I have been running an interesting blog on MySpace now for the last eight months or so, at https://www.myspace.com/musicandspirit . There are currently 32 AMAZING artists in my Top Friend who are all very much worth supporting. In addition, there are many more in my modest friend space which is currently at 100+, most of them musicians.

The blog itself consists of 30 entries, some extensive, showcasing artists’ lyrics and additional material provided by the artists themselves, in addition to several reviews by myself. The word “spirit” in its title is NOT a reference to dogmatic spirituality. I consider a good love song to be “spiritual!”

This site and blog are open to any songwriter who wishes to message me and send a friend request. I reserve the right to decide on the suitability of the material– please review my profile page, listen to the artists, and look at the blog itself. You will see that there is a wide variety of styles represented, and you will be able to judge for yourself if this is a place where you’d like to have your music “found.” It is free, and will remain free, forever.

Currently, I am receiving spontaneous friend requests from AWESOME artists, EVERYWHERE! Germany, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Britain, and of course, the USA. It is good, free exposure for any artist who has “the right stuff.”

Be Well–
Blogger Van
https://www.myspace.com/musicandspirit

Since 1995, USA Songwriting Competition has been honoring songwriters from all over the world. Winners came from Australia, Japan, Canada, UK, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, USA, etc. Past winners have gotten recording contracts, getting their songs on film, TV as well as getting cuts with major artists. The 2005 Winner of the country category had his winning song cut by Faith Hill. The 2005 winner of the pop catgeory was signed by MySpace/Interscope records.

Entries must be entered by May 30, 2008 or earlier. The entry form can be found at: https://www.songwriting.net/tagit.html

This is the story of music artist Ruby James ( https://www.rubyjames.com ) who unveiled her CD, “Desert Rose,” on April 21st at the Traubadour Los Angeles. Desert Rose is produced by John Avila of Oingo Boingo who was drawn to Ruby James’ sultry voice powerful talent and recorded the album with her in his Los Angeles studio. James elegantly fuses rock and Americana with lyrics that explore love, loss and the lure of the road.

“Ruby James’ rugged sensuality, which bravely masks a wearied vulnerability, is pure sonic empowerment. With “Desert Rose,” Ruby lays bare, in the grand tradition of guitar-slinging blues hitchhikers, her power to wield her own whiskey-soaked chalice and the blade to match,” writes Orlando Weekly. She has already shared the stage with Jackson Browne, Pat Mac Donald of Timbuk3 and Jane Weidlin since she began touring the United States in 2006. Ruby James is often compared to Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow and Chrissy Hynde.

Hollywood has already taken notice of Ruby’s talent. She completed a deal which will place one of the tracks from the album, “Everything Good Goes Away,” into a major studio film. Produced by Mick Jagger, “The Women” is a remake of the 1939 classic, starring an ensemble cast including Meg Ryan and Bette Midler. In the song she poignantly reminds us that “Everything Good Goes Away” except real, true, soul-defining love. “The Women” will be released in October by New Line Cinema.

“Desert Rose is something that surprises and tantalizes you with its beauty and roots firmly planted in a sometimes-harsh terrain,” Ruby says. She adds: “Desert Rose the album and the song are both about a journey and possibly a homecoming. It’s a story of survival through the toughest of terrains and about a quest for self.” Infusing the tracks with her rustic soulful voice, she goes to the very core of mother/child relationships in heart-wrenching “Oh, Mama.” The mix crackles to life in the playful, bluesy “Mistress of the Devil,” then just as quickly disappears in the title track, “Desert Rose,” where she shares the longing for a lost, but never forgotten, love. The album is a kaleidoscope with a track for every emotion, in the spirit of legendary songwriter Emmylou Harris.

