra M. Gussin You Take Me Home by Joanne Janzen
LYRICS CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song title)
All Round the Christmas Tree by Paul Dillon Never Went Away by Paul Dillon Bad at Being Good by Steve Montgomery No Time to Weep by Denise Silk Beautiful Came Home by Dianna McAlister Nobody Knows Me Like You by Steve Montgomery Bittersweet Goodbye by Elisa Pemberton People Like Us by Steve Montgomery Chillax Man by Simon Ludowyk Prince of Darkness by Carl Cleves Dreaming by Cill Van Der Velden That's How You Do Lonesome by Selwyn Vanessa Evas Song by Elisa Pemberton The Brightest Star by Bunty Bisharah Hell's Gate by Roman Sapkota The Deal by Brent Lillie I Just Wanted You to Know by Steve Montgomery Walking Through Life Together by Joe Ciangura Incomplete by Cunnack James Wanna Be Cool by Simon Ludowyk Its un-Astrayan by Steve Montgomery We Both Want To Be Right (About Who Was Wrong) Lost Love by Karen Guymer by Steve Montgomery Meandering by Cill Van Der Velden When the Going Gets Tough by Carl Cleves Memories of You by Steve Montgomery Yes We Can by Bunty Bisharah My Wifeless Wild Weekend by Steve Montgomery
OPEN CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
Another Lifetime by Sara Austin Rainbow Song by Snez D Artificial Happiness by Peta Evans-Taylor Simple Sum by Danielle Karis Back In Town by Paul Owen & Sabrina Alison & Take Flight (Brief Stopover) by Shelly Hughes Roger Corbett Taking the Long Way Home by Christopher Pye Because I Loved You by Susan Muranty & Ritchie The Quiet of the Winter Moon by Lachlan Hurse & Neville & Sven Tydeman Susan Monk Building Bridges by Karen Guymer The Way It Was by Jesse Marantz Don't Let Me Drive by Sabrina Sandapa This is the Way I Feel by Stacy Tierney Go Easy by Melia Naughton Trust Me by Kylie Stephens Happy by Andrew Winton When i Fall 4 by Steven Lymburn Happy Hour by Simon Self When I'm With You by Magdalena Macdonald I Can Live by Kylie Stephens When She Says She Says She Loves Me by Gary I Still Love You by Kylie Stephens Davies If I Could Sing You by Tony King When We Were Young by Jacques Mario Gentil I've Never Been Before by Magdalena Macdonald Why by Peta Evans-Taylor Little Rendezvous by Nicola Milan Why Did You Go by Kathleen Coleman Moving On by Willie McCracken
ROCK INDIE CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
All The Way by Brian M Chapman Love Gets Stronger by Jacques Mario Gentil Balancing Act by Jacques Mario Gentil Madness by Daniel Maguire Been down by Danny Hooper Neverland by Rebecca Moore Clarity by Peta Evans-Taylor Pleasure and the Pain by Sam Korn Cog by Simon Self Reasons for a break up by Robert Cini Especially For You by Meaghan Nelson Rock Man by Graham Hull Gelignite wide 9 by Steven Lymburn Snake Eyes (Tell More Lies) by TAOS Tunes Happy by Andrew Winton Sunny Daze by Diana Clark I was already here by Katerina Pshenichner Switch It On by Dimitra Politis In My Arms by John Trager Taking the Long Way Home by Christopher Pye Letting Me Down Again by Brian M Chapman The Dream by Meaghan Nelson Lie To Me by Tyrolin Puxty The Way It Was by Jesse Marantz Lighten The Load by Brian M Chapman Time On Your Clock by Brad Gandy Little Joy by Kerryann McKittrick Too High by Andrew Winton Lost in the Middle by Sam Korn Trouble Maker by Lou O'Connor Wanna Run by Kitty Vigo
SONGS FOR CHILDREN (alphabetical order by song titles)
Aussie Bar-B-Q by Kathy Prosser Keep Your Body Healthy by Julie McAllan Coo-ee by Kathy Prosser Lullaby by Lisa Brayshaw Don't Misbehave by Elizabeth Cornwall Penguins by Rachel Parkinson Down On The Farm by Rhonnie Tant & Darrel Bruce Purrfect Mix by Peta Stevens Beasant Santa Claus by Stuart Hall Fair Dinkum by Kathy Prosser Say G'day by Phil Splitter Father's Day by John Littrich & Neil McCann & Paul Say No by Stacy Tierney McGee Snappy by Peter Morgan Freeze by Stacy Tierney Socks by Lisa Brayshaw George the Fish Who Couldn't Swim by Rhonda Swing Song by Lisa Brayshaw Macken The Arctic by Bradley Christmas Goodbye Farewell by Robert Fabian The Caterpiller Song by Nelda Tronnolone Here We Go Round Tonight by David Harrison The Happy People Song by Leo Kahans I Like Being Me by Kathleen Coleman Wake Up by Lisa Brayshaw I Should Have Listened by Brothers 3 You Gotta Make it Happen (The PopAngels Theme Jack and Rory by Shaun Gardener Song) by Elizabeth Cornwall You're the Crazy Conductor by Phil Splitter
SPIRITUAL CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
A Thousand Days by Cheryl Lim Looking For You by Lola Brinton Bangles & Bracelets by Christopher Pye Meant To Be by Michael King & Gavin Marshall Compassion by Dexter Moore My Beautiful World by Melissa Robertson Deep Down by Rebecca Moore My Prayer by Andre Leong Eye for an eye by Tony King My Secret Hiding Space by Andre Leong Fallen Angel by Elisa Kate Not Too Late by Aislinn Sharp Five Thousand People by John Littrich & Neil Our Christmas Dove by Glen Naylor McCann & Paul McGee So Shine by Steven Lymburn Free At Last by Jacques Mario Gentil The Lord's Lost Sheep by Robert Imeson Gather Your Hands by Brad Gandy The Power Of One by Justin Linkins Green Field Violin by Manjia Luo The Quiet Of The Winter Moon by Lachlan Hurse If I could sing you by Tony King The Watchmaker by Snez D If I Stay by Katie Hardyman Walk With Me by Ann Leung Inside My Home by Merryn Lamb When He Comes by Jacques Mario Gentil Little Joy by Kerryann McKittrick Whisper Love by Andrew Ferguson
