Deadline Looms For The 24th Annual USA Songwriting Competition

Enrollment deadline for the 24th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is fast approaching. Songwriters and Composers vie for a chance to win a top prize of $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise such as music gear. Winning songs will be receiving radio airplay. Songwriters can enter in 15 different song categories such as: Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Instrumental, etc.



USA Songwriting Competition is sponsored by: D’Addario Strings, Godin Guitars, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Audio-Technica, FL Software, Sonoma Wireworks, DiscMakers, CDBaby, StoryBlocks, School of Rock, Final Mix Software Berklee College of Music and more.



CURRENT WINNERS

Singer Songwriter David Wilcox won the top award (Overall Grand Prize) as well as Best Folk Song award at the 23rd Annual USA Songwriting Competition. David is now 20 Albums into a career marked by personal revelation and wildly loyal fans. Considered a 壮ongwriter’s songwriter’, his lyrical insight is matched by a smooth baritone voice, virtuosic guitar chops, and creative open tunings. Wilcox was a winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk award in 1988, and by 1990 his A&M Records debut had sold over 100,000 copies. Another A&M Records release “Big Horizon” charted on the Billboard 200 Album Charts. His latest album, “The View From the Edge” was released earlier this year, and many people consider it among his finest work to date.



“I’m grateful my song was selected winner of the top prize in the USA Songwriting competition. This recognition inspires me to continue the work. I love the process of writing, and this will help me follow through when the next song idea pops into my head. Thanks to the judges, and thank you to everyone at the competition for supporting the art of songwriting,” said a very jubilant David Wilcox, who is currently on tour promoting his current album. A dedicated and consummate songwriter, whose work has been covered by KD Lang and others, David often teaches the art songwriting at workshops.



The Overall Second Prize of the USA Songwriting Competition went to William Carpenter, Robert Gillies and Art Andranikyan, from the rock group “Ships Have Sailed.” The Los Angeles based group won with their song “Let’s Just Dance”.



The Overall Third Prize went to Michael McDaniel, Mike DeCole, J Isaac and Robbie Rob of Minneapolis, MN, who wrote the song “Man 4 Me”.



NEW GRAMMY WINNER

USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention winner (2017 Competition) and finalist (2018 Competition) Lucy Kalantari of New York, NY won a Grammy Award on earlier this year for Best Children’s Album. Her album All The Sounds by Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats included her five-year-old son Darius Kalantari, who played the cello on the album.



ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION

USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have gotten recording contracts, getting their songs on film, TV as well as getting cuts with major artists. The 2013 Top winner rock band “American Authors” hit #1 on the Billboard Charts and went Double Platinum, selling over 2 million copies. The 2007 winner Air Gold hit Top 10 on the Billboard charts with his winning song 6 months after his win. The 2005 Winner of the Country category had his winning song cut by Country Superstar Faith Hill. The 2005 winner of the Pop category was signed by Interscope Records. Our 2008 winner appeared on David Letterman TV show and got signed to a record label.



The deadline to enter is May 31st. For more information, visit: https://www.songwriting.net

Vigilante Rocker Sarah Wild Unveils Darker Side With Underworld EP

Oregon-based rocker, Sarah Wild, dives deep into the darkest parts of her psyche with fury and passion on her new six-song EP, Underworld. Leading with the single, “Back Country Nightmare,” the hard southern rock album expertly fuses elements of metal, alt country, and blues to illustrate a journey through the depths of one’s own personal hell and the immense growth that can be found through suffering. Sarah Wild and her band, The Watch, along with producer Jeanot Lewis-Rolland, have created a gritty, heavy and purposeful album with Underworld, with the mission of encouraging listeners not to shy away from the difficult journeys we must embark upon as human beings on this planet, but instead embrace our own darkness in order to better understand how to be a force of good. Underworld is now available for download and streaming on digital music platforms worldwide.



“Underworld is a narration of the inner journey, and how facing, understanding and owning your own darkness is a vital part of becoming a complete person,” Sarah Wild (vocals and guitar) explains. “Each track is just a little different, but throughout them all there is this edgy, haunting feel that perfectly captures what I imagine a trip through the mythical underworld might feel like.” The EP was recorded, produced and mixed by Jeanot Lewis-Rolland at the Interlace Audio and JLR Audio in Portland, with heavy and haunting performances from bandmates Everett Carlson (lead guitar, cigar box guitar, and slide guitar), Sean Woodcock (rhythm guitar and effects), Aron Schur (bass) and Ian Garner (drums). Their first single has already garnered the attention of Vortex Music Magazine, and found favor with B-Sides and Badlands, who placed the song on their Best of 2018 Spotify playlist shortly after it was released. One thing is for sure, Underworld solidifies Sarah Wild as a true rock ‘n’ roller, one with grit, passion, and a deeper mission that is felt with each track. “As Sarah Wild enters her perfectly gritty, edgy and just a little bit creepy ‘Underworld’ on her new EP, this heavy Southern rock sound with hints of blues and metal is exactly where she wants to be,” explains Vortex Magazine.



