| Feature Article Era of Throwaway Lyrics
Author: Austin Akalanze
Era of Throwaway Lyrics
I often thought it was the generation gap or perhaps the evolutionary cycle or simply a sign of the end times. But, whatever it is, one thing is certain: that music has changed immensely in the 20th century.
For brevity, my focus shall be on the sixties and seventies, when the nations seemed to have come alive with the lyrics and rhythm of the time and the nineties, when they seem to have lost that rhythm change that drove the sixties.
While music has grown in other times, the sixties saw an explosion in the industry. It did not only grow in size, but also in quality. Performers elevated the art to a new high, using their talents to address the needs and concerns of society.
In Africa, artists turned out hit after hit. This was especially true in central and western Africa. The folkloric songs of the fifties were replaced by the more vibrant, more up beat rhythm of the sixties. In Zaire, Franco in his hit song "Trezempoli," which translates "very impolite," criticized those who smoke in offices where they do not like smoke. Also in Zaire, Tabuley in his song "Sara" talked about the problem of divorce.
In his philosophy divorce is unthinkable. Nigeria's, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, in his massive hit "Zombie", done in Nigeria's unofficial lingua franca, Broken English, berates the military government of then General Olusegun Obasanjo for its lack of vision and the soldiers for their blind obedience. "Zombie no go think unless you tell am to think…" he lamented.
In the Caribbean, the Ska was polished and elevated to the richer, more balanced Rocksteady, with a lot of infusion of the African drum, and finally to the internationally acclaimed Reggae beat. Joe Higgs, Desmond Decker, and Bob Marley were some of the early apostles. In his hit song "War," Bob Marley reechoed a speech made by Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia at the United Nations in the 1960's. "Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior, is finally and permanently, discredited and abandoned, everywhere is war." Also from the Caribbean, Jimmy Cliff, in his classic "Vietnam" lent a credible voice to the opposition against America's carnage in that country. "Yesterday I got a letter from my friend, fighting in Vietnam… Tell all my friends that I will be coming home soon, my time will be up sometime in June. But Mrs. Brown your son is dead." Yet, in another hit he lamented the widening divide between the rich and the poor. "It's a pain to see we are in a sad situation, suffering in the land. The rich is getting richer and the poor…"
The story was the same in America. Descendants of Negro slaves turned the beats and experiences of White America's cotton fields into new forms, imbuing them with new spirituality and new energy that gave added impetus to their struggle. Candy Staton, in "In the Ghetto," captured the mood and spirit of Negroes trapped in the ghettoes of North America. "If there is anything she don't need, it's another little hungry mouth to feed in the ghetto… and his mama cried." James Brown, in "I am Black and Proud," sought to bring pride back to blackness, which hitherto had been a burden and a badge of dishonor and scorn to those who wore it. "Say it loud, I am black and proud," he implored. Cart Stevens, "Wild World"- now that I have lost everything to you …but if you wanna leave take good care, hope you make a lot of nice friends out there but just remember a lot of nice things turn bad out there…"
It was a global phenomenon. There was cross grafting of genre across national boundaries. The world was on the move, driven by the rhythms and the beats of the time. But what was driving the rhythms and the beats and the people behind them? - The turmoil of the time.
The sixties were a period of great upheavals. Freedom movements in Africa, liberation struggles in South America, civil rights marches in North America, labor movements in Europe, political emancipation struggles in the Caribbean, - all provided the impetus for the rhythm change and the performers were in the vanguard. Using their creativity and artistry and the circumstances of their time they created classics that elevated the spirit. Whether it was about war or politics or love, there was an element of subtlety that gave the listeners the opportunity to dream. They were limited only by their imagination.
The sonorous sixties were an era redolent of a great musical renaissance. And regardless of the culture or the geographical location of the songs, there seemed to be a common thread running through them, -- the lyrics were not throwaway words. They were words that aroused your humanity and agitated your conscience. They were evergreens, destined to stand the tests and rigors of time.
But that was as it should be. Good music must, regardless of culture or era, stand the test of time. It should elevate the mouth that sings and the ear that hears. It should be a vehicle for positive change and above all appeal to the higher self.
Anchored on that premise, what shall we then say of the nineties and the present? With due respect, with the exception of a few, not much except that it was an era that ushered in a gang of hollow and lackluster musicians. It was an era when the clean lyrics of the sixties were smeared with obscenity. There seemed to be a preoccupation among musicians on lewdness and vulgarity. This is self-evident in some of their lyrics and videos.
How did this happen? The answer is simple. Although the issues-- poverty, inequality, injustice, war, death, love, etc-- that inspired and impelled the revolutions of the sixties are still very much alive, modern musicians took the easy way, assaulting undiscriminating ears and eyes with baseness.
How have they done this? Through music videos. Whereas the artists of the sixties had no medium other than sound, today's artists have the added advantage of visual images.
