And now Erin is composing the music with Tony & Pulitzer winning playwright Quiara Algeria Hudes for a world premier musical called Miss You Like Hell, at the La Jolla Playhouse.  You can hear a sample from the new musical, and a write up from the New York Times Here.

At this special event you will hear her perspective and advice on writing for musicals.  She will also share songs from the new musical as well as from her long and successful career.  At this event you get useful info on writing for musicals, AND a top-notch concert.  You can view Erin’s website Here.

This event is $20, all of which goes to the performer, pay at the door.  You must RSVP for this event to attend, it will take place in Cardiff.  PLUS members get this special offer when they RSVP to the 11/11 event: 50% discount off regular ticket price for 2 tickets on 10/28 to a special showing of the La Jolla Playhouse Musical that also includes a drink coupon, appetizers, and introductions by the actors /playwrights /director /composers and more.  That’s  $30 off each ticket!  If you can’t make it on 10/28 you can get 20% discount for 2 to any date for the Musical.

This event will likely sell out, so act soon.

Online ticket sales for this event are closed.

Time 5 pm

Venue: Mission Brewery

Address: 1441 L St, San Diego, CA 92101

Event Type: Informational Workshop

Age restrictions: None (All Ages)

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT, AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS PREFERRED. To reserve your tickets see the end of this post.

The San Diego Songwriter’s Guild is honored to welcome Jerimaya Grabher, Founding Partner and Manager of Global Positioning Services (GPS), a full service music management company with offices located in Santa Monica and New York.

At this event Jerimaya will share his insight on how the business actually WORKS for writers and artists and discuss tangible issues and strategies that writers of all levels will be able to leverage as they navigate the complex business of music and songwriting. We will also plan to have an extensive Q&A exchange where attending members and guests will be able to seek expert guidance on any number of varying concerns regarding the challenge of blending the commercial and artistic aspects of the craft.

With extensive experience as a panel expert across a variety of topics, Mr.Grabher appreciates that a lot of people operating outside of the industry have limited understanding of how things actually work and is eager to share his perspective and knowledge with our membership.Topic covered but not limited to performing rights, publishing, A&R, and breaking into the business.

About Jerimaya Grabher:

Jerimaya Grabher has an extensive creative background in the music making side of the music industry. In 1994 he joined the A&R department at A&M Records in Hollywood, CA. As a talent scout, he was responsible for seeking out new unsigned artist talent from around the country and assisting in the A&R direction of albums for artists ranging from Jonny Lang to Monster Magnet to The Neville Brothers. During his 4-year tenure at A&M Records, Jerimaya identified the need for a business-to-business directory of record producers & engineers and created the RPM Directory in 1997. The only directory of its kind, the RPM Directory was offered by subscription and featured production credits and contact information for the top recording professionals in the industry.

In 1998, Jerimaya moved the printed RPM Directory online and launched RPMDirect.com. This same year Jerimaya joined the Windham Hill/Private Music label group at BMG Entertainment in Beverly Hills, CA as Director A&R. Here he was responsible for executive producing albums from Mark Isham, Tracy Scott Silverman, Lisa Lynne and some of the label’s lauded compilation series. In 2000, Jerimaya formed an independent A&R company and consulted for record companies and unsigned recording artists. In 2004, Jerimaya joined The Sanctuary Group’s Producer/Engineer Management division in Los Angeles, CA as a client manager, representing clients such as Dennis Herring, Ethan Johns, Joe Chiccarelli, Jacquire King, Nathaniel Kunkel. In 2005, Jerimaya co-founded Global Positioning Services Inc. with James Phelan representing some of the world’s top producers and engineers and recording artist management firm based in Santa Monica, CA. Clients at GPS have produced, recorded or mixed projects that have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

About Global Positioning Services

GPS represents a select roster of record producers, songwriters, mixers, engineers, DJs & recording artists. With an A&R approach to management, their focus is on developing career clients. GPS provides services including day-to-day project coordination, contract negotiation, royalty collection, social media administration, invoicing and global industry outreach.