YOUTH CATEGORY (alphabetical order by song titles)
Born to Die by Kelly Griffith Our Town by Juliet Gibson Christmas Time by Lucy Hardyman & Lucy McIntosh Remember by Elizabeth Cornwall For You by Kelly Griffith Step Into the Dark by Frank Dixon Forever You and Me by Kelsey Busine Summertime by Kaitlyn Thomas Got Me Saying by Madeline Perrone Take Me Away by Eilish Ellen Gotta Move On by Jourdain Wongtrakun The Hardest Thing To Say by Charlotte Ried Heart Broken by Ray-Lee Russell The High Life by Kim Gamaroff I Don't Want To by Robin Johnson Think That You Love Me by Jourdain Wongtrakun I Love My Style by Taylor Pfeiffer Thrill Of The Chase by Madeline Perrone I Wish by Kaitlyn Thomas Vacancy by Liz Tripodi I'm learning by Elizabeth Cornwall When I'm Not With You by Elizabeth Cornwall I'm Sure by Jourdain Wongtrakun While The Boys by Nikolas Thompson New Perspective by Frank Dixon You Gotta Make it Happen (The PopAngels Theme Not This Time Around by Taylor Pfeiffer Song) by Elizabeth Cornwall
2012 Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee: Don Walker
This year’s inductee into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame will be well known Australian songwriter Don Walker, composer of some of Cold Chisel’s best known songs including Flame Trees and Khe Sanh.
Glenn A Baker will induct Don into The Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame at the National Songwriting Awards Night on 12 December 2012, following which Don will perform a few of his best known songs for the Awards Night audience.
Tickets are still available for the National Songwriting Awards Night by emailing us at [email protected]. See you there! ASA Member Profile: Alec Raymer
Alec Raymer is an Australian bush poet and songwriter who took out the Lyrics Category in the 2008 Australian Songwriting Contest and was nominated for the Rudy Brandsma Awards that year.
Here is Alec’s story:
As a retired teacher of English and French, I have always been a writer and lover of the written/spoken word. On my retirement I first pursued a successful hobby as a bush poet, winning The Blackened Billy at Tamworth in 2005 and the Golden Nugget Award at Charters Towers. Prior to those, a CD of my bush poems was published by Massive Records of Sydney in 1988.
Then, about seven years ago, I teamed up with a well-known musician and performer Johnny Kaye, a country singer who also has his own studio. We have now collaborated on 3 albums of country songs, winning many awards and finalist placings. I have also collaborated with Ryan Sampson, and a few of Johnny and my songs have been recorded by Denis Morgan, Chad’s little brother. Recently my collaboration has extended to Melbourne musician and singer, Michael King, and we have produced an album of mainstream ballads entitled Little Blue Wren. To date about 40 of my song collaborations have been recorded by these artists.
I was fortunate enough to win the Lyrics section of the ASA Awards in 2008 with Mist on the MacIntyre and was a nominee for the Rudy Brandsma Award that year. Many of my lyrics have been Top Ten finalists in ASA competitions, as well as a few songs.
I also won the National Country Songwriting Contest (Lyrics Only) in Tamworth early this year.
The inspiration for my lyrics comes from various sources – some I dream, some come from phrases read or heard, and a creative mind can always find inspiration in the world around it. I am able to write lyrics to which tunes are later added as well as put lyrics to existing tunes and I write in all genres.
The one thing I find disappointing about the music world is the lack of recognition given to many songwriters and artists in Australia. This country is overflowing with talented people who cannot get a foot in the door. This is where bodies such as the ASA and TSA and businesses such as Song Central play such a pivotal role in getting music out to those who need to hear it.
Photo: Winners are grinners: Alec (second from right) at the 2008 National Songwriting Awards receiving his Lyrics Category Award for Mist On The MacIntyre.
We also asked Alec a few questions about his work:
ASA: Where do your lyrics ideas come from and how do you turn them into bush poetry?
Alec: My ideas come from anything and everything – from characters I have met, from gems dropped in conversations that settle in the subconscious end surface days later as light bulb ideas or dreams, from life itself and things that impress or annoy me, and from the beauty and the terror of the natural world.
