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Welcome to our 2nd Newsletter!
A lot has happened in the last 6 months. More songs (over 1000+ now!) more songwriters and more industry users. Also, there's been a great increase in the number and diversity of tenders as well as registered industry users using Song Central to source new material. See the chart showing the range of current industry users giving songwriters & composers the opportunity to have their material sampled by a cross-section of tv, film, advertising as well as music producers & publishers. Also read how Song Central helps Ocean Road Music's Kim Cheshire.. and provides artist manager, Larry Tyler, with pleasant surprises when he hits the ''play'' button! We've also signed some fantastic song reviewers - some of the best 'ears in the business' see below...
Chart showing range of Song Central registered industry users:
But, most importantly, Song Central has facilitated CONNECTIONS between songwriters and composers and the people who use original material commercially. Read on to see how two members' recent CONNECTIONS are leading to some exciting outcomes for their music.
New Song 'upload limits' for songwriter/composer members
Look out for an update on Song Central's membership levels. New 2nd year 'roll-over', as well as new members' terms, will offer increased song upload limits - or no limits (unlimited!). Songwriters will be able to upload and showcase more songs than previously possible. More details to follow shortly...
Meet our reviewers!
A great way to develop your song(s) / music and/or lyrics is to have your material critiqued by someone able to offer the benefit of their experience. Song Central is proud to present it's current panel of reviewers.
Meet our reviewers & read their bios below....
Feedback for songs in tenders...
A new tool to let songwriters know when their song has been sampled in a Song Central tender will soon be available. More details soon ... |
NEW 'CONNECTIONS' made on Song Central....
We don't always get to hear about outcomes that result from CONNECTIONS on our site but read on to hear about a couple of recent CONNECTIONS for two of our songwriter members .....
"I wasn't sure when I first found Song Central that it would yield much in the way of any real opportunity as it was a new site and I had heard about some US sites making promises of ''getting your songs heard'' where you end up hearing nothing. But to my surprise, the experience with Song Central has been quite the opposite....
For a start, the operators of the site were responsive and communicative when I had a question and then the site published a tender to which I submitted a couple of my songs.
Following that I was contacted by the industry user responsible for the tender offering to pitch some of my songs via his publishing company both locally and in the US. Since then he has put me in touch with an artist with whom I am currently co-writing for their next project.Needless to say, I don't regret joining Song Central one bit .... I think it is a great site for networking and making the sorts of connections that can lead to the results and opportunities we're all looking for.'' (Andrew Cochrane, Songwriter/Composer/Producer member on Song Central)
Our goal is to create opportunities for songwriters and industry users to CONNECT. However, what happens after a connection is made is beyond our control and up to the industry user and the songwriter.
Another songwriter/composer member who has recently benefited from a ''connection'' on Song Central is Rod Christian:
"Thanks to Song Central a new avenue of opportunity has emerged for me and my music. Recently I was contacted by one of the site's industry clients after he had sampled some of my music during a search he conducted on the site. He requested I send some more tracks to use as production pieces for Australia and, possibly, for overseas. Clearly this connection offers me and my music a new and exciting opportunity and, what is really great, he found me in his own time and via my music on the Song Central website!
Since Song Central was launched last year a number of colleagues have commented on the site - its accessibility and that it offers a wonderful opportunity for songwriters and composers to be heard by the people that matter in the music industry. I have been working in the music world for many years doing what I love doing and this is a great result!" (Rod Christian, Songwriter/composer, Song Central
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What industry users are saying about Song Central....
Kim Cheshire - Ocean Road Music
" I have been pitching songs for a variety of both Australian & US publishers for about 15 years predominantly to artists working in the Australian country music market. It has always been my preference to pitch Australian songs to Australian artists unfortunately (until the recent appearance of Song Central) the majority of my sourcing relied upon the vast wealth of material available from Nashville songwriters and publishers.
Thankfully, Song Central is changing all of that as artists, producers, A&R executives, record labels etc. now have available a reliable and very valuable resource to access the best of Australian songwriting from a much wider source of talent and to act as a meeting place for fellow writers.
The service that Song Central provides solves this problem and I am now able with far less time and effort to sample the kind of material I need when required either by doing searches or submitting a ''tender'' on the site."
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Larry Tyer (Artist Management)
"I have posted a couple of Tenders to Song Central and, whilst I haven't found a song (yet) that has been suitable for my projects, I have found the site and this service very useful. It gives me access to a whole lot of new songwrites and material that I otherwise would not have access to. Needless to say, I will continue to submit Tenders to Song Central when we are looking for new songs.
