Historic Painting Up For Bids, Song Mentions And Other June Fest Updates...

The 2009 Nashville SongWriters Festival on Music Row is now opening up email bids for this large 2 1/2' x 4' collectible oil painting on canvas by 6th year fest volunteer Deb Ziems. The autographed painting was signed by Featured Writers that attended the 2008 fest such as Tom T. Hall, Stella Parton, Brian White, the Wilburn family, Grammy winners and many more including the famous and not so famous.
Bids will be accepted by email online.

The bid deadline is June 15, 2009, Midnight. Proceeds go to Fest 2009 activities. To enter you bid, see a larger detailed image of the inspired work or get more info visit The Nashville SongWriters Festival on Music Row web site at www.SongWritersFestival.com .

The Nashville Fest has also released the top 24 Song Mentions from attendees who have submitted their CD's. They are listed in alphabetical order.

ANGELINA'S by DONNA ADLER, www.myspace.com/donnaadler, Americana/
BIG DREAMS COME IN LITTLE STEPS by SHIRLEY OBIE www.digitalrodeo.com/shirley , Country
CALL COLORADO by MARTY RIVERS, www.myspace.com/martyrivers , Country
CHRISTMAS TEDDY BEAR by SHIRLEY OBIE www.digitalrodeo.com/shirley , Country
COWBOYS AND TRAINS by LETHA ALLEN www.myspace.com/lethak , Country
DON'T TAKE THE U OUT OF US by KRYSTAL MARIE www.myspace.com/97490449 , Country
FLUTTER OF WINGS by SHIRLEY OBIE www.digitalrodeo.com/shirley , Country
FOR BETTER OR WORSE by BRETT WALL www.myspace.com/brettwall , Country
FRANKIE IRISH by PAUL WILSON paulw919@bellsouth.net , Americana
HANDPAINTED DREAM by LOIS AKIN www.myspace.com/loisakin , Americana
LEAN ON ME AWHILE by TOM TEMPLEMAN www.myspacecom/tomtempleman , Country
LOOK WHAT I STUMBLED INTO by JOE TYLER Contact # (321)480-3454 Country
MISS MAGGIE ROSE by MIKE CULLISON www.myspace.com/mikecullisonmusic , Country
STARS OVER EGYPT by MELISA JAVORS www.myspace.com/mellisajavorsmusic , Folk/Pop
THANK YOU FOR TRYING by LINDA McGRATH www.myspace.com/linda_mcgrath , Country
THE SWEETEST WORDS by DAVID TIMMONS davidtim25@yahoo.com , Country
THE WALMART SONG by DAVID TIMMONS davidtim25@yahoo.com , Country
THE GRAPES OF WRATH by MIKE CULLISON www.myspace.com/mikecullisonmusic , Country
THERE GOES MY HEART by GEORGE ALLEN HICKS www.myspace.com/georgehicks1 , Country
THREE(3)SQUEEZES by JOHN HANSON , Country
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN by CHRISTIE THOMPSON (502)316-0470 Americana
WHAT I SEE IN YOUR EYES by BREWER/HODNETT-Pen-Write Pub.Co.(706)398-7066 - Country
WHEN I'M NEXT TO YOU by JOHN HANSON ,Country
WHY I STOPPED YOU by TOM TEMPLEMAN www.myspacecomtomtempleman , Country
Remember to stop by the Fest Info Booth to drop off your CD for 2009 song submission. It's Free!

Also other Fest Updates from Nashville SongWriters Festival on Music Row June 19-21.........

Pictures from 2008 added to Photo Gallery.

Sam Ash Music to be at the fest demonstrating why they have been "Famous for discounts since 1924."

Lifetime Achievement Award is being hand crafted and polished as we speak for that special someone.

Volunteers coming from Vermont, Texas, California and all points in between to lend a hand.

The October 2-4 Songwriter's Festival at Loretta Lynn's Ranch is becoming a family reunion of sorts, business and pleasure. Writers who have written for her, publishers who have worked with her and friends gather at the Ranch in early October 2-4.