Then I decide on the structure I want to use for the poem – the metric structure, the rhyme scheme, and the line and stanza lengths. It’s like building a house – start from the ground up – the foundations.
Rhyme comes naturally to me, and a sense of rhythm, so these are not too difficult. Add to this the fact that I taught poetry as a Secondary School English teacher for 35 years. The difficulty is how to treat the theme or central idea of the poem.
ASA: How in your view does your bush poetry differ from other forms of poetry?
Alec: Bush Poetry is essentially traditional in style. It has structure, a regular rhythm pattern, and a regular rhyme scheme. Originally it was narrative. It told a story and was about the bush. However these days it seems that it can be about any aspect of Australian life. In fact there have been rumblings about changing its name to Australian poetry because of the great diversity of Australian content, which can be as much about city and town life as about the bush.
However it is still traditional in form – structure, rhyme and rhythm. Other poetic forms need not necessarily have these restrictions, for example “stream of consciousness” poetry which can vary line length and have little formal structure or rhyme content. As an example of what I am saying I wrote a bush poem about teenage city gangs a few years ago which won the Golden Nugget Award for Bush Poetry at Charters Towers .
ASA: In the tradition of bush poetry who is your favourite poet and why?
Alec: My favourite bush poet is Henry Lawson. As well as writing about the Australia of his time, and the harshness of life and the environment, I find his insight into people to be quite remarkable – a man of the people and a poet of the people.
ASA Member Profile: Kaitlyn Thomas
At just 12 year old Kaitlyn Thomas is making her own waves in the Music Industry. Her Country/Pop sound will get your feet tapping and your hearts racing as she takes you on a journey with her music.
Born in Melbourne in 2000, Kaitlyn began singing the minute she could speak. Knowing that she was never going to stop singing and how much she loved to put on shows at home and perform, her mother Sharon enrolled her at the Johnny Young Talent School in Mill Park and thus began her Performing Arts and Musical Journey.
Kaitlyn started posting homemade videos on YouTube in 2009. Her first video was for Ellen’s Singing in the Bathroom Competition as she really wanted to get on her show. It turned out that other people liked her performance and started subscribing and leaving her comments. This was the beginning of her international online presence.
Being online has created so many opportunities for Kaitlyn. She was blessed to be a part of Opera Australia’s production of La Boheme’ in 2011 and represented Australia at the World Championships of Performing Arts where she gained significant recognition for her singing, dancing and acting taking out medals in all genres and receiving an industry award.
She has been fortunate to work with some of Australia’s up and coming stars of tomorrow and some big international stars too. Kaitlyn receives ongoing mentoring and support from people all around the world that she looks up to in the industry and cherishes every single one of them.
Kaitlyn began writing music and songs when she was 9 years old and released her first professional recording of her original song I Wish when she was 10. I Wish was inspired by a young girl in her home town that passed away from a rare childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.
I Wish is about wanting children of the world who struggle with everyday life to find their smile. Kaitlyn donates $1.00 from every iTunes download to the YAMS (You are my Sunshine) foundation (http://www.yamsfoundation.org.au) to help raise money to find a cure for Neuroblastoma.
Since then she has released more original songs and continues to try and make a difference with her music. Her song Stand Up to Bullying is being used as an educational resource within the Department of Education in Victoria to help teach kids about bullying and standing up for who you are. She is very proud of this song and wrote it from the heart as she has been a victim of bullying herself.
Kaitlyn hopes to make a difference with her music and thrives on helping others. Her motto Everything Is Possible is what she wants to instill in the dreams of people around the world to encourage them to follow their dream and do what makes them happy and to never give up because everything is possible if you just give it time.
Some more from Kaitlyn:
ASA: Who is your most admired singer/songwriter and why?
Kaitlyn: I have a few singers that I admire and look up to like Carrie Underwood, The McClymonts, Martina McBride and some Youtube friends like Sabrina Carpenter, CjayeLeRose and Madeline Perrone. They all are amazingly kind natured and have the most beautiful voices. They are also amazing songwriters and I inspire to be just like them with my music and the person I am.
ASA: At your age there are many options open to you. Where are you hoping that music will eventually take you?
Kaitlyn: Right now I’m just enjoying making music and writing my own songs and especially spending time with my friends and just being a kid. I love making YouTube videos with Mum: it’s our personal time together.
For my age there isn’t too much available for me to do other than competitions, but I’m starting to sing a lot more locally and hope to do more and more shows and live appearances as time goes on. I would love to sing for more charity events as I love giving back and helping out where I can with my music.
ASA: Are you hoping to pursue a professional career in music?
Kaitlyn: I would love a career in music. I just love the way music makes me feel and when I’m performing on stage. I love to see the smiles on all the faces. It’s the best feeling in the world. My biggest secret wish is to one day visit Nashville and to play at the Grand Ole Opry where Carrie Underwood sang. I’d also love to share my music with Disney! It’s a dream of mine to have my music in a movie or something like that. I think that would be amazing! Ten Keys To Unlock Creative Songwriting by Ray Burton: Final
Ray Burton is the Man who wrote “I Am Woman” with Helen Reddy in 1970. The song went on to become an international best selling feminist anthem which is still selling strongly some 40 years later.
