NJ Songwriters in the Round

About Me

NJ Songwriters in the Round is produced and
hosted by songwriter, Deb Ferrara
NJ Songwriters in the Round takes place every 3rd Tuesday at Maxwell's in Hoboken. Four artists/songwriters showcase their material in a listening room environment. Although we are (more or less) an acoustic showcase, we have had everything from rock bands to solo guitarists. Our only rule is no full drum kits (percussion is fine) and that your setup be relatively simple.
Aside from the showcases, NJ Songwriters hosts networking/educational panel events such as:
"What Makes a Hit Song" - April, 2005 (Eric Beall, A&R Sony; Ken Dashow, Q104.3FM and Rob Fusari, hit songwriter/producer)"So You Want to Get Your Music in Pictures" - May, 2006 (Dave Hnatiuk, Music Supervisor - MTV/ABC; Josh Kessler, MasterSource; Brooke Primont, Cherry Lane Music Group and Seth Saltzman, ASCAP)
And charity events such as the yearly "Songs for the Cause" concert/celebrity auction to benefit The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
And we provide performance opportunities outside the show - for example:
Opening for national acts at Maxwell's and outside Performing at the product launch in Florida for a major pharmaceutical company
And from time to time we provide opportunities to license your music in film and TV.
NJ Songwriters is sponsored by ASCAP (writers affiliated with ANY performing rights organization - or writers not yet affiliated - are always welcome to submit for a showcase), GoGirls Music and Soul Hi Studios and funded in part by a grant from the Puffin Foundation. Songwriter Deb Ferrara is the founder, host and show producer. For more information, visit: www.debferrara.com/swrnj
We have been visited by execs from Sony, Epic, Zomba, The Oxygen Network, ASCAP, BMI, etc. and been written up in Billboard, the NY Times, The Aquarian and other publications...
To submit for a performance spot, visit: www.sonicbids.com/njsongwritersintheround
To subscribe to the NJ Songwriters in the Round newsletter, send an email to: [email protected] with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject.
For information on Songs for the Cause, visit: www.songsforthecause.org
For information on Deb Ferrara's music, visit: www.debferrara.com or www.myspace.com/debferrara or www.discovergirls.com
How does NJ Songwriters work?
Four artists/songwriters are featured, each doing 2 sets of 2 songs - 4 original songs in total.
Where are the shows?
The shows are held at Maxwell's in Hoboken.... The address is 1039 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ -- Visit their website: www.maxwellsnj.com or www.moregoodmusic.com/swrnj for directions and parking info.
When are the shows?
Shows are every 3rd Tuesday. Showtime is 8:30 PM. No cover, no minimum.
Do I have to be from NJ and/or affiliated with ASCAP to showcase?
No to both... we have featured artists/writers from all over who make the show a stop when touring our area. Writers affiliated with any PRO (or no PRO) are welcome to submit for a spot.
Are there any special opportunities, advantages or considerations for NJ Songwriters artists?
Yes. Aside from pulling artists from our NJ Songwriters roster to perform at our special events, there are times we are able to put an artist in a slot at Maxwell's (to open for a national touring act) or other outside performance opportunities. We are also able to offer our artists special "Partner" discount rates to select ASCAP events. (Do not need to be an ASCAP member.) There are, on occasion, licensing opps for your music - especially in the film/TV music world.
How do I submit for the show?
To be considered for a showcase spot we prefer submissions through Sonicbids. Please visit their website for more info: www.sonicbids.com/njsongwritersintheround
Anything else I should know?
We offer a supportive forum for serious songwriters/artists to present their material. We encourage a positive, relaxed atmosphere... we focus on the songs (not the introductions)... we encourage networking... we present a variety of genres, but the quality of talent remains consistent. We are approaching our 4th year and going strong.... Anything else?
One more thing -- Do you really read the bios verbatim??!
Yes I do! Except for one reviewer, folks seem to like knowing a bit of background and... well, I just can't remember it all!
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NJ SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND MAILING LIST Email - [email protected] with "Subscribe" in the subject.
Be Bold
UNPLUG and join our circle!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 12/26/2005
Band Website: debferrara.com/swrnj
Band Members: NJ SONGWRITERS ARTISTS: Christina Alessi * Allen Alexander * Russell "Hitman" Alexander * Mike Alicke * Roxy Andersen * Matt Angus * Arlon Bennett * Laura Berman * Meredith Blis * BlondeStreak * Alexis Booth * Boxcar Nancy * Lisa Brigantino * Matthew Brookshire * Addie Brownlee * Julilanne Buccino * Jared Campbell * Suzanne Carrington * The Catholic Girls * Nancy Chamberlain * Benita Charles * Scott Chasolen * Laura Cheadle * Melissa Chill * Allison Cipris * Clare Cooper * Michelle DeAngelis * Edric Debos * Scott DeCarlo * Frank DeLaMarre * Casey Desmond * Russ Diana * Gerard DiNola * Laura Distasi * Jen Elliott * Nik Everett * Richard Ray Farrell * Annette Farrington * Fellaheen * Deb Ferrara * Daniel Ferrari * Brian Fitzpatrick * Patrick Fleming * Steve Frederick * Adrian Freyre * Andrew Fromm * John Fucci * Rob Fusari * Gabrielle * Greg Galdieri * Mef Gannon * Paul Gargiulo * Valerie Ghent * Jennifer Glass * Jason Myles Goss * Gene Gowe * Ruth Greenwood * Dave Grech * Rebecca Hart * Christine Havrilla * Lara Herscovitch * Wes Hutchinson * Karen Jacobsen * J-Henry * Jodelle * Tom Kafafian * Bill Kelly * Kimon * Kristin * Anthony Krizon * Steve Kunzman * Mary Lamont * Abby Lappen * Dan LaVoie * Jared Lee * Amy Lennard * Dani Linnetz * Juliet Lloyd * Maribyrd * Alice Marie * Steevan Mars * Pete Masitti * Robert Matarazzo * Massimo * Larry May * Daniel McBride * Bill McGarvey * Joe McKee * Angie McKenna * Joshua Meltzer * Deena Miller * Sheri Miller * Steven Miller * Grace Millo * Irene Molloy * Brian Molnar * Lina Morgana * Sean Mormelo * Kathy Moser * Allie Moss * Alex Nackman * Melissa Nadel * Greg Naughton * Rick Norman * Doug Norrie * Chris O'hara * Trisha O'Keefe * Julia Othmer * Dana Parish * Elisa Peimer * Gail Petersen * Heidi Petrikat * Kathy Phillips * Tom Popp * Jody Price * Queen Esther * Tim Reale * Redentor * Shelly Riff * Josh Rifkin * Roark * Chip Robertson * Ashley Rose * Amber Rubarth * Vickie Russell * Dann Russo * Carmen Sclafani * Mike Seifried * Erin Sax Seymour * Silent Mind * Elaine Silver * Geri Smith * Stacy Smith * Johanna Stahley * April Start * Jake Stigers * Alice Stopkoski * Anne Stott * Patrick Suler * Bobby Syvarth * John Taglieri * Jack Tannehill * Greg Tannen * Joe Taylor * Jim Testa * Denny Tilton * Samantha Trenholm * TRIMM * Bill Vivino * Amy Ward * Joe Whyte * Todd Wolfe * Ina May Wool * Jo Wymer * Zach * Byron Zanos * Daniel Zdravkoski * 383 Stroker

