Electrify My Soul - New Book by Dan Kimpel

It gives me SUCH pleasure to tell you about Dan Kimpel's newest book, Electrify My Soul (Songwriters and the Spiritual Source).

Gosh, is this his fourth one? His others are: Networking in the Music Business, Networking Strategies for the New Music Business and
How They Made It: True Stories of How Music's Biggest Stars Went from Start to Stardom.

If you don't know who Dan is ... well, then, shame on YOU.

A former singer/songwriter/musician, he currently writes the Songwriting column, Song Biz, in Music Connection magazine, as well as the Songwriter Profile interviews. He's been doing that for years... And besides that, we've known him as a manager (mostly world music artists) and event coordinator (starting with the Songwriters Expo in LA, years ago), plus is seen either on a panel or moderating a panel, at virtually every music event in Los Angeles, teaching classes that reach all the way to Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in England. I could go on ... like the fact that he, along with John Braheny and others, wrote and recorded interviews with major hit songwriters for United Airlines (via Disc Marketing) ... and I could go on ... let's just say he's incredible.

I first met Dan when he started working for the now-defunct offices of John Braheny's and Len Chandler's Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase, when Dan just moved to Los Angeles. We had just acquired a Macintosh Plus computer (don't ask how long ago this was) and Dan was too nervous to touch it, much less use it. OBVIOUSLY, he really overcame his fears! Now, he's the father of 4 books -- and to think that he told us that John Braheny was the first author he'd ever met. Wow. Talk about "you've come a long way, baby."

Bravo, bravo on a job well done, Dan. Oh, yes, and let me add THANK YOU for including John Braheny and ME in your new book, Electrify My Soul (Songwriters and the Spiritual Source). We love what you wrote about us in Chapter One, no less!

For this book, Dan interviewed songwriters about their connection with "spirit" (or not) in the process of their songwriting work. Remarkable insights and so varied ... it's truly an honor to be included along with ...
Bill Miller, Craig Wiseman, David Nichtern, Mark T. Jordan, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Steve Seskin, Marcus Hummon, Christine Lane, Sam Baker, Melissa Etheridge, Paul Williams, Gary Malkin, Daniel Moore, Jason Blume, Pamela Phillips Oland, Sophie b. Hawkins, Charles John Quarto, Peter Case, Rodney Crowell, Susan Werner, Billy Joe Shaver, Michelle Shocked, Harold Payne, Peter Himmelman, Michael Silversher, Jeffrey Steele, and Karen Taylor-Good.

WOW!

Music Talks Sessions event March 30, 2008

John Braheny will be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Music Talks Sessions on Sunday, March 30th, 2008.

The event will be held from Noon to 6:00 pm.

(Note: John's session is from Noon-2pm. Click MusicTalksSessions.net, and click "Schedule" at the top of the page. Scroll down to the program grid for March 30th.
John will critique your songs, so bring your CD and lyric sheets! Thanks!)

Location:

AudioMIDI
9240 Deering Avenue (near Canoga & Nordhoff, in the San Fernando Valley)
Chatsworth, California 91331

(From the press release):

'Music Talks Sessions attracts, educates and engages motivated recording artists, songwriters, producers and musicians seeking to increase their knowledge in their music and recording careers. Music Talks teaches the value of entrepreneurship, personal development and artist development to recording artists.

Learn from and interact with master songwriting consultant and critiquer, John Braheny, Jennifer Lyneis, record promoter for UE3/Sony records, and entertainment attorney, Ben Mclane, among others.'

Registration: $20 online or at the door.

To Register Online, click here: MusicTalksSessions/register.

For more information visit: www.musictalkssessions.net

Contact: Organizer/Producer, David Knight: david@musictalkssessions.com.

Enjoy!

Creativity Jazzes Your Brain - article

I love scientific data about how a musician's brain works, especially when he/she is in the 'throws' of being creative.

The writer, Lauran Neergaard, describes how brain scans show the process to be very much like "dreaming."

Great article for you from Associated Press:
Creativity Jazzes Your Brain.

Enjoy!

