Members of the Songwriters Association of Mid-north Indiana (SAMI) will perform on Saturday, July 9, in the Tapawingo band shelter from 9am to 4pm for the 2011 Riverfest celebration at Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette. The family-friendly event features a 5k foot race and voyageur canoe races all day long. The event is free and open to the public; however, donations to SAMI for its 2012 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters are appreciated. For more info: http://wabashriverfest.com/

Winners for Songwriting Scholarship Chosen!!!

SAMI has selected the winners for the 11^th annual Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters this past week and wants to congratulate the winners. This year’s judges saw a record number of applications and stellar quality songs. The judging was both close and difficult with the winners all within a few points of each other. (Note the ties for both the Second Runner-up and the Horizon awards.)

Congratulations to:

First Place Scholarship Winner: Christina Shipley, age 19, Something Better

First Runner-Up: Justin Colwell, age 16, Ode to the Spectator

Co- Second Runner-Up: Chase Cotten, age 17, Yellow Daisy

Co-Second Runner-Up: Miguel Odron, age 16, Your Other Half

Co-Horizon Award: Shelby Plummer, age 17 Perfect

Co-Horizon Award: Hunter Rayne Taylor, age 15, Part of a Breaking Heart

The first place scholarship winner receives a $500.00 cash prize. There are additional perks for our top promising songwriters including cash awards, constructive feedback on their songs and opportunities to perform. The winners will be playing their songs and accepting their awards on Tuesday May 10^th, 7:00 pm at the TAF building, 638 North Street in downtown Lafayette. The event is free and SAMI would like to invite everyone to come and help us celebrate these amazing songwriters!

Stay Tuned for the Results from the Judging Committee!

The deadline has passed for submitting applications to the 2011 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners! Results due to be posted on or about May 1st.

Applications Now Being Accepted!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

2011 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters

“A scholarship for the advancement of young songwriters”

Who- The Songwriters Association of Mid-north Indiana (SAMI)

What- Currently accepting applications for the 2011 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters, which includes the special Mike Lane Horizon Award. This scholarship and award exists for the purpose of developing, recognizing and supporting area youth in the advancement of their songwriting skills.

Who Can Apply- Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 19 at the time of application and be a permanent resident of one of the following Indiana counties to apply: Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Warren and White.

When- Applications being accepted until April 8, 2011.

Winner Will Receive:

1. $500 cash award to be applied toward the Shirley Martin Scholarship winner’s education, a musical instrument or other songwriting-supporting endeavor. Other cash awards for runners-up and the Mike Lane Horizon Award.

2. Performance opportunities.

3. Local publicity.

How and Where to Apply:

Applications and instructions can be downloaded here or write to:

The Tippecanoe Arts Federation

638 North Street

Lafayette, IN, 47901

Distribution: Winners will be notified on or before May 2, 2011.

For additional information Email: cher_fletcher@yahoo.com

SAMI Hosts a Free-for-Members Concert and Workshop

SAMI hosted a concert and workshop with the multi-talented Tim Grimm on January 18th at the TAF building. Starting at 7:00 pm, Tim performed a totally unplugged acoustic set featuring many of his original songs from his latest release, "Farm Songs" (2010). Following the concert, many stayed for the songwriting workshop led by Tim. Speaking as one who attended both the concert and workshop, SAMI did well by bringing this caliber of a singer/songwriter/performer to Lafayette. For anyone who might have missed this concert, check out Tim's website for more information on his music and tour information. Check back periodically to samisong.com for news concerning future workshops and concerts brought to you by SAMI.

Tim Grimm Concert & Songwriting Workshop

Sponsored by SAMI



Columbus, Indiana based singer-songwriter/actor Tim Grimm will visit Lafayette on Tuesday, January 18 2011 for a concert & songwriting workshop.  Tim has toured and recorded with his friend, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, appeared with Harrison Ford in the film Clear and Present Danger, and has shared the stage with writer and poet Wendell Berry. His recording, The Back Fields was named Best Americana Album in the 2006 Just Plain Folks Music Awards in Los Angeles (the largest and most diverse music awards in the world). Named 2000’s “BEST DISCOVERY in Roots/Americana Music” by The Chicago Sun-Times and “2004 MALE ARTIST of The Year” by the Freeform American Roots DJs, his songs and performances have established him as a unique voice in Americana music.  Each of his past 3 recordings has reached the top of the Folk or American-roots charts. Grimm walks the fine line between folk and country, while maintaining a strong footing in tradition. 

