SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

CRITIQUE WINNERSRio King is the Vern Dailey Award winner

for Songwriter of the

DSA EVENTS OPEN MICEvery Third Thursday Open Mic Dunn Brothers Coffee House, 3725 Belt Line Road, AddisonEvery First Monday Open Mic Half Price Books NE from 7-9, Free Every 2nd Wednesday Open Mic Burger Edge from 6:30-8:30, Free https://dallassongwriters.org/open-mics-and-showcases/

MONTHLY WORKSHOPS

SONG SWAP WORKSHOPS Songwriters perform their songs for peer review, bring your guitar, or piano. Visitors welcome, free. https://dallassongwriters.org/song-swap-workshops/

Song Swap Third MondayTinos Too Mexican Restaurant, 7 - 92205 Ave K , Plano, Tx 972 424 2572

SECOND TUESDAY MEETINGGuest Speaker & Song Critiqueshttps://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-meeting/See back page for details LYRIC CONTESTDeadlines quarterly. Win cash & recognition. Entry Fee $10 details at https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest//

ANGELAS - PLANOShowcase on 3rd Saturday 7-10 https://dallassongwriters.org/open-mics-and-showcases/

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL May 5 - 7http://www.guitarshow.com/

WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL CITYLINE STAGE May 19 - 21http://www.wildflowerfestival.com/

VOLUME 26, NUMBER 1 SPRING 2017

For the second year in a row, Rio King won the Songwriter of the Year Award for the most winning songs at the meeting critques in 2016. Rio also won the Song of The Year Award for 2016 with his song, “That Window Closes Fast”. He also placed second place for Song of The Year with “Play Me Sump'm Like Dat”.Charles Carter came in 3rd place with “I'm Singing My Heart Out In Dallas Tonight” .

In an interview recently, Rio praised DSA by saying,“I joined the DSA to get exactly what I've found: how to structure

a song; what works and doesn't work about a composition; different genres; different approaches; how to connect with the public and the industry. All these things and so much more have helped me, but the thing I found most helpful was the safe criticism that the experts and peers give. Listen to it and grow.” After early successes with his college rock and roll band, The Techniques out of Lubbock, and as a solo singer songwriter at Kerrville, Rio King has re-emerged from musical retirement. With deep affection for his native state, Rio has recently recorded his album, I'd Love To See Texas Again with Chris Gage of MoonHouse Studio in Austin to bring you a great collection of original Texas Music. His song, “Last Chance to Dance in Texas”, was also a finalist of the Best Songs of the Meeting.

The late Vern Dailey was named Dallas Songwriter a record four times, maybe more, who knows. He was short, shy, vain, funny, poetic—in short, a real stinker, and we miss him every month.

DSA Prez Michael Brandenberger presents Rio King the Songwriter of The Year Award.

2016 FALL LYRIC CONTEST WINNER

Ireland Casteel won 1st place in the 2016 Fall Lyric Contest . She is one of our younger members who attends high school in Grapevine, TX. She performed at the Awards Dinner on December 13th with Rio King and many other song contest winners. See more about last years lyric contest winners on page 7.

Founding President Emeritus, Barbara McMillen presenting Irland Casteel with the Lyric Contest Award.

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SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

Songwriter Groups- What’s in it for Me? by Barbara McMillen I was sitting next to DSA member Tom Douglas when he pitched his songs to Paul Worley at a songwriting seminar. Tom’s songwriting career took off when Collin Ray recorded his song “Little Rock” which was on the tape that Paul took back to Nashville. Tom has since won a Song of the Year Grammy for “The House That Built Me.” I watched DSA member and former President, Ron Grimes, approach a very young LeAnn Rhimes at a DSA monthly meeting where she came looking for songs for her first album. Co-writing with LeAnn, Ron got his first cut on her first album. They still remain close friends. I encouraged DSA Member Rory Lee Feek (“Some Beach” recorded by Blake Sheldon) to showcase at the Dallas Songwriters Seminar where he made important industry contacts that led to a staff writ- ing deal at Harlan Howard Music. He’s still writing in Nashville, had his own reality show about his farm just outside of Nashville, and was half of the duo Joey + Rory. Amber Dotson, a demo singer for many DSA members and a member herself also showcased at one of the seminars. Amber was a Capitol recording artist in Nashville for a time. And the list goes on. No doubt songwriters are connected to music industry contacts through events held by songwriter groups. Networking is a key to success in any business and co-writing can get you a step up in the business songwriting. Moreover, songwriting groups prepare songwriters for that pivotal moment through encouragement, and educa- tion. These groups work hard to bring in the best teachers

