SVSA MUSIC NEWS MAY 2018

MAY Feature Article Adventures in Co-Writing by Charlie Divers may help you be better prepared for I’ve been hesitating to write any future co-writes. about this topic for a while for No matter what your a few reasons: First, our group songwriting goals are, the main doesn’t really focus on co-writing one is to write the absolute best and second, I’ve only co-written songs possible, whether you want a few times, so I’m not the most commercial success or not. experienced at it. As I said, I’ve done very little What convinced me to go ahead co-writing so I will mainly fall back was recently hearing about a few on the experience of others. Most of less-than-ideal SVSA co-writes my songwriting ideas don’t originate that left the involved people feeling with me, but rather come from others dissatisfied with the experience. And through me. also, I now realize that co-writing The info I’ll pass along here can take you places that you may not comes from Marty Dodson and be able to go on your own. Clay Mills, who run an on-line I’ll mention a few ideas that I’ve songwriting community called CHARLIE DIVERS gotten from others and also give a SongTown. They’ve both had #1 couple of personal experiences that See Feature Article, page 2

The next meeting of 7:30 and will last until provide at least 25 PAYING THOSE the SVSA will be held the last song critique is copies of the lyrics. DUES Wednesday, MAY 23 finished, or 10:30 p.m., Critiques are limited Pay at a meeting, pay in the LL Rice Room at whichever comes first. to members only on our website, or mail the Jefferson Center Members may submit but non-members $35 to: in Roanoke, Virginia. one song for critique (on and guests are SVSA Doors will open at cassette, CD, phone, encouraged to sit in on P.O. Box 698 7 p.m.; the meeting computer, or you can the discussions and begins promptly at perform it live) and should exercises. Salem, VA 24153 FEATURE ARTICLE Continued from page 1

songs and other big hits in recent going to make me sound cool We were to write a song and years in the country and pop field and I’m going to make you sound turn it in at the end of the week. with artists like Darius Rucker, organized.” My co-writer was a lyricist only Kenny Chesney, and Rascal Flatts. Someone may get in just because and came in with a lot of the lyric I attended a SongTown they’re good at keeping a good written. I did the melody and seminar in 2015 in Nashville that positive energy up in the room, chords and also tried to contribute was devoted to co-writing. some lyrical ideas. We I had the opportunity to worked face-to-face via write with amateurs as Skype, but unfortunately well as pros. our sessions were no fun Right off the bat, at all. Marty said something that This person was really hit me about the totally rigid on all their benefits of co-writing: “It’s ideas and would hardly hard to be world-class in budge on anything that I two things,” meaning, of suggested. In one of their course, words and music. emails they actually said, He also said three other “I know I’m being rigid.” words that really drove it My response was, “If home – “Lennon AND “We worked face-to-face via you know you’re being McCartney.” They were Skype, but unfortunately our rigid, why be that way? both great on their own, sessions were no fun at all.” It’s not helpful.” A waste but together they achieved of keystrokes on my part. unparalleled success. They let me know later Along with them you can add which is tremendously important. that they didn’t think much of my Jagger/Richards, Gershwin/ I keep using the term “in the musical abilities. Gershwin, Bacharach/David, and room.” A lot of rooms today are When it came time to submit a ton of others. virtual. Lots of writing is done the song, I emailed them the best Someone can be a successful by Skype. It allows you to write final version I could come up with. co-writer for more than just with people in the major markets They emailed back and said, “This their ability to be good with like NYC, LA, and Nashville – or isn’t very competitive.” They didn’t words or music. Marty said he maybe with people who don’t live in even say “thank you for trying, started getting into rooms with these areas but who do have good but...” Just a quick dismissal. But better quality writers because he connections in the industry. their opinion of the song was developed a reputation for being What I’ve learned goes along right. We had collaborated, or good with ideas and titles. with an old saying about co-writing more accurately, not collaborated He said that when you’re in being like dating: You’re going to on a bad piece of work. We didn’t a writing room you start to better have some good dates and some bad even bother to submit it. realize what your strengths are dates. But maybe you’ll get lucky Although I told a few people and where you fit in. You may be and, like in real-life dating, you’ll about what a bad experience good with instrumental riffs or find “the one.” Maybe you’ll find I’d had, I never mentioned the grooves. Or you may be good at your Lennon or your McCartney. person’s name. But I did recently seeing the big picture of a song, I did an on-line co-writing learn that they have developed a where the story or idea should class with SongTown shortly after reputation as being hard to work or shouldn’t go. He told a story the Nashville seminar and had a with. about a session with two younger horrendous “date” with another Now for a lesson: PEOPLE writers and he told them, “You’re amateur writer like myself. See Feature Article, page 3

2 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 FEATURE ARTICLE Continued from page 2

TALK! Don’t develop a reputation A few months ago all the the top song pluggers in Nashville as a jerk. As you’ll hear later, it writers in SongTown were given an pitching material for it every didn’t totally cut this person off opportunity to present one song a month. from working with others, but it month to a publisher who is a big, Maybe that was an did limit the number of potential big hitter. If he likes your song, he’ll opportunity missed. I don’t know collaborators. pitch it. Along with that other writer, if he’d write with me now or not. One other thing I learned is I applied. Guess which one of us I’m not going to ask him. I don’t that it’s no use to try and force was accepted. (And don’t think I want to seem like I’m trying to every writing session to be a wasn’t PO’d about it.) hitch a ride with someone who’s a winner. In the future, if I can But despite the opportunity level above me. tell it’s going to be a bad “date,” this person may have now, I don’t Don’t get me wrong; it is I’m going to act like I would in a regret one bit not working with them absolutely desirable to “write real-life social date. I’ll be polite up” as it’s called, which is to and agreeable, get it over with as No matter what work with people who are more fast as possible, and hope no one’s your songwriting advanced than you in the way of feelings get hurt. I’ll just accept goals are, the main talent or connections. But it’s the having my name on a bad song. one is to write the job of any writer who desires to (Nobody’s ever going to hear it co-write to produce material that anyway and it won’t be the first absolute best songs is of such high quality that it will time I’ve had my name on a bad possible, whether make other people, no matter their song.) At least I won’t drive myself you want commercial level of talent or achievement, crazy. success or not. want to write with you. Another lesson I took away: My goal for this year is to get I’ll try to never co-write again anymore. I wouldn’t write a grocery active in co-writing because it is unless there’s three in a group. list with them. blindingly clear to me now that it’s Three heads are better than two One missed opportunity came the only way that I’ll achieve the anyway and I want there to be out of that same class that I do kind things I want to with my writing. someone to cast a tie-breaking vote of regret, though. I wrote with a I had a mentoring session with if we hit a snag on a lyric or some younger guy and we came up with a Clay a few weeks ago and he told other matter. pretty good song. He was nice, easy me that every writing deal he ever It is imperative to write with to work with, and talented. And I got was because he had co-written someone who can do something think I was easy to work with, too, with others and it had led to more well that you don’t. If your but I was still shell-shocked from of the right people hearing his strength is lyrics and you’re weak the other experience. At that point, I work. in melody, get a strong melody just wasn’t seeing the benefits to co- Depending on your goals, person in the room. writing so I didn’t follow up or make co-writing may or may not be for Back to the “co-writer from plans to write with him anymore. you. You have to be willing to give hell.” I’ll admit that I thought The next year I read a Facebook up some control of your songs as little of their ability as they post from Clay Mills that said he’d and your ideas, be open-minded, thought of mine. They made a lot just had a mentoring session with and realize that your ideas aren’t of obvious textbook mistakes in this guy and he raved about his always the best ones. their lyrics, things that anyone in talent, comments I’d only seen him And when the time comes you SVSA would catch. But I’ve heard make about others just a few times. have to be able to produce. If you a few of their co-written songs The younger guy had improved and can do that, you might find some over the last few years and they’re networked since I’d written with great opportunities and go places better than anything I’ve ever him. A few months later he got into that you never would on your written on my own. a higher level group that has one of own.