Independent, determined and savvy, Ms James already had years of practical experience under her guitar strap, writing and performing solo acoustic. She had a gypsy Nomadic upbringing, moving around California sometimes in caravans, and feels comfortable only when she is moving and playing music. She is currently working with Charlie Sexton (Bob Dylan, The Arc Angels, and The Sextones) and brother Will Sexton (Waylon Jennings, Dave Baerwald and Abra Moore), who bring their legendary classic sound to the innovative talent of Ruby James both as producers and performers in a sophomore album to be released at the end of 2008.AWAL has just signed a deal to distribute “Desert Rose.” It will be released to the public on April 22nd 2008. AWOL based out of the UK was started by Paul Bower who was original developer of ITUNES.
https://www.rubyjames.com

https://www.songwritersfestival.com

“The fest is open to all forms of songwriting, from the novice to the professional. There are no pre qualifications to play or attend. Everyone is encouraged to come as they are. All attendees will have the opportunity to share their words or music and find their place in the mix. The festival is not a contest or competition which makes for a more relaxing creative atmosphere,” says festival producer Cornelius “Popcorn” Robertson. There is no set registration fee to attend the fest, Each individual determines how they can contribute to help be a part of the music magic.”

“Last year Curb Music, Artist Partners and others helped out with stage locations. Staff writers from Sony/BMG, Warner-Chappell/Ash Street Music, Curb and many others chipped in some top notch songwriting talent, Brian White, Dillon Dixon, Don Poythress, Billy Montana to name a few.” Popcorn continues, “Industry professionals Dave Gibson, Stan Web, and others hit writers hosted sessions at the Writers Retreat. Sure Fire Music participated in the Open House and so on. ASCAP, BMI and SESAC writers all came together. Publishers, recording studios, producers, song pluggers, managers, and others were in attendance as a broad spectrum of the industry, past, present and future were there getting the feel.”

“This June 20-22, another historical gathering begins to shape up as Stella Parton (27+ charted songs) to Guitar master Boomer Castleman (inventor of the Palm Pedal guitar) throw down at this years congregation to celebrate the spirit of the songwriter. Many special guest and surprises await but the real featured writer is you, as we glimpse into the past, present and future of songwriting together.”

Sign up’s are open for the 2008 season. For more information visit www.SongWritersFestival.com, call 615-424-1491 or email Popcorn@SongWritersFestival.com

https://www.GreatLakesSongs.com

This year, the Grand Prize will be $2,000 cash, plus tuition, room and board at a music retreat, plus a chance to headline the Winners’ Concert in February 2009. And entrants can choose to enter by mail or on-line, thanks to a partnership with indie music promoter Sonic Bids.

The contest is open to songwriters of all ages and all musical styles in the eight states and one Canadian province that border the Great Lakes: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and the Province of Ontario, Canada. Songwriters give up no rights to their songs as a condition of entering or winning. Eleven winning songs will be chosen in 2008. Entries must be postmarked on or before Friday, April 25, 2008.

“A lot of great music has come out of our part of the world, from Motown to Prairie Home Companion to Chicago Blues and Broadway,” says contest spokesman Bill Frank. “It’s produced big names like Bob Dylan, Prince, Madonna, the Barenaked Ladies, and Jars of Clay, just to name a few. But some of the best music is written by the locally known, little-known, and unknown songwriters, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Past winners have included an organic farmer from rural Michigan, a retired Marine Corps captain from Minneapolis, a Chicago novelist, a former child actress, and numerous high-school and college students. Winning songs have ranged from hard-rock instrumentals to jazz, country, folk, R&B, Christian, and various hybrids. For the past several years, the top winners have performed at sold-out crowds at the Winners’ Concert series at the Trinity House Theatre in Livonia, MI.

Past judges have included Andrea Stolpe, hit songwriter, author, and instructor for the Berklee College of Music’s on-line songwriting program; Freebo, the singer-songwriter and long-time bass player for Bonnie Raitt; Chicago’s Rich Warren, host of the syndicated radio show “The Midnight Special;” Nadir, the MTV host, author and prizewinning songwriter; and Toronto’s Jodi Krangle, proprietress of “The Muse’s Muse” songwriters’ website and electronic newsletter. The 2008 judges will be announced when the winners are announced, in October 2008.

