San Diego Songwriter's Guild

SDSG opens our 30th year with a chance to meet and have your songs heard and cri­tiqued by Jim Attebery, the co-founder and President of The Durango Songwriter’s Expo, for 16 years, one of America’s premier singer-songwriter events.

Not only will we be starting the year off with a hot pitch session, but also a great oppor­tunity to meet the 2012 President of the San Diego Songwriters Guild, Tim Mudd! We are looking forward to offering many opportunities our members in the upcoming year, so please join us as we connect with one another and welcome our new President.

The Expo is held twice a year, once in Santa Barbara Wine Country, (this year’s event is March 1-4) and again in Octo­ber in Boulder, Colorado. With over 40 music industry pros and hit songwriters present and registration limited to 200 at­tendees, the Expo is an unparalleled networking opportunity and one of the few songwriters’ events where participants get their music heard extensively by established industry vets. For more info about Durango, visit them at www.durango-songwriters-expo.com

Jim is a songwriter, producer, and studio owner who has worked with a variety of bands and artists and has written music for film and tv for many years. He will be joined on the dais by SDSG’s Diane Waters, and offer critiques on submissions. Pitch attendees will, we’re sure, find the meeting enjoyable and informative. Additionally, Jim will be giving away a couple of free entry’s to the Durango “Write With a Hit Songwriter Contest” at the end of the pitch session.

We are excited to bring the flavor of Durango to San Diego on January 16 Pitch and look forward to seeing you at the Country Inns and Suites, 5975 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego

Monday, January 16, 2012 Registration Opens at 6:00 PM

SDSG Memberships available online or at the door. Pitch fee is $5 per song, two song maximum per writer or writing team. Admission is free to SDSG Members, $10 for non-members.

With the year coming to an end, I want to take a moment to really thank our members and supporters for everything that you have participated in with the Guild in2011. Our close knit music community is one of the best in the nation, and the talent of our Songwriters and Performers makes San Diego my favorite place to live.

During 2011, I have been through the ringer, so to speak, with several medical surgeries and emergencies with my daughter, Carly, who is two years of age. As I look on toward 2012,I am realizing that these challenges are far from over. More surgeries are on the calendar, and there is a new obstacle in Carly’s recovery: Doctors “suspect” that she might be Autistic and will require therapy four days a week, in addition to everything else.
With that being said, I have decided to resign as your President, and hand the reigns over to someone who can and will guide the Guild forward. I would like to introduce, Tim Mudd (See this Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCJUi2mbAY for Tim at work,)

Tim has an extensive background in Music, and we will be doing a full article on him when he starts in January. He will also be present for you to meet him in person, on January 16 during the scheduled Pitch Session with our Guest Jim Attebery. Most importantly, Tim has the technical expertise to increase the Guild’s presence in Social Media and on the web. He also has great management and communication skills.

I will continue to be part of the Guild’s team by staying on as an advisor, and assisting with event planning. SO…

I have a great event planned for all of us coming up in less than two weeks; we rented the ballroom at the Country Inn Suites on Lusk Blvd December 17th- from 4pm to 8pm. Admission is Free!

Here are the Acoustic Performers we’ve lined up:

• 2011 Winner of the Performing Songwriter’s Contest- The Reverend Stickman
• Second Place Winner of the 2011 Song Contest- Sara Petite
• Celia St. Croix
• Vanity Affair
• Chelsea Flor
• Annie Rettic-SDSG’s Treasurer
• Eddie Jason Coven and
• Maynard Evans

We will also have a time for an open jam, so bring a guitar. We will provide some food and treats and there will be a cash bar for drinks. Please come out and finish out the year with us, with some good jams and good times.
Thank you all for allowing me to serve you, it has been my pleasure. Peace Out All!

I’ve been feeling a little bit like Robert California recently. For those of you who don’t watch NBC’s Thurs­day night sitcom The Office, allow me to elaborate:

Earlier this year, when Steve Carell departed the series that made him a star, an in-house committee was formed to find a suitable replacement for his role as Michael Scott, Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton, PA Branch Manager. The interview process produced a few famous cameos. But, the candidate who impressed, and terrified, the hiring committee the most was Robert California played brilliantly by James Spader.

On his first day Robert California walked into the reception area of his new office and took a steady look at the workers before him. Without saying a word, he promptly turned around, got in his car and drove to Tallahassee, FL where he talked the CEO of Dunder Mifflin’s parent company out of her job; a position he then assumed and continues to fill to this day.

While my previous experience should not be discounted; I only joined SDSG in July of 2011. I entered the November Song Contest. One conversation led to another. Just under a month later I’m sitting here writ­ing my inaugural entry as incoming President for the monthly newsletter. How very “Robert California” of me.