3 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 New SVSA web site is now on-line The new Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association web site is LIVE at svsasongs.com. As you can see, the URL is the same as the old site. SVSA President Mike Franke has set-up and designed the new site. “The new web site will continue to be a work in progress,” said Franke. “If you have suggestions, let me know. This includes anything from entire revamps to typo corrections and cosmetic ideas. “There is currently no ‘members’ page. Nor do we have individual member pages, even for the club leaders. Both of those are at the top of my ‘to-do’ list. “I need content for the large featured images at the digital content for the web site. top of each page and for the gallery. The bigger the better. “I’d also like to offer up another fantastic vote of For featured images, I’m particularly looking for photos thanks to Chris Lee of Lee Digital Marketing, who or artwork that would correspond to the page themes: helped put all of this together at no cost to the SVSA! We ‘About,’ ‘News,’ ‘Events,’ ‘Song Contest,’ etc. As an will be making a small donation, in appreciation. example, the image on the home page came from Larry “Lastly, I’d like to specifically thank Larry Sakayama Sakayama. (That’s the old 3rd Street piano.) for managing the previous SVSA web site for all these “I would also like to add a feature to ‘learn more’ years. He’s done a great job of promoting our association about each image (like my Windows 10 screen-saver locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. We’ll image does). be incorporating a lot of Larry’s content in the new “Again, feel free to contribute ideas, suggestions, web site and will continue to rely on his experience and likes, dislikes, and observations to me, as well as actual advice.” June monthly meeting to be held in Vinton VA SVSA Board Member Bob Performing Arts Center) in Vinton pre-meeting pot luck meal at 6:00 Schmucker will host the SVSA’s VA on the regularly scheduled day p.m. and Bob will provide a platter June monthly meeting at his house and date: Wednesday, June 27th. of fried chicken and soft drinks. (a.k.a. BobTrap National Park and The meeting will start with a Members are welcome to bring side dishes, desserts, and/or adult beverages of their choice. Guests Jodi James and Clay Parker (https://cpjjmusic.com/) will discuss songwriting, life on the road, and other aspects of touring. They’ve played 3rd Street Coffeehouse and put on one of the best shows of last year. Bob will need a head count a few days in advance. The meeting will be planned for outdoors, but will be brought indoors if the weather fails to cooperate. SVSA members Greg Trafidlo and Complete information and Bob Schmucker at BobTrap. directions will be emailed to SVSA members soon.

4 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Open Mic talent contest still looking for contestants Bob Schmucker of Vinton VA is a preliminary finalist in the Lyrics On The Lake open mic talent contest. A native of Chicago, Schmucker has lived in Vinton since 1988, is a member of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association, and is a volunteer at the 3rd Street Coffeehouse. Schmucker will compete against the other four weekly winners on June 13 for a trip to Nashville, a session with professional songwriters, a showcase performance at a premier Nashville night club, and performances at this year’s Lyrics On The Lake Songwriters Festival and the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival. The open mic competition will be held each of the next three Wednesday nights at Mango’s Bar and Grill at Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta VA. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m., with competition beginning at 8:00. A pre-registration form, contest rules, and other information is available online at www.lyricsonthelake.com Bob Schmucker at Says Bob, “I went out to the Lyrics On The Lake songwriter Schooners’ open competition and had a great time. The folks are friendly and mic in Roanoke atmosphere is laid back. We need to make sure the SVSA is well VA. (Photo represented, so think about coming out and joining the fun. It’s a courtesy of Steve fund raiser for the Children’s Miracle Health Network, so it’s all for a Guidus.) great cause.”

SVSA members to perform June 8th for SMAC Coffee House Series The Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council will present an SVSA Songwriters Night as part of their ongoing Coffee House Series on June 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The SVSA is an affiliate member of SMAC and SMAC has a long history of support for the SVSA. The concert will be held in downtown Moneta VA (Rt. 122). The entrance is on the lower level behind the old Casa D’Amici Restaurant. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Light fare, beer, and wine are available. Cash Bar. Tickets may be purchased at https:// smithmountainartscouncil.wildapricot. org/2018-Coffee-House-Series-with- Southwest-Virginia-Songwriters Ten SVSA members will be performing. Top row: Mike DiGiorgi, Mike Franke, Larry Helms. Middle row: Celie Holmes, Larry Sakayama, David Simpkins. Bottom row: Greg Trafidlo, Larry Williams, Kathy Acosta / Britt Mistele.

5 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Hectic schedule makes for an exhausting but life-affirming musical event by Mike Franke I’m writing this while paused at a pub in Asheville NC, on my way home from this year’s SERFA SVSA President Mike Franke conference in nearby Montreat. and SERFA keynote speaker Just as it was least year (which was Jim Rooney. my first), it was an amazing, and exhausting, experience. Last year, I used the term “life changing” (which I don’t use lightly). This year, I would call it “life-affirming.” In case you don’t know (and you should), SERFA is the NorthEast Regional Folk Alliance. There are several of such organizations affiliated with Folk Alliance International (FAI), including the NorthEast and SouthWest regions (NERFA and SWRFA, respectively). They are what any professional members through resources and of the following basic elements: affiliation is to their respective networking. breakfast, workshops ’til lunch, profession. They exist to support A typical day at SERFA consists lunch, workshops ’til dinner, official showcases (featured performances on the main stage) ’til about 10:30 Here’s Mike’s pile of p.m., guerrilla showcases (scheduled swag plus various performances in various hotel business cards, fliers rooms) ’til 2:00 a.m., song circles ... etc. ... and jam sessions the whole time, and lots and lots of meet-and-greet. Sprinkle in various official open mic events, keynote address, SERFA business meetings, “wisdom of the elders” events ... Sleep isn’t on the schedule. I slept from about 3:30 a.m. ’til 7:00 a.m. every 24 hours. There were about 250 attendees See SERFA, page 7

6 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SERFA Continued from page 6

A rapt audience in the lobby during open mic.

