Date: Thursday, March 28th, 2019
Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: KAIROA BREWING COMPANY
Address: 4601 PARK BLVD SAN DIEGO CA 92116
Cost: Free for SDSG Members

Event Details

Record Producer/Songwriter Joe Solo will be revealing the latest thinking in maximizing your music career through the quality of the presentation of your music.

You’ll experience “before” demos that artists came to Joe with, and the professionally, seasoned, broadcast-quality finished masters they walked out with.

Joe will also reveal the strategic business advantages of owning your own masters, a wide range of hit songwriting philosophies, advice on how to get your music into film and tv, and tips on writing for what he calls “universal appeal.”

He will also perform a few one-the-spot song evaluations! So bring your music on jump drive or perform it live to get vital, honest feedback from the perspective of an industry veteran with 25+ years of producing & writing experience.

Finally, he will give us a summary of his new product, Make it BIG in a Box, and also his upcoming Malibu Beach House Music Success Retreat – Special Discounts: Joe will be offering us substantial discounts of these for anyone who makes a deposit that evening, so bring your credit cards or checkbooks.

Joe runs his talks in a fun, entertaining, conversational style, and encourages heavy audience participation throughout the evening – get ready for a real good time.

About Joe Solo

Date: Saturday, October 6^th, 2018
Time: 2PM to 5PM
Venue: Grande South Santa Fe Place,
Address: 1199 Pacific Highway, San Diego.
Cost: $5 due at registration Register on the SDSG website.

• Space is limited for this event.
• For this venue and event, pre-registration is mandatory; we will be unable to accept walk-ups at the event.
• We will not be able to accommodate any attendees showing up at the venue until 1:30PM, but will open it up for entry at that time.

Event Details

Having recognized the demand amongst artists in the San Diego songwriting community for invaluable instructional content on methods and tools to hone in their songwriting and production skills, SDSG is honored to welcome Mr. Huart for a special event.

At this interactive session, Warren will detail his techniques with live ProTools examples, discussing the writing and recording process as well as providing a look behind the scenes of alternative rock production. Attendees will be welcome to participate in Q&A around a broad range of topics, including the symbiotic relationship between songwriting and production.

Transportation & Parking

Taking the MTS Trolley is a great option.   You can get off at the Santa Fe Depot station, cross over the tracks, and you are right at the Grande South Building (two identical high-rise buildings adjacent to the track, the Grande South is the one closest to Broadway).

If you wish to drive and park, there is a parking lot immediately adjacent to the building on the South Side run by Ace Parking that is available for parking on the weekends.  It will run you $15 for 10 hours.    If you want to save some money, Ace also runs a lot called “1075 Navy Pier” located at 910 N. Harbor Drive which is $10 for 12 hours (Next to the Midway). There is also a newer garage located on Kettner and Cedar (775 Cedar) which is also $10 flat fee.    Metered street parking is enforced on Saturdays and you should find that the spots along Harbor Drive and the immediate vicinity will have 3 hour limits and charge $2.50 per hour. Further up Harbor Drive North of Waterfront Park the meter limits are 4 hours @ $2.50 per hour.  here is limited street parking right in front of the building on Pacific Highway that is not metered but the limit is only 2 hours, and spots can be difficult to get.

About Warren

Warren Huart Primary Affiliation: Producer, Engineer, Mixer, And Songwriter

Warren Huart is a Los Angeles based English multi-platinum Grammy Award nominated music producer, engineer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist. He has played a fundamental part in the creation of many platinum selling and billboard soaring albums, as well as the development of many of today’s most successful artists’ careers. Warren’s creative ways of capturing the perfect sound along with respect for the artists’ vision has developed many of his work relationships into lifelong friendships; The Fray, James Blunt, Augustana, Trevor Hall, Aerosmith, Kris Allen, Gavin James, Marc Broussard, Joshua Radin, and Brendan James are just to name a few.

Having recognized the need in the creative community to demystify the recording process and provide individuals with guidance and tools on the optimization of recorded work on any budget, Warren launched “Produce Like A Pro”, a very successful YouTube channel, which presents an absolute wealth of information for aspiring musicians and audio engineers.

Shortly thereafter “The Produce Like a Pro Academy” emerged. An online membership based community that offers premium tutorials consisting of extensive engaging educational materials, as well as one on one coaching sessions with Warren himself.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 6^th, 2018 between from 2PM to 5PM at the lounge at the Grande South at Santa Fe Place, 1199 Pacific Highway, San Diego.   For this venue and event, pre-registration is mandatory; we will be unable to accept walk-ups at the event.   Space is limited for this event.   You can register on the SDSG website.  Cost is $5 due at registration.   We will not be able to accommodate any attendees showing up at the venue until 1:30PM, but will open it up for entry at that time.