of the craft for workshops, and offer song critiques in asupportive environment, preparing you for the cruel worldof the Simon Cowells. They give you key industry people to explain the business of songwriting and entertainment attorneys to explain the contract jargon. They also offer performing songwriters supportive venues to hone your performance skills and try out your new songs. Furthermore, Your group will act as an advocate for your profession and rights. This is so important during these times when copyright values are being challenged. Together we stand, divided we fall. In closing, Songwriter Groups consist of folks like you from all levels of competency who are committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, and to educate, elevate, and celebrate the songwriter and to act as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. If you are not already a member of one, you are missing out on a big boost in your career and the chance to know other weirdos like you. Join one today!

Education • Networking • Encouragement • Advocacy

The Dallas Songwriters is a non-profit 501 C3 organization dedicated to providing information about the craft and business of songwriting. All styles of music are welcome in the DSA, and membership includes writers of all ages. DSA monthly activities include meetings with guest speakers, song critiques and performance showcases that are open to the public. In addition, the DSA supports and promotes workshops and contests and publishes a monthly newsletter. For more information, visit

www.dallassongwriters.org.http://www.meetup.com/dallas-Songwriters-Association/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dallas-Songwriters-Association/104739376244963

ABOUT DALLAS SONGWRITERS BENEFITS

Monthly Workshops which feature guest speakers from all fields of the music industry. • Critique sessions that give honest, creative, and helpful advice on improving writing style and technique. • Showcases that are designed to provide a platform for

the performance of original songs. These events embrace a variety of musical styles and cultural backgrounds.

• Seminars and workshops throughout the year which feature faculty from major educational institutions, respected industry businesses, and aware winning songwriters. •Songwriters Notes, a newsletter which features local, national, and international information valuable to songwriters. •Song contests which provide an opportunity to award prizes and scholarships to songwriters. Social interaction and networking with other arts related organizations and industry professionals. Many of these activities have been sponsored or cosponsored by local and national music industry businesses.• Community service through our programs Songwriters Connecting to Seniors.

MISSION STATEMENTWe exist to enhance the personal growth and professionalism of our members through the following means:• Provide a practical forum for songwriters/artists on common standards and expectations of the music industry.• Sharpen required competencies for excelling in the songwriting profession.• Serve as a forum for networking among peers and with industry experts to generate career opportunities.• Serve as a non-political advocate for songwriters and performers in liaison with peer organizations throughout the country.MEMBER PROFILEIncludes established independent and staff songwriters, performing artists, people actively seeking entry into the industry, entertainment law practitioners; and others who are simply interested in songwriting and/or performing as a hobby.

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SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ISSUE N°3 APRIL 2011 Panelists Bios - Gary Nicholson COVER STORY - ARNOLD MCCULLER PANELISTS BIOS INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ISSUE N°3 SPRING 2017 DSA PRESENTS THE SECOND ANNUAL HALL OF FAME

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DSA will hold it’s Annual Hall of Fame Dinner on July 22nd at the Sons of Hermann Hall. There will be a BBQ Dinner with all the trimmings, plus, and evening of great entertainment with songs of the inductees performed by the No Contact Band and features special guests. At our 2nd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner we will honor songwriters Sam the Sham, who wrote “Wooly Bully”, Freddie King, who wrote “Hideaway”, and Cindy Walker, who wrote “You Don’t Know Me”. Also, cultural icon, Trini Lopez, whose hit song was “If I had A Hammer”. Also we will honor arranger Gus Levene.

Cindy Walker (July 20, 1918 – March 23, 2006) was an American songwriter, as well as a country music singer and dancer who was born in Mart, TX. As a songwriter Walker was responsible for a large number of popular and enduring songs recorded by many different artists.She adopted a craftsman-like approach to her songwriting, often tailoring particular songs to specific recording artists. She produced a large body of songs that have been described as “direct, honest and unpretentious”.[1] She had Top 10 hits spread over five decades. Walker was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in March 2011.