at this year’s conference, and they article in his issue on page 4.) home a bag full of contacts with fall into two basic groups: artists, I will address / assess how well I whom I need to follow up. I met and presenters. I would say the accomplished my mission in reverse other artists, some of whom I met presenters group is further broken order to my reasons for going. last year, some of whom are really up into those representing venues, I promoted SongRise by well-known and just MONSTER and those offering services (booking telling everyone I could about it, songwriters and performers. agents, recording studios, etc). I met some outright legends, I went as an artist myself, “Last year, I including the keynote speaker, Jim but also as SVSA president. My Rooney. My personal thanks to business card had “me” on one side used the term Greg Trafidlo for giving me a photo (mikefrankemusic.com), while the to deliver to him as a gift – which flip side had our SVSA logo and “life changing” gave me an opener. (The photo the SongRise song contest logo. (which I don’t use contained Jim, Greg, and a number I personally handed out about 50 of other notables.) of them, and about another 50 lightly). This year, I met friends of the SVSA, and were picked up off the common even ran into Tony Wegmann, merchandise table. I would call it an SVSA member who lives in I also gave away about 20 “life affirming.” Charleston WV. He and his brother CDs in exchanges. (That’s called a Greg were there and did several “Nashville Handshake.”) I wish I by attending a workshop titled Guerrilla showcases. I had one would have thought ahead to have a “Presenting a Song Contest” (how Guerrilla showcase myself – at 1:30 “SongRise” edition of the newsletter cool is THAT?!), and by asking a.m. on Wednesday night (well, ready, and a pile of copies of David a lot of advice from the folks Thursday morning). Simpkins’s fine work to hand out as at Songwriters Association of I had a lot of conversations with swag. Washington (SAW), who ran / run people about things I want to do I went to SERFA to have fun, The Mid-Atlantic Song Contest with my own music career, which I meet people, energize my own (MASC). (Did I mention I earned a won’t go into in this article. But there music, energize my own music “Silver” finish in my category? :-) ). was a wealth of information and business, and promote SongRise. I will be presenting what I learned encouragement to tap into – not to This last bit was my primary about do’s and don’t’s to the SVSA mention just plain psychic energy to motivation for pushing our new board, very soon. I learned a lot. keep me going. From coaches that I web site up live before I left. (See the I met a lot of people. I brought See SERFA, page 8

7 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Unique guitar gallery SERFA Continued from page 7 worth checking out April was International Guitar month, but even if it’s not April and you’re not even a guitarist, you may still want to discover The Gig the next time you’re in Nashville. The Gallery of Iconic Guitars collection has nearly 500 unique and irreplaceable instruments with nearly 100 guitars currently on display. Located on the campus of Belmont University inside the Lila D. Bunch Library at 1907 Belmont Blvd., the Gig is open Monday SVSA president Mike Franke takes a selfie at the SERFA event with the through Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 Wegmann brothers, Tony and Greg. Tony is an SVSA member. Mike has a video p.m. and Sunday from 1-5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 but free for children of him shouting our praises, which he will post to the new web site soon. under 12. Visit thegigatbelmont.com for plan to follow up with, to possible storyteller and human being. information and to purchase tickets. venues I could play at, to people to • Our good friend (and Third Street play with, I am a richer man. alumni), Clinton Collins. Finally, of course, there was • Suzie Vinnick – imagine Stevie Gilmore reunites with the music. I played in several song Ray Vaughn on acoustic, with circles, for one thing – something a voice that will get you out of U.S. Navy country band that is outside my comfort zone. your seat. SVSA member Jerry Gilmore Wonderful, friendly, talented • Rough & Tumble, and My One recently traveled to Alexandria VA people abounded. I played my and Only – two husband- for the 45th Anniversary Concert “award-winning” song, Recognize and-wife duos with sweet of the U.S. Navy Band country Me (did I mention ...?) at harmonies and their own take / bluegrass group, The Country Saturday’s open mic, and silenced on traditional music. Current. the room with it (in a good way). I will be booking early for Jerry was at the helm of The I was BLOWN AWAY by the next year’s SERFA, which will Country Current from 1976 to featured performers this year, who be held in Chattanooga TN. 1988. He says it was a gas making ranged from serious blues, to old- (Unfortunately, the event has music again with the group at the timey and bluegrass, to storytellers outgrown the beautiful setting of reunion, seeing old friends, and and crooners. Montreat.) I will be doing my best telling old “sea stories.” A few of my favorites that I to have a new CD, or several EPs, Jerry regrets not being able to suggest you check out (you can do and a whole new online presence. make an SVSA meeting on his trip. your own searches): I’d like to get into several Guerrilla He says he’s got a couple of new • David Jacobs-Strain (with Bob showcases, and make a lot more songs he’d love to put through the Beach) – Sweet, sticky, funkay friends. “wringer.” blues with a deep soul. Hopefully, I’ll see a few of you • Greg Klyma – A fanTAStic there!

8 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 KWSO / ABC Channel 7 interviewed SVSA members Aspen and Alice Black before the Cowboys, Cattle, and Campfires Gathering at the Chisolm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan OK last November.

Meeting Notes Twenty members and that made indelible three guests attended our impressions on him as a April monthly meeting. young songwriter. Other We began rather members shared their inauspiciously as the lock recollections as well. to our meeting room was Frank also distributed an damaged. We moved to informative handout. another room, sort of an Eight original songs amphitheater/classroom were brought in for and went on from there. critique. The songs were President Mike Franke put through the standard gave us a sneak peek SVSA “wringer” – an at our new web site. open discussion of each Previous webmaster song with comments, Larry Sakayama was opinions, and suggestions. recognized for the superb Guests are welcome job he’s done on our old at our meetings. Come site over the years. and sit through a meeting SVSA member Jimmie Treasurer Frank or two and see whether Landry was the opening act Dieter then presented or not the SVSA would at 3rd Street Coffeehouse on a fascinating workshop be beneficial to your May 11th. on song influences by songwriting efforts. giving examples of songs ~ David Simpkins

9 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 The Coffee Pot Good Times Tavern LOCAL, REGIONAL http://thecoffeepotroanoke.com https://m.facebook.com/ 2902 Brambleton Ave SW Roanoke VA goodtimestavern540/ OPEN MICS 540.774.8256 3107 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA Sundays. 5-9:00 p.m. 540-849-7407 Hosted by Al Coffey. Open Mic / Jam Session Tuesdays. 7-10 p.m. Hosted by Melissa Dogtown Roadhouse Mesko. www.dogtownroadhouse.com 302 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 Gospel Café 540.745.6836 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Submit any Open Mics that are not listed Sundays. All ages. No cover. Music Gospel-Cafe/392559714096332 here. We’d like to make this listing as starts at 6 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 5:30, 926 Indiana Ave NE Roanoke VA comprehensive as possible. Provide the sign-ups for later slots begin at 7 p.m. 540.314.1423 information in the format shown. PA and sound man provided. Fri and Sat nights. 7-10 p.m. Also, if you should see a listing that has shut down, or if you know of an update DRAPER MERCANTILE & TRADING CO. LITTLE GREEN HIVE to the current entries, drop a line to the http://www.drapermerc.com/open- http://littlegreenhive.com/ SVSA gmail address. Let’s keep this a mic-night.html 1600 Roanoke St Christiansburg VA vital and up-to-date source. 3054 Greenbriar Rd Draper VA 24324 540.381.0909 540.994.5659 Wednesdays. 7-10:00 p.m. BILLY’S BARN Fridays. 6-8:30 p.m. All talents welcome. Hosted by Rick Krajnyak and Tim http://www.the-cellar.com/ Will provide one mic, PA assistance. Pakledinaz. 1790 Thompson Memorial Dr Salem VA 20 minutes for musical acts, 10 for all 24153 others. Must be family friendly and not MAIN STREET CAFÉ 540.728.0270 too loud/disruptive. https://www.facebook.com/ Mondays. 7-10 p.m. Artists receive a mainstreetcafe434/ mixed mp3 and a chance at $500. 5 Points Music Sanctuary 521 N Main St South Boston VA http://www.5pointsmusic.com/ 434.738.3524 BLIND BILL’S RESTAURANT 1217 Maple Ave SW Roanoke VA Thursdays. Open Mic / Open Jam 8:30 https://blindbills.com 540.795.5618 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Bring your instrument 6724 White House Rd Huddleston VA 1st and 3rd Sundays. Doors open at 5:00 and jam! Or just sit and eat, drink, 540.297.6078 p.m. Sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. Show dance, and listen to good music. No Fridays. 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Steve starts at 6:00 p.m. Comedy and poetry cover charge. Hosted by Mike Warren. Guidus. are welcome. This event is FREE. The Mill Iron Grill THE CELLAR FLOYD COUNTRY STORE https://www.facebook.com/The-Mill- http://www.the-cellar.com/ http://www.floydcountrystore.com/ Iron-Grill-114614645259055/ 302 N Main St Blacksburg VA 24060 music/sunday-music-jam 10190 Stewartsville Rd Goodview VA 540.953.0651 206 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 540.890.4766 Mondays. 9:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Blues 540.745.4563 Saturdays 8-midnight jam. Sundays. All ages. No cover charge. All levels of talent welcome. Hosted by Old-Time music 1:30-3:30 p.m. Rick Selfridge. CHARLEY’S Bluegrass jam 4-5:30 p.m. http://www.charleyslynchburg.com/ Ober Brewing Company 707 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg VA THE FRONT ROW http://www.oberbrewing.com/ 434.237.5988 https://www.facebook.com/ 1443 Lakeside Cir Salem VA 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month. 7:00- thefrontrowsalemave/ 540.404.0050 10:00 p.m. Bring your instrument and 356 Salem Ave Roanoke VA Fridays 6-9:30 p.m. vocal talent! $5 food discount to the 540.345.1542 Bring your friends, show your talent, first 10 people to sign in. Hosted by Thursdays. 8:00 p.m. Bring your own share some laughs and a few beers. Jodie Davis. instruments. Come rock the house.

