Songwriters in Seattle

Category: NWME

  • NWME Announcement: “Transitions”

    NWME Announcement: “Transitions”

    NWME_01

    The Northwest Music Experience (NWME) was developed as a celebration of talent and community in the Pacific Northwest. Its first incarnation was a successful awards show honoring 40 fantastic artists who represented the diverse music community that surrounds us. This spirit will live on with the Songwriters in Seattle Awards, which is in the planning stages now to return in 2015.

    Going forward, the Northwest Music Experience name and what it represents will be shifting from Songwriters in Seattle to a new non-profit organization based in Portland. Here is the description from leader Tom Melillo:

    “Our non-profit will be geared towards experiential projects that connect young (high-school age) musicians with local professional musicians in our area to collaborate on projects to produce, perform, and record music. Our ultimate goals are to generate interest in music and music education, and to generate funds to give back to local school music programs.”

    We hope you’ll agree that this is a worthy cause and a valuable addition to the NW music community. Please join us in supporting the new organization’s efforts whole-heartedly. Best wishes to Tom and to the new incarnation of Northwest Music Experience.

  • 2013 NWME Awards Winners Announced

    2013 NWME Awards Winners Announced

    At the 3rd Annual Songwriters in Seattle BBQ and 1st Northwest Music Experience Awards, 14 performers entertained the crowd along with the presentation of all 40 awards finalists! From each category of 5 finalists, a winner was announced based on votes from 100 invited judges from within the music community. All finalists in attendance received a certificate in recognition of their submitted song, and winners were presented with a trophy and a prize based on their category. The winners and their associated prizes are as follows:

    BluesThat’s the Truth by Roo Forrest, $75 gift certificate to American Music
    World MusicPerpetual Leader by Blake Noble, $75 gift certificate to American Music
    Hip Hop/R&BKeep Going by Sheldon Botler, $75 gift certificate to American Music
    Heavy RockSecret Handshake by Christina Cramer/In Cahoots Band, $75 gift certificate to American Music
    CountryDiamond Rings by Alden Witt, $75 gift certificate to American Music
    Classic/Alt RockGet Some Love by Jeff Hamel/SweetKiss Momma, Tascam DP-2 Digital Portastudio with case and tutorial DVD
    Folk/AmericanaReady For The Dark by Larry Murante, Fat Head BE ribbon microphone from Cascade Microphones
    Pop/Light RockThe Way it Seemed by Sophia Duccini, 10 hours recording/mixing with Stephen Sherrard at DBAR Productions

    (Prize associations/determinations were made related to the number of initial submissions for a particular category, donated prizes, and event budget)

    Congratulations to all our finalists and winners! If you were not in attendance, please e-mail songwritersinseattle@gmail.com to arrange for pickup of certificates and prizes.

  • Northwest Music Experience Finalists Announced

    Northwest Music Experience Finalists Announced

    As part of the annual Songwriters in Seattle Summer BBQ, we are giving awards under the Northwest Music Experience event name. More information at nwmusicexperience.org – here are the results:

    Congratulations to our finalists and a huge thank you to everyone who submitted a song and participated! The quality and variety of the 240 entries we received was so good it was extremely difficult for our panel of NWME and Songwriters in Seattle leaders to get to 5 finalists per category. There easily could have been others here, but ultimately we had to make some choices, so don’t be disheartened if you entered but didn’t make the list this time. Please note that the criteria was focused on songwriting and creativity, as well as performance talent and originality, not production quality. As we also are not a popularity contest, the finalists now go to over 100 invited judges to help determine winners for each category. See the official rules for more details on the whole process.

    Over $1,000 in locally donated prizes for potential category winners include:
    – 10 hours recording/mixing with Stephen Sherrard at DBAR Productions
    – A Fat Head BE ribbon microphone from Cascade Microphones
    – A Tascam DP-2 Digital Portastudio with case and tutorial DVD
    – Gift certificates to local music stores

    The full list of finalists *in no particular order:

    1. Category: Classic/Alt Rock
    Resilience – written by Julia Vidal, performed by The Salt Riot
    Crying Shame – written by Regan L. Barger, performed by Strangely Alright
    I Wish My Baby Was Born – performed by East Coast Dave
    Get Some Love – written by Jeff Hamel and Aaron Arnold, performed by SweetKiss Momma
    Talk About It Later – written by Elsa Faith and Marty Mitchell, performed by Soul Distraction

    2. Category: Blues
    Dirty – written by Scott Concinnity, performed by Letters From Traffic
    The Sun Will Rise – written by Jus’Tina, performed by Jus’Tina, Wayne Ah Chan, Laurence Gouveia, Eric Robert, and Gary St. Martin
    That’s The Truth – written by Roo Forrest, performed by Roo, Cody Rahn, Patrick McDanel, and Hans Tueber
    Always Be The Blues – written by Mark Whitman, performed by The Mark Whitman Band
    Trouble Leave Me Alone – written and performed by Pete Tomack