The current GPS roster of clients includes Mikal Blue, Billy Bush, Noah Georgeson, Ethan Johns, Emily Kinney, Tom Lord-Alge, James Maddock, Dana Nielsen, Thom Monahan, Vance Powell, Joey Raia, Bill Reynolds, Carmen Rizzo, Thom Russo, Charlie Sexton, Duncan Sheik, Geoff Stanfield, David Tort, Cenzo Townshend and Brian Virtue. Their clients have contributed to the success of prestigious artists including Kings of Leon, Kanye West, Norah Jones, U2, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Florence and the Machine, The Rolling Stones, Seal, Dave Matthews Band, Rachael Yamagata, Juanes, Eric Clapton, Modest Mouse, Paolo Nutini, Ray Lamontagne, Snow Patrol, Adele, Ryan Adams, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Joe Cocker, The Pet Shop Boys, Bob Dylan, Train, Nirvana, Colbie Caillat, Tom Jones and Weezer to name only a few.

Event Registration

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT, AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS PREFERRED

• SDSG Active Member Admission: Free
• Non Member Admission $15.00 online / $20 at the door

Online registration for this event is closed

Time 6PM-9PM

Venue: Legend Building at Petco Park Social Lounge & Rooftop Deck

Address: 325 7th Avenue San Diego CA 92101

Event Type: Listening Session

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT, AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY. To reserve your tickets see the end of this post.

Richard and Robert will be sharing their experiences and prospective in the music industry. SDSG members and attendees will have the opportunity to present one original song to Richard and Robert for evaluation, critique, and feedback.

RICHARD HARRIS

British-born artist, songwriter and producer Richard Harris is now in his sixth year as a published writer/producer with Peer Music LA. Richard has had cuts with Katharine McPhee (Billboard Top 40), two #1 single’s with South Africa’s Idol winner Elvis Blue off his double platinum selling and SAMA (South Africa’s Grammys) award winning record, a Billboard Top 10 with EMI Latin multi-million selling artist Anahi, a top ten single for Universal New Zealand artist Boh Runga, top ten single with EMI Holland Artist Sabrina Starke and Atlantic band Camera Can’t Lie. A top 20 single with EMI artist Shawn Hook and Sony artist Tyler Shaw in Canada and a top ten record in Japan with boy band Lead. In the EDM world Richard has been killing it with a #1 Billboard hit “Lie To Me” with Cole Plante on Hollywood Records, an iTunes top ten single “Young Love” with Felix Cartal, a top 40 iTunes dance hit with Greg Cerrone on Ultra Records and a top 20 single in the UK with DJ Stonebridge. Co-write credits include Grammy award winning and multi million selling writers including Lazonate Franklin, Justin Gray, Erika Nuri, Mark Hudson, Pam Sheyne, Victoria Shaw, Gary Burr, 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, 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. Most recently Richard had a songs placed in the Reese Witherspoon box office hit movie “This Means War” and CW’s hit TV show “Beauty & The Beast”, “Vanderpump Rules” and an end title song placement in the Tyler Perry movie “Single Moms Club”.

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 studio in Los Angeles.

ROBERT TEPPER

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Robert Tepper moved to New York where he became a staff songwriter at the age of 17 . He paired up with fellow singer Benny Mardones, and together they wrote Mardones’ hit ballad “Into the Night,” which earned them a Grammy Awards nomination. Tepper worked with Mardones on writing the latter’s follow-up album Too Much to Lose in 1981.

In 1985, Tepper signed with Scotti Brothers and moved to Los Angeles. While working a part time as a waiter to augment his songwriting royalty income, actor/director Sylvester Stallone was taken with Tepper’s song “No Easy Way Out,” which subsequently led to its inclusion in the movie Rocky IV. “No Easy Way Out” climbed into the Top 40, reaching #22 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1986, and momentarily putting Tepper in the public eye as both a songwriter and performer. Several European labels, including Ministry of Sound, released “No Easy Way Out” with their own dance versions, resulting in regular airplay on German radio stations that continues today.

Robert went on to release two solo albums on the Scotti Brothers (later re-released digitally on Sony/BMG) and several additional releases over the years. Aside from a periodic acoustic performance, more recent years have returned Robert’s focus almost exclusively to songwriting, venturing into writing music for television and film. His versatile and accessible writing style has persevered for over four decades and resulted in cuts in the movies “Cobra”, “Say Nothing”, and “Casual Affair”, TV cuts on shows such as “Party of 5” and “Breaking Bad”, cuts from artists as varied as Pat Benetar and Usher, and even a collaboration on the Joel Zwick directed musical “Serrano”. Tepper has 5 children and currently resides with his wife in Los Angeles, California.