To get more details, news and updates visit http://www.songwritersfestival.com

Kerchoonz Live Episode 1 - The Fortunate Sons

Kerchoonz Live Episode #1... two fantastic songs from The Fortunate Sons performed at House Of Rock Studios, Glasgow.

"The 'House Of Rock' setting was really intimate with dim lighting and candles all around. We were in the middle of performing of a new song called 'Walk on Fire' and I was bashing a tambourine with my foot, when my foot slipped and smashed the candle holder leaving a sprawling flame rolling out toward the camera's and igniting the floor. I'm surprised I was allowed to stay! It was certainly the right song choice!" - The Fortunate Sons www.kerchoonz.com/thefortunatesons

About Kerchoonz
Kerchoonz.com, currently live in beta and scheduled for official launch in June, is a revolutionary social networking site which allows musicians to upload their music and be paid for every stream and every download of their music. Bands can opt to offer their music either for free download, or simply allow it to be heard through streaming on the site with 'buy' buttons next to every track.
http://www.Kerchoonz.com

Calling All Grrl Bands: Showcase Opportunity For Tryxo's Indiegrrl Showcase

Online music retailer Tryxo announced that it would be hosting a Sponsor Stage at the IndieGrrl Conference being in Nashville on August 20 - 23, 2009. Founded by business consultant and music executive Natalie Vandersluis, Tryxo is positioning itself as an alternative online music retail partner for independent female musicians and songwriters worldwide by leveraging her music industry experience with her expertise in customer relationship management for international brands such as International Paper, Bayer, Cemex, and Siemens.

"It is a pleasure for us at TryXo to provide talented female artists with the opportunity to present their work at the Indiegrrl Conference," noted Natalie. "When we were approached about the possiblity to have a sponsor stage at the Conference, we did not have to think twice about it. Now, we are looking for you, the talented, driven females out there to join TryXo and sign up for one of the up to 20 showcase spots available!"

Female bands (female fronted and/or strong female presence) interested in being considered for one of Tryxo's Indiegrrl Showcases are invited to follow these simple steps:
1. register for free with Tryxo - click here -
2. Upload a minimum of 3 songs to be eligible (songs require approval)
3. email us at indiegrrl@tryxo.com with the following information:
i) Title (band):
ii) Name of all band members:
iii) Genre:
iv) Live video (YouTube) link if available:

*** Submission deadline: June 1, 2009 ***

Tryxo is an online music store offering DRM-free digital downloads of the best independent music to music lovers worldwide. Focused on providing artists with the best retail solution in the industry, the company offers free account registration and 75% royalty on all digital music sales. Recognizing the importance of providing a compelling music shopping experience in a competitive market, Tryxo offers uniform download price of $.59, high-quality music pre-approved by its staff as well as unlimited downloads/copies of purchased music for multiple computers and music players. Tryxo will be launching online radio streams to better promote its artists to customers.
http://www.tryxo.com

The Witchwood School Of Rock Meets Kerchoonz

By Michele Wilson-Morris, MusicDish e-Journal

Have you ever heard the expression 'from the mouths of babes'? Well, in a small English village called Shipton-Under-Wychwood, there are 35 'babes' who are making music, sweet music. Ranging in ages 6-15, these youngsters composed, performed live, and recorded their very own songs which are now available for your listening pleasure at www.Kerchoonz.com/secretmusic.

How did such a thing come about? Well, the children are all students of the Witchwood School of Rock, which was founded in January 2009 by Sandy Chalmers, Aldie Chalmers, and Lee Wyatt-Buchan. According to Wyatt-Buchan, "the school was created as an opportunity for the children and teenagers of the local community to give them an opportunity to learn and play instruments, learn and understand musical composition, play music with other kids in band situations, record material, and play live on stage."