Concert with Tim Grimm

When	Tuesday, January 18, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Where	Tippecanoe Arts Federation 638 North Street Lafayette, IN 47901 MAP
Description	SAMI will sponsor a concert by Hoosier singer/songwriter/actor Tim Grimm. Concert will be in the Indiana Fiddler’s Gathering Room at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation: $10 per person, kids 12 and under are free. For additional information: joedaiwarriors@yahoo.com

Songwriting Workshop with Tim Grimm

When	Tuesday, January 18 8:00 – 10:00pm
Where	Tippecanoe Arts Federation 638 North Street Lafayette, IN 47901 MAP
Description	SAMI will sponsor a songwriting workshop by Hoosier singer/songwriter/actor Tim Grimm. The workshop costs $15 (attendance at both the concert & the workshop is only $20). Topics include Tim’s approach to writing, creativity and other aspects of songwriting. For additional information: joedaiwarriors@yahoo.com

N.B. Both the concert & workshop are free for SAMI members who have paid their 2011 dues.

Tim Grimm Bio
We hear the rural rumblings that have shaped Tim’s life, but we are also invited in to a bigger picture, as evident in so much of his work. Critics searching for comparisons most often cite Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie and (Nebraska era) Bruce Springsteen.  Tim is an award-winning songwriter and actor on stage and screen.  After several years working in Los Angeles (where he co-starred for two seasons on the NBC drama Reasonable Doubts and appeared in several films), Tim returned home to Indiana.  He grew up in the woods and small town settings of southern Indiana, son of schoolteachers and grandson of farmers, and his return home was a conscious choice to live a life of significance rather than one of “success.’ He now lives with his wife and sons on an 80-acre farm close to where he grew up. Tim’s songs are full of the rural rumblings that have shaped his life—rich with descriptive details, and sung with warmth and intimacy—recognizing the inextinguishable national romance with the idea of the family farm and the vanishing landscape of rural America. His recordings include Heart Land (2000), Coyote’s Dream (2003), NAMES (2004), and The Back Fields (2005). In 2007, Grimm put together a concept CD with several of the Midwest’s finest songwriter’s—Krista Detor, Carrie Newcomer, Tom Roznowski, and Michael White. The recording, Wilderness Plots, was drawn from the short stories of noted author, Scott Russell Sanders, and explored the settling of the American Wilderness in the Ohio River Valley Region between The Revolutionary War and The Civil War.  Tim has performed in theatres and coffeehouses around the United States, as well as significant Festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower Festival, Fox Valley, the Pawtucket Arts Festival, the Indiana Festival at Conner Prairie and each September he hosts the Driftwood Valley Music Festival in Indiana. He has filmed three major motion pictures this past year, including The Express, with Dennis Quaid, and Public Enemies, with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

Tim Grimm Press

• Tim Grimm's latest release is "FARM SONGS" (2010).  New recordings of songs written in the past decade. Songs of the land and the people, rooted in the hills of southern Indiana. Bare-bones production with Jason Wilber (John Prine Band) and Jan Lucas.   - 4 stars- Maverick Magazine (UK)
   
• 2008's "HOLDING UP THE WORLD" has received rave reviews from around the world.  "Absolutely one of the best albums I have heard. If Woody Guthrie were alive today he would be wanting to hear Tim Grimm live...an outstanding album."   Bob Brown, WNMC- Traverse City, MI
   
• 2007's "WILDERNESS PLOTS" with noted Indiana songwriters Krista Detor, Carrie Newcomer, Tom Roznowski and Michael White, received an Emmy Award nomination for best Arts-Documentary. Based on the writings of author Scott Russell Sanders, the songs are now presented in Concert with Tim, Krista and special guests.
     