Creative Creativity - blog

I discovered this blog today ... CreativeCreativity.com.

It's written by toy maker, David Wahl, who addresses all aspects of creativity, with good info about writing, art, craft...or just daily life.

Enjoy!

The Synesthesia Challenge - Fun Quiz

Ever think of a number and see it, in your mind's eye, in a particular color? That is only one example of how synesthesia shows up in our lives. It's also connected to what makes our hearts pound when we're watching a movie car chase ... crossing the lines in the brain from what we see to our other senses, like hearing or feeling.

Take this quick Synesthesia Challenge to see your feelie-touchie quotient ...

70%

Enjoy!

The How of Happiness - new book

Today, I happened to catch an interview with the author of this book on the radio. It caught my attention because of her unique approach -- definitely not your typical how-to-get-happy book.

The How of Happiness' author is Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. She and her colleagues researched thousands of men and women ... which has got to be tough, when you think about the criteria they might have used. After all, most of us are happier at some times than others, etc.

"Lyubomirsky's "happiness strategies" introduce readers to the concept of intentional activities, mindful actions that they can use to achieve a happier life. These include exercises in practicing optimism when imagining the future, instruction in how best to savor life's pleasures in the here and now, and a thoroughgoing explanation of the importance of staying active to being happy. Helping readers find the right fit between the goals they set and the activities she suggests, Lyubomirsky also helps readers understand the many obstacles to happiness as well as how to harness individual strengths to overcome them. Always emphasizing how much of our happiness is within our control, Lyubomirsky addresses the "scientific how" of her happiness research, demystifying the many myths that unnecessarily complicate its pursuit. Unlike those of many self-help books, all her recommendations are supported by scientific research." -- from amazon.com.

Much of what you'll see, you already know -- but might need to learn again -- like how living in gratitude is a big plus. Also doing kind deeds for others. And having good relationships. But there are some surprises in her findings too, one of which is that happy people work at being so. Also that people can definitely overcome abusive childhoods and become happy.

Another is that, yes, it's true, people might be more happy when they get a large sum of money, but then the glory fades and they will only want more. Heck, don't we know this by now?

Enjoy!

10 Exercises for Better Focus and Concentration

Here's a brief article to reminds us how simple it is, even in our hurry-scurry world, to calm our monkey brain and center our thoughts. (Monkey brain is what happens when our thoughts keep swinging from branch to branch, and won't settle down.)

Just reading the article helped me focus better. It's from EgoDevelopment.com.

Click: 10 Exercises for Better Focus and Concentration.

[Photo I took in Jerome, Arizona, Jan. 2008.]

Venice Art Walk - May 18, 2008

John Braheny and I have volunteered to work at this incredible art show for the past 14 years (skipping once or twice) and have always found this one to be top-notch.

Just as you'd expect, if you know anything about Venice, California, the art is kooky, but often luxurious, and includes a jaw-dropping array of talent & crafts that you just can't find anywhere else (we've looked).


Put the date on your calendar (Blackberry) now if you're anywhere in the Los Angeles area, or are planning to be.

The Venice Art Walk features self-guided tours of more than 60 local private working studios and homes of notable Venice artists and private collectors.

Sunday, May 18th, 2008 - 11am-6pm

Where to go when you arrive:
(Tickets/Info and site of the silent auction):
Westminster School
1010 Abbot Kinney Road
Venice, California

A major reason for the exceptional distinction of the Art Walk is it’s location in Venice, home base of many of the West Coast’s best loved artists: Charles Arnoldi, Ruth Weisberg, Laddie John Dill, Martha Alf, David Hockney, Richard Serra, and many others.


The event also features a food faire, located at the Westminster School, offering gourmet cuisine, an al fresco cocktail garden and live music performances. The event benefits the Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the United States. They provide medical care to uninsured individuals and families in Los Angeles County who would otherwise have no access to health care. (from their brochure)

It's only one day (Sunday, May 18, 2008) unless you purchase special tickets to participate in more exclusive activities on the day before. Tickets for Sunday are usually a bit pricey (around $50) but are well worth it -- and it's deductible -- for a good cause. Or, you can do as we do, volunteer preceding or during the event, and get in free! They can always use an extra hand.

