DSA Meetings

Barry DeVorzon will be Guest Speaker on February 14th

2012-01-28T07:41:00.000-08:00

Barry DeVorzon, President and Founder of MasterWriter will speak to Dallas Songwriters via Skype on Tuesday, February 14 at 7:15PM. He developed MasterWriter, the program
designed by songwriters for songwriters which contains all the tools and reference that are essential for the modern
songwriter.

As a composer/songwriter/artist Barry DeVorzon has long been a prominent name in the recording industry. He discovered the highly successful group, The Association and developed one of the most successful independent record and publishing companies of that time. He later sold his companies to Warner Records. He was nominated for an academy award for "Bless The Beasts And The Children" and won a Grammy for "Nadia's Theme". His music for television has earned him six Emmys and numerous nominations.

Among his hits are "Nadia's Theme", "Theme From S.W.A.T.", "Bless The Beasts And Children", "In The City", "No More Drama", Dreamin", "Hey Little One" and "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight".

DSA 2nd Tuesday Meeting, Jan. 10

2012-01-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Jan. 10,

Elements of a Good Lyric

presented by Lyric Contest Director, Nancy Rynders.

Nancy Rynders has been an active Dallas Songwriters Association member since 1987 and served as a director from 1989 - 2009. She has served as Lyric Contest Director since 2006. A contest winner herself, she's had a number of her songs recorded and published. She considers herself mainly a lyricist and is always looking for musicians with which to collaborate. Her tip for any songwriter is to join their local songwriters organization. Within these organizations, they can gain the tools to better their songwriting skills as well as find a wonderful support group.

Future Programs:

FEB: Barry Devorzen, Master Writer, Nadia's Theme, tentative

MARCH: Ben Taylor, tentative

APRIL: Zane Williams

MAY: Bret Dillion, KHYI DJ tentative

DSA Christmas Party

2011-11-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

DSA Christmas Party at The Loft (inside Gilleys)

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011

1135 South Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75215-1036

The Loft: 214-421-2021

http://gilleysdallas.com/venues/the-loft/

What a great place for a party! Get together with DSA friends and family as folks from the Chevy Sonic Sounds contest showcase the finalists at The Loft, inside Gilley’s. Food provided, see you there!

Please RSVP by Dec. 10 to: maryguthrie@swbell.net

6:30 p.m. Networking and food for members & family, VIPs, Chevy reps, tech, and Chevy Sonic Sounds finalists

7:30 p.m. Open to public
8:00 p.m. Finalist performances

10:00 p.m. Winner announced

Entertainment Attorney, Craig Crafton to Speak on Nov. 8th

2011-11-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Craig worked in the music business as a musician, artist, producer, label and retail owner for fifteen years. Craig is Chair of the Dallas Bar Association Sports and Entertainment Law Section and serves as Associate Editor for the State Bar of Texas Sports and Entertainment Law Section journal. Craig has represented apparel designers, video game creators and radio personalities in trademark matters, musicians, bands, labels, publishers, athletes and sports managers, film producers, magazine publishers and art galleries in contract disputes, negotiations and business entity formation. Mr. Crafton's combination of entertainment business experience as a performer and creator and legal training provides a unique and insightful perspective. He currently operates a music label and 3345 Music Publishing. See cozen.com for more information. http://www.cozen.com/attorney_detail.asp?d=1&atid=1002

Heather Little ( cuts by Miranda Lambert) Will Speak on Tuesday October 11

2011-09-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Heather Little - Heather Little was born in north-central Texas. She grew up all around Austin and Dallas and all the music that thrives there. "I just want to make good music. Whether it's rock or country or blues or earthy acoustic- good music moves people. That's what it's about for me. I write songs about my life and real life things; even the hard stuff. It has to be real. We live real lives. I write real songs about that." -Heather Little

NOV: Annual Membership Meeting, Atty. Craig Crafton

DEC: Christmas Party at House Of Blues

Barbara McMillen to present "Marrying Your Lyric to Music" on Sept. 13

2011-08-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

DSA Founder and Associate Professor of Songwriting at Collin College, Barbe will present a portion of her Melody Writing lectures:

Meter in Music
Setting Music to Your Lyrics
Expectations of the listener

Complete list of online workshops.

More about Barbara

Songwriting Consulting by the hour, song critiques

Entertainment Attorney, Craig Crafton to Speak on Nov. 8th

2011-07-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Marty Rendleman to Speak at 2nd Tuesday on July 12th

2011-07-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

What do LeAnn Rimes, Mikaila, and American Idol Finalist, Kristy Lee Cook, have in common…Marty Rendleman.