Pulling this off took a bit of finessing, but the Chalmers and Wyatt-Buchan took advantage of the last school break by holding a weeklong workshop that focused on song writing, song structure and recording. Of the 50 students (ages 6 – 18) who currently attend the Witchwood School of Rock, 35 participated in the workshop which focused on song writing, song structure and recording. They formed groups (with the exception of one budding artist -- 15 year old Tom Taylor who challenged himself even more by going solo), and wrote and recorded the music. This is pretty impressive since none of them had ever even been in a recording studio before. (And how many adult artists can actually compose, learn, and record a song in just 5 days from start to finish, hmm..?) The experience level of the students vary from being self taught to having private lessons, but most learned the basics through the Witchwood School of Rock by attending sessions on a weekly basis.

On April 17th, most of the Witchwood kids will be performing their music live in a showcase/fundraising gig in Shipton. The group (or soloist) that has received the most plays and downloads on the Kerchoonz.com website will take home a portable digital recording studio. The kids are excited, as are friends and family, who are diligently downloading. Think of it as a smaller version of American Idol if you will, but you don't have to call or text... just listen and download your favorite(s). The event will also serve the purpose of helping to purchase equipment (such as a PA system), and additional instruments, because not all of the children have their own. But while they might not own an instrument, they definitely play them – electric guitars, bass guitar, acoustic guitars, keyboards, and drums. There are also some very talented lyricists and vocalists as well.

Wyatt-Buchan's main concern is developing and maintaining their passion for music. "We as teachers are just passing on our years of experience from writing, playing live, and recording to the kids in the hope that they will enjoy it and that it will stay with them through life."

The Witchwood School of Rock is planning to once again showcase their talent in May, followed by an event to be held in the latter part of 2009 in which established bands will be invited to play. And in the meantime, any donations to the school will be accepted and appreciated.

Amy Speace to Perform Uncommon Ground on Devon in Chicago

Indie Rock/Americana, singer-songwriter Amy Speace will be performing live with Joey Abbey (on bass) at the Uncommon Ground on Devon in Chicago this Thursday, April 16, 2009.

Thursday, April 16, 2009 - 9:00 pm
Uncommon Ground on Devon
1401 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=87608096494
http://chicago.going.com/event-590398

"Amy Speace has one of those fetching voices, the kind that taps you on the shoulder and motions seductively for you to follow it around corner after dark corner. You don't know where you're going to end up or how you'll ever find your way back, but that doesn't matter right now: you're enjoying the trip." - Scott Brodeur, No Depression

"If you thought that "Songs For Bright Street", her previous effort was already worth your attention, then this "Killer In Me" will certainly be an album you have to ad to your collection!" - Mr Blue Boogie, BillyBop

"Speace knows how to make a beautifully varied CD that builds a coherent unit through a wonderful balance of pop, rock and blues, ballads and up-tempo numbers that never bore you for a minute. A truly excellent and grown-up album." - Moors Magazine

Interview With Darnell - One Of Kerchoonz' Hardest Working Bands

UK-based Darnell was one of the four bands to win the Kerchoonz December Live Sessions contest "to find the hardest working unsigned acts on the circuit." In addition to earning a "substantial amount of money" for their plays and downloads on Kerchoonz throughout the month of December, Darnell was invited to perform at the 'House Of Rock' studios in Glasgow for an 'invite only' audience.

We took the opportunity to chat with band about the secret to their online success and attitudes to artist compensation. You can read the full interview with Donna Marie, Helicopter Girl and The Fortunate Sons here.

What was the secrets to your success on Kerchoonz? And how was it playing the 'House Of Rock' studios? Any good back or on-stage anecdotes/stories?

I think the secret was a lot of spare time spent on the Internet, messaging Facebook friends as well as contacts made through MySpace, asking people to listen, and better still, download our songs on Kerchoonz,... I did bother friends a little more than usual, but as you can see it paid off. Facebook made it much easier to promote Kerchoonz because when you added our Kerchoonz page to Facebook, it adds the link with picture and all, so that was good.

