Connecting Songwriters Throughout Northeast Ohio

News & Updates

Volume 2 Issue 11

November 2018

The Reprise:

Music Modernization Act Now In Effect

Don Henson, Founder

October 11th, 2018 is a date that may stick in your mind when you finish reading this. It was on that day that the MMA, (no not those people that punch each other) known as the Music Modernization Act, became law. The act unites provisions from across the music community under one umbrella to ensure advancement and protections for all music creators. It’s aim is to modernize copyright related issues for music and audio recordings because of new forms of technology like digital streaming.

It is my understanding that the updated law streamlines the process by which music rights holders can be paid for their songs being played on streaming services like Spotify and it now includes a song’s producers in payment for when songs are played over satellite and online radio. I’m also told it allows payment of royalties for songs written before 1972 to both the songwriters and the performers.

What does it mean for us as songwriters? According to grammy.com it:

1- Creates a new and transparent collection entity to ensure that songwriters always get paid for mechanical licenses when digital services use their work;

2- Lets ASCAP and BMI secure fair rates for their songwriters;

3- Establishes fair compensation for songwriters when the rates are set.

And for artists, it closes the "pre-1972 loophole" so that digital services will pay legacy artists the compensation they deserve and it establishes fair compensation for artists.

So it appears an updated and level playing field (and paying field) is being created. I do wish we knew what the rates are and if it really will be beneficial to those of us involved in the creative process. There are many articles on the web if you’d like to educate yourself about the impact it will have on the music industry. For me, I say it’s about time.

Join Us For Our Next General Meeting

November 5th At 7PM

2 Girls Bakery and Cafe, Stow Ohio

Working Past Writer’s Block

Bob Sammon

Some of you might remember an evening back when we were gathering at Sweet Pea when the evening wrapped up with the distribution of fortune cookies. This wasn’t just a way to thank the members for showing up with a little treat for the ride home. It was an idea to spark creativity and perhaps inspire a new song or two.

At the time I thought it was the dumbest idea I’d ever heard. I tossed the cookie into my guitar case and promptly forgot about it. Over the course of the next few weeks the cookie almost survived gigging with the guitar and about a week before our next meeting I finally cracked it open and read the fortune.

“Your love life will soon be happy…and harmonious.”

I laughed. But oddly, it sparked an idea. That idea became a concept and framework for a song and eventually turned into lyrics. I borrowed a melody line from one of my other tunes, created a new chorus and finished the song before the next meeting.

I was surprised by two things. First, I was sort of amazed that letting the idea percolate for a while resulted in something to work with. Second, I found that I actually liked what I had created. What had started as an idea I thought I’d rather ignore turned into a song that I’ve actually done as part of my show from time to time.

Wonders never cease.

When I found this article on writing to a prompt I remembered that experience, how rewarding it had been and thought maybe it would be good to pass along this idea. I think we all suffer from a lack of inspiration from time to time. Perhaps this tale of the fortune cookie and the ideas in the article can get your creative juices flowing and you’ll have a new song to present at a meeting down the line.

Personally, I’d love to hear it.

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Member Profile: Larry Davis

A few moments talking with Larry Davis is time well spent. He knows music. He knows songwriting. More importantly, he’s willing to share his insights into the craft as he did recently with us.

What keeps you coming back to Songwriter Summit on a regular basis?

Comradery. I like to be with a group of diverse people, immersed in music, who keep each other upbeat during the struggle of becoming a better songwriter.

What drives your writing?

I think I have only written a couple of songs where I had the time and solitude to sit down and write whatever I want. Every other time I have been goal oriented. I had a purpose and deadline for writing.

How would you describe the music you create?

The very first song I wrote was a college class assignment. There were certain parameters that had to be met, but you were allowed to choose any style and form. I sweated bullets over the assignment because I thought it impossible for me to write a song. Who am I to write a song? I

remember the professor liked the song. The fact that I had lyrics and no one else in the class did probably got me a bonus point.

Since that time I’ve tried to write songs whose style fits the purpose of the song. I’ve written some political songs, parody songs, church songs, children’s songs (including two rap songs), pop songs, jazz songs, rock songs and recently a collaboration song. I have songs with two chord changes and many chord changes. Perhaps the word I’m looking for to describe my music is eclectic.

What advice would you share with other songwriters?

No idea is too dumb to put on paper. Get rid of your erasers. Keep everything you write…every word.

What are your thoughts about working with a co-writer?

