The Write Key Songwriting Weekend:
November 13-16, 2008
During the First Weekend of the
2008 Frank Brown Int. Songwriters Festival
Island House Hotel—Orange Beach, Alabama

Last year, the Songwriters Guild hosted a highly praised day-long event during the Frank Brown Festival. For 2008, we’ve expanded it to an event-filled weekend, which promises to be a great experience for all serious and aspiring songwriters!

Click here to learn about our special guests at this amazing networking opportunity!

 


Write Key Registration Rates 2008:
(Registration includes all listed below.)

SGA Members $229

Non-Members* $289

And now for members of other
songwriting organizations $229!

And a very special rate for
full time students $99!

Although we still have spaces available, we are no longer accepting online registrations for the Write Key at this time. However, if you are still interested in registering for the Write Key, please call either Kitty Martin or Shane Lentz at the Songwriters Guild office in Nashville at 615-742-9945 to make arrangements to register. Or you may send an email to membership@songwritersguild.com.

Visit www.songwritersguild.com or email membership@songwritersguild.com or call (615) 742-9945 for information on joining.



 

 

 

“The Write Key” Weekend Will Include:

• A kick-off guitar pull Thursday night
• Professional song critique sessions with publishers and hit songwriters
• Co-writing workshops and opportunities to co-write
• Various music business panels with industry pros
• Creative songwriting workshops with hit songwriters
• Special Pool Party Friday night
• Write Key showcase/open mic (all attendees may participate)
• SGA hit songwriter showcase Saturday night at the Perdido Beach Resort

You owe it to yourself to take advantage of this great opportunity! This is your chance to get away, mingle with other pro and peer songwriters, have a great mini-vacation, and help build your songwriting career!

Write Key Workshops:

Writing For The Row
(Barbara Cloyd)


In this class you will analyze hit songs and identify certain qualities they have in common that go into making them hits. Each writer who participates will select one of their favorite songs and those are the songs the class will examine.

Country music is one market where there is a consistent demand for outside songs. It has widened to embrace many musical styles and it is possible for writers from other backgrounds to adapt their work to fit the market without sacrificing their own style and personality.

Even if you aren't a Country writer, there are benefits to studying the craft of writing for this genre. For one thing, there are some aspects to good song-craft that span all genres. Also, Country hits are tightly structured and the lyrics are very clearly written. Learning this clarity and structure can enhance your writing in any style, in the same way that a life-drawing class enhances the work of an abstract painter.

In Defense of Writing Selfishly
(Randy Sharp)

With few exceptions, a writer who listens only to the requests of the marketplace will eliminate any possibility of writing something new and genre expanding. The selfish writer, on the other hand, writing to satisfy that internal audience of one, may actually take us to new places and, on occasion, sneak some art into the business of songwriting.


Publicizing Your Dream: The Nuts and Bolts of Writing, Editing and Media Exposure
(Chuck Whiting)

In today’s highly competitive musical environment, news media exposure has become more important than ever. Veteran publicist and educator Chuck Whiting will give you a crash course to get you started on the things you need to know to land news coverage for your next CD, video, award or performance. You’ll learn how to write and edit a press release in Associated Press style, make an effective pitch to the news media, and prepare for that all-important interview. You’ll also receive invaluable tips on PR etiquette, developing news media mailing lists, finding the perfect hook, assembling a press kit, and meeting media deadlines.

Publicity isn’t easy...it takes skill, creativity and determination. The more you know the better chance you’ll have to land the news coverage you deserve. And, you’ll save time and money in the process.


There’s No Such Thing as Writers’ Block: Writing With or Without Inspiration
(Rick Carnes)

When writing is your profession, you don’t always have the luxury of waiting around for inspiration to strike…especially when you have a dream co-writing session coming up with the new ‘Songwriter of the Year’ or your favorite hit songwriter! In this workshop you will learn to generate ideas and lyrics through a simple, but powerful process which will enhance your creativity and increase your songwriting genius!


Hit Songwriter and Publisher ProCritique Sessions
(Various hit songwriters and publishers)

Attendees will have the opportunity to play their songs for hit songwriters and/or publishers in a small group setting where they will receive in-depth feedback and insights as to how they can take their songs to the next level.


Co-Writing 101: Introduction and Breakout Sessions
(Casey Kelly, AJ & Cleve Clark and other special guests)

Professional songwriters will share personal stories that will offer insights and tips to attendees about the process and the benefits of co-writing, finding co-writers and making the writing partnership work. Following the introduction, attendees will have the opportunity to break off into partners and/or small groups and actually start writing a song. Pro writers will provide feedback during and following the co-writing sessions.


Taking Care of Business: Getting Your Songs Cut

This panel will explore some of the key steps and processes in the business of songwriting—from demos to pitching, to networking and promoting your work. How do you find out who is looking for songs? Do you need a songplugger? Why is a copyright important and how do you protect your songs? How can SGA help in this process? Attendees are invited to bring along questions for an open Q&A segment.

General information about the festival and The Write Key may be found at: www.fbisf.com.

Event details are subject to change.


Island House Hotel:

A block of rooms has been secured at the Island House Hotel for Write Key attendees. The Island House is offering a special room rate of $89/night for a Standard Double Queen Gulf-front room. Room availability is guaranteed until Friday, October 17. Rooms may be available after the cut-off date at the group rate on a space available basis. Executive Double Queen/King Rooms will be offered at $119/night based on availability only. (Rates are good through the duration of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.)

All rooms have a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, HBO, cable TV, high-speed Internet access and On-Demand movies. All rooms also have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico!

Reservations may be made by calling (800) 264-2642. Ask for the Songwriters Guild of America group rate. Remember that room availability is only guaranteed until Friday, October 17!

 

©2008, Further Communications