Hiding behind seductive graphics, they pass off trash and mediocre songs as hits. The artists of the sixties did not have that privilege. They understood that the distance between success and failure was as far as the distance between the ears and the brain and they worked hard to reduce it. Today's artists do not have to work that hard. There is always the video for a cheap bail out.
While today's artists may win Oscars and Grammies, it is doubtful whether many of those award winners can stand the tests and rigors of time. When it comes to the performing arts, time is the best judge. One thing though is certain: that this truly is an era of throwaway lyrics.
About the AuthorAustin Akalanze is an Educator, Poet and Freelance writer and webmaster at http://www.power-profit-systems.com/pips.html He writes in from Dallas Texas. ...
The Secret Behind All Great Masterpieces: Lessons Learned!
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| Feature Article The Secret Behind All Great Masterpieces: Lessons Learned!
Author: Harald Anderson
The Secret Behind All Masterpieces! : Lessons Learned
The ten-year period which followed the stock market crash of October 1929 is referred to as the Great Depression. This time frame is considered to be the worst and most difficult of Modern American History by business historians. Unemployment was as high as 27% among White Americans and reached 60% in the African American community. In Mississippi, on a single day in 1932, one quarter of the entire state was auctioned off. Scarcity and limitations were everywhere to be seen. The Gross National Product of the country, that unit of measurement which represents everything that is produced nationwide fell by as much as 43%. The prices of wheat and corn and cotton fell so low, the crops were left to rot in the fields. Many businesses and families were wiped out.
We all try to forget unpleasant moments in our lives.
However, the central premise of any meaningful philosophy is to look back upon the hardest times of our lives and locate the wisdom and insight necessary from which success and joy can occur. It has been my experience that usually within the anxiety there are seeds of wisdom for us to learn from if we will only learn to look and understand the experience. When you examine your business, life or relationships it is the tough times that will teach you the most.
During the rough times of the Great Depression the music business also almost collapsed.
American record companies, which had sold in excess of 200 million records in the mid 1920's, had seen unit sales drop by 97% by the mid 1930's. To put it mildly, things were tough! Even the giant Victor phonograph company stopped making phonograph players altogether. However, there was a tiny silver lining in all of this hardship. A certain type of music was gripping regions of the country and offering hope. There was no political message attached to the tunes. No lyrics. It was an earthy, rhythmic, emotional and dynamic music. Its purpose was to make people dance. Huge parties would emerge that would often last for days. Even today music historians marvel how a distinctive and repetitive bass line and energetic rhythm could change the focus of an entire community.
To classify this music as infectious would be an understatement! At its inception this music would be played solo by only one piano player. Since times were tough sometimes two piano players would share the same instrument. Later, there would be as many as six musicians on three pianos all contributing to the infectious power. The result was a celebration of creative energy that everyone could recognize. It was magical. In spite of the economic hardships, people could find genuine joy even if only for a short moment.
The celebrations grew. House parties would turn into block parties. The refrains and melodies would often be played non-stop for what seemed like hours at a time.
Top Musicians of the day could locate work easily once they mastered this art form.
Hope was born against the horrendous economic landscape.
Then in 1938, legendary Jazz Promoter John Hammond saw a huge business opportunity.
He organized and promoted a concert in New York City featuring the three masters of this art form. When Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson and Meade "Lux" Lewis performed in Carnegie Hall, it launched a national craze. Businesses and clubs had to hop on the bandwagon and get with the program. Newspapers began to assign special editors to cover the 'music beat' and report about this incredible energy as its popularity spread into the clubs. Soon all of the "happening" places were featuring top musicians playing these infectious energetic tunes. Club owners seeking to get good reviews and "cash in" would do whatever necessary to bribe the music editors so they could acquire good press. Bribes of free food, free drinks, free women were commonplace. Musicians and club owners understood that one bad review from the critics would kill the good times! Or so they thought…
The name of this musical art form was Boogie-Woogie. The slang term that the musicians gave to the critics was the Boogie Man!
Yes the Boogie Man was the monster who could criticize and sit in judgment.
In spite of his inability to create or understand music they somehow were qualified to evaluate it. The Boogie Man, like an executioner could determine the fate of musicians and club owners with his words. The Boogie Man was fear incarnate. He could kill the party as quickly as the review could be published. The Boogie Man was bad news!
Funny thing is most people do not believe in the Boogie Man. At least that is what they tell you to your face! However within this story is the understanding of how success and joy is born and how it dies. Did you "get it?"
In the words of Earl Nightingale, "Don't Compete. Create!"
Regardless of what is going on in your life you can always play the music and do the dance! Sometimes the most therapeutic thing we can ever create is to purposely put our focus on joy and creation. We are happiest in life when we create and can easily take responsibility for our creations. However we squelch this inherent ability when we consider the evaluation of the creation as being more important than the act of creation itself. Quite frankly joy is perverted and distorted when creation is done primarily for approval. The misery is amplified even further when we make others responsible for the quality of our lives. This is the big lie of the Boogie Man.