The Sarah Wild character was dreamed up by frontwoman and songwriter Sarah Vitort. She imagines her Wild alter ego to be a mix of DC comic vigilantes and rock ‘n’ roll and punk leading ladies like Niagara and Joan Jett. In her mind, Wild is a black-hooded ass kicking siren that would no doubt find herself fighting fire with fire in the streets and bringing justice for the forgotten to the powers that be. With her team, The Watch, she plots to use her own dark side to unearth the evil that lurks beneath the surface of the mundane, armed with superhuman vocals, doomsday-bringing bass distortion, and guitar riffs that shoot to kill.



Underworld is now available for download and streaming on digital music platforms worldwide. Keep an eye out for new music and updates at their official website http://www.SarahWild.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @iamsarahwild.



Buy/stream the EP here: http://hyperlink.co/underworldep

The Metamorphosis Of Raven Salve’

Pensacola, Florida’s Raven Salve’ is the rising singer/songwriter that is sweeping the country with her angelic sound. From the Gulf Coast to all across the county, Raven Salve’ has impacted the lives of music lovers of all ages with her incredible sound.



Raven Salve’s musical talent spans over twenty years. With each CD release, she continues to show her ability to keep producing one hit song after another. Her latest project is entitled “METAMORPHOSIS THE TRANSFORMATION” and is the most epic project in her career so far. The album is a must have and definitely offers a variety of songs to everyone.



The EP consist of eight tracks:

Rock With ME

CoCo Brown (remix)

Steppin Out,

Tic Toc,

Keep It Moving,

True Love,

Cry For America,

Victim No More.



Interview:



Where are we talking from today?



A. Pensacola, Fl



2. What would you like to accomplish in 2019?



A. I would like to increase the positive influences on our community through my music. I want my fans to know real music still exists.



3. Has the government shutdown affected you or anyone you know?



A. No



4. What is your take on politics?



A. I have a deep view of politics. With all that’s happening in the political arena in this day and time; now is our time as a culture to stand up, take our places and allow voices to be heard. Right now, is the best time for our nation to stand up and do the right thing.



5. Where did you get your artist name from?



A. Raven Salve’ is a derivative of my birth name meaning Ebony’s healing.



6. At what age did you make music a pursuit?



A. I’ve always had a passion for music since I was around 2 years old, but I finally made up my mind to professionally pursue a professional music career around the age of 23.



7. Did your family and friends support you in your pursuit of music?



A. My family has always supported me in my decision to pursue a music career. My mom and my sisters are my biggest cheerleaders. When we were younger my sisters used to yell at me for singing too much but they have always been there for me.



8. Do you have an album/EP out now that readers should check out or are you about releasing singles?



A. Yes, I am in the process of releasing my epic sophomore studio album.



9. Do you have any plans to tour?



A. Yes, a tour is in the works



10. What artists are you listening to right now?



A. I love and listen to all genres of music. I listen to a host of artists as well; such as H.E.R., Fantasia and others.



11. When you are not making music what else do you enjoy doing?



A. I am strongly pursuing advocacy for my non-profit. I am promoting my hair boutique and my new Raven Salve’ clothing line “Verde.”



12. Where are you @ online?



Go to www.ravensalve.net. My website will link all my fans to all my social media sites: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others.


http://youtu.be/_ZktJbZtqKk

https://www.facebook.com/ravensalve124/

https://www.instagram.com/raven_salve/

Rick Vines Debut Release “So Happy!”

“It gives me the strength to say… what do you know about it anyway” -­‐Rick Vines, “Secrets”



Songwriter Rick Vines strives for energy. He lives for the energy of the song, evoked by its meaning and its story. He cherishes the undefined, unpredictable beauty when people join together to create a moment, timeless in sound. And with his debut record So Happy, he realizes into tangible form his own energy poured forth into a

selection of ten songs that speak the truth.



He set out to make a record with wide appeal, not necessarily demanding of the listener’s full attention. But should one choose to tune in and listen closely, one would find meaning and significance in the melody and lyrics. In this respect, So Happy succeeds.