Club Havoc http://clubhavoc.net/author/jojohavoc More Open Mic listings 202 Market Sq Roanoke VA on page 7 540.343.6644 Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Eric Larsen.

10 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Roanoke Diversity Center STONEY BADGER TAVERN LOCAL, REGIONAL http://www.roanokediversitycenter. http://www.stoneybadgertavern. com com/ OPEN MICS 806 Jamison Ave SE Roanoke VA 3009 Old Forest Rd Lynchburg VA 540.491.4165 434.384.3004 1st Fridays. Play an instrument, sing Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. What a song, read a poem, sing karaoke, started as an idea has become a or just enjoy. No cover. Snacks community of artists that help each provided. Small PA, two guitars, other learn and grow on stage. keyboard available – or bring your own instruments (no drums but SWEET DONKEY COFFEE HOUSE Continued from page 6 smaller percussion instruments http://www.sweetdonkeycoffee.com/ allowed). 2108 Broadway Ave SW Roanoke VA Parkway Brewery 540.491.0004 http://www.parkwaybrewing.com ROCK THE MIC - ROANOKE Every other Friday (check web site for 739 Kessler Mill Rd Salem VA http://www.kingdomofrock.com/ announcement). 6-9:00 p.m. Hosted 540.404.9810 Rosetti’s Family Bistro by Charissa Morrison. Bring your Mondays 4-8:00 p.m. 202 Market St Roanoke VA instrument or bring your friends. Majestic Mic jamboree welcomes Wednesdays and Fridays. Killer sound, anyone to try their hand at music. lights, merchandise table, sponsor Sycamore Deli Hosted by Eric Larsen. giveaways. Loud rock and blues http://www.sycamoredeli.com improv, covers, and shows. 211B Draper Rd Blacksburg VA THE Q OPEN MiC 540.951.9817 http://www.theqlive.com Schooner’s Blacksburg Old-Time Jam. 8118 Plantation Rd Roanoke VA http://www.schoonersfamily.com Wednesdays 7-9:00 p.m. Open to 540.362.8437 7226 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA anyone playing Old-Time style. Wednesdays 8:30 p.m. - ? 540.420.0927 15 minute set. PA provided. Hosted by Tuesdays. 8:00 p.m. Solo to bands – all 3rd street coffeehouse Scott Joshway. welcome. Hosted by Steve Guidus. https://m.facebook.com/3rd-Street- Coffeehouse-190361914329993 RADFORD COFFEE COMPANY Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers Trinity United Methodist Church https://www.facebook.com/ http://www.soaringridge.com/ 305 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke radfordcoffeeco/?hc_ 523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke VA 540.309.4707 ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf 540.339.9776 333 W Main St Radford VA 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle. Fridays 6-9:00 p.m. Take the stage and 540.838.2399 6:30-9:00 p.m. Smoke-free, alcohol- share your sound, or just sit back and Saturdays. 6-9:00 p.m. Acoustic, rock, free, no cover. Hosted by Jim Page. cheer on the locals who share theirs. poetry, etc. Small PA available. 3rd Thursday Open Mic. 6:30-9:00 p.m. Hosted by Betsy in The Verse. Smoke-free, alcohol-free, no cover. RISING SILO BREWERY Hosted by Aspen Black. SOUVLAKI www.RisingSiloBrewery.com http://www.eatsouvlaki.com/ 2351 Glade Rd Blacksburg VA WHITE HART CAFÉ 1154 E Main St Radford VA 410.596.1200 http://www.thewhitehartcoffee.com/ 540.633.0555 Monthly Irish Jam. Fridays, 7-9:00 1208 Main St Lynchburg VA Wednesdays 6-8:00 p.m. Open to all. p.m. Sit-ins welcome. Bring your 434.207.5600 instrument, your open ears, and your Fridays. 6-9:00 p.m. We will provide a STARR HILL PILOT BREWERY & tapping toes. Tips encouraged for mic and you provide the talent. Open SIDE STAGE musicians, no cover. for all music, art, comedy, etc. https://starrhill.com/tap-room- locations/roanoke-pilot-brewery- RIVER CITY GRILL side-stage/ https://www.facebook.com/ 6 Old Whitmore Ave Roanoke VA Radford-Fiddle-and-Banjo- “Everything that needs 540.685.2012 Jam-191719767524461/ to be said has already Mondays. 6-9:00 p.m. Bring your own 103 Third St. Radford VA 24141 instrument and join the jam. Hosted been said. But, since 540.629.2130 by Brian Mesko. no one was listening, Mondays. 7-10:00 p.m. Radford Fiddle & Banjo bluegrass jam. Hosted by everything must be Chris Bell. said again.” ~ André Gide

11 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Compiled by Bob Schmucker JOSH JONES “Music’s always been a part of my life. Both my parents were musicians: Mom was our church’s music director and Dad was a tenor soloist. I sing and play piano, guitar, and flute, and I can find my way around several other instruments without undue embarrassment. I took piano, guitar, and flute lessons and I minored in music at the University of Richmond. “Science and technology turn up in quite a few of my songs. I have a chemistry degree but I was a career electrical and optical engineer before I retired. It’s been a big help with my other hobby, recording engineering. My electronics, acoustics, and physics background has been invaluable to me in building my project studios. I’ve built some of the equipment I use.”