Contest entrants are not forced to pick a particular category for their songs. Each song is judged on its own merits, not by how well it conforms to the conventions of a certain genre of music. Rules, entry forms, and information on last year’s winners and judges can be found on the contest website, https://www.GreatLakesSongs.com

The contest is sponsored by Songbridge, the song marketing company based in Ontario, Canada, which provides a weekly pitch sheet to its songwriting members and a free e-newsletter with tips and insights on marketing; Elderly Instruments of Lansing (MI), one of America’s largest mail order suppliers of vintage and new stringed instruments; Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters of Royal Oak (MI), which holds songwriting weekends in Northern Michigan; and the CD Seller of Minneapolis, an online company that has created a CD selling tool for independent performers. The contest is organized by The Michigan Songwriters, the Ann Arbor-based cooperative that previously sponsored the Metro Detroit and Michigan Songwriting Contests. The contest has drawn about 500 entries each year since its founding in 2003.

Multiculturalism in Rock — American Musician DIRK HAMILTON Puts Lyrics In Italian

San Francisco, Calif. -
Dirk Hamilton is back from a month-long tour of Italy. This makes a total of three months there this year. He’s been touring in Italy every year since a fan/promoter encouraged him to come over and ‘do some shows’ more than fifteen years ago — and today his brand of roots-based alternative rock has a sizable italian following there.

The Ghost of Van Gogh is Hamilton’s latest CD, and this time the lyrics in the booklet are translated into Italian right next to the English. His Italian fans buy his music and fill piazzas, clubs and concert halls to see him perform. But the subtle word play in many of his songs must be nearly impossible for Italians to decipher. In fact, the Italian reviews of his shows seem strange by American standards. Italian writers often describe Hamilton’s physical mannerisms and emotive vocals as measures of the depth of his soulfulness, yet don’t mention at all the content of the songs —his lyrics— the originality of which he’s known for here in America.

Hamilton speaks fairly fluent Italian now because of the amount of time he has spent in Italy over the years. And while many of his friends there do understand some English, he knows that even one everyday idiom or colloquialism is enough to throw a non-native speaker off. After all, his layered poetry turns up multiple meanings even for native english speakers. So he rounded up the services of one of his italian friends living in America, Micol Biasetti, and set about translating all twelve new songs. The kind of translation problems to be overcome reveal themselves in titles like “The Magoombies,” “I’m the Thug of Love,” “All and Nothin’” and the enigmatic “Caterpillars in My Ears”. In the song “Meadow” for instance, Hamilton takes a look at the nature of human impact versus the resilience of the planet — and in the very first line, all of the following occur: a nursery rhyme is turned on it’s head, words that cannot be looked-up are created, and a familiar idiom is trotted out: “When Lumberjack and Lumberjill go out to play, Mother Nature takes a lickin’.” Any meaning-knots such as these were either unraveled by Micol herself, or she flagged them for Hamilton’s explanation before proceeding. The result is a CD package that provides italian speakers with close to the same experience of the artistic value of Hamilton’s lyrics as english speakers are able to enjoy.

Born in Indiana and raised in California, by the time Hamilton graduated from high school, he’d already been singing and playing guitar for several years. While in college, he supported himself by hitting the nightclub, bar and music festival circuit, making a name for himself with his idiosyncratic style and committed performances. Although he couldn’t have known it then, he’d soon have his work compared to Van Morrison, Dylan and Springsteen.

He went to Los Angeles for greater exposure and caught the attention of Steely Dan producer Gary Katz, who became the ‘in’ which led to Hamilton releasing four critically acclaimed albums in four years. (Two were released with ABC Records and two with Electra). From Hamilton’s third album, Meet Me at the Crux, the song “How Do You Fight Fire?” and the title track got enough radio airtime to put him on the map and led to him touring America. The rest is history for one to discover one song at a time, and one album after another.

His new CD, The Ghost of Van Gogh, is released on his own label (Acoustic Rock Records), and makes for a concert of intellectually sharp alternative rock. Hamilton’s intense howl blends perfectly with what this talented band puts out. Hamilton on lead vocals, acoustic and rhythm guitar and harmonica, Don Evans on lead guitar, Eric Westphal on Bass and Tim Seifert together make up The Dirk Hamilton Band. Fans of rock and musical sophistication will be happy to have checked out this musician, both his body of work and his live performance.

