GUEST SPEAKERS

Our Guest Speakers bring their own insight and experience to our monthly seminar. We appreciate them greatly!

This page lists many who have spoken at our meetings and events, and wherever possible, we've linked back to their own websites or blogs in case you want to contact them for follow-up and more info.

Recent Guests

November 4 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
Rob Case Returns!
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

Robert A. Case returns to SongNet because he knows people who come to his workshops are SERIOUS about their work. Rob is a producer/publisher who runs a small recording label that does better than many majors these days. He is President/CEO of New Pants Publishing, www.newpants.com, (ASCAP) and Old Pants Publishing, www.oldpants.com, (BMI) which have produced 21 albums in the past 13 years.

FREE FREE FREE.

October 7 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
TAXI Returns!
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

TAXI will talk and answer your questions about TAXI... and if you've been waiting... this is the night to join. Save money with a discounted TAXI membership available only tonight. You may know already that TAXI is the Indepedent A&R vehicle, the FIRST and most reputable business of it's kind. Every year, our October meeting is dedicated to asking TAXI reps the hard questions, like "Why should I join?", "Is it worth it?", "Why don't I get any action?" and more. THIS year, once again we have TAXI MEMBERS who will give you the good the bad & the ugly, plus some new surprises. FREE FREE FREE.

MyRecordLabel.net

Travis Allen

September 2, 2009, 7:30-10pm
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

Travis Allen & a few successful artists will be coming to explain how it works, how THEY did it, & how YOU can do it, and listening to your work to see if you have what it takes too!

FREE!

August 5 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
Producer's Corner Q&A
moderated by Toni Koch
Seminar! Song Critique. And more! FREE.

Toni Koch is a platinum record recipient who’s helped produce large festivals & developed marketing strategies for Evening Star Productions, and has also promoted & helped break now famous artists...

As an artist, Mandi Martin had recording contracts with Candix, Columbia, and Epic RCA, landed on the country charts with her self-penned/self-produced "Nice Girl" on Prince Records and has publishing deals with some of the biggest names in Nashville and L.A....

Rising producer Steven Leavitt has has worked with respected indie artists such as Chris Opperman, Amy Clarke, Marina V, and The Venus Iluminato...

FREE FREE FREE.

July 1, 2009, 7:30-10pm
Making a Living Doin' Nothin' But Music
Seminar! Song Critique. And more! FREE.

3 members who are MAKING A LIVING DOING NOTHING BUT MUSIC WILL BE SHARING WHAT THEY DO & HOW THEY DO IT. Proof it IS possible, & can be for YOU too! Featuring internationally renowned and returning panelist Karie Hillery, recording artist and producer Les July, and accomplished writer and performer Jody Whitesides.

FREE FREE FREE.

June 3, 2009, 7:30-10pm

BARRY COFFING , CEO and Founder of Music Supervisor.com

He is a 20 year industry veteran who has tremendous credits to his name. He’s an Emmy nominated composer. He has written and produced over 200 songs in Film & TV including #1 hits and gold selling soundtracks. He has worked with and for almost every major film company and network. It is his knowledge of both sides of the licensing equation that led him to create Music Supervisor.com (More...)

GAEL MACGREGOR , VP/Director, Licensing/Administration, Music Supervisor.com

JULIUS ROBINSON , Director of Creative Operations, Music Supervisor.com

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

May 6 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
NARAS

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences!

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. is known variously as The Recording Academy or NARAS. Established in 1957, it is a U.S. organization of musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers.

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

April 8, 2009, 7:30-10pm
DAVID QUAN , Director of Music Services at NBC Universal

Currently the director of music services @ NBC Universal, David oversees music licensing and placements for such shows as Monk, Kings, and all the Law & Order franchises, negotiates all composer agreements for all newly created music, and exploits the NBC music catalog. Recent placements include "Indiana Jones," " Revolutionary Road," "American Idol", and he troubleshoots any music issues for all NBC scripted programming. (More...)

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

March 18, 2009, 7:30-10pm

2009 SONGNET AWARDS NIGHT AND SHOWCASE
On the third week of March, artists who have released a CD during the previous year are recognized in a special showcase event & receive a completion award, because writing, recording, graphics, funding & other hassles required to get a CD released is such a monumental effort, just getting it done is an award worthy achievement. And that makes every release an “Award Winning” CD!

Click here for more infromation about AWARDS NIGHT SHOWCASE!

FREE FREE FREE.

March 4 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
VAN DYKE PARKS When the name Van Dyke Parks is mentioned, words like genius, legend, & real musician usually follow. A musical prodigy, he also worked as a child actor, including Grace Kelly's final film, The Swan (1958). A year after graduating from Carnegie Tech, he was signed to MGM Records as a recording artist, put together a band whose members included a young Stephen Stills, & later signed to Warner Bros.

