Songwriting Software Express, Issue # 46

November, 2006 Issue

To help your songwriting with a focus on the benefits of innovative software, tools, resources and programs for your songwriting craft and career.

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Now until December 31st, 2006 Save $90 US!

MasterWriter - the most comprehensive program for writing lyrics with a recorder for melodies and preprogrammed grooves.

Used by hit songwriters Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Loggins, Trent Reznor, Clint Black, Jeffrey Steele, and many more.

Windows and Mac compatible.

Click here to read more about MasterWriter and save big with Songwriting Software Plus. Or try it FREE for 30 days. CD or download.

And MasterWriter is a great adjunct program
for Lyricist too!

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Write lyrics masterfully with MasterWriter.

First up: Editor's Note from the laptop of Robert Curtis,
your songwriter in residence at Songwriting Software Plus.

1. Streets For Your Songs
2. This Month's Notable Quote
3. Songwriting Software Plus Software Superstars

Hopefully you've written some nice song gems this year and maybe even a slew of hits. In any case if you're not putting them out there to the world then no one else will know so today we'll take a look at a number of avenues to consider in getting your songs out to the world.

There are a number of organizations and lead services that do everything from screening and forwarding ready songs to publishing houses and record labels that you might be able to deal with directly.

Today we'll take an overview look at the major services and give a nod to a resource that has leads to publishers, record labels and more throughout the world. Plus we'll peak at ways to go directly to your waiting fans :-)

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Take a peak at the following avenues to see which ones look like the best opportunity for you to get your songs into the hands of movers - who can do everything from giving feedback on your developing songs to getting your finished songs into the hands of major project decision makers.

Remember these are all tools and a combination of approaches is probably the best bet.

TAXI is a for every songwriter from the novice to the accomplished because they offer critique guidance all the way to sending along polished songs to appropriate projects for further consideration.

TAXI states they're the leading Independent Artist & Repertoire Company, around since 1992, specializing in giving artists, bands, and songwriters access to the music people who have the power to sign deals.

Their reputation has been built on passing along only quality material and that has put them in the position of getting record companies, publishers, and music supervisors to call on them to find hit songs, instrumentals and tracks for TV and film projects.

All songs are reviewed by appropriate music veterans i.e. Pop experts for Pop listings, Alternative Rock experts for those listings, etc. - and if your song(s) are a good fit for the project in the reviewer's assessment your songs are forwarded to that project and you are notified accordingly - if your song is turned down you are told as well.

You also always have the option of having your songs critiqued via TAXI's standardized critique process to help you improve your craft.

The Music Broker is somewhat similar to TAXI in the service they provide but they differ in that after your songs are screened and approved you're free to pitch them to any project you deem appropriate for the duration of your membership.

This service is best geared for the proficient songwriter who's material is in the commercial pocket of their genre but may not have connections in the industry to present their songs to.

Your songs are reviewed for inclusion so if your writing is not at a quality level sufficient for presenting to industry projects you will be turned down. However you have the option of having your material critiqued by industry veteran Richard Jay, The Music Broker's proprietor, that can help you understand what's working in your songs and what needs to be worked on so you can work up to getting approved.

Membership runs about $100 US per year. If you're not approved your money is refunded.

Song Catalog is akin to The Music Broker in that they first screen your material and upon approval they allow you to submit your material to the opportunities that they offer that you feel are a good fit for your songs. Your songs are also available via search for project directors looking for your type of songs.

The SongCatalog's Music Licensing Network provides opportunities for professional songwriters and artists to generate licensing revenues for their songs. With their system you're able to digitally store, manage, market, and deliver your music.

Song Catalog is somewhat different from other companies in that they offer a host of opportunities in the advertising world for commercials and similar projects that typically aren't found on the standard pitch list for example. They do provide more typical opportunities as well for writers seeking publishing contracts and artist deals too.

In summation if you're just getting your feet wet with songwriting TAXI is a good starting point followed by The Music Broker and Song Catalog for writing that's commercially in the pocket for today's styles. And while I'm at it here's a couple of other services to check out - GoodnightKiss.com and SongLink.com.

Songwriter's Market is published annually and list various publishers, record labels, etc. that in a lot of cases are open to song submissions provided you follow the suggested approach noted with the listing. Some listings are fairly particular but at least you learn who is most approachable - what they want and what they don't want.

There 's no guarantee that your songs will get through the door to these opportunities but the book gives you a good lead and ups your chances of having an opportunity to have your songs heard by decision makers.

Also there a timely articles on important aspects of the craft and business of songwriting that can inform your writing and marketing.

Whether you take up any or all of the above there are also ways to get your stuff directly out to the world via your own website or via portals like MySpace or Broadjam.

Sites like MySpace are free and are a great tool for promoting your songs (up to four) and pay sites like Broadjam typically allow you to upload as many songs as you want (more songs - higher subscription rate) - also Broadjam in particular has the advantage of being set up for online song submissions to TAXI (noted above).

Lyricist - the premiere indispensable and affordable lyric and lead sheet music writing program.

MasterWriter - the most comprehensive program for writing lyrics with a recorder for melodies and preprogrammed grooves.

Used by hit songwriters Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Loggins, Trent Reznor, Clint Black, Jeffrey Steele, and many more. Windows and Mac compatible.

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