K.I.S. Newsletter Issue 20

Issue 19. May 2003

Welcome to the 19th issue of K. I. S.

(The newsletter for Keen Independent Songwriters)

Well it sure has been a long time between issues! As a sole operator, demands on my time can be challenging and so, whilst the idea of this newsletter is never dismissed, it has sometimes had to sit on the backburner. As always, I hope you find the information in this edition useful.

May providence treat you well, your muse be kind to you and in these extra ordinary times, may we still "Give Peace a Chance".

Yours in peace and music.

Connie Kis

..........................................................

This E-zine has been sent to you in html format. To view the whole page (rather than using scroll bars to view your e-mail), just CLICK HERE and use your web browser to read it. Remember too, that by pressing the 'F11' button you can also get a full screen version.

PS: If you know others who might be interested in receiving this newsletter, please feel free to forward this on and get them to 'subscribe' by clicking on the link below.

..........................................................

APOLOGY: I apologise sincerely to anyone who has received this newsletter in error or more than once (please let me know if you are receiving multiple issues and through which addresses).

To be removed from the mailing list, please just scroll to the end and follow the instructions.

(Don't forget to indicate which address/es you wish to have removed if you use more than one! )

________________________________________________________________________________

CONTENTS

In this issue...

1. TIPS by Brian Farrish

Airplay 101: Commercial Radio Ratings

2. Featured CD

My Sweet Grotesque - Where Echoes End

3. Networkers Niche & Newsworthy Notes

a) Songwriting Competitions - USA Songwriting Competition announces winners

b) Material Wanted by;

- NOMA Music
- ESTEEM ENTERTAINMENT requires music for Instructional video (game) and Website
- ASN Tips sheet - Free Tips

c) What you should NOT know about the music industry

d) Artist Websites:
                                  - Lara Stephen
                                  - Shawn Harvey
                                  - Steve Tallis

4. Resources on the Net

Harmony Central

7. Local Happenings in Western Australia

Musicians and Music Industry invited to give input to Taskforce on where government spending should be allocated

Performance Opportunity for local musicians at the Perth International Festival

Perth Blues Club Christmas party

..........................................................

PREVIOUS ISSUES: View the ARCHIVES for earlier issues of K.I.S.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

TIPS

Topic for Issue10, May 2003: RADIO AIRPLAY 101 - COMMERCIAL RADIO RATINGS

by Bryan Farrish

The following article has been reproduced with kind permission by the author, Bryan Farrish.

Brian is an independent radio airplay promoter at www.radio-media.com.

_________________________________

RADIO AIRPLAY 101- COMMERCIAL RADIO RATINGS

When working a record to commercial regular-rotation radio, one thing and one thing only will help your career move forward: helping the stations get ratings. Stations are not in the music business... they are in the ratings business... they get paid to have higher ratings. Whether they play a great song or a crappy song, if their ratings stay the same, then they will make the same money and nothing more. So song quality is not the issue to them. Here's what is the issue: IMPACTING THEIR LISTENERS. Here's how to do it:

GIGS: While commercial stations do all they can to build station awareness in their city (using vans, billboards, bus-sides, benches, t-shirts, etc.), the station that impacts the most people will get the most listeners, and thus will win. So stations will accept help wherever they can get it. Their preference of which records to play in regular rotation will greatly be based on which artist is performing in their city, and how many people attend these performances, because if these people want to hear the artist's music after the show, they HAVE to tune in to the station that plays it. For a new indie act, ten people at a gig is irrelevant; a hundred is decent for a small market; three hundred is decent for a medium market; five hundred is jammin' for any market. There are many reasons to do gigs, but if you are going to do them to impress radio, you need LOTS of people. The notion of small "cozy" gigs does not fly with radio.