Domingo "Sam" Samudio (born 28 February 1937, Dallas, Texas), better known by his stage name Sam the Sham, is an American rock and roll singer. best known for his camp robe and turban and hauling his equipment in a 1952 Packard hearse with maroon velvet curtains. As the front man for the Pharaohs, he sang on several Top 40 hits in the mid-1960s, notably the Billboard Hot 100 runners up "Wooly Bully" and "Li'l Red Riding Hood".Samudio, who is of Mexican American descent, made his singing debut in second grade, representing his school in a radio broadcast. Later, he took up guitar and formed a group with friends, one of whom was Trini Lopez. After graduating from high school, Samudio joined the Navy, where he was known as "Big Sam." He lived in Panama for six years, until his discharge.Back in the States, Samudio enrolled in college, studying voice at Arlington State College, now the University of Texas at Arlington. "I was studying classical in the daytime and playing rock and roll at night", he recalled. "That lasted about two years, before I dropped out and became a carny."In Dallas in 1961, Sam formed "The Pharaohs," the name inspired from the costumes in Yul Brynner's portrayal as pharaoh in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments. The other members of "The Pharaohs" were Carl Miedke, Russell Fowler, Omar "Big Man” Lopez and Vincent Lopez (no relation to Omar). In 1962 the group made a record that did not sell. The Pharaohs disbanded in 1962.

Freddie King (September 3, 1934 – December 28, 1976) was an American blues guitarist and singer born in Gilmer, TX. He has been described as one of the "Three Kings" of electric

blues guitar, along with Albert King and B.B. King. He was an influential guitarist with hits for Federal Records in the early 1960s. His soulful and powerful voice and distinctive guitar style inspired countless musicians, particularly guitarists (Eric Clapton being a notable example). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.King based his guitar style on Texas and Chicago influences. His best-known recordings include the singles "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" (1960) and his Top 40 hit "Hide Away" (1961) and albums such as the early, instrumental-packed Let's Hide Away and Dance Away with Freddy King (1961) and the Burglar (1974), which displayed his mature versatility as both a guitarist and a singer in a range of blues and funk styles. He was one of the first bluesmen to have a multi-racial backing band at live performances.

DSA Hall OF FAME July 22

Sons Of Hermann HallDoors open at 6:00pm

Dinner and networking at 6:30pmBand Starts at 8:00pm

Admission: $25.00 per person online            $30.00 at the door

CASH BAR

Trinidad "Trini" López III (born May 15, 1937) is an American singer, guitarist, and actor who was born in Dallas, Texas, son of Trinidad Lopez II (who was a singer, dancer, actor, and musician in Mexico) and Petra Gonzalez, who moved to Dallas from Mexico. Lopez has four sisters (two are deceased) and a brother, Jesse, who is also a singer. He grew up on Ashland Street in the Little Mexico neighborhood of Dallas and attended grammar school and N. R. Crozier Tech High School. He had to drop out of high school in his senior year because he needed to earn money to help support the family. His first album included a version of "If I Had a Hammer", which earned him a Golden Disc. Other hits included "Lemon Tree", "I'm Comin' Home, Cindy" and "Sally Was a Good Old Girl". He designed two guitars for the Gibson Guitar Corporation, which are now collectors’ items.

Gus Levene, born Gershun Levene (July 11, 1911 – February 9, 1979), was an American arranger, composer, orchestrator and guitarist born in Dallas, TX. In the mid-1940s, he was one of the top network radio arrangers. Levene is best remembered for his work as an arranger for Dean Martin and orchestration for numerous Hollywood film productions, including the 1956 hit film The King and I.

I’m still searching for a photo of Gus, so if you can find one for us, that would be great. Meanwhile, here is an album cover of the Dean Martin Christmas album on which Gus arranged the music.

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

Bringing Life To An Enchanted ExperienceDSA Interview with Bill Wren1. Who were your favorite songwriters (that perhaps influenced your writing?)    I would have to say the Beatles was my number one favorite band. However, the early Moody Blues may have had the biggest direct influence on my song writing. Fusing rock / blues with contemporary Instrumental / Orchestra music.

2. How did you become a songwriter? In the mid. 60s I started playing Bass in local bands, mostly playing  rock / blues cover songs  Needless to say I have been involved in music most of my life so writing music became a natural progression .   3. What inspired your Grand Prize winning song, "Enchanted Kingdom" ?Enchanted Kingdom is the first track off my third CD "The Road To Chaing Mai" When I decide to do an album I always have a theme. This album is about my resent travels to Thailand,  which is also referred to as the enchanted kingdom. I thought it fitting to start the album out with this song. 

Note : Enchanted Kingdom was a especially tough song to produce, because I required it to have live instrumentation. It was recorded in the Hans Zimmer's studio in LA  by his studio musicians.     

4. What is your writing process?In my 30s I  learned how to play Acoustic Guitar in the finger picking style. This opened up a new world for me. As a result started picking out original tunes by using stranded and alternative turnings. Finally in 2005 I decided to start recording demos of my tunes adding keys, guitar, drums and  bass.  

