How many songwriters these days write music that has no real “defnition” as to genre, style or where it belongs…yet, they are beautifully written songs.
As a music lover, I see all types of songs as though they are like the colors glowing in a rainbow that is forever creating new variations of the themes….like endless possibilities we find with music.
For the third year in a row I was fortunate to travel to Sydney, Australia courtesy of publisher Robert A. Case to participate in songwriter workshops as well as be part of the three year old but already popular Australian Songwriters Conference, http://www.australiansongwriterconference.com.au, run by ASC director Lisa Butler and her staff with the talented songwriter, “Professor” aka head of faculty, BMI’s Jason Blume.
Before heading to the ASC 2010, we had some fun in Sydney, Australia.
The first few days in Australia were for business at the Songsalive! Songwriter Workshop in Sydney, Australia. Hosted by Roxanne Kiely and her husband, Stephen Kiely, Rob and I joined forces to speak on publishing, production, marketing, distribution and promotion of the songwriters music presented.
We love the songwriters in Sydney as they are open and willing to have dialog on their music.
Kevin Elliott, Rob’s childhood friend, created a special Power Point presentation for Rob to use during his speaking time. This was very informative and led nicely into Toni K’s discussion on how to be smart when planning a production for future marketing and promotion. All the songwriters had different styles and genres presented to make for an entertaining and educational event!
After resting the next day we decided to enjoy a delightful dinner with Rob and Kevin for the Capt. Cook Cruise Line ride around Sydney Harbor on a fairly large yatch – with delicious entrees and live entertainment.
Up early the next day it was time to say goodbye to Kevin so Rob and I would drive up with a few other faculty members to reach Ettelong Beach Tourist Resort for ASC 2010. Rob is a music publisher and record producer, http://www.newpants.com and http://www.oldpants.com, who has been a great friend and mentor to me the past few years while my life transitioned from working as an assistant to becoming my own “creative director.” Thanks to Rob, Roxanne and Lisa Butler for their kindness in supporting my efforts too!
My life at TK Promo has been varied to say the least. Since childhood music has been my life and my passion. I love art too but preferred playing a piano or strumming a guitar to painting – too messy and you have to clean up after.
Most of my dearest friends are artists and those who aren’t are usually my family! My Mother is an artist but never really got the opportunity to pursue things because she was busy being a wonderful Mom. My Father worked 2 sometimes 3 jobs to keep us 3 girls happy – we didn’t know how much our parents sacrificed to send us to parochial schools or buy books to educate us till we were much older and wiser.
The ASC is very much run like a school – a campus of educators with “openhearts” and a willingness to GIVE.
Here’s a few photos from this wonderful event that I hope can keep finding sponsors and funding to sustain it’s work for years ahead.
The attendees are from all over the world but mostly Australia at this time.
ASC Songwriter Assist was formed to help some songwriters come to the conference who might otherwise get the chance. Lisa is very encouraging but it takes a lot to run something of this profound quality. The Ettelong Beach Tourist Resort hosts the event and it’s a lovely drive to and from Sydney for the event. The photo below is from a lookout point as we head toward the Ettelong Beach area. The magnificence of the Pacific Ocean in view.
We all took a moment to stop and look out at this spot overlooking where we were headed. Totally breathtaking.
After pausing we arrived for the conference. I will pause now with the story and leave you today with some lyrics – a song that was inspired by this journey from June 5 – June 15, 2010 when I was able to visit Australia again. I want to savor the story and not rush it through – the power of reflection is to awaken to the new beginnings.
As I meditated this morning I got the “trust” angel card – learning to trust in myself, in moving forward and trust that all is well. All is well indeed.
The conference inspired me to start writing music again – and really concentrate to get it done. Below is a song co-written at the conference.
I hope all other songwriters who get the chance will check out all that is being offered in the agenda as well as the workshops at the site www.australiansongwritersconference.com.au. If you can’t attend, lend a hand and support it with a small donation.
Keep this positive idea started by Lisa Butler manifesting for the good of all so that music “bridges” all our people living on this planet with a groove of peace and contentment.
Please feel free to comment and hopefully you’re happy and uplifted too.
Just like I feel today.
For Lisa Butler – “THE POWER OF ONE”
music & lyrics Lyn Bowtell/Toni Koch/Robert A. Case
copyright pending 6/13/2010
It’s amazing the Power of One
finding strength to carry on
with a melody that sings from deep within
it’s easy to dream a dream
but how’d you get through the in between
with all the fear and doubt
that creeps into your mind?
The Power of One
inspires us to climb
the mountain high
and not get left behind
On the horizon…
you can see what has begun
with the Power of One.
Flying without your winds
well, you can do anything
there are no rules if you believe
and so the story goes
that even children know
all you gotta do is live your dream!
The Power of One
inspires us to climb
the mountain high
and not get left behind
On the horizon…
you can see what has begun
with the Power of One.
solo instrumental building…
On the horizon…you can see what has begun….
The ASC
inspires us to climb
the mountain high
and not get left behind
On the horizon…
you can see what has begun
with the Power of One.
Thanks to all at ASC – Lisa, Rob, Jason, Rusty, Alan, Andrea, Di, Terri, Kerry, Michael and all who participate. You keep me in a great spirit all year long and when we got back to the states our next show was dedicated to the ASC.
Here we all are singing – and I’m wearing my ASC 2010 T-Shirt. Keeping the energy alive and vision continuing. Take care.
blessings to all. the music carries it’s own story.
