FORT WORTH SONGWRITERS’ ASSOCIATION Songwriters’ Roundup The Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation FWSA, P.O. Box 330233, Fort Worth, TX 76163

Volume 25, No. 10 JULY 2018

Monthly Songwriter IN THIS ISSUE: From The President Page 2 Gathering (MSG) Sound Bites Page 3&4 FWSA Membership Drive Page 4 July 19, 2018, 6:30pm Websites for Songwriters Page 5 Dickey’s BBQ Pit FWSA Song Contest Page 6&7 FWSA Songwriting Workshop Page 10 6219 Oakmont FWSA Spring Showcase Page 11 Blvd Monday Night Open Mic Page 12&13 Fort Worth, TX Writing a Performance Song Page 14 76132 FWSA Membership Application Page 16 “Song Contest Computer Training” New Members and Renewals The FWSA Song Contest for 2018 has moved out of the “dark ages” and in to a New: Bill Webb new age of technology. All song entries Renewals: Kevin Kent, Mitch Fenner for 2018 will now be submitted “on-line” through a new and easy program. This Welcome to the FWSA!!! will streamline the process of collecting entries and provide an accurate tracking program. This MSG will be dedicated to actual “hands on” training which will allow our FWSA EVENTS members to become thoroughly familiar with the new system. IN JULY Song evaluations will follow the presen- tation, so bring those lyric sheets if you want to participate in the evaluation 07/02 - NO OPEN MIC portion. 07/16 - Open Mic Night Hope to see everyone there !! 07/19 - Monthly Songwriter Gathering

PAGE 2 Songwriters’ Roundup

From the President FWSA By Rob Owen Board of

I wanted to use this space for Directors something important. Back President - Rob Owen when some of us first became Vice President - Alan Beauvais members of the Board, we wanted to move the Secretary/Fundraising - Deborah Owen FWSA in a whole new direction and into the new millennium. We had to start thinking globally and Treasurer - Linda Terry change the old way of doing things because it was Special Events Admin - Michael Conner Board Member at Large - James Nitschke no longer feasible. Over the last few years, I have witnessed great strides toward that goal working Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association, Incorporated with John Terry, Rick Tate, and the present Board. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, dedicated to When working with a non-profit, you must be fis- the education of persons in the craft of songwriting, cally responsible. What do I mean? I mean you music and related topics, the preservation of song- can’t spend money you do not have. Over the writing and original music as a viable art form, and years we have held fundraisers and ways to earn the promotion of songwriters, songwriting and orig- money for the FWSA to benefit our members. You see, an association like the FWSA can’t exist with- inal music as an asset to the community. out members and members won’t stay around un- CONTACT US AT: less they receive a benefit for joining or renewing each year. So, on that note let’s talk about some of Website: www.fwsa.com the present and upcoming events taking place. E-Mail: [email protected] 1) Membership Drive (Page 4) - This is the last Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association month to sign up and receive a $20.00 credit for each new member. P.O. Box 330233 2) FWSA Song Contest (Page 6&7) - The FWSA Fort Worth, TX. 76163 Song Contest is now open and we will be holding another special computer class at our Monthly Songwriter Gathering on July 19th (see Page 1). 3) Songwriter Workshop (Page 10) - This is one of our most exciting events of the year. We will be holding a Songwriter Workshop with Amanda Hunt Taylor. She won both Songwriter of the Year Advertising Rates and Song of the Year with her hit “Your Love Business advertising rates for Songwriters’ Amazes Me”. Her workshop will be concentrating on the business of music, networking, promoting Roundup are as follows: your songs, publishing, and studio time. Her expe- Business Card - $5/Issue rience and stories in the music industry will amaze 1/4 Page - $15/ Issue you (no pun intended). Those are just a few of the ways we serve our 1/2 Page - $25/ Issue membership, but to me one of the most important Full - $40/ Issue is still sharing the gift of our music. Songwriting is an art form deep within each individual waiting to Contact us at: be shared with the world. Where a song comes from is anybody’s guess. But, I am happy to have [email protected] to discuss prop- folks like you around me to share this experience. er formatting and submissions. Take care and keep the music growing.

