"Success doesn't come to you…you go to it." - Marva Collins

Hi everyone,

This is a special quarterly "Gold Stars" edition of the SongU.com Campus News to celebrate our members recent successes in the past three months (Oct-Dec 2009) [Editor's note: If you submitted good news in January 2010, and do not see it here, it will appear in the next Gold Stars issue].

You'll likely notice that many of the songs below were co-writes with other SU members (names are in bold below) or came up through the SongU.com Coaching system or were signed through one of our various pitch listings. That is just awesome. Keep up the great work!

Ok, without further adieu, maestro, please cue the fanfare music (and apologies to anyone whom I've accidentally overlooked. You can email me with any corrections)...

GOLD STARS: October-December 2009

High-Fives to our members who won or placed in a songwriting contest recently:

Image of gold star = Grand Prize Winner or 1st Place Winner
 
  • Donna Aylor ("Live Like You Love", cowritten with Ruckus Skye) - Music City Songwriting Competition. Top 25.
  • Ed Bentley ("Who was that Old Man ") - Independent Artists Company. My song placed 3rd in the country genre.
  • Travis Conley ("Back In Your Arms Again") - Indie International Songwriter Contest. Honorable Mention, Country Category
  • Inglath Cooper ("Could I Get a Redo", cowritten with Jerry Sims) - Show Me the Music Songwriting Contest 2009 - finalist. Another of Inglath's songs, "Can't Love You Halfway", (cowritten with Gabe Stalnaker) was a finalist in the Show Me the Music Songwriting Contest 2009.
  • Marissa DiBlasio ("Changing Lanes") - 100% Music Contest. Top ten finalist, acoustic category. Another of Marissa's songs, "Penniless" was selected as the Songwriter Universe Best Song of the Month and featured on the website.
  • Jeffrey Hamilton ("She's Out There Somewhere") - Nashville Song Service Lyric Contest. The Song titled "She's Out There Somewhere" won first place in the Nashville Song Service Contest for the R&B Category.
  • Jeff Moxcey ("The Good Book And A Good Hook") - UK Songwrting Contest. My song, "A Good Book And A Good Hook," was a Semi-finalist winner in the UK Songwriting contest. The co-writer is Michael Max McGee.  Two of Jeff's other songs, "Between Dreams" and "Here For The Beer" co-written with Michael Max McGee were semi-finalists as well and Jeff's song, "Dirty Job" was a finalist. 
  • Jeff Moxcey ("Windows") - Song Of The Year Song Contest. My song "Windows," won an honorable mention.
  • Belle Schneiderman ("The Woman In Me") - Show Me The Music Contest. Genre Finalist in the R&B category
  • Claire Ulanoff ("Some Things You Don't Throw Away", cowritten with Will Hopkins) - USA Songwriting Competition. Finalist in the "Country" category, written with Ellen Britton. Another of Claire's songs, "Beautiful Life", (cowritten with Will Hopkins) was a finalist in the lyrics only category of the USA Songwriting Competition.
  • Andrew Wills ("Tell That To God", cowritten with Chad Tyler) - Music City Songwriting Contest. We have placed in the top 25 of the Music City Songwriting Contest.
Hats off to those members who signed a song with a publisher or had a song licensed:
 
  • Mike Daniels ("Harley man", cowritten with Jorgen Bolmstad) - Signed to Screaming Tomato Music.
  • Marissa DiBlasio ("The Man in Red is Going Green", cowritten with Mike Taylor) - Imaginary Friends Music Partners. signed film/tv contract.
  • Marissa DiBlasio ("I'm Fine") - Signed to RDSD Publishing.
  • Jeff Moxcey ("Windows") - Signed to Dreambird Music (BMI).
  • Donna Opfer ("Things I Can't Turn Down") - Signed to Screaming Tomato Music.
  • Russ Pruitt ("Glory Land; Let's Keep Christ in our Christmas; That Old Time Prayer Meeting") - SME Publishing Group. "Let's Keep Christ in Our Christmas" was put on hold by Vocalist/Actress and former Miss Louisiana, Karmyn Tyler. All the songs were found on my SongU.com website. Thanks SongU for a great website!
  • Rick Trotter ("Country Boy", "I Ain't Never Been Wrong Too Many Times", "If It Don't Make Money"") - Signed all 3 songs with QWEST Music Publishing.  
  • Barbara Wilkinson ("Bitterweeds") - Signed to Screaming Tomato Music Publishing.
A round of applause to those members who had songs on hold or recorded:
 