Marty Rendleman has over 25 years experience in the music business and Is probably the only person to ever take two 9-yr olds and a 14-yr old to major-label contracts…two in Country and one in Pop. This book chronicles how that happened, and then offers invaluable advice and education for anyone seeking a career in the music business.

http://martyrendleman.com/

Scott Sean White Guest Speaker for June 14

2011-05-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

SPEAKER: SCOTT SEAN WHITE

A prolific songwriter and performer, Scott has bodacious cred: owner/manager/performer for top party band Professor D; numerous song placements in TV series and movies; song placement in feature films and EA Sports video games; and writing and performing on Nashville’s music row. Plus, he is co-writer with DSA member Bob Paterno on the DSA Song of the Year, “This Love!”

Scott will describe what it’s like to be a full time musician and songwriter – something most of us only dream about -- and will share what he’s learned in Nashville about the craft and art of songwriting.

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get the inside look from the industry pros at the DSA monthly meetings!

Scott Sean White (Links: http://www.reverbnation.com/scottseanwhite ; http://www.professordepk.com/Video.htm)

Tuesday, June 14

Center for Community Cooperation, Rio-Gulf Room

2900 Live Oak, Dallas, TX 75204

· 6:30 p.m. meet & greet

· 7 pm short business meeting

· 7:20-ish, featured speaker Scott Sean White

· Up to ten Song Critiques to follow, time allowing; open to DSA members,$5 each entry. If you are entering, bring about 25 copies of the lyrics to your song, but leave your name off the lyric sheet.

· Did You Know: Top winners of each month’s critiques are in the race to be named DSA Song of the Year!

Future Programs:

July: Marty Rendleman

Aug: No Meeting

Sept.: Atty. Craig Crafton

OCT: Heather Little - Heather Little was born in north-central Texas. She grew up all around Austin and Dallas and all the music that thrives there. "I just want to make good music. Whether it's rock or country or blues or earthy acoustic- good music moves people. That's what it's about for me. I write songs about my life and real life things; even the hard stuff. It has to be real. We live real lives. I write real songs about that." -Heather Little

NOV: Annual Membership Meeting, Barbe on Marrying Lyric to Melody

DEC: Christmas Party

Arnold McCuller Skyped for Meeting on May 10th

2011-04-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

You may not know the name, but you certainly know the voice.

At some point in your life you have heard Arnold McCuller's rich and distinctive vocals that have captured the hearts and ears of many well-respected musicians and fans alike. Long time featured vocalist with some of the best recording artist around, including Phil Collins and James Taylor. more......
http://www.arnoldmcculler.com

Meeting the 2nd Tuesday in APRIL

2011-04-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

Tim Delaughter, will be our guest speaker for April 12.

leader of Polyphonic Spree - Polyphonic Spree is a massive collective of musicians boasting a ten-member choir, two keyboardists, percussion, bass guitar, flute, trumpets, trombone, violin, French horn, theremin, pedal steel, and an electronic effects wizard. In addition to traveling the world for performances, Polyphonic Spree has had its songs featured in TV commercials (“Follow the Day,” Volkswagen), television shows (“Scrubs”), included in films (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), performed as the opening act for David Bowie, and much, much more.

Due to high interest, seats will be reserved for the first 24 DSA members who RSVP . Members may RSVP for bringing a guest. Seating is limited RSVP now.

Future Programs:

May

TBA

June

Scott Sean White

July

Marty Rendleman

Aug.

No Meeting

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DSA T-SHIRTS $10 at the meeting (you must ask me for the special) or

2ND TUESDAY MONTHLY MEETING & WORKSHOP

2011-03-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

Tom will talk about his cut by Randy Travis, the songs TV exposure, and a new reality show produced locally about songwriters.

Tom Prasada-Rao
is a singer-songwriter of breathtaking vision. His voice belies his musicianship and his extraordinary songs. From Rishi’s Garden with it’s homage to Ravi Shankar to the groove of Sleeping Beauty , Tom’s music is melodic, ambitious, and reverent.
Since the fall of 2007 Tom has been on hiatus from touring - staying home, producing records, raising two stepdaughters, and walking one rather large Golden Doodle named Thurman. In addition to producing, he’s a teacher, currently at White Rock Montessori in Dallas, formerly of The University of Virginia’s Young Writer’s Workshops - where he created the songwriting curriculum and taught for eight years.
From headlining major festivals 15 years ago, to the relative obscurity of his recording studio - Tom has continued to mature as an artist. That work has blossomed into an impressive resume of producing credits as well as cuts (his songs covered by other artists). 2009 will mark Tom’s first solo release in 10 years.
Tom Prasada-Rao was born in Ethiopia of Indian parents and raised in Washington DC. He moved to Texas in 2003 and is married to singer-songwriter Cary Cooper.
Tom will be speaking Tuesday night, March 8, 7pm at the Center For Community Cooperation 2900 Live Oak, Room 202 Gulf/Rio http://www.cccdfw.org/pages/location.html, for the Dallas Songwriters Association 2nd Tuesday Meeting.