Ralph Waldo Emerson stated…."Do not die with your music still in you."
Very appropriate advice. We all have a mission in life. A purpose which unfolds before our eyes when we manage to overcome our fear of the Boogie Man and just PLAY.
Our beliefs determine our reality. Be careful how you interpret the world. It is EXACTLY like that.
It is horrifying to think about how the Boogie Man turns the possibility of a dream into a nightmare. Or how the Boogie Man distorts our own ideas of success and happiness by making us believe that he can stop the music in our lives! All illusions that unfortunately every great artist has embraced at some point in their careers. You are the Music. You are the Dance. Be careful what you agree with!
Stop and think about what life would be like without the telephone, the car, airplanes, electricity, the internet or any other incredible creation that man has created to resolve the problems related to survival. I can assure that these blessed inventions would never have seen the light of day if their creators were concerned about the boogie man.
The boogie man is not only a concern over the judgment of others. The boogie man is much more insidious, he represents everything in our life that we cannot take responsibility for. Our blame list so to speak. The boogie man is that part of us that makes us believe that the problem is somewhere over there.
The late Jack Paar once said, "My life seems like one long obstacle course, with me as the chief obstacle." Sounds to me like he knew how to do battle with the boogie man.
The secret to all masterpieces is that they fuel the imagination with the great possibilities of the human spirit. They transport us from the world of limitations that we regularly experience and remind us of our potential. Whenever we experience a masterpiece it reminds us that the shackles we feel in our daily lives are optional. The funny thing about greatness is that it will always invite you along for the journey. Masterpieces teach us to recognize the joy of creation for the sake of creation. They spur us on to pursue excellence as our birthright. All masterpieces are embodiments of meaning that would have never occurred had they been concerned with the opinions of critics. If you feel something is holding you back look in the mirror and you will discover your boogie man.
All great masterpieces are the reminders of what life can be like when we learn to get out of our own way. Create for the sake of creating. Respond to the joy of the moment and dance for the sake of dancing. Play for the sake of playing. Laugh for the sake of laughing. Everything else is a chorus of excuses and limitations.
Once asked to describe the key to creativity, Thomas Alva Edison said said, "Never quit working on your subject until you get what you're after." Well, aren't we ourselves a work in progress? If you plan on creating a masterpiece of your life its time to take the stage, do the dance in spite of the critics. That is the masterpiece lesson of Boogie-Woogie. Create!
Sometimes it takes death to teach us about life. Occasionally we must go through misery to understand joy. And sometimes it takes the slang born in the Great Depression to understand that we will always get whatever we put out attention on. You can Boogie Woogie or you can waltz with the Boogie Man. The choice is always yours!
The happiest you will ever be in life is when you take responsibility for your creations and create! It is what it is. Take the stage, do the dance and know that the only thing that can squash the music is YOU! The Boogie Man has no power over those who create for the simple joy they receive from the act of creation. That's the bees knees, the eels hips and the elephants eyebrows. Got it? Therein lies the Secret of All the Great Masterpieces daddy-o! Your life is your Music. Do the dance!
"Stix you start bangin those tubs! Chops you lay down the line…it's time to get this party happening! One…Two…Three…Four!"
Be Careful What You Agree With!
About the AuthorHarald Anderson is the co-founder of http://www.artinspires.com a leading online gallery of motivational and inspirational posters and prints. "When Art Inspires, Dreams Become Realities. His goal in life is to become the kind of person that his dog already thinks he is. http://www.artinspires.com/ ...
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| Feature Article Considering Copyright when using your CD Burner
Author: CD Duplication Plus
If you have a CD burner you can take on all kinds of music projects. Before you do so, let's examine the subject of copyright. This is an area that you should become familiar with before using a CD burner. So the question is, what exactly is copyright? It is a tricky subject even for legal experts. Copyright relates to music so it also relates to those wanting to use a CD burner to copy music.
Copyright is the right to keep others from copying someone's original musical work. If you are using a CD burner to copy an original work without the owner's permission, you may be in copyright violation. People obtain copyright protection to prevent people from copying works like art, literature and music. It doesn't matter if the quality of the work is good or bad, if the work is original, you can not legally copy it. You can't use your CD burner and make a copy of a song even if it's the worst song ever written.
The work must actually be in permanent form to have copyright protection. An idea is not something that can be copyrighted. As long as the music has been written down or recorded, it can have a copyright. In most cases, then, any song you want to burn using a CD burner probably has a copyright.
