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 Guest Speakers |
TAXI will talk and answer your questions about TAXI... and if you've been waiting... this is the night to join. A&R consultant & producer Karl Louis will be representing TAXI. He’s worked with Limp Bizkit, the Deftones, Faith No More, Rage Against The Machine, written for HITS magazine, and writes the A&R column for The Album Network magazine. More... 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. |
September 1 , 2010, 7:30pm-10pm WEDNESDAY Legendary A&R Man Nigel Grainge received industry-wide acclaim for his successful signings of Thin Lizzy, The Boomtown Rats, The Waterboys, 10cc, Sinead O’Connor, The Steve Miller Band, Graham Parker and the Rumor and World Party. Now based in LA, Nigel continues his passion to discover and develop new talent. Together with Bob Geldof, he is working with YouBloom, a worldwide music site committed to empowering unsigned artists to extend their reach and help them turn their music “cents” into dollars, using his enormous tunes database to provide uncovered gems for artists to record. A recent visitor has been Robert Plant who is considering several of the songs for new projects, including a follow-up to his enormously successful LP with Alison Krauss. Nigel says: "Over the past decade, the big development has been that artists now rule. That may sound like a good thing but artists now insist on such watertight contracts and put themselves into such a firm driving position that when they have a hit, they become uncontrollable, don't listen to advice, they think they're infallible and exclude everybody else's input. Obviously, the record industry has brought this on itself but the truth is that the artist doesn't always know best…over the coming years, you're going to see more and more acts going off the rails. The future of music is going to be one hit wonders and one LP bands. And that to me is an appalling prospect." Nigel knows from experience what being signed REALLY means. More than just looking for great material, he’s also looking to HELP YOU understand what it takes so you can have a real career in this industry. Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
August 4 , 2010, 7:30pm-10pm WEDNESDAY Wanna real JOB in the music industry? NARIP is the National association of recording industry PROFESSIONALS, which means if you're SERIOUS about the industry, you NEED to know wazzup. As founder and CEO of this organization and LAMN (Los Angeles Music Network), Tess Taylor has been quoted as an authority in publications such as USA Today, Newsweek, LA Times, & lectured at Harvard Business School, UCLA, & Berklee College of Music. Tess is an educator that will bring information to share you won't find anywhere else! On top of all that, she's a talented musician & songwriter too & is one of the most connected & respected people in the industry. She will be taking time out of her schedule to explain why you need to know key players in this business, & who they are. And, how YOU can be one. She'll explain how networking has helped people getworking. Always informative & entertaining, be sure to bring your notepads for this one, 'cuz she often gets a weeks worth of great information crammed into a couple o' hours. Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
July 14 , 2010, 7:30pm-10pm WEDNESDAY In a male dominated field of dreams, Lenise Bent has forged a path to success & recognition placing her at the top of an elite roster of producer-engineers. Credits on legendary albums by Steely Dan, Supertramp, The Knack & Blondie, working in the finest studios around such as Ocean Way, The Village, AIR London & The Record Plant, have given her the ears & experience needed to be one of the most highly sought-after & respected engineer/producers in the industry. Her credits go far beyond hit records too, post production mixing, editing, ADR and foley, supervising & producing the vocals and dialogue recording for foreign language versions of Dreamworks films including SHREK, SPIRIT & SHREK 2. Lenise is a long-standing member of NARAS, the Producers and Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy and has recently been elected to the board of directors of the Los Angeles chapter of Women in Music. She is also a production coordinator with Active Music, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and money for other non-profits through the music community. Lenise periodically teaches classes at SAE Institute on “Studio Budgets, Protocols and Etiquette” and “Location Sound, Foley and Hard Effects”. Five years ago Lenise returned to her true love, music, and is recording and producing up-and-coming independent artists as well as seasoned professionals. She believes ”there are only two kinds of music…good and bad. I love working on all styles…as long as it’s in the first group.” Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
June 2 , 2010, 7:30pm-10pm WEDNESDAY Once again, this tremendously popular session returns, featuring members who are making a living doing nothing but music, they will be sharing what they do, an dhow they do it. James Potkey was our showcase director for several years. He is now using much of what he has learned thru SongNet to become a full-time entertainer, taking his well respected musical talents far beyond the music alone to create a true experience. Jody Whitesides An accomplished songwriter and stage performer, Jody moved to Hollywood was quickly spotted by a talent scout who arranged a conversation with legendary hit record producer, promoter and star maker Maurice Starr. Jody’s technical prowess & marketing abilities have helped him maintain strong connections with icons like Derek Sivers, & provided opportunities to keep moving forward & keep pace with the constant changes we’ve all experiencing in this industry. Neil Rutman owns and operates Planet Juice Music, a digital music and audio production facility located in Altadena, CA. He has composed, produced, performed and recorded material for such clients as FOX TV, FX Network, Moss Warner Advertising, Sirius Radio, Inner City Broadcasting, Language Tree and many others. Click here for more... Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