Volume 25, No. 10 july 2018 PAGE 3

(Aden Bubeck) tracks has been completed. Bill an- “SOUND ticipates a release in time for the holidays. Rob Owen - Rob latest CD single, “Send You BITES” Home” can be found at www.cdbaby.com/cd/ Who’s Doing What in the FWSA? robowen12. For more information on Rob’s music, Michael Anderson - Check out Michael’s solo CD’s go to his website at www.6stringentertainment.biz “Community Without Chaos” featuring all original or www.reverbnation.com/robowen. material and "Walking The Beauty Way” CD. Mi- Bill Sibley - Bill is receiving some radio play on chael is now working on his latest CD called “Sacred Roots” - A compilation of original songs and Ballads his songs (KNON in Dallas) and he will be playing of life in the Norse Community of Bosque County. at the Songbird listening room in Cleburne, TX, on For more info, go to Michael’s Reverb page: 07/21, with Brittany Oviedo & Peter Pope. Bill www.reverbnation.com/michaelanderson4. will also will be appearing on “In the Music Room” Jhan Beaupre - Jhan has some of his new songs in Sept. Bill was one of the Top 3 finalist for Texas listed on https://soundcloud.com/jhan-beaupre/songs Troubadour Songwriter of the Year last year and -forever. won in 2015. He is in the studio with 5 new songs Marty Clifford - Marty will be playing on 07/04, for a new CD this year. For more info on Bill’s Hilton Hotel, Cisco, TX. 07/07, Scranton Communi- music, go to Spotify , Amazon Youtube music & ty Center, Scranton, TX. 07/20, Olden Community ITunes Bill Sibley | CD Baby Music Store. Center, Olden, TX. Brad Davis - Brad hosts a Songwriter Showcase on Tony Ramey - Tony will be performing at numer- the third Tuesday of each month at Mugs Coffee ous venues throughout the area. For more infor- Shop, 1123 Main St., Commerce, TX. Sign up is at mation, go to www.tonyramey.com. 7:00 pm and start time is 7:30pm. All songs must be Rick Tate - Rick Tate is currently working with original and family friendly. Only 10 writers for the Kyle Tankersly at Bad Puttie studio on recordings, night and 2 songs each. The show is recorded for broadcast on KETR 88.9 Notably Texan - Texas and talking with Cathy Baldwin at DaCat Music, to A&M Commerce. Hosted by Grammy Record Per- improve lyrics. forming Artist Brad Davis Sponsored by BDRS, SIT John Terry - John just returned from a productive Strings, Gretsch Guitars, Alvarez Guitars, Neotech musical experience in Nashville. He played at Debi Straps, Shubb Capos, Charmed Life Guitar Picks, Champion’s Writers Night at the Commodore Deering Banjos. Contact Brad ahead of time for available slots. For info, go to Grille. John is also the NSAI Coordinator in the www.braddavismusic.com. DFW area. For more info, contact John. ShariRaye Kolb - ShariRaye is currently working Wayne Willingham - Wayne is back in studio with on original songs. To purchase: Albums "IT IS engineer/co-producer Cliff Stegall, working on a 6- TIME" and "JESUS IS CHRISTMAS" are available song EP, tentatively titled “Yo Yo”. After some at https://shariraye.org; https://www.facebook. health delays, they’re shooting for a late summer com/rayeshari; http://www.reverbnation.com/ release. Watch for appearance info and sneak pre- shariraye. views on Wayne’s website, William Kuhlmann - Bill has been in the studio www.waynewillingham. com. working on his new project, “Love Song”, a concept album organized around an early poem by T.S. Eliot. Fort Worth artist, Nancy Lamb, will collaborate with paintings for the artwork. The project is being pro- duced and engineered by Greg White at SG Studios, and recording of the drum (Josh Rodgers) and bass CONT’D ON PAGE 4:

PAGE 4 Songwriters’ Roundup

Gus Wolman - Gus has completed, and is selling, his new 10 song CD, "Real Men Do Cry" (Songwriter’s Edition). Please go to the home page and scroll down at http://www.wccmp.com. Gary Pinkston and Gus Wolman’s Song, "Gold Cross & Jesus", has been released by Recording Artist Todd Barrow. Todd Bar- row's New Song - "Grit and Grime", written by Nick Nichols (WCCMP Songwriter Family Member) was featured on the Pro to Star Top Ten Show on CKIW76.com! Plays in 71 countries with that kind of reach!! CONGRATS to Todd and Nick!! Will Gunnell has written a song about school shootings, called "You're Coming Home With Me Tonight". We are working hard to try to connect with the Never Again Movement, hoping to donate $1.00 per song to support their org. This song snippet can be heard via the following link- Winner's Circle Country Music Publishing- "You're Coming Home With Me Tonight"- in support of prevention of school shootings.

LAST MONTH TO PARTICIPATE!!! The FWSA is conducting a new and exciting membership drive for 2018. All actively cur- rent members, lifetime members, and board members will receive a $20.00 credit toward their next membership renewal, songwriter workshop, or song contest entry fee for each new member they sign up. Sign up 1 - $20.00 credit, Sign up 2 - $40.00 credit, Sign up 3 - $60.00 credit, (maximum of 3 new members). Use the credits as you choose. If you sign up 3 members and have a $60.00 credit - you can use $40.00 on your renewal and $20.00 for a work- shop or song contest entry fee. It is your choice on how to spend your credit. 1) Membership drive will end on August 1, 2018. 2) All credits must be used in 2018, with the exception of membership renewals due in 2019. 3) Maximum of 3 new members or prior members that have been out of the FWSA for more than 90 days. Credits will not be given for renewals of current members. 4) You must be a paid member current in your membership, lifetime member, or board member, to participate (excludes Honorary Members). 5) All unused credits will be forfeited if not used by the next membership renewal date in 2019. REMEMBER - In order to qualify for signing up a new member, your name “MUST” appear on the membership application form in the section “If recruited by a present member, what is the member’s name”. Thanks to Alan Beauvais, Linda Terry, Rob Owen, Mitch Fenner, and Rose Jeffus for signing up new members !!

VolumeVolume 25, 25, No. No. 10 10 ap july 2018 PAGE 55

Songwriting Competitions/Contests Note: Information regarding contests is provided as a ser- YouTube: www.youtube.com/nashvilleguitarguru, vice to our members.Websites The Fort Worth For Songwriters ’ Associ- teaching blog: www.daveisaacs.com/the-perpetual ation is not a sponsor, affiliate, or underwriter for any of the contests listed. -beginner.