DISTRIBUTION (OR, SALES): Next up on the difficulty ladder is on-the-shelf (not "in-the-system") distribution in the cities where you are seeking commercial regular rotation. A major peeve of
commercial stations is that the listeners complain when they hear a song that they can't find in the stores. After your product is on the shelf, the next thing a station will want to know is how many
units have moved... and by moved I mean Sound Scanned. This is a level or two above the mom-and-pop store situation, and is thus more difficult. To impress a typical commercial station, you would need to be scanning 200 or 300 units per week in THAT station's market. Sales like this means that listeners are diggin' an artist, and the listeners are just waiting to tune in to the first
station that plays the tune.

PRESS: Finally, and probably most difficult for most indie bands, is extensive press IN THE CITIES where the stations are. Except for trade press, if your press does not impact a station's
listeners, then the stations do not care. However, if you can show the stations that you were covered in the local (regular or alternative) city paper, or the arts paper, or a regional arts
magazine, or (of course) a national music magazine, then you are well on your way since a lot of a station's listenership will have seen it. Even local cable and TV applies. Trade press, on the
other hand, impacts only stations, labels, management, bookers, retail, and other critical people in the music chain. Even though it does not hit the public, however, trade press is still extremely
important.

A problem arises when brand new under-funded bands try to get commercial regular rotation airplay: They cannot afford to do all the above things at once. So they have to choose what
radio-help to attempt, and the proper choice (for most situations) should be: Gigs. Gigs are something that the average band can handle; bands can still invite the press, and bands can still sell CDs there.

If any of this seems un-doable, then it is time to look at non-commercial radio, and commercial specialty/mixshow radio, since these can be worked without any gigs, retail or press whatsoever.

___________________________________

BACKGROUND - Who is Bryan Farrish? Bryan is an independent radio airplay promoter. He can be reached at +1 818 905-8038 or www.radio-media.com . Want to be informed of any events, seminars or parties they do in Los Angeles?... send an email to meet@radio-media.com

___________________________________

Interested in songwriting tips?

Visit the 'Songwriting Tips' page and ARCHIVES at Kismana Music for more useful information and tips.

___________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

FEATURED CD

Where Echoes End2 Title: Where Echoes End, MY SWEET GROTESQUE
DESCRIPTION:
My Sweet Grotesque is a listening experience evoking subtle threatening images while remaining gracefully enchanting. The songs are instantly accessible. Their beautifully crafted rhythms progress with infectious drive and melodic intensity while the strings and subtle ambience intertwine with majestic grace. This album features incredibly haunting vocals, lyrics and melodies of MichelAngela, her voice soaring expressively to tragic and beautiful heights of emotion and passion. This enchanting CD will captivate with its evolving melodic texture.

Hear an MP3 sample from MY SWEET GROTESQUE and ... Check out the Kismana Ko-Op Catalogue for mp3 samples from other independent artists by... CLICKING HERE

___________________________________

KISMANA KO-OP

Please note: If you are interested on joining the Kismana Ko-Op (a co-operative of Independent Australian Artists) and have a quality product that you feel would be suitable, please feel free to contact me for details.

__________________________________________________________________________________

NETWORKERS' NICHE & NEWSWORTHY NOTES

If you want to make contact with other people in the industry and/or put a message relating to music and songwriting in this section, please contact me at: subscribetokis@dmn.com.au

(Please remember that if necessary, we have the right to vet as well edit these messages and that the philosophy of these sites/artists does not necessarily reflect that of K.I.S.!)

___________________________________

SONG CONTESTS:

USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION - 2001 winners announced

Singer-Songwriter Steve Tannen of New York City clinched the coveted Overall Grand prize with his song "Picture of You". He also won first prize in Pop category with "Picture of You" and an honorable mention award with his song "Sing Me To Sleep".

Congratulations to all winners and finalists! CLICK HERE for more details on category winners

.......................................................

INTERNATIONAL SONG CONTESTS: Visit the International Songwriters' Association (ISA) by CLICKING HERE for details and information.