There is more than one copyright to consider when using your CD burner. The lyrics are protected. The sound recording is protected for 50 years from the end of the year in which it was first recorded. There is also a copyright in the underlying composition and that lasts for 70 years from the end of the year in which the composer died. As you can see, music is protected very well from those wanting to copy it using a CD burner. Sometimes one recording can be protected by more than one person. The person who wrote the music might have copyright protection as well as the person who wrote the lyrics. A publishing company might also have copyright protection on the same recording. If you want to use a CD burner to copy the music you may have to get permission from all three places.
If someone owns a copyright, they are the ones who can reproduce the work. If you are not the person who owns the copyright and you want to make a copy using your CD burner, you must get permission. Many people use a CD burner to make copies of CDs for themselves or others. If you do not own the copyright on the music you can not legally make a copy. The same thing is true if you want to make a copy of a CD to rent or lend to someone else. If you don't own the copyright you can not do this.
It's a good idea to know about copyright laws before using your CD burner to make copies of music CDs.
About the AuthorYou may post this article on your web site as long as no changes are made.
All links must be live. http://www.cdduplicationplus.com
http://www.cdduplicationplus.com © 2005 CD Duplication Plus ...
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| Feature Article "Who Else Wants to Get Screwed When Signing a Recording or Songwriting Deal?!?!"
Author: Ty Cohen
You've got your recording (or songwriting) contract in hand and everything's coming up roses, right? You get your check, finally, but it's not quite what you expected. If you sign not knowing what's owed you then you might be shorted some well-deserved income. So make sure that anything you sign contains a statement to the following areas (preferably in your favor):
Performing Rights – this means you get a chunk of the change when your songs are played over the radio, television, Internet and at some public venues like concerts and such. And who keeps tabs on this? Check out ASCAP-http://www.ascap.com/index.html , SESAC– http://www.sesac.com/home.asp and BMI– http://www.bmi.com.
Mechanical Rights – This is the most commonly known. It includes anything physical such as tapes, CDs, etc. The Harry Fox Agency is nearly 80 years old and for artists with 2500 or less recordings they can learn more at http://www.songfile.com/ regarding small licensing.
Print Rights – Exactly that – anything in print like lyrics or sheet music.
Foreign Rights – Again, anything that deals with foreign publishing and licensing.
Synchronization Rights – Ever heard a Garth Brooks or Rolling Stone song in a movie or television show? That's synchronization and it can mean big bucks although some artists overlook this very important right when signing.
If you fail to have some or all of these areas covered when signing a contract it can mean the loss of big money for you. If you can afford it hire only the best entertainment attorney to handle your contracts. A good attorney can be expensive, especially if he has to do all the legwork but you can save time and money by looking into products such as the 101 Music Business Contracts software at http://www.MusicContracts101.com . This easy to use, contracts creation software features over 100, professionally drafted, music business contracts and agreements. As with any contract you sign – be it a house loan or a recording contract – it's best to have an attorney look the documents over before doing a final signing. However, a great money saver is arming yourself with knowledge, like 101 Music Business Contracts, before you ever set foot in a law firm. As the www.MusicContracts101.com site suggest, Protect Yourself, Your Music and Your Career – Get It In Writing!
About the AuthorThis article was written by Ty Cohen, the music industry's most recognizable voice!
Ty is the C.E.O of Platinum Millennium Publishing, Platinum Millennium Records as well as owner of www.MusicContracts101.com and www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com . ...
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| Feature Article Creative Writing - where to find fresh ideas
Author: Stephanie Cage
"I've got to prepare a talk tonight. I think I'll just pop over to the idea store for some fresh concepts."
"I'll do some work on the novel, then. Could you get me a bag of inspiration while you're over there? Oh, on second thoughts, why not stop by Sarah's first? She might have some spare."
What a pity it doesn't work that way. There's no one ready-made source of great ideas. They don't just arrive to order, oven-fresh and neatly packaged, from Ideas-to-go. Yet, at some point, each of us will need to summon up ideas for a talk or a piece of writing, perhaps under pressure of a deadline.
So what can we do to help the process along?
Know how you work best. For some people, ideas bubble up while they're taking a shower or washing the dishes, for others they shape up best on a jog or on the daily drive to work. Some people like to kick ideas around with a few like-minded friends, while others work best alone and in silence. Some find that time pressure results in their best ideas, while for others it induces panic and blankness.
Keep track of what gets your creative juices flowing and take advantage of it.
Relax. Creativity guru Jurgen Wolf (whose site www.brainstormnet.com is a treasure trove of creative ideas) suggests sleeping on the problem whenever possible. Just before going to sleep, and just after waking, are among the most fertile periods for developing new ideas, so take advantage of this by keeping a pen and pad on the bedside table. If you don't have time to sleep on it, put your feet up and a favourite CD on (many people find classical music, especially Bach and Mozart, very effective).
