This time around, the “Best of MSA” Vol. II will be a collective of songs entered by as many MSA active members that chose to participate. We will produce the “Best of MSA” Vol. II collaborative CD in order to provide a unique opportunity for our members and our organization.

MSA members will have the opportunity to purchase CD’s for a reasonable rate and keep all the proceeds for themselves or if they choose donate them back to the organization.

MSA will make CD’s available through the MSA website (www.memphissongwriters.org) and MSA MySpace (www.myspace.com/memphissongwriters).
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BEST OF MSA VOL II Steps:
Each Active MSA member will have the opportunity to submit (1) song.
The cost of the recording will be $175.00US.
The recording will be limited to (2) Vocal Tracks & (2) Instrument Tracks. All tracks must be recorded, mixed & mastered at Farmhouse Studios to maintain the continuity of the project & product.
Each song will be mastered by Memphis’s renowned record producer and engineer Kevin Cubbins. Kevin has a vast array of experiences with some of the music industry’s top performers and studios.
MSA’s very own Jon Dillard will provide the artwork gratis and produce the CD’s at a cost of $5.00US each. Songwriters can purchase as many as they want with no minimum purchase required.
MSA & the Artists agree that all CD’s sold to the public will be at a minimum cost of $10.00US.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating, start by becoming an active MSA member today! You can get an application online at the MSA website to mail to the MSA post office box with your check or money order. There i s a minimal annual fee for becoming a member. All proceeds will be utilized to continue this great non-profit all volunteer songwriting community organization thriving. There are many other reasons for becoming a Memphis Songwriter Association member and many more great member services & benefits to come.

Bryan Hayes, owner of Farmhouse Studio has agreed to offer this great opportunity to as many MSA active members that choose to participate.  We are in need of commitments ASAPJULY 31st)  to begin scheduling studio time. It is anticipated that the final product will be available before Thanksgiving 2009.
*If you are a lyricists and do not play an instrument or sing but are interested in submitting a song, MSA members can help you bring song to life by charging a small fee/volunteering to be session players and vocalists on your track.
We MUST have all interested members commited by July 31st. Recording will take place August and September.
DON’T WAIT!!! TIME IS A WASTIN’!!!
For Questions Contact:
Phillip Beasley
MSA President 2008-2010
901-626-4127
pdb4184@bigriver.net

We are always interested in experienced songwriters and music industry business types to speak to our group on subject matter of interest to songwriters. We are seeking individuals willin g to speak to our group about topics ranging from publishing, studio recording, gigin and/or songwriting creativity. PLEASE contact us if you or anyone you know is interested.

***WE WANT TO THANK KAREN THE OWNER OF OTHERLANDS & ALL THE OTHERLANDS CREW FOR ALLOWING MSA TO HOLD OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS IN SUCH A COOL PLACE. PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GRABBING A BEVERAGE AND/OR SOME FOOD AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BE NICE TO THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE YOU.***

We want to thank Bryan & Ang for their hospitality and opening up the studio to our members & friends. These studio Open Mics are cool. It gives the artist a chance to perform live through grade A+ equipment and get honest feedback on your live performance through the recorded session for just $10. Some may even be able to utilize these recordings as demo (if you are a flawless performer) but either way $10 to get a real listen to how you do in the studio live is a steal. Thank you again Bryan for this fantastic service.

Bryan is poised and ready for the next one. All he needs is commitment for our gang. All the board needs is feedback from YOU!!! If the group is interested in scheduling in June, July August or all of the above we just need to know. We also need to know what you like about the open mic and/or what you would like for us to do different. Bryan is truly open to our suggestions and is flexible on scheduling.

The memphis songwriters association is starting the first of our studio open mic series at farmhouse studios. The event will be from 2-6pm saturday may 9th 2009.

bryan hayes (retriever records) former vice president of msa along with partners, family & friends has completed construction of his new studio and has invited msa members & friends to attend a private open mic.

This open mic will be a byobeverage & byofood event.

There will be alot of musical fun. This event requires an rsvp email reply to pdb4184@aol.com or this myspace for planning puposes. A minimum of (10) attendance or the event will be rescheduled.

We are asking that you please mark this down on your calendar, rsvp asap and join us for a fantastic meet & greet. We are inviting long time supporters, friends and local music industry movers & shakers.

Bryan will have the recording gear going and has offered to provide live recordings of open mic participants. Bryan is willing to make cds available to those requesting for a nominal $10.00 fee to cover costs.

Feel free to come to this event and bring songwritin, musical music lovin friends & family.

The days agenda:
2:00-6:00 msa open mic

***sorry, the drawing for (3hrs /$120.00 value) studio time donated by farmhouse studios was overlooked during the previous open house event.

We will draw names from those that attended the open house and those attending the open mic.***

farm house studio
3470 slayden rd.
Moscow, tn 38057
directions at google maps:

msa & farmhouse studio’s has extended the invitation to this private event for the enjoyment of said members & friends. Attendance shall be considered a free will acceptance to participate at attendees own risk.neither msa and/or farmhouse studio’s or any of their said members, representatives, family and/or friends shall be held personably liable for any injury.