American SongwriterSongwriters Magazine’s bi-monthly Amateur Songwriting and Music Business Community - LyricsBarbara Contest Cloyd.com accepts entries - Barbarayear-round;’s websiteentry fee isoffer $12 perlinks SMB Community is a group of songwriters and song.to songwriting Bi-monthly winners organizations, receive a Gibson pitching SJ- 200opportunities, guitar and music business enthusiasts who work together to a Shure SM58 microphone. For additional information, visit 6550 Camp Bowie Blvd. PRO info, books, networking websites, and song- create a new paradigm for the new music busi- their web site, www.americansongwriter.com. ness. Events, articles, educational material, and VHwriter-1”s “ festivals.Song of the Articles, Year” Contest studio selects links, one and winner songwrit- and Fort Worth, Texas 76116 fouring finalists instruction. in each of ten She categories offers each“Play month for for Publishers forward- ” newsletter. SMB Founder, Instructor, Author, ingworkshops to music industry and representatives;song critiques monthly and winnersconsultations. com- Songwriter - 817Amanda-377 Williams.-0270 For information peteHer for link the “toSong “About of the NashvilleYear” title.” providesFor more information,a variety of or to sign up, go to www.songwritingandmusic visituseful www.songoftheyear.com. tips from music venues to trip planning. For business.comVoted .“Best Chicken-Fried The BOSAs Songwriting Awards is a twice-yearly global Songwriters Connection - Connecting with sing- competition,further information, where top songs go toand www.barbaracloyd.com artists are showcased to the. Steak” by Fort Worth Weekly musicBronson industry,’s Music.com while competing - forBronson category Herrmuth prizes. For is a ers and songwriters to help them achieve their moremusic information, publisher, visit www.thebosas.com. producer, musician, songwriter, goals in the worldMagazine of music. Weekly newsletter Theauthor Singer/Songwriter and journalist. Awards His websiteand Lyric offers Writer workshops Awards with articles and info - The Songwriters Connec- from We Are Listening, are now underway, with an entry fee tion E-Tip andCome The See Artist Why! Connection E- of and $5.00 articles per on entry. songwriting, For more recording, information, touring, visit co - www.wearelistening.org.writing, and demo recording. For further infor- Tip. Great insights and information for writers and Contemporarymation, go to Christian www.bronsonsmusic.com Music Network’s International. performers,Live Music from Every Nashville Friday producer & Kim Copeland. Sign up at www.songwritersconnec SongwritingCD Tex - Contest The original offers more Texas than Country $20,000 and in cash Red and-Dirt prizes, awarded through four separate contests – one each tion.com. Saturday night quarter;Music 1st, Source. 2nd, and Articles 3rd place andwinners news, for eachartists quarterly and current con- testreleases, and one “ downloads,Songwriter of featurethe Year videos,Award” willCD be Tex selected. Radio Songwriters Marketplace - A songwriter based ParticipantsShow. A can division receive progressiveof BGM Networks, songwriting Inc.critiques For (you more website for showcasing and performing artists. It caninformation, enter, receive go your to www.cdtex.com critiques, work on. improving your provides information on industry news, events, songs, enter them again in a different quarter, receive your reviews,Home interviews, of the FWSA and articles. critiques,Cliff Goldmacher.com etc.). For complete - Cliff ’s website details, is godesigned to www.songwritersmarketplace.com. www.christiansongwriting.com.to allow you access to on -demand, practical song- Showwriting Me Theand Musicmusic is biz a songwriting instructions. contest Song that isdemo held in re- “Songwriter’sTexas Music Office - Serves Open as clearinghouse Mic” for threecording, phases on with-line the blog, winners video of each podcasts, phase competing ebooks, forwebi- a Texas music industry information. Provides refer- Grand Prize of $10,000.00 or a recording session in Nashville, rals to Texas music businesses, talent and events TN.nars, The newsletter, entry fee is $30.and foreducational the first song articles. and $20. Forfor each more Every Monday Night information, go to www.cliffgoldmacher.com, in order to attract new business to Texas in order additional song. For further information about the contest, to keep music business in-state. Serves as liaison visitJason www.showmethemusic.com. Blume.com - Jason ’s website offers song- 6:00-9:00 PM USA Songwriting Competition is a songwriting contest between music businesses and other government writing tips, articles, song critique services and offices and agencies. Publicizes significant devel- whichwebinars, offers up workshops, to $50,000.00 events, in cash and prizes demo for studio the over- list- All Songwriters and Performers of all winner which is determined by independent judges. Entry opments within the Texas music industry. For fur- feeings. is only For $35.00 more per song. information, For further go information, to www.jason visit ther information,Original go Music to www.gov.texas.gov/music are Welcome . www.songwriting.net.blume.com. Winner's Circle Country Music Publishing TheMusic John 3.0Lennon Music Songwriting Industry Contest Blog is - an Bobbyopen contest Ows- thatinski awards’s inside prizes in look 12 separate at the categories. music industry. This contest Go is to (WCCMP) - WCCMP is a 16 year old music open all year and entries must be made before the closing publishing, marketing and promotions company. dateswww.music3point0.com of the established sessions. for Entry more fee details. per song Bobby is $30. ’s andcourses, is open podcasts,to all songwriters. blog links, For furtherlearning information, and interview visit WCCMP has accrued over 50 indie cuts, working www.jlsc.com.videos can be found at his main website at www. with songwriters across the country as well as Ire- Indiebobbyowsinski.com International Songwriting. Contest is an annual song land, England and Russia. In addition, WCCMP competition that gives recognition to some of the best emerg- ingNashvilleGuitarGuru songwriters in the world. ’ sEntry Channel fee is $30. - per Dave song. Isaacs For has been blessed with three major label "holds" furtherpresents information, instructional visit www.indieinternational.com. video on arranging music, in- for Sony artists. WCCMP's web site is designed to strument techniques, and other educational sessions. be of help to artists that are looking for "hit mate- His websites offers videos, events, workshops, arti- rial". For further info, go to http://www.wccmp. cles and teaching videos. For more info, go to www.daveisaacs.com or www.renfreeisaacs.com. com/.