Start from your own experience. Look at your education, your career and your hobbies and interests. Nobody else has had quite the same experiences as you, and other people will be interested in hearing about new topics. Even activities they share, such as parenting, or working life, can still provide interesting material when looked at from your own unique angle, especially if your experiences of them have been amusing or educational.
Look out for issues you feel strongly about. Most people have a few topics that act like a red rag to a bull - if you don't know what yours are, just ask your friends! Or flick through a paper and watch out for news that makes you want to grab your pen and dash off a letter to the editor. Any topic you feel strongly about will make for powerful and sincere writing, and even if you only know a little about the subject, you can always do some research to fill in the gaps.
Stimulate your imagination with something different. I first encountered this technique in a book by Edward de Bono, and it's surprisingly effective for something so simple. Take a word, picture or object at random - from a dictionary, newspaper, or magazine, or even just the first thing that catches your eye when you look up from the page - and find ways to apply it to the problem at hand.
Brainstorm ideas related to your topic. There are few things more demoralising than carefully crafting a talk or article only to discover that it's half the length it should have been and you've run out of material. Start by jotting down any ideas, facts and anecdotes related to the topic, then roughly plan the structure of your talk. Spider diagrams or mind maps are excellent for helping to organise your material (If you haven't used them before, or if you'd like to know more about them, Tony Buzan's The Mind Map Book explains in detail how they work).
Fill the gaps. If you're talking about a subject you're already familiar with, you will probably have most of the information you need, although you might still want to check the odd detail in a reference book or with someone else who knows the subject. If you're researching a subject that's newer to you, you may need to visit the library or search the internet for more information. You may also need to seek out stories or quotations to illustrate some of the points you are making, and as well as dictionaries of quotations, there are a number of web sites which can help you do this. For example, The Internet Movie Database is full of film trivia and quotes, and lyricserver.com can help you track down relevant song lyrics.
Get a head start. Now you know you can come up with great ideas at short notice, but why not make life a little easier by getting a head start for next time? Keep these techniques in mind and you'll be amazed how many of the things that happen to you can spark off ideas for your next talk. Keep a notebook and jot them all down, and next time you come to prepare a talk you'll have your own idea store to pick from.
About the AuthorStephanie Cage is a UK-based author of fiction and poetry, as well as several business reports. Read more of her work at www.stephaniecage.co.uk. ...
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| Feature Article How You Can Become A Better Writer
Author: Deanna Mascle
I have been writing professionally for more than two decades and teaching writing nearly that long. Every conference, every writing staff, and every class has always included some writer who asks: "How Can I Become A Better Writer?"
They don't usually like my answer. "Practice writing every day and read to study the writing of others every day."
They don't like the answer for one of two reasons usually. Some people are looking for some quick-fix, magic formula that will make them a good writer in three easy steps. Although my suggestion involves only two steps it is pretty obvious that it is a long-term project. The other group of people will sneer at the first because they consider themselves "real writers" but they don't like the answer any more than the others. They believe they have a gift that simply needs to be unlocked by the magic key that published, successful writers possess.
The simple truth is that there is no way to improve your writing other than to continually practice your craft. Write every day. Experiment, plan, revise, and revisit. Make challenges and deadlines and competitions. Push yourself and your writing will reward you. I promise. Write something inspired by a writer you admire and then write something completely your own.
However it is not enough to simply write in a vacuum -- or an ivory tower. You must also read the writing of others. Read far and wide. Read fiction, nonfiction, poetry and song lyrics. Read argument and persuasion, read informative and biographical, read science and fantasy. Read talented and skilled professionals and read those who are still finding their writing feet.
You are reading to gain inspiration and confidence. You are reading to build your vocabulary and your stockpile of writing tricks. You are reading to learn more about the rhythms and patterns of language. You are reading so that as you write you will be able to develop your own unique voice.
Learning to be a better writer is not the work of a weekend or even a semester. Learning to be a better writer is a life's work. If you really are a writer then you will never consider your work done. I don't know a professional writer who sits back and says "I'm done learning now, I'm as good as I'm going to get". Certainly it need not take a lifetime to reach professional status but you shouldn't make that your goal. Thinking in those terms can hold you back from becoming the best writer you can be.
For example, perhaps the reason your particular project was rejected had nothing at all to do with your writing but was in fact due to your topic, the particular needs of that publisher, or even the mood of the editor when your submission came across their desk. The truth is that you cannot control when you become a published, professional writer, but you can control your progress toward improving your writing. Believe me, the stronger your writing becomes then the easier it will be to achieve that other goal. When you reach the point that you regularly deliver quality writing then you will find a market. If you write it the rest will come. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Deanna Mascle has been teaching and writing professionally for more than 20 years. Find more articles about writing at Word Craft Online at WordCraftOnline.com ...
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| Feature Article How You Can Become A Better Writer
Author: Deanna Mascle
I have been writing professionally for more than two decades and teaching writing nearly that long. Every conference, every writing staff, and every class has always included some writer who asks: "How Can I Become A Better Writer?"