Ray is a legendary Australian songwriter who has written more songs and received more awards than he cares to remember. He played in well known 1960s Australian bands The Executives and Ayers Rock and continues to write and record on a regular basis today.
In this edition we present the final installment of Ray’s great paper on Ten Keys To Unlock Creative Songwriting.
10. Always Write It Down
Always write down as much as you can about life. Write about the events and people that surround and confront you everyday. Lead an active and interesting life that places you in many different situations.
Read books, newspapers and magazines that put you in touch with current trends because as a songwriter you need to expose yourself to everything to keep your finger on the pulse of human nature and world events. Use all of your senses and have your own opinion on just about everything that exists!
Remember that you will always need “subject matter” to write about so if the subject matter is not immediately “in your face”, go out and find it.
I always carry a pencil and a pocket sized writing-pad with me so that I can quickly write down any ideas, observations or flashes of poetic inspiration that I might have at any given moment; and sometimes this happens in the most unusual places, so be prepared.
I always carry a quality metal pencil sharpener and a soft eraser with me. I write with a 2B pencil because it writes darker than a regular HB pencil, is easier to read in dim light situations, doesn’t stab holes in the writing-pad and 2B pencils don’t break quite as easily as the softer graphite art pencils.
With this simple pocket setup I can erase mistakes or re-write lines when I need to without wasting stacks of writing paper (trees) and it saves having to tote a laptop everywhere you go. Your writing-pad “scribblings” can be transferred to your computer and edited in detail later.
I’ll say it again that Practice Makes Perfect so make a point of honing your songwriting skills every single day.
Practice your musical instrument regularly, “practice being you” and rehearse your stage presentation in the mirror if you need to. If you want to be a champion in any field it’s all about repetition and getting it right. Songwriting is no different, so go get it right. . . NOW!
This is the final installment of Ray’s ten part series. Thanks very much Ray and I’m sure that we have all learned a lot from your extensive songwriting experience.
Website: www.rayburtonmusic.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 0407 638 210
Member News
The web clips of last year’s National Songwriting Awards Night are now up on the ASA’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/AustSongwriters.
The clips feature performances and highlights the following Category winners and guest artists in the 2011 Australian Songwriting Contest:
Beccy Cole Special Guest Artist Brian Chapman Open Category Winner and Songwriter of the Year Carly Van/Steve Lymburn Rock/ Indie Category Winners Christoper Pye Australia Category Winner Craig Morrison Country Category Winner Dani Karis Ballad Category Winner James Hampton Contemporary Pop/Dance Category Winner Katie Hardyman Rudy Brandsma Award Winner Kylie Kain Spiritual Category Winner Madeline Perrone Youth Category Winner Max McGee & Jeff Oxford International Category Winners Steve Kilbey (The Church) Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee The Lamplights Songs For Children Category Winners The Lamplights Folk/Acoustic Category Winners
There are now a total of 153 web clips on the ASA YouTube channel covering National Songwriting Awards Nights from 2004 to 2011.
APRA Tropscore is back! If you write songs, play in a band or compose, it’s time to make your mark in music and film.
For the second year running, APRA is proud to partner with Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, to bring film and music together for one of Australia’s most exciting music competitions. This is where you get to write a musical score to accompany a short film directed by Matt Bird, a finalist in last year’s Tropfest. The winner will receive $5,000 courtesy of APRA.
“Winning Tropscore 2012 was an enormous leg up for me,” said last year’s Tropscore winner, Ben Allen. “The prize money made a huge difference to my recording setup, the exposure led me to work in a field that was totally new to me as a songwriter, and performing my work in front of 90,000 people was the best stage fright therapy I've ever had. I'll be entering again this year.” So your Tropscore entry really could be the key to a world of opportunities.
For the first time ever, APRA and Tropfest will also present Tropscore Jr for budding film composers aged 15 and under. So if you know any kids with a knack for music and a passion for film, spread the word!
As for Tropscore, Tropscore Jnr entrants get to write a musical score to accompany a short film provided by Tropfest. The Tropscore Jr winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize.
Tropfest will take place on Sunday February 17, 2013 at The Domain in Sydney as well as in other major cities around Australia.
So, whether you’re a well-seasoned film composer, or a future rock star with a love of film, enter APRA Tropscore before December 12, 2012 .
Farewell Allans Billy Hyde
The Receivers of Allans Billy Hyde music are now in the process of closing all of the company owned stores, having failed to find a buyer for the business. The Receivers launched a clearance sale in mid-September as a prelude to the closure.
The closure brings to an end the history of Australia’s oldest and largest music chain.
Four franchised stores which are independently owned will remain in business. ASA Sponsor Profiles
The ASA would like to thank Radio 4BC Brisbane for its assistance in producing the radio advertisements for the annual Australian Songwriting Contest. Each year, Radio 4BC Brisbane produces 30 second radio ads for the ASA which are aired on radio stations across Australia.
MusicNSW is the Peak Body for Contemporary Music in NSW. It is a not-for-profit Industry Association set up to represent, promote and develop the contemporary music industry in New South Wales in addition to managing a number of Music Development projects.
