Nashville songwriter and Houston native, Bill Kenner, has three #1 country songs: “Paradise Tonight,” “Your Love Is A Miracle,” and “Holdin’ Heaven.” He has been a staff writer for Quincy Jones (for 3 years), MCA, Polygram, Tom Collins, Morgan Music and EMI Publishing and his songs have been recorded by Alan Jackson, LeeAnn Womack, Prince, Mark Chesnut, Tracey Byrd, Pat McGlaughlin, Billy Dean. A multitalented instrumentalist Kenner plays guitar, electric & upright bass, mandolin, steel drums, keyboards, banjo, fiddle, and percussion whose mandolin students include Steve Cropper and Tommy Lee Jones. He has been a recording artist with MCA (pop) and Mercury (country).
Most recently he has served as A&R consultant and talent scout for Sony Music in Nashville discovering Jonathan Singleton, who was signed at Universal South and wrote the #1 for Gary Allen, “Watching Airplanes.” His production company, Topp Shelf Music, is seeking superb acts for development towards a label deal.
Also, time permitted, Program Direstor, Bob Paterno will talk about making song demos. He will focus on his experience with Nashville demo studios and cover common issues every songwriter confronts including:
(1) when a song is worth a demo
(2) what kind of demo to do
(3) how much a demo should cost
(4) what the demo studios expect from the songwriter
Some studios are better suited for one-on-one, personalized attention than others. Some studios can make any song sound like 'the real thing'. Don't miss this meeting!"
Free to DSA members, $5 for visitors
Song Critiques will follow - Members Only - $5
Sign in and Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:15
Critiques will follow. Bring your songs
FUTURE PROGRAMS
Nov: Randy Brown, columnist for Piney Woods
Dec: Christmas Party
Another great 2nd Tuesday meeting last night, proving it's always good to be flexible.
ReplyDeleteWe had planned to feature Bob, our program director, who would talk about making demos. However, member and lyricist Donna came up with an opportunity to hear Bill Kenner, who has credits on hits like 'Paradise Tonight,' 'Holding Heaven' and 'Your Love's a Miracle.' He's been making a living in Nashville in music as a writer, performer and studio musician for 35 years.
Folks, making a living in music has never been easy, and it's harder now than ever. Bill's got lots of connections in the industry. He's got an idea about doing co-writes. It would work something like this: You come up with a song or an idea, and for a fee, possibly $500, he will cowrite with you and help guide the song to the appropriate hands.
That parts up to you. But last night we learned a lot about how Nashville works, how it used to work, and how hard it is to make a buck (pardon the pun) there today as a songwriter.
We also had a full house of visitors and guests and had 8 songs to critique. One of our top writers, and I'll stand toe-to-toe with anyone who wants to argue that, walked off with top honors. We are proud and amazed by you, Brooke. (Vern has some real competition.) Brooke's song just edged out a groovy tune by Michael.
I'm going to repeat a challenge I made last night. Call it a silent challenge. This is a good year for the DSA. Many of you have become faithful attenders of 2nd Tuesday, Song Swap and Open Mic. We have 9 people helping out with the Guitar Show this weekend, and that's outstanding.
So here's my request. Resolve to do something more for the DSA. Don't say anything or promise anything now, but resolve to do something. Maybe you'll help with our Annual Song Contest, or you'll come up with a program idea for 2nd Tuesday, or you'll just say yes to our next three requests for your help.
I saw lots of happy, smiling faces before and after our meeting. Come show me yours next Monday at 3rd Monday Song Swap at Tino's and 3rd Thursday DSA Open Mic at Dunn Bros. Only had 4 at open mic last month, so come out and play some songs.
Meanwhile, I plan to give Last Chance Saloon in downtown Plano a second open mic chance tonight. I think it starts at 8. Come out for a cheap hot dog if nothing else.
See you soon,
Buck
PS--I don't think Bill Kenner would mind if I added his contact info:
WBKenner@gmail.com
615 330 1706