The Muse's News

The Muse's News An E-zine For And About Songwriters. Issue 17.2 May 2014 In This Issue: * Editor's Musings * Music Reviews - None this month - Send in your music! :) * New Artist Spotlight Additions * Songwriting Book Review - by Tim Zbikowski * Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info. * Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire -by adventurer and songwriter, Richard Miller. * Featured ArticleQuick Tip: What Do Rubber Bands, Sneezes, and Melodies Have In Common? by Brad Dunse * On Site Featured Article - An article (or articles) already online for your viewing pleasure. * Classifieds & Useful Services * Contact information ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2014 - Jodi Krangle. For more contact information, see end of issue. FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITER IN YOUR LIFE! All sorts of products and services especially for songwriters, negotiated so that you get the best price possible. You'll find means of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids, educational products, musical instruments and their accessories, and lots more. Any of these items would make a fantastic present for a songwriter in your life (even if it's you! :-) ) Have a Look! NEED A NEW WEB HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR BAND? I personally use HostDime - and LOVE them. Really. Their service is superb and prompt, they really know what they're doing, you can chat with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and their pricing (The Muse's Muse uses a dedicated server) is very reasonable. Check them out! Sponsor Message: (Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) Write Better Songs with MasterWriter 2.0 - at a New Price!WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER 2.0 - NEW PRICE! (And Muse's News readers *still* get a special discount!) Looking for something really special for that songwriter in your life? (Maybe it's you!) MasterWriter 2.0 is the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program. MasterWriter is endorsed by ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, NSAI and is used by some of the world's leading songwriters including Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Loggins, Trent Reznor, Clint Black, and many more. In addition to giving you Rhymes, Close Rhymes, Phrases, Pop-Culture, Synonyms, and the Definition, new features include Word Families and Parts Of Speech, two unique and revolutionary reference dictionaries that will open up a new world of possibilities for descriptive words and ideas. There have been updates and improvements to the existing features, including greatly expanded Sound-Alikes (close rhymes), and a completely redesigned Interface. These are serious tools for the serious songwriter. MasterWriter's NEW price is now only $199 - but you'll still get a *$20* discount (your price is just $179!) by ordering through The Muse's Muse! Take the Tour, Download a Free Trial, and get a $20 discount! Note that the auto-inserted discount number 3004 will apply the $20 discount when ordering online. Windows and Mac compatible. Editor's Musings: Well folks, for those of us just coming out of the deep freeze, I salute you. :) Honestly, it's been a bit quiet around here. That can be nice sometimes. To me, it anticipates a *really* busy summer. Hope it does for you guys too! Unfortunately, David M Taylor II discovered he'd overextended himself and had to step down as our new Muse's Clues writer. We have a replacement, however. And I'm really excited about this because I think he'll bring you some great options for both online resources *and* apps for your iPad, iPhone or android device. His latest article is included below so I hope you'll join me in welcoming, Richard Miller. I think you'll really enjoy his unique perspective. Moving right along, the raffle winners this month are: Miguel Capelo, from Durban, South Africa, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software. Bethany Bastura from Austin, TX, has won a copy of James Moore's digital music marketing book, "Your Band Is A Virus - Expanded Edition". This edition is the bigger and better version of the bestselling book "Your Band Is A Virus - Behind-the-Scenes & Viral Marketing for the Independent Musician". Almost double the size of it's predecessor, it's the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Rose Johnson, from Briarcliff Manor, NY, has won a free 3 month membership to SongU, an Internet-based learning environment providing online coaching, co-writing and pitching opportunities, in addition to over 70 multi-level courses developed by award-winning songwriters. Terri Evenson from Nashville, TN, has won a 6 month membership to GuitarMasterClass.net. GMC has tons of helpful videos, instructors and lessons along with a forum for chatting with teachers and students 24/7, recording collaborations, attending video chats, & content for bass, drums, singing, piano, etc. DO YOU WANT TO WIN A RAFFLE PRIZE? If you'd like to be considered for a raffle prize yourself, have a look at the various prizes offered at the top of The Muse's News webpage, decide which prizes you'd most like, and email me with your top two choices along with your mailing address so that I can get the prizes to you. Yes, it's really that simple. :) (And yes, the mailing address is kinda important. I promise it won't be used for any other reason than to send you your raffle prize - and to mention your approximate location in the notice of raffle winners you see above here.) Really glad to have you with us and I hope you have a wonderfully inspirational spring! All the best, --Jodi Return to the Top Contact Info & Credits Jodi Krangle, Editor: editor@musesmuse.com The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is included (including credits and information at the end of each issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com. All articles copyrighted by their authors. Back issues and other information will be available here. The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for songwriters. For further information, send your e-mail to: adinfo@musesmuse.com - How to place a classified ad, pass on market information or sponsor The Muse's News. info@musesmuse.com - How to subscribe or end your subscription. editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc. SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com