Well, it’s hard to believe, but the 4th is upon us already! I’m sure we’re all spending too much on charcoal, brats, chips, libations, and of course fireworks. But as we all know, the real celebration is America’s independance, liberty and freedom! It goes without saying that we live in a great country! An idea as small as Songpull (on the grand scheme of things) is something we shouldn’t take for granted. Being able to gather, fellowship, and share our music with each other is such a great privilege. And in addition to that, we can do it under the umbrella of free speech. Oh, to be free!!
I’ve rounded up a few Songpull Songs about freedom. Have a great 4th of July weekend!
Songpuller: Matt Powell. Song: Set Yourself Free. City: Kansas City
A song about being yourself. Sometimes we focus too much on our appearance and fitting in, and forgetting the things that make us beautiful!
Songpuller: Tad Jacobs. Song: Set Me Free. City: Hollywood
A song whose title says it all. Tad originally wrote this song for a movie called Driftwood Very cool performance. And sounds great too.
Songpuller: Tim Bridgem. Song: Free. City: Kansas City
You certainly can’t hear any New Jersey accent in Tim’s performance of Free. A very soft and vibey performance. And again, a celebration of freedom. “Free to finally be with you”
Songpuller: James Mattingly. Song: Follow the Blind. City: Kansas City
A little twist on the freedom concept, but another reminder to be yourself. “The blind follow the blind to be free”. James encourages us to “…not be a sheep”.
Songpuller: Trevor Thornton. Song: Free. City: Springfield
And of course, Trevor’s “Free” or some call it “Free Like A Bird”. Just a quick reminder that this song was performed at the first Songpull ever. You can also check out a fully recorded version HERE.
And last, but not least, it’s ALWAYS been free to sign up to Songpull.com! As we are developing the site and making changes that you all have yet to see, we are realizing more and more that our community must stay together throughout the process. Please understand that if you are a Songpuller and have not signed up for a free Songpull account, there will be a chance that all your info, music, and videos would be lost in the switch to our new up and coming Songpull.com.
We are very excited about the things that we have been working on for months and months. We want to be sure that as many Songpullers, Songpull fans, Songpull commenters, and even Songpull critics come with us.
You can sign up HERE
]]>Sean Morgan, of New Hampshire, performs an awesome song that he wrote specifically for his children to help them sleep at night entitled Lullabies and Butterflies. Inspiring. Check it out HERE
Jack Snaps, of Kansas City, wrote and performs a very fun and heart felt tribute to his father, Michael J. Walsh, entitled Papa’s Eulogy. With some help from Rainbow Star, Jack’s tune will bring a smile on your face…promise. Check it out HERE
Originally intended to be a Father’s Day gift, Teresa Cano, of Austin TX Songpull, ended up not finishing her song in time. However, Song for Dad would be be finished after spending Father’s Day Weekend with pops…very cool. Check it out HERE
For those of you who have been following Songpull for a long time, you may already be familiar with Barney Fritz’s, My Tom. Written and performed in St. Louis only a couple months after the death of his father…Moving. Check it out HERE
A very interesting story involving Megan Whitaker and her father, who wrote Neon Blu years before Megan was even born. Her voice and performance delivers a very intense tribute to her father, who was tragically taken from this earth when she was just a baby. Check it out HERE
Rick Shaw, of New Hampshire Songpull, combines the inspiration of all veterans, including his father, into one poetic tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our country and freedom. Check it out HERE
Sineaid Corley wrote Shooting Star in an effort to teach herself guitar, but Dad helps out and performs on guitar for her. Check it out HERE
]]>We at Songpull, probably talk about a songwriting contest weekly! The more we talk, plan and discuss the details that could be involved, we tend to always come back to the fact that we may not be ready yet to pull one off. Either way, expect to see one at some point!
But, until then, we encourage all of the Songpull nation to enter as many contests as you can afford either in time or money. Here are a couple of good reads, along with a few contests already out there! This could also be a great way to spread the good news of Songpull, especially if a few Songpull Songs got entered!
