Quote to Inspire. "At the risk of sounding hopelessly romantic, love is the key element. I really love to play with different musicians who come from different cultural backgrounds."
--John McLaughlin, Guitarist & Composer.
- Welcome February! And welcome to new members from near and far! We know you'll find SongU to be a talented and helpful community of songwriters and mentors. Speaking of which, this month, we're asking members to help us by giving us their HACKS to improve creativity and songwriting productivity. They've already posted some great ideas, like taking a bike ride or hike, watching documentaries, quietly focusing on hit song lyrics, or dusting off your old title book to see what gems might be inside! Head to the SongUNews Facebook page to view more excellent ideas and share YOUR way of getting "unstuck" or inspired.
Submissions Open for the February Spotlight Playlist Challenge! Love is in the air and in our songs! SongU members, your challenge is to write an original love song that avoids the cliches of 'roses', 'chocolates', or 'in your eyes'. For an additional challenge, try writing one that is humorous such as John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves," or heartbreaking like Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me If You Don't" (written by the amazing team of Alan Shamblin/Mike Reid). Post your songs in the FAST-TRACK PITCH area by February 13th for a opportunity to be included on the Playlist.
Special Event Pitch with Riser House Entertainment! Staff Writer for a Day! This is an exclusive opportunity to be selected by Director of Publishing and A&R Kirby Smith for a chance to find out what it's like to be a professional staff songwriter for a day, including a co-write session with Riser House pro songwriter Michael Whitworth. Kirby is listening to almost ALL genres of music and even lyric-only submissions. As a bonus, she is open listening to for potential single-song publishing. Some of you may remember that Kirby listened to our songs previously as Creative Director at Winsongs Music. At Riser House, she has a whole new roster of songwriters and artists, so bring on those songs. See details in the Pitching area. Deadline for submissions March 15th, 2023.
General Registration Reminders. You may have 2 Active Live Song Feedback courses (FDBK) at one time but can add a 3rd if there is still an open spot 24 hours before a course starts. Check your live Course schedule in case someone cancels during the week and a seat opens up. To International members, if there are any FDBK sessions you can not be present at due to a time-zone challenge, you can register to attend the session anyway. Add a work tape and/or lyric to your backpack with a note to the instructor. Listen later to the transcript. Also, look for our GMT-friendly meetings (between 1-3 pm EST) during the week and on Saturdays for meetings that may fit your "live" schedule. To All, please delete your course from your Active courses page if you are not going to attend and have no song in your backpack. Thanks.
SONGU SPOTLIGHT
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UPCOMING INSTRUCTOR-LED COURSES
Registration for song feedback and mentoring courses (FDBK) begins one-week prior to course time starting at 10:00 am ET. Limit 5 participants per session.
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Wed Feb 08, 2023 09:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 320 Publisher Song Feedback and Mentoring with Debbie Zavitson
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Sat Feb 11, 2023 01:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 205 Song Feedback and Mentoring II with Alan Roy Scott
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Mon Feb 13, 2023 08:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 215 Christian Songwriters Feedback and Mentoring with Dallas Gregory
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Tue Feb 14, 2023 01:00 PM (ET)
FDBK 200 Song Feedback and Mentoring II with Helen Darling