PAGE 6 Songwriters’ Roundup

THE FWSA SONG CONTEST IS NOW OPEN Opening Date: July 1, 2018 Closing Date: August 20, 2018

Categories: Lyric Only, Instrumental Only, Love/Relationship Songs- Bare Bones, Love/Relationship Songs-Studio Produced, Holi- day Songs-Bare Bones, Holiday Songs-Studio Produced, Other-Bare Bones, Other-Studio Produced Cost of Entry: $10.00 per Song, 3 Songs for $25.00, 6 Songs for $50.00

First Place winners will receive $50.00 and a Plaque. Second Place winners will receive a Plaque. Third Place winners will receive a Plaque.

All First Place winners will compete in a drawing for a chance at the Grand Prize of $300.00. In addition, all First Place winners (excluding Lyric Only) will have their songs forwarded to an independent record promoter for further review. More Information on the rules of the contest and submis- sion procedures, go to our website at www.fwsa.com and click the link for the 2018 FWSA Song Contest.

july 2018 Volume 25, No. 10 PAGE 7 FWSA Song Contest Summary, Rules, and Entry Links

Category Explanation:

Bare Bones is one vocal/one instrument only.

Studio Produced includes more than one vocal or one instrument whether done in a professional studio or home produced.

A category must have entries from at least three different members, or it will be closed and entry fees will be refunded.

NOTE: The “other” category is designated for songs that do not fall into any of the specific categories. Rules of Contest:

Opening date for the contest is July 1, 2018. Payment, lyric sheets, and audio version of song must be uploaded no later than 11:59pm on the closing date of August 20, 2018.

Lyric sheets should contain only the title to the song – not the songwriter information.

Only members of the Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association are eligible to participate in the song contest. Co-writers can be non-members.

Previous First Place winners in this contest cannot be resubmitted in any category.

The song contest is open to all original songs in any style or genre.

Links to Submit Entries for Song Contest (Also Listed on Website)

INSTRUMENTAL ONLY Entry LYRIC ONLY Entry

Bare Bones HOLIDAY SONGS Entry Bare Bones LOVE/RELATIONSHIP SONGS Entry

Bare Bones OTHER SONGS Entry Studio Produced HOLIDAY SONGS Entry

Studio Produced OTHER SONGS Entry Studio Produced LOVE/RELATIONSHIP SONGS Entry

PAYMENT FORM for FWSA Song Contest

PAGE 8 Songwriters’ Roundup

Are You Interested in Serving on the Board of Directors in 2019? If so, contact one of the present Board members and let them know. Be a part of the team and help shape the direction of the FWSA in the future.

july 2018 Volume 25, No. 10 PAGE 9

Buffalo West Restaurant

7101 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, TX. 76116 817-732-2370 Home of the FWSA “Songwriter’s Open Mic”

Every 1st and 3rd Monday Night (excluding holidays). 6:30 - 9:30 PM All Songwriters and Performers of original music are welcome.

Big Brother is Watching!! No Covers. If you did not write it, don’t perform it (without expressed permission from the songwriter).

Any sign-ups after 8:30 pm will perform at the discretion of the FWSA.

Family Friendly and Non-Smoking. Come Out and Support Texas Music!!

PAGE 10 Songwriters’ Roundup

july 2018 Volume 25, No. 10 PAGE 11

FWSA SPRING SHOWCASE On Saturday, June 16th, the FWSA hosted its annual Spring Showcase at Buffalo West Restaurant, Fort Worth, TX. The artists which performed were a mix of genres that kept the audience entertained through- out the show. Thanks to all the members that participated and Michael Conner for organizing the event.