I find it a little like 'prospecting for gemstones' ... as you push the play button you never know what 's there and, sometimes (even if it's not the song you're looking for) you are still pleasantly surprised! "
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Meet our Reviewers ...!
Song Central is proud to present our panel of reviewers who are all professionals with a strong appreciation for songwriting & composing. Each has an impressive track record of commercial success and is keen to help other songwriters develop their craft.
Kim Cheshire
" My attitude to reviewing songs in the context of Song Central is primarily to encourage and to gently steer willing writers toward a realistic goal of writing/co-writing songs in the highly competitive world of commercial music market place. It is a difficult and delicate operation to be both critical and encouraging to new and oftten inexperienced writers without causing some distress. To be criticised is difficult to accept for anyone in the field of artistic endeavour and can be disheartening at it's worst and revelatory at it's best, but taken in the spirit of improving the chances of a positive end result I believe its worth the pain it might initially cause.
All of my critiques are in the interest of improving either the quality or the commercial opportunities of the song itself and are not opinions related to my personal tastes in music.
To benefit the writer there is no point in being just ''nice''. I am a hard critic, but I believe this offers songwriters seeking advice for song improvement far greater benefits than appealing to fragile egos. I'll be honest and fair but not always 'nice'. "Kim's bio...
Kevin Bennett
" Knowing the effort and intensity required to write what you think is a song worth hearing and also what it takes to present it for 'review' I would be constructive and positive while remaining openly truthful in my appraisal. Therefore, if I feel a song has potential but is let down in some area, it's my job to point this out and suggest that the writer look at this aspect of the song ... of course, it's then up to them.
Before Song Central you could usually only play a song to a friend for feedback, now you can also get a professional opinion on your work as well." Kev's bio...
Lawrie Minson
" I started touring in 1979. When I had to rely on music for a living I soon realised that being only half good is not good enough. It is the same with songs. A song that is half good is no good to anyone. When I conduct workshops the first thing I point out is what I like about the song. I then set about to try and help that writer make their song great or, at least as good as it can possibly be. Ultimately I hope this will improve the standard of songwriting in Australia. " Lawrie's bio...
Wendy Morrison
"Reviewing songs? I like to get out of the way, and let the song or lyric speak to me. Hopefully it will let me know what it wants or needs to be complete." Wendy's bio....
Brendan Collins
" The most important aspect of any song is its personal appeal. I want to dance around the room, laugh or cry. Technique is important, but the emotional content of song determines how great it really is. " Brendan's bio ...
Noah Shilkin
" Any song that becomes a hit has an element of truth. Whether it is my cup of tea or not I attempt in my assessment to uncover that truth. The feedback I give would be to try and help the writer find a structural, technical, sonic and artistic balance that would allow that moment of communication or truth to breathe and connect.
In reviewing a song one must offer one's humble opinion - remembering it is just one person's opinion. I ask myself 'Do I like what is coming out of the speakers?' In the end that's what matters and it is , and must be, transcendent of genre. I look for what is working and try to encourage that. I am also not afraid to say what I think isn't working and offer creative options and ideas to help correct the problems." Noah's bio...
Bill Bridge
"I always listen to songs with a fresh and clean view and no pre-conceived notions as to what to expect. I never review songs as genre specific as I believe a song is a song, it does not need to be 'pigeon-holed' but needs to be heard. I love hearing where the lyric takes me and understand that the place I am taken too may be totally different to the next person who hears it, but each place is right for the listener. Lyrics are my strength but a catchy melody always can stick in your head even with the lyrics aren't so strong (do you remember de-do-do-do de-da-da-da!!) I love music and want to nurture the creativity of everyone who goes out on a limb and says ''this is me, this is my song....'' Bill's bio..
Ken Sheppard
''Music and art must have soul''Ken's bio
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Questions & Answers
| How do I purchase a review & how much does it cost? |
| To purchase a song/music or lyric (only) review, click on the song (in your home page) then select ''Review'' from the song details grid. All reviews cost $35 per song and they MUST be purchased for each review. Please Note: The use of ''gifted tokens'' is not permitted for use in the purchase of a song review (gifted tokens are to be used for showcasing songs only). |
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| Can I select the reviewer of my choice & do they get paid? |
It is possible to request a particular reviewer however, Song Central cannot guarantee your song will be reviewed by that person. Our song reviewers are busy people who are often on the road touring. Review requests will be assigned based upon availability of reviewers. Sometimes there maybe a delay in assigning a review however, once assigned, a review should be conducted within 2 weeks. Yes, all reviewers are paid for each review they conduct.