• SDSG Active Member
  • Admission for Member – Free
  • Song Submission Member – $10.00
• Non Member
  • Event Admission for Non Member – $10.00
  • Song Submission – Non Member – $20.00

If you are not submitting a song and only want to attend this session make your reservation here.

Online registration for this event is closed

• Date: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
• Time: 7pm-9pm
• Venue: The Keller’s
• Address: Cardiff CA
• Cost: Free for active San Diego Songwriter’s Guild members, $5.00 for non-members.  

Our guest speaker, Nolan Sipe, will present his views on the current and future pop music trends, and tips on how to get your music on the radio- one of the best paying music gigs left in the industry. Nolan has success as a composer; and as a producer and engineer with multiple gold and platinum awards. He’ll be giving valuable suggestions on both composition and production techniques in today’s Pop music world.

Nolan Sipe is a 31 year old songwriter based in Los Angeles. Over the past 8 years he’s worked with a wide variety of Pop artists, sold millions of singles, and has featured songs on nearly every major television network. Recent work has included: Jonas Brothers, Dave Matthews Band, Zac Brown Band, Cody Simpson, Andy Grammar, Hedley, Colbie Caillat, Simple Plan and many more. More details at these links.

• http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nolan-sipe-mn0002336864
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_Sipe

In addition to sharing his insights Nolan will take about an hour to listen to our members’ songs and offer critiques on composition and/or production techniques. To have your song critiqued a special link will be provided to download your song with lyrics or you can provide a link after your register for this event. We will try to fit as many songs as possible, the first songs received will be prioritized.

Please RSVP as the number of attendees will be limited. To reserve your spot use the registration form below.

This event will be at Cliff and Karin Keller’s house in Cardiff, one of the most popular house concert venues in San Diego County. After the event we will have a mixer where you can share an original song. Guitars, electric piano, and PA will be available.

Event address and song submission information will be provided after you make your reservation.

Please note San Diego Songwriter’s Guild (SDSG) member is distinct from the San Diego Songwriters Meetup Group member. When registering PLEASE choose the correct option! All proceeds go to our guest. San Diego Songwriter’s Guild members pay annual dues, this is used to cover admittance to this event. Because members pay dues they get free admittance to our events.

Online registration for this event is closed

6PM-9PM

Legend Building at Petco Park Social Lounge & Rooftop Deck

325 7th Avenue San Diego CA 92101

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT, AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY. To reserve your tickets see the end of this post.

Mark Mazzetti is an internationally respected music A&R executive and producer with a long history of creating Grammy Award winning records which have sold over 40 million copies world-wide. Mark has held positions as Executive VP of A&R at A&M Records and Executive VP and Special Assistant to the Co-Chairman and President of A&M Records, Jerry Moss.

Most recently Mark has been in the studio in LA producing young artists that include:

• Mary Bee
• Zach Gospe
• Sidney Loraine
• Kerry Fenster
• Taylor Poe
• Eric Eden and
• Josh Tazman.

Mark has served as A&R executive for many artists including

• Sting
• Janet Jackson
• Amy Grant
• Dishwalla
• Aaron Neville
• Bryan Adams
• Simple Minds
• Madonna
• John Mayer and
• Elton John

Mark continues to develop young artists who release indie and major label records while also creating masters for placements in film, TV and video games.  Finding artists and assisting in creating the best music they can create are part of Mark’s work at RECORD COMPANY IN A BOX.

Mark will guide songwriters on how to recognize the level of their craft and then move forward to develop that craft – taking their music and lyric writing to higher levels of excellence and commercial appeal.  He will also discuss how to approach collaborations in writing and what to look for in other writers.  Attendees can look forward to Mark sharing his experience and prospective as an A&R executive at A&M Records as well as his latest endeavors.

Members and attendees will have the opportunity to pitch one original song to Mark for evaluation, critique, and feedback.   Mark is looking for songs and writers to sign to his publishing company -Pop /rock /alternative/ rhythmic/dance/EDM.

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT, AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY.  All attendees will be required to pre-register on the SDSG website. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Registration deadline is midnight, Thursday, April 7th. 

Bring song on CD, track marked on CD if necessary, and several copies of lyric sheets.