The ten track album is clean and polished, but not so much as to dehumanize the sound. Recorded at IV Labs studio in Chicago (notable output from IV includes jam rock Umphrey’s McGee, soul singer Cole DeGenova, and hip-­‐hop band Sidewalk Chalk) the record treats themes diverse and far-reaching, from self-referential social criticism and light-­‐hearted mocking to deeply personal stories of loss, faith, love and redemption. This range also expressed in the multiplicity of genres that appear here is juxtaposed with a consistent sonic palette, giving the record a cohesive and listenable character.



The record begins with the title track “So Happy,” featuring Bassist Tadd Santos’ driving bass line, pop style handclaps and a vocal performance reminiscent of an uplifting REM tune. But the happy go lucky sound masks the lyrical content, a commentary on selfie culture. The way we present ourselves on social media isolates us from one another, and even ourselves. How much time do we spend staring at smiling faces, erroneously assuming that the grass is really greener? How often do we tailor our own images so that someone else assumes the same? Examining the twisted hypocrisy of consumer culture, Vines accompanies this theme of isolation with “Giant Can Of Beans,” employing this contrast of sonic style and lyrics: the sound is whimsical with washes of guitar and keyboard accompanied by melodic interjections from lead guitar. Still we keep “our doors locked tight.” Vines uses his experience to craft a way of looking at the world, both thankful for the comforts of house and home while critical of the effacement that comes with that life.



To create So Happy Vines was joined by an all star cast of studio musicians with considerable accomplishments in their own right. Each gets time to shine. Guitarist Chris Siebold stands out on the Allman Brothers styled blues rock track treatment of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock” where his thick tone and searing licks cut through the driving rhythm beds filled out with the Hammond B3 organ. His more sophisticated side shows up on the jazz ballad “Nights Like This,” evoking Jim Hall or Barney Kessel with a classic archtop guitar sound alongside pianist Dave Gordon’s chordal support. Drummer Gerald Dowd (holding a longtime post with prolific country singer-­‐songwriter Robbie Fulks) is heard in full force on the classic rock tune “D’Lila.”



All of these elements are seamlessly woven under the direction of producer Anne Heaton. Vines reached out to Anne with his catalog of work in 2016. She weighed in on song and studio selection, as well as arranging, tracking, and even composing and performing original vocal parts. “In my heart of hearts I’m a collaborator,” she says of her style, which often gives “more leeway to explore and break rules.” Her presence is powerful on the lush vocal arrangements at the end of “I Can’t Breathe,” Vines’ tribute to the tragedy of Eric Garner’s choking death at the hands of New York City police officers. From the perspective of Garner, Vines sings “tell my wife and kids, I’m doing it for them.” With a wife and child of his own (whose struggles and stories appear in the semi-autobiographical “Making My Way”) Garner’s death strikes close to home.



This debut record brings a heavy dose of disillusionment and self-deprecation, tempered by humor and hopefulness.



At times the record is sincere, personal, and deeply sensitive. Other times it is acerbic and incisive. Perhaps it is the force of years that allows for this double‐edged introspection. But this music can speak to song lovers anywhere, of any age. Some will nod in understanding or shake their heads in commiseration. Others may learn or be called to think about the world differently. Some may just sway back and forth while doing the dishes. “So Happy” is vital and important for all these contexts,


http://www.heymanrecords.com

http://bit.ly/2n2VwuE

Melvin Riley Of Ready For The World Celebrates 35 Years In The Music Business And The Re-launch Of His Solo Career And New Billing Title

Balladeer, songwriter, producer and musician, Melvin Riley will mark his success with a celebration around the world that will mark his era as a legend within the entertainment industry and being one of the most influential songwriters of our time for Multi-Platinum Ready For The World. Riley Co-founded the Flint, MI band in 1982. Melvin was honored when the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame requested personal memorabilia to be showcased in their artist showcase.



Melvin Riley, original Lead Singer of ‘Ready for the World’ is known for writing and bringing the house down with his sensual, smooth slow jams while delivering hooks on a slow song that fans will remember for generations to come. What the music industry and fans never knew is that Melvin wrote, produced and performed all vocals and instruments on hit songs such as “Love You Down”, “Gently”, “Can He Do It Like This”, “Who’s Is It” just to name a few. Riley produced, wrote and sang ‘Tonight’, ‘Slide Over’, ‘Deep Inside Your Love’, ‘Ceramic Girl’, ‘Can He Do It Like This’, ‘My Girly’, just to name a few and take you down memory lane.