Damon Gay (right) and Ryan Mottinger (left) Kem Anderson

Chuck Vankirk Theodore A. Henning II

Lonesome Wonderers Bill Sibley

PAGE 12 Songwriters’ Roundup Monthly Songwriter Gathering August 16, 2018, 6:30pm Dickey’s BBQ Pit 6219 Oakmont Blvd Fort Worth, TX 76132 “Story Tellers” Choose one of your songs. Tell the audience the story behind the song; i.e. who inspired it, how or where it was written, what was the creative process, etc… Then, perform the song for the group. This is not an song evaluation unless you want it to be in which case you need to bring lyric sheets. The official song evaluation portion of the gathering will be held upon the conclusion of the exercise. Please bring lyric sheets if you want to participate in the song evaluations. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE FOR SOME FUN AND GREAT B.B.Q.

Monday Night Open Mic

Stephen Paul Al Marrow Kavin Allenson

Mitch Fenner Kevin Kent

july 2018 Volume 25, No. 10 PAGE 13

Monday Night Open Mic

Bryon Simpson Wayne Willingham Chris and Christy Harper

Tom Horneman Chris Thompson Ron Wallace

Rick Rtiz Eddie “Witness” Breeding Michelle Garrison

Jon Cunningham James Marvin Nitschke Bill Webb

PAGE 14 Songwriters’ Roundup FWSA Guitar Picks Yes, you heard it right. Specially designed FWSA guitar picks. These guitar picks are available for purchase at any of our live events or by mail. All money collected from sales go directly to the FWSA which means it goes right back to our members. 3 Picks for $5.00, White Pearl, 0.8 gauge If requesting an order by mail, please contact us at [email protected] for pricing. Cash or Checks only for purchases under $20.00. Credit cards can be used for any purchases over $20.00. You can be invoiced directly to you email address. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of history. FWSA guitar picks will soon be a collector’s items highly sought after by everyone.

Writing a Performance Song By Mel Strait Contrary to some songwriters, every song doesn’t have to be about love. Yes, it’s true that some songwriters seem to write all their songs about love, and some are very good. However, a good songwriter can tread in deeper water and fish for a wider variety of topics. Hank Williams (Sr.) focused on songs from a broken heart, perhaps because of personal experienc- es, but other top writers look to a wider variety of subject matter. Dylan wrote about social reform, tragic events, simple observations, everyday activities and occasionally love. Some good writers set events from their own lives to verse, others call on their imagination to construct the story. All good writers have their own techniques for lyrical content. But lyrics are only part of a song, and if it’s an instrumental, it’s even less. That last thought was just a mild attempt at humor. The point being, don’t focus on the words at the expense of the other parts of the song. Some writers might say the words are the most important part of the song, while others would argue a dif- ferent prospective. One thing no one can dispute, there is no formula for writing a hit song. If there was such a formula, someone would have stumbled on it by now and all songs would be hits. Primarily, this is due to the taste of individual listeners. Some of us have a broad area of interest, others are much narrower. Some people like more rhythm, oriented songs while some folks like more melodic. I even have a friend who prefers ¾ (waltz) time over more conventional 4/4 or 2/4. Likewise, the audience at a live show may tend to favor specific types of music, or accept almost anything being performed, as long as it’s done well. That last part is key. I’ve found I’m much more tolerant of the genre and style if the performer does it well. So, what does it take to do a good performance? First off, evaluate your venue. Is it a listening event? If so, you can probably play about any type of music and fo- cus on your delivery. If it’s a dance, most of your songs better have an up-tempo and have a pretty distinct 4/4 beat.