Prepare to hunt for a parking space. You'll be doing a LOT of walking, so wear comfy shoes, and bring hike-like supplies: water/granola bars, etc. Fortunately, shuttle buses roam the streets (you need your badge to ride those).

The whole event is very well organized. However, much as you try, you'll never be able to see it all in one day...so, when you buy your tickets, study the program guide and choose the artists' studios you'll want to see first. This event is not for sissies! (And sure, you'll see some stuff you don't like, but the stuff you DO like will definitely be worth the trip!

Enjoy!

Beverly Hills Affaire in the Garden - May 2008

Several of you have asked, as you know I try to attend (or volunteer for) as many art shows as I can during the Spring ... and I thought you'd like to add this one to your calendar now, so it won't pass by you again. It also happens in October, just in case you miss this one.

This FREE show, The Beverly Hills Affaire in the Garden, is held along 4 blocks of Santa Monica Boulevard, in Beverly Hills, California, and is one of our very favorites.

Prices range from not too expensive all the way to ohmygosh. And yes, a variety of food is available for purchase at different booth vendors. Parking is available along the neighboring streets, or you can pay for parking in lots. Or maybe, I should say, you can pay lots for parking, heh heh.

The show features art by more than 200 exhibitors from around the nation, who showcase their work in photography, painting, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings, graphics and prints.

May 17-18, 2008 - (Sat./Sun.) from 10am to 6pm.

Enjoy!

Julie Sinatra

While we were in the Sedona area of Arizona, we visited our long time friend, singer/songwriter, Julie Sinatra. You might know her - she's a daughter of Frank Sinatra - and has such a great story to tell, that she wrote a book about it, called Under My Skin ...



Pictured, January, 2008 - Julie Sinatra, John Braheny, and myself.

Arizona Songwriters Event Participants

As many of you know, John Braheny and I participate in the annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering each January ... and always have a wonderful time there. (It's in the Phoenix area.)


I took this photo at the event,
January 19, 2008.

Left to right:
James Marovich, (music business attorney, who answered legal questions in his workshop), John Braheny, (songwriters' consultant and author of The Craft and Business of Songwriting, who gave a workshop on song craft), Jon Iger, brilliant president of the Arizona Songwriters Association, which has been thriving for 30 years!) and hit songwriter, Ray Herndon, who performed some of his excellent songs in concert at the event. Fun!

Arizona Photos - Jerome - January 2008

I just thought you'd like to see the view we had of the full moon coming up as the sun was setting on the mountains, from our friends' house in Jerome, Arizona.

Also, a photo of some Saguaro cactus on our trip back to Los Angeles. These are always mysterious to me, since I grew up in the Southern USA, far from anything like this, except for seeing them in Western movies and TV shows.

The Vegetable Orchestra

I usually don't post links to YouTube, because, gosh, you've already got too much to do ... however, I can't resist this one, "The Vegetable Orchestra."

Watch how these musicians (in Vienna, I believe) select vegetables from the market, carve them into musical instruments and play them in concert.

Gives a totally new meaning to playing with your food.

About 6 minutes..."The Vegetable Orchestra" --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpfYt7vRHuY

Enjoy!

Getting Things Done (GTD)

My good friend, Douglas E. Welch, has talked to me about GTD for a long while, and yes, he IS a 'tech junkie.' So, I wasn't surprised at all to hear more about this on NPR ... including some links you'll want to save. I do suppose that reading about GTD is the first step!


Tech Junkies Crazy About 'Getting Things Done' -- article and audio:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19105832

Enjoy!

World's Largest Record Collection

When John and I moved last year (still within Los Angeles County), we re-discovered our record collection -- 30 linear feet of vinyl albums -- and decided we just HAVE to go through them at some point, to see what we can sell/give away/toss/keep. We still plan to do that, some day soon (smile).

So, yesterday, when I heard on National Public Radio about Paul Mawhinney in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh-based publisher of the Music Master record price guide, and his collection of 3 million records and 300,000 CDs (that he's planning to offer for sale on Ebay), I couldn't help but share his story with you. Click below for the article, by Eliot Van Buskirk, in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/02/worlds-largest.html

Enjoy!

