LYRIC CHECK LIST

Each time you finish a draft of a song, check to be sure that it has successfully incorporated the tools and techniques that follow:

• Adheres to one of the most successful song stmctures

• Has an interesting title and idea

• Has a universal theme - not too personal for others to relate to

• Malces the singer look good

• Has verse lyrics that clearly lead to the title

• Contains one focused idea

• Evokes one emotion

• Maintains one consistent tense

• Uses correct pronouns

• Contains opening lines that grab the listener and set the • emotional tone

• Maintains one consitent tone and style throughout

• Uses fresh imagery

• Sounds conversational

• Avoids cliches

• Is not redundant

• Second verse adds new information

• Doesn't preach

• Doesn't " tel l" how the singer feels - the listener feels it

• Bridge (if applicable adds a new angle)

• Each line logically flows from the previous line and into the following line

• Employs rhymes in appropriate places

• Has a title that pays off

• REWRITE (don't be afraid)

MARKETS ANB SONG STRUCTUKi<;s

Aside firom mainstream pop, country, rock and blues there are many other genres sonwriters might choose to explore. Including Christian, Latin, Chiistmas, Folic/Americana, Comedy, Cabaret, Children songs, Tv/Movie Scores and Commercial Jingles.

SONG STRUCTURES A=Verse, B=Chorus C=Bridge

Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus (A-B-A-B)

Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus (A-B-A-C-B)

Verse Chorus Verse Chonis Verse Chorus (A-B-A-B-A-B)

Verse Verse Bridge Verse (AACA)

Variations to the above can work too...but with caution.

See Songwriting Check List,

Start a Journal with lyrics, titles, and ideas. Use a small recording device to capture a title, song Idea, melody...before it disappears.

Keep these by your side at all times (including by your bed or hi your car)

Recommended Books: 6 Steps to Songwriting Success by Jason blurae Tlae Craft and Business of Songwriting by Jolin Braheny S '^ ^d\-hcP^

American Slag by Robert L. Chapman Ph. D

Roget's Thesaurus

Happy as a Clam by Larry Wright

Have a Nice Day No Problem A Dictionai'y of Cliches by Christine Amroer

and more..,.

Check websites for these items as well. Lots of websites have popped up and m*e very useful in writing,

CO-WRITE (find a writing partner or several)

ARIZONA SONGWRITERS A S S O C I A T I O N . w w w . a z s o n g w r i t e r s c o m

SongPitch/Critique/Q&A featuring Nashville Publisher STEVE BLOCH

When: Thursday, March 6, 2014, 6:00pm (Song critiques start about 6:30pm) Sign-in starts at 6:00pm

Where: Chaton Studios. 1818 E Brill St, Phoenix, AZ (Just So. of McDowell Rd) $20 members of ASA, NARIP, CWP, NSAI; $25 non-members

* If you have a song you want-listened to, please bring It on CD and have a Lyric Sheet. • Out-of-town writers will be offered early listens if they need to get back on the road, but

it's always a good learning experience to listen to what the other writers have brought, and the responses.

• One sonq per writer, please.

S T E V E B L O C H

After a decade of success with his LA based talent agency, ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATES, Steve Bloch segued Into publishing and founded SOUTHERN COW MUSIC in 1991, moved his headquarters to Nashville in '93, and tnasn't looked back since. His boutique publishing company garnered cuts with Faith Hill, Lee Ann Womack, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and Lee Greenwood. In addition he secured cuts with Kenny Chesney, John Berry, Tracy Byrd and Llla McCann, while independently pitching songs for Gary Burr, Tom Damphier, Greg Barnhill, and Pat Bunch, among others.

In the late 90's, he was hired by Doug Johnson, label head at GIANT RECORDS, to do independent A&R for the label where he generated cuts for Clay Walker, Keith Harling, and Blake Shelton.