Networking:6:30 Room 202 Gulf/Rio

Announcements at 7PM followed by Speaker

Song Critiques will follow: Members only $5

The meeting is free to members. Visitors are requested to give a $5 donation.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates!

Future Programs:

April 12 (202 Gulf/Rio): Tim DeLaughter of Polyphonic Spree & Tripping Daisy

May 10 (202 Gulf/Rio): Beth Nielson Chapman via skype (tentative)

June 14 (202 Gulf/Rio): Co-writing Ins and Outs with Scott White (tentative)

July 12 (300 Trinity): Marrying Melody to Your Lyrics with Barbe McMillen

No Meeting in August

Sept 13 (300 Trinity): Craig Crafton on legal issues for songwriters

Oct 11 (300 Trinity): TBA

Nov 8 (300 Trinity): Annual Membership Meeting

Dec 13 (301 Brazos): Christmas Party

Jan 10 2012 (301 Brazos): TBA

Feb 14 (301 Brazos): TBA

DSA Meeting Tuesday, February 8, 2011 6:30-9:30

2011-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

GUEST SPEAKER: David Banning, Getting Your Songs Cuts and NOT Living in Nashville.

Former DSA member, David has cuts, The Horse That Nobody Can Ride and Baby I'll Come Back To You, on Joey + Rory's Billboard charted Album #2 . He also has the bonus track "Buy Our CD" on the Wal-Mart version of the CD. Rory is also a former DSA member. David met Rory and a DSA showcase.

Free to Members

$5 for Visitors

Announcements at 7PM

Program about 7:30

Song Critiques follow - Members only may enter for $5

Future Programs:

March: Tom Prasada-Rao - renowned touring singer songwriter. http://tomprasadarao.com/

Tentative Future Programs:
April: Extreme co-writes

May: Beth Nielson Chapman via skype

June: Co-writing Ins and Outs with Scott White

July: Marrying Melody to Your Lyrics with Barbe McMillen

No Meeting in August

DSA Meeting Tuesday, January 11, 2011 6:30-9:30

2010-12-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

What do you want from DSA in 2011?

Members and Directors brainstorm.

Can't attend the meeting? Email your thoughts about DSA programs and activities and we will read them to the group for discussions. Directors will take these ideas to the January planning meeting.

Free to Members

$5 for Visitors

Announcements at 7PM

Program about 7:30

Song Critiques follow - Members only may enter for $5

Future Programs:

Feb: David Banning - Banning has two cuts on the new Joey + Rory CD "Album #2", The Horse Nobody Could Ride and Baby I'll Come Back To You. He also has the bonus track "Buy Our CD" on the Wal-Mart version of the CD.

March: Tom Prasada-Rao - renowned singer songwriter. http://tomprasadarao.com/

DSA Christmas Party, Tuesday, Dec. 14th

2010-12-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Come out and bring a spouse or friend.

Part 1. Networking and eating

Part 2. Christmas Caroling

Part 3. Program: My Favorite Christmas Song and Why? Barbara and Donna will present. Others are encouraged to bring a song also. Bring a Cd, tape or vinyl, and lyrics.

Part 4: Instant Song - Break up into co-write groups. Bring your instruments. Ken coordinates.

Free

There will be plenty of food, ham, beans, veggies and fruit.

Announcements at 7PM

Program about 7:30

Membership Meeting, Elections, & Randy Brown to Speak on Tuesday, Nov. 8

2010-11-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING and ELECTIONS AT 7PM

GUEST SPEAKER - RANDY BROWN, Award winning singer songwriter and editor of the Piney Woods.
Randy was a regional finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1995 and 19 of his songs were recorded by the folk trio Jealousy Motel on their 2 CDs "Jealousy Motel" and "We're Gonna Ride". After many years of playing with a wide variety of duos, trios and bands, most notably the late great folk/swing/jazz trio Jealousy Motel, 8 years ago he decided to begin a solo career. He have a new CD of all original songs titled "Dream Big". You can listen to his songs at: http://www.brownrandy.com
Free to DSA members, $5 for visitors

Song Critiques will follow - Members Only - $5

Sign in and Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements & Elections at 7PM
Program about 7:30
Critiques will follow. Bring your songs

FUTURE PROGRAMS
Dec: Christmas Party

Oct. 12th, Nashville Hit Songwriter, Bill Kenner

2010-10-05T12:08:00.001-07:00

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

DSA Second Tuesday Meeting, Sept 14

2010-08-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

GUEST SPEAKER : Ken Nelson, Senior VP/Executive Producer at FirstCom Music.