It is not necessary to bring a song to critique to benefit from the workshop.  You will be able to watch, listen, participate and meet fellow peers. It’s all part of learning. In fact, if you are not chosen to present, please understand that the workshop provides value in so many ways.

Song critique is provided by the Guest Speaker, and if time, comments from the floor. It is at the Guest Speaker’s discretion as to how much of the song he/she wishes to hear (when to fade song) before he is ready to provide a valuable, educated, and expert critique.

There is no parking available at the Legend  Building.  Street parking is available (Free Sunday) or garage parking is $1/Hour at 6th and K Parkade

Online registration for this event is closed

Get ready for this workshop by Platinum & BMI Award Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist & Vocalist, PolyGram / Mercury Artist Jeff Paris. See Below for ticket purchase information.

Event

“Writing Songs for Money” Workshop

Date:

Tuesday, February 2, 2016, 7:00 PM

Cost:

$10 for SDSG Members, $20 for Non-Members

Workshop Information:

For this workshop, Jeff will walk participants through his experience as a staff and independent songwriter. He will guide the group through his workflow and skill development, which will include some active exercises and composition steps.

In order to optimize the experience, attending members are asked to bring the following:

• A pencil and notebook
• Guitar players welcome to bring their instruments
• Songs in either recorded demo form or capable of being played live. Time permitting, there will be some listening and feedback
• Note two songwriting influences…writers members study for solutions when they hit a wall with their own songs.
• Note two artists you wish you would record your songs

This will be a productive and fun evening under the guidance of an iconic and accomplished professional.

Location:

The Bear Den @ Waypoint Public
3794 30th St,
San Diego, CA 92104
(619)255-8778

About Jeff Paris

With a career than spans nearly 40 yeas, Jeff Paris (originally Geoffrey Leib) has established himself as one of the most versatile and prolific songwriters of his generation. A former staff songwriter at A&M Records, Polygram Records, and Warner/Chappel, Jeff’s songs have been recorded by more than 60 artists, including Sheena Easton, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Cray, Jeffrey Osborne, Sister Sledge, The Pointer Sisters, Slash, Billy Preston, George Duke, Mr. Big, Y&T, Vixen, Alias, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Four Tops, Nia Peoples, and more. His versatile writing style has resulted in significant contributions to dozens of gold and platinum records. His film and TV credits include cuts on Baywatch, Charmed, 7th Heaven, Melrose Place, North Shore, Silver Strand, and Price of Love.

Jeff is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist and is accomplished on keys, guitars, mandolin, bass, accordion and harmonica. He has contributed to studio recordings and toured extensively with Bill Withers, Dan Fogelberg, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, A Taste of Honey, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Bonnie Raitt, Cinderella, Y&T, Lita Ford, Vixen, and many more. He recorded solo albums in the 80’s under the Polygram/Mercury label.
Jeff regularly consults, collaborates and teaches songwriters and coaches vocalists. He has taught songwriting techniques and guitar at Los Angeles Music Academy, currently teaches Voice at the Academy of Music for the Blind, songwriting classes at Los Angeles Valley College, and teaches privately at his studio.

Online ticket sales for this event are closed.

Jim Attebery

SDSG begins the year with a chance to meet with and have your songs heard and critiqued by Jim Attebery, the co-founder and President of The Durango Songwriter’s Expo, a premier national singer-songwriter event since it was founded in 1996. The meeting will be held at the Mainstream Bar and Grill on January 13th, 2016

The Durango Expo occurs twice a year, once in Santa Ynez Wine Country, 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 offers an unparalleled networking opportunity. The Expo is one of the few songwriters’ events where participants get their music heard extensively by established industry vets. Jim is a very well-connected 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.

Jim will offer critiques on submissions, and attendees will, we’re sure, find the meeting informative and enjoyable.