A good read to help you get started and maybe even build up your nerve HERE
A three state based band, The Whiskey Drifters are hosting a twitter based contest HERE
Song of the Year, support of VH1 Save the music. HERE
Awesome resource for songwriting exposure including contests of all kinds including breaking bands. Wearelistening.org. HERE
We’ve pitched them once before, we’ll pitch em again. U.S.A. Songwriting Competition. HERE
Billboard World Songwriting Contest. HERE
International Songwriting Competition. HERE
Top ten reasons why The Great American Song Contest is the Best. HERE
]]>Trevor Thornton, Free, Springfield Songpull (1) #1
Matt Long, Guilty Conscience, Springfield Songpull (1) #1
Jason Gaylor, Travel On, Springfield Songpull (1) #2
Mead Price, Rings on the Table, Springfield Songpull (1) #1
I would love to do the same for any other Songpuller interested in people listening to their music beyond the video taped experience. If that’s you, and you have a recording of a Songpull Song and would like to include it in your profile or join our group on reverbnation.com then contact me at dan@songpull.com for details.
]]>I know it doesn’t matter that I’m not the only one that’s done it. I’m not the only one that has a busy life, my own business, kids and/or new babies. Lots of people everyday are dealing with things like remodeling and moving, weddings and funerals, school and work and soccer games and sleepless nights, etc. etc. Life is always there to fill up our days and sometimes we let them get filled up with things that might not be as important as we first thought.
But it’s so good to know that although we may get distracted from time to time, Songpull is still there when we come back. And not only are we welcomed back and forgiven, but we find that there are now hundreds of new songs and videos to catch up on. Hundreds of little treasures just waiting to enrich our days and our lives with. All those opportunities to connect with and learn from other people’s life lessons and experiences, helping to clarify our own thoughts and feelings and things that we’re going through.
Sometimes it just helps to know your NOT the only one. And of course, waiting there patiently for us, once again, is the chance that maybe, just maybe, an idea will spark and become yet another great song that could touch and change and enrich and help others lives as well.
Thank you Songpull, for always being there for me…. for us. We love you.
-Marla Fritz, Springfield Songpuller
Listen to one of her songs here
]]>Don’t worry, I’m not interested (nor in the mood), to get on some rant that we’ve all heard before. I think that the world is in the best place it’s ever been, when it comes to being connected and sharing each others thoughts and beliefs and music! The many websites with an emphasis in music and songwriting, like American Songwriter, Servethesong, Thesongwritingschool, Songwritinghooks, Bloggingmuses and many, many more, are doing a fantastic job of provided us with thousands of ideas, connections, links, like minds and pretty much anything else you could possibly imagine in this wonderful world we call music!
However, and I think that the owners and CEOs of every website mentioned above as well as the countless more that are out there in cyberspace, would agree, the fact still remains that there isn’t a resource in the world that can teach you, give you, force you or connect you to your heart and soul.
Here’s the deal…before Songpull started, I had decided to chase this idea that there’s magic in music! That there’s gold at the end for all who “play their cards right”. It’s not that I don’t still believe that there is, but music, in and of itself, has never been what the magic really is? I’ve already experienced a lifetime of memories, directly associated with Songpulls (and to date, I’ve only personally hosted about 20). And it’s my hope, that all of the directors and “pullers” in Songpull World can say the same….hmm…Songpull World has a ring to it…I’m thinking a Songpull amusement park should be in order! …
Seriously though, I’ve had to step back and ask the question, why? What is it about this idea that sets it apart from every other songwriting connection that at least, I’ve ever had?With the idea that Songpulls happen as groups, and having more than just one, and being encouraged to write something new (30 days), and being interviewed about the inspiration, and video taped for the world to see…hmmm.
It hits me like a ton of bricks!… This recipe makes it nearly impossible to fake it! I’m not sure that the Pussy Cat Dolls would stand a chance at Songpull 4! Sure, we can all bring an old song to our Songpull 1 or 2 or even 3, but eventually we have to submit to the infamous 30 Day Song, even if only having nothing else to offer. This is where your friends come in… You don’t stand a chance of surviving a Songpull night with no song? And so, you think… “I have nothing to pull from except what I’ve been through since the last Songpull”….Hello?… 30 Day Song! Also, nobody wants to look and sound like an idiot while being interviewed, so we are pushed (and “pulled” :) to realize that, with the world watching, we now have our chance. But, chance to do what? And in a typically tight-knit group, do we care?