* * *

"...A remarkable performer. Professional without being slick...Down to earth yet intense...He wears his songs like a second skin." Rich Warren- host of "Folkstage & "The Midnight Special"
“...an engaging, perceptive songwriter—highly literate, subtly nuanced and inventive while retaining a traditionalist’s love for classic country folk and bluegrass… Grimm travels the highways and byways of rural America, searching every dark corner and crevice of the beaten path to find some sort of beauty and purity. His voice is world weary but never beaten…..” David Coonce, The Herald-Times, Bloomington, IN

Songwriter's Resource- DVD Interviews

http://www.songexp.com/index.html

Found this tonight while looking for artists that have the sound I write for.

(On a side note, check-out Centricity Records- http://centricitymusic.com/)

The DVD interviews look really interesting, I am considering purchasing it.

Hope you all are well. Its been a busy season and I haven't written as much lately. That is to change shortly, I hope.

Get writing! ck

Derek Sivers: how to call attention to your music

Me and Derek Sivers are like that! (makes gesture) He gave me some great advice and I'm sharing it with you:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Derek Sivers / CD Baby <cdbaby@cdbaby.com>
Date: Wed, May 21, 2008 at 1:55 AM
Subject: Mike - how to call attention to your music
To: atwell.mike@gmail.com


Hi Mike -

Please bookmark this link that I think is important for every musician to have:

http://sivers.org/pdf/DerekSivers.pdf

In a quick light-hearted read, you will learn:
* how to call attention to your music
* how to get in Rolling Stone or play the biggest club in town
* why persistence is polite
* how to sell an average of 5 CDs per order
* why marketing costs nothing
* how two curious words can turn your career around
* the biggest mistake most musicians make

This is my best advice to help every musician sell more music, win more fans, and have the music business open its doors for you.

I kept everything intentionally non-genre-specific, so the same tips apply to country, klezmer, and classical.

I'm always trying to make it easier for musicians to make a living making music, so I hope this helps.

--
Derek Sivers, CD Baby, HostBaby
http://sivers.org http://cdbaby.com http://hostbaby.com

P.S.  It's free to copy forever, so please save it, share it, print it, or quote it on your own site.

~ Mike Atwell
Web Producer
arborActive Web Services
http://www.arboractive.com

On Time Management...

"I don't need time. I need a deadline." - Duke Ellington

You want to get something done?

Tell 20 people you are going to do it and let them hold you accountable!

We tend to pace ourselves according to our deadlines.

"I don't need time. I need a deadline."

Online Resource for Music Marketing

Hey everyone,
Bob Baker's website http://www.bob-baker.com/ is devoted to the DIY musician. There are a bunch of other links that focus on various aspects of the DIY Market. I subscribe to the podcast, as well (find it at iTunes: 'the buzz factor'). Also, check out his eBook on MySpace Music Marketing Strategies. I really appreciate his encouraging "you can do it" tone. Always just the 'kick in the pants' that I need to move forward.

But wait...there's more...
Attached is an eBook you'll find interesting. Call it creative thinking 101...

99%20Purple%20Cows (The author encourages sharing it with others)

Be blessed! Cory

Guerrilla Music Marketing on Last.fm : recommend your music

Here's a great example of taking your music to the people!

Yeah, I'm on Last.fm and I got this music recommendation out of the blue.

Maggot Brain's strategy: Invite everyone you can to listen to your music and ... give it away

It creates a buzz!

A site like last.fm lets you recommend music to others who like that style.

If nothing else it gets the music out there!