Smithsonian Exhibit about Guitars

And ... to think how upset we all were when Bob Dylan "went electric ..."

Here's an interesting site for you about an exhibit of guitars at the Smithsonian ...

"This exhibit features instruments that illustrate how innovative makers and players combined the guitar with a pickup (sensor) and amplifier to create a new instrument and a new sound that profoundly changed popular music--blues, country, rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and roll -- in the 20th century." -- from the website.

http://invention.smithsonian.org/centerpieces/guitars/

[Photo of John Braheny's guitar, bought used, c. 1962]

Enjoy!

David Byrne article - Online Distribution

David Byrne writes about the opportunities for artists in the new digital environment ...

[Here is one of the best explanations (with charts & graphs) for those of you who want to know more about distributing your songs, or CDs, online ... including the pros and cons of being with a major label, an indie label, or just doing it yourself.

This ran in Wired magazine Dec. 12. 2007, but I just got around to posting it for you. Also, you'll want to check out the several audio clips of interviews David did with others in the music business on this topic.]

Title of article:

David Byrne's Survival Strategies for Emerging Artists — and Megastars

"Some see this picture (graph) as a dire trend. The fact that Radiohead debuted its latest album online and Madonna defected from Warner Bros. to Live Nation, a concert promoter, is held to signal the end of the music business as we know it.

Actually, these are just two examples of how musicians are increasingly able to work outside of the traditional label relationship. There is no one single way of doing business these days. There are, in fact, six viable models by my count. That variety is good for artists; it gives them more ways to get paid and make a living.

And it's good for audiences, too, who will have more, and more interesting, music to listen to.

Let's step back and get some perspective ..."

For the rest of the story, click here:
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/16-01/ff_byrne

Enjoy!

Arizona Songwriters - Phoenix 1/19/08

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's that time again...

John and I will return to one of our favorite events...

The 12th Annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering in Encanto Park (Phoenix, Arizona). Saturday, January 19th, 2008! For directions, click Map.

A co-production of the Arizona Songwriters Association (in existence for 25+ years!) and the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Department, it's a FREE all-day event for songwriters and musicians, amateurs to pros, with informative classes, workshops plus opportunities to perform your songs 'live.'

About 200 songwriters 'gather' to spend the day at this beautiful park and clubhouse, with several classrooms, on the edge of the lake, (photo above), meeting there with music industry professionals, networking, visiting, and listening to each other's songs.

Photo above -- songwriters getting their songs critiqued by John Braheny and Alan Roy Scott.

Bring your guitar, bring a lunch (although food is available to purchase), and enjoy!

While in Phoenix, John Braheny will offer private consultations (and song critiques, bring CDs with lyric sheets) for songwriters on Sunday, January 20th. To schedule an hour-long session, email: john@johnbraheny.com.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Songwriters & Bands - TAXI ROAD RALLY 2007

Songwriters and bands, this is for YOU...

If you're already a member of TAXI.com, then you surely know by now, that the 2007 (11th annual) Road Rally convention -- free to members, plus one guest -- is happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9, 10, 11, 2007 -- at the LAX Westin Hotel (on Century Blvd, near the Los Angeles Airport). [Photo credit below.]

Check out this year's incredible schedule of events!

TAXI (the name refers to the vehicle that gets you from here to there in the music business), describes itself:

We're the world's leading Independent Artist & Repertoire Company. As a matter of fact, we invented independent A&R more than a decade ago. Since 1992, TAXI has specialized in giving artists, bands, and songwriters real access to the people in the music business who have the power to sign deals.

The Music Industry Comes To Us To Find You
Record companies, publishers, and music supervisors call us directly to find new artists and bands to sign. They also call to find hit songs, instrumentals and tracks for TV and film placements.

We get the request, then give you the exact details about what type of music they're shopping for. The company requesting the material remains anonymous (for the time being) to protect them from being bombarded with truckloads of unsolicited material. More...