    3. Category: World Music
    EuroTribal – written and performed by Daniel Connolly
    Somewhere Under the Sun – written and performed by Leslie vanWinkle
    True Blue – written and performed by Ann Stockdale
    Perpetual Leader – written by Blake Noble, performed by Blake Noble, Tim Snider, and Isaac Castillo
    Waiting For Your Love – written and performed by Claire Johnson

    4. Category: Folk/Americana
    Used Bike – written by Jean Mann, performed by Jean Mann, Wayne Horvitz, Tom Dziekonski, Virginia Dziekonski, and Matt Hopper
    Ready For The Dark – written by Larry Murante, performed by Larry Murante and Kevin Jones
    Comfort in Your Strangeness – written and performed by Cynthia Alexander
    California Dreams – written and performed by Bill Alsept
    Julie – written by Jasper Tollefson, Joseph Gustav, and John Scott, performed by Jasper T. and John Crown

    5. Category: Hip Hop/R&B
    Woman of My Dreams – written by J.R. Rhodes, performed by J.R. Rhodes, Eyvind Kand, Brad Houser, Mike Dillon, Kym Tuvim, Willow, and Sarah Keenan
    Journey My Mind – written and performed by Jai.P
    Evolution of Poetic Suede – written by Poetic Suede, performed by Poetic Suede feat. Trel Fitted
    Finish What I Start – written by Hands of Vengeance, performed by Consise, Verse, and Kreed
    Keep Going – written and performed by Sheldon Botler

    6. Category: Heavy Rock
    Secret Handshake – written by Christina Cramer, performed by Christina Cramer, Brad Judy, Rich Huston, and Dave Crossett
    Beware of Love – written by Terry Pelton, performed by Excuse You
    Shadows and Dust – written and performed by Mechanism
    Take Me Home – written by Ginine Mizerski and Randy Campbell, performed by Ginine Mizerski, Randy Campbell, and Mike Well
    Welcome To No One – written and performed by In The Between

    7. Category: Pop/Light Rock
    Pretty Bird – written by Sammy Witness, performed by Sammy Witness, Jason Dunn, Brandon Erdos, and John Ducharme
    The Calling – written by Andrea Lockwood and Charles Wilson, performed by Stained By A Killer
    Up – written and performed by Gary Milici
    The Way It Seemed – written and performed by Sophia Duccini
    Trait & Trace – written and performed by Jerry Val

    8. Category: Country
    Mean Mother Trucker – written and performed by Larry Schacher
    Diamond Rings – written by Alden Witt and Benjamin Johnston, performed by Alden Witt and Steffi Jeraldo
    Chasing the Fire Alarms – written and performed by Bruce Hunt
    I’ve Fallen In Love and I Can’t Get Up – written by Griffin James, performed by Griffin James and Corey Mage
    Sweet Lucille – written by Susan Elliott, performed by Susan Elliott, Richard Askew, Lauren Vanderhoof, and Ash Devine

  • NWME Assembles Advisory Board

    NWME Assembles Advisory Board

    The growing Advisory Board of NW Music Experience is a diverse group of music professionals from varied backgrounds in the Northwest including:

     

    Carol Handley – A broadcaster with 30 years in Seattle including past stations, KZAM, KEZX, KMTT, KWJZ and current Program Director of KRWM and owner/operator of the streaming station Smooth In Seattle and concert promotion company Carol Handley Presents.

     

    Ed Beeson – With a long history in the NW as a venue owner and concert promoter, Beeson owned The Silver Spoon in Duvall & The Backstage in Ballard. As a booker and promoter with One Reel was involved with Summer Nights at the Pier, WOMAD, Bumbershoot and Teatro Zinzanni. Currently Beeson is the Music Director of Live at Benaroya.

     

    Eric Tingstad – Grammy winning guitarist Eric Tingstad is a classically trained NW artist and has received acclaim as a solo artist as well as his work with Nancy Rumbel. His credits include over 20 album projects, two grammy nominations and one grammy win.

     

    Roger Fisher – Most known for his role as founding member and guitarist in the bands Heart and Alias, Fisher is also known for his work as a composer and member of the organization Synergia Northwest, a live music event mixing professionals and students for Washington state youth musical education fusing classical and contemporary music.

     

    Michael McMorrow – Composer, recording artist and keyboardist Michael McMorrow was a founding member of the band Stolenogre. As executive producer and musical director, Michael produces Synergia Northwest Presents, an annual concert event to raise funds and awareness for youth music in the Pacific Northwest. The series is now in its fourth year and artists performing with the 50 piece Synergia Northwest Orchestra have included members of Heart, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Blues Traveler, Tracy Bonham, Queensryche, YES and others.

     

    John N. Wilson – A Northwest sound engineer and audio tech with record producing credits as well as a touring band manager. Wilson also currently oversees production at the Admiral Theater in Bremerton.