5. How did your co-write on "Enchanted Kingdom" come about?

My co-writer Frank Ralls who is also my producer and arranger.. Frank has been instrumental in my music going on ten years now. We have become good friends and started a publishing company Ponder Dust Publishing LLC. 

2016 DSA SONG CONTEST WINNERBILL WREN WINS WITH “ENCHANTED KINGDOM”Known as the Songbird of Texas, Bill Wren is an award winning songwriter who says, about his undying love for songwriting,” Music is the way I express what’s in my heart without words. I strive for beauty and peace in the songs that I compose and hope that they bring the same peace and enjoyment in others.” Bill was born in Corpus Christi, and is now settled on the water in Fulton, TX . 

 http://billwrenmusic.com/full-bio/

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2017

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1ST & 2ND RUNNER UP JARED LOSTRACCO WINS WITH “JUST CAN’T DROWN A BROKEN HEART” AND “CLEANSING RAIN”

Growing up in East Texas, Jared LoStracco picked up is love for music listening to his father`s country records. In high school, LoStracco learned to play the guitar from his older brother and quickly started playing his favorites songs from artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylong Jennings, Robert Earl Keen, and Pat Green. http://

www.broadjam.com/jrlostracco

Bill Wren with Privia Keyboard & Broadjam site on the screen in his home studio on the water in Fulton, TX

Lyric contest results continued from page 7......

HONORABLE MENTION

SO LONG KAREN © Brian Kerr, Merida, Mexico This is a good folksy, story song but it's way too long. Here's my suggestion...in the 3rd verse, change 25 years to 5 years. 25 years is too long to grieve. The 4th and 5th verse should be shortened to one concise verse and it didn't make sense that she went to her mother instead of you. Did she leave you? The listener doesn't know what happened. The chorus is good but we need more info in a shorter song.

MY SUGGESTION TO LYRIC WRITERS

Don't make your lines so flowery that we don't know what the song is about...make it more conversational. It's not poetry...it's a song. Check your meters...all other verses should match the first verse. Is the subject matter interesting and can most people identify with it? Happy writing!

Thanks to former Lyric Contest Director, Nancy Rynders, for the above critiques.

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ISSUE N°3 SPRING 2017 DALLAS SONGWRITERS 2016 SONG CONTEST WINNERSWINNERS

2017 DSA SONG CONTEST TO KICK OFF IN JUNE

THE BELL HAS SOUNDED ENTER DALLAS SONG CONTEST

Annual Song Contest Back For 29th Year Songwriters compete in 8 categories.Category and overall winners share in almost $5,000 in prizes, including a

Nashville demo, a piano, a day of free recording in the Texas Hill country, a song critique, deluxe memberships in on-line

music communities, $$$ and more. 

http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.comhttp://www.dallassongwriters.org

Grand Prize Judge, Roy Elkin’s, commentshttp://www.dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/p/grand-prize-judge-roy-elkins-comments.html

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS1. Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls, Port Aransas, TX2. Just Can't Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX3.CLEANSING RAIN by Jared LoStracco,

Nacogdoches, TX

AMERICANA1. Two Trains by Renee Saffier, Andy Hill and Hard Rain, LA, CA

2. Just Can't Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco,

Nacogdoches, TX

3. My Unsung Hero by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX

CHRISTIAN1. Hearts Wide Open by Michael Roth, Arlington, VA

2. It Could Be You by Robert Graham, Toronto, Can.

3. Praise You by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX       

COUNTRY1. Still Enough by Tim Sharp, Tomball, TX

2. Pills by Tim Sharp, Tomball, TX

3. Wanted Man by Christopher Sjostrom, Bedford, TX

LOVE / EASY LISTENING1. The Warmth of Your Love by Don Coyne, LA, CA

2. Let My Heart Take It From Here by Randy Overton, Waxahachie, TX

3. Sanctuary by Natanee Paris, Agoura Hills, Ca

INSTRUMENTAL1. Shoot Out by Conrad Swartz, Vancouver, WA

2. Aural Therapy by Al Marcy, Downers Grove, IL

3. Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls, Port Aransas, TX

NOVELTY / CHILDRENS1. Grow Up by Lauren Paley, Lauren Paley, Cedar Hill, Tx (email)

2. Cool To Be Kind by Randy Sauer, Hays, KS (email)

3. The Christmas Song No One Knows by Renee Saffier, Andy Hill and

Hard Rain, LA, CA

3. Roly Poly With You by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX

HM Eenie Meenie by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX (email)