The year will not only be a celebration for Melvin Riley’s success, but the re-launch of his solo career and new show billing title. It will mark the 35th Anniversary when Melvin wrote the catchy lyrics and music for “Oh Sheila”. Drummer Gerald Valentine put the funky drums on the #1 pop/rock & R&B Hit “Oh Sheila”. We often wondered who was Sheila so now we will give fans the opportunity to meet Sheila. That’s right if you bare the legal first name Sheila you can enter the “Oh Sheila” contest. The grand prize winner of the selected city will receive two (2) front row tickets, (1) Night Hotel accommodations and attend a private meet and greet with Melvin Riley. To enter go to https://www.facebook.com/officialmelvinriley



Booking available now under the title Melvin Riley & Ready for The World, alongside original band members Gerald Valentine and John Eaton and a few new faces to give you a show stopping performance. The title billing for all shows; Melvin Riley & Ready for The World. Promoters can also book Melvin Riley in the round as he prepares to launch new music and continue his solo career. He will perform his solo songs and Ready for The World Classics.



Melvin continued to deliver when he launched his solo sides with album Ghetto Love. The balladeer graced the microphone with chart topping hits like ‘Who’s It’, ‘What Makes A Man'” and ‘Servin It’. Riley, followed up with his signature sound with album Bedroom Stories and hits like “You Complete Me” and Scream, Shout (featuring Jamie Foxx). His creative side continued to shine as he wrote and produced the Top Ten R&B hit for 4 By Four “Come Over”. Melvin worked with Rod Temperton to create yet another musical masterpiece “I Just Wanna Be Loved” on the sound track for the movie Running Scared starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. He wrote the song 36 lovers for the movie Beverly Hills Cops starring Eddie Murphy along with band mate John Eaton and engineer Gary Spaniola. 2018 get ready for more of Melvin Riley.


http://www.melvinriley.net

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=203003

Gar Francis Releases A New Album Titled: Gar Francis Songbook Volume One By Various Artists Doing Versions Of Songwriter Gar Francis Songs

Gar Francis Songbook Volume One by Various Artists



Album Presale: 3.9.18

Official Release Date: 3.16.18



Featuring the following Songs and Artists:

01. Baby Let’s Go – Tom Vicario 2:42

02. Come On Come On – The Easy Outs 3:10

03. I Won’t Cry Anymore – Genya Ravan 4:35

(Ten Wheel Drive)

04. Satisfied – Tyce Green 4:17

05. Born Dainty – Kelly Caruso 3:44

(American Idol)

06. Meet Me – Ricky Persaud Jr 4:12

07. Sweet Sunshine – The Satisfactors 3:38

08. Rush On You – Mark Lindsay 2:40

(former Lead Singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders)

09. A Spy For Love – Mia Moravis 2:32

10. A Special Girl – Jim McCarty 4:45

(The Yardbirds)

11. Ballerina Of The Bowery – Jana Peri 4:10

12. Break It Down – Anthony Krizan 4:29

(The Spin Doctors)

13. Fool For Your Love – Crab Bubbles Band 2:47

14. Make Up Your Mind – Inches From Sin 3:24

15. Shine Your Love – Kathryn Shipley 3:53

16. The Hand Of Fate We Hold – The Corridors 3:30



Album Review by The Grouch | In The Rockies



Hej America!

Today is a bit of a special day here in Grouchland. Why you ask? Well, today’s review is of an album of songs, most of which were composed solely by one of my favorite musicians, Gar Francis. For those who do not know, Gar is a wizard of musical creativity. Over the years I have heard many songs from Gar’s colossal body of work and I can honestly say I have not heard anything by Gar that I disliked. This is an album of songs composed either solely by Gar or in collaboration with other talented musicians. This album. at least in my opinion, further solidifies Gar’s position among other behind-the-scene greats such as Bob Ezrin and Mutt Lang.



Track 1 – Baby Let’s Go – Tom Vicario 2:42 – This is classic Country Gar and Tom delivers a great rendition. I am a sucker for that twangy guitar. Tom’s voice fits well with this style of music. When the solo kicks in the listener is reminded that Rock and Roll is basically a fusion of African inspired soul and Country. This track reminds me of old Roy Orbison or anyone one of the first-generation rockers. All in all, this is a good song that is played flawlessly by Tom Vicario.



Track 2 – Come On Come On – The Easy Outs 3:10 – The raunchy 60s sound is alive and well in this track performed by the Easy Outs. The music grinds and the old-school licks blister as the organ adds some groove around the edges. This is a dancer’s track for sure. The vocals are spot on as the old time Rock and Roll vibe fills the air. What’s not to love, with wicked guitar licks, a funky bass, a rock-solid drummer and lyrics that state “You make a monkey crazy! Come on come on!” I really like this band!



