Hit Songwriter/Author/Playwright Austin Gary to Speak at Motlow Smyrna on Oct. 17

      SMYRNA — Hit Songwriter/Author/Playwright Austin Gary will share insights on the inner workings of the Nashville music industry during a special presentation for students and faculty at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 (Tuesday) on the Motlow Smyrna campus.

Gary’s talk, “The Ride to Number One: The Long, Bumpy, Winding Road to Music Success,” is part of the College’s “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.” The tunesmith gained international success in the 1997 by co-writing country star Jeff Carson’s number one hit, “The Car.” The tune was listed among Broadcast Music Incorporated’s top played songs of the year. 

“One of the most important attributes a person can have is curiosity,” said Gary, who currently works and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. “Curiosity has led me from one interesting pursuit to another. To all Motlow students attending, I wish you endless curiosity... in pursuit of your authentic selves!”

Austin Gary

Other Gary-penned songs include “One Stone at a Time” (for Tammy Wynette); “Every Time My Heart Calls Your Name” (for John Berry); “The Letter” (for Ronna Reeves); “Dixie’s Bar & Grill” (for Brent Lamb); “A Love Like This” (for Cleve Francis); and “If Dreams Have Wings” (for James T. Horn). 

Gary also is an award-winning author and playwright. His novels include “A Delicate Dance,” “The Queerling,” “Miss Madeira,” “Ask No Secrets,” and “Genius.” He has received literary awards such as Indiefab Book of the Year (“A Delicate Dance”); Finalist in the Faulkner-Wisdom Literary Competition (“The Queerling,” “Miss Madeira,” and “Genius”); and Finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Competition (“Ask Me No Secrets”).

His novels “Miss Madeira” and “Genius” have been adapted into plays. His latest staged effort is a two-man Walt Whitman play titled “Song of Myself.” 

Also a documentarian, Gary filmed a moving and thought-provoking YouTube video about Marty Luther King Jr. titled “They Killed Martin: 3 Lives Forever Changed.” He has appeared on Seattle Public Radio to share personal stories about Thornton Wilder, Martin Luther King Jr., and his experiences on stage. 

Gary has served as an educator, advertising creative director, radio/television jingle composer, and newspaper editor. He is a member of PEN Canada. 

He is the father of the late stage director Rachel Rockwell and music industry professional Jeremy Spencer, a former drummer for the heavy rock band Five Finger Death Punch.

Gary’s talk will occur in HSC 323. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students and faculty can watch his presentation on Zoom at https://mscc.zoom.us/j/8195274640?pwd=UkF3UjRIYTFpdXltNEtvSjduVkRtdz09. For more information about the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series,” contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter/Visual Artist Laura Powers to Speak on Oct. 27

  SMYRNA -- Award-winning singer/songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers will kick off the fall installment of the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” with a talk at Motlow Smyrna from 2-3 p.m. Oct. 27 (Thursday).

  Powers’ presentation, “Journey into the Arts and Beyond,” will provide insight on how creativity of any kind can spur one’s opportunities for personal growth and success. Her session, which will occur in HSC 323, will feature original music and fine art, as well as stories from the artist’s career journey. Please contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu if you are interested in attending. 

Laura Powers

“Throughout my career, I’ve learned and continue to learn the skills needed for the creation of music, artwork, promotional videos, and websites,” the artist said. “I enjoy collaborating with other musicians, filmmakers and marketing professionals in Nashville and other parts of the world. I hope my presentation will inspire students to believe that any dream is possible.” 

Powers grew up in a military family, spending much of her youth in Europe. She studied abroad and began singing professionally in college. The artist later landed a record deal with Carrere Records in Paris, with successful singles and international appearances on radio and television. Her songs have been covered by numerous recording artists, and she has received awards in the television, music and advertising industries. Powers has released six albums of original Celtic-infused music.

The Nashvillian also has a background in visual art (oil painting). She has taught classes and created some of the artwork for her music CDs. Her collection of original paintings “Golden Muses,” which honored female songwriters, was spotlighted in a nationally aired segment on TNN: The Nashville Network. Her landscape paintings have been chosen for several high-profile, juried art shows.  

She continues to perform with The L.A. Party Dolls, an all-female show band that belts out classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s. The trio has entertained audiences in cities such as Las Vegas; Reno, Nevada; and Palm Springs, California.

Powers also has experience with the development and marketing of a retail product. She patented a unique jewelry item and launched an Indiegogo and social media campaign for international exposure.