The point is this. Musically speaking, I feel that I’ve witnessed massive hit songs that could far outreach my living room and touch the lives of millions of people with every listen. Every bit as inspiring and uplifting as the best of the best! Those same songs, still found here on Songpull.com, have remained here ever since and have been preserved for the very few who personally witnessed it and those who have, with some luck, discovered it on the site or in a city near you.
]]>Snap from Springfield Songpull
Jason Gaylor from Springfield Songpull
Jason Poe from Austin Songpull
This idea does not, and will not, work without the input of our army of Songpullers letting us know exactly what they think about the pros and the cons of this idea, especially in regards to the website. We would love to hear from you as we dive deeper into the development of things to come.Are there things that you’ve thought of that would encourage you to be more involved? Or something that you think would inspire another director to get one started in another city? Is the process too complicated? too easy? Is the existing navigation hard? easy? Are there bugs? future problems? future potential?
I know that we could be opening a huge can of worms here, but we truly are appreciative and thankful of the input that you’ve all had towards an idea that we are very passionate about. With or without a fully developed website, Songpull has inspired and changed the lives of a lot of people. I let people write on the walls of my guest bathroom at my house and it’s covered from floor to ceiling. I can’t count the amount of Songpull comments simply stating “Has Songpull changed my life?…yes it has.”As a community, I feel that we have something very special here. Sometimes I go back and watch videos from my Songpull in 2006 and am so thankful for the memories and the music that was documented on film from what seems like, so long ago. There were people in my life that are no longer with us, that are in some of these videos. All of this makes me want to continue digging. Continue discovering, Continue Songwriting!
So please, leave us your thoughts below. Whether they be positive, negative, testimonial, storytelling, improvements, ideas, complaints, or just a thought or two.Thank You Songpullers and Directors!
Dan Fritz
]]>Recently we recieved a heartfelt request from Andrea Parks. She, along with her music minister, are planning their first Songpull in September…Whoo Hoo!! But, in the meantime has been working hard at two jobs and trying to go to school at the same time, in order to support her family. Well, she needs our help…
There’s no money involved…Just a couple of clicks and that’s it.
I’ve included a portion of her letter to us and the video. We’ll let her explain…Come on Songpull let’s do this!…
I have entered a video scholarship contest through my online
University. The reason I am talking to you is, that I wrote a song for
the video. I need to get as many “hits” and “votes” on this as
possible by August 23rd…
Is there anyway you could spread the word so that other songwriters
could tune in and vote? I really need a shot at this. First prize is
tuition for one year, valued at $7,500. That could really make a
difference for me. I am the sole supporter of my family, because my
husband is handicapped. The degree will help me get a better job.
Any way, if you can’t help I understand, but ANYTHING you can do
is appreciated. The video is called “B.S.Degree”. It directs you to
another site to vote, but the youtube site is sufficient.
The 5th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is now accepting entries. IAMA promotes excellence in Acoustic Music Performance and Artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D’Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com,Sonicbids.com, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and XM Satellite Radio.
IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels. Unlike other music industry competitions, IAMA focuses on developing new markets for Acoustic artists, labels and with or without CD releases. Past year’s winners include Charlie Dore (UK), Randy Kohrs & The Lites (USA), Craig Bickhardt (USA), etc.
Win prizes in 8 different categories: Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open, Bluegrass, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth over US$11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Winning songs will be heard on radio! Winners and runner-ups will be featured on our CD compilation. Also, we feature up to 10 different artists get featured and promoted on IAMA website every month, which provides a review, ratings, CD information and more. The sooner, you enter, the sooner you get featured!
Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting/composition/song choice, Music production and originality.
All entries must be postmarked by November 10 or earlier. Ways to enter:
FREE EARLY ENTRY BONUS:
The First 1,000 entrants will each receive a
FREE subscription to Sonicbids worth $18.00 (first 1,000 entrants, must
be entered by Oct 31st or earlier, so hurry!) :
http://www.sonicbids.com/iama2008