Norm Goldfarb
4 likes Songwriter
The purpose of this page is to provide tools and tips to help you write that first great song and record it in a home recording studio format. Let some of Songramp's veteran songwriters and producers share techniques, tips and ideas that they have used with great success to write and record some of their best songs that they themselves have created.Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned songwriter or producer, I trust that you will find this page extremely useful.Maybe you don’t know how to write a song as yet. Maybe you’re presently recording a song and you’re stuck. Or maybe you’re an accomplished songwriter/producer looking to take your craft to a higher level.While writing is mostly about inspiration, there are certain tricks that the best players in the game use. We shall present you with these tricks. You can also gain access to the knowledge we’ve gathered through years upon years of study and through hands-on experience recording ours and others songs right here. And the good news is that it’s FREE.
Norm Goldfarb
Larry Killam
RG Copper
Ron Madore
DC
Dale Crockett began his journey as a musician back when he was nine years old, having been inspired by the group "The Monkees" to learn to play the guitar.  He had developed a deep appreciation for music even before that, though, having spent the first seven years of his life almost completely deaf, due to underdeveloped Eustachian tubes, the canals that run from the sinus cavities to the inner ear. Because of that condition, he was prone to severe ear infections. where thick, "cheesy" fluid would coagulate around his eardrums,affecting his ability to hear clearly. He had difficulty understanding anyone who spoke to him,and describes the sound as being similar to the sound used for the adults talking on the old "Peanuts" cartoon specials on television. But despite not being able to understand the human voice clearly, he could somehow hear musical pitches, and was able to tell them apart, an ability known as "relative pitch." He remembers spending several hours each day sitting on the floor in front of the his parents' stereo speakers, with his ears relatively close to the speakers, listening to different record albums from their collection. As Dale says "I was probably around 6-7 years old, so I don't really remember everything that I listened to,- although I remember that my mom and dad had several of the Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass albums, some Neil Diamond, Fifth Dimension, Glen Campbell, Vicki Lawrence - so I know they were just a few of the different artists I listened to back then. But it really didn't matter to me who it was I was listening to - all that really mattered to me was that music was something I could actually understand - something that made sense  to me."   When he got older, Dale began a series of operations on his ears that resolved his hearing difficulties. He admits that even today, he still only has about 60-70 percent hearing in his left ear, but he has learned to compensate for that partial hearing loss. Dale says "Having those surgeries every year for a kid as young as I was was pretty scary, but looking back on it now, I thank God that I had the surgeries, because if I hadn't, I'd probably be 100% deaf today. When the group "The Monkees" came on the scene, and had their weekly television show, Dale was hooked. "I know that a lot of guitar players my age were inspired by The Beatles, or even Hendrix, but it was The Monkees that did it for me," Dale says. "They were my favorite - my heroes. I remember watching their TV show every Monday night religiously, and especially liked the part toward the end of each episode where they'd perform a song. I remember thinking "I want to do that."  Dale began pestering his parents for guitar lessons, and when he turned nine, they finally relented and signed him up for guitar lessons at a local music store. "My parents rented a guitar for me for my lessons," Dale says. "I can't remember what kind it was - but it was a smaller, beginner's guitar - red and black with strings about half a mile off the neck. It certainly wasn't anything anywhere near what I'm used to now, of course, but back then, it was the most beautiful guitar in the world to me.  And it's a really cool coincidence - and pretty appropriate - that my teacher's last name was Pick. His name was Dr. Ernest Pick, and he was the French professor at the nearby Lake County Community College. and he taught beginning guitar on the side." Dale took lessons for about a year, learning all the basic fundamentals of guitar playing. During the course of those lessons, Dale actually got a secondary musical education - the ability to read music. I worked out of 'an 'Alfred's Basic Guitar" book for beginners," Dale recalls, "which taught the different notes on the staff and where they were on the guitar, as well as the different types of notes - half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, etc. Being just a beginner and not knowing any better, I just assumed that learning how to read music was just part of learning the guitar. I didn't realize that Dr. Pick was actually teaching me something 'extra', that a lot of guitar teachers don't teach." After his family relocated to the central Ohio area, Dale didn't start taking formal guitar lessons again for about two years. In the meantime, though, he taught himself basic chords and strumming patterns out of a "John Denver for Easy Guitar" songbook which his older brother gave him for Christmas. Dale says "I'd heard most of the songs in that book, and knew how they were supposed to go, and so that helped me in knowing that I was playing the chords right and developing my rhythm correctly.  