More Information on Warren Huart

For more information on Warren Huart and Produce Like a Pro, please see the links below.

• Visit Produce Like A Pro HERE: https://www.producelikeapro.com/
• Sign up for the Produce Like A Pro email list and get free goodies HERE: https://www.producelikeapro.com/recor…
• Produce Like A Pro on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/producelike…
• Follow Produce Like A Pro on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/producelikea…
• Follow Produce Like A Pro on Twitter: https://twitter.com/producelikeapro

Larry Beaird’s Songwriter Minute Workshop 2018

When: Monday, October 22nd, 2018. Doors open at 6pm / 6:30pm Workshop

Where: The Grande South – 1199 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

Register: Click here to register.

Highlights of the workshop include:

• Larry will examine a group of Top 10 Hits to show what makes them work
• He will also examine up to 5 songs written by writers in attendance (chosen by drawing from the Early Bird registrants)
• A drawing will be held for a free $625 Premier Demo from Beaird Music Group!
• Learn 20+ ways of how to make your songs more like the hits:
  1. How hit songs best use verses, choruses and bridges
  2. Use of intros, turnarounds, solos, and outros
  3. Chords used (and chords NOT used) in the hits
  4. Vocal ranges of the artists
  5. “Tightening up” songs so that publishers and other listeners will stay interested to the end
  6. Number of writers per hit song
  7. Time it takes the hits to get to the first chorus
  8. Minimum, maximum and average songs lengths
  9. Time signatures, grooves, and tempos
  10. The difference between a swing and straight-eight groove
  11. Patterns of chords used in the hits
  12. Frequency and placement of song titles
  13. Topics of the hits
  14. Choosing the best chords for particular melodies
  15. Sticking with the central idea of the title
  16. The importance of repetition
  17. The importance of rhyme (and use of “imperfect” rhyme)
  18. Title use in several other genres
  19. Use of instrumental sections (solos) in current hits
  20. How Songs-of-the-Year are different

Larry’s Songwriter Minute videos take a look at some of the topics above. You can see examples of his videos here: http://www.beairdmusicgroup.com/songwriting-tips-videos

The Premier Demo Prize includes:

Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Steel. This is a 30 minute tracking spot with the band on a session shared with other writers.

It also includes up to 3 hours of studio time (after tracking with the musicians) for vocals and mixing, 3 free CDs upon request, and an email with full quality WAV file mixes. Vocalist fees, if needed, are not included. Your song can be recorded whether or not you are able to attend the session in person.

Click here to register for a chance to win the demo.

Songs recorded with this package are eligible for Evening With A Publisher.

Prices:

Members $35 ~ Non-members $40

Payment:

In advance, via Credit Card, or with any major Mobile Payment Platform (Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Zelle). Call Beaird Music Group Inc. to pay by credit card (615) 279-8030. You can pay via mobile payment using Larry’s email address: lebeaird@gmail.com.

Private Mentoring Sessions

Take advantage of a Private One-Hour Mentoring Session with Larry for only $100 (regularly $150/hr).

What is a Private Mentoring Session?

It’s a meeting with Larry so that you can receive his special attention to your music.

What should I bring?

1. Bring 1-4 songs on your phone or laptop – or you can perform your songs live.
2. Bring lyrics.
3. Bring questions and pick Larry’s brain about YOUR music, the music business in general or whatever you’d like to discuss.

What will I receive?

1. Larry will chart your song and give the chart to you at the end of the session.
2. During the hour, Larry will listen intently and use his experience and research to help advise how to arrange your songs to be more like what’s on the radio.
3. A recording discount of $100 off one Premier Demo from Beaird Music Group in Nashville. (Offer good for 30 days)

Where and when will the mentoring sessions take place?

Time and Location TBD. To schedule, please call or text Larry at (615) 400-2200.

How do I pay for a mentoring session?

In advance, via Credit Card, or with any major Mobile Payment Platform (Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Zelle).