  • Dennis Dolloff ("All Things New") - This Song is being published by a new Canadian Publisher as a Choral music arrangement for Kids. Release of new CD "Somewhere Between Music and Jazz" is available on CDBaby, I-tunes, and more.
  • Lorna Flowers ("Stop It Some More") - Cindy Stanage - artist. Cindy found this song about 6 months ago on my myspace page and then sent a message last week that she's cutting her album at Curb Studios in and will include this song (Co-writer - Alison Williams).
  • Lorna Flowers ("I'm Having A Good Day") - Karli Whetstone. This song is Karli's debut single. It goes to radio on Jan 18th 2010 and is being promoted by Grass Roots Promotions. I co-wrote it with Karen Keeley, Mary Francis and Tom Templeman in 2007 and it's been a local favorite at writers' nights for both Karen and me .Mary was co-writer on major hits "Whiskey If You Were A Woman" by Highway 101 and "Tonight The Heartache's On Me" - Dixie Chicks.
  • Ray Kayanek ("Empty Stockings") - Empty Stockings. This song was selected as the title track for The St Augustine Record's Annual Empty Stocking Fund benefit CD. It was co-written with Dave Besley and recorded and mixed in Eclipse Recording Studios. The song features some of the area's finest musicians as well and includes a full choir singing the chorus. The Empty Stocking Fund brings Christmas to kids who otherwise would miss out.
  • David Kraut ("None of the Above") - Shelby Horner. I got this independent artist cut through Bob Dellaposta. Bob and I established our relationship though an earlier song he signed to a publishing contract, "A Day Job and a Dream".
  • Claire Ulanoff ("Thinkin' 'Bout The Wedding Night", cowritten with Will Hopkins) - Recorded by Derek O'Bannon.
  • Barbara Wilkinson ("Call His Name") - Quintana Biffert. Quintana is the 2009 International Teenage Performer and International Yodeler, selected by the Country Gospel Music Association in Branson MO this year. "Call His Name" will be on her sophomore CD project released in Dec. 09.
  • Andrew Wills ("Wise Man") - Johnny Jolin. The song was co-written with the artist. The album is set to be released spring of '10.
Congrats to our our members who have recently gotten airplay:
 
  • Yvonne Meek ("Until Today") - Receiving airplay on three radio stations, KVNF (Paonia, CO), KBNG (Montrose, CO), KRYD (Montrose, CO). Several of Yvonne's other songs, including "How Can I Make You Stay?", "No Turning Back" and "Ribbon Of Gold" are also receiving airplay.
  • Barbara Wilkinson ("Cowboys Love Texas", cowritten with Ed Williams) - Marie Hodson. "Cowboys Love  charted at number 8 on the European Country Music Association Charts after only 5 weeks of airplay.
  • Andrew Wills ("Tell That To God", cowritten with Chad Tyler) - 94.9 The Bull (Atlanta's Largest Country Station). The song continues to be featured each Sunday night on the Backyard Country show at 9pm EST. Another of Andy's songs, "What's Left of You and Me" (cowritten with Chad Tyler) has been added to weekly rotation of The Bull's "Backyard Country" show every Saturday at 9pm EST.
  • Andrew Wills (""Thank God" and "Blue Collar Man"") - Johnny Jolin. Johnny Jolin was the featured artist on The Con Man Show (a nationally syndicated radio program that plays on over 100 cities nationwide every Friday night). Out of Johnny Jolin's entire album The Con Man played "Thank God" by Andrew Scott Wills and "Blue Collar Man" by Andrew Scott Wills/Johnny Jolin. These songs also received regular airply on two PA Country Stations. WILQ has reported as many as 12 phone call requests a day for "Thank God".
And cheers to those members who have other good news to share:
 
  • Shelley Jacobson ("Signed Composers Deal") - New York Library, The Mentalist. Signed composers publishing deal with New York Library. Will be composing and producing tracks for client network base that consists of 60 Minutes, America's Most Wanted, and Fox News Network. The Mentalist's complete first season box set DVD was released featuring Shelley's track: "Good At Gettin' Up."
  • Joe Wiseman ("Blue Smoke") - Smokin Joe Wiseman. Nominated for Music NL Coast 101.1 Jazz/Blues Group/Artist of the Year.
SONGU.COM OPEN-DOOR PITCHING CONGRATULATES...
As you probably know, several of the good news items from above were also connected to our pitch listings. It's been another great few months for SongU.com pitching connections. We'd like to extend congratulations to the following members who had some good things happen to one of their songs through our connections (received notes of interest in their songs, contracts, mechanicals or licensing agreements, recordings or more). Rock on!