• What are your songwriting ambitions? • What’s your typical songwriting process like? to write the best songs I can, both technically and i usually start with the music, often a chord progression emotionally. which eventually leads to a melody. I usually have several • How long have you been a songwriter? stories in mind, so after the music’s pretty far along I start to Since the fall of 1969. write and fit lyrics, adjusting both as I go. • What would be your dream gig? • What’s the most important part of the songwriting process? Hmm. Playing for a room full of great songwriters Getting the story right. somewhere, say The Harvester, and having them tell me • What’s your favorite song you’ve written and why? they really enjoyed my songs. it depends on the day. Come When You Call is high on the list • What is your favorite lyric? because I really like the story and the flow, it’s about some of i don’t have a favorite lyric. It depends on my mood and my close friends (one of whom co-wrote it) and I think it has the day. At the moment: And So It Goes (Billy Joel), A Sorta a strong melody and lyric. Stars In Las Vegas is another one Fairytale (Tori Amos), Paths of Desire (October Project). I’m proud of. Synchronized Vibrations has a lot of personal meaning about the many connections between my wife and • What song do you wish you’d written? me. Turn, Turn, Turn. • Who are your favorite songwriters? • Who would you like to have dinner with? too many to count, but quite a few are, or were, progressive tori Amos, Frank Zappa, Neal Stephenson, and Billy Joel. rock and folk writers. The Beatles, Tori Amos, Sting and • What has been your favorite performance experience? Genesis come to mind, as, obviously, does Mr. Dylan. Playing for the Waymores.

12 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Why I Can’t Watch Northern Exposure (Or How Music Licensing Can Prevent A Popular TV Show From DVD Release Or Streaming)

by Josh Jones Brand, Falsey, and their music about music licensing. My wife producer Martin Bruestle used To use a lot of the music in and I fell in love the best songs from their personal a movie or TV show, particularly with Northern collections, nightclubs, radio station popular songs, someone has Exposure from basements, and highly recognizable negotiated and paid fees for two music the first episode, popular tunes, all of which were licenses. and we stayed original versions – the ones you heard • The show producer has loyal until the and loved on the radio, performed by negotiated a synchronization (synch) last season, when the artists who made them popular. license with the songwriter or the Rob Morrow (who played principal Recently, we got a fast internet publisher who controls the copyright, character Dr. Joel Fleischman) left the connection, dropped our broadband giving the right to synchronize the show. copyrighted song (not the It was a popular and recording of the song, but the well-respected series. Several lyrics and melody) with the reviewers considered it the best moving images in the show. show of the ’90s. In its six-year • The producer has also run it was nominated for 52 negotiated a master usage awards and won 27, including license with whoever holds seven Emmys, two Golden the copyright to the recording Globes, and two Peabodys, the of the composition (either the premier award for outstanding label or, if it’s self-released, drama in the media. directly with the artist). (In their acceptance speech, For post-millennium Joshua Brand and John Falsey, shows, the licenses include all the show’s creators, expressed possible uses and distribution their deep gratitude for the methods – initial broadcast, honor but quipped “But it’s a reruns, syndication, DVDs, comedy!”) international, and online They told engaging, streaming. The problems sometimes difficult stories with wireless and satellite TV, and signed usually come from older programs humor, sensitivity, and compassion. up for some streaming services. produced when no one imagined All the elements of good TV were Northern Exposure was one of my first TV shows would ever come to home present: the acting, characters, content searches, but I quickly found video. Some, indeed, predate home writing and visuals were consistently it’s not available and never has been. videotape technology, let alone DVDs outstanding. But it was the music that Years ago it was released to DVDs or streaming. As a result, some older moved me most deeply, so well chosen which have lots of one-star reviews. TV shows, and Northern Exposure is and placed that it really was another The majority complained bitterly that one of them, used music no one could character in the show. far too many of the songs used in the afford or get the rights to today. The fourth-season finale, “Old original show were replaced with, as Most licensing contracts signed in Tree,” a story about death and change, one fan griped, “bland, generic crap.” the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s covered a closed with one of my all time favorite Other comments were less printable. handful of airings on broadcast, then ‘60s songs, the Byrds’ Turn, Turn, Why release such an outstanding a syndication time window. This was Turn. Twenty-five years after it aired, if show with a still-strong (and vocal) easier to deal with than the thought I close my eyes I can still see the final fan base with substitute music? And of someone owning the episodes on scene, and it still makes me tear up. why not stream it? As I learned, it’s all See Why I Can’t Watch, page 11

13 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 WHY I CAN’T WATCH Continued from page 10

DVD and having access to the music Pink Floyd music for a DVD release of Moonlighting were released with in perpetuity. U.S. copyright law is nowadays. the music intact. exceptionally complex, arcane, and Universal released Northern Moonlighting creator and strange, but it does usually protect Exposure Season 1 on DVD with executive producer Glenn Gordon artists in situations like this. nearly all its original music; it started Caron said he was unwilling to Using a song in a show or movie as a low-budget production with fewer replace the music. “I felt that was was a good way for an artist to make episodes, so re-licensing wasn’t as integral to the show. That really some extra cash without diluting expensive or difficult. Nevertheless stymied its video and DVD release the overall value of their product. It the Season 1 DVD set costs more than for years.” At one point, one of the might even help them, particularly average (about $60 retail), mainly due DVD distributors that held the rights if the show was as good as Northern to music licensing costs. suggested cherry-picking the episodes, Exposure, WKRP, and The Wonder Then came Season 2, where many releasing only those that didn’t Years. contain music. “I said, ‘That’s Copyright law often absurd. I have no interest in causes problems when it treats you doing this,’” Caron said. snippets or samples of works There’s a lot of money like the entirety of the work, involved for publishers and or when it deals with older record labels in the current songs. Copyrights, which once system. As the physical expired after a little over half a media era comes to a close, century, now effectively could the number of companies be extended until eternity by willing to pay the weighty rights holders. fees necessary to close Northern Exposure’s music music licensing deals has licenses didn’t include “future Why release such an outstanding pretty much come down media” rights, since way to two – StarVista, which back then (I’m feeling really show with a still-strong (and vocal) released The Wonder Years, old right now) future media and Shout! Factory, which consisted of a handful of fan base with substitute music? released WKRP. Shout! videos and Laserdiscs. When spent “toward a million” the DVD was introduced several years of the songs were replaced to save dollars to clear WKRP’s music, the later the original rights didn’t include money. But the replacement music fell process took several years, and many them, so new licenses had to be far short of fan expectations (other deletions and replacements still had to negotiated. descriptions: “pablum” or “elevator be made. Nevertheless both StarVista Several of the songs were too music”). Seasons 3-6 had much better and Shout! cleared over 90 percent of expensive or time-consuming to replacement music, probably resulting the music in The Wonder Years and acquire. Some weren’t available for from fan complaints about Season WKRP. other reasons. Procol Harum’s A 2. But there were still unavoidable There are options to reduce costs Whiter Shade of Pale was in legal replacements. when companies are preparing to limbo over who had ownership of Northern Exposure isn’t the only release a show or movie. Here are the song, so it couldn’t be licensed, show with this problem. WKRP In several. period. WKRP In Cincinnati’s most Cincinnati, Moonlighting, and The • Studios like Universal have famous episode, “Turkeys Away,” Wonder Years, among others, have it developed royalty-free music used the song Dogs by Pink Floyd in in spades. However WKRP made it libraries, hiring studio musicians one of its biggest scenes. However, to DVD despite high licensing costs, and songwriters to create music that the song was removed from the DVD and after more than two years of doesn’t belong to a specific popular release because it’s impossible to get lobbying by fans the first two seasons See Why I Can’t Watch, page 12

