2008 - A Summer of Songwriting-
Enter Sandi Shaner's Songwriting Competition, and win a chance to have your songs reviewed by a Publisher!
2008 - A Summer of Songwriting-
Enter Sandi Shaner's Songwriting Competition, and win a chance to have your songs reviewed by a Publisher!
San Diego is known internationally for Sandy Beaches, Warm Weather, Main Attractions like Sea World and Legoland, The Gaslamp, Coronado Island, and year round Surfing! I guess the key word in this statement is,"Known!"
I, as a local musician and a promoter, have seen so many talented Musicians and Songwriters that go year after year, undiscovered by the Publishers and Record Companies. Shall I make a list? How about Reverend Stickman, Barbara Nesbitt, Chelsea Flor, Scott Wilson, Cathryn Beeks, Veronica May, Allegra, Spud Davenport, or Sven-Erik Seaholm? The list can easily go on and on and on and on. America's Finest City has America's Finest Songwriters.
I spent most of last year trying to keep a band together. That took up all of my free time, and it got me nowhere except playing local bars. I tried to call every Publisher in the universe. I left messages everywhere. Some folks were kind enough to email me to inform me that they do not accept "Unsolicited Materials!" In other words, don't bother mailing me anything. I felt really disgruntled.
Then I went to a Seminar that Cathryn Beeks informed me about which was put on by the same people putting on North By North Park (here is the link to that event) http://sandiegomusicfoundation.org/nxnp/home.html
I listened intently to the content that sounded much like Music Business for Beginners. I had an epiphany! I realized that I was going about this all the wrong way, or at least from the wrong direction.
My biggest asset has always been that I am a Tiger of a Salesperson. I was not trying to sell my songs as a product. I was looking for validation, instead. Have any of you ever been there? Well, you can be the best songwriter in town, but without great marketing, no one with a publishing deal will ever know. Sometimes to make an impact, you need an Army, (of songwriters, of course.)
There had to be a way to break out of the local barrier, and gain some National Recognition. I thought that maybe if I find a way to compile everyone's songs, they would no choice but to listen. Guess what? It worked! You can be a part of this too.
The Sandi Shaner Songwriting Competition- 2008
We started this as a way to get some attention for songwriters, but it has evolved nicely. We are looking for 24 Finalists. We already have 14 of them from the June Tryouts! Here is the list so far:
Harry Mestyanek
Andre Elias
Allegra
Heather Woods
Joe Fabri
Lindsay White
Alison Pruett
Veronica May
Jordan Reimer
Chelsea Flor
Christian Provensen
Eddie Jason Coven
Krishna and Lorien of She Flies
Stasia Conger
Of the Top 24, we will choose a Top 12, who will automatically be part of a catalog that will be submitted to Mamahaloa Music Publishing. This Publisher is strongest in TV and Film Administration. This Opportunity is open to everyone who is willing to tryout. All you have to do is email me at sanditarium@hotmail.com for the Registration Form. Then you will show up at the Skybox in Clairemont Square on either August 8th, 15th, or 29th.
There is no fee to enter. You do not need to submit a recording. You show up and play three songs. You will be judged on these categories:
Lyrics
Strength of Hook
Song Structure (progression and Melodies)
Audience reaction (did you captivate them?)
Three finalists will be chosen each tryout night.
The Number One Songwriter at the finals on September 20th at Humphrey's Backstage Lounge, will get the following;
One year Membership to Songwriter's Guild of America- This is the National Association for Songwriters.
$300 Cash- From Sandi Shaner Promotions
$25 Gift Certificate to Guitar Trader (maybe more)
4 song demo Recorded with Kings Randsom Studios- (Winning song with full band and three acoustic recordings.)
and of course to be part of the catalog that is being submitted to a publisher.
At tryouts, you can only have one vocal and one instrument. At the finals, accompaniment is okay.
Just seeing the sponsors who have donated their time and efforts to this contest prove that ALONE, I CANNOT! BUT TOGETHER WE CAN! Join the effort to bring attention to San Diego. Tryout for the Contest, and try to make it to the Top 12. Let your songs be heard.
Email me today to enter, spots are filling up fast. sanditarium@hotmail.com