She has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including an Emmy nomination for a Public Television spot on “Television Worth Watching” that promoted PBS programming and membership; a regional ADDY Award for “Best Television Ad Campaign” on “Television Worth Watching”; and finalist for New Age Vocal Album of the Year (“Legends of the Goddess”) by New Age Voice magazine.   

“These projects all need marketing and promotion, which can be a time challenge when one’s passion is creating music or artwork,” Powers said. 

The “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” will continue on Nov. 17 with a talk by filmmaker Brent Backhus. Admission is free to Motlow students, faculty, administrators and staff. To learn more, contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Nashville Artist/Songwriter/Recording Engineer Bryan Cumming to Headline Next ‘Famous Communicator’ Talk

By Chuck Whiting

Motlow Buzz Faculty Editor-in-Chief

 

         SMYRNA -- Bryan Cumming, an acclaimed artist, songwriter, recording engineer, and member of the Grammy-nominated group The WannaBeatles, will speak from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Oct. 20 (Tuesday) as part of Motlow’s "Famous Communicator Speakers Series."

         The musician's talk is called "Success and Failure (In and Out) of the Music Industry." He will share his fascinating story on Zoom with photos, videos and live music demonstrations. Admission is open to all members of the Motlow family. Other upcoming "Famous Communicator" speakers this fall include internationally acclaimed visual artist Camille Engel (November - TBA). Nashville author Odie Lindsey spoke on Oct. 1.

          To access Cumming's talk on Zoom, visit https://mscc.zoom.us/j/94032042039

 

Artist Bryan Cumming performs in Nashville 

         Cumming, who sings and plays guitar, sax and cornet, has recorded with popular acts such as Al Jarreau and The Pointer Sisters. He has released several solo CDs. His album "Come Out Swinging" pays tribute to the classic songs and legendary jazz artists of the Silent Generation.  

 

         In 2009, he and three fellow members of The WannaBeatles walked the Red Carpet in Hollywood after receiving a Grammy nomination for the CD "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond." Cumming also produces and records artists at Studio 23 Nashville.

 

         "Come Out Swinging" celebrates the spirit of swing with a lively mix of traditional jazz classics and originals. Highlights include covers of standards written and/or performed by legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, and Irving Berlin. The album, which was recorded at Java Jive Studio in Nashville, features Kelli Cox on keyboards, Adam Mormolstein on drums, and John Vogt on bass.

 

         "I grew up listening to the music my father loved, including recordings by jazz artists such as Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and Glen Miller," he said. "As my music career has developed, I've found myself gravitating toward swing. It has a life-affirming tempo that expresses optimism, enthusiasm and energy. I hope my new album will inspire motion, inviting dancers to sway together, bounce, and enjoy the moment, just like in my daddy's day."

 

         A Georgia native, Bryan Cumming grew up in a musical family playing Dixieland and classic jazz and singing harmony on Beatles songs. After serving a year in the U.S. Army playing saxophone, he toured and recorded with Martin Mull. He moved to Los Angeles in 1976, playing sax on sessions with artists such as Al Jarreau, The Pointer Sisters, Maria Muldaur, Al Hirt, and The Ohio Players. 

 

         He later joined Billy Vera and The Beaters, performing at the Tokyo Music Festival and on the number one single "At This Moment". He performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as a member of the Los Angeles Jazz Choir. He toured Japan and South America with David Soul, and toured four years as the lead guitarist for ShaNaNa. 

 

         Among the covers on the CD are "Sunny Side of the Street," a standard recorded by Tommy Dorsey and The Sentimentalists in 1944. Other covers include "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "It Had to Be You," and "Blue Skies." 

 

         The album's title track, "Come Out Swinging," swings to life with the sounds and lyrical images of the '30s, '40s and '50s.

 

         "I wrote the song in 2008 to honor the classic swing music I learned from my parents," said Cumming. "'Come Out Swinging' is a nostalgic look at yesterday. It is presented as an imaginary epiphany, where the singer hears the phone ring and mysteriously hears the sounds of old swing tunes. He gets inspired and preaches the message 'it's time to play' to his listeners."

 

         Hit songwriter and author Jason Blume says the project "offers a refreshing blend of original and traditional swing tunes that are both fun and exhilarating."

 

         Since moving to Nashville in 1988, he has performed and/or recorded with artists such as K.T. Oslin, Cleve Francis, and the Grammy-nominated Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles.