Priceless insight from an industry legend.

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

February 4 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
ROB CASE

Many of you have found great success in the indie world & specialized markets. But what about pitching to the big leagues? Rob runs a small label that does better than many majors New Pants Publishing, has produced 21 albums in the past 13 years and has cracked the 50,000 sales plateau on several occasions.

So, instead of the usual pitch nights we’ve had with Rob in the past, this is an opportunity to... (CLICK FOR MORE)

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

January 7 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
JOANNE LEDESMA

Joanne Ledesma, founder of Ledesma Music, is a master at networking and is recognized for her ability to connect the dots in the diverse world of music entertainment for over 15 years. She has experience at Disc Marketing Entertainment Programming division, and as Production Coordinator for DMI. She has captured exclusive inter views with artists like Carlos Santana, Andrea Bochelli, Mana, Tom Petty and others. This meeting is for you if you're looking to polish your music, market your talents, sell your songs, create a demo, plan an event or educate yourself on the music industry!

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

December 3 , 2008, 7:30-10pm
BOB STANE! Yup, the guy who started the legendary Ice House, launched the careers of dozens of artists & currently runs our home @ the Coffee Gallery Backstage He'll be explaining why some get the gigs & some get looked over, & how you can find the PAYING gigs in this pay-to-play town.

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

FREE FREE FREE.

November 5 , 2008, 7:30-10pm
JEANIE CUNNINGHAM
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

Jeanie Cunningham . Working on and offstage with such greats as Ike & Tina Turner, Lionel Ritchie and David Crosby, Jeanie has also written and recorded songs as a solo artist and as a commissioned songwriter for major corporations, (Toshiba, Microsoft, Epson.), as well as for the country of Aruba. Together with Bernard Baur (who has also been a guest @ SongNet) she currently runs The Composer's Corner (.com)

FREE FREE FREE.

October 1 , 2008, 7:30-10pm
TAXI Returns!
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

David Laidlaw, a manager at TAXI, will talk and answer your questions about TAXI... and if you've been waiting... this is the night to join. Save money with a discounted TAXI membership available only tonight. You may know already that TAXI is the Indepedent A&R vehicle, the FIRST and most reputable business of it's kind. Every year, our October meeting is dedicated to asking TAXI reps the hard questions, like "Why should I join?", "Is it worth it?", "Why don't I get any action?" and more. THIS year, once again we have TAXI MEMBERS who will give you the good the bad & the ugly, plus some new surprises. FREE FREE FREE.

WEDNESDAY September 3, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Jaamoo
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!

Jaamoo is an online community where lovers of live music can track their favorite artists and concert histories, share their memorable concert experiences, post videos & photos and fulfill their passion for live music. Find out how to use this FREE service & more to get your music into the world, & yes, we’ll be listening too, so bring your CDs, demos & notepads. This kind of information is priceless, & here, it’s FREE!

WEDNESDAY August 6, 2008, 7:30-10pm
BOBBY BORG

Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

You've probably seen him at seminars, but heard only about 10 minutes in the fast-paced panel format. Here's your chance to hear a whole lot more. Or you may have his incredible book, The Musician's Handbook, which is about the size of a Bible. Packed with information! Bring your questions!
Bobby Borg is best know n for his work with Beggars & Thieves (Atlantic Records) and also with Warrant.

TUESDAY July 1, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Dave Banta
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!

Dave "Rainman" Banta, is a multi-platinum recording producer/engineer whose career has brought him into the studio with many of the leading producers and artists of our time. Mr. Banta has produced/engineered both Grammy and Emmy winning projects along with several top-10 singles.

Yes, it's a first TUESDAY! DAVE BANTA will be listenin' to your stuff!

June 4, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Making a Living Doin' Nothin' But Music
Seminar! Song Critique. And more! FREE.

3 members who are MAKING A LIVING DOING NOTHING BUT MUSIC WILL BE SHARING WHAT THEY DO & HOW THEY DO IT. Proof it IS possible, & can be for YOU too! Featuring Karie Hillery, James Potkey, and noted producer David Snow.

May 7, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Ryan Vinson
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!

Ryan Vinson runs Versus Media, and has already helped 2,600 musicians hook up with 1,300 film makers to get things done, and dreams realized. If you're not one of 'em.YET., you should come out and see.

April 2, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Daniel Ho
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!

From humble beginnings in Hawaii to respected 3 time Grammy winner, Daniel exemplifies what can be done when talent, drive & passion for music come together with persistence & an understanding of the industry. & he’ll be sharing that knowledge FREE!