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| How will I know the review is completed? |
| Once the review is completed you will be sent an email from Song Central. When you receive that email just login to Song Central, select the song (that was reviewed) and select ''Review'' again from the song details grid. Your song review feedback will be displayed where you will be able to print it out. |
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| What aspects are covered in a review? |
| All song reviews are done online and written feedback entered into an online form by the reviewer. A review for a song will address the following: Lyrics/Melody/Song Structure/Song Feel/Originality/Demo/Arrangement/Commercial potential/Comment |
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| How can I get a ''P'' as a result of a review? |
| If the reviewer deems your song/music/lyric (only) piece to have ''commercial potential'' (as is)
then they will alert Song Central. The Song Central administrator will then provide your song with a ''P"" (for professional recognition) in showcase. Back |
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Reviewer Bios...
Kim Cheshire
Songplugger with Ocean Road Music has been writing and performing songs for 35 years. Has had both commercial and critical success with his songs in feature films, TV shows, singles and albums recorded with numerous bands including in the UK 'Nimbus' Polydor, 'Solo'' Imagination records. In Australia "The Danglin Bros", ABC Music, "The Wheel" Roo ARt and BMG and most recently again as a ''Solo" act with Laughing Outlaw records. Winner of two golden guitars, nominated for two Arias and nominated for three and the winner of one Mo Awards
Is regularly asked to judge competitions by TSA/Songwriters Live, ABC Newcastle music awards among others. Participated in songwriting workshops for the Tamworth Country Music College, Songwriters Live and taken classes in Music Industry Studies for Ultimo Tafe. Worked as a feature film musical director, produced successful theatre shows and has for the past 15 years been responsible for finding career defining hits for numerous Australian country artists. Back
Kevin Bennett
Sing/songwriter with Golden Guitar winning band The Flood has been writing and performing songs for over 25 years. He has acheived commercial success and received several 'Song Of The Year Nominations' with over 50 songs and albums recorded with The Flood, Moving Pictures and solo along with many released songs co-written with artists including Troy Cassar-Daley, Felicity, Broderick Smith, Karl Broadie and others. He continues writing and collaborating while participating in various Songwriting/Industry Workshops and performing ''live'' constantly. Back
Lawrie Minson
Lives in Tamworth NSW and has been a professional musician for 30 years. He has won four Golden Guitars and can turn his hand to production and audio engineering as easily as songwriting or playing ten different instruments. Lawrie has written songs with artists such as Ross Wilson, Lee Kernaghan, Jimmy Barnes and Adam Harvey and his most recent chart hit, written with Matt Scullion was ''Hard Earned Money''.
Lawrie hosts a monthly songwriters gig in Tamworth and he conducts songwriting workshops for various organisations and festivals. He has also produced two albums through Universal Music for India's ''Country Artists of the Year'', Bobby Cash. Lawrie has been a member of Lee Kernaghan's touring band for 15 years and is currently working on his fourth solo album, ''Loves Journey''. Back
Wendy Morrison
Wendy Morrison has been a professional singer/songwriter since 1989. In that time she has performed with bands, and as a solo artist. She has recording contracts with Mushroom Music and Gotham Records. Publishing contracts with Mushroom Music, Rondor / Universal Music and BMG/Sony Music.
Her songs earn royalties world wide, and have featured on the charts, and in TV soaps, film and drama series. Notably, Wendy wrote the theme song for the original film version of "McLeods Daughters". Her songs and voice featured in the ABC series 'Seachange'. Currently, Wendy writes educational songs for a publishing house in France, as well as editing songs and singing in studio sessions. Back
Brendan Collins
Brendan is currently the Composer-in-Residence at Barker College. He has previously been the Composer-in-Residence with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Associate Principal trombonist with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. His compositions have been performed worldwide and many have proven to be very popular amoung NSW HSC students. He has composed 2 CDs of children's songs for the ABC and many of his compositions are now published by Reed Music and Middle C Publications. He has been an examiner with the AMEB for the past 15 years and has adjudicated at many music competitions and eisteddfods. Back
Noah Shilkin
Is a recording artist, songwriter/composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and music supervisor. After 23 years working internationally he has returned home to be with family and his new studio in Margaret River. He has composed for the likes of Nike, Chevrolet, Calvin Klein, General Motors, Disney, Nelvana, ESPN, CBC, VTV, playwright Harold Pinter and the artist Robert Rauschenberg. He has worked with international recording artists ranging from Alanis Morissette to AC/DC. His songwriting catalogue boasts more than 300 songs and includes the Voodoo Opera ''Under a mardi Gras Moon''. A love of technology has put Noah at the forefront in the field of computers and music and he has consulted to Apple, Digidesign, Emu Systems and New England Digital. Industry affiliations include WAM, SOCAN, BMI, FACTOR, Canada Arts Council where he has worked in many capacities ranging from song reviewer, panelist, guest speaker and educator. He was a keyboardist and songwriter for New Zealand band ''Mother Goose''. Logging over 3000 live performances around the world he continues to play to a loyal following just because it's fun and as he says ''thats where it all starts''. Back
Bill Bridge
Billy Bridge, professional singer/songwriter has been writing and performing songs for over 20 years. Billy has received numerous songwriting awards including American National songwriting finalists berths and TSA Awards. He has recorded 5 studio albums of his own material with self penned songs being awarded many Independent awards and receiving national recognition through the CMAA Golden Guitars. His original songs have appeared in national country radio charts and national pay tv (CMC) music charts.