The Entertainers are corporate entertainment specialists. They specialize in booking quality speakers, MCs, bands and entertainers for events and corporate functions to make your event a resounding success.
With a legacy that stretches back to the birth of Rock n’ Roll itself, RotoSound has been manufacturing the world’s finest music strings for more than 50 years. RotoSound manufactures electric, bass and acoustic guitar strings as well as orchestral strings. They also sell accessories such as tuners, cables and capos. Local distributors Intermusic can be contacted online at www.imd.com.au or by phone on (03) 8336 6308.
Ace Mastering provides a full range of audio CD mastering services and offers a free mix evaluation of your track. Ace Mastering will also record your events including conferences, school concerts and awards nights. Contact Ace Mastering online at www.acemastering.com or by phone on 0412 103 475.
ASA Member Profile: Kylie Stephens
Self styled “Piano Chick” Kylie Stephens has been a regular entrant in the Australian Songwriting Contest and her songs have received praise from the Judges.
She is a regular performer at several venues throughout Sydney, playing her vast repertoire of music several nights per week for almost 15 years.
Here is Kylie in her own words:
I can still remember writing my first song "I Still Love You" as I was walking home from work one day. I was actually wanting to find a nice way to break up with my boyfriend and the words just came from my honesty about why 'we' weren't going to be 'we' any longer. The chorus came then the melody of that chorus and by the time I got home I had already written the first verse and chorus in my head. I guess it was just easy because it was straight from the heart.
When a few people I showed the song to said "Oh that song is pretty good" I thought I might try another.
There is mostly a meaning from all the songs I write but they are not always about “my” personal experiences. Sometimes I try to imagine how someone else would feel in a situation. I then, (and don't laugh), try to imagine a “video clip” of when the song in its entirety.
I used to get up early in the mornings when I was young and watch Rave on TV when they used to make some video clips like movies, with a few minutes of footage before the music began and it would set the song up before it started. That puts me in a good head-space to write with an ending in mind as well. It is not always a level head-space though. Most of the songs I have written have come about either when I am highly elated or down in the dumps. I think this brings out the passionate side of most people and in my case the creative one as well.
Mostly I write the lyrics of the first verse and chorus as a sort of poem, (I used to love poetry as a child and found it fun to rhyme). Then I sit at the piano and just muck around with chords until a melody pops out. My chords are usually simple but some of my “interesting chords” came out when I actually made a mistake and realised that mistake didn't sound so bad.
I love Billy Joel and Carole King as I can relate to what they are saying and they have been my inspiration always. My favourite songs are always songs where I'm firstly drawn by the lyrics. That is probably why I write the lyrics to begin with. I also try to make the chorus a little less story telling and more repetitive so it's a bit more memorable.
It is always hard to describe which category I would put my songs in but “Adult Contemporary” is probably the one. I love performing and gigging but I'm not really one to perform in front of huge audiences so.
If I had my greatest wish... it would be for my song(s) to be published and sung by someone who could take it up the charts. It would be very cool to hear one of my tunes on the radio or in a movie, or an ad on TV sung by someone famous and think "Wow...I wrote that!!!"
-0-
ASA Member Profile: Kathy Prosser
Kathy Prosser (a.k.a. Kathy Possum) is a talented Childrens entertainer whose self-penned music extends to other genres as well.
As a regular entrant in The Australian Songwriting Contest, we caught up with Kathy to find out a bit more about Possum Music.
“For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a musician but according to my parents that was not a serious job - and apparently I had to have one of those…
I started playing classical piano and performing at age 5 eventually passing 7th grade pianoforte yet failed music miserably in high school. As a young adult I spent years reading keyboard manuals that may as well have been in Swahili, and bumbling through cover bands trying to replicate other people’s music. It always felt awkward and I found it both frustrating and unfulfilling.
In my 20’s I met Darryl Lovegrove (The Three Waiters, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Chess, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Looking Through a Glass Onion). Darryl was the first songwriter I ever met, and at the time, the only person I knew pursing a successful career in the music industry. This was a real eye-opener for me because until then I had never even considered writing my own songs. That was when I started writing.
I spent the next 15 years waiting for inspired moments to write…I didn’t write much. My parents have since passed away and my husband and I have quit our so-called “serious jobs”, sold the house, taken the kids out of school and childcare and completely re- created our lives.
Three years ago I started Possum Music focusing completely on my passion for children’s songs. Starting with nothing more than an idea and a handful of songs collecting dust, I now have a successful business encompassing which financially returns more than any other “real job” I have ever had.
I have actively sought knowledge from other successful songwriters, attending conferences and workshops to learn as much about songwriting as possible. Particular sources of inspiration have been the faculties of the Australian Songwriters Conference (ASC) 2008, ’09, ‘10, and the APRA Song Summit 2008, ’10 and ’12.
Each year I spend 3 months writing an educational, all Australian show for children (targeting 2-8 years of age) and recording the songs in the studio with producer extraordinaire Sven Tyedeman (Kittygroove Porductions). The following 7-8 months are spent touring the show in childcare centres and schools across the country, performing up to 10 shows a week.