     

    Chris Knab – Owner of FourFront Media and Music, Knab is a veteran of the music business wars, and since the late 80’s has turned his attention to educating and consulting musicians about the realities of an industry that is constantly in flux. He teaches, consults and writes about issues important to recording artists and bands.

     

     

  • Music Aid Northwest Music Education Charity to Partner with Northwest Music Experience Convention/Expo

    Music Aid Northwest Music Education Charity to Partner with Northwest Music Experience Convention/Expo

    Songwriters in Seattle, Seattle WAVE Radio, and Music Aid Northwest are happy to announce a partnership to boost the educational component of the 2013 Northwest Music Experience (NWME) convention and expo. The three day NWME event will bring together our multi-genre music community for educational programs, music industry networking, and creative inspiration. Musicians and those involved with the music industry at all levels stand to gain from the educational tracks available at NWME, from students to veteran professionals.

     

    “Music Aid Northwest’s involvement in music education throughout the region will strengthen the educational component of NWME and extend the benefits of the event beyond just our three days in August,” says Songwriters in Seattle Organizer and NWME Chairperson Chris Klimecky. Music Aid Northwest will be helping coordinate student programs on Friday, August 16th (the first day of NWME) and 10% of net proceeds from NWME will go directly to the charity.

    Music Aid Northwest has been involved in advancing music education since 2006, most recently starting the “Music Matters” program to help fund music education through the Washington State Dept. of Licensing. Music Aid Northwest’s president, Bob Tomberg, states: “We are proud to be named as a beneficiary of NWME, and look forward to providing student programs for the event.”

     

    Songwriters in Seattle and Seattle WAVE Radio have also supported the educational growth of musicians in the Pacific NW through a number of industry panels, seminars, and peer review groups over the last few years. NWME will provide a single, focused forum for learning and inspiration unlike any other in the area. The event will take place August 16-18, 2013 at Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle.

     

    For more information about NWME and the current campaign to raise seed capital for the event, please visit:
    http://indiegogo.com/nwme

     

    Learn more about Music Aid Northwest and the “Music Matters” program:
    http://www.musicaidnorthwest.org

     

    Learn more about Songwriters in Seattle here:
    http://www.meetup.com/songwritersinseattle

     

    The Seattle WAVE Radio app for Android phones can be found online at:
    http://www.myseattlenightout.com/radio
     
     

  • Northwest Music Experience Partners With Benaroya Hall

    Northwest Music Experience Partners With Benaroya Hall

    Songwriters in Seattle is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Benaroya Hall that will bring the inaugural Northwest Music Experience (NWME) conference and expo into their beautiful downtown venue.

     

    Benaroya Hall is the place to be August 16-18, 2013 for this multi-genre music education, expo, and performance event. There is currently nothing like it in the Pacific Northwest; an event that brings musicians, fans, and industry luminaries together for one unforgettable summer weekend.

     

    Highlights include: a keynote address, expo floor, VIP party in the Grand Lobby, closing ceremonies, and featured performances in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. There are plans for up to 5 parallel educational sessions and performances at Benaroya Hall’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and intimate reception and lecture spaces.

     

    NWME 2013 promises to be a music community event you won’t want to miss!

     

    “Benaroya Hall is a stunning and versatile venue that fits the Northwest Music Experience vision perfectly,” says Songwriters in Seattle Organizer and NWME Chairperson Chris Klimecky, “It will bring everything we need under one roof, and of course everything will sound amazing. This is an ideal place to hear and be heard in the Pacific Northwest.”

     

    Troy Skubitz, Director of Benaroya Hall, adds, “Events like these are critical to the growth of the Northwest music community. We recognize the value of music conferences and are thrilled to host and partner with Songwriters in Seattle.”

     

    For more information about NWME and the current campaign to raise seed capital for the event, please visit:
    http://www.indiegogo.com/nwme

     

    Benaroya Hall:
    http://www.benaroyahall.org

  • NWME IndieGoGo Seedfunding Campaign Launched!

    NWME IndieGoGo Seedfunding Campaign Launched!

    After 9 months of planning, anticipation, and building excitement, we are very happy to announce that we are ready to make the big push to bring the Northwest Music Experience convention and expo to life! Our grassroots effort to create a major multi-genre event which educates, connects with music industry, and creatively inspires in Seattle that serves the entire Pacific NW region needs your help…it’s as simple as going to:

     


    http://www.indiegogo.com/nwme

     

    All you need to know about the seedfunding campaign is there, and more great news regarding the exact date and venue are coming within the next few weeks! Please share the link, post it on social media and spread the word – it is as important, if not more important, than contributing yourself. Please consider giving $5, $10, or more – every little bit helps. This is going to be a music community event like nothing else in the Northwest. Have a look and be a part of launching something special! We hope you are as excited as we are to see this event take shape and become reality. Share it, contribute, and let’s make it happen!