HM Dreamland by Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx

POP1. INSIGNIFICANT OTHER by Andy Hill, Renee Safier and Hard Rain,

LA, CA

2. BREAK ME OPEN by Debra Gussin, Brian Bell, Luther Russell, LA,

CA

3. SUNRISE by Pamela Olivia, Santa Clarita, CA

SINGER SONGWRITER1. SMALL TOWN MASQUERADE by Haley McDaniel, Denton, TX

2. CLEANSING RAIN by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

3. HALLELUYAH TODAY by Denise Rosier, Lake Forest, CA

HM SOFT PLACE TO FALL by Debra Gussin, Jonathan Bluth, LA, CA

WINNER OF THE IPODJeffery Moore, Baton Rouge, LA His entry, This Love, #102 was drawn.

PRIVIA PIANO FROM CASIO IS

CONTEST GRAND PRIZEPRIZES

Premier Demo ByBeaird Music Group, Inc

A Premier Nashville Recording Service(List Value $705.00)

Beaird Music Group recorded the demo of Lady Antebellum's "I Run to You" which was just voted

as the Single of the Year at the CMA Awards.

Grand Prize Winner, and

1st and 2nd Runner Up Receive:

1 Yr. Broadjam Primo MoB Membership

($199.95 Value) Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr.

Hosting

Additional Prizes1st Runner Up Receives:

1 Day of FREE high quality recording on one song,  and a night in

Merlin's Cabin at RIVER SOUNDS on the Llano River in the Texas Hill Country.

Mastering of that song at Studio 232.

2nd Runner Up Receives:Song Critique by Barbara McMillenRecording time with Joe Musik

1st Place in Each Category Receives:$100

A 1 year Broadjam MoB Membership ($49.95)

2nd Place in Each Category Receives: $50

A 1 year Broadjam MoB Membership ($49.95)

Every Winner Receives:DSA Membership ($50.00 Value)

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SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

EVENTS

Attorney, Rod Phelps to Speak July 6Discovered Maranda Lambert and Garth Brooks

Rod has lived off and on in Nashville for a number of years. In the 90’s when he lived in Dallas, he was instrumental in helping DSA with a number of seminars. He has a number of PHD degrees and is an educator by heart and a music talent conduit to Nashville. Besides discovering Garth Brooks and Maranda Lambert, he has helped many DSA members connect to labels and publishers The long list includes Rory Lee Feek of Joey+Rory fame.Rod has planned a series of lectures for DSA members on the topics of the Business of Songwriting. Come out to the 1st Thursday meetings at Half Price Books

FALL 2017 SONGWRITING CLASSES COLLIN COLLEGE

SONGWRITING I & II7:00 pm - 9:50 pm W 11:30AM - 12:50 TR

Spring Creek Campus B180 Aug 26, 2017 - Dec 12, 2017

Instructor Associate Professor of Songwriting, Barbara McMillenSongwriting Consulting

http://www.barbaramcmillen.com/p/songwriting-consulting-services.htmlTexasMusicGroup.com

Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame on July 22Inductees include Sam The Sham, Trini Lopez, Freddy King, Cindy

Walker and Gus Levene

At our 2nd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner we will honor songwriters Sam the Sham, Wooly Bully, Freddie King, Hideaway, and Cindy Walker, You Don’t Know Me. Also, cultural icon, Trini Lopez, If I had A Hammer. Plus arranger Gus Levene.

BBQ dinner with all the trimmings Plus an evening of great entertainment! Doors open at 6:00pm Dinner and net working at 6:30pm Entertainment at 8:00pm CASH BARAdmission: $25.00 per person online $30.00 at the door

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The Gibson Traveling Songwriter is the world's first fully professional travel friendly acoustic guitar capable of high quality acoustic and acoustic-electric performance. The unique Traveling Songwriter has a thin body of solid mahogany with a rear sound hole, a solid Sitka spruce top, and a Fishman Custom electronics system with EQ. This guitar has an almost electric guitar feel but produces incredible acoustic tones. Includes special travel case and hygrometer. A guitar that you can take anywhere you want to make music!

Wildflower! 2017 Songwriting Workshop Presented by Joe Crookston

Date & Time: Friday, May 19, 2017   9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: Courtyard by Marriott (Spring Valley and US 75)Cost: $50 per student (includes one Single Day ticket to the Wildflower! Festival) *Limited to 30 students Click here to register

Joe Crookston, songwriter, guitarist, painter, fiddler, and slide player, will lead the 2017 Wildflower! Songwriting Workshop. Named 2016 Folk Alliance International Artist-in-Residence, Joe is a master storyteller and experienced facilitator.