I love writing for kids – it is the only genre where I can write any/all styles of music. My last EP The Magic Circle had a pop song, a reggae song, a ballad (sung by 7 times ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews), a funk track, a spy track and a guided meditation!
Unlike before, I no longer have the luxury to wait for inspiration. These days I simply sit down with a song subject and write as a matter of process. Every song has a purpose, whether it’s educational, physical or emotional. The first things I ask myself is “What am I am trying to achieve with this song”? What is its purpose? What do I want the kids to get from it?” The answer to these questions is what drives the song. For example, songs may be tempo driven, information driven, or musically driven. The rest of the song is then written to support the desired outcomes.
Contrary to common perception, writing for children is not easy. Kids are really smart and painfully honest. Although the traditional ditty will always have its place in the genre, kids of today want more. In a digital age it is harder for parents to filter the music their kids listen and I find it disturbing to hear toddlers singing hooks from Top 40 tracks (e.g. I’m sexy and I know it, or, my humps my humps my lovely lady lumps) and primary aged kids rattling off M&M lyrics verbatim!
This is what motivates me to create what I call “intelligent kids music”. The musicality is often complex, emulating popular tracks, however the content is age appropriate. I aim to expand kids vocabularies and improve their knowledge base about Australian society and environment. The resulting songs are as far removed from Baa Baa Black Sheep or Hot Potato as Pink is from Nana Mouskouri!
My albums Exploring Australia (2011) and The Magic Circle (2012) feature some of Australia’s finest musicians including Wendy Matthews, Richie Neville (formerly of Five), Eliza DeAraugo (Aussie Idol Kate’s younger sister), sax legend Steve Iuliano (tours with John Butler Trio) and Clare O’Meara (Bushwackers).
Since the conception of Possum Music and my alter-ego Kathy Possum (a souped-up version of myself) my songs have won the Australian Songwriters Conference (ASC) Children’s Songs (2009, 2010) and the ASC Founders Encouragement Award (2010). Also, in 2010, I had songs shortlisted in ASA’s Childrens, Country and Australian sections, having multiple songs in the Top 25.
I am very proud of the success of the business so far, especially being completely self-funded, managed and promoted. Recent expansion has seen the addition of Ricky Possum who is now servicing WA, with continued growth into 2013 seeing a further 2-3 Possums being employed (Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne).
The future for Possum Music is looking incredibly bright. With recent selection for further processing in the USA Green Card Lottery, the Possums’ market just got 15 times bigger!
To find out more about Kathy Possum, the songs, or business opportunities please visit our website www.possummusic.com.au.”
New ASA Regional Co-Ordinator for Western Australia: Mike Cardy
Mike Cardy has been appointed the new ASA Regional Co-Ordinator for Western Australia.
Mike has commenced Wax Lyrical open mic. nights at The Tunesmiths Café in Perth.
Mike is a Perth born guitarist who started his career playing guitar and then bass in heavy metal cover bands as a teenager around Perth. Photo: Mike Cardy (right) with friend Bob Grigoroff (left)
A few years after his marriage and the arrival of a family Mike moved away from gigging as other work and family priorities took precedence, but continued to play and develop his song writing and playing skills. During this time Mike concentrated on playing acoustic guitar, with a wide range of influences including Jimmy Page, Neil Young and in later years Mark Knopfler.
Mike started gigging again in the 1990’s through “open mic” nights and at Perth’s pubs. He uses a number of guitars on stage and, through the different sounds, tunings and playing styles, delivers a unique range and variety of material.
Mike released his first album in 2002, Stories from the City – Live, a compilation of live recordings made through the Australian Songwriters Association. Mike’s second album, Smiling on The Inside, was released in August 2005. Mike is mid-way through recording his third album, to be released in 2013. See Mike’s website at mikecardy.com.au .
Mike and long-time friend and guitarist Bob Grigoroff (who played on Mike’s second album), were playing a live set on a Perth radio station in 2008 where they met Makk Eenhoorn. The set completed and the show finished, the three chaps got to talking and realised they had a common dream – to create a regular venue for song writers to have the opportunity to perform their songs and practice their skills. Many nights of planning, negotiating venues and promoting the event resulted in the first Tunesmiths Café at a Fremantle pub in 2008.
Since 2008 the venue has changed a couple of times, but Mike, Makk and Bob have continued to provide a weekly venue for songwriters to perform their music, interact with other songwriters and discuss the art and its vagaries.
The Australian Songwriters Association Wax Lyrical open-mic nights have now been incorporated into the Tunesmiths Café.
Each “Tunies”/ Wax Lyrical night hosts five performers, each playing a thirty minute set. Performers are encouraged to prepare their sets and use the longer time Photos from recent Tunesmiths Café/ASA Wax Lyricals
available to engage the crowd and practice their stage craft. Advice and guidance across a wide range of areas is offered and interaction between performers encouraged.
The performances are recorded each night and made available to the performers as feedback. Photos are posted on the Tunesmiths Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/#!/TuneSmithsCafeWriters?fref=ts.
The current venue is Legends Bar, Hislop Road, Attadale.