I've got several John Denver tunes in my live performance repertoire, and each time I play one - whether it's "Back Home Again", or "Take Me Home, Country Roads", I can't help; but to think back on those days when I'd sit on the edge of my bed with that songbook open, learning and mastering those chords."  It was also during that time that Dale was first exposed to guitarist Chet Atkins through his father's copy of "Chet Atkins Picks On The Hits."  Dale recalls "That Chet Atkins album was the first album I'd ever heard where the guitar was the featured instrument. I quickly became a Chet Atkins admirer, and even to this day, he remains a huge inspiration to me. Dale began taking formal lessons again early on in high school, learning the classical guitar style, and it was through those lessons that Dale was first exposed to the world's most renowned classical guitarists, such as Andres Segovia, Christopher Parkening, John Williams and Liona Boyd, and subsequently was exposed to the music of some of the master composers of the classical guitar repertoire - Fernando Sor, Francisco Tarrega, etc. These lessons also helped him develop his right hand finger picking ability and technique. Although he enjoyed learning the classical guitar style, Dale knew even back then that he didn't want to be just a classical guitarist, and endeavored to be versatile, with the ability to play different styles of music. So he started collecting different books on guitar technique, music theory, and different style of guitar playing, and spent the next several years teaching himself. In the meantime, he began performing as both a solo artist, and then as his musical skills as a guitarist developed, played lead guitar with different groups. One of the groups he played with - "The American Eagle Band", was chosen to be the backup band for a new artist showcase down in Nashville, TN during Fan Fair (now known at the CMA Music Festival), in the Tennessee Ballroom of the world renowned Opryland Hotel. Dale was the music director for the show, and had the task of receiving the cassette tapes of the performers, and creating chord charts for all the songs for the band to follow during the performances. The band was onstage for nearly nine hours, backing up more than 60 different performers. A few months later, the band signed with a booking agent in Canada, and embarked on a six week tour of Ontario, Canada, with their last show being at the Maple Leaf Hotel in Timmins, Ontario, Shania Twain's hometown. At that time, Shania was still an unknown, and came out and sang with the band one night. 
Dale Crockett
Mick Adams
Eddie Minyard - Singer / Songwriter
3 likes Songwriter
BiographyEddie Minyard has been around music for his entire life. Born in Alabama, he has been exposed to different cultures and styles of music, from a very early age. His family would get together to play music, handing him an old harmonica. He's never looked back! He has had the good fortune to sit in with some of the greatest blues players of our time, including Lonnie Brooks, Matt “Guitar” Murphey and Big Al Carson. He’s played in the blues clubs of Chicago and New Orleans and many places in between, including Nashville. Eddie has written and collaborated on hundreds of songs – he has been a member of SongRamp since 2004, where over 100 of his songs are posted. While he has written in a wide range of genre, he gravitates to Blues, Country and Americana. Eddie is always interested in collaborating with others for songwriting, or adding a bit of harp to a recording – and always up for performing!Feel free to send a message to him at: eddie@songramp.net
Eddie Minyard
Isabella Bonaducci
Larry Killam
In Memorium
2 likes Songwriter
This Page is dedicated to our Members who haved passed on.  You will not be forgotten!   Feel free to share songs, stories and music from your memories of these folks.
SongRamp
David Abington
Hall of Fame
5 likes Songwriter
Songramp wishes to recognize artists and songwriters in our community who have consistently produced music that inspires us all, captivates our minds and hearts and is unforgettable. These same members have made outstanding contributions to the community whether it be posting great music, offering input on other's music, working or volunteering for the site, or offering suggestions for direction of the community.To qualify for the Hall Of Fame (aside from the above), you must have won any combination of 3 of the following awards over the course of your membership: Artist Of the Month, Artist Of The Year and/or Song Of The Month. (NOTE: SongRamp Leadership may elect to waive any or all of these requirements, under special circumstances, but always with good reasons.) We are still lucky enough to have these folks in the community. Two of them, while no longer present, are in a better place and their spirit still remains at Songramp via the music they left behind, as well as the friendships they cultivated. Once per year, at the RampBash, we will reveal one or two additional Songramp Hall of Fame Inductees. Congratulations to all of the inductees to the Songramp Hall of Fame!(Click on the names below to view the artist's homepage.)