14 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 WHY I CAN’T WATCH Continued from page 11 artist. Music from such libraries can owners. The producers sometimes go be used freely in projects without to the artists themselves, make a case having to pay royalties for the rights. and hope for the best, but even that This also means there is no title doesn’t always work. Collecting music (except probably an ID number) and clearances today is a slow battle to no artist to list. Many contemporary check off more and more boxes, filling shows use royalty-free music in more and more gaps. extensively, and some of it is quite But though companies like Shout! good. Unfortunately you’ll almost and StarVista are doing their best never be able to find out who wrote or to close these gaps so fans can have played it. physical copies which aren’t subject to • In some cases, covers of the Copyrights, which once the whims of streaming rights holders original songs are used. Sometimes a expired after a little (e.g. summarily yanked on and off of publisher wants to make a deal, but Netflix), time is running out. Physical the recording copyright holder won’t over half a century, media is on the downswing. DVDs agree. In the movie I Am Sam, where now effectively could be are still selling well, but there’s no the Beatles’ publisher cleared the extended until eternity doubt it’s a decreasing market. It synch rights for the song but the label by rights holders. may get to a point where the market wouldn’t make a master usage deal, potential becomes too small to make it the producers had artists cover the theme song will agree. It’s by far the worth it, “even if the [music licensing] songs. biggest problem in getting old TV rates were reasonable,” one producer • Some producers prioritize shows into the hands of the public, commented. the importance of the songs used and it all stems from U.S. copyright This state of affairs is in an old show. For the release of laws that were largely designed for a understandable but sad. I simply American Dreams Season 1, a show world where TV episodes would only won’t watch Northern Exposure with filled with Motown tunes and folk be consumed a handful of times. replacement generic crap / pablum / songs, the executive producer watched elevator music. So for the foreseeable every episode again and rated the future I bid a second farewell to importance of every song in each Cicely, Alaska, its marvellous, quirky episode. “1” meant the song couldn’t inhabitants and its unforgettable be replaced; “5” was unimportant musical soundtrack. to the story. He kept songs that were Fade to credits: Any errors and critical to particular scenes, as well inaccuracies are entirely my own, and as performances of guest stars and I take full responsibility for them. If music for the American Bandstand you’re more interested in this topic, dancers. But some background here are the links I used in writing it: songs – when the kids get ready for the prom, for instance – were replaced http://www.moosechick.com/ with “cheaper needle-drops” from the DVD_music.html ’60s. He doubted even hard-core fans https://www.wired.com/2005/03/ would notice the difference. copyrights-keep-tv-shows-off-dvd/ Music licensing is also vitally https://www.vox. important to the new streaming era. com/2014/11/3/7145231/shows-not- Any fan who watched The Wonder The clearance process can drag on-dvd-music-rights-wonder-years- Years during its brief sojourn on on for weeks or months before a wkrp Netflix and heard the awful, non-Joe company gets a “yes” or “no” answer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Cocker version of the show’s famous from song and recording copyright Northern_Exposure

15 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 3rd Street Coffeehouse FIRST THURSDAY Guitar Pull / Song Circle THIRD THURSDAY Open Mic SVSA member Aspen Black notes that the “Third Thursdays at Third Street All Open Mic” is a great way to share work, try out new songs DATE FEATURE ACT...... OPENING ACT or poems, offer CDs and merch for May 25 Steve Smith...... Bob Schmucker sale, and hang out with folks who Jun 1 Maurice Dickson...... TBA share your interests. The next “Third Jun 7 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle...... n/a Thursdays at Third Street all Open Jun 8 Toney Rocks...... TBA Mic” will be on June 21st. Sign Jun 15 Austin Miller...... TBA up begins at 6:30 and ends when Jun 21 3rd Thursday All Open Mic...... n/a the list is full (15). Beyond 15 will Jun 22 Bill and Eli Perras...... TBA immediately go into the lottery for remaining slots at the end. Length of performance is determined by the number of participants. All levels of proficiency and styles are welcome, so long as your songs are appropriate for all audiences. 3rd Street Coffeehouse also holds a “First Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle” from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hosted by Jim Page, performers can bring new material or play cover songs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to sign SVSA member Alice Black up. Performers will get to play two was one of the performers at or three songs in an in-the-round the 3rd St Coffeehouse’s 31st setting. The next “First Thursday Anniversary celebration and homecoming on April 29th. Guitar Pull / Song Circle” will be held June 7th.

3rd Street Coffeehouse, venue. A hat is passed for donations 3rd Street Coffeehouse is established in 1987, is open every to the featured performers. located at Trinity United Methodist Friday evening. Opening act If you’re interested in opening a Church at 305 Mountain Ave. SW, performances last from 7:30-8:30 show or headlining a night at 3rd Roanoke, VA. p.m.; feature performer from 8:30- Street Coffeehouse, contact Josh More info can be found online 10:00 p.m. 3rd Street is a smoke- Jones at 540-761-1351 or email at www.roanoke.com Events free, alcohol-free, no-cover-charge [email protected]. Calendar and on Facebook.

16 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA Performing Members’ Upcoming Gigs

June 16, 3 Li’l Pigs BBQ, solo, 7:00-10:00 p.m. (weather DAVID SIMPKINS permitting), 120 Kingston Dr, Daleville VA June 8, Smith Mountain Arts Council Coffee House Series June 29, India Garden Restaurant, solo, 6:00-8:30 p.m., 210 SVSA Songwriters Night with Mike DiGiorgi, Mike Franke, Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg VA Larry Helms, Celie Holmes, Larry Sakayama, Greg Trafidlo, Larry Williams, Kathy Acosta, and Britt Mistele. 7:00-9:30 p.m., Rt 122, downtown Moneta VA, https:// ASPEN & ALICE BLACK smithmountainartscouncil.wildapricot.org/2018-Coffee- May 25, Richard Leigh Songwriters Festival Finalists Show, House-Series-with-Southwest-Virginia-Songwriters Heartwood, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Abingdon VA July 7, Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons (7th June 7, Franklin County Library, Westlake Branch, Singing Anniversary Show) with Britt Mistele, Greg Trafidlo, and Cowgirls Interactive Concert, 10:30 a.m., Hardy VA Kathy Acosta, noon-1:30 p.m., 206 S Locust St, Floyd VA June 9, Fauquier County Library, Main Branch, Summer Reading Kickoff Concert, 10:30 a.m., Winchester VA MARC BASKIND June 9, Fauquier County Library, Bealeton Branch, Summer Reading Kickoff Concert, 1:30 p.m., Bealeton VA Fridays & Saturdays, The Greenbrier main dining room, with the Walter Scott Trio, 7:00-10:00 p.m., White Sulphur Springs June 9, Fauquier County Library, Marshall Branch, Summer WVA Reading Kickoff Concert, 3:30 p.m., Marshall VA Sunday Evenings, Luigi’s, background solo, 6:00-9:00 p.m., June 11, St. Clairsville Public Library, Pre-Guitar Workshop & Brambleton Ave, Roanoke VA Concert, 1:00 p.m.; Guitar Like a Star Workshop & Concert, 2:30 p.m., St. Clairsville OH June 10, Beliveau Estates Winery, solo, 2:30-5:00 p.m., 5415 Gallion Ridge Rd, Blacksburg, VA June 12, Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, Ukulele Workshop & Concert, 10:00 a.m.; Guitar Like a Star Workshop & Concert, 2:00 p.m.; Cowgirl Concert for the Community, 6:30 p.m., SVSA members May 2018 Tiffin OH June 15, Clear Lake Public Library, Cowboy Music and Poetry Kathy Acosta Josh Jones Concert, 11:00 a.m., Clear Lake IA David Barudin Ashley Lucas June 18, Williamsburg Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Marc Baskind Elizabeth McCauley Interactive Concert, 10:00 a.m., Williamsburg IA Alice Black Britt Mistele June 18, Newton Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive Aspen Black Eric Mosley Concert, 1:00 p.m., Newton IA David Bowen Jake Orzalli June 19, Gutekunst Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive Concert, 1:00 p.m., State Center IA Steve Clark Mollye Otis June 20, Fredericksburg Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Sam Darby Charles (Jack) Page Interactive Concert, 10:00 a.m., Fredericksburg IA Frank Dieter Mike Pearrell June 20, Waverly Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive Charlie Divers Larry Sakayama Concert, 2:00 p.m., Waverly IA Paul Douglas Bob Schmucker June 21, Jesup Public Library,Singing Cowgirls Interactive Mike Franke Denise Schmucker Concert, 1:30 p.m., Jesup IA Jerry Gilmore David Simpkins June 21, Burt Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive Concert, 7:00 p.m., Burt IA Egan Green Bill Stanton June 22, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Mary Gordon Hall Greg Trafidlo Interactive Concerts, 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m, 1:30 p.m., Dale Hamilton Randolph Walker Dubuque IA George Harris Tony Wegmann June 23, James Kennedy Public Library - Dyersville, IA - Dan Hildebrand Randy Williams Guitar Like a Star Workshop & Concert - 10:00 AM, Ukulele Workshop & Concert - 2:00 PM Celie Holmes Bob Coulter (In Memoriam) June 23, Dubuque County Public Library, Asbury Branch, Sid Crosswhite (Lifetime) Singing Cowgirls Interactive Concert, 4:00 p.m., Asbury IA