May 5 , 2010, 7:30pm-10pm WEDNESDAY Dude Mclean is the founder of Songconsultant.com, & author of "The Songwriter's Survival Guide to Success”, a condensed version of what he has taught & experienced over 35+ years in the music industry. As the Professional Manager of Dawnbreaker Music, an artist-owned music publishing company, Director of Creative Services, MCA Music Publishing, west coast division, Senior Vice President of Copyright Management Inc. (CMI), Co-founder/co-owner Aire L.A. Studios, & Co-Founder of Rage Entertainment, a record, production and management company, Dude’s unique experience & perspective has allowed him to work with ZZ Top, Glen Ballard, Emmy Lou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Lionel Ritchie, Ray Charles Columbia/Tristar & dozens of other respected artists & companies. Most artists & songwriters learn their craft from the school of hard knocks, a school filled with misinformation, lies, half-truths, and myths, Some of these myths have been around for over 50 years. Lacking the skills and knowledge on how to handle a career is a wreck waiting to happen, and can cost writers thousands of dollars in major mistakes and assumptions, sometimes derailing promising careers for artists, producers, publishers and managers as well. Dude’s broad range of expertise & experience has helped educate many around these pitfalls & built songconsultant.com into one of the most sought-after resources of it’s kind by serious professionals & up & coming artists alike. & tonight, this priceless information is FREE! www.songconsultant.com for more information Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
April 7 , 2010, 7:30pm-10pm WEDNESDAY In this day and age of labels crashing and A&R budgets getting tossed out the window, artist development is now in the hands of independent promoters, managers and consultants. Getting the IMPORTANT gig is more about who you know more than ever or who you pay. With a resume full of experience & a platinum record for promotion that belies her demeanor, Toni is on the cutting edge of the new A&R, providing artists opportunities to perform without “pay-to-play”, connecting her clients with publishers, branding/licensing, radio, press, & other industry people who can make a career happen, plus providing a gentle hand of wisdom guiding an artist so they aren’t getting in over their head. Depending on the artist or project, Toni designs and co-visions marketing, promotions, publicity or provides expertise with consultation on how to get there over a period of time – from where you are to where you want to “be.” As Music Director for Method Fest Film Festival for the 2nd year she’s booked European artists like Cian Walsh, Nina McCann, Panda Transport, & soon east coast artist Rachel VanSlyke & Nashville’s Kat Lytning who are planning tours this year. She will be a mentor at the Australian Songwriters Conference and assists COSMO, the Coalition of Songwriter & Music Orgs. Toni will also have a few of her industry friends coming along to add to the topics in discussion. Song critiques, production and presentation in performance tips and more…how to help your career JUMP forward…FREE! More on TK Promotions pitchasong@gmail.com or Facebook Toni Koch Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
March 10 , 2010, 7:30-10pm (2ND WED. THIS MONTH!!!) How often have you heard “Get it in writing”, followed by “GET AN ATTORNEY”? if the wrong things are written, getting it in writing isn’t enough! Ben McLane is one of the most active attorneys in the music industry. You’ll find his name in almost every issue of Music Connection magazine, helping to get someone a deal. As the former head of business affairs/CFO for JWP-USA/BMG Records, working legal and business affairs at Rhino Records, Priority Records and as a talent scout for Sire Records, Ben is one of the few attorneys who know both sides of the table well. Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
WEDNESDAY February 17, 2010The SongNet Songwriter's Showcase is running strong and now in its 9th year! Hosted by our own Stephen GC, the Showcase features many different songwriters from local talent to internationals passing through Los Angeles. Sign up early if you want to play- 2 songs or 10 minutes per artist! No fee, no cover, in other words, FREE. (But buy some great coffee and a snack) COFFEE
GALLERY BACKSTAGE |
February 3 , 2010, 7:30-10pm Dan’s latest book, It All Begins with the Music: Developing Successful Artists and Careers for the New Music Business offers practical information on how to make an impact in today's music business. Across an impressive span of 80+ exclusive interviews, co-authors Don Grierson and Dan Kimpel introduce a stellar cast of diverse music biz luminaries. This is your opportunity to find out how to make AND use the connections you can find all day in this town. Priceless information! Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
January 6 , 2010, 7:30-10pm LaFamos is a marketing, publicity and design firm with offices in Hollywood and Davis, California. LaFamos specializes solely in independent artists, allowing them to stay focused on what they do best – music! LaFaMos will discuss the GRANTS! program. Use the contact form to submit for a grant. After all, you're the star. We're just here to help! Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
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. |
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. |
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August 5 , 2009, 7:30-10pm
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July 1, 2009, 7:30-10pm
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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 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 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 Click here for more infromation about AWARDS NIGHT SHOWCASE! FREE FREE FREE. |
March 4 , 2009, 7:30-10pm Priceless insight from an industry legend. Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
February 4 , 2009, 7:30-10pm 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. Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! FREE FREE FREE. |
January 7 , 2009, 7:30-10pm 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 Seminar! Song Critique. And more!!! Bob Stane's Rant Part 1 - Bob Stane's Rant Part 2 FREE FREE FREE. |
November 5 , 2008, 7:30-10pm
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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
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WEDNESDAY August 6, 2008, 7:30-10pm
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TUESDAY July 1, 2008, 7:30-10pm
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June 4, 2008, 7:30-10pm
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May 7, 2008, 7:30-10pm
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April 2, 2008, 7:30-10pm
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Saturday, March 29, 2008
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Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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February 6, 2008, 7:30-10pm |
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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. .. ..
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MyRecordLabel.net
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. 
John Braheny