=========================================================Our 2008 Inductees:Lucy WebsterLucy Webster is one of the original members of Songramp, joining just shortly after the site came into existence and was an Administrator at Songramp for7 years to boot. As an Indie singer/songwriter, Lucy has toured all over the Midwest and has released two albums as well. Her songs are always honest, heartfelt, full of imagery, and her talented guitar playing and vocals are evident with every song she posts. Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM December 2002SOM Sept 2006AOM Apr 2008TheChiggers The Chiggers are a group of friends based in Nashville, who share a love for making music. The four main members of the "group" are Jericho (Jack Roulier) Chigger, Harry (Warren Wilken) Chigger, Big Daddy (Brian Williams) Chigger and Sid (Steve Oxford) Chigger. When you see thechiggers online, that's Steve. Steve joined SongRamp in Feb 2004 and has remained active since. Becoming a Moderator in 2006 then an Administrator in 2008. While the "core" members are the 4 listed above, the Chigs are proud to have had some of SongRamps best lend their talents to various projects and thereby becoming Chiggers themselves and they number into the dozens. Too many to name here but they know who they are! The Chiggers have released 9 self produced CD's to date and have no plans to stop! What genre is Chigger Music? Fun! Sometimes raw, sometimes out of tune or off tempo but it's always FUN!Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM June 2004SOM Sept 2005AOM Apr 2007DonnavalentineDonna Valentine is a singer/songwriter from Colorado, where she is also an NSAI Coordinator. Donna is an outstanding vocalist, in addition to being an incredible songwriter. She understands what makes a great lyric, interesting melody and a solid production. She's very insightful on providing genuine and constructive feedback to others in the forums as well. Donna soon hopes to move to Nashville and obtain a staff writing deal with a major publishing company; and we have no doubt that is going to happen.Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM July 2004SOM Oct 2005SOM Jul 2006SOM Mar 2008AOM May 2008Our 2009 Inductees:Cathead77Alan Johnston comes from a musical family and started playing along with his dad, Raymond Johnston, when he was twelve years old. He has played with several local groups down through the years including about a four year stint with Mel Street as Mel's bass player. Alan currently is playing bass and guitar in a bluegrass group he formed called South 52. He is probably most noted for a song he wrote, Muddy Water, about the floods of McDowell County in 2001 and 2002. He and his daughter, Jessi, recorded the song in 2002, and it was an instant local hit. Two noted bluegrassers, Don Rigsby and David Davis, have since recorded Muddy Water. One of his songs, The Ballad of Sarah Malone, recorded by David Davis and the Warrior River Boys reached the number 21 spot in Bluegrass Unlimited. Alan is happily married to his childhood sweetheart, Wilma, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Alan and Wilma make their home in Premier in McDowell County, West Virginia.Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM Sept 2005 AOY 2005SOM Oct 2007BeeswingBeeswing is Diane Rulliere, a lyricist from the UK. She found Songramp in July 2004, very shortly after beginning to try her hand at lyric writing. And it has been her second home ever since. Diane always writes from the heart and is an unashamed “metaphor writer”. The Ramp is a diamond mine for non-musical songwriters, with talented musicians and singers always ready to lend a hand or a voice. Diane now has over 100 song collaborations on her homepage thanks to the the spirit of collaboration unique to Songramp. In 2008 Diane became moderator of the Writers Room, and now also moderates the Lyric Lounge.Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM Jan 2006SOM Feb 2006SOM Apr 2008SOM Apr 2010AOM Jan 2012Our 2010 Inductees:   RJC Rob Campbell discovered Songramp in March 2003 and has been a member ever since. He is a one man band and is lucky enough to have recieved the help of the members here on Songramp for multiple collabs. Two albums under his belt from the ‘80’s, these days writing for the sheer love of it, though a couple self produced albums are in the works.Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM Jul 2006AOM Dec 2008AOY 2008SOM Oct 2009Pianoman3John has been a part of Songramp since 2004. Hehas been making music most of his life. Since he was 15 he has been involved in some form of the music business. Take for instance"The Meteors" whereJohn and fellow band mates encountered the firststirings of musical success. In 2008 he moved from Manchester England toCleveland GA where he nowhopes to write play and sing even more. It's a new start. It's a journey. One he hopes will continue with even more dreams fulfilled. Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM Oct 2004SOM Mar 2005SOM May 2008SOM Sept 2009Our 2011 Inductees: poorandneedy Greg Cox is one hell of a songwriter and performer. He is also very S L O W to get his "blurb" back to us… Accomplishmentsat Songramp:AOM Mar 2007SOM Aug 2009SOM Dec 2009SOM Jun 2010SOM Jun 2011KendamkierKen Damkier is known as one of the most respected blues guitarists in Denmark. He has played his guitar and blues harp for almost thirty years with one of the oldest, best known and sought after Danish Blues Bands known as the Oernes Blues Band. They have done over 3000 gigs in Scandinavia. Ken (known as 'The Viking') found his way onto SongRamp in 2007. Many became instant fans of his honesty and his elegant simplicity, which is his trademark. He never adds a note more than is needed to his deeply expressive and moving