If you are in WA, or heading to the west and want the opportunity to play, contact details are below:
• Mike Cardy - 0413 677 084 or [email protected] • Makk Eenhoorn - 0412 096 435 or [email protected]
Check out Tunesmith Café on Facebook
Festivals Roundup
9 November 2012 Blues at Bridgetown Festival Bridgetown WA 10 November 2012 Eclipse Festival Cairns QLD 10 November 2012 Sprung Hip Hop Festival RNA Showgrounds QLD 10 November 2012 Harvest Festival - Melbourne 1 Werribee Park Werribee VIC 10 November 2012 Outsidein The Factory Theatre NSW 11 November 2012 Newtown Festival Newtown Sydney NSW 11 November 2012 Harvest Festival – Melbourne Werribee Park Werribee VIC 15 November 2012 Australasian World Music Expo Melbourne VIC 16 November 2012 Soundscape Salamanca Wharf TAS 16 November 2012 Melbourne Music Week Melbourne VIC 16 November 2012 Canberra Country Music Festival Exhibition Park ACT 17 November 2012 Golden Days Festival Coolum Football Fields QLD 17 November 2012 Harvest Festival – Sydney Parramatta Park NSW 18 November 2012 Harvest Festival – Brisbane Botanic Gdns Brisbane QLD 22 November 2012 The Mullum Music Festival Mullumbimby QLD 23 November 2012 Queenscliff Music Festival Queenscliff VIC 23 November 2012 Strawberry Fields Melbourne VIC 24 November 2012 Gorgeous Festival McLaren Vale SA 24 November 2012 Stereosonic – Sydney Olympic Park Sydney NSW 24 November 2012 Foreshore Canberra ACT 25 November 2012 CherryFest AC/DC Lane Melbourne VIC 25 November 2012 Stereosonic – Perth Claremont Showground WA 30 November 2012 Corinbank Festival Corinbank ACT 1 December 2012 Stereosonic – Melbourne Ascot Vale VIC 1 December 2012 Stereosonic – Adelaide Bonython Park Adelaide SA 1 December 2012 Summadayze – Adelaide Rymill Park Adelaide SA 1 December 2012 Natural NZ Music Festival Red Hill Auditorium WA 2 December 2012 Stereosonic – Brisbane RNA Showgrounds Bris QLD 7 December 2012 Meredith Music Festival Meredith VIC 7 December 2012 Subsonic Music Festival Barrington Tops NSW 8 December 2012 Homebake The Domain Sydney NSW 14 December 2012 Festival Of The Sun Port Macquarie NSW 26 December 2012 BreakFest Belvoir A’theatre Perth WA 27 December 2012 Woodford Folk Festival Woodford QLD 28 December 2012 Falls Music & Arts Festival Lorne VIC 29 December 2012 Peats Ridge Festiva l Glenworth Valley NSW 29 December 2012 Pyramid Rock Festival Phillip Island VIC 29 December 2012 Falls Music & Art Festival Marion Bay TAS 31 December 2012 Origin NYE Belvoir Amphitheatre WA 31 December 2012 Harbour Party Luna Park Sydney NSW 1 January 2013 Red Hill Music Festival Red Hill Showgrounds VIC 1 January 2013 Summadayze – Melbourne Myer Music Bowl Melb VIC 1 January 2013 Future Music – Adelaide Ellis Park Adelaide SA 1 January 2013 Future Music – Brisbane Doomben Racecourse QLD 1 January 2013 Heatwave – Perth Perth WA 1 January 2013 Raggamuffin – Perth TBA 1 January 2013 Raggamuffin – Melbourne Myer Music Bowl Melb VIC 1 January 2013 Dig It Up – Brisbane The Tivoli Brisbane QLD 1 January 2013 Heatwave – Brisbane Brisbane Ent. Centre QLD 1 January 2013 Raggamuffin – Brisbane Riverstage Brisbane QLD 1 January 2013 Ripe Noosa Heads QLD 1 January 2013 Wauchope Country Music Fest. Wauchope NSW 1 January 2013 Heatwave – Canberra Epic Arena Canberra ACT 1 January 2013 Let Them Eat Cake Werribee Park VIC 3 January 2013 Gulgong Folk Festival Gulgong, NSW 4 January 2013 Southbound Festival Busselton WA 5 January 2013 Sydney Festival Various Sydney NSW 6 January 2013 Summadayze – Perth Perth WA 9 January 2013 Parkes Elvis Festival Parkes, NSW 11 January 2013 Cygnet Folk Festival Cygnet TAS 17 January 2013 Thredbo Blues Festival Thredbo NSW 17 January 2013 Illawarra Folk Festival Bulli Wollongong NSW 18 January 2013 Tamworth Country Music Fest. Tamworth NSW 18 January 2013 Big Day Out – Sydney Sydney Showground NSW 19 January 2013 Sugar Mountain Melbourne VIC 20 January 2013 Big Day Out - Gold Coast Gold Coast QLD 24 January 2013 Rainbow Serpent Festival Beaufort VIC 25 January 2013 Tunarama Festival Port Lincoln Foreshore SA 25 January 2013 Big Day Out – Adelaide Wayville SA 26 January 2013 Share The Spirit Indig. Music Treasury Gardens VIC 26 January 2013 Big Day Out – Melbourne Flemington Racecourse VIC 28 January 2013 Big Day Out – Perth Claremont Showgrounds WA 1 February 2013 South American Festival Bondi Beach NSW 1 February 2013 Laneway Festival – Brisbane Fortitude Valley QLD 1 February 2013 Fuse Festival Adelaide SA 8 February 2013 Laneway Festival – Adelaide Fowlers Live Adelaide SA 8 February 2013 Perth Festival Perth WA 9 February 2013 Laneway Festival – Perth Perth Cultural Centre WA 15 February 2013 Riverboats Music Festival Echuca-Moama VIC 15 February 2013 Earth Frequency Festival South East QLD 16 February 2013 I'll Be Your Mirror