STREET PITCH SUCCESSES

#543 - TRACE ADKINS. Successful veteran independent plugger, T.F. has worked with SongU members before. This month they are looking for Capitol Recording artist Trace Adkins. Pitch songs with one-on-one boy/girl relationship lyrics, where he's the leading man talking to his leading lady. Don't pitch anything too life/philisophical/spiritual or "I'm a good ol boy" tractor/farms etc. Tempos are always a plus. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Donna Aylor "Something Good Just Got Better- Clint Version"

#544 - STEEL MAGNOLIA. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking this month for Big Machine artist, Steel Magnolia (Meghan Linsey & Joshua Scott Jones). This energetic duo won CMT's You Can Duet in August and just released their first single "Keep on Lovin' You." Submit soulful contemporary country hits, but not duets! Watch the videos from http://www.bigmachinerecords.com/steelmagnolia/ or from CMT to get a great sense of this artist. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Debbie Pascarella "If I Didn't Love You"
• Steven Strobel "Taken Man"

#553 - KENNY CHESNEY. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking this month for Kenny Chesney. Submit great songs any tempo ala Chesney but NO BEACH SONGS. Male vocal demos only. As with all street pitches, publishing must be available on the songs you submit. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Steve Hostetler "My Woman on the Line"
• Bart Mitchell "No Better Way of Livin'"
• James (Jim) Smith "Just A Song"
• Steven Strobel "Livin' The Life - (Pro Demo)"
• Mitch Townley "Love's No Accident"

#554 - SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is also looking this month for the artist Soul Circus Cowboys (Lofton Creek Records). Submit Big & Rich meets Brooks & Dunn. No ballads! Also fun novelty songs with edgy tracks. As with all street pitches, publishing must be available on the songs you submit. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Lorna Flowers "Bring Beer (male vox)"
• Marc Kuchner "Shade"
• Graham Rodgers "THE BOMB"
• Graham Rodgers "TRYIN'TO LIVE DOWN ALL MY LIVIN' IT UP"

#559 - DARIUS RUCKER. Successful veteran independent plugger, T.F. has worked with SongU members before. This month they are looking for Capitol Recording artist Darius Rucker, producer Frank Rogers. Darius likes things that feel good (groove) musically. Boy/Girl relationships. Will go musically anywhere from Diamond Rio to Jason Sellers. Don't send "Grandpa/front porch stuff" - he did one of those last time. Avoid Pop/R&B. Gotta beat whatever he's gonna write! The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Richard Bassett "This Cigarette"
• Lisa Medill "Don't Turn Off The Light"
• Donna Valentine "On My Family Tree"
• Bobby Watts "Sharin' A Home But Not Our Hearts"

#562 - JYPSI. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking this month for Sony recording artist Jypsi. Great uptempos only a la Cowboy Take Me Away. Young attitude, great music, harmonies. Check them out at www.jypsi.net. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Hollie Brogunier "Miss His Kiss"
• Derek Toomey "Kiss on the Wind (female)"
• Andrew Wills "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR"

#563 - SARA EVANS. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is also looking this month for Sony recording artist Sara Evans. Submit great songs ala "Born to Fly." No songs about God. Can be an edgier vibe also. Mids to uptempo only. As with all street pitches, publishing must be available on the songs you submit. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses interest in your song, before pitching it, they will ask for publishing if a major recording results from this particular solicitation. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Marc Kuchner "I'm Still Growing Up"
• Lisa Medill "Impulsive"
• Lisa Medill "Mis'd"
• Graham Rodgers "SIMPLE LITTLE THING"

#564 - RODNEY ATKINS. This independent songplugger, P.D., has several hit songwriters as clients but hopes to find some great songs among our members. This month they are looking for songs that stands out from all the rest for Curb recording artist Rodney Atkins. PLEASE read the ENTIRE description carefully before submitting song. Rodney totally wants to connect with the listener by sharing stories that could be theirs too. Very important to listen to the language used in the lyrics of some of his previous #1's. They are very down to earth and fit the average common man. Great stories about everyday challenges that people face and overcome. Songs that are easy to sing along with or get you pumped up about something. Please don't post songs that require a big vocal range. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Jerry Glidewell "WHEN APRIL FOOL'S AROUND"
• David Kraut "They Built This World (You're Just Livin' In It)"
• Barbara Wilkinson "IN GOD'S EYES-Best of Songu"

#566 - THE BAND PERRY. QUICK PITCH!! Street pitch guest, Alex Torrez, a music industry veteran and Publisher is looking quickly for Big Machine artist The Band Perry who's cutting in mid November. This is a young family trio(female lead, 2 male)-bluegrass with a touch of a rock edge. Direction is similar to Dixie chicks first record organic music with intelligent lyrics - but keep in mind they are young. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Ray Phillips "THIS ROAD I'M WALKING NOW rewrite"

#567 - STUDENT FILM PROJECT, Nashville Film Institute. Jesse Sinipoli, film maker. Submit pop/rock music or tracks - no lyric necessary - in the style of Chris Daughtry possibly, but open to other pop/rock styles. Film Genre: Suspense/Thriller. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• James Oliver "Bozza"