I would hope, however, that my similarities with James Spader’s characterization of a mind-game play­ing mentor with a creepy tendency of staring into the souls of others end there. I am humbled by the honor of assuming Presidential duties for SDSG and excited to work closely with the existing team, and board members, to grow the Guild’s relevance within the community.

Ultimately, the achievement of this mandate will have little to do with me. The success of any group is gained from the sum of its parts. In this case that means you. If you didn’t feel this way, you wouldn’t pay your membership dues every year, nor would you participate in any of our fantastic events. You’re part of this organization for a reason. I want to make sure you get the most for your money, time, and energy.

My first and ongoing order of business will be to listen to you. I’m not just talking about your music. What do you like about the Guild? What do you feel could be improved upon? And, most importantly, do you have ideas to help us grow? If you want to roll-up your sleeves and get more involved I, indeed all of us on the board, would welcome it. Send an email or come and chat at one of our many events. Our ears are always open. Naturally, we’re songwriters. Let’s resolve to start the new year with two-way open-communication that will create a year of success for us all.

I wish you and yours the happiest and safest Holiday season and look forward to getting to know all of you in 2012

Warmest regards

Tim Mudd

Tim Mudd is a singer, guitarist and songwriter from the south-east of England. Having moved to southern California in his early twenties, he spent the following decade honing his craft between his formative band and solo ventures that found him touring through North America and Europe. During this time he also solidified his reputation as a seasoned open mic host, competition judge and in 2010 was Arbitron rated #1 at night as an on-air personality for KyXy 96.5FM.year with two-way open-com­munication that will create a year Most recently, the majority of Tim’s creative output has laid with the of success for us all. Americana group For Strangers & Wardens, which he co-founded with Wisconsin native Cody Williams. Besides his musical work, Tim is also an accomplished writer, designer, voice-over artist and journalist of his local music community. Every now and again, he also enjoys taking the odd photograph.

Outgoing SDSG President Sandi Gugliotti has pulled out all the stops, so come join us for some Holiday Cheer at the Ballroom within the Sorrento Valley Country Inns & Suites on the 17th, from 4pm to 8pm.
Admission is free! Sandi has lined up a great group of performers to regale us in song. We’ll also have time for an open jam, so bring your instrument and enthusiasm. We’ll be providing food and treats, and there will be a cash bar for drinks. We do hope to see (and hear) you there!

Country Inns & Suites 5975 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego 92121 (858) 558-1818

The December 2011 SDSG Newsletter is now available.  Here is what’s inside…

• San Diego Songwriters Guild Holiday Party December 17, 2011
• Durango Songwriters Pitch January 16, 2012
• 2011 Contest Winners
• Tips from Pro Writers Vance & Tracey Marino Harriet Schock
• 2012 President Tim Mudd

December 2011 Download

SDSG will be strengthening our ties within the San Diego songwriting community in the months ahead. Look for columns from San Diego Songwriters Meetup’s Cliff Keller, and stop by http://www.meetup.com/SDSongwriters for more info on this great group, which meets every other Wednesday.

SDSG Member Stacy Kim is releasing her debut CD “Dream” and is hosting a CD Release Party on Thursday, December 8, 6pm – 9pm at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room located in the Village of La Mesa at 8364 La Mesa Blvd. The party is featuring a Limited Live Acoustic Performance at 7PM, Complimentary Appetizers, Cash Bar for Wine, and Signed CD’s.  All Ages Welcome… Congratulations Stacy!!

Cathryn Beeks advises us about upcoming Listen Local events, like Dec. 15th Arts,Crafts,Music at Winstons and a Dec. 22nd Holiday party and holiday songs at Winstons… all info can be found at listenlocalsd.com

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 20th annual song contest. The song were amazing. A lot of talent amongst our group.

1. Lindsey White Ring Around the Roses
2. Sara Petite Ashes
3. Lindsey White & Veronica May Oh My
4. Miff Laracy The One the Road Leads To
5. Tim Mudd Trouble On The Vine
6. Rick Harchol I Believe in Love
7. Brian Darnell Gone
8. Brian Darnell Lookin Like Rain
9. Kendrick Dial Eryka Hill
10. Dennis J Whitener Leave A Memory
11. Jim Arnegard Empty Cup
12. Kathy Keogh Hurts Shake It Til it Hurts
13. David Cavanaugh Coins
14. Michele Shipp Beyond These Walls
15. Kathy Keogh Any Fool Could See It
16. Christine Williams Eyes Like Lightning
17. Kendrick Dial Wake Up
18. Dennis J Whiterner After All
19. Guy Greco Paradise Tonight
20. Dave Cavanaugh Lucifer’s Train
21. Marshall William Hattersley Ode to the Christmas Truce of 1914
22. Michele Shipp Revealed