___________________________________

PRESS RELEASE Local Site to Promote Unsigned Artists

We are very pleased to announce the June commencement of the Orphan Entertainment Web Site. www.orphanentertainment.com
Orphan is a site dedicated to listing and promoting unsigned artists and their completed work, in the hope that it both attracts sales, business recognition and ultimately a mainstream contract or employment. It is the wish of the Orphan staff that enabling artists to utilize a single venue will entice the public to browse - perhaps even trying something they may otherwise have missed. We also hope those involved in the "business" of the arts will use the site to look for their "next big success". For more information or please contact Paul MacLaine at the address below, or email: .orphan@orphanentertainment.com

P.O. Box 165
Moreland
Victoria 3058

____________________________________

ESTEEM ENTERTAINMENT (Australian based) is looking for music to support the vision in one of their new video releases. The video footage is related to Soccer, and music suitable to this type of activity is required. The proposal is that Esteem Entertainment markets the video, interested parties in the music are given a contact address where this music can be sourced. Alternatively Esteem Entertainment can distribute the music for the artist. Interested parties can contact David Osborne on osborned10@bigpond.com. Musicians will need to outline how they will ensure a quality standard of product, service and distribution if they are going to undertake their own distribution.

____________________________________

ASN TIP SHEET: Get your songs placed with producers, labels and publishers with ASN (All Songwriters Network). ASN publishes monthly tipsheets with updated music industry leads that are not found in music directories. For more information, visit: ASN at http://www.tiac.net/users/asn

THE FOLLOWING FREE TIPS ARE COURTESY OF ASN ...

Kamkol Productions is seeking submissions from talented composers as well as contact with music supervisors for this exciting indie feature - Indian Cowboy. Submissions may be sent to:

Kamkol Productions LLC
2227 US HWY #1, PMB 294,
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
.................................................................
RECORD LABEL SEEKS UNSIGNED MUSICIANS

Force MP Entertainment, LLC
1988A Innerbelt Business Center Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63114
.................................................................
Canadian TV Series Searching For Music
Canada's award-winning national television program Exhibit A, a highly stylized documentary series on crime-solving, now in its fifth season on the Discovery Channel and its first on CTV, is looking to immediately
license songs of all styles from independent labels and publishers. All submissions, each including two copies of all materials, should be sent to:

Bob Lang
c/o Exhibit A
451 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, ON
M5V 1T1, Canada
NOTE: This is not a call for television or film composers.
.................................................................

Would you be interested in submitting a cd for consideration by Dawson's Creek, the tv show? If so, send to:

Lisa Willinger c/o Granville Productions
9255 Sunset Blvd. Ste. 1000
Los Angeles, CA 90069
.................................................................
ASN publishes Monthly Tipsheet which includes leads from labels, managers, entertainment attorneys and music producers with very specific requests for songs for their artists - and usually pleased to get response from writers
& publishers all over the United States and overseas. These specific leads are not found anywhere in usual music industry directories like Music Industry Sourcebook, Billboard International Buyers Guide or Songwriters Market.

If you have any questions please e-mail ASN(All Songwriters Network) at: asn@tiac.net or visit website at:
http://www.tiac.net/users/asn/index.htm

____________________________________

What you should NOT know about the music industry: Eugene, a K.I.S. reader, brought this very interesting article to my attention. The introduction is reproduced here with a link to the rest of the article for those interested...

What you should NOT know about the Music Business????? Record executives, lawyers, promoters, etc...all pry on musicians that are stupid and have no common sense about the record business - DON'T BE THE IDIOT. Here is a slightly "in-depth" article about a few of the pitfalls many musicians should be aware of before entering into any sort of recording agreement. - Also, you as a music consumer should be made aware of this information as to "why am I paying over $15, for a CD that costs less than $1.00 to manufacture?!?" - Know the FACT$ ... know where your money is REALLY going!!! This article is lengthy, please feel free to print it out and distribute to anyone you feel might benefit from this information. To read the whole article CLICK HERE .

__________________________________________________________________________________

WEB SITES

Artist Sites:

Lara Stephen: If you missed Lara's CD Launch of her new release 'Deep Dead Blue', visit her site and find out more about this multi-talented, West Australian Artist

Steve Tallis: Another talented West Australian artist with a multitude of releases and tours. Currently Supporting Eric Burdon, visit Steve's Site to find out more.

