Down On The Corner

By Paul Moffett

• A new indie record label, Debauchery Records, has opened in Louisville. Debauchery's first release was the Pine Club's eponymous CD, released July 24. Also just released is Fire the Saddle's Four Feet Off the Ground. Of course, all DR releases will be available at ear X-Tacy Records.

• Wanna learn to sing harmony, barbershop style? The Pride of Kentucky Chorus is offering four free vocal lessons to women of all ages from 7:30-9 pm beginning September 7 through September 28, to be held at the Clifton Center, on the corner of Clifton Ave. and Payne St. near Frankfort Ave.. The basics of singing, including vocal production and proper breathing techniques, will be taught.

• The 2004 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries. Like most contests these days, ISC claims to "expose" artists to the industry and in the case of ISC, that would be these judges: Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Michael Gudinski (Chairman, Mushroom Group of Companies); Alan Meltzer (CEO, Wind Up Records); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP Gospel/Urban Music, Sony Records); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Tracy Gershon (Sr.Dir A&R/Artist Dev, Sony Records Nashville); Chris Parr (VP of Music Programming & Talent Relations, CMT); Peter Asher (Co-President, Sanctuary Artist Management); Kim Stephens (VP A&R, Lava Records); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada) and Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People). There is also a list of artists, who provide namefame but who are not decision-makers as are the judges listed above presumably are. Of course, these judges only hear the songs which have made it through the gauntlet of (unknown) judges who boil the list down.

The categories for 2004 are: AAA/Roots/Americana, Dance/Electronica, Jazz, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues,Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Lyrics Only, Rock, Children's Music, Gospel/Christian, Performance, Teen, Country, Instrumental, Pop/Top 40, World.

The contest offers $100,000 in cash and prizes. Find out more at:http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/

• There is an assortment of news from the Music Department at Indiana University Southeast. First, we note that Dr. Jonathan Crutchfield has joined the faculty as the new director of the IU Southeast Concert Choir. Next, composer Erich Stem has accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Music in the area of Music Theory and Composition. Finally, the department is inviting musicians in the southern Indiana/Louisville, Kentucky community with performing experience to join one or more of its ensembles.  String players with orchestral experience are particularly encouraged to joinInterested musicians should contact the Music Department office at (812) 941-2655 for more information.

• From the Kentucky Arts Council come these opportunities: The KAC is now accepting applications for the Teacher Initiated Program, which assists schools in bringing professional artists into the classroom for residencies in the spring of 2005. For Teacher Initiated Program grant guidelines and instructions, go to http://artscouncil.ky.gov/guide/prog6/tip_guid.htm.

The KAC's Individual Artist Fellowship Program recognizes "creative excellence in practicing, professional Kentucky artists and supports the advancement and continuation of their arts careers through monetary Fellowship awards and promotional opportunities. Awards of $7500 will be given for each Fellowship.. Artists not receiving Fellowships may be selected to receive a $1000 Professional Assistance Award. Applicants for this highly competitive program will be judged by a panel of out-of-state artists and arts professionals. Awards are based on artistic excellence, professional achievement and the potential of the fellowship to enhance the artist's development."

Individual Artist Fellowships are awarded annually on a rotating basis by discipline. September 15, 2004 is the postmark deadline for musical composers, choreographers, writers and interdisciplinary artists. Applicants must be professional artists creating their own work, at least 18 years of age and residents of Kentucky.

Guidelines, instructions and application forms for the Individual Artist Fellowship program can be downloaded from the Kentucky Arts Council's Web site at www.artscouncil.ky.gov. Paper copies of application forms and instruction materials are also available upon request by calling toll-free 1-888-833-2787, extension 4800. For more information about the Artist Fellowships and other artist opportunities, contact Heather Lyons, Individual Artist Program Director, at 888-833-2787, ext. 4827 or heather.lyons@ky.gov

• Over in New Albany, the Harvest Homecoming folks are having a songwriting contest. Prizes include studio time, trophies and other items yet to be determined. Contact Crytal Moss at 812- 945-2077 for more information.

Codas

• King Thomas, 24, died in Louisville on August 8. He was a musician.