As for playing at the House of Rock studios, that was an amazing experience. We were so humble. We would say it was our best day ever in our journey within the music biz! Indianna Gregg was a fantastic host and Ian Marrow was just so chilled and very approachable. He was even willing to sit down and tell us some stories about his experience within the business.

Taking to the stage was a bit daunting as it was so intimate and with cameras rolling etc,... it all took a little getting used to. By the third song, I had chilled and was starting to get into it. Unfortunately, we only got to play 3 songs each! Junior said his hands were sweating while he was playing, possibly nerves.

Our biggest thing was trying to pick the songs that we liked to play, but also songs that we thought would make an impact. When Darnell plays live, it is just one guitar and two vocals. We try and fill the room with our song the best we can - we think we did OK on that night.

Obviously, you've build an active fanbase before joining Kerchoonz. What is your general approach to online marketing? Have you had similar successes in generating traffic and/or getting paid on other sites?

We always wanted to build a band website and felt that we really needed to do that in order to progress and let people know what we are about. It was another one of those things - starting a site, the time and money!

We played a radio station in Manchester about 2 years ago and the DJ asked if we had a MySpace page. We weren't sure what that was, but she insisted that we set one up. So I did and very quickly realized that perhaps we didn't need a website after all - MySpace does it all!! Within no time, we had built up a fanbase. We found that a lot of Americans really liked our stuff which was great.

Over the last 6 months, we felt like we needed something new - and along came Kerchoonz. It's fresh, it's new and better still, you get paid, just for people downloading and listening to your music.

The Internet has changed the way we market and distribute music. But has it changed the way you approach creating music?

I think the way I approach creating music has always been the same. Our demos on MySpace and Kerchoonz are all old songs, anything from 3 to 10 years old. People can't tell. We would love to record new songs, but it all costs money. But what is great about the Internet is that you can play a gig, videotape it using a phone or camera, and within hours, you can place that video on your pages for all to see.

For example, Darnell took part in Channel 4's Orange unsigned competition. We decided to videotape our journey to London, which we placed on YouTube and Kerchoonz/MySpace. Within no time, we had 1500 hits on YouTube alone, and that's without us promoting it in any way! So we feel the Internet and today's technology can bring fans closer to the artist.

What are other ways you interact with your fans on a site like Kerchoonz? What tools have been most effective in communicating with your fans? Does it sometimes become a little overwhelming?

When we first found Kerchoonz, I thought "...aahhh something else to get used to. I can't take it anymore." But within no time, I felt it was so easy to use. I like to use the comment box when I talk to people as our fans like to see what has been said and lets them know what the real you is all about. Updating your status on Kerchoonz lets people know that you are online or have recently been online which it can generate traffic to your page.

In the U.S., recording artists are lobbying Congress to get paid for the use of their music by conglomerates like Clear Channel. Most social networking sites like MySpace or YouTube grew on the back of musicians and other creators without compensating them. Do you think that artists should demand compensation or be content with the exposure they receive? How did it feel to actually get paid by Kerchoonz?

It is fantastic to get paid by Kerchoonz. Writing your own songs and playing them live means that you rarely get paid, so the opportunity to get some compensation for doing something that you enjoy is amazing. Also, it will sure come in handy when we need to record new tunes. I don't feel it is such a big deal, but I think it will be a good incentive to get artists to sign up with the site.

As for other sites like MySpace, I don't feel artists should push to get paid as they know what they were signing up to when they started. I feel the exposure is a bigger payment than any amount of money. Being part of the first Kerchoonz Live Session will be worth more in exposure than any amount of money!

