DSA Monthly Meetings

DSA MEETS THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH Except August

Education • Networking • Encouragement • Advocacy

Learning Opportunity presented by the Dallas Songwriters

* 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.

Motivating and Uplifting Songwriters through Education

Friday, January 1, 2021

DSA MEETING - VIRTUAL - JAN 7, 2021

  For anyone that's not familiar with Zoom, Check out instructions here:   ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588 it's very easy to do but you can email Harry  and he can give you a quick lesson on how to set it up.  

MONTHLY MEETING - Virtual 
DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques
Jan 7. 6:30PM  - Brad Davis is back! By demand for Part 2


Brad Davis will be talking about the recent new changes in the music industry that directly effects independent songwriters and performers. 

Thriving in The New Digital Music Industry 

The Real Value of Broadcast Quality Demos and Masters

Radio is no More Radio

Master Ownership the Financial ticket 

Building The Perfect Online Presence 


Brad Davis has played guitar behind Marty StuartEarl ScruggsBilly Bob Thorntonthe Sweethearts of the Rodeo, and the Forester Sisters, and recorded with them, as well as Sheryl CrowWarren ZevonWillie NelsonEmmylou Harris, and Pam Tillis

braddavisrecordingstudio.com

NashvilleBMG.com

braddavismusic.com 


Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Your home
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. 
https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or
https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-meeting-song-critique-entry/
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet. 

DOWN THE LINE:
Feb 4- Emmeline Miles
March 4 - Eddie Brookshire 
April 1 - Helene Cronin

DSA MEETINGS IN 2020

DEC

Let's all get together to celebrate the season with music! Our Christmas party this year will be this Thursday December 17 via Zoom. Join in to catch up with other DSA members and share some Christmas spirit or sing your favorite Christmas songs!  

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NOV

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, November 5, 7:00 pm via Zoom  
Meeting ID #907-852-000

Location: Your home
6:30 pm: Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members

Okay members, this is going to be a great meeting and the last chance of the year to submit for your original songs for song critiques and DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year!  So get them ready and play your song live from your computer and display your lyrics from your computer, or email an MP3 and lyrics to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com.  The cost is $10 per song, pay online at:


Another good reason to join this meeting is because we will be nominating members for the Board of Directors so please make plans to be a part so we can have a quorum of members.  This year because we are not able to meet in person, the current Board of Directors will automatically be nominated but anyone who has an interest in being a part of the Board please let us know at this meeting or respond to this email.

Here is the current Board of Directors.

President - Michael Brandenberger                                                                            

Executive Vice-President - Bobby Montgomery

Secretary - Jessica Ewy                                                                                          

Treasurer - Phillip Casteel 

Vice President Membership - Renee Sullivan 

Vice-President Technology/marketing - Ben Halim  

Vice-President A&R - Harry Hewlett

Programs Director – Bobby Montgomery

Showcase Director – Harry Hewlett

Workshop Director – Joe Milton    

Song Contest Directors – Barbe McMillen/Harry Hewlett                                   

Lyric Contest Director - Alexis Tapp                     

PR/Communications Director - Don Wall 

At-Large Directors - Rickey Gene Wright, Buck Morgan, Ken Duren, Jack Allday



Write a song, save the world!

Michael Brandenberger
DSA President



OCT

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, Oct 1, 7:00 pm via Zoom  
Meeting ID #907-852-000
Len Musgrove, President of BYO Musicians Network will be our speaker for the monthly member meeting.  BYO is a music networking organization comprised of business professionals who are also talented musicians.  Their mission is to build valuable connections, perform music together and use their musical talents to support charitable causes.  They will also be partnering with the DSA for our Hall of Fame induction in 2021 so you will want to hear more about this organization! 

Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Your home
6:30 pm: Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. 



