FWSA LOGO
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Certificate of Recognition from Governor Abbott to the Fort Worth Songwriters' Association for 25 years of service providing, educating, and promoting music in Texas.
From the President: Building Your Songs
In my history of employment, whether forced (chores) or jobs for which I applied, I found useful information which applies to life as well. In the construcyion business of building houses, you learn quickly that buyers want different styles and features when purchasing a home. While a builder may build his own home with features he prefers, if he is going to be successful in marketing his homes for sale, he must pay attention to what features the sellers of homes say are selling the fastest and for the most profit.
This does not mean the builder cannot have his own home as he wishes, but he cannot force the buyer to buy his home when there are so many other choices. Waiting for the market to like and choosing the house which he built for himself is not wise. He can build both and sell one to stay in the business of homebuilding.
I always mention these experiences to bring the thought to the songwriting business. The song creator and the song seller in you are arguing about this situation when you write. These moments of writer’s block are not your enemies; they are giving you valuable information.
You write a certain way because you have a different life experience and want different things out of life. So, write those songs, but if you want to sell songs, write what the market wants. Don’t be angry if the market doesn’t like your style. Learn to write both.
Write one to keep and one to sell. Successful and more profitable home builders build neighborhoods, not just one house. Write a neighborhood of songs, not just a single subject. While the subject is on your mind, write a male and female version of lyrics to have ready. Switch from a 1st person version to a 2nd person version or 3rd person point of view for your song to see if that writer’s block is satisfied. So now, I must go change some of my
songs that I didn’t finish.
Keep writing about your life.
Rick
Rick Tate, 2026 FWSA President
PS: THE FWSA ANNUAL SONG CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED AS OF THE 31ST OF AUGUST! MORE INFORMATION AT THE SONGWRITING CONTEST LINK ABOVE.
FWSA Contact: Website: www.fwsa.com; E-Mail: contact@fwsa.com; Ft Worth Songwriters’ Association; P.O. Box 330233; Fort Worth, TX. 76163
***********************************************************************************************
SEPTEMBER 2026 EVENTS
***************************
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: TUESDAY - 09/01/2026
MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULED ON THE 1ST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
ASSOCIATION MEMBERS INVITED
NO FRILLS GRILL, BURLESON TX - 6:30 PM
***
FWSA OPEN MIC: TUESDAY - 09/15/2026
FRED'S TEXAS CAFE - 6 - 9 PM
7101 CAMP BOWIE WEST, FORT WORTH 76116
***
FWSA WORKSHOP - THE GATHERING: TUESDAY - 09/22/2026
NO FRILLS GRILL, BURLESON TX - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
***
ALWAYS CHECK FOR UPDATES ON THE FWSA CALENDAR
******************************************************************m
FWSA MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
*******************************************
“USE BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE”
*******************************************
“USE BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE”
******************************
“USE BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE”
**************
Raise the Volume, Raise the Funds
Funds donated to the tip jar are primarily for improving the Sound and Video Equipment during Open Mic, Showcase, Podcast and special community venues and for supporting the Guest Speakers at the Monthly Gatherings and Workshops.