Darnell - www.Kerchoonz.com/darnell

Chicago Blues Tour May 16th Showcases Classic Blues Lounges

SAMPLE THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
OF THE BLUES ON
CHICAGO BLUES TOUR™ SPRING 2009

Special Features:
**Chicago Blues Fest Preview
**Guitar Duel
**Harmonica Showdown

Blues University® and the City of Chicago invite music fans to preview the Chicago Blues Fest with a busload of blues on Saturday, May 16th when the Chicago Blues Tour™ departs from the "hub" of the tour, Wabash Tap at 1233 S. Wabash St. The Chicago Blues Tour™ is a "pub crawl" event connecting 7 blues lounges hosting 8 live blues bands and many special musical guests performing all night long. Tickets ($40) include all transportation and admission charges for a nightlong blues adventure. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, and are available through the Chicago Blues Tour website,

http://www.chicagobluestour.com

The tour runs buses on one-hour shuttle routes connecting the participating venues, including classic, historic lounges like Checkerboard Lounge, Rosa's Lounge, and Lee's Unleaded Blues, as well as newer blues havens like Rooster's Palace, Catcher's Inn and Linda's Place. Several performers on the tour are also featured on the Chicago Blues Fest in June, including Li'l Ed & the Blues Imperials, Johnny Drummer & the Starliters, Mz. Peachez, and Killer Ray Allison.

ADVANCE RESERVED discount tickets are available for $30 until April 25th. The website also includes more details on participating clubs and performers.

The tour emphasizes off-the-beaten-path, classic lounges, that highlight the wide variety of modern blues talent, from world-renowned veterans like Johnny Drummer, Li'l Ed, and Vance Kelly, to Chicago soul-blues stars like Fantastic L-Roy. There's also a "Southside Showcase / Chicago Blues Festival Preview" jam session at Catcher's Lounge featuring a dozen of Chicago's south side stars, and a "Harmonica Showdown" at Wabash Tap, where Deak Harp will take on all challengers including two special guests, and a "Guitar Duel" at Rosa's Lounge between Li'l Ed Williams and Pete Galanis, the guitarist from Howard & the White Boys.

Blues University® sponsors classes and events that expand the understanding and audience for blues music. The Chicago Blues Tour began in 1990 as the West Side Blues Tour and has expanded in scope to include live blues venues throughout Chicago, and has helped promote blues with assistance from the Mayor's Office of Special Events since 1998. Blues U.® maintains an online archive of blues information and also launched a blues news service, BluesWire, in 2008.

Spring 2009 Chicago Blues Tour
PARTICIPATING CLUBS AND PERFORMERS:

WABASH TAP 1233 S. WABASH, 312-360-9488
(8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
DEAK HARP BAND with special harmonica guests
in a
"HARMONICA SHOWDOWN"
Including:
HARPMONSTER,
OMAR COLEMAN,
3rd harmonica player TBA

CATCHER'S INN 901 W. 35TH, 773-869-9411
(8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
ROBERT PASENKO & THE 35TH STREET BLUES BAND
"SOUTH SIDE SHOWCASE / BLUES FEST PREVIEW":
special guests including:
Tre', Lady Kat, Floyd Wilson, Reggie Tutt, Mz Peaches,
Smilin' Bobby, Killer Ray Allison, Chuck Crane, Linsey Alexander,
Chicago Babe, Ramblin' Rose, Li'l Daddy

ROSA'S LOUNGE 3420 ARMITAGE AVE., 773-342-0452
(continuous music from 8 p.m.)
"GUITAR DUEL" featuring:
Li'L ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS
PETE GALANIS

CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE 5201 S. HARPER, 773-684-1472
(9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.)
VANCE KELLY & THE BACKSTREET BLUES BAND

LEE'S UNLEADED BLUES 7401 S. SOUTH CHICAGO, 773-493-3477
(7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
JOHNNY DRUMMER & THE STARLITERS with special guests

LINDA'S PLACE 1044 W. 51ST ST., 773-373-2351
(7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
FANTASTIC L-ROY & THE BULLETPROOF BAND

ROOSTER'S PALACE 4501 W. MADISON, 773-678-0739
(8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.)
TAILDRAGGER & HIS ALL-STAR CHICAGO BLUES BAND

http://www.chicagobluestour.com/bluestour/mp3s/JohnHenry_DeakHarp.mp3
http://www.chicagobluestour.com/bluestour