Influences: -----REVIEWS / COMMENTS-----

"By far one of the most well run and organized panels I've ever been on!"

Brooke Primont, Director Film/TV Music, Cherry Lane Music Group / Film/TV Music Panel, May 2006
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"Deb Ferrara's monthly showcase at Maxwell's is as thoughtfully planned as it is entertaining: A pop belter trails a guy with guitar, and a rock band gives way to a Fiona Apple-styled free-thinker. Nobody leaves uninspired."

Tammy La Gorce, The New York Times / August, 2005
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"I had a BALL! You are the best! I thought your questions and the audience questions were right on, and I even learned a lot from the song writing and publishing perspective! Glad I could help...AND... you sounded GREAT!"

Ken Dashow, NYC Rock Radio Veteran - Q104.3 / "What Makes a Hit Song" April 2005
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"I really enjoyed it. It was a great idea to have someone from radio -- really added an interesting dimension to the panel. Your questions were really well-formulated, and took the discussion into a lot of interesting areas. Thanks for the invitation."

Eric Beall, VP A&R, Sony Music / "What Makes a Hit Song" April 2005
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"Deb Ferrara is one talented chick who manages to do it all. While writing and performing great pop songs, she manages to produce the popular NJ Songwriter's Circle and help aspiring artists and writers gain exposure and share their music. I wish we had one of her in every town!"

Dana Parish (NY) / August, 2005
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"On behalf of myself and the boys thanks for a great night. NJ Songwriters is really a special thing."

Erin Sax Seymour (NY) / March, 2007
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"Just wanted to say thank you again for having me there at Maxwellâ€™s. I must say it was one of my favorite shows this tour. Youâ€™re excellent at creating a very comfortable, inviting vibe in the room."

