SPONY

SPONY gives songwriters an opportunity to get heard by someone who is in a position to do something with it. But that’s only the beginning…at our monthly event you will meet other members of the New York songwriting community, in addition to our industry guest panelists. And now with our online events, you get panel discussions, song critiques, workshops (all coming soon!), and can get to know other members of the global songwriting community!

Notes from the 3/4 live event…

Mar 5th | Posted by Joy Novie | in Uncategorized | No Comments

I really must say that this was one of the best panels! Conrad Dimanche, Al McLean and Scott Rubin were fantastic! They were upbeat and fun, yet serious about why they were there. The bar was really high last night too. The caliber of songs we heard was up there. Some months are a little discouraging with regard to that. Sometimes it’s just an off night. But not last night…

And I was finally vindicated with regard to my biggest sticking point and pet peeve – no lyric sheets. I’m downright obnoxious about it, but last night not one, but two of the panelists not only felt the same, but were as vocal about it as me. Those of you who have attended the event know the panel uses bells to signal when they’ve heard enough of the song to know whether or not it’s a Keeper. Well, they used it as a razzberry when no lyric sheet accompanied the song. I will admit the number of songwriters who attend without it has dropped significantly, but there are still always at least 5. As one of the panelists said, you don’t come to an event like this where the idea is to present yourself as a professional and then come unprepared. He went on to say, “I didn’t leave one ear home!” Although, even I felt sorry for the last of the songwriters who didn’t have lyrics. They went on such a rant before we heard the song that I almost didn’t have the heart to play it after that. But, she was great! She stood up and identified herself. Way to go!

We only came across one sample, but as soon as we heard it, one panelist said, “well, that’s a problem.” I think it’s never a good idea to have a sample anymore. It was cool at one time, but now it’s just seen as unoriginal. In fact, I had a panelist coming from Motown last year and when I asked him what I should announce he’s looking for, his answer was “tell them not to have any samples!”

I was very simpatico with last night’s industry guests. We seemed to have the same issues about pitching. One of the other things which mystify me is why quite a large number of writers leave after their song is played. This even includes some who are Keepers!! I am also a songwriter. I truly understand feeling dejected if your song isn’t picked. But, you can so turn it into a win. Very few panelists leave immediately after the event is over. So, everyone has an opportunity to put a name with a face if they’re a Keeper and if a Pass, perhaps get to send other material. Sure enough, toward the end, one of the panelists said he understood that people leave early, we all have things to do, that it’s disheartening when your song isn’t picked, but…

Anyway, please don’t get me wrong. These situations are way in the minority. The majority of songwriters who attend SPONY are exactly who I hope will attend – talented, professional, buttoned-up songwriters who are looking for additional opportunities to get heard and to be part of a community of like-minded souls. I’m very lucky!

More after my next event, which is an online A&R panel on Tuesday. Not very many people have been signing up for these. I distributed a little questionnaire last night (thanks to everyone who filled it out), but I never expected a lot of people who are local and who can attend the live event to participate in the online one. (I’m delighted that so many want to!) So, anyone out there who lives outside New York, knows about the online event, yet doesn’t feel comfortable participating, I’d love to know why. Maybe you can drop me a line at joy@sponyonline.com or post a comment here.

Happy Songwriting!