Metalworks Institute hosted the annual New Songwriters’ Workshop on September 27, 2009. The sold out show brought 250 new and seasoned songwriters out to learn more about the business and expand their network.  Those who attended were taken through a five part workshop that included the following :

Part 1: WHAT'S IN A SONG
Part 2: SONGWRITING REVENUE STREAMS
Part 3: MUSIC PUBLISHING 101
Part 4: THE MUSIC MEETING
Part 5: SONG REVIEW & CRITIQUE

The workshop toured across Canada with dates in 12 cities and an impressive roster of industry panelists. The panel at Metalworks Institute read as a who’s who of Canadian and international music experts including John Capek, Neville Quinlan, Wayne Webster, Nathan Ferraro and Lydia Stratus (see bios and additional information below.)

The New Songwriters’ Workshop is presented in conjunction with The Canadian Radio Star Competition, which is in its 17th year. The competition is for aspiring or proficient songwriters – self-published or unpublished – who are looking for a chance to get their material recorded and/or published.  If you are an aspiring songwriter, or know someone who is please visit the website to download your entry form http://www.radiostar.ca/2010_entry_form.pdf .  The grand prize will include $10,000.00 cash, TASCAM 2488 NEO PortaStudio,  30 hours of mixing and mastering time at METALWORKS STUDIOS, $5,000.00 National Radio Promotion Package from db PROMOTIONS & PUBLICITY INC & much more!

Best of luck to all entrants and we hope to see new faces next year at the New Songwriters’ Workshop at Metalworks Institute!

John Capek, John Capek has achieved international acclaim as a composer, songwriter, keyboard player, producer, arranger and scorer for feature films and television. Rod Stewart leads the list of popular music icons who have recorded Capek compositions. Others include Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Diana Ross, Joe Cocker, Toto, Chicago, Olivia Newton John, Little River Band, Heart, Manhattan Transfer and Amanda Marshall. John Capek’s most performed award winning songs include : “Rhythm of My Heart”, ”This”, ”Soul on Soul” and “Carmelia”. Capek’s most performed productions include Dan Hill’s Billboard hit duet with Vonda Sheppard, “Can’t We Try” as well as work with Ken Tobias, Gene McLellan, Good Brothers and Downchild. As a keyboard player, John has recorded with Diana Ross, Olivia Newton John, Stan Rogers, Ian Thomas, Marc Jordan, Dan Hill, Kermit, The Chipmunks, The Simpsons and countless other international performers. For more information go to www.johncapek.com I've been a fan of John's music for many years. He's one of the deepest, most talented and soulful writers I know and I find myself listening to his albums for inspiration and pleasure all the time. - Bonnie Raitt

Neville Quinlan, Neville Quinlan is Managing Director of Peermusic Canada Inc (the Canadian branch of one of the world's largest independent music publishing companies). Peermusic Canada represents The Tragically Hip, Tom Waits, Hawksley Workman, ZZ Top, Areosmith, David Foster, as well as some of the richest song writer catalogues from around the world.

Wayne Webster, Music Director and Assistant Program Director at Virgin Radio 99.9 FM.

Nathan Ferraro, lead singer, songwriter and pianist for The Midway State.

Moderator:

Lydia Stratus, Get your “Party on” every Saturday night with Lydia Stratus and “Virgin – On Demand” from 8pm – Midnight. Lydia Stratus has been Entertaining Toronto Radio since 1997. She began her radio career at the early age of 19 as a late night host in Toronto. Her unconventional on-air style has brought her on-air in cities like Detroit MI and back to Toronto. When not on the air Lydia Stratus enjoys performing Stand-up comedy and writes Edgy, funny and Outrageous comedy and Entertainment content for syndicated show prep. Are you unreserved? ... then this show is for you! Tune in every Saturday night to Virgin Radio – On demand 8-Midnight