Saturday, March 29, 2008
SONGNET SOUL R&B SHOWCASE

The SongNet Soul R&B Showcase, hosted by LaRombé, kicks off this Saturday featuring the talents of Toni Peete, Darrell Crooks, A.R.A.M.I.S., Shenita Easter, and Raulio. Come experience soulful musical energy and great food at La Casa Blue, this one we'll let you in for FREE. Yes, no cover charge. La Casa Blue is at 5930 York Blvd., Highland Park, CA 90042. Phone: 323-257-0089

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
SONGNET ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT

The 2008 SongNet Award is given to honor and celebrate the creativity, artistic energy, passion, and songwriting accomplishment of artists who have released their own CD in the last year. This year, nine songwriters will receive the SongNet Award, and showcase a 2 song selection of their music. FREE.

MyRecordLabel.net

Wed. March 5 , 2008, 7:30-10pm
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

Travis Allen & a few successful artists will be coming to explain how it works, how THEY did it, & how YOU can do it, and listening to your work to see if you have what it takes too! . FREE.

February 6, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Dan Kimpel
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

Author, educator and journalist Dan Kimpel contributes to a dizzying variety of print and electronic mediums: interactive CD's, magazines, web sites, podcasts, documentary films, videos and new media. His latest book, Electrify My Soul: Songwriters and the Spiritual Source, new for 2008, explores the axis of creativity and spirituality through interviews with Melissa Etheridge, Paul Williams, Marcus Hummon, Craig Wiseman and others.. FREE.

John Braheny

January 2, 2008, 7:30-10pm
Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!!

When it comes to The Craft & Business of Songwriting, John LITERALLY wrote the book! "The Craft & Business of Songwriting" is used as a standard textbook anywhere artists are serious about what they do. John will be available to discuss all the radical new changes in the industry, & what it means for ALL OF US as indie artists. FREE.

INFORMATION

Video Clips from LA SongNet Showcases

DIRECTOR'S BLOG. DIRECTOR's PAGE... Sharks In The Water... Song Contests... Volunteer For Success... MM mm mm SPAM! ... The Future of Music... VINTAGE! NOT OLD... REAL SUCCESS... Fanbase Building...Cash in Pocket... MySpace.com Tips... Finding A Producer...
by Jimi, SongNet.org Director

WEBMASTER's PAGE...Musician Resources
by Tommy, SongNet.org Webmaster

Are you on MySpace.com? SongNet is, at http://groups.myspace.com/songnet (also: Jimi, Tommy)

Thinking of getting SongNet mugs, shirts, or other swag?

 
LA SongNet T-Shirts,Mugs,Caps,and cool gear!

Previous Guests, Friends, and Events

Past Guests List

Previous Guests: Michael Anderson..Moses Avalon...Dave "Rainman" Banta ... Bobby Borg......John Braheny...Samm Brown ...Jenny Bruce ..Derek Sivers (CDBaby.com)...Daisy Rock Guitars...Dr. Demento.. Tess Taylor ..Barry Coffing, Gael MacGregor, Julius Robinson ..Samm Brown ...ROB CASE ... David "Cat" Cohen..Ritch Esra...Jon Flanagan...Matt Forger...LYNNE ROBIN GREEN ... Randy Hale...Barrett Hansen...Karie Hillery...Gerald Ishibashi...Dale Kawashima... Kenny Kerner ... .Dan Kimpel ...Joanne Ledesma...Ted Lowe ...Mandi Martin...Sheena Metal...Kenny Metcalf .. Billy Mitchell.. Gilli Moon...Vernon Neilly...Pete Luboff ...Deborah Holland... Tommy Honles ... Guy Marshall...Corrinne May...Ben Mc Lane ...Steven Memel ...Sheena Metal...Jeannie Novak ... Brett Perry.. Brett Perkins....David Quan...Ronny Schiff...Songwriter's Co-Op...TASCAM... Terry Wollman.. . Richard Barron..... Chuck McKay....Ben McLane ... Andy Olyphant.. Alex Reed..Jon St. James.. Phil Kim..Alan Roy Scott ... Bob Stane....TAXI 2003.2004.2005.2006.2007. Harriet Schock...Ryan Vinson... Zander Schloss. .. ..

SHOWCASE GALLERY

ARCHIVED NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Autographed Guitar Presented to Coffee Gallery Backstage Owner Bob Stane

Bob Stane, founder of the legendary Ice House, & booking agent for The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Bob has a "boilerplate" of advice on our site for artists wanting to book a gig.

Press Release:
THE SONGWRITERS NETWORK WEBSITE HAS A NEW DOMAIN