The Muse's News for Songwriters

The Muse's News An E-zine For And About Songwriters. Issue 17.9 December 2014

In This Issue: * Editor's Musings * Music Reviews - Cyrus Rhodes * New Artist Spotlight Additions * Songwriting Book Review - by Tim Zbikowski * Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info. * Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire -by adventurer and songwriter, Richard Miller. * Featured Article Quick Tip: Wax On Wax Off by Brad Dunse * On Site Featured Article - An article (or articles) already online for your viewing pleasure. * Classifieds & Useful Services * Contact information

ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998-2014 - Jodi Krangle. For more contact information, see end of issue.

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SONGWRITER IN YOUR LIFE! All sorts of products and services especially for songwriters, negotiated so that you get the best price possible. You'll find means of promotion and distribution, songwriting aids, educational products, musical instruments and their accessories, and lots more. Any of these items would make a fantastic present for a songwriter in your life (even if it's you! :-) ) Have a Look! NEED A NEW WEB HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR BAND? I personally use HostDime - and LOVE them. Really. Their service is superb and prompt, they really know what they're doing, you can chat with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and their pricing (The Muse's Muse uses a dedicated server) is very reasonable. Check them out!

Sponsor Message: (Many thanks to the sponsors that help support this newsletter!) WRITE BETTER SONGS WITH MASTERWRITER 3.0! (And Muse's News readers *still* get a special discount!) There’s a reason why hit songwriters Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Trent Reznor, David Foster, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and many more all use MasterWriter, it is simply the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program. Why struggle to find the right word when you can have all the possibilities in an instant? MasterWriter gives you Rhymes, Close Rhymes, Phrases, Synonyms, Word Families, Pop-Culture, Alliterations, the Definition and more. Also included is an audio recorder and tools that will give you everything you'll need to organize your songs. The new version 3.0 is web–based, so you can leave the house empty–handed and access MasterWriter on any computer, tablet or smart phone, wherever you are. Visit http://masterwriter.com/musesmuse to learn more and to receive $15 off a 1-year license or $20 off a 2-year license. You may also sign up for a free 10-day trial. If for any reason you are not satisfied with MasterWriter 3.0, you can get a full refund within 90 days. “MasterWriter will not only help you write great songs, it will make you a better songwriter in the process.” –David Foster “Producers have Pro Tools. Writers have Word. Songwriters have MasterWriter.” –Rob Thomas

Editor's Musings: Hi folks! I'm going to keep this short and sweet since I'm trying to get over a cold (bleh). However, I got it by attending a wonderful music convention ... so in the end, it was worth it. ;) Thought I'd include a link to a song that's somewhat appropriate for the season. I've spoken about SingSnap before here and I really do love it. So here's Autumn Leaves for your listening pleasure. :) We'll be into the far colder weather before I know it ... so I'm enjoying the beautiful colors and somewhat mild weather while I can. I know it won't last ... Lots to get you thinking and to help you on your journey as a songwriter and musician in this issue so I'll just announce the raffle winners here and get right to the newsletter: Christina T, from North Fort Myers, FL, has won a copy of Virtual Studio Systems' Lyricist software. Jessica Mendez, from Baldwin Park, CA, has won a free 3 month membership to SongU, an Internet-based learning environment providing online coaching, co-writing and pitching opportunities, in addition to over 70 multi-level courses developed by award-winning songwriters. DO YOU WANT TO WIN A RAFFLE PRIZE? If you'd like to be considered for a raffle prize yourself, have a look at the various prizes offered at the top of The Muse's News webpage, decide which prizes you'd most like, and email me with your top two choices along with your mailing address so that I can get the prizes to you. Yes, it's really that simple. :) (And yes, the mailing address is kinda important. I promise it won't be used for any other reason than to send you your raffle prize - and to mention your approximate location in the notice of raffle winners you see above here.) Have a great month, guys! All the best, --Jodi Return to the Top

Contact Info & Credits Jodi Krangle, Editor: editor@musesmuse.com The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is included (including credits and information at the end of each issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com. All articles copyrighted by their authors. Back issues and other information will be available here. The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for songwriters. For further information, send your e-mail to: adinfo@musesmuse.com - How to place a classified ad, pass on market information or sponsor The Muse's News. info@musesmuse.com - How to subscribe or end your subscription. editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc. SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com

Merrell Fankhauser - Signals From Malibu/Messages From The Dome (2014) review

Happy Holidays To You To !

Attached are MP3's of two songs from my  wiggy new single currently getting radio play on 75 stations, "Messages From The Dome" and "Signals From Malibu".   "Symphonic Sci Fi Instrumental Surf' style ! Both songs feature strange radio signals believed to have come from a recently discovered anomaly in the ocean off the coast of Malibu. I've been doing 3 - 4 radio interviews about it a week and the full album will be out in Dec. A review is included below. Best, M.

 Merrell Fankhauser - Signals From Malibu/Messages From The Dome (2014) review

Merrell Fankhauser "Signals From Malibu" /"Messages From The Dome" (Ocean Records 2014)

A series of UFO sightings have been reported off the coast of Malibu, California, prompting belief an underwater base inhabited by an otherworldly species exists. Enigmatic signals have even been picked up and conveyed to tape. The New York Center For Extraterrestrial Research sent some of these recordings to Merrell Fankhauser, who is a serious scholar of UFOs. The legendary singer, songwriter, guitarist, and 2011 Grammy Nominee was so stoked by what he heard that he added the signals to this great single, serving as perhaps the first collaboration between a human and what we deem aliens.

Both tracks are instrumentals, with "Signals From Malibu" rolling and strolling with slinky and swanky tempos. An inspiring interaction of slightly-buttered blues tones and stimulating surf rock riffs converge in perfect unison with the mysterious beeping sounds that give the piece a real "Twilight Zone" aura. Equally outstanding is "Messages From The Dome," which favors an orchestral stance. Elegant piano work, tethered to a symphonic production and Merrell's melodic guitar mastery, not to mention those strange and buzzing signals, provide the cut with shade upon shade of beauty and agility. A sense of serenity washes over these sonically gorgeous instrumentals, employing the impression that whoever or whatever is behind the signals comes in peace. Word has it that a full-length CD of "Signals From Malibu" will be available shortly, which is certainly good news. Should the beings responsible for the signals get wind of Merrell's project, I am sure they would approve. Merrell's creations are always immensely heartfelt and creative, and "Signals From Malibu"/"Message From The Dome" catches him once again pushing barriers and enjoying himself while doing so.

Review made by Beverly Paterson/2014

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