Carole King and Jerry Goffin were blessed to be able to show up to work every day and co-write at the “Brill.” Probably like that Naked and Afraid show, they got over their insecurities early and grew into amazing songwriters. According to Carole, it took about 150 songs before their first hit "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." It is difficult to find that kind of time, opportunity, and dedication to the cause, but the process is fun and the outcome rewarding.

What is the difference between the best song you've ever written and the worst?

Thirty years ago, I was asked to write and record a song to be interpreted by a liturgical dance group. They used it for performance but I wasn’t very happy about my writing. Last year, I was playing through some old songs for my wife and played that one. I was surprised that she liked it…and I liked it. She asked me who wrote it and I said “me.” Now I’m not saying it is a good song, but I am saying that everything, every song, everybody, has their own time and space to be the best and worst they can be.

You can catch Larry in performance with Tucker and Davis at:

Delciellos in Ravenna

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 6:30 - 8:30

Delciellos of Aurora

Nov. 7, 14, 28 6:30 - 8:30

We Need You To Step Up

So here’s the deal. Short and sweet. We need you to give some serious thought to how important Songwriter Summit is to you and your creative process and then, having done that, we need you to give some serious thought to becoming a member of the Board of Directors or being involved in one of our committees. Now.

We’re looking for members who can bring some fresh blood to our social media presence, our membership outreach and to help develop programs that are a benefit to our members and our community. You might be exactly who we’re looking for. Oh, these meetings can mostly happen though email and text message so there may not be a need to meet or sacrifice a lot of time to be able to help out.

For those interesting in serving on a deeper level, the Board is responsible for the long term strategic planning of the organization. We meet from time to time to talk about where we’re headed and how we can get there. It’s really that simple. Our bylaws call for a seven member Board. We currently need three members to run for those positions. Right now.

We need you. Drop us an email with questions or indicating your willingness to be part of the future of the organization.

Do it now. Please.

Musical Accompaniment

Terry Richardson: From Across the Pond

Quite often when a young and/or perhaps inexperienced band of musicians are playing in a coffee house or other live music venue, you see some elements of their performance that could sound so much better. I’m thinking of where you perhaps have three acoustic guitar players, all tuned to standard tuning and all strumming the same chords and - lets suggest they are focussing on a simple progression of G, C and D. With all three musicians playing the same thing - it doesn’t always sound full or attractive.

So, how do we help them alter the composition to give it more depth and imagination? Well quite simply we could encourage the main guitar player to continue in G-C-D and then perhaps guitar player two adds a fingerpicking style to accompany guitar one, then guitar three could apply a capo and play different chord shapes.

If guitar player three placed a capo at fret 2, by playing chords A, D and E, or if he/she placed a capo on fret 5, then they could play the chord shapes of C, F and G. All would harmonize, because you are in fact playing the same chord, but a different position or voice. The finger-style

player could even consider moving the capo up to fret 7 and playing the same chord, but at a different position on the neck.

Now there are many excellent musicians in Summit Songwriter’s who could show those who are less experienced different finger positions and chord shapes to add even more interest to a style. But the main thing is, try it out for yourself and see how it suits your own style.

Typically in the style we find that emanates from our songwriting group, there are a number of additional instruments that would fit well with our music. The important thing is to approach a musician who plays alternate instruments and see if you could work together on a project and see what you can produce between you. The kind of instruments that would fit well with acoustic guitar include, electric guitar, banjo, harmonica, acoustic or electric bass, string bass, violin, flute, tin whistle, recorder and bongos or hand drums, or perhaps a back-porch bass. I once played along with a marimba, viola, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer and it totally changed the entire sound and presentation.

The nice thing about working with an accompanist is that you learn so much from each other and it expands your personal skills and opens up all kinds of opportunities that you might not have considered. Give us some feedback on your findings and encourage others to try it out also.

Stay tuned!

More Wonderful Songs At The October Meeting

You really have to stop missing these. They’re just too good.

The Art of Listening

This video - suggested by David Palomo - might help your writing.

When You Buy These...

And Save The Receipts We...

It’s Easier Than You Think!

Then Turn The Receipts In At Our Meetings.

Grace Notes

Our Next Meeting...

We meet next on October 5th at 2 Girls Cafe and Bakery, 3707 Darrow Road in Stow at 7:00 PM. If you are presenting a song please bring 20 copies for distribution to the other attendees. Copies will be returned to you at the end of the meeting. You do not need to be a member to attend a meeting or bring us a song.

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