arrangements while always maintaining a high professional standard. His performances are sensitive, deep and dynamic. While on the Ramp, he has done countless collaborations. He has been magically influenced by his experience with the many talented people he has come to know. Since joining, he has developed a highly regarded singing voice while writing 125 songs or more. His songs are about happiness, abuse, sorrow, war, sex love and death. No matter the style he is writing, in each and every song there is an element of blues.Accomplishmentsat SongRamp:AOM Dec 2007SOM Jun 2009SOM Mar 2011SOM Jan 2012Our 2012 Inductee:   Rathole - aka - Clark Mortensen (RIP)You'll never find a more modest man than our own Mr. Rattie! A few words from Rathole:"WOW........I ain't no Hall of famer by any stretch of the word--I am truly touched--you all have meant so much to me since I joined in Dec 2003 or 2004 I can't remember the date---without songramp I doubt I would have ever written more than a couple of songs but the encouragement of the members kept me trying to get better at writing, playing and singing-- the word Trying is the key word in the last sentence!! (so it is actually your fault you have had to endure the torture) --I have met so many nice friends here that have been so good to me that I don't even know how to express my gratitude. Going to last years Ramp bash and actually meeting the people I interact with at Songramp is one of the coolest things I have done. It will be one of my fondest memories. Big Daddy opening up his home to me and my friends was a darn cool thing and I will always remember his great hospitality--I will sure miss him--he embodied the spirit of SongRamp!!All the Admins and Moderators and members are just fantastic people. I hope SongRamp has a long long run as the coolest music site on the planet. All you Admins and moderators work your butts off and I truly want to thank you.Thanks to everyone here at SongRampSONGRAMP ROCKS--SONGRAMP MEMBERS ARE THE BEST, HANDS DOWN!!!!"Accomplishments at SongRamp:SOM Aug 2010 SOM Feb 2012AOM Sept 2007Our 2013 Inductee: GeeDiane (aka Diane Gee Frasca aka Bling Chigger) Longtime member, major shareholder, extremely talented and slightly silly. Diane says: It is an extreme pleasure and honor to be included in SongRamp's Hall of Fame.The SongRamp members I have come to know have become my family away from home, andit's such a comfort to know I can find each of you with just a click. I am touched that this community consistently voted for me in order to earn the awards required to be eligible for Hall of Fame.I cannot thank you all enough. Our online music community is precious to me, and I am beyond thrilled to be included in this fine Hall of Fame.Thank you all!-- Diane Gee-Frasca(Bling Chigger)Accomplishments at SongRamp:Artist Of The Month November 2008Holiday Song Of The Year 2011Artist Of The Month June 2012 Our 2014 Inductee:   Yrral Mallik (Larry Killam) We are pleased to announce that Larry Killam has been elected to the SongRamp Hall of Fame for 2014! Larry has been a member of the Ramp since May of 2004. After almost 11 years, I'd say he must like it around here!  Larry is known and loved by almost EVERY member of SongRamp. It's a near certainty that he commented on ALL of your songs, and was likely the first "welcome" message sent to you. His comments have always been upbeat:   (AWESOME TITLE) Drew me right in.Enjoyed the listen.Love it.Great atmophere.   You can count on encouragement from Yrral Mallik!One of Larry's songs "You Play On" remains one of the Most Played (well over 900 plays!) and Most Commented (over 200!) songs in Ramp history!   We love you, pal - keep it up! Honorary Inductees songman32 (Jimmy Lee Smith) (RIP) It was a sad time for all of us at SongRamp when one of our most loved members (songman32) Jimmy Lee Smith, passed away. Jimmy was a loving man, always there with a comment on songs. Always supportive. Rittmo (Richard Blum) (RIP)The Bard of the Bronx will be greatly missed. Part Lenny Bruce, part Dylan, part Tom Waits...and all Rittmo. An irritating rascal at times - an art he cultivated and was proud of. A prolific collaborator, including a couple with this old boy. And above all else, a man deeply in love with his Sweet Joyce.Boots (Tim Taffola) (RIP)Boots is now one of our resident Angels. He has left us with a wonderful gift of some of his clever lyrics and songs on his homepage.  Boots was very loved here and will be sadly missed by all of us. He was truly the HEART of Songramp. Brian (BigDaddyChigger) Williams (RIP)   It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of beloved SongRamp family member, Brian Williams (Big Daddy Chigger).  We lost him  March 20th, 2012. Well known for his gatherings at The Creek each year during Ramp Bash week, Brian regularly opened his home to Rampers who came to town from all over the world and made everyone feel at home. A friend to many, his humor and generosity will long be remembered.   Steve Adamczyk (Porkbeli) (RIP) It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the loss of a long-time member of our SongRamp family, Steve Adamcyzk. Known to everyone here on the Ramp as "Porkbeli", Steve passed away on December 21, 2014 after a lengthy illness. After joining SongRamp back in February of 2009, Steve became one of the most active members of the community.
Eddie Minyard
Charlie Resseguie
Dave Rice
+2
Gi
2 likes Songwriter
This is Gilly's PLR . Come in and sit a while. Help yourself to liquid refreshment and leave your money  on top of the fridge
Gilly Slinn
Dave Rice