Dirk Hamilton returns to the Bay Area for a very limited number of shows promoting his latest CD.

In Marin: Saturday, Jan. 5 — 19 BROADWAY Fairfax, CA (415) 459-1091
Show opener: Double Barrel Duo. Doors open at 9pm

https://www.19broadway.com
https://www.dirkhamilton.com
https://www.myspace.com/dirkhamilton
https://www.splashpaint.com/dirk_19broadway.html

For more information, contact:

J. Carlson
Splashpaint Creative
TEL: 415 302 8426

GetYourGrooveOn is an interactive music community that allows users to share lyrics and songs. Geared towards songwriters, the site includes tools to share songs, review songs, and organize a private vault of your collection. Writers will also be able to time stamp their songs to document their creation date and ensure the writer’s copyright.

Owner of StreetBee, Rainer Fraenkel, is excited for the new launch and says, “This acquisition is part of an ongoing strategy for StreetBee to create a full circle entertainment network. With the addition of GetYouGrooveOn.com/JamJunky.com, Kriselen.com and BandNation.com, we now have a global music/entertainment community.”

GetYourGrooveOn/JamJunky Developer James Thomas has told press, “I think this acquisition benefits StreetBee.com/BandNation.com tremendously, as it fills a niche in a demographic they’re already involved in. From my perspective, the timing and the price were right. I wish StreetBee/BandNation continued success with GetYourGrooveOn and the rest of their product line.”

“GetYourGrooveOn” beta is now live and for a limited time users are able use the service as much as they would like for free during the beta period. What are you waiting for? Get Groovin’!

GetYourGrooveOn.com

Info This track was mixed with a simple guitar (through presonus eureka) and beat in the background. One vocal (VT-737) over the top with a light chorus. Instruments mixed in.

It was re-mastered a second time using a high cut filter on the guitar to 1700 and slight touch up paint on 2 or 3 vocal clips. Then it was bounced again.
Lyrics

Lyrics “Another Golden Find” (C)(P) 2007 Sodacon Music

{intro - 8 measures}

{verse 1}

Discreetly turn on the silence -
to help place something in the void
Run a quarter marathon, and then a 3rd -
yet can never reach the full -

{pre-chorus}
well thats all going to change
We were never supposed to feel that way again
wish for my lovers silent glow -
Help me with just one fantasy instead of emptiness I know-0

{Chorus}

You’re another golden find
Ever always on my mind
It feels so empty without you here again
One another golden find

{verse 2}

{solo 4 measures}

This has been the worst week of my life -
I was duped once - and then yet again -
Find out through some source somehow that someone’s not your friend
To top it off, their spreading all those lies -
Well keep on talking because that talking gets you nowhere -
Only got time - to hit Bounce again

{pre-chorus}

well it only makes it fair
Hope I never have to feel so damn empty ever again
I don’t have time if you’re not there
One minute you support me and the next you just don’t care-0

{Chorus}

You’re another golden find
Ever always on my mind
It feels so empty without you here again
One another golden find

Ever always on my mind
Ever always on my mind

Did you ever meet a person who seemed really abrasive on the outside, but when you finally got the know them they were very likable underneath? Well, “Picture Perfect” is about the opposite type of person. It is about the person who seems really nice on the outside but who is a venomous snake underneath. “Picture Perfect” is not a love song. It is a song about those secretly hostile passive-aggresive types who handle their insecurities and low self esteem by cutting down and sabotaging the budding aspirations and confidence of others in hidden, almost imperceptible, ways. This song was inspired by a several of these soulless zombies, all clad in holiday-spirit shopping attire, who have managed to slither their way into my home from time to time.

But the song is particularly about one girl who would, in an intimate and endearing way, solicit information from me about my personal life only to turn around and use it to criticize, condemn, and ridicule in sneaky and insidious ways. I would walk away feeling that I had been somehow violated and betrayed in such a nice way that it was hard go back and defend myself. Well, this song is my defense. It is my defense against the heartless girl who hides behind a picture perfect facade while she silently stabs friends in the back with invisible knives, and against the pseudo-aristocratic world she deludes herself into thinking is her rightful lineage.