They don't usually like my answer. "Practice writing every day and read to study the writing of others every day."
They don't like the answer for one of two reasons usually. Some people are looking for some quick-fix, magic formula that will make them a good writer in three easy steps. Although my suggestion involves only two steps it is pretty obvious that it is a long-term project. The other group of people will sneer at the first because they consider themselves "real writers" but they don't like the answer any more than the others. They believe they have a gift that simply needs to be unlocked by the magic key that published, successful writers possess.
The simple truth is that there is no way to improve your writing other than to continually practice your craft. Write every day. Experiment, plan, revise, and revisit. Make challenges and deadlines and competitions. Push yourself and your writing will reward you. I promise. Write something inspired by a writer you admire and then write something completely your own.
However it is not enough to simply write in a vacuum -- or an ivory tower. You must also read the writing of others. Read far and wide. Read fiction, nonfiction, poetry and song lyrics. Read argument and persuasion, read informative and biographical, read science and fantasy. Read talented and skilled professionals and read those who are still finding their writing feet.
You are reading to gain inspiration and confidence. You are reading to build your vocabulary and your stockpile of writing tricks. You are reading to learn more about the rhythms and patterns of language. You are reading so that as you write you will be able to develop your own unique voice.
Learning to be a better writer is not the work of a weekend or even a semester. Learning to be a better writer is a life's work. If you really are a writer then you will never consider your work done. I don't know a professional writer who sits back and says "I'm done learning now, I'm as good as I'm going to get". Certainly it need not take a lifetime to reach professional status but you shouldn't make that your goal. Thinking in those terms can hold you back from becoming the best writer you can be.
For example, perhaps the reason your particular project was rejected had nothing at all to do with your writing but was in fact due to your topic, the particular needs of that publisher, or even the mood of the editor when your submission came across their desk. The truth is that you cannot control when you become a published, professional writer, but you can control your progress toward improving your writing. Believe me, the stronger your writing becomes then the easier it will be to achieve that other goal. When you reach the point that you regularly deliver quality writing then you will find a market. If you write it the rest will come. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Deanna Mascle has been teaching and writing professionally for more than 20 years. Find more articles about writing at Word Craft Online at WordCraftOnline.com ...
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| Feature Article Steps to create your own music video
Author: OliviaAndrews
Music has always attracted people since generations. If you are one who loves music, you may wish to create a music album or video of your own. Creating a music album needs some DVD's or CD's, video capturing software, video editing software, good imagination, time and patience.
Useful tips:
1. You should use music or video from a CD or DVD you have purchased and not you have downloaded.
2. Always pick a song that matches with your prospective video clips. Action clips won't go right with romantic songs.
3. Never put entire episode to music instead choose best parts of the episode and combine them together such that one flow to the other. You can also imagine TV previews as shown on the television.
4. Creativity counts a lot in making a good music video.
Steps to make the video:
1. The first and most important thing is to plan the video you wish to make. If you plan well everything will go right and you will get some good results. You should pick any song that you like and at the same time the song should have an anime feel. It's not necessary that you choose pop or rock but anything that could be really rocking.
2. Video that you are going to make should have music matching to it. Most of the rock times have a mix of mild verse and explosive chorus. After you have selected the tune, you should decide that which of the video clips will go right with music tune.
3. Next you need to pick your video which is going to be very time consuming. You can import selected MPEG or AVI format into the CD's you have purchased. Many software programs are also available that could help you in doing so or you can use a video capture card to get same results. After importing all the clips, you should slice them appropriately.
4. Use editing programs such as Adobe Premier and Pinnacle to slice the song lyrics. These editing programs will import the music along with the video so that you can preview your work.
5. Lastly you need to burn your work into a CD to save it for future.
For more information visit our recommended website music-future.com Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Olivia Andrews, writer of music-future.com is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones. ...
Have you ever wanted to write a song? And maybe have it recorded by a famous singer? Maybe it could even hit the "top ten" chart? While this actually happens to some lyricists and songwriters, the chances are slim for a person to reach that height of success. But, what the heck! If you have an idea for a song, you might as well write it down and organize it into a song. Even if it never enters the front door of a recording studio, you will still have the bragging rights to your family and friends that you are a lyricist!
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| Feature Article Different Ways Artists Can Use Lyrics
Author: Joseph Kenny
Often times music lyrics are simply used to create catchy words that people hear. These words are designed to appeal and convince people to buy CDs and attend concerts of a certain artist. There are other reasons, however, that artists choose their lyrics as they do. Lyrics are heard by all of an artist's audience and can occasionally be beneficial to a cause or an idea. This article will explore the different reasons artists create lyrics in the way that they do.