ON LOCATION: MEMPHIS INTERNATIONA FILM FEST
SONG WRITING COMPETITION
Application Deadline: April 10, 2009

On Location: MEMPHIS believes that music is an instrumental part of every film. To helpcelebrate our 10th anniversary, we are seeking Memphis area musicians and artists to submit a 3‐5 minute song which will be an integral part of our celebration. Our goal is to encourage networking between filmmakers and musicians.

Three finalists will be chosen to perform their song at our Opening Night party at Ground Zero
Blues Club Memphis where more than 100 filmmakers and industry professionals will be in
attendance. The winner will be announced that evening along with the OL:M fest’s film awards for 2009.

The winning song will also:

• be played before the screening of each film during the festival, April 24‐26, 2009
• be placed on on location memphis’ website (Click Here)
• be used at On Location: MEMPHIS events throughout 2009/2010 leading up to next year’s festival
• will receive 2 VIP passes to the 2009 festival

All songs entered will be available on listening stations at Malco’s Ridgeway Four during the 2009 festival.

Competition Rules

• All entrants must reside in the Memphis area
• Song should be 3‐5 minutes radio playable length
• Submission must be 128 kbps or better
• Must be mastered recording
• Must be MP3 only
• All songs submitted must be the entrants original work
• Files are to be uploaded via at the On Location Memphis Website (Click Here)

Competition Timeline

• March 16 – Competition Open – application form available at On Location Memphis Website (Click Here)
• April 10 – 5 pm ‐ Deadline for all entries – no exceptions
• April 24 – Top 3 finalists perform at Opening Night party at Ground Zero Blues Club Memphis
• Winner announced

QUESTIONS?
Click Here to Email Us

The attachment was sent by Lisa Bobal the president of On Location: Memphis board.

The Memphis Songwriters Association along with others has committed to participating with the planning & promoting of this year’s 2009 International Film Festival Song Contest.

Last year the Memphis Songwriters Association was invited to have our members & special guests perform at various areas during the International Film Festival. This was met with favorable response from festival attendees and opened the door for discussions with the On Location: Memphis leadership on how to incorporate more Memphis Music during the International Film Festival. There are several ideas still on the table such as possible live performances, Memphis Music retail area and workshops on Music in Film with hopes of encouraging participation from local artists while creating networking opportunities for the artists & film makers.

The On Location: Memphis board decided they would like to conduct a song contest among local artists in order to promote local music and if successful they are committed to holding the contest on an annual basis for all future festivals. This year the (3) finalist will have an opportunity to perform during the On Location: Memphis Opening Party at Ground Zero in front of over (100) film makers & industry professionals. The winner will be announced during the opening party and then spotlighted throughout the 2009 International Film Festival and the remainder of the 2009 year. The Artist will be featured on the On Location: Memphis website, various promotional publications and advertisements. All the Memphis Music Entries will be featured at various listening stations during the 2009 International Film Festival which will provide attendees with an opportunity to listen to the fabulous Memphis Music talent that makes our city world renowned.

This year On Location: Memphis is celebrating their 10th year anniversary of the international film festival. The On Location: Memphis board & members are working internationally, nationally and locally to make this years festival a memorable event for film lovers as well as one that will provide registrants and attendees with tremendous entertainment and opportunity. We are asking for all the help & support that you & your organizations can provide to help make this a successful event. There are many sponsorship opportunities available and I know the On Location: Memphis board is favorable to forming lasting relationships with individuals & organizations that may provide opportunities of reciprocal support in the future.

We understand that this is an ambitious timeline but we believe there is a huge amount of talented musicians with product that already meets the contest requirements. We are asking that you sent the attachment out ASAP to your Members & Friends via email and any other electronic mailings and/or promotional literature. We would also appreciate providing information to any others interested in supporting and/or attending this event. If you are interested in speaking with the On Location: Memphis leadership to discuss other sponsorship and/or participation opportunities please contact me directly and I will provide your information to Lisa Bobal. With your help we are confident this will be a win for the festival and the artists.

Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Phillip Beasley
Memphis Songwriters Association
President 2008-2010
901-626-4127

COME OUT TO RJ’S RESTAURANT AND SHARE SOME SONGS. BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS ELECTRIC AND/OR ACOUSTIC TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN.

RUSSELL, ERIC & THE RJ’S GANG GOT PLENTY O GOOD FOOD & BEVERAGES SO COME EARLY AND GIT YOUR DRANK & GRUB ON!!!

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!! RJ’S IS STRIGHT UP HWY51 ABOUT 20min FROM MEMPHIS.

RJ’s Restaurant
120 Quinton Ave, Munford
901-840-2004
Located four miles North of Millington
Highway 51 South bound lane just South of Highway 51 Furniture
open 3 PM Monday thru Sunday ( closed Sunday and Monday

YA’LL COME!!!!