Writing Songs & Lyrics That’ll Give You Goose Bumps – This workshop is for everyone who breathes! It is for anyone who writes songs or would like to learn more about the creative process. Informative & fun! This seven hour workshop will be an interactive, in-depth look at the writing process and specific ways we can develop the true power of a song. We will explore melody, phrasing, and how to distill a song down its’ most powerful place. Joe will play some of his most covered and requested songs and talk about his creative process and you will share your songs too! Participants will delve into their own unfinished ideas, deepen their ability to craft songs that connect and learn from others. Joe Crookston loves to teach and create a safe atmosphere that also challenges you to be your best. Are you just a beginner at your instrument? – No worries. This workshop is open to all to uncover our most authentic way to write songs with the skills we have. Bring an instrument, a notebook, song ideas, half written songs, and a recorder. Come ready to play, grow, learn, and make beautiful music.

Come out for the BEST guitar market and music festival . Visit the DSA booth at the guitar show and

pick a little with us.

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

2016 LYRIC CONTEST WINNERS by Contest Directors, Nancy Rynders, Dan Roark & Gene Schillaci https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6SEMIFINALISTFENCES by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAA TASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAREMEMBER ME AS A SUNNY DAY by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PASAID A FATHER TO HIS SON by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PASUGAR FROM THE VINE by Ynana Rose, San Luis Obispo, CARIVER OF MEMORIES by Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx

First, let me thank the writers for entering this contest and encourage them to get better. There were 21 entries and I noticed the biggest mistake some of these writers made was the song was too long...too many verses. Most songs have only 3 verses, a chorus that gets repeated and possibly a bridge. The meters in the 1st verse need to closely match the meters in the 2nd and 3rd verse...another common mistake. …. Nancy Rynders

FIRST PLACEFENCES © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAThis song has a a different twist to a breakup and I liked the comparison. I put in parenthesis my added word to make the meters match or what I considered a better line.

VERSE1Fences make good neighbors, (at) least that's what they sayBut this fence growing up between us has gotta go away(But this fence that's between us has got to go away)I didn't see it coming, don't know where it came fromAnd if I helped build it, I'm sorry for what I've done

VERSE 2A fence can be made of many things but it can't build itself(It takes someone to build a fence, it can't build itself)This one's growing (pretty) fast, is there help from someone else?We shared a love so strong, thought it would last forever (almost from the start)But there's a fence between us now, we can't get together (tearing us apart)

CHORUSFences hide the other side, what do you hide from meIf I climb, what will I find you don't want me to see

VERSE 3Some fences keep you in, some (want) to lock you out(Just) tell me what you think this fence is all aboutA wall of love surrounds us but that fence grew in betweenTrying to climb over it, the tallest one I've seen(Love once consumed us but that fence grew in betweenAnd I can't climb over, it's the tallest one I've seen)

REPEAT CHORUS

BRIDGEA fence is made to separate, this fence ain't got no gateLet's tear it down to the ground before it gets too late

REPEAT CHORUS

SECOND PLACE © Bill KapacA TASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET Williamstown, PAThis is a good love song

VERSE 1Love is not an easy thing, it's difficult to findYou can't hold in your hand, what's only in your mindNot everyone will touch it, fewer can hold onLove is always fleeting, in a moment can be gone

VERSE 2The taste of love (is) so sweet, sweeter than fine wineOnce you have a little bit, you'll want it all the timeIt'll turn your tears to gold, (and) stop the rain with sun(Will) take away your pain, and fill your world with fun

CHORUSThe taste of love so sweet can cut you like a knifeOpen up your heart and take slices of your lifeBut the feeling is incredible as it sweeps you off your feetAnything on earth is worth the taste of love so sweet

VERSE 3Love is overpowering, it can take you way too farPush you till you fall, (and) make you wear it like a scarOur lives have little meaning, til love makes them completeIt starts out with a kiss, the taste of love so sweet

REPEAT CHORUS

THIRD PLACE REMEMBER ME AS A SUNNY DAY © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAThis is an upbeat sad song that has some good poetic lines

HONORABLE MENTIONSAID A FATHER TO HIS SON © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAThe first two verses were great and I was hooked. But the chorus was a disappointment. I think you should tell how he wanted to marry her but she didn't love him and moved away, He heard she had a boy and had married someone else and assumed the child always thought her husband was his father. I'd like a happy ending, too. Maybe the boy finally questioned his mom. The verses were great but it was too long...good story, though.