#578 - ASHLEY GEARING. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking this month for Curb recording artist Ashley Gearing. Submit fresh career songs with young lyric...something different. This is a young (under 20) artist. Check out her bio and vibe on the web. Pitch follow-up info: If this guest expresses interest in your song, before pitching it, they will ask for publishing if a major recording results from this particular solicitation. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Mike Blottenberger (Daniels) "This Ain't My Boyfriend's Truck"
• Kent Forward "Living Life Looking Forward"
• Don Somerville "Fit to be Tied"
• Derek Toomey "Your First"

#579 - TYLER DEAN. Independent publisher, Bob D., who has already generated income for SongU.com members is looking this month for Curb recording artist Tyler Dean. He is a young baritone and needs all tempos ala young Tim McGraw. The following members had their songs selected for this pitch.

• Kent Forward "Jenny Wilde"
• Steven Strobel "Livin' The Life"
• Mitch Townley "Love's No Accident"
• Chris Woods "memory worth making"

FAST-TRACK PITCHING SUCCESSES

#298 - Publisher with world wide contacts is looking for radio-friendly songs MALE OR FEMALE in ALL GENRES: Pop, Country, Rock, Dance, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, Christmas and Children's songs to sign and pitch. This publisher expressed interest in the following members' songs:

• kevin curry "HE USED TO DO THAT "

#363 - This European-based publishing company is looking for professional quality Pop, Dance, Alternative, Urban, etc. They work with all major broadcasters and production houses in the UK & Ireland (including BBC/ITV/Granada/RTE/Channel's 4 & 5 etc). They also work in Scandinavia and France with CANAL+ and other broadcasters, as well as in Japan & Korea, and the USA with major players like Paramount/Fox/ABC/Sony Films and many more. Important: If the song is placed in film/TV, you must own the material, master recording and publishing AND you must be clear of obligations from other talent that may be performing on your track. In other words, you must get signed clearances from all musicians and vocalists who perform on your demo.
 
• Jon DAgostino "HAPPILY EVER OVER - pop"

#445 - Pennsylvania based publishing company with major-label contacts in Nashville but no track record YET. Only excellent songs that are highly COMPETITIVE to be pitched to MAJOR LABEL artists. This publisher expressed interest in the following members' songs:

• Rick Trotter "Back Porch Pickin'"

#456 - This is a new independent publishing company, but in the last year they have secured many independent artist placements both in the U.S. and abroad with songs from their catalog. They are looking for songs in several genres: *EDGY POP, male and female. Think Pink, Gwen Stefani, Sugarbabes, PCD, Amy Winehouse, J. Timberlake; *COUNTRY (modern and trad), especially female up tempo, and "Female with attitude" a la Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, etc. Also need male up-tempo, a la Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, etc.; *R&B/DANCE (no rap or hip hop), a la, Rhianna, Beyonce, Usher, Alicia Keys. This publisher expressed interest in the following members' songs:

• Mike Blottenberger (Daniels) "Harley Man"
• Jon DAgostino "HAPPILY EVER OVER - pop"
• Dominic French "Ghosts in the Hall"
• Donna Opfer "Things I Can't Turn Down"
• Barbara Wilkinson "BITTERWEEDS -Best of SongU"
• Andrew Wills "DRESSED TO KILL - demo"

#528 - This is a 19 year old singer from the U.K. She is looking for some good quality "different" songs to work with. Her range can be anywhere from jazz/cabaret to swing, soul, and Motown pop. This artist expressed interest in the following members' songs:

• Cameron Earnshaw "Mother's Day"
• Jerry Schneyer "Too Busy Cryin'"

#529 - This is an Independent Publisher with world wide contacts and representation in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemborg, UK, and Germany. "Currently building our pop/r&b portion of the catalogue and have found that my best songs usually come from SONGU members." Submit only radio-friendly hits for POP/DANCE/CONTEMPORARY R&B songs. MALE and FEMALE songs both needed. Think Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Pink for the ladies...and think Justin Timberlake, Usher, Ne-Yo for the guys. Submit only songs in these genres. NO COUNTRY. The bar is high for this one. This publisher expressed interest in the following members' songs:

• Marissa DiBlasio "I'm Fine"
• Dominic French "FDBK 130- Can't Call It Love"
 

Congratulations to all! Remember, we always love hearing your good news. So if you have some good news to share, just look on the right-hand side of the SU member homepage after you login where you can easily submit your good news for the next Gold Stars. As always, thanks to our members for showing the world that talent, dedication and education go a long way. Wishing you all continued success!

See you "on campus" ;-)

Best wishes,

-Danny
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Danny Arena
www.SongU.com
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