SEPT

MONTHLY MEETING (Virtual) Thursday, September 3, 7:00 to 9:00 pm 
Zoom Meeting ID - 907 852 000

Music Strategies For Success  with Brianna Ruelas    

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Brianna Ruelas is a an accomplished music strategy consultant, reality music coach, singer/songwriter, online course creator and author of two books; "Performing Artist Pathway" and "Making Reality TV Your Reality".  She is passionate about supporting indie artists on their music journey and igniting them toward sustainable careers in music.  You won't want to miss some of her insights about the singer/songwriter world and experiences which include being a part of Season 4 of American Idol!

Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Your home
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. 
https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or


AUG

Instead of our monthly meeting, we will be having a 

Virtual Party this Saturday, Aug 8, 2-5 

An invitation from our Prez

Well the corona is making us moan-a (poetic license) because our annual summer party and jam on August 8 won't be a live event.  But the show must go, on so we are having a Zoom Party on Saturday afternoon August 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm!  This will be a chance for everyone to jump in from anywhere in the world and play their favorite songs, originals, covers or requests, tell jokes, tell new/old stories, wear funny hats and have some virtual fun! Since it's a party everyone can be munching or sipping on their favorite libation and share recipes of what they are enjoying.  

     Another fun thing about Zoom is that you can have a virtual background, so you can put up photos of places of where you've been, or would like to be, like swimming pools, beaches, mountains, tourist spots or anything, and tell a little story about the experience! If any family or friends are around from where you are zooming, they can join in too! 
    For anyone that's not familiar with Zoom, Check out instructions here:   ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588 it's very easy to do but you can email Harry  and he can give you a quick lesson on how to set it up.  Hope to be partying (virtually) with you soon! Michael Brandenberger, DSA President
    In September, we will be back to music industry guests and song critiques at our monthly meetings.  To fulfill our mission, the Dallas Songwriters Association invites guest speakers to address our virtual audience for now, and to join our monthly workshops in the future.  These workshops offer educational information from accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, everything from jingle writing, to do it yourself videos, to the new economics of the music industry.  If you would like to conduct a workshop, please contact us


MONTHLY MEETING RESUMES IN SEPT- Thursday, SEPT 3, 6:30




Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Your home
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. 
https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or
https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-meeting-song-critique-entry/
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet. 

DOWN THE LINE:
SEPT 3 -  Brianna Ruelas  https://www.briannaruelasmusic.com/
Empowering Indie Performing Artists With Online Business Strategies and A Clear Plan for Their Personal Music Career Success.
OCT 1 - Kathy Baldwin, publisher
NOV 5 - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
DEC 3 DSA Christmas Party 



JULY

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, July 2, 6:30

New Changes in the Songwriting Industry with Brad Davis     
Producer, engineer, session musician, recording artist Brad Davis,  will be talking about the recent new changes in the music industry that directly effects independent songwriters and performers. 

• Thriving in The New Digital Music Industry 
• The Real Value of Broadcast Quality Demos and Masters
• Radio is no More Radio
• Master Ownership the Financial ticket 
• Building The Perfect Online Presence 

Brad Davis has played guitar behind Marty StuartEarl ScruggsBilly Bob Thorntonthe Sweethearts of the Rodeo, and the Forester Sisters, and recorded with them, as well as Sheryl CrowWarren ZevonWillie NelsonEmmylou Harris, and Pam Tillis

DOWN THE LINE:

AUG 8 -  Pool Party CANCELLED
SEPT 3 -  Brianna Ruelas  https://www.briannaruelasmusic.com/
              Empowering Indie Performing Artists With Online Business Strategies and A Clear Plan for Their Personal Music Career Success.
OCT 1 - Kathy Baldwin, publisher
NOV 5 - Annual Membership Meeting and Elections
DEC 3 DSA Christmas Party 



JUNE

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, June 4, 6:30

Current State of Songwriting Industry with Sam Moore     

Sam Moore, a regional television executive for Associated Press International (API)and Coordinator for the Dallas Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)  will give a perspective of the current status of the songwriting industry through his experience with the NSAI.  We are also fortunate that Sam is a new member of the Dallas Songwriters Association so you won’t want to miss what he has to say. 

Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.


MAY

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, May 7, 6:30

  Zoom Into DSA Virtual Events Performing with your IPAD with Harry Hewlett
So you wanna perform virtually but you don't have the proper equipment to perform from your computer. Yes, you can get a good sound from your IPAD. Learn how to use zoom on your IPAD to connect with and perform on our virtual Open Mics and Showcases. This is easier than you think. So join us because we are missing you. You will get an invite to join the meeting from our member group email or you can look on the event page on Facebook.https://www.facebook.com/events/2654181978137285/

ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first if you haven't already!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588

 


APRIL

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, April 2, 6:30

Zoom Into DSA Virtual Events with Harry Hewlett

Learn how to use zoom to connect with our virtual workshops, Meetups, Open Mics and Showcases. This is easier than you think. So join us because we are missing you. You will get and invite to join the meeting from our member group email or you can look on the event page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/events/2654181978137285/

 


MARCH

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, March 5, 6:30

JINGLE JANGLE with Hooper and Brooks

Learn why Dallas is the focus of the jingle industry and hear jingles and how they are developed from guest speakers Johnny Hooper and Randy Brooks. 

Johnny Hooper, award winning composer of radio and TV jingles, including promos for Kix Brooks' “American Country Countdown”, Radio Disney, and Casey Kasem’s “Top 20 Countdown”. Johnny was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. In addition to being an expert on this topic he is a performing vocalist, writer and guitarist who played at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England.

Randy Brooks Singer/songwriter of novelty songs, including "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," "Will You Be Ready at the Plate When Jesus Throws the Ball," and "I'd Rather Be Sailin' (with Governor Palin.") Performs often at the Bluebird Cafe and also performs with the bands The Bad Monkeys, Young Country, and Southwestern Pilgrimage
Critiques will follow:

As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Bring your song on a CD, your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also bring plenty of copies of the lyrics so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered in the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.


FEB

- No Meeting at Half Price Books on Jan 2. Instead we are combining with the Monday Meetup group for our monthly meeting.

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, Feb 6, 6:30

Guest Speaker is Don Wall - DIY Music Video. 


DSA Board member, Don Wall, will make a presentation on  DIY Music audio & video techniques to capture your original songs for YouTube, Facebook, songwriting contests, and other sharing vehicles.  Don has worked in TV for more than 40 years, and has been a pioneer on YouTube, with his own channel for more than 10 years, with more than 2 million views.  Topics include using video as a songwriting tool, self critiquing, co-writing, publishing, and promoting finished work.  Learn more about Don’s work on his YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/donwallproductions and on Reverb Nation https://www.reverbnation.com/donwall


 JAN

DSA MEETINGS - http://dsameetings.blogspot.com

- No Meeting at Half Price Books on Jan 2. Instead we are combining with the Monday Meetup group for our monthly meeting.

MONTHLY MEETING - Monday, Jan 6, 6:30

Guest Speaker is John Jaggers - Talks About A New Capo

Do you get frustrated when the capo gets in the way of your playing and sends your guitars out of tune? Have you thought: “There must be a better way?” A way that isn’t in the way of your hand when you’re making chords. So did John and his buddies who have come up with the better way. Join us as John shows us the better way with the Colorado Capo. coloradocapo.com

John is a DSA member who often performs at our showcases. Hear his music and learn about John here. 
https://johnjaggersmusic.com/about


DSA MEETING GUEST SPEAKERS 2019

DEC

DSA Christmas Party Sunday, December 8, 4 - 8 at The Neathery in McKinney

- No Meeting at Half Price Books 

In December we are changing up our schedule a bit. Instead of having the Christmas party and Awards Banquet combined, we are having our Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec 8, 4 - 8 at The Neathery in McKinney. Bring your instruments, we'll do some acoustic picking  and grinning . This is a Bed and Breakfast and a great event venue.  You may want to book an overnight stay. https://www.neatheryestate.com  No meeting at Half Price Books on Thursday Dec 5.