A common usage of lyrics in this day and age is to critique the current state, or even form, of government in a country. It is quite common for folk of any nationality to be unhappy with their governing powers for one reason or another. In the United States there is much concern over the way President Bush has handled the issues of terrorism, oil, and even immigration in recent days. Rather than coming out publicly with speeches, many artists hide messages of their disgust into their lyrics. Often times people will hear their message more often and more clearly through music than in a boring speech in which people can simply change the channel. A musical group who created these type of lyrics often was Rage Against the Machine, although they have been broken up for quite some time now.
Lyrics can also be used to reminisce about good times or bad times had as a child or teenager. Often times these years are the ones that shape a person and who he or she is going to be when they grow up. So it makes sense that as an adult, many artists feel the need to pay homage to this crucial part of their life. Many of these song's lyrics focus in on past relationships long forgotten, good times had with best friends, and even sometimes traumatic experiences with abusive or uncaring parents or relatives. Whatever the topic is, being able to sing about their past memories allows artists to release whatever emotion they are feeling.
Of course it would be a mistake to claim all lyrics are meaningful and are made with some ulterior message underneath. Often times artists are simply looking for songs to make them more money and just garble together some nonsense about dancing and making money into a song. While these lyrics certainly do not have any real positive message, most of the time, they are still among the most popular of the youth today. There is no real problem with this, however, as kids shouldn't be worried about deep meanings at every point of their life. They should be able to feel good about themselves and have fun for no reason when they are young!
Song lyrics are something that almost every genre of music has, and it is important to realize that some songs are made with interior meanings. Without recognizing that a song may mean more than simply the words it displays from the exterior, it is easy to overlook an artist's true creation and art and to give them less credit than they deserve. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Joe Kenny is the webmaster at the free music lyrics website, www.lyricspost.net . Visit today: www.cardguide.co.uk/ ...
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| Feature Article Making The Most Of Your Wedding: The Wedding Vows
Author: Kirsten Hawkins
There is no doubt that planning a wedding can be one of the most daunting tasks a person can undergo. Since the majority of the work traditionally falls upon the bride and her family (let's face it, the guys, largely, just don't care if the flowers are yellow and pink, canary and magenta, or goldenrod and cherry) it is always a good idea to have the assistance of a professional wedding planner or at least a trusted friend or relative to help keep all of the details in order. That assistant can take care of everything from ordering the cake to making sure the reception seating arrangement is in order and Uncle Herbert is as far from the bar as possible while Aunt Helen and Aunt Gertrude won't come in contact with one another at all. One thing that will be entirely up to the happy couple, however, is the decision on the wedding vows. This is one aspect of the event that the groom will have to participate in as well.
The traditional wedding vows are immortal and familiar to us all. We've all heard the phrase "to love, honor, and cherish," a million times before and, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, we all immediately associate these words with the marriage ceremony. There is nothing wrong with that. The traditional wedding vows are powerful words of love and commitment and, if you like those vows and they hold a special place in your heart, then you should feel free to include them in your wedding ceremony.
Many couples write their own wedding vows. The practice is now so common that original wedding vows have almost replaced the traditional vows as the norm for weddings, but that does not mean that the time-honored vows are any less meaningful.
For those that do wish to write their own wedding vows, the options are limitless. Some couples pen their wedding vows completely from their hearts and minds, using this portion of the wedding ceremony as an opportunity to express their love and devotion to one another in a very personal way. Others borrow literary quotes, song lyrics, poetry, or other non-original material that expresses their feelings for their beloved, to incorporate into their wedding vows. Anything that says how you feel is acceptable.
A young spouse-to-be may sometimes experience writer's block when composing the wedding vows. This stems from anticipation of the pending event and is perfectly natural. The best way to overcome this anxiety is to slow down, close your eyes and think about your fiancée. Imagine what you would say if he or she were right in front of you, with no one around. Find the best way to tell that person how you feel, how deep your love is, and what you promise to do and be as a husband or a wife. The words will come in no time and the result will be a beautiful wedding ceremony that is highlighted by beautiful and personal wedding vows. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Kirsten Hawkins is an event planner from Nashville, TN. Visit www.wedding411.net/ for more event planning tips, strategies, and resources. ...
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| Feature Article How To Learn The Art Of Creative Writing
Author: Mark Woodcock -
The term creative writing is used to discern certain types of inventive or artistic writing from other general types of writing. The field of creative writing is broad and includes many different formats and genres of writing. The broad and general description of it is purposeful in its effort not to limit the imagination of the potential writer, or that of the reader. Creative writing is totally different from other types of writing, such as technical writing, scientific writing, or copy-driven journalism. The discipline of creative writing includes, but should not be limited to, works of fiction, poetry, personal memoir or autobiography, song lyrics, plays and screenplays, and any mixture of the above.