17 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Songwriting Contests, Workshops, etc.

The 2018 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Session I is now open. The deadline for entry is June 15. Be sure to carefully read the rules and regulations. Enter by mail, online, 2018 Songwriting Contest or through Sonicbids. http://jlsc.com/enter.php This songwriting contest is open to anyone who writes original music and not currently signed to a recording or publishing contract. Enter in Country, Gospel / Inspirational, Pop / Rock, Bluegrass, Folk, Lyrics Only, and Youth (age 18 and under). First place in each category wins $100. 2nd place wins $50. Third place wins $20. Overall winner wins $300 and an opportunity to perform at the Bluebird Café in Nashville. Complete information will be listed at a later date. Song Pitching Opportunity When you record six standard demos (at one recording session), we will arrange for four of those songs to be pitched for three months to major label artists and record companies. Or: When you record six master level demos (at one recording session), we’ll arrange for four of those songs to be pitched for six months to major label artists and record companies AND they will also be pitched to TV & film and special projects. Sessions must be completed by May 31. More info USA Songwriting Competition at http://www.kimcopelandproductions.com/song- MAY 31 deadline approaching. Win a top prize of pitching/ $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise. Also, have your winning songs played on radio! Enter in Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Instrumental, etc. More info: https://online.songwriting.net/

Jazz Institute at Jefferson Center in Roanoke VA is a comprehensive camp held from June 18-22 to teach about America’s art form, jazz. A week-long program will culminate in a series of final performances and recordings. Songwriting Competition Enrollment is $300 for local The Music City SongStar Awards is a songwriting teen musicians ages 12-19. competition open to songwriters worldwide. Deadline is The institute is open to June 30. Open to all genres. Top four finalists will perform all experience levels. For the first time, students will be their original song at a premier Nashville venue. Winner auditioning for a seat in our Star City All Star Big Band. For will be awarded $5,000 in cash. Other prizes to 25 semi- info, contact Jordan Harman at [email protected] or finalists. More info at https://musiccitysongstar.com/ call 540.685.2309.

18 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 Here a link, there a link ... PITCHING SONGS -- TO PLUG OR NOT TO PLUG BIGGEST MYTHS ABOUT MUSIC STREAMING http://www.kimcopelandproductions.com/song- https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/music-distribution/ plugger/ biggest-myths-music-streaming/

A SIMPLE METHOD FOR WRITING WORDS TO MUSIC CREATING A GOOD LYRIC VIDEO FOR LESS THAN $10 http://www.successforyoursongs.com/blog/a-simple- https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/youtube/creating- method-for-writing-words-to-music-your-lyrics-may- good-lyric-video-less-10/ sound-wordy-if-you-dont-do-this-210/ CREATIVE MUSIC PROMOTION DOs AND DON’Ts HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING THE BANJO https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/27248-tuning- http://info.deeringbanjos.com/how-to-get-started- up-hi-please-throw-away-my-new-album playing-banjo

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE FINGERPICKING HAND http://acousticguitar.com/the-care-and-feeding-of-the- picking-hand/ SVSA Classifieds Percussionist Wanted SHARING MUSIC WITH OTHERS http://acousticguitar.com/pass-it-on-five-ways-to-share- SVSA members Randy Walker and Josh music-with-individuals-and-groups/ Jones have formed a new band, the Living Ingrates, and are looking for a PLAY THE BLUES FIVE WAYS (video) percussionist. Randy and Josh sing and http://acousticguitar.com/video-lesson-blues-five-ways/ play guitar. Monty Cox sings lead and GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GUITAR plays keyboard. Marc Silva plays bass. The http://acousticguitar.com/guitar-on-a-budget-pros- group practices on Sunday afternoons offer-advice-on-getting-the-most-out-of-your-gear/ and at this point is playing mostly 60s and HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF CHORDS 70s covers (Beatles, Eagles, Who). The https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/27251-what- group is mostly for fun although there the-ell-how-to-make-the-most-of-4-chords may be some short duration gigs (i.e. no more than 45 minutes). Contact Randy at MATTRESS PRACTICE: WHAT IS IT & HOW CAN IT HELP? https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/26821-tuning- [email protected] up-mattress-practice-not-as-tawdry-as-it-sounds GUITAR FOR SALE CHOOSING CHORDS THAT WORK WITH YOUR MELODY http://www.songwriting.net/blog/choosing-chords- Alvarez Yairi 6-string guitar. Spruce top, rare that-work-with-melody Hawaiian Koa back and sides. Gloss finish and in great shape. K&K Pure Mini pick-up system. LAUNCHING YOUR NEXT MUSIC PROJECT Comes with a hard shell case. $550.00 Call https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/ready- Britt Mistele 540-745-6771. to-launch-your-next-music-project-do-these-4-things- first/ SVSA Music News free STEP BY STEP: HOW TO WRITE A SONG https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-write-a- classifieds may be submitted song-for-beginners-a-step-by-step-guide-to-becoming- by paid members only. All a-songwriter/ classifieds must be music- related.

19 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

eyes on the horizon kaleidoscope touch the sky crossing over time

marc with a “c” long story short here with you eyes on the water

Barbara Martin Marc Baskind EYES ON THE HORIZON — Jazz and all marc with a “c”— Sampler CD of covers originals with Robert Redd on piano, Chuck and original songs offers a taste of the varied Redd on drums and vibes, Steve Wolf on styles of this accomplished guitarist/singer. bass, Mac Walter on guitar, Bruce Swaim on saxophone, John Jensen on trombone, and David Simpkins Matt Finley on flugelhorn. Long Story Short — Offers 12 original Kaleidoscope — Barbara’s jazziest CD. Americana tunes blending rock, folk, blues, All original songs, with co-writes with Joel and country. Evans, Mac Walter, and Greg Trafidlo. Touch the Sky — Swinging acoustic Mark Laperle blues and jazz from Barb Martin and Mac Walter. HERE WITH YOU — Twelve original songs feature a blend of folk, blues, Americana, and pop. Backed by several SVSA members and David Bowen (Acoustic others. Reset) Crossing over time — Featuring The Panini Brothers folk-pop tunes. Eight originals and eight Eyes on the water — Debut CD from a covers accented by solid guitar licks and group comprised of SVSA members Larry accompanying instruments. Available at Sakayama and Mike DeGiorgi as well as Chip acousticreset.com. Conway, Mark Earnhardt, and Scott Thomas. Jazzy, bluesey, eclectic, original tunes.