Call Beaird Music Group Inc. to pay by credit card (615) 279-8030. You can pay via mobile payment using Larry’s email address: lebeaird@gmail.com. Give us a call today to get started! (615) 279-8030

Larry Beaird has researched hit songs for many years to see what makes them work. He will be sharing the results of his research with songwriters in order to suggest ways to make their songs more commercial.
In addition to Larry’s recent research, he also uses his experience as a session musician in Nashville. He’s played on thousands of recording sessions for writers and artists. Albums, singles, and videos he’s performed on have sold over 28 million copies – including 2 songs of the year – Three Wooden Crosses by Randy Travis and I’m Movin’ On by Rascal Flatts. For a more detailed look at Larry’s recording experience, click here: http://www.beairdmusicgroup.com/aboutlarrybeaird

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 26th annual song contest. All the songs entered were amazing. San Diego definitely has a lot of talent. Here is an overview of the song contest…

2018 Contest Results

Judges

Also, our thanks and appreciation to the judges for their time and willingness to be a part of this event. They did an excellent job.

• Josquin des Pres
• Margaret McClure
• Billy Alexander
• Tod Howarth

Sponsors

Thank You for the contest sponsors for their generosity and support

Volunteers

Finally, great appreciation for the volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this event happen.

• Sierra West
• John Pape
• Jeff Caldwell
• Stacy Kim Johnston

Get your songs ready for next years song contest.

There are some minor updates to the rules and procedures that you should take note.

• First, participants can no longer submit by mail or In person at the door. This year you must submit your song online.
• Second, you can only enter one song so make it your very best song.
• Third, the entry fee structure has been simplified. There is a flat fee of $20 for all contestants to enter the contest.  This fee also includes admission to the live event to contestant and one additional guest.

These modifications from the last contest still apply

• We believe that it is important to honor those who write winning songs .It is really a let down when someone wins and the songwriter is not present. We are requiring that the actual songwriter be present to accept any prizes or awards. If you are not there, your song will be automatically disqualified.
• We want to make sure that this is a local song contest. Therefore all participants must be current resident of San Diego County.  We are not looking for people out of Los Angeles, Austin or Nashville. We want to keep the contest local. We have plenty of great talent right here in our own town.
• Forth, previously any Platinum winner was not allowed to enter the contest. We have modified the rules where any Platinum winner only needs to sit out two consecutive contests before they can again participate in the contest. Once two contest have passed Platinum winners can again submit a song.

For complete detail on how to enter and contest rules go to the song contest page.

We are also in the process of securing judges and prizes for the contest. As these become available they will be included on the song contest page. Please visit to keep up to date.

The contest is a popular tradition for San Diego writers, and offers a unique opportunity to hear a tremendous cross section of local work. Prize winners are to be selected by a panel of industry professionals in this exciting event, during which song entries are played for both judges and audience to hear. Songs will be heard, winners will be announced, and prizes awarded on this jam packed night, an exciting prospect indeed. If you are a songwriter, or a producer or artist looking for some new material.

For complete detail on how to enter and contest rules go to the song contest page.

• Date: April 2nd 2018
• Time: 7pm-9pm
• Venue:Resounding Joy
• Address:10455 Sorrento Valley Rd. Suite 208 San Diego, CA 92121

Our guest speaker, Nolan Sipe, will present his views on the current and future pop music trends, and tips on how to get your music on the radio- one of the best paying music gigs left in the industry. Nolan has success as a composer; and as a producer and engineer with multiple gold and platinum awards. He’ll be giving valuable suggestions on both composition and production techniques in today’s Pop music world.

• http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nolan-sipe-mn0002336864
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_Sipe

In addition to sharing his insights Nolan will take about an hour to listen to our members’ songs and offer critiques on composition and/or production techniques. To have your song critiqued a special link will be provided to download your song with lyrics or you can provide a link after your register for this event. We will try to fit as many songs as possible, the first songs received will be prioritized.

Please send an mp3 of a song you’d like to submit to CliffKellerMusic@gmail.com by 3/25 for consideration.
More details to follow. This meeting is co-sponsored with SD Songwriters Guild, and the SD Audio Engineers Collective.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 25th annual song contest. All the songs entered were amazing. San Diego definitely has a lot of talent. Here is an overview of the song contest…

Platinum

Nina Francis – Cold Water

Prize Package:

• Music video shoot/edit – Professional Music Video by local professional MAP Entertainment.
• Listen Local Radio – Winning song featured on Cathryn Beeks show.
  Photo Shoot
• Professional photo shoot with Cathryn Beeks – enhance your image with a
  professional photo shoot.
• Grey Brick Recording – Package includes one free song (up to 10 hours of studio time and
  mixing/mastering, needs to be redeemed within 6 months
• SDSG – 1-Year Membership
• Platinum Award Plaque

Gold

Christine Parker – When I’m With You

Prize Package:

• Recording/Mixing session with by Brian Scheuble – Famous recording engineer who recently moved here from LA. Zach Brown, Elton John, Tom Petty, Don Henley
• Studio West – 6 hours studio time or an option to attend one of their new classes
• Bandzoogle – 1 year membership to their website. Easily create your own attractive and
  powerful Music website.
• SDSG 1-Year Membership
• Gold Award Plaque

Silver

Jason Matkin – Hide Away

Prize Package:

• Taylor Guitars – Baby Taylor guitar
• Rarefied Recording – 5 hours of studio time with the owner Roy as engineer or 9 hours of studio time
  if you provide your own engineer.
• SDSG 1-Year Membership
• Silver Award Plaque

Bronze

Megan Combs, David Ornelas – Perfect

Prize package:

• West Coast Sound – One Song Demo
• SDSG 1-Year Membership
• Bronze Award Certificate

Honorable Mention

• Jason Matkin – Mine
• Nina Francis – All My Life
• Christine Parker – Til the End
• Janet Snare – Easy to Make, Easy to Break
• Barrie Dempsey – Rivers Run
• Stacy Kim Johnston – Breath Easily
• Charles Cater – You’re My Only Dream
• Jim Arnegard & Art Petersen – Hill Church Wall
• Ian McCartor – Lots to See
• Christina Easterday – The Perfect Time
• Lady Rogo – Oh My God

Judges

Also, our thanks and appreciation to the judges for their time and willingness to be a part of this event. They did an excellent job.

• Craig Goldy
• Marc “Mookie” Kaczor
• Peter Dyson
• Tod Howarth
  

Sponsors

Thank You for the contest sponsors for their generosity and support

Volunteers

Finally, great appreciation for the volunteers who gave their time and effort to make this event happen.

• Sierra West
• Mike Wojniak
• Mark Hattersley
• John Pape
• Jeff Caldwell
• Stacy Kim Johnston
• Tolan Shaw
• Cliff Keller

Get your songs ready for next years song contest.

Time 4 pm

Check in: 3:30 pm

Venue: Legend 7th Floor Social Lounge (near Petco Park)

Address: 325 7th Avenue. San Diego, CA 92101

Event Type: Informational Seminar

Age restrictions: None (All Ages)

Deadline to Register: February 25th

Cost:  $5 members, $10 nonmembers

Parking: There is no parking available at the Legend Building. Street parking is available (Free Sunday) or garage parking at 6th and K Parkade

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT, AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS PREFERRED. To reserve your spot see the end of this post.

San Diego Songwriter’s Guild is pleased and honored to welcome musician, actor, author, entrepreneur and investor Marc Ferrari as a special guest speaker.   The focus of this event will be the business of music libraries as it applies to strategies for composers and songwriters.  Marc will also be prepared to share his authoritative insight on the current and future direction of the industry including advice to musicians and songwriters on the rise in developing an understanding of the business and legal elements, techniques for working with industry insiders (music supervisors/producers), negotiations, contracts, publishing, merchandising, endorsements, money management and more.

Marc Ferrari Bio:

Marc was born near New York City and relocated upstate where he stayed through graduation. After first cutting his teeth in the bar circuit of Western New York, by age 19 he moved to Boston for greener and more lucrative pastures which quickly earned him a reputation as a dynamic performer/writer playing on studio sessions with various artists and producers such as Jimmy Miller. With his musical appetite remaining unsatisfied while recording/performing in the New England area, he relocated to Los Angeles.   Marc is best known for his performance work as a guitar player in the 80’s and 90’s rock bands Keel, Cold Sweat, and Medicine Wheel, having worked with producer Gene Simmons of Kiss and toured extensively with the likes of Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Dio.  Marc appeared in the Wayne’s World movie franchise as the guitarist of fictional band Crucial Taunt, and went on to follow those film roles with various TV appearances including “Murder, She Wrote” and “Step by Step.”   He wrote two theme songs that were used in video productions for the 1996 Summer Olympics called  “Capture The Dream” and “Chance Of A Lifetime.” In addition, 9 other songs from his catalog were used in various athlete profiles and special segments. Later that year, he was presented with a special achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his contributions to the 1996 Emmy-award winning daytime soap opera Guiding Light.

In the early 1990s, recognizing a strong demand in the film and TV industry for contemporary music that could be licensed in an easy, efficient, and logical catalog format, Marc founded MasterSource, the industry’s first song-based production library.  Under his leadership, MasterSource became a leading supplier of pre-cleared songs, source music and production music.