NOV

Annual Membership Meeting and Elections of the Board of Directors, plus Last Chance critique submissions for Song and Songwriters of the Year Awards. 

Due to a venue conflict, the meeting has been moved up a day to Wednesday, Nov 6th

There will be a deli tray and a chance to socialize. 

Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Bring your song on a CD or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also bring plenty of copies of the lyrics so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered in the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Half Price Books/Northwest Highway in Dallas
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. 
https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or
https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-meeting-song-critique-entry/
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet. 


OCT
BEN HALIM, DSA Director and Music Tech and Software Tools, is Guest Speaker for THURSDAY, Oct 3, at Half Price Books. 

SOCIAL MEDIA AND SONGWRITERS
How the wrong use of social media is hurting songwriters/artists.
Ben is an accomplished producer and ghost writer, but he also has a background in marketing and information technology. Read about Ben here: https://dallassongwriters.org/team-bio/ben-halim/








SEPT

BARBE MCMILLEN is Guest Speaker for THURSDAY, SEPT 5, at Half Price Books. 

ANALYZING RECENT NUMBER 1 SONG ON BILLBOARD CHART
    What makes a song popular? We'll evaluate the song and find out.


NO MEETING IN AUG - POOL PARTY

JULY

CRAIG LANGFORD is Guest Speaker for Monday, July 1, at Half Brice Books. 

SHOW AND TELL: THE CARING AND FEEDING OF STRINGED INSTRUMENTS
    BB King loved his Lucille. Keith Richards is so attached to his guitar that he sleeps with it at night. You probably feel the same about your trusted side kick. Learn how to treat her right!



JUNE

JANA STANFIELD is Guest Speaker for Thursday, June 6 , at Half Brice Books. 


You’ve heard her music on 20/20, Entertainment Tonight, Oprah, the movie 8 Seconds, and radio stations nationwide. Her compositions are sung by Reba McEntire, Andy Williams and others, and Jana has shared stages with fellow performers ranging from Kenny Loggins to The Dixie Chicks.
For the past 15 years, Jana has made her living as a Keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events. Join us for a fun evening. Learn more about Jana: https://www.janastanfield.com/about-jana/. 


MAY

MUSIC LEGEND ED BERNET is Guest Speaker for Thursday, May 2nd , at Half Brice Books. 

A former American football wide receiver, Ed Bernet has been a legend in the Dallas, Tx music industry for many years. In 1961, Bernet founded Ed Bernet Art and Entertainment specializing in booking entertainment for "one-nighters"...wedding receptions, conventions, corporate functions, school dances, class reunions, society galas and other special events of all kinds. Around the same time Burnet started The Levee Singers who marked our 50th Anniversary in 2011. In addition, Ed owned the area's most popular recording studio, Sumet-Bernet Sound Studios, so he became friends with all the area's best musicians who came to the studio to record. Read more here ----   http://www.edbernet.com/id2.html

He is still active in artist booking and will share stories about the history of music and popular entertainers in Dallas and throughout the music world. 


APRIL

 Songwriter Graham Bramblett is Guest Speaker for Thursday, April 4th , at Half Brice Books.

Bramblett is Nashville songwriter who is currently touring to support his latest album release, Standard Harmony. Bramblet says, "I really enjoy recording and playing live shows, but at the end of the day, it all goes back to the song. That's what really drives me- the process that begins with nothing and turns into something."
Bramblett was raised in Dallas, spent some time in Nashville after college, then moved to St Paul and now is back in Nashville.

Critiques will follow:
As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Bring your song on a CD or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also bring plenty of copies of the lyrics so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered in the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.