Yes, we do endorse them...they're one of the best deals on the planet for hooking you up with the people/companies who need YOUR songs (if they're appropriate and well written, of course)!

John Braheny will be participating again this year ... he's on a panel discussion, also participating in the Mentor Lunch, as well as teaching a class "Songcraft Basics, Control What You Know," PLUS he'll offer PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS while at the event (as time permits).


During the convention, I'll be located in the hotel's "Bookseller's Area" ... selling John's 3rd edition of his ever-popular (70,000 copies sold) book, The Craft and Business of Songwriting. I'm not just bragging ... this book is referred to as "the Bible" of the music business. We're very proud of it ...

We hope to see YOU at this year's TAXI Road Rally!

[Photo taken at the 2006 TAXI Road Rally, Renaissance Hotel, Hollywood, California, with me between our friends, the twins, Jeff & Todd Brabec, who always participate at countless songwriters' events... Jeffrey Brabec is an entertainment law attorney and vice-president of business affairs for the Chrysalis Music Group. A former recording artist, he has been vice president of business affairs for the PolyGram Music Group and legal/business affairs director for the Welk and Arista-Interworld Music Groups. Todd Brabec, a former recording artist and entertainment law attorney, serves on the boards of the Los Angeles chapter of NARAS, the National Academy of Songwriters, and the California Copyright Conference. He lectures extensively on film and television contracts, commercials, publishing and the worldwide revenue sources of the music industry. He is also the executive vice president and director of membership at ASCAP.]

Enjoy!

Winery Music Awards 2007

Hi All,


[I took this photo, Oct. 7, 2007, of some of the judges: L to Rt. - John Braheny, writer producer Roy Braverman, hit songwriter Michael Caruso, producer Jeff Weber and (front) Jon Anderson (the group Yes).]


As I'd posted in the past, John Braheny was on a great panel of judges during the Summer, for the WineryMusicAwards.com competition. Above are pictured just a few of them...

Bands and solo songwriter/performers pre-auditioned and came from all over the country (from Canada too) to compete in a one-weekend-per-month series of live performances in Paso Robles, California. (Exactly half way between LA and San Francisco - in the center of 150 vineyards and wineries!) The 5-month event ran from June to October.

I usually don't rave about each place we've been, unless people there have done a particularly stellar job, but for this we're standing on our chairs, applauding and yelling, "Bravo!" (holding up our lighters) to all who worked so hard to make this happen. It is a rare occurrence in which a whole town chips in to make a music event so successful.

Several local wine-makers and vendors generously participated to promote the Paso Robles area, as well as to shine a spotlight on wine and music -- what a winning combination! If you haven't explored that section of Central California, we highly recommend it.

You certainly want to check out Halter Ranch (vineyards) for superb wine-tastings. You might also stop by Silver Horse and J. Lohr wineries too. Yum. Also, be sure to visit Pasolivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and take the quick tour when you're there - fascinating!

We also want to thank our gracious hosts at The Canyon Villa, and the Vintage Ranch.

These 5 weekends were a superb opportunity for us to schmooze and to hear some exciting new talent. Hearty congratulations to Shannon Curtis of Los Angeles for winning this year's competition. Click here to see the other winners.

We certainly hope that Kathy Kelly, who did an outrageously fantastic job of organizing and producing and publicizing the event, will continue to direct many others in the future!

Finally, for those of you who are performing songwriters/musicians, watch the web site, WineryMusicAwards.com or keep in touch with Kathy Kelly regarding auditions for next year's events: kathy@winerymusicawards.com.

Enjoy!

Wheatware.com - Green Guitar Picks

Hi Y'all,

We've been in the midst of moving (still in Los Angeles), which is why I haven't been posting lately. Will get back to you as soon as I can ... however, this is something from our friend, musician/songwriter, Nick Daugherty that I couldn't wait to pass along to you.

He says these "non-plastic" (green) guitar picks -and drum sticks- really work well.

Check it out. Buy them (very reasonable) from Wheatware.com. Oh, yes, they make other products from wheat too, including golf tees!

Keep your landfill clean(er)!

Enjoy!