Melbourne Altona VIC 22 February 2013 Bleach Festival Various 22 February 2013 Cool Summer Festival Mt Hotham VIC 22 February 2013 Frances Folk Gathering Frances, SA 23 February 2013 Soundwave – Brisbane Brisbane, QLD 23 February 2013 Pako Festa Geelong, Vic 23 February 2013 Tumbafest Tumbarumba NSW 24 February 2013 Soundwave – Sydney Sydney NSW 1 March 2013 Soundwave – Melbourne Melbourne VIC 1 March 2013 Nannup Music Festival Nannup WA 1 March 2013 Push Over Festival Abbotsford Convent VIC 1 March 2013 Future Music – Melbourne Flemington Racecourse VIC 1 March 2013 Golden Plains Meredith VIC 1 March 2013 Breath Of Life Festival Launceston TAS 1 March 2013 Adelaide Festival Adelaide SA 1 March 2013 Forth Valley Blues Festival Forth TAS 1 March 2013 Mossvale Music Festival Mossvale Park VIC 2 March 2013 Soundwave – Adelaide Adelaide SA 4 March 2013 Soundwave – Perth Perth WA 8 March 2013 Moomba Festival Melbourne VIC 8 March 2013 Port Fairy Folk Festival Port Fairy VIC 8 March 2013 Inverloch Jazz Festival Inverloch, Vic 8 March 2013 WOMADelaide Adelaide SA The Load Out
This month, The Load Out looks at more of the things that are not important in the music universe. In this edition we feature guitar accessories, or more precisely wannabe guitar accessories. Many thanks to the two readers who drew our attention to the following amusing must-have items for aspiring wannabe guitarists:
Official Sponsors of the 2012 Australian Songwriting Contest
The ASA would like to acknowledge the assistance of all of its sponsors for supporting us in our activities throughout the year. The ASA is a not-for-profit association and could not undertake its activities without the assistance of its valued sponsors.
The ASA would like to thank the many sponsors who help make the Australian Songwriting Contest such a great success. Particular thanks should be given to APRA/AMCOS who provide the major prize of $3,000 to the Songwriter Of The Year and also support the ASA in its other activities during the course of the year.
We would encourage ASA Members to use the services of our sponsors wherever possible.
Dynamic Music
Bachelor of Popular Music
CMC Productions
MMS Retail KG International
About Us
The Australian Songwriters Association Inc. is a national, not-for-profit, member organisation dedicated to the support of songwriters and their art, by providing avenues for encouragement and education of developing Australian songwriters, and recognition and promotion of our accomplished members.
Aims of the Association
To celebrate the art of songwriting;
To assist and encourage developing Australian songwriters;
To provide information and general advice to members;
To create performance opportunities for members;
To aid the professional development of members;
To enable members to meet and/or exchange ideas and information
To facilitate member transition into the established music industry;
To facilitate delivery of member services at a National, State and Regional level;
To salute our best songwriters at major industry events such as our National Awards Night.
History of the ASA
The Association was founded in Melbourne in 1979 by businessman Tom Louch and recording engineer Rudy Brandsma, who saw the need for an organisation that would bring Australian songwriters together.
Today the Association has a vibrant membership Australia-wide and enjoys an established and respected role within the music industry.
The ASA’s membership is diverse and embraces and explores all genres of music.
Contact Us
Mail: Locked Bag 18/178 Newtown NSW 2042 Australia
Phone/Fax: (02) 9516 4960
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asai.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asamusicians
Youtube: www.youtube.com/austsongwriters
Patron:
Glenn A Baker
Life Members:
Marie Murphy Alex Bialocki Colleen Zulian Brian Henderson Ward Kieran Roberts
Directors:
Denny Burgess Chairman
Alan Gilmour Vice Chairman, Financial Officer and Editor of the ASA’s eMagazine The Australian Songwriter
Clare Burgess Director and Secretary
Ben Patis Director and Manager of Regional Co-Ordinators
Regional Co-Ordinators
Trevor Shard Melbourne Vic [email protected]
Pete Sheen Ballarat Vic [email protected]
Matt Sertori Hobart Tas [email protected]
Mark Ellis Sydney NSW [email protected]
Chris Whitington Newcastle and NSW Central Coast [email protected] Mike Cardy Western Australia (Perth) [email protected]
Details of Wax Lyrical (Open Mic.) nights run by our Regional Co-Ordinators can be found on the ASA website.
This publication is © 2012 by The Australian Songwriters Association Inc. ABN 12 140 838 710 and may not be re-used without permission. The views expressed in this magazine are the views of the writers and may not necessarily reflect the views of the ASA.