Track 3 – I Won’t Cry Anymore – Genya Ravan (of Ten Wheel Drive) – 4:35 – This is a massive blues jam that I can’t get enough of. Listen to this song and tell me you can’t feel the soul. Genya has a great voice and the backup singers just add to the magic. There is a massive amount of Motown goodness in this track. I want to give a special nod to Genya’s drummer, Bobby Chen. Amazingly, he stands out despite being behind a truly wicked guitar player and some of the most soulful vocals I have ever heard. This is without a doubt a great song.



Track 4 – Satisfied – Tyce Green 4:17 – This track is from the 80s influenced Pop-Metal Gar. The track is performed by Tyce Green and reminds me of the stuff that was popular back in the day. I am thinking of April Wine or even Billy Squire. There is enough rock here for guys to dig it and enough sensitivity in the vocals for their girlfriends to get them to come to the show. In short, this is a good song reminiscent of 1982 which, at least for me, was a very good year. This song is well executed, radio-friendly hard-pop.



Track 5 – Born Dainty – Kelly Caruso (of American Idol) – 3:44 – First things first, I dig the music. It’s got an old Charlie Daniels – Skynyrd feel. As an old drummer, I have to say I really like what Keith Reil is doing. I also dig the leads Gar pulls out at the tail end of the song, and some people say Country doesn’t jam! When done right, it jams indeed. Kelly has a strong voice that gets better on the chorus. She can sing and seems to have the kind of gutsy attitude that I dig.

Think of a kind of Country Gore Gore Girls and you are on the right track. This is a good song from a young woman with a strong voice and some really good players.



Track 6 – Meet Me – Ricky Persaud Jr 4:12 – It really doesn’t get much better than this. Gar is a fantastic songwriter and there are not many people who can jam as much as Ricky Persaud Jr. I have been a big fan of Ricky’s since I first heard him quite a while back. Simply put the man can do wonders on any instrument he chooses to use, including his voice. The Reggae vibe is strong, and I am brought back to a conversation I had a long time ago with a cat I knew who was playing drums in a Reggae band. He said to me “Once you go Reggae there is no going back.” Listen to this song. When I do I have to admit I have percussion envy.



Track 7 – Sweet Sunshine – The Satisfactors 3:38 – I first heard about the Satisfactors a few years ago. I dig what they do! This is a band made up of a bunch of guys who are bursting with in-your-face soul. The singer sings well. The rhythm section is rock solid, and the guitars are on fire. I dare anyone to listen to this track and not be in a better mood by the end of the song. A long time ago, when the Walkman first came out, I had a friend who would say “Here, have a little Alice. You’ll feel better.” Then he would give you the headphones and Billion Dollar Babies would blast through your brain. Well, here, have a little Satisfactors. You’ll feel better.



Track 8 – Rush On You – Mark Lindsay (former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders) – 2:40 – One word: JAM! This reminds me of something our band instructor back in Jr. High school would say. If we had managed to make some particularly soulful noise Mr. Case would look at us, grin and say in his cigarette damaged voice: Sometimes you cats can wail. Well folks, this track wails!



Track 9 – A Spy For Love – Mia Moravis 2:32 – I had no idea they were making a new James Bond film. They must be because this track is absolutely meant to be the theme song for a James Bond flick. The camp factor is over the top as Mia sultrily sings that she is a Spy For Love. The thing is that despite the intentional campiness and the omnipresent musical kitsch, the music on this track is really well played. Mia has a very good voice and the band actually makes the song groove. (I do have to wonder how many times they had to do a retake because the band was cracking up?)



Track 10 – A Special Girl – Jim McCarty (of the Yardbirds) – 4:45 – The first thing the listener notices is the melodic groove that could easily fit in the background of a cocktail party or with a bunch of young neo-hippies hanging in the park. I actually mean that as a compliment. The music does have some Adult Contemporary overtones that would make a dentist smile, but if you really listen to the track you will hear a subtle, yet smoking guitar. That guitar behind the easy-on-the-ears voice really works together to create something special that just may take a couple of listens to fully appreciate. When all is said and done, I find myself speechless and thinking “now that is one cool way to rock and roll.”



Track 11 – Ballerina Of The Bowery – Jana Peri 4:10 – I dig this song. The Bo Diddley vibe is just too cool. Man, the drummer, Kurt Reil, is laying it down! When you combine those drums with the ultra-raunchy guitar (Gar Francis) the song is mind-bending. Add in the vocals and the track goes from mind-bending to absolutely mind-blowing. This song has anthem written all over it. I dare anyone to listen to this track and not start to groove along.



Track 12 – Break It Down – Anthony Krizan (of the Spin Doctors) – 4:29 – WICKED! Good God I love well-used feedback! The blues simply does not get any raunchier or grittier than this. The cool thing about this track is that while the music is head-splitting level loud and confrontation the vocals are, believe it or not, melodic. The background vocals only add to the contrast of the out of control, fire-breathing dragon on lead guitar. Out of all of the truly fine tracks on this album, this could very well be my favorite.