~ Mike Atwell
Web Producer
arborActive Web Services
www.arboractive.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Last.fm <no-reply@mailer.last.fm>
Date: Fri, May 16, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Subject: Maggot__Brain sent you a recommendation
To: atwell.mike@gmail.com


Hi watertower2100,

Maggot__Brain at Last.fm wants to recommend this album to you:

Maggot Brain - Second Chance
http://www.last.fm/music/Maggot+Brain/Second+Chance

Personal message:
Let us recommend you an Stoner/ Grunge/ Hard Rock Band. We hope you like it, if
so, you can DOWNLOAD. Please TAG it

Thanks,
Maggot__Brain

P.S. Here's what I'm listening to:
http://www.last.fm/user/Maggot__Brain/

----------- End Forwarded Message ------------

FYI: mp3 Quality Settings

Hey there,

Ever wonder what Bitrate you should choose when creating an mp3 copy of your CDs?

the bottom line: if you want quality over economy, go with the Variable bitrate

Constant Bitrate (CBR)
This is the default encoding mode, and also the most basic. In this mode, the bitrate will be the same for the whole file. It means that each part of your mp3 file will be using the same number of bits. The musical passage beeing a difficult one to encode or an easy one, the encoder will use the same bitrate, so the quality of your mp3 is variable. Complex parts will be of a lower quality than the easiest ones. The main advantage is that the final files size won't change and can be accurately predicted.

Average Bitrate (ABR)
In this mode, you choose the encoder will maintain an average bitrate while using higher bitrates for the parts of your music that need more bits. The result will be of higher quality than CBR encoding but the average file size will remain predictible, so this mode is highly recommended over CBR. This encoding mode is similar to what is referred as vbr in AAC or Liquid Audio (2 other compression technologies).

Variable bitrate (VBR)
In this mode, you choose the desired quality on a sqale from 9 (lowest quality/biggest distortion) to 0 (highest quality/lowest distortion). Then encoder tries to maintain the given quality in the whole file by choosing the optimal number of bits to spend for each part of your music. The main advantage is that you are able to specify the quality level that you want to reach, but the inconvenient is that the final file size is totally unpredictable.

~ Mike Atwell
Web Producer
arborActive Web Services
www.arboractive.com

FastForward: Digital Downloads

From joedai!

	Table of contents: Indie Does Digital Digital Download Glossary IMWS Studio Spotlight Spotlight: Indie-Music.com Sell your music on DigStation IMWS Northeast Winner Crowned Need CDs for the holidays? Get a FREE Catalog!
A recent report indicates that digital download sales are up 106% from last year, represent 11% of music sales worldwide, and add up to $945 million. Digital distribution is big money, and when labels see a loss of revenue from a product they own the rights to, they will try to find ways to recoup and limit their losses. The issue of digital downloads is also a hot topic among independent artists, though the conversation has a different timbre. The indie argument centers more on the value of publicity versus lost revenue. Independent artists, as a general rule, have a grassroots revenue stream: gig revenue combined with CD, t-shirt, and merch sales represent a large bulk of the money an independent musician can hope to earn, and most of these sales come through hand-to-hand sales at gigs. Certainly CD sales through web storefronts and band web sites can play a significant role in sales, but indie artists often have little to lose when it comes to digital piracy. For most indie artists, the goal is to increase awareness, attract fans, and create a buzz. Read the full article here Digital Download Glossary Learn to speak digital DRM or Digital Rights Management: Any of several technologies used by publishers (or copyright owners) to control access to and usage of digital data (such as software, music, movies, etc.) and hardware, handling usage restrictions associated with a specific instance of a digital work. DRM techniques include Microsoft's PlaysForSure, Apple's FairPlay, watermarking, and fingerprinting. Most internet music stores employ DRM to restrict the usage of music purchased and downloaded online. Read the full glossary here IMWS Studio Profile: Northeast '06 Big Sky Audio October 1, 2006 marked Big Sky Audio's 15th anniversary, and finds owner Drew Raison enthusiastic about what's lined up for the future. Prospective Broadway deals have the potential to change the landscape of the studio's business model, and the current spate of projects keeps Raison optimistic and proud of Big Sky's ability to remain a recording facility catering almost exclusively to music production. Read the full profile here Fast Forward Spotlight Build A Buzz at Indie-Music.com Since 1996, Indie-Music.com has been serving the independent music community with streaming audio, podcasts, reviews, a huge industry search directory, and success-building resources. The web site offers a wealth of information to artists trying to survive and thrive in today's competitive music industry. Learn more at Indie-Music.com
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