20 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

carved in song folk singular co-writers in disguise old dog, new tracks

the crawlspace tapes pacing the moon winkin’ tao from the mountain Greg Trafidlo Josh Jones Carved in Song— Most songs co-written Pacing the Moon — Thirteen of the with some of Greg’s favorite songwriters. strongest songs Josh has written. For lyrics, Listen to audio clips at gregtrafidlo.com. short audio clips and additional information, please visit www.jonesgroupmusic.com. folk singular— Greg’s third solo CD reflects the diversity of his songwriting Trifolkal and production skills. With SVSA-ers on background vocals, and Marc Baskind on winkin’ — Newest release from that “trio guitar and vocals. fiercely dedicated to fun” tempers the fun with poignancy and heart. Co-Writers in Disguise — Contemporary folk/country with an emphasis on well-crafted Tao from the Mountain — Tight lyrics and humor. With a number of SVSA harmonies, warmth, and witty songwriting members appearing on the CD. from Laura Pole, Greg Trafidlo & Neal Phillips. Old Dog – New Tracks — Songs that range from silly to sublime, drawing you in with warmth, wit, and humor. Songs include “I Got “The work you do while Stuck Behind Buford,” “Time is a Mountain,” you procrastinate is and “The Tumbler.” Buy it from CD Baby or probably the work you contact Greg at [email protected]. should be doing for the THE CRAWLSPACE TAPES — Greg’s newest rest of your life.” CD is a compilation of all his funny and ~ Jessica Hische goofy stuff. Tom Paxton says, “Loosen up, sourpusses. Greg is on the loose again!”

21 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

cup of contradictions dimestore detective land of my dreams tales from the road

eastern western from the heart of a horsegirl poet lovin’ the west cowgirl cowgirl Mike Pearrell Aspen Black cup of contradictions — 13 original Tales From the Road — 15 original poems songs. Lots of SVSA musicians singing and with musical backup. Every poem has a tie to playing. a road, although the road is never the subject. Either the road runs through it, shows up in dimestore detective — Mike’s first solo a fleeting moment, or the whole story was CD features 14 original songs. Produced by inspired by, or witnessed “on the road.” Greg Trafidlo; with a number of guest SVSA musicians. Available at Mike’s shows. Eastern Western Cowgirl — Eight original Contemporary Western songs. Marian and Dan McConnell Available at CDBaby.com/aspenblack7. from the heart of a cowgirl — Land of My Dreams — Takes the listener Original spoken word poems adhering to the along on an excursion in the Blue Ridge Western Music Association guidelines for the Mountains in Virginia through 14 original cowboy poetry genre. Available at CDBaby. folk songs with celtic and country/rock underpinnings. Recorded at Catawba Sound horsegirl poet — Songs and poems about Studio. Available at cdbaby.com. horses, cowboys, and rural life. Available at CDBaby. LOVIN’ THE WEST — This is the latest CD “Be regular and orderly in your released by Western Music Association singer/ life, so that you may be violent songwriter – and SVSA member – Aspen Black. and original in your work.” It features 10 original selections, seven of which are road-tested favorites. ~ Gustave Flaubert

22 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

my life gumbo style eagle rock session Mike Franke what’s done is done — A debut release of 14 original folk and blues tunes about everyday life and interesting people featuring Mike’s fingerstyle and slide guitar.

dog joggin’ what’s done is done Newest CD gets positive review SVSA member Aspen Black’s Lovin’ the West CD got Jimmie Landry a fine review in the summer edition of The Western Way magazine. SVSA-er Randy Walker (who played on the MY LIFE — Jimmie sings stories about his CD, recorded, and co-produced it with Aspen) got a nice friends, family, and life on the road. A jazzy- mention, too. The review below is on a DJ’s page from blues New Orleans-style piano and vocals Spain. This album also topped out at #7 on the western paint a picture of 60 years in music. music charts. In addition, Aspen’s poetry CD, Tales From the Road, GUMBO — Hot and spicy down-home jazz, is getting significant airplay on western radio shows funk, and soul that goes down easy. Ten nationwide, as well as in Europe and New Zealand. originals and three covers. Lovin’ The West STYLE — A blend of standards and one by Rick Huff original in a variety of grooves like straight- On Aspen Black’s newest release, musical ahead swing, samba, jazz, waltz, and funky enhancements are provided by Kerry Grombacher second-line blues. (mandolin, harmonies and a lead vocal duet on Sing Me A Campfire Song) and by album co-producer Randolph Walker (lead and rhythm guitar, harmonica, acoustic bass Randy Williams and harmony vocals). The effect makes this one Ms. Black’s EAGLE ROCK SESSION — Americana best produced CD to date. compositions with imaginative lyrics For listeners who recall the sound of certain mid-1960s groups, Aspen Black’s high, crisp vocals might prove delivered in a unique and soulful voice. reminiscent of hits from The Silkie (i.e., You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away) or perhaps We Five who scored with You Steve Clark Were On My Mind. ... Fans of Ms. Black should find sufficient fodder here DOG JOGGIN’ — Eleven sweet and true on which to graze. amusing tunes comprise this quirky singer/ https://www.whenthecowboysings.com/aspen- songwriter CD. Available at cdbaby.com. black-lovin’-the-west/

23 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018 SVSA DISCLAIMER About Classifieds: The ideas and opinions contained SVSA Music News free classifieds may be submitted in this newsletter are intended by paid members only. All classifieds must be music- to be helpful to songwriters. The related. Members, e-mail your classifieds to svsa. companies and organizations [email protected]. mentioned are believed to be legitimate; however, SVSA does not endorse any products or services and About articles and other written offers no guaranteed success based contributions: on the content. SVSA members write feature articles for the SVSA We are always looking for articles Music News throughout the year. Members can about SVSA members and articles submit other articles and features at any time. Non- of interest to the songwriting members may also submit articles and other written community. Email articles and contributions but their inclusion will be subject to time information to the Editor, David and space constraints. All articles may be edited for Simpkins, at svsa.songwriters@ space considerations and will be edited, as time allows, gmail.com. SVSA is a non-profit for spelling and grammar. E-mail submissions to svsa. organization. [email protected]. SVSA Board Members: About Announcements: Mike Franke – President Ashley Lucas - Vice President SVSA members may list music-related announcements in the SVSA Music News. E-mail them to svsa. David Simpkins – Secretary and [email protected] by the second Tuesday of Newsletter Editor the month. Announcements from members will be Frank Dieter – Treasurer e-mailed to members as soon as they are received and, Bob Schmucker - At-Large Board if still timely, published in an upcoming issue of the Member SVSA Music News. Announcements from non-members Mike DeGiorgi - At-Large Board Member will be held for publication in an upcoming issue of the Dennis Danner - At-Large Board Member SVSA Music News. Larry Helms - At-Large Board Member

About Members’ Gig Listings: SVSA members may submit their upcoming performance schedules for publication in the SVSA Music News. The submissions will be printed as submitted; the more information you provide, the SVSA more likely the response. P.O. Box 698 Salem, VA 24153 www.svsasongs.com

24 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | MAY 2018