Shawn Harvey: The Ultimate Rock'n Roll Cyber boy hailing from the UK.

__________________________________________________________________________________

RESOURCES ON THE NET

HARMONY CENTRAL have teamed up with Berklee College Press to offer daily tips in the development of Music Business, Songwwriting, Guitar and other instruments. Visit Harmony Central and subscribe to these free tips.

..........................................................

For more useful resources check out the LINKS page at Kismana Music.

_________________________________________________________________________________
_

__________________________________________________________________________________

LOCAL HAPPENINGS - Western AUSTRALIA

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC TASKFORCE NEWS

The Contemporary Music Taskforce, established by the State Government in September to develop policy to administer the $5 million funding commitment made prior to the last state election is keen to explain the deferment of the $500 000 of funds for this year, to gather ideas, and discuss strategies. This initiative has been set up to (among other things) promote local musicians and bands, develop business skills of musicians and provide opportunities for bands to tour regionally, nationally and internationally.

Taskforce members wish to invite musicians, managers, venue operators and other interested members of the WA Music Industry to an informal chat over a beer and some light refreshments. This event will be held in the beer garden of the Grosvenor Hotel on Monday 17th December at 7.00pm. No need to RSVP, just show up on the night if you're interested.

.........................................................

Invitation to all Musicians
"MUSICIRCUS"
By
John Cage
An Invitation to participate in the Premier Event for the Perth International Arts Festival January 25th 2002. MusiCircus is based on musical events held by revolutionary American composer JOHN CAGE
��. the MusiCircus is a model that envisions a utopian possibility for humanity. It involves a horizontal, decentered, non-judgemental community effort which includes all who wish to partake. ( Kenneth Goldsmith - John Cage in America)

What is Required for MusciCircus to HAPPEN?
·As much music as can be played by all those who are willing to perform without being paid.
·Loud & Soft
·Serious & Popular
·Young & Old
·Student Recitals
·Choirs
·No Entrance Ticket or Payment

Where Will MusiCircus be Performed?
Performance will be staged across the entire buildings& grounds forming the Perth Cultural Centre

Wall-to- wall music, Ceiling-to- floor sound Auditoriums, rehearsal rooms, stairways, hallways, balconies and roofs
Performed over the duration of three Hours 5pm - 8pm.

To become involved in this Event please call The Perth International Festival on: 08 9380 8627 or email ecressey@perthfestival.com.au

.........................................................

PERTH BLUES CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY - This Tuesday 18th December at the Charles Hotel (509 Charles St, Nth Perth). Featuring Perth's own Fret Melter, Dave Hole. Limited tickets available at the Charles Hotel and from the Perth Blues Club (Inc.). Door prize, raffles and more.

__________________________________________________________________________________

CONTRIBUTIONS

If you would like to contribute to this newsletter by writing an article, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks all and until next time...keep writing!

Regards

Connie Kis

______________________________________

If anyone receiving a forwarded copy of this newsletter is interested in future newsletters, please subscribe by clicking on the following link and typing 'subscribe' in the message box:

subscribetokis@dmn.com.au

PRIVACY POLICY:

I will never abuse the privilege of having you as a subscriber. I will not give out your email address to anyone unless I first seek and gain permission from you.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Kismana Music
Supporting Songwriters and Independent Artists.

Web Site: http://www.kismana.com.au

for Songwriting Resources, CD releases from Independent Australian Artists and MP3 samples of their work.

_________________________________________

P.O. Box 1254
Bentley DC 6983
Western Australia

Ph/Fax: + 61 - 8 - 9367 9340

Email: info@kismana.com.au

________________________________________________________________

If you don't wish to be sent any future newsletters, please just click on the link below with 'remove' in the subject box. Thank you.

PLEASE also indicate which email address/es you wish to have removed!

removefromkis@dmn.com.au

TOP CONTENTS KISMANA MUSIC DIRECTORY ABOUT US PRODUCTS SERVICES SONGWRITING TIPS SONG CATALOG NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES SONGWRITING TIPS - ARCHIVES LINKS EMAIL