My Next Guest Blog at WCS...

West Coast Songwriter's Conference: Have you mapped out your schedule yet?

Beginning with the Kickoff on Friday – this weekend’s West Coast Songwriter’s Conference is upon us. I was so excited to open up the Handbook & check out the schedule! Can’t believe how much great material they managed to squeeze into one weekend. Here’s what I’m thinking so far:
 
Saturday Morning:
“Are you Housetrained” – a talk on the phenomenon of house concerts. As an independent artist, I’m very intrigued by this seminar! I may poke my head next door to see Steven Memel’s workshop “The Science of Switching On” as well. And then in the other room, Lisa Aschmann is talking about songwriting without instruments. There’s something for everyone!
 
Then in the afternoon:
1pm – Enrique Gonzalez Muller is leading a talk on how to “Trim the Fat from Your Song,” which I’m sure will be helpful. Though I may end up at the “Grammy Panel” of songwriters and producers. “Getting Airplay” is in the 3^rd room and is currently the front-runner on my schedule. Why wouldn’t I want to know more about that?
2:15 – It’s a toss up for me, between Steve Seskin’s “2^nd Verse Curse” and Dave Peck’s “Branding & Using Social Networks.” The creative aspect vs. the business side – which seminar will win out? Enrique will also be doing a continuation of “Trim the Fat” in the 3^rd room.
3:30 – Slightly starstruck here – Lucy Schwartz, co-writer of “Darling I Do” from the latest Shrek movie will be interviewed and I can’t wait to hear all about her journey. Next door, there will be a discussion on “Publishing & Royalties” which may be less glamorous, but important information for budding songwriters nonetheless.
4:45 – Louis Biancianiello will close out the day with an interview. No competition here, because this interview is not to be missed! This is the extremely talented writer & producer who has worked with an impressive list of musicians, including Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingield, Jordin Sparks and more.
After dinner you’ll find me at the Sunset Concert!
 
Sunday Morning:
Coffee first – then it’s time for more networking & seminars. Starting the morning off with an interview of Ted Hewitt – or should I attend “Making Money as a Songwriter” with Ned Hearn, Todd Brabec & Jeff Brabec? Then in the 3^rd room, founder of RootMusic, J Sider will be leading “Building Your FanBase & Online Presence” – can’t miss that!
After lunch I’ll probably split my time between “Setting Up a Tour & Managing yourself” and a seminar by the extremely talented songwriter, Bonnie Hayes next door.
2:15 rolls around and I’ll have to choose between Greg Camp (former member & writer of the hit band SmashMouth) and Steven Memel, who will be leading another amazing seminar on performance!
3:30 – I’ll end the day at the Round & Round. Fantastic!
And it doesn’t end there – Song Screenings, One on Ones and Performance Showcases will be happening throughout Saturday and Sunday. The full schedule is online at http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org/the-program. I can’t wait for this weekend!


What’s your schedule?