A Note from Barbara McMillenThe lyrics are all judged blind. Nancy does not know yet that all the winners were songs from Bill Kapac. This is the first time this has happened. The other two semifinalists were

Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx and Yanna Rose Zovich, San Luis Obpispo, CA, whose songs had very interesting titles.More on website: dsalyriccontest.blogspot.com

S U M M E R 2 0 1 6SEMIFINALISTPlace Addiction by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TXPlace Blue Collar Man by Charles Carter, Dallas, TxRiver of Memories by Charles Carter, Dallas, TXThe Whole Nine Yards by John Coughlin, Eureka, MOAngels and Strangers by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJFriday Night by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJOpen Blinds by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ

1st Place Addiction by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TXVerse 1:She was in trouble Thought I’d lend a handShe said she’d never let it go Not againBut she loved that feeling The freedom and the rushGuess promises get broken Things get tough

Chorus: I thought we could climb mountains You wanted to fly highI took the trodden path You took to the skyYou said that I gave up I said you got way too highThen I found you strung out And I just have to say goodbye goodbye goodbye

Verse 2:I hear the stories Every now and thenAbout a broken lonely girl Who used to be my friendCan't help but thinking What she could’ve beenBut I tried and couldn’t save her In the end

Repeat Chorus:

Verse 3:We’re all standing here Dressed in blackThe scent of lilies in the air And lilacsI never said goodbye Never got the chanceWe were never in the same place Or circumstance

Repeat Chorus:

ADDICTION – This is a very good song in most respects except for the hook. While the title of the song accurately describes the storyline, it appears nowhere in the song and would make it very hard for a listener to know the name of the song if it wasn’t told to them. A better title would be “Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye” or just “Goodbye” because it appears at the end of each chorus. However, overall this is a very good song. The form of the song is verse/chorus which works very well in telling a story of addiction with a beginning and an end in the verses and then summarizing the whole situation in the chorus. The rhyme scheme is very consistent and the rhymes are very good even though perfect rhyming is not used throughout. The lyrics are very good at creating pictures in the mind, and the song is very good overall in evoking emotional impact.

2nd Place Blue Collar Man by Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx (Verse 1)I'm a blue-collar man In a white-collar worldAnd I can't buy her love With diamonds and pearlsI can barely get by But I'll---give it a whirlIf this blue-collar man Has his blue-collar girl

(Verse 2)My blue-collar girl She could have so much moreIn the---white-collar world She lived in beforeBut she chose my Chevy pickup truckAnd we're---not exactly poor But thank God she's working part time Down at the Dollar Store

(Chorus)A blue-collar man Must fight for what he's gotAnd he can't go pretending To be what he is notYour collar might be white But don't ever put me downOr ever make me feel Like a---blue-collar clown

(Verse 3)Our house is on a dead end street And on the wrong side of the tracksAnd I wonder if she looks around And longs for what she lacksBut she says she has the world In the palm of her handIf this---blue-collar girl Has her blue-collar man

Repeat chorus and verse 1

BLUE COLLAR MAN – The strength of this song is its simplicity in relating strong feelings about being a “blue collar man” in a relationship with a woman that used to live in a “white collar world”. It has a good title hook that’s repeated in both the verses and chorus. It does a good job of telling a relatable story with understandable and thought provoking lyrics. The rhyme scheme is consistent throughout and the structure is good as a verse/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/outro with a repeat of the first verse at the end of the song. But the song might work better if it went to a chorus/verse/chorus/outro structure and left off the first verse at the end. Overall, the song does a good job of evoking emotional impact and truth.

3rd Place River of Memories by Charles Carter, Dallas, TXFloat down the River, who's that aheadIt's Mom and Daddy and me as a ladThey wave back at me, so happilyThat's how it was and always will be(CHORUS)Down by the River of MemoriesThe River takes you wherever you pleaseNostalgic breezes drift through the treesDown by the RIVER OF MEMORIES(VERSE 2)Float down the river, just around the bendShe stands there waiting, like she's always beenShe was my first love, but she got away

I still regret it, to this very day(REPEAT CHORUS)(VERSE 3)Float down the river, what do I seeA family picnic, a young familyMy first wife and children, a much thinner meThe kids are grown now, a sad history(REPEAT CHORUS)

RIVER OF MEMORIES – This song does a good job of relating some personal family memories of the past in a simple way. It has a good hook in the title that is repeated at the end of each chorus. The verse/chorus structure does a good job of relating short snippets of a memories in the verse and summing up with the chorus. The rhyme form is good in the verses with an AABB structure but it deviates to AAAA in the last verse. The rhymes are good though perfect rhyming is not used throughout. The song does a good job of creating mind pictures but the last verse also creates an unanswered question with the last line “The kids are all grown now, a sad history”. The verse/chorus form would allow for some additional verses to tell more of the story, but overall this is a good song in evoking emotional impact.