July 2018 Volume 25, No. 10 PAGE 15

An occasional waltz or slow dance is usually appreciated, but if people are there to dance, they’re more concerned with songs that keep the feet moving. That wonderful ballad set you had planned may not be well received. If you’re playing a bar, a lot of peo- ple are going to be tipping a few. After they’ve finished crying in their beer from the first couple of songs, they may insist you cheer them up. If you don’t have some songs to do that, the next beer may be on you… literally. Just a side note here, I try to avoid any venue that has chicken wire tacked up around the stage. With the song list, a live performance must also be aware of arrangement. It’s easy to make elaborate ar- rangements with recorded music. Rich harmonies and complicated guitar overdubs seem almost effortless coming from the studio, but live performances have a lot more restrictions. First of all, you’re probably limited by the number of hands you have, not to mention voices. Unless you can sing harmony with your- self (I actually saw a performer who could do that, and I’m still trying to figure it out), you will need anoth- er person to perform with you. If you’re a good instrumentalist you might be able to fashion a nice solo performance, but if you are primarily a songwriter, your musicianship may only be mediocre. A good ac- companist might help the show. Stage size may mandate smaller acts (that doesn’t mean you should per- form with children or elves). The number of mics and instrument inputs may also limit the size of your group. Plus, more people means more cost to travel, eat and even sleep if you have to stay overnight. There’s a lot to consider. So, if you’re performing something you’ve written and want a warm welcome, choose originals from your repertoire that match the venue. The larger your variety of songs and types of songs you write, the better the chance you can play songs acceptable for any venue. If you have already established a fan following and can pack the place with people who like you, you might be able to play anything. If you’re trying to get established or just looking to test new material, match the songs to the place. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR: Mel has been an active member of the FWSA since 1999. He has performed musically, worked radio and TV, and eventually settled into academia. Along a career path almost as crooked as an Arkansas country road, there were several near misses with mainstream music success, opportunities to focus on announcing, and a lot of personal satisfaction producing television programming and guiding stu- dents to successful careers of their own in TV. Through it all, music has been the thread that stitched the pieces together. The writing has expanded to include music beds for commercials, soundtracks for presentations and programs as well as traditional songs to be performed live or heard in record- ings. FWSA T-Shirts On Sale Now!! Pick them up at any of our live events. Supply is limited, so get them while they last. Various sizes and colors still available. Contact us at [email protected] for further info. FORT WORTH SONGWRITERS’ ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION / UPDATE

New Member Application ______Renewal/Update ______Change of Address or Other Info _____ (Please Print Legibly)

Name: Date: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Daytime Phone: ______Evening Phone:

E-mail: ______Website:

How did you find out about Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association? _____

Would you like to be considered for a Musical Showcase or other Public Performance? ( ) Yes ( ) No

If recruited by a present member, what is the member’s name? ______I Write: Type of Music I Sing Instruments I Play Type Music/Lyrics I Write [ ] Music [ ] Americana [ ] Rhythm Guitar [ ] Americana [ ] Lyrics [ ] Bluegrass [ ] Lead Guitar [ ] Bluegrass [ ] Other______[ ] Blues [ ] Bass [ ] Blues [ ] Country [ ] Keyboard [ ] Country Supporter Only [ ] Folk [ ] Drums [ ] Folk [ ] Not Songwriter [ ] Gospel [ ] Other______[ ] Gospel Performer, or [ ] Rock [ ] Rock Musician [ ] Other______[ ] Other ______I give permission for the information provided above along with any photos or other images taken by or under the direction of the Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association to be used for promotional purposes. I also agree to abide by all rules and guidelines while taking part in musical events or any organizational function.

Signature:______Date:______Options to Join the Fort Worth Songwriters’ Association NEW MEMBERS: (ALL NEW MEMBERS MUST COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION) a. Complete the above information and mail this form along with your annual membership fee of $40.00 to: FWSA, P.O. Box 330233, Fort Worth, TX. 76163. b. Complete the above information and submit this form along with your annual membership fee of $40.00 to a Board member at any of our venues or functions. c. Complete the above information and mail this form to the above address or submit it to a Board Member at any of our venues or functions. New members can request to receive an invoice be sent to their email address. Membership will be effective upon receipt of payment. RENEWALS: a. Complete the above information and mail this form along with your annual membership fee of $40.00 to: FWSA; P.O. Box 330233, Fort Worth, TX 76163. b. Complete the above information and submit this form along with your annual membership fee of $40.00 to a Board member at any of our venues or functions. c. PAY BY INVOICE: Existing members will be invoiced in their renewal month. Membership renewal will be effective up- on receipt of payment. Mail membership form or turn in the form to a Board member, if there are updates or changes to the previously submitted form.

RENEWAL DATE:______