Phillip Beasley
Memphis Songwriters Association
President 2008-2010
901-626-4127

Two days of courses and workshops on songwriting, music business, marketing & promotion, performance skills, and more. Johnnie Walker of the Shelby County Music Commission will give the keynote address on Saturday morning, and the Center for Southern Folklore is lining up a killer show for Saturday night that will be free to ProMusicU attendees.Extended early registration: sign up before Friday, March 6th for special discounted rate!

The Memphis ProMusicU Team:

Rand Bishop, hit songwriter and author.  Toby Keith’s “My List” is among the more than 200 cuts that Rand has had in his career by artists such as the Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, Tim McGraw, Indigo Girls and Heart, among many others. His new book, part songwriting masterclass and part chronicle of a long and successful career, is called “Makin’ Stuff Up”.

Doak Turner, networking guru and publisher of the popular “Nashville Muse” newsletter.
John Haring, Internet music marketing and music business authority.
Dave Isaacs, acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist, music educator, and performance coach.

Curriculum, course details, and a listing of our Advisory Board members are all available at www.promusicu.com.

Special early registration rate: $129 until 12 noon on Friday, March 6th.
Registration after February 26th is $159 for NSAI/MSA members and college/high school students with valid school ID, $199 for all others. Price includes two days of classes plus the Saturday night concert by PMU faculty and a prominent Memphis artist TBA. Group discounts available for bands.  To register, visit http://promusicu.com/registration.html

The first 16 signups receive a free 30-minute consultation with a member of the ProMusicU staff. Slots are still available, sign up now!

Phillip Beasley
Memphis Songwriters Association
President 2008-2010
901-626-4127

Phillip Beasley
President 2008-2010
Memphis Songwriters Association
901-626-4127
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2008-09-09
End Time: 21:00

The MSA meeting will be rescheduled at a new venue ASAP. please stay tuned for details. We will discuss the entry’s (how too) of Kim Copelands Productions in songwriters group songwriting contest.

MSA Members only. details tba later.

MSA SUMMER SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP SERIES

We are very excited about the MSA summer songwriter workshop series that will run several consecutive weekends and feature several workshop presenters. The format may vary from weekend to weekend based on funding and the presenter’s schedule. The workshops will more than likely have a active members vs. non-members price scheme. One example is to have a Friday night song critique (limited space available). Saturday Workshop from 10:00am til 2:00pm or 4:00pm, break and then that night a MSA Singer Songwriter Performance where select MSA singer/songwriters will open for a featured Guest Songwriter. We plan to have between three to five weekends based on funding.

NON-PROFIT STATUS ON THE HORIZON

Rusty Graber, through a positive chain of events, discovered that we will likely be able to move forward with the original association name and secure our non-profit status through a non-profit umbrella vehicle offered by the Folk Alliance. The relationship we have developed with the Folk Alliance through the MSA organizational membership will allow us to resume a non-profit status at a fraction of the normal cost.

FOLK ALLIANCE 2009 MUSIC CONFERENCE

The Folk Alliance has started their early bird pricing and is now accepting submissions for official showcase opportunities. If you are interested in applying for a showcase you must be an individual member or an organizational member of the Folk Alliance. You must be an active member of the Memphis Songwriters Association to take advantage of our organizational membership with the Folk Alliance. Talk to Phillip Beasley 901-626-4127 if you need more details.

BMI SUPPORTS MSA

Wanted all MSA members and friends to know that the BMI representative Christine Inglesias has been very responsive and BMI has been very supportive of MSA over the past few months by providing information and promotional assistance. Currently we are awaiting approval of some possible funding that may be available to our organization that will help us reach several overall budgeting goals.

MSA MYSPACE / www.myspace.com/memphissongwriters

PLEASE PLACE MSA IN YOUR TOP TEN FRIENDS!!!!

Also, refer to the MSA myspace site weekly for news and information. Subscribe to the MSA blog and share information about songwriting, giggin’ etc. Leave comments. Post Bulletins about news you would like to share. Send messages with your ideas, thoughts and comments about the association and what you like or dislike. STAY TUNED FOR THE MSA WEBSITE COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

We will likely have several opportunities to have a presence around town in local event and festivals. This requires happy warm bodies (not an option in the Memphis heat) to setup and breakdown an MSA booth that will provide information to the public about the association. PLEASE let us know what you are willing to do. There are a lot of opportunities on the horizon and we must do our best to establish the association as a vital community organization that support songwriters locally and abroad.

PEER TO PEER SONG REVIEW

We complete the last of a peer to peer song review exercises we have been doing at the monthly meetings. If you like this type of event please contact Phillip Beasley 901-626-4127 and we can look to schedule them on a regular basis in an effort to develop our songwriting craft and foster collaborations.

MIKE DEES SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

Due to recent schedule change we have a short meeting tonight. If possible everybody stay, get on the list and participate in the showcase. We are intending on showing support locally by scheduling specific open mics and showcases during the months to come. There are many great events/open mics/showcases out there and we can develop a lot of good relationships by participating starting tonight. If you know of any local area open mics and/or showcases please forward the information so we can list it on our myspace and schedule it as an association mixer event.

Stay tuned for July’s membership meeting agenda.