Track 13 – Fool For Your Love – Crab Bubbles Band 2:47 – The heavy groove continues. There is no doubt that the Crab Bubbles Band can make some noise. The melodic verse is almost a relief from the intensity of the chorus. (Who am I kidding? It can never be too intense!) This song is so good I find myself wishing I was in this band. Excellent work!



Track 14 – Make Up Your Mind – Inches From Sin 3:24 – This song is interesting. On the one hand, it sounds so cheery, but there is a menacing machine-like sound grinding just underneath the pleasant keyboards. I am really curious, given the name of the band, is this a simple love song or do the singers have some darker nefarious purpose in mind for the person they are en-couraged to make up their mind?



Track 15 – Shine Your Love – Kathryn Shipley 3:53 – Kathryn starts out with some really nice soulful keys. I really am feeling a Band groove here. Then the vocals come in. Man, she has a great voice! The background singers definitely add to the soulful vibe. Then it dawns on me this is the stuff all the great Motown singers grew up singing. This song could be from a church service, albeit not the kind I attended as a kid. This song would fit into a church service where the people rock out. You have to listen to the piano (Eric Barfield) runs in this track. The pi-ano, with the organ in the background, the wicked guitar on the edge, the backup singers all provide an outstanding platform for Kathryn to absolutely wail! I dig it.



Track 16 – The Hand Of Fate We Hold – The Corridors 3:30 – The Corridors are a band I quite like. The prowess of their keyboard player is not to be denied. Just when the listener feels immersed in a sea of keyboard produced sound the guitar opens up with a tsunami of laser-guided precession sonic blasts that leaves the listener, well at least this listener, speechless. Over the top of this massively intense yet oddly melodic jam is a voice that is simply awe-inspiring. The man (Adi Mosko) can sing! This is a fantastic track that deserves to be listened to, frequently.



I should mention, as the name of the album is The Gar Francis Songbook Volume One by Various Artists that all of the songs with the exceptions listed below, were written by Gar

Francis.



Sweet Sunshine by Gar Francis, Bruce Ferguson & Kurt Reil

A Special Girl by Gar Francis & Jim McCarty

Bread It Down by Gar Francis & Anthony Krizan

Make Up Your Mind by Gar Francis, Robert Brewer & Karen Holloway Brewer

The Hand of Fate We Hold by Gar Francis & Richard X Heyman



The bottom line is this is a fantastic album that I am sure will be enjoyable to listen to for years to come. – The Grouch | in the Rockies



Made possible by all artists presented and Bongo Boy Records.

Produced by Gar Francis and Monique Grimme for Bongo Boy Records.

Album Design and Photography: Monique Grimme


http://bongoboyrecords.com/garfrancissongbookseries/

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=202408

Deadline Looms – The 23rd Annual USA Songwriting Competition

Enrollment deadline for the 23rd Annual USA Songwriting Competition is fast approaching, May 31st is the deadline to enter the competition. Songwriters and Composers vie for a chance to win a top prize of $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise such as music gear. Winning songs will be receiving radio airplay. Songwriters can enter in 15 different song categories such as: Pop, Rock/Alt, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Instrumental, etc.



USA Songwriting Competition is sponsored by: Sony, D’Addario Strings, Recording Magazine, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, Airplay Access, Audio-Technica, Presonus, Sonoma Wireworks, SongTrust.com, KJug Guitars, Discmakers, CDBaby, KJug Guitars, Storyblocks and Berklee College of Music.



CURRENT WINNERS

Priscilla Renea Hairston (see pictured) of Los Angeles, California has won the Overall Grand Prize and First Prize in the Pop category in the 22nd Annual USA Songwriting Competition with her song “Family Tree” along with songwriters Boots Ottstad and Ben Burgess. This is her first win in any Songwriting Competition. Her winning song “Family Tree” is a touching mid-tempo song based on a true story on Priscilla’s turbulent early life.



Additionally, she co-wrote a song “Love So Soft”, which was recorded by Kelly Clarkson, received a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The song hit #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.



Priscilla was signed to Capitol Records in 2009. She is also a professional songwriter, her songs she has written reads like who-who’s in Pop music. Her songs were recorded by Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Madonna, Selena Gomez and Chris Brown. Several of her songs have hit the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.



Her hits she wrote include co-writing the song “Timber”, recorded by Pitbull, the song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2013, certified six times Platinum, making it the biggest hit she has co-written so far in her career. Her other notable hits that she wrote or co-wrote include “Worth It”, recorded by Fifth Harmony (#12 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts), “California King Bed” recorded by Pop superstar Rihanna (#37 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts).