Ok, I know, I’ll get around to writing an actual love song sooner or later, I just needed to lyrically curse out a few people from my past first. KT

PICTURE PERFECT

Diamonds are so beautiful
Crushed right out of coal
Sometimes when the angles right
I can truly see your soul
That sparkle in your eye will get you
gossip from a friend
You’ll use to prove they’ll never fit
in your world in the end, in your

(Picture perfect) Your picture perfect world
(Picture perfect) You’re a picture perfect girl
(Picture perfect) It’s so picture perfect
So high above where you sit and judge the world
My picture perfect girl

The checkers from my past to you
are stepping stones to cross
You climb up to your picture window
and spit down at my loss
The finest wine won’t quench the desert
that lies beneath your chest
‘Cause love is just a card you play
to win the next contest

(repeat chorus)

I wanna tell you everything I feel
I wanna show you there’s so much you could heal
But through your smirks and pretty words that sting
You don’t hear a thing, your a phone that doesn’t ring
You’ve lost your wings

(solo)

Corporate clowns and picket fences
guard you like a queen
So high above the dirty world
but still you can’t get clean

(repeat chorus)

(Picture perfect) Your picture perfect world
(Picture perfect) You’re a picture perfect girl
(Picture perfect) Your picture perfect world
(Picture perfect) You’re so picture perfect

Your picture perfect world
You’re a picture perfect girl
Your picture perfect world
You’re a picture perfect
a picture perfect girl

©2001 Kevin Thomas

After years of hard work and grind… I am happy and proud to see the fruits of my labor result in such a fantastic CD. I hope I don’t sound conceited but I love my new CD “Losing My Faith”.. it was/is a labor of love. I found myself maturing during the process of writing my songs.

Every song has a special meaning to me and deals with subject matters that is pretty personal and yet very much universal.

My Songs:

“Losing My Faith” deals with the fact that no matter how faithful you are… not necessarily in a religious sense but faith in general… there comes a time when you question it. For instance pertaining to religion… the age old question does God exist… and if so why is there so much suffering on earth and why are my prayers not always answered. Something to think about.

“Connie D.” is about my grandmother who past away when I was three years old. Not knowing that she had past away… on the night that it happen I saw a shiny shadow at my bedroom door that looked just like her… I guess she was letting me know she was OK. The song is about celebrating life and the time you have and not to be bogged down with what I should have done or what I’m going to do… the message is to enjoy the moment you have … you never know when your last moment in life might come.

“Kiss My Heart Goodbye” A fun break up song with a Classic Rock flavoring.

“The Other Side” Message: No matter how bad, dark and ugly things are… there is usually another side. Perhaps happier times or the answer can be found on the other side. Take a look at the bright or the positive side of things.

“Drowning” Love song… drowning in love and don’t know what to do. Especially when love didn’t work out the last time… hmmmm

“Awful Truth” Mesage: The world is in a sad state and the awful truth is that people in power and large corporations that control our global affairs are more interested in making more money than preserving / saving the earth… And… that is the awful truth.

“For You” Message: When all hope is gone and God won’t answer your prayers… that special someone in shining armor will be there to help you through it. Maybe listening to this song can help you feel better.

“World Undone” Inspired by what we see on TV. World leaders seeking solutions by choosing war over peace. Bombs falling, bullets flying… people dying… while you and I are watch helplessly…. so let’s all grab a chair and watch the world come undone.

“Fade Away” Inspired by homeless young people on the streets (Squeezie Kids) and many not surviving the streets… as we all tend to walk by and pretend not to notice that it’s a real person in a desparate and distraught situation.

“Loser” Everyone knows a two timing loser. Well this song is a dedication to all those who are or were with one… a Loser that is.

Hope you enjoy my article… you can own my CD “Losing My Faith” by going to https://www.chrisning.com you will be getting some great music and at the same time supporting an artist that wants to make great music. Making great music is a very time consuming and expensive endeavour… your generous support is much appreciated and hope you will become asupporter and a friend.

Peace and Happiness
Chris Ning

www.chrisning.com
www.myspace.com/chrisning
www.sonicbid.com/chrisning