SDSG’s 20th Annual Song Contest will be held Monday, November 7, 2011 at the Country Inn & Suites in Sorrento Valley. The contest is a popular tradition for San Diego writers, and offers a unique opportunity to hear a tremendous cross section of local work. Prize winners are to be selected by a panel of industry professionals in this exciting event on November 7, during which song entries recorded on CD are played for both judges and audience to hear. Songs will be heard, winners will be announced, and prizes awarded on this jam packed night, an exciting prospect indeed. If you are a songwriter, or a producer or artist looking for some new material, please join us at Country Inn & Suites, 5975 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego 92121 on November 7!

This year’s grand prize includes a $300 Cash Award from SDSG. We’ll be giving away many other great prizes as well, donated by SDSG’s sponsors, including a fantastic Studio Session package with lead sponsor Signature Sound. The contest is open to the public. You may join the Guild or renew your membership simultaneously with your entry and take advantage of member discounts. To create a membership go here.

Submit your entries in person on the night of the contest. Up to 70 recorded songs will be judged in the Finals. Get your Entry Form and Rules here.

Monday, November 7, 2011 Registration Opens at 6:00 PM

SDSG Memberships available  here or at the door.   No MP3’s. Audio CD’s Only!

Rules and Entry Form

British-born songwriter, producer and composer Richard Harris grew up watching his father and grandfather play, compose, and conduct their way around the world, and considers himself lucky to be walking in their footsteps. When he quit the trumpet in favor of the piano as a lad in England, his early passion for writing was apparent and unstoppable. When not emulating his father, other major influences took hold, from The Beatles to ABBA and The Clash. Later on, Massive Attack, Imogen Heap, Death Cab For Cutie and Radiohead sealed his passion and molded his senses as a producer.

Now in his fourth year as a published writer/producer with Peer Music, Richard has had cuts with Katharine McPhee (Billboard Top 40), EMI Latin multi-million selling artist Anahi (Billboard Top 10), a top ten single for Universal New Zealand artist Boh Runga and Atlantic new signing Camera Can’t Lie and a recent #1 single with South Africas Idol winner Elvis Blue. He has a forthcoming single with EMI artist Shawn Hlookoff , cuts with several new Latin artists for Sony and EMI and Warners new signing Meghan Kabir amongst others including Universal, Atlantic and Capitol Records. Co-write credits include Grammy award winning and multi million selling writers including Mark Hudson, Pam Sheyne, Victoria Shaw, Gary Burr, Peter Zizzo, Sean Hosein, Darrel Brown, Keith Follese, Jeff Franzel and Boots Ottestad.

If you turn on the TV anywhere in the world, you’ll hear Richard’s music on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, The BBC, Granada TV, History Channel, Lifetime, MTV, Discovery Channel, TNT, and many others. His songs have been heard in commercials, and TV shows including One Tree Hill, Cold Case, Third Watch, The Closer, The Hills, Joan Of Arcadia, and even awards shows like Critic’s Choice and Cinematheque.

With great respect to the masters of all genres and eyes fixed firmly on the future of the art form, Richard Harris continues to create groundbreaking music in his home studio in Los Angeles. Richard will be listening to your songs with SDSG on October 18. Don’t miss him!

This session is open to SDSG Members only; memberships available at the door. Limit two songs; SDSG reserves the right to limit submissions further due to time constraints. Registration opens at 6PM at Country Inn and Suites in Sorento Valley, 5975 Lusk Blvd, San Diego 92121. Session begins at 7PM. Admission is free; Pitch fee is $10 per song. Special thanks to Diane Waters for setting up this awesome opportunity for SDSG members.

October 2011

On Septmeber 12th, 2011 the San Diego Songwriter’s Guild will be having a Songwriting Seminar from 7pm to 10 pm at the County Inn. The event address is 5975 Lusk Blvd, San Diego CA.
The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
The instructors for this seminar are Diane Waters and Kevin Thomas.

Kevin Thomas will focus on song structure and chords including these topics

• How to use song sections effectively
• Creating chords that match your melody
• Chord types
• Chords within a key
• Chord progressions

Diane Waters will focus on song composition through lyric writing and will cover these topics.

• Why lyrics matter
• How to turn on your “Idea Radar”
• Journal Joy
• Compelling  Titles
• Winning: The Re-Write Way

If you want you songs to be more competitive in the commercial music market, this seminar is for you. Take your songwriting to the next level. Break new barriers!

This is a great opportunity that SDSG is providing to the community.

More Details in the September 2011 Newsletter