Jeff Cook of Alabama fame has teamed with newcomer Mitch Glenn. The duo has released their first single, a remake of the Manhattan’s Shining Star (written by Leo Graham Jr, and Edward Richmond) on Lofton Creek Records. This is a good example of a classic song being re-released, and regenerating revenues for the songwriters.

The songwriting profession, like any other artistic endeavor, is not an immediately lucrative one. From the time a song hits the paper, to the time it pays off, can be years. The steps a song must go through to reach the public are lengthy. Very few songs go from an idea to number 1 quickly. Part of Sydney Skyler Music’s job as a publisher is to take away obstacles the writer has from performing his/her craft, writing. We take on the duties of salesman, critic, coach, accountant, and even hand holder in some cases. Financially, there are a few tips to keep in mind while waiting for the royalties to start rolling in. Here are a couple of articles dealing with just this subject.

Not So Starving Artist -4 Tricks and one from  The Artrepreneur . Enjoy

I recieved this email about the USA Songwriting Competition closing. So here are the details.

DEADLINE LOOMS for the 12th Annual USA Songwriting Competition

This is a REMINDER as there are just a couple days left for you to
enter the 12th Annual USA Songwriting Competition! Entrants stand to win a
grand prize of over US$50,000 value in cash and music merchandise (such
as Sony Products, Ibanez Guitars, Audio-Technica Microphones, D’Addario
Strings, Ik Multimedia software and more). Winning songs will get
airplay on a syndicated radio program (in 60 stations across North America)
and also on XM Radio, chance to be on our Compilation CD, Bluebird Cafe
showcase, showcases during SXSW and more.

Judges include leading music industry professionals from Sony/BMG
Music, Warner, and Universal. Past winners include: Vikki Simpson (The
Waifs), Hakim Young, Patrice Pike, Gabriel Mann, Sarah Lewis (of rock group
- Jag Star), Steve Tannen, Jonathan Kingham, Adrianne, Steffani
Bennett, Lisa McCormick, Jan Anderson and more.

Sponsors of the 2007 Competition are: New Music Weekly, Keyboard
magazine, Sony, Audio-Technica, Ibanez Guitars, D’Addario Strings, Sam Ash
Music Stores, IK Multimedia, Hear Technologies, Mi7.com, Indie Bible,
Garritan Music Software, Acoustic Café Radio Program, Livewire Contacts,
AirplayOnly.com, Loggins Promotion, Superdups.com, Sonicbids.com and XM
Radio.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: All entries must be postmarked by May 31 or
earlier. Please obtain the entry form at: 
http://www.songwriting.net/entryform.html

Or enter online with your MP3 files (Powered by Sonicbids):
http://www.sonicbids.com/usasong

Have a super week,

Jessica Brandon
Artists Relations
USA Songwriting Competition
*World’s Leading International Songwriting Competition*
http://www.songwriting.net

Capitol Records Nashville is currently seeking material for three roster artists.

Darius Rucker is looking for traditional songs, both uptempo and ballad. Trace Adkins will be recording uptempo songs. Chris Cagle needs a few more tunes to finish his current project.

 If you have some songs to fill these slots, send them to us and we will plug them right away. Visit our contact page for details on submitting songs to Sydney Skyler Music.

Sydney Skyler Music has added two songs from the writing team of Olivier and Patton. Good On Paper, and Broken But Not Dead make a nice addition to the repertoire. Read about Ron Patton on the Meet The Writers Page.