In 2003, he co-founded WRITER ZONE MUSIC, L L C , a uniquely innovative publishing company. Writers who came on board with a high level of past measurable success (#1 songs) share equity in the company. Writer/Partners include Thom Schuyler ("leth Ave."/Lacy J . Dalton), Rand Bishop ("My List"/Toby Keith) and Jon Robbin ("I Breathe In I Breathe Ouf'/Chris Cagle).

IN 2009, Steve went on to once again listen for songs for Doug Johnson, who had become the Creative head of CURB RECORDS in 2003.

In October of 2011, Doug Johnson left Curb to become the creative head of BLACK RIVER ENTERTAINMENT, and he has once again reached out to Steve to assist him in finding the best material for his artists, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Glen Templeton, The John King Band, and Brassfield Aly.

Steve is a frequent guest of the West Coast Songwriters Association, the Durango Songwriters Expo, the Arizona Songwriters Association, TAXI, and various SGA and NSAI events. He is a NSAI Pro-on-the Road, leads two classes on line for SonqU-com,, and hosts the ever popular "Lucky 13" Speed Pitch event in Nashville.

According to Steve, "You never know where you'll find the magic".

Steve is currently looking for The John King Band (Luke Bryan feel and appeal but with more lyrical substance and weight...throw a little Steve Earle into the mix) and Brassfield Aly, a new organic country/pop trio with male lead vocal. As Steve says, "I'm always MOST interested in a great country song. A great song trumps "the right pitch" any day."

Arizona Songwriters Association • 428 E. Thunderbird Rd #737 • Phoenix, AZ 85022 www.arizonasongwriters.com

F R E E EVENT

ARIZONA SONGWRITERS A S S O C I A T I O N 1^77 w w w . a z s o n g w r i t e r s c o m

PUBLIC WELCOME

18th Annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering

Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown, Glendale, AZ Saturday, January 25, 2014 - 10:00 AM - if-.^o PM

SPECIAL GUESTS

DOUG HAYWOOD IN CONCERT 4:00PM - 4:30PM

Doug Haywood left Phoenix at 18 planning a solo career. Instead, he became a very successful studio musician, songwriter and touring 'side man. His first side man job was with Bobbie Gentry fOde to Billy Joe")

In 1973, Doug began wori ing with Jackson Browne, a gig that would span 20 years, dozens of albums and extensive concert tours.

Career highlights include tx)th Doug and his music appearing on Mod Squad, recording with artists such as Anne Murray, Maureen McGovern and George Harrison, writing a top 20 country hit for Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius and songs have recorded by Jerry Reed, John Travolta, Beth Fitchet-Wood and David Lindley to name a few . His song, "Don't Lead Me On", was recorded by the Dillards, Mason Williams and Jennifer Wames.

DOUG HAYWOOD

FEATURED WORKSHOPS and CRITIQUES ~ 10:00am • l:OOpm • 2:45pm

CLAY DRAYTON has been Involved in the music industry for the past forty years. He is an Award winning Motown songwriter & producer with Gold & Platinum records with Diana Ross, The Jacksons, Lenny Williams and others.

Clay is a voting member for the Grammy Awards (The Recording Academy). He is currently teaching the Motown Secrets to Songwriting class in Los Angeles, he speaks at music schools/organizations and conducts Professional Songwriting seminars nationwide and is featured in Amalgamation, Thrust, TRU & Bass Player magazines.

* *Note: Clay will be available for one-on-one consult/critique sessions after the Gathering on Saturday, January 25th, while he's in Phoenix. For info on scheduling a session, email TAMI&clavdravton.com or call 909-251-4212

CLAY DRAYTON

^ * Live Music Performances All Day On Two Stages ^

Song Critique sessions. Workshops & Lectures on crafting songs, getting songs in film & TV and much more...

Events will be held in the Auditorium, Meeting Rooms, Outer Lobby & Front Lawn Info: 623-930-3573 (Glendale Public Library) * ARIZONA SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION

www.azsongwriters.com •