The Overall Second Prize went to Folk songwriters Hope Schneir and Justin Schneir of Camarillo, CA with their song “Lay You Down”.



The Overall Third Prize went to Aubrey Logan and Lisa Cole Bass of Bellevue, WA with her song “Pity Party”. This is the fifth consecutive year that all top 3 winning songs are written by more than one songwriter.



ABOUT USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION

USA Songwriting Competition has been honoring songwriters from all over the world. Winners came from Australia, Japan, Canada, UK, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, USA, etc. Past winners have gotten recording contracts, getting their songs on film, TV as well as getting cuts with major artists. The 2013 Top winner rock band “American Authors” hit #1 on the Billboard Charts and went Double Platinum, selling over 2 million copies. The 2007 winner Air Gold hit Top 10 on the Billboard charts with his winning song 6 months after his win. The 2005 Winner of the Country category had his winning song cut by Country Superstar Faith Hill. The 2005 winner of the Pop category was signed by Interscope Records. Our 2008 winner appeared on David Letterman TV show and got signed to a record label.



This is a great opportunity for songwriters to catapult yourself to the next level. Deadline to enter is May 31st. For more information, visit: http://www.songwriting.net

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=203383

Songwriter Alfred G. Shaheen II Releases Songs For Servicemen And Women Overseas

It is hard for one to be able to imagine the separation from home and family one must feel serving our country in strange and hostile places like Afghanistan and Iraq. La Canada-Flintridge-based songwriter Alfred G. Shaheen II recently released two singles evoking the longing for home and joy of reuniting with those special in our lives.

“The Pieces of My Life” is a poignant pop ballad on how home can call us back after a long time away. With lyrics such as “In my mind I’ve gone back in time/ Where I’ve tried to find memory lane/ Lost inside is a past that’s died/ Only broken pieces remain,” the song touches on the pain of separation especially felt by those serving our country. The dreamy country-pop song “A Country Lullaby” on the other hand reminds us of the joy of family, with music and lyrics that transport the listener to the transcendent beauty of drifting off to sleep to the sight of loved ones.

Said Alfred Shaheen, “While the verse and bridge of ‘The Pieces of My Life’ were written in 1988, the music of the chorus and the lyrics were written in 2010. Immediately after the balance of this song came to me, I remember how I was deeply struck by the thought of our servicemen and women overseas, and the effect the meaning of this song might have on them. Of course, the lyrics of ‘A Country Lullaby’ represent the very loved ones to whom they long to return.”

In honor of our servicemen and women and their families, Alfred Shaheen will donate 25% of the profits from digital download sales and streams of “The Pieces of My Life” to various top-rated Veterans’ organizations like Wounded Warriors Family Support, Southeastern Guide Dogs and Homes for Our Troops.

Uploaded to online radio service Jango in the final days of 2017, the song quickly started garnering fans, landing both songs on the platforms Top 100 PopScore. Both, the “The Pieces of My Life” and “A Country Lullaby” feature the soulful voice of Scottie Mitchell. The songs can be found on all major music services, including Spotify, iTunes and CDBaby.
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/AlfredShaheen

http://open.spotify.com/user/fsres/playlist/5InPPHlYeavknzvDFtsRzL

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=202093

Want To Write Songs For The Likes Of Rihanna, Garth Brooks Or Madonna?

Songwriter Connect platform is a new service that is enabling the large number of talented and skilled songwriters to gain access to high quality placement opportunities with established performing artists, music publishers, film and TV.

The New Pitching Platform for Songwriters:
Songwriter Connect is a great new pitching platform for songwriters that compared with its major competitors offers a better quality of features and services. The platform is in its first year of operations and in the very initial stages of its launch, Songwriter Connect has shown some tremendous results for the members.

Seasoned and experienced publishers:
The company is offering opportunities with some of the best publishers who have worked with the most popular artists of the industry including Madonna, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, Beyonce, Enrique Iglesias and many more. These successful publishers have deals with the top 10 hits in the United States and UK as well as opportunities with The Voice and American idol finalists among others.

Long list of Successful Songwriters:
Some of the current members of Songwriter Connect also have worked with some reputable publishers and have written songs for well-known names like Garth Brooks, Kool and the Gang and Billy Ocean. These songwriters have good backgrounds and many of them have even hit the top 40 charts in various countries of the world. Members have placed music with companies and shows like Star Trek Enterprise, Dog the Bounty Hunter, a Lionsgate film production and CBC TV shows in the past. However, the door is also open to songwriters who have not necessary the same profile as long as the talent and quality is high. Songwriter Connect already managed to land songwriters publishing deals with a BMG Chrysalis affiliated music publisher for their Country and Pop songs within the first month of launch.