 

         For more information about Bryan Cumming and his new album, "Come Out Swinging," visit http://www.BryanCumming.com. 

 

Songwriting Launchpad: Tips On How to Write A Song

By Sally Quick

      Songwriting has been a passion of mine since I was very young.  My first song was co-written with my cousin about her grandmother’s teacakes when we were about 8 years old.  Inspiration is important.  At 50, food continues to rank among one of my favorite incentives.  Quality is necessary.  The song needs to be sound enough to stand the test of time.  Availability is desirable.  You may prefer to confine your creation to your inner circle, or write it for the world to hear.  A good song wants an audience.  A great song demands one.

     Songs have been written on most any subject imaginable.  Love won, love lost, faith, people, nature, pets, trains, trucks, morality, immorality, RV’s, Patriotism, money, and even politics hardly scratch the surface of the topics that can inspire a lyric.  Any competent songwriter has learned to look for inspiration in everyday and seemingly unimportant events.  This may contribute to the fact that many writers may seem to “look right through you” in a conversation.  Their creative minds are trolling for song ideas.

     The older I get, the harder I work at writing.  I want to write songs that inspire and encourage other people.  I want to write well-crafted songs about pertinent subjects and silly nonsense.  As an eternal student, I study the art of songwriting through several avenues.  Many books have been written on the subject by talented songwriters and industry professionals.  “Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting: 126 Proven Techniques for Writing Songs That Sell” is a highly rated book.”  “The Everything SongwritingBook” by C.J. Watson and “How to Write a Hit Song” by Molly-Ann Leikin are a part of my personal collection.  Other songwriters maintain educational blogs or write informative articles for various publications.  Songwriting seminars, intensives, and live workshops are very helpful ways to strengthen your writing skills.  Each of these resources can contribute to the ongoing education of songwriting.  It is extremely important to glean from the knowledge of others.

     I have had the privilege of meeting some very talented individuals in the Christian songwriting field.  One of these giants is Dave Clark, recipient of ASCAP’s 2009 Living Legacy Award.  Dave’s concern for others vies for the top spot in his list of qualities.  Among his many talents lies an aptitude for using modern technology.  However, Dave writes of his concern for the possibility of tech advancement to overshadow the need for good songs.  “We have the ability to prop up average songs with compelling videos and well-placed guitar solos…”  Clark reminds us that quality lyrics and well written music must only be enhanced by technology.  Kenna Turner West is another songwriter that comes to mind.  Kenna has had eight number one songs and over 20 song nominations.  She recently garnered her first two Doves at the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  Kenna has a tenacity for staying with a song from start to finish.  Sue Smith, a five-time Dove award winner, has written over 55 musicals and nine number one songs.  Sue has a passion for helping other songwriters develop their talent.  The “Write About Jesus Workshop” is a writing intensive in St. Louis that Smith and her husband John started in 2000.  Melissa Brady is another accomplished Christian writer and she highly recommends the online writing course through the Berklee College of Music led by Jimmy Kachulis.

     The path of a song includes a number of steps, beginning with the concept.  This idea is referred to as the “hook.”  The creative process continues with writing or co-writing sessions.  This portion of the song is completed when all lyric and melody editing is finalized.  A good quality demo is recommended before pitching a song.  Modern technology facilitates in-house productions.  Feel free to record this yourself if you are a skilled musician and have access to adequate equipment necessary to make a good clean demo.  If not, hire a professional.  The motto here is “only serious inquiries need apply.”

     In the music industry, especially songwriting, there is an unwritten protocol that the writer should follow.  These guidelines can best be summed up with a list of Do’s and Don’ts.  I want to address only a couple of obvious ones.  Do develop relationships with artists and producers.  Networking is important.  I confess that I slip in this department.  As a creative type, I’m more comfortable in the corner of my garage writing that I am in a crowd. 

     The other topic is a “Don’t.”  Don’t send unsolicited songs by email.  Contact the person to find out if they are looking for songs and where to send them.  Sending song files can bog down some email servers, especially if several songwriters are pitching at the same time.  Don’t send a CD with a lot of songs.  Find out what type of songs the artist is looking for such as up-tempo, ballad, or ¾ songs.  In gospel music, there are some rather colorful terms for fast songs.  They include “Barnburner” and “Three Chords and a Cloud of Dust.”  You want to be able to fill a niche for the album that is being recorded.

     As a writer, nothing compares to watching a song go from a coffee stained ledger straight to the heart of the listener.