For more info about Durango and the Write With A Hit-Maker Song Contest, visit www.durango-songwriters-expo.com We look forward to seeing you at

Mainstream Bar and Grill
13385 Poway Road
Poway,CA,92064

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Registration Opens at 6:00 PM
Session Begins at 7:00 PM

Admission to the event is free to all songwriters. Song submission fee $10 for non members. Limit two song per writer or writing team.  SDSG Memberships available here or at the door.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 24th annual song contest. All the songs entered were amazing. San Diego definitely has a lot of talent. Here is an overview of the song contest…

Platinum

 Nothin’ Civil – Aubryn Stevens and Kiely Schlesinger

Prizes:

• Signature Sound (3 classes)
• Rancho Bohemia Studios
• Listen Local
• SDSG 1-Year Membership
• Plaque

Gold

Lady About Town – Aubryn Stevens and Kiely Schlesinger

Prizes:

• Signature Sound (2 classes)
• Studio West Recording
• Bandzoogle
• SDSG 1-Year Membership
• Plaque

Silver

Alright – Paul Coughlin, Morgan Leigh, Reuel Zavala, Eric Cihonski

Prizes:

• Signature Sound (1 class)
• West Coast Talent House
• Freedom Guitar Package
• SDSG 1-Year Membership
• Plaque

Bronze

Where Were You – Christine Parker

Prizes:

• Signature Sound (1 class)
• Rareified Recording

Special Prize winner

Ian Mc Cartor – Big West Music A&R Package

Honorable Mention

• All These Things – Jason Matkin
  
•  Boxes – Nina Francis
  
•  I Love You Mommy – Terri Bendy-Hoth Andre Hoth
• The Love That Got Away – Eric Smith
  
•  Never Enough – Kendrick Dial, Michael Benedetto

Judges

Also, our thanks and appreciation to the judges for their time and willingness to be a part of this event. They did an excellent job.

• Craig Goldy
• Marc “Mookie” Kaczor
• Peter Dyson
• Tod Howarth
• Margaret McClure
  

Sponsors

Thank You for the contest sponsors for their generosity and support

Volunteers

Finally, great appreciation for the volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this event happen.

• Mark Hattersley
• Diane Waters
• John Pape
• Jeff Caldwell
• Stacy Johnston
• Mike Wojinak
• Chuck Philyaw

Get your songs ready for next years song contest.

Venue: Mainstream Bar & Grill 13385 Poway Road Poway

Admission: Free to all current SDSG members. Non member pay $5 at the door.

Opening Discussion and Q&A with Brian Lucey – Mastering Engineer of multiple certified Platinum selling albums, Grammy winners and Aria (AUS) winners, formerly Producer/Mixer/Singer/Guitarist/Pianist.

His credits include The Black Keys, Dr. John, Arctic Monkeys, Counting Crows, Ray LaMontagne, Grace Potter, Beck, Lydia Loveless, Chet Faker ….. and the list goes on!

Learn from the Master……yes the pun is intended!  As a mastering engineer who hears over 200 new songs a month and as many as 500 unique artists in a year, Brian Lucey is in a unique position to share valuable insights with us!  We look forward to asking him what he sees and hears consistently in songs that make the great ones stand out from the rest.  We songwriters want to know!

Opening Discussion:

• Content of the song:  tone and texture vs. structure and content vs. artist and character vs. leadership and stardom.  The Cocktail.
• Songwriting principles:  Objective Truths, style not the issue.
• Ability to connect with the audience:  the Message is partly the Messenger.
• Ways to separate great songs from the average ones as a songwriter:  Sufficiency and Necessity, working from Silence.
• What to do once you think you have a great song:  Recording and Production strategy
• Advice for songwriters from Brian:  How to Get what you want by Giving what they Need.

Q&A with Brian Lucey, open to any and all topics.

Brian Lucey’s Background

Brian was a professional guitarist and singer at 18 in NYC, then a student of Robert Fripp and Guitar Craft in his 20s.  He later became a tracking engineer, mixing engineer and eventually rock producer, working mostly with MM1200 2″  tape, and eventually found his home as a mastering engineer.  Originally from the great music city of Columbus, Ohio he works out of Los Angeles and is now a Mastering Engineer doing every style, and best known for multiple certified Platinum sellers, Grammy winners and Aria (AUS) winners.

Best known for The Black Keys “Brothers”, “El Camino”, “Turn Blue” as well as Arctic Monkeys “AM”, Dr John “Locked Down” and Marilyn Manson “The Pale Emperor.” Brian masters nearly 2000 songs a year in every style. His unique sense of musicality and emphasis on intimacy and service to music, connects each artist with their core audience and expands their appeal to the widest possible audience.

http://www.magicgardenmastering.com

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/brian-lucey-mn0002167192

For complete detail on how to enter and contest rules go to the song contest page.

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 16, 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 on November 16th!

For complete detail on how to enter and contest rules go to the song contest page.