In 2002, Marc authored the book, Rock Star 101: A Rock Star’s Guide to Survival and Success in the Music Business, considered to be one of the most authoritative books on the subject, offering a unique perspective of the Music Business from the viewpoint of a working musician.  Packed with advice and entertaining stories from life on stage and on the road, Rock Star 101 tells musicians on the rise how to understand the business and legal elements of the music industry.  Topics include instruction on merchandising, publishing, and endorsements.  The material offers coaching content on how artists can protect their band and person from legal and financial conflicts, negotiation of crucial contract elements, finding sideline work in related fields, showcasing and auditioning material, and developing a long-term perspective for musical success.

MasterSource was acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) in 2007, where Marc went on to work as a senior executive at UMPG, serving as a division President from 2007 until 2012.   Since 2012, Marc has continued to produce content for various UMPG production music libraries. Marc currently resided with his wife and children in the Los Angeles area where he invests in media and technology startups as an active member of the Tech Coast Angels network.  He spends a considerable amount of time working on charitable causes and speaking at music and entertainment industry events, and has most recently published a children’s book.

Few musicians have been able to match Marc’s career achievements in the musical industry in terms of breadth and influence.   We are honored and grateful to have him share his experiences and wisdom with our membership.

“Marc’s ties to the industry are incredible. He knows almost every major music supervisor and every studio” — -Gary Gross, ‎Worldwide President, Production Music Group at Universal Music

For many years the contest has traditionally be in the month of November. As many of you know that is quite a busy holiday season. That is why we decided to move the contest forward to beginning of the new year.

There are some minor updates to the rules and procedures that you should take note.

• First, participants can no longer submit by mail. Now there are only 2 ways to enter. You can enter either by submitting your songs online or bringing your song the day of the contest.  Of the two ways, online submission is the preferred method to enter the contest. Since there is a limit to the number of entries there is a chance that all slots will be filled by the day of the contest. If all slots are filled you may not be able to walk in and enter the day of the contest.
• Second, we believe that it is important to honor those who write winning songs .It is really a let down when someone wins and the songwriter is not present. This year we are requiring that the actual songwriter be present to accept any prizes or awards. If you are not there, your song will be automatically disqualified.
• Third, we want to make sure that this is a local song contest.  We are the San Diego Songwriter’s Guild and we want to serve the people of San Diego. Therefore all participants must be current resident of San Diego County.  We are not looking for people out of Los Angeles, Austin or Nashville. We want to keep the contest local. We have plenty of great talent right here in our own town.
• Forth, previously any Platinum winner was not allowed to enter the contest. We have modified the rules where any Platinum winner only needs to sit out two consecutive contests before they can again participate in the contest. Once two contest have passed Platinum winners can again submit songs.

For complete detail on how to enter and contest rules go to the song contest page.

We are also in the process of securing judges and prizes for the contest. As these become available they will be included on the song contest page. Please visit to keep up to date.

The contest is a popular tradition for San Diego writers, and offers a unique opportunity to hear a tremendous cross section of local work. Prize winners are to be selected by a panel of industry professionals in this exciting event, during which song entries are played for both judges and audience to hear. Songs will be heard, winners will be announced, and prizes awarded on this jam packed night, an exciting prospect indeed. If you are a songwriter, or a producer or artist looking for some new material.

For complete detail on how to enter and contest rules go to the song contest page.

Jim Attebery

Date: Cancelled
Event Type: Listening Session

SDSG begins the year with a chance to meet with and have your songs heard and critiqued by Jim Attebery, the co-founder and President of The Durango Songwriter’s Expo, a premier national singer-songwriter event since it was founded in 1996.

The Durango Expo occurs twice a year, once in Santa Ynez Wine Country, and again in October in Boulder, Colorado. With over 40 music industry pros and hit songwriters present and registration limited to 200 attendees, the Expo offers an unparalleled networking opportunity. The Expo is one of the few songwriters’ events where participants get their music heard extensively by established industry vets. Jim is a very well-connected songwriter, producer, and studio owner who has worked with a variety of bands and artists and has written music for film and TV for many years.

Jim will offer critiques on submissions, and attendees will, we’re sure, find the meeting informative and enjoyable.

For more info about Durango visit www.durango-songwriters-expo.com

Song critique is provided by the Guest Speaker, and if time, comments from the floor. It is at the Guest Speaker’s discretion as to how much of the song he/she wishes to hear (when to fade song) before he is ready to provide a valuable, educated, and expert critique.

• SDSG Active Member
  • Admission for Member – Free
  • Song Submission Member – $10.00
• Non Member
  • Event Admission for Non Member – $10.00
  • Song Submission – Non Member – $20.00