By and large, writing is a skill that is innate to a person. Just like with other proficiencies, most types of writing often comes easier to some people than to others. Therefore, it is often thought that a person cannot be taught how to write, especially creatively. Despite whatever natural talents for writing a person might have, those talents often need to be developed in order for the writer to realize his or her fullest potential in the craft. Learning how to write creatively must begin on the inside. A certain amount of individual experience, opinion, and innate sensitivity must be tapped when taking on the task of creative writing.
Creative writing is an artistic expression, like painting or composing music. It is therefore subject to criticism, both constructive and disrespectful. This should in no way deter a person from writing creatively, or in any other way. Sometimes, artistic expression is done just for the sake of doing it. There does not have to be a reason to create something, and there does not have to be an explanation behind the creation. The personal expression is free. This sentiment holds especially true with creative writing.
Creative writing courses are extremely popular and widely available in various formats. Short-term workshops ranging from merely a few hours to a day or several weekly sessions are available through public libraries, community education centers, and even community colleges. They are for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned writer looking to polish his or her skills.
In a creative writing course, there are many potential topics to discuss and methods to teach at length. These topics include, but are not limited to, techniques on brainstorming and exploring creative ideas, overcoming writer's block, learning how to structure work, overcoming the fear of people reading/judging the created work, editing completed work, and getting works published. Though some will argue that true creative writing cannot be taught, it is widely acknowledged that certain skills can be mined and honed, as well as certain techniques taught, to make almost anyone at least a fair writer, and not be afraid to unleash his or her creativity.
Many budding writers opt to study creative writing in college. Often it can be an emphasis within a major in English, and a 4-year bachelor's degree can be earned. This can open doors to many professional opportunities, as well as equip a writer with the skills to either take a stab at freelance writing, or translate his or her creative writing skills into other professional arenas, such as public relations, advertising, or editing.
For those whose writing ambition is to do creative writing as more of a hobby, looking to the Internet for creative writing websites is a good way to get work seen and gain insight into the craft. Many creative writing websites offer bulletin boards where writers can post works to be read and enjoyed, and where feedback can be given reciprocally. Also, writers can find a real community of individuals looking for other writers with whom to trade and share ideas.
Some creative writing websites also offer some of the same lessons and pointers on brainstorming and formulating ideas, editing, publishing, and other techniques that many workshops or writing courses offer, except it often does not cost anything online, and it is more convenient. There is also the appeal of the relative anonymity online, for the shy writer who is not quite ready for the face-to-face public arena. True creative writing might not be a learned talent, but the ability to tap inner creativity is possible for just about anyone. Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com Learn the essential information for the correct way to write articles at Creative Writing ...
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| Feature Article How to Write a Lyric | eHow.com
Author: Not Available
How to Write a Lyric. When you write lyrics , put your sentiments in the song structure: verse, ... Analyze your title . Is it fun to sing? Is it fun to say? ... ...
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| Feature Article Parody Song Lyrics Write a Letter Osama
Author: Not Available
Write a Letter Osama. Parody song lyrics for the song Take a Letter Maria by ... Original Song Title : .... New misheard lyrics every day for your handheld PC. ...
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| Feature Article Where can I get song lyrics online?
Author: Syd Johnson
If you are downloading music online, eventually you'll want some song lyrics to go with the mp3 files. It is very easy to find song lyrics online, but very difficult to get them integrated into your mp3 player software.
Various copyright issues have forced many mp3 downloading services and mp3 player companies to ignore the increasing demand for integrated song lyrics online and offline.
To solve this problem, there has been a growing list of shareware developers who are creating plugins for the most popular mp3 player platforms that will allow users to import, save, organize and store song lyrics for most commercial music files on the web.
The plugins are pretty easy to use and some like the lyric tracker plugin for iTunes are used by music lovers to create, and share the song lyrics on the most popular music software systems online.
So how are the song lyrics getting into the system?
Well, these applications are not merely reading the lyrics and scrolling them across the screen. Instead, the programs are designed to identify the song and title from an mp3 file and then find the lyrics on any one of the major lyrics search engines. It literally goes out, finds the song lyrics, and imports it into your mp3 player.
What happens after that?
It depends on the plugin and it depends on the mp3 player. Sometimes you can tag the lyrics and keep it organized so that it is always displayed when you play your tune. Other times, the lyrics disappear once the song is over and you have to start all over again. Another variable is the ability to print out the lyrics for your personal use.
This also depends on the type of mp3 player that you are using the type of plugin whether it's freeware or a professional application.
In either case, the software should identity the source of the imported lyrics and you can go to the site and get a copy for yourself.
About the AuthorThis article may be freely distributed as long as there's an active link to http://www.rapidlingo.com
Syd Johnson
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| Feature Article Site: a place to work, nothing fancy | Title : Readers may write a ...
Author: Not Available
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey Lyrics I just saw this chick on Conan Obrien. .... Readers may now write comments about this weblog on this page. ... ...
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