Screening of Members:
Unlike other competitors Songwriter Connect focuses on screening the new members before actually allowing them to sign up with the website. The signing is done through a proper application process, which is free from any charges or fees. By carrying out a very critical screening process the platform ensures that only high quality content is given out to the industry. This also improves the placement chances of the members.

This is a unique feature, which is unavailable in other market songwriting platforms. For example, Taxi.com gives membership to any individual who has the capability of paying the membership charges. They also charge for each submission in the industry as Music XRay does too. As a consequence, the production of the members and their submission allow them to be of low quality and mediocre standards. The repute of good songwriters affiliated with the company is then adversely affected and a large number of entries are rejected or treated as not yet ready. As a result the songwriters end up not only paying for the membership and submissions but also do not actually get any fruitful results. Both time and efforts are wasted.

Limited Number of Members:
Songwriter Connect offers membership to only a limited number of individuals. At any one time, there are not more than 500 members. This act is very fruitful for the members. It helps reduce the internal competition among the members of Songwriter Connect and provides them more opportunities for submission. With Taxi.com, Music XRay and other competitive platforms this is an unlimited number and results in thousands of members competing with one another.

Nominal Charges:
All selected candidates of Songwriter Connect will be asked to contribute only $49 annually for their account maintenance. Thereafter, all submissions for opportunities are free of charge. In comparison, Taxi.com proposes a membership fee of $299.

New venture and new opportunities:
Being a young company Songwriter Connect was launched after a thorough preparation and development. The members joining in the first year are sure to have greater opportunities and access to a large number of innovative features and offers. They are expected to grow as the company grows.

Constant innovation and development:
With the urge to become one of the leading and most unique songwriting platforms in the industry, the company is working very hard to achieve the best possible outcomes and features. For this purpose the vision and mission of constant development and innovation in its services is being followed very religiously. The opportunities provided to the existing and new members are regularly upgraded and updated with the market conditions and dynamics.

Best songwriting opportunities in the entire market:
This is the only platform in the industry that is focusing on improving and concentrating on songwriter placements. Unlike its other major competitors, Songwriter Connect tries and works on concentrating in placing the music with other artists, into Film and movie ventures and on television or to get signed by a music publisher. Other competitors work on labeling and commercializing the opportunities for the performing artists not giving songwriters their full attention.

http://www.songwriter-connect.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181187

Multi-platinum Songwriter And R&B/Pop Artist Keith James Releases Debut Single “Not My Day”

Multi-platinum songwriter Keith James just added “R&B/Pop Artist” to his title with today’s worldwide release of his highly anticipated single “Not My Day” – and to celebrate his debut, the hit-maker is awarding live private performances to 10 fans in 10 different cities across the country.

Produced by multi-platinum producer Mick Schultz, “Not My Day” is a captivating mix of feel-good Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B/Soul. The bliss-inducing single is an unlikely mix of classical strings, uplifting dance beats, and catchy lyrics that captures the essence of James’s musical style.

Launching in tandem with the single’s release on February 9th, Keith’s “Lucky Fans Tour” Sweepstakes offers the chance for fans to win one of 10 performances for themselves and their guests at the private venue of their choice.

Fans who follow @WhoIsKeithJames on social media may enter the sweepstakes via one of the following two options:

1. Posting a screenshot on Twitter or Instagram showing the Download of “Not My Day” on iTunes with #NotMyDaySong, or

2. Sharing the official sweepstakes image (from http://www.whoiskeithjames.com/lucky) on Twitter or Instagram with #NotMyDaySong and tagging two friends

Official rules for the “Lucky Fans Tour” Sweepstakes are available at http://www.whoiskeithjames.com/lucky.

Keith James was born and raised in one of South Side Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods and began performing musically at the tender age of nine. His distinctive blend of Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B has led to writing multiple songs for top-selling artists including Jeremih and Nicki Minaj. Upon completing “Not My Day,” James and Schultz realized that the electric, upbeat song was something special. “Sometimes when a unique song comes along it only makes sense to have the original writer sing it,” says Schultz. “This is Keith’s song!”

Supporting the launch of his debut single by connecting directly with his fans is typical of the warmth and positive energy for which James is known. The music video for “Not My Day” is scheduled to drop on February 18th, 2015, offering yet another opportunity for fans to see the artist in action.

Download “Not My Day” on iTunes here: http://smarturl.it/NMD

For high-resolution press photos and media kit, visit: http://smarturl.it/keithjamesEPK

For more information on Keith James, please visit: http://www.whoiskeithjames.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=181207