FA L L 2 0 1 6SEMIFINALISTSIN HIS HANDS © Lauren Smith, Livermore, CATASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJLONG TIME GONE © Ynana Zivich, San Luis Obispo, CASO LONG KAREN © Brian Kerr, Merida, Mexico

FIRST PLACEIN HIS HANDS © Lauren Smith, Livermore, CAThis is a well constructed song with a good message. I didn't change much...just changed or took out a word to make the meters match. I would try to shorten the bridge to 2 lines.

1st VERSEOne Sunday morning there was smoke above the townI was ten years old the day our church burned to the groundFolks prayed among the ashes and some began to cryBut the preacher raised his voice and held his Bible high

CHORUSit's just a church, just bricks and woodWe've got our faith and God is goodHe don't need walls, a roof or floorJust our hearts and nothing moreSome things are hard to understandBut there ain't no doubt we're in His hands

2nd VERSEIn '98 it rained and didn't stop for daysThe creek broke through the levee and swept the crops awayMy wife and I gazed at those storm clouds overheadWhen I asked what we would do, she took my hand and said

REPEAT CHORUS 1

BRIDGELast year Ma took sick and the doc just shook his headI spent the next two weeks sitting with her by her bedI couldn't bear to think I'd never see my mom againBut she said, now honey, this is not the end

CHORUS 2It's just a life it moves alongAnd in a moment, it is goneWe are born, live out our daysWith luck we find love on the waySome things are hard to understandBut there ain't no doubt I'm in His hands

TAGWe're all part of a bigger planAnd there ain't no doubt we're in His hands

SECOND PLACETASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJThis song is a definition of love with some poetic lines. My only criticism is it's probably not commercial.1st VERSELove is not an easy thing, it's difficult to findYou can't hold in your hand, what's only in your mindNot everyone will touch it, fewer can hold onLove is always fleeting, in a moment can be gone

2nd VERSEThe taste of love so sweet, sweeter than fine wineOnce you have a little bit, you want it all the timeIt'll turn your tears to gold, stop the rain with sunTake away your pain and fill your world with fun

CHORUSThe taste of love so sweet can cut you like a knifeOpen up your heart and take slices of you lifeBut the feeling is incredible, as it sweeps you off your feetAnything on earth is worth the taste of love so sweet

3rd VERSELove is overpowering, it can take you way too farPush you till you fall and make you wear it like a scarOur lives have little meaning till love makes them completeIt starts out with a kiss, the taste of love so sweet

REPEAT CHORUS

THIRD PLACE

LONG TIME GONE © Ynana Zivich, San Luis Obispo, CAYou have some really great lines in this song and most people can identify with your song. Good job! Cont. on pg 4

57

at the Meadows Conference Center 2900 Live Oak

Featured guest speaker each month is industry pro presenting lectures on the craft and business of songwriting following short announcements of interest to our membership. Come as early as 6:30 to network with members. Critiques follow our speaker. Visitors welcome with suggested donation of $5. Free to members.

P r o g r a m s S c h e d u l e

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Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!

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Meeting Agenda: 6:30 PM - Sign In/ NETWORKING 7:00 PM - ANNOUNCEMENTS & PROGRAM 8:00PM - CRITIQUES- ($10 per Song, Members Only) The Critique Panel consists of 2 respected industry professionals. The Panel will listen to each song and then critique each song based on 6 categories - Hook, Melody, Lyric, Structure, Originality, and Emotional Truth. The panel will give their comments and critiques about each song after the song is played. All songs played are entered into the Song of the Year Members Contest.Approximately 20-30 typed lyric sheets should be provided for each song. Songs must be written or co-written by a current DSA member. (Only 1 Song per member per meeting please) Only the first 10 songs submitted will be played due to the limited time. A song submitted without a lyric sheets may not be played if there are 10 other songs that have lyric sheets.

MIC Program- Members may mail in to our PO Box a Cd to be critiqued at the meetings for a fee of $20. Your critique will be recorded and sent to you as an MP3 file. This offers members who are unable to attend the meeting the benefit from the critique program and a chance to compete for the Songwriter of the Year Award. Here's a comment from Morri Hartgraves about the program, "Thank you for putting the time and effort into MIC. The program is really benefitting me as a songwriter. Sherrie and Blake's comments were appreciated."

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