Ken has over twenty years of experience in creating, producing, and licensing music catalogs. He has created and produced music catalogs for companies like ESPN, Ethan Allen, Rogers Sports Net, Universal, Discovery Networks, ABC, CBS, and the list goes on. To give you an idea of what Ken does, here's an example copied from FirstCom's website:

FirstCom scored the music to picture using early versions of the new animation supplied by Vivendi. Ken Nelson was the producer and executive producer of the sound track for the new logo: 'Vivendi Entertainment had a very clear idea of the image and sound they wanted. Unlike many traditional libraries, we had the expertise to take the actual animation roughs and score directly to those assets. This allowed us to try several different approaches and orchestral mixes until we were able to capture just the right mood.'

Nelson worked closely with Mark Kristol, Vivendi Entertainments Executive Vice President of Theatrical Marketing & Distribution, through several weeks of the post production process. 'It was an absolute pleasure working with Ken and his team. Ken was keenly adept at interpreting the sound concept we had in mind. He was able to offer us several variations on that theme which enabled us to succinctly determine the score that would most effectively contribute to establishing our new identity. '

Free to DSA members, $5 suggested donation for visitors

Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:15

SONG CRITIQUES WILL FOLLOW - Members only $5

TRINITY ROOM
Map: Center for Community Cooperation
2900 Live Oak Street
Dallas, Texas 75204

http://www.cccdfw.org/pages/location.html

DSA Meeting Tuesday, July 13 2010 6:30-9:30

2010-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

BEST SONGS OF THE MEETING WINNERS PANEL DISCUSSION

Songwriters who have won the monthly meeting song critique talk about how to write and record a winner. They will also be playing some of their winning songs. Panel facilitator, Stephen Blackwell, has been a song critique winner.

We will also announce the winning song and songwriter of the year 2009.
Songwriters of the Year and Song of the Year will be announced at our July 13th meeting.

Our Song of the Year judge this year is Terri Jo Box
Box was blessed with 3 top 10 singles on the Christian Country Charts, nominated for 1999 Female Vocalist of the Year and her single "Faith" was voted one of the top 15 Songs of the Year in 2000. With a dream of still "making it" in the Country world, she loaded up the U-haul and left Nacogdoches, Texas for Music City. TJ has been focusing primarily on her writing in the last couple of years..."its such a rush to finish one...they're all my favorites" She still has a dual passion for writing the song and then singing it to see how the audience reacts. She also books and hosts two weekly singer/songwriter nights, McGuinness Girls Night on Monday nights, at Dan McGuinness right on music row and Tuesday nights at the "The Rusty Nail" in Hermitage. http://www.myspace.com/terrijobox

Free to DSA members, $5 for visitors

Song Critiques will follow - Members Only - $5

Location:
Central Market
www.centralmarket.com
(214) 234-7000
5750 E Lovers Ln
Dallas, TX

Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:15
Critiques will follow.

JUNE 08 MONTHLY MEETING

2010-06-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

SONGWRITER AND MUSIC DIRECTOR, JOE DANIEL, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FORNEY TO SPEAK AT OUR SUMMER SOCIAL.

Message: Summer Social - Free to DSA members, $5 for visitors
Hot Dogs, Chips and Iced Tea
Song Critiques - Members Only - $5
Date: Tuesday June 8, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm (GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central)
Location: Bethany Lutheran Church
Street: 10101 Walnut Hill Ln
City State Zip: Dallas TX Y! Maps
Phone: 214 762-1613
Will you attend? RSVP to this invitation

Sign in Hot Dogs & Networking begins at 6:30
Announcements at 7PM
Program about 7:15
Critiques will follow. Bring your Christian songs

Steve Leslie at 2nd Tuesday Meeting, May 11

2010-04-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER STEVE LESLIE TO SPEAK VIA SKYPE ON MAY 11

Steve Leslie has had songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Darryl Worley, Rhonda Vincent, and Neal McCoy, to name a few. Steve recieved a Grammy certificate for the title cut to Ricky Skaggs' 2004 Grammy- winning Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, "Brand New Strings".

HTTP://www.steveleslie.com
The Dallas Songwriters Assoc. hopes to learn from the experiences of music industry professionals about the secrets of the biz.

SONG CRITIQUES WILL FOLLOW

Map: Center for Community Cooperation
2900 Live Oak Street
Dallas, Texas 75204

http://www.cccdfw.org/pages/location.html