His latest album of original material has been picked up by Nashville Based publishers, Possum Point publishing and is being represented in the lucrative Amercian country music market. He is also in high demand as collaborator on many songs with many of these collaborations now appearing on various commercial recordings. Back
Ken Sheppard
Ken is a noted producer/songwriter/engineer/musician who has been working behind the scenes in the Australian music industry since releasing three albums and seven top 40 hits - including the smash single 'Part Time Love Affair'' in 1986 and the classic ''Rainy Day'' with his band, ''Geisha''. After setting up Neptune Studios in Melbourne in 1998, Ken now calls Noosa home. He has worked with talented artists the likes of Geisha, Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men) Lindsay Phillips, SST, Mason Rack, Ben Whitecross Band, Keiran Murphy, Zia, and several Ministry of Sound artists amongst others. The philosophy behind his current production company, Sheoak Music is to produce slick product and enhance raw talent NOT transform it into a clone. Ken has secured major recording deals with EMI (Australia, UK) Capitol-Manhattan Records (USA) and published with Warner Bros. Music.
He has worked in the USA and UK as both an artist and producer alongside noted producers and engineers such as Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Reba McIntyre) Mike Duffy (Kylie) and David Courtney (Leo Sayer, Gary Moore). Ken is currently producing a soul album with Spanish import Mercedes Garcia. Back
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Free showcase for referrals! ...
If you refer someone to Song Central (and they join as either a songwriter or industry user) and tell us that YOU referred them - we will showcase your next song for FREE for one year! Back
Tenders update...
Song Central offers services for both songwriters and industry users. Industry users can conduct searches and sample songs/music & lyrics, as well as submit ''tenders'' with a brief for material they seek. All industry users who submit tenders have to agree to terms and conditions that require them to sample each song queued in response to their tender. If they don't find anything suitable they are not obliged to make a selection.
We understand songwriters would like some assurance their songs are sampled in a tender. We are working with our developer to implement something that will provide some feedback and give songwriters that assurance. More on this very soon....
Conducting 'tenders' is a great way to generate a shortlist of relevent songs. It also gives songwriters a good indication of what people are looking for as well as the opportunity to respond with their songs.
As more tenders appear on the site we will also be developing a tool for songwriters that will help them track which songs were submitted to which tender. Unfortunately these things take time and need to be considered in relation to budget and other priorities (not always easy for a new business) but be assured, we are listening to your feedback, and plan to implement some of your suggestions as soon as we can.
On the subject of tenders ... it is important that tender responses relate to the original tender brief. Given that occasionally some songs queued in response to a tender are well outside that brief we ask that all songwriters pay close attention to the brief when submitting their songs. Songs that are deemed to be well outside the brief will be removed from the tender response queue. They will, of course, remain in showcase for other opportunities. This is being done in the interests of ALL members of the site as it is important the experience for industry users (sampling tender responses) is not compromised by inappropriately (or opportunistically) placed songs. Back
PayPal (check your credit card details are up-to-date with PayPal!)
Subscription roll-overs for the 2nd year of membership on Song Central have started to come through now - please be careful about credit card changes or credit cards that are due to expire soon. PayPal have cancelled a few songwriter memberships because of these sorts of issues. It has been confusing for members who don't understand why their membership was suddenly cancelled by PayPal. Please be aware that your credit card details need to be up to date. If you wish to update or change your credit card details with PayPal you need to make sure you assign your new card as the 'new funding source'' for your subscriptions. Details are on the PayPal website - but don't hesitate to contact either Elspeth or Sue for some help if this is not clear for you. Back
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