Amber Rubarth (CA) / September 2006
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"One of the best vibes for a songwriter's night in the TriState area"

Greg Tannen (NYC) / March 2004
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"It's great to have an outlet like this for New Jersey songwriters to express themselves and be heard. Thank you, Deb Ferrara for giving me the opportunity to come into your "circle"! I can't wait to be part of the NJSR again and soon!"

Gail Petersen (NJ), Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist for The Catholic Girls / February 2004
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"I never pass on a chance to perform at NJ Songwriter's in the Round. It's a great opportunity to meet new artists, gain new fans, and simply enjoy music in its purest sense."

Joe McKee (NJ) / September 2003, "Songs For The Cause" (2003 & 2004), February 2004
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"Adrian and I are proud to be a part of Deb Ferrara's Songwriter's in the Round. Every show we have done has been a great experience for us. Not only do artists get exposure, but it's a chance for musicians alike to get together for a night of music."

Gerard DiNola (NJ), Vocalist/Songwriter for Trimm / August 2003, November 2003
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"It was a great night. :):):) I totally forgot about the weather when I got inside because the vibe was so cool!"

Laura Berman (NYC) / March 2004, "Songs For The Cause" 2004
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"In this brown and barren Jersey landscape of Blues charlatans and cover bands - your songwriter's series is an acre of green grass and pine. Thanks for carrying the banner. Hold it high and keep it up. "

Peter Karp (NJ) / April 2003, December 2003
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"Deb Ferrara provides one of the most positive outlets for original singer-songwriters in the metropolitan area. I am honored to be a part of NJ Songwriters in the Round and look forward to coming back in the future."

Jodelle (NJ) / August 2003, March 2004, "Songs For the Cause" 2004, March 2005
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Sounds Like:
Type of Label: None

My Blog

September Newsletter

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTERNJ Songwriters in the Round at Maxwell's August 31, 2007 In This Issue 1.) FROM DEB --2.) SEPTEMBER ARTISTS / WORDS ABOUT THE MUSIC ...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 09:25:00 PST

Submissions

Hi all, Please be advised that I've closed submissions for the showcase until October/November. Someone complained and I had to clean out the Sonicbids queue. I have book...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:53:00 PST

IMPORTANT! Mailing List / Sonicbids Status Updates

Hi all...Just a few things...♦ If you have signed up for the NJ Songwriters in the Round mailing list and you're not getting the emails (usually only 2x month unless there's a special opportuni...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 06:51:00 PST

Showtime - August 21st

.. c.."MSHTML 6.00.2800.1595" name=GENERATOR> S H O W R E M I N D E R Hope you'll join us on Tuesday, August 21st... Billy Susan Kane &n...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:40:00 PST

NJ Songwriters in the Round - AUGUST 2007

AUGUST NEWSLETTERNJ Songwriters in the Round at Maxwell's July 31, 2007 In This Issue 1.) FROM DEB --2.) AUGUST ARTISTS / WORDS ABOUT THE MUSIC --3.) SHOW DETAILS4.) UPCOMING SWRNJ SHOWS...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:38:00 PST

Showcase Submission Status

Hi all...I've been getting a lot of followups lately. I really don't mind popping an email off to let you know where everything stands - especially those who have been on standby for awhile... and I...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:30:00 PST

ASCAP Press Release

Local Songwriters Shine at ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO" SONGWRITERS WHO ATTENDED THE 3-DAY EXPO EVENT SELECTED TO PLACE SONG IN RICOLA VIDEO A video for Ricola, an ASCAP "I Create Music...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:16:00 PST

NJ Songwriters - JULY Newsletter

NJ Songwriters in the Round at Maxwell's June 30, 2007 In This Issue 1.) FROM DEB --2.) JULY ARTISTS / WORDS ABOUT THE MUSIC --3.) SHOW DETAILS4.) UPCOMING SWRNJ SHOWS --5.) THANK YOU NOTES6.)...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 04:35:00 PST

NEW SONGS NEW SONGS NEW SONGS NEW SONGS

Guess what... I just uploaded songs from some of our July artists... Please have a listen and mark your calendars for an extra special NJ Songwriters show on July 17th... Appearing:&...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:34:00 PST

NJ SONGWRITERS - June '07 Newsletter

JUNE NEWSLETTER June 1, 2007 In This Issue 1.) FROM DEB --2.) JUNE ARTISTS / WORDS ABOUT THE MUSIC --3.) SHOW DETAILS4.) UPCOMING SWRNJ SHOWS --5.) THANK YOU NOTES6.) SWRNJ ARTIST NEWS --7.)...
Posted by NJ Songwriters in the Round on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 05:35:00 PST