Top Catholic Songs will soon be selecting the Top Ten Lenten Songs for 2008. This is exciting for many Catholic musicians and artists who up to this point have been stymied from getting some real national exposure. The nomination process is already underway with voting due to begin the First week of Lent. This will kick off a six week advertising blitz that will feature the Top Ten Songs for each of the following categories: Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Divine Mercy, Adoration and Confirmation.
A question that one may ask is: "How are the songs nominated and selected for inclusion in the Top Ten list?" To answer, each artist that wishes to have his or her song considered simply nominates it for considertation. This is done because the winners split the cost of the adverstising. Therefore, if someone nominates a song they are committing to pay their portion of the cost if that song is selected. There is an option to nominate a song into a "I love this song" category. This exists so that others can make suggestions that are not financially binding on the artists.
Once a song is nominated it must survive the voting process in order to be included in the Top Ten list. This is where anyone can decide to participate. If you love music and would like to have a voice in which songs are included visit Top Catholic Songs and click on the "Join" tab at the top of the page. Follow the directions to become part of this influential growing movement.
For the upcoming selection of the Top Ten Songs of Lent, I have submitted two of my own songs for consideration, "If Today" and "Turn My Heart." Both of these selections are available on iTunes. However, if you would like to listen to the songs (for free) you can visit my band page:
www.myspace.com/georgelowermusic. I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback.
May your upcoming Lenten seaon be blessed.
George & Guitar
I live to play!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
SongDoor 2007 Winners Announced
Below I have reprinted the press release from the good folks at www.songdoor.com. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your orginal music heard and critiqued by other professional songwriters.
Congratulations to Sean Clive and David Smith both excellent Catholic musicians for snagging the top honors in the Christian category. Both of these guys are amazing and you should watch out for more upcoming great projects. Please make sure you go to www.songdoor.com to hear Sean and David's winning entry.
Subject: Press Release - SongDoor 2007 Winners Announced
From: LeAnn Zotta zotta@comcast.net
To: "Songwriting Assns." zotta@comcast.net-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:LeAnn ZottaVP & Director of Marketing,
SongDoorPO BOX 159345Nashville, TN 37215
info@songdoor.comhttp://www.songdoor.com
SongDoor 2007 Winners AnnouncedNASHVILLE, TENN., USA - January 22, 2008 -- The winners of the SongDoor 2007 International Songwriting Competition have been announced. Entries were received from 13 countries on four continents.“The quality of the entries this year was mind-blowing,” says SongDoor president Tony Zotta. “We just agonized over having to pick the finalists. There were so many great - not just good - songs.”
The winning songs may be heard online at http://www.songdoor.com. The competition was generously sponsored by SongU.com, Delgado Guitars and MasterWriter.
GRAND AWARD WINNER:SINGER/SONGWRITER CATEGORY:
RETURN TO YOU Erinn Sherlock (Tennessee, USA)/ Anthony Igizzi (Sydney, Australia)CATEGORY WINNERS:ALTERNATIVE:Sophia Bass / Paul Buono for “Believe”(Virginia, USA)CHRISTIAN:Sean Clive / David C. Smith for “The Everlasting”(New York, USA)COUNTRY:Stephen Amos / Tina Dod for “It’s A God Thing”(Kansas, USA)INSTRUMENTAL:Cindy Horstman / Michael Medina for “Rio”(Texas, US)
POP:Sheri Miller for “The Blade”(New York, USA)
ROCK:Erinn Sherlock / Clive Young for “Collide”(Tennessee, USA - Sydney, Australia)SINGER/SONGWRITER:Erinn Sherlock / Anthony Igizzi for “Return To You”(Tennessee, USA - Sydney, Australia)
Grand Award winner Erinn Sherlock has won a full-band private-session demo, done at the famous Jay's Place studio on Music Row, as well as an array of other valuable prizes, including a Johnson cutaway sunburst acoustic guitar. Everyone who entered receives a free self-paced online songwriting course from SongU.com, and each song receives a free professional critique.SongDoor 2008 is open for submissions on April 10, 2008. The entry fee is $10. For more information: http://www.songdoor.com.About SongDoorSongDoor is an annual event designed by songwriters, for songwriters. The competition is open to amateur and professional songwriters worldwide. Entry deadline: November 15, 2008.Judges include seasoned music industry producers, artists and engineers who have worked with/for such artists as Britney Spears, Neil Young, Jimmy Buffett, Garth Brooks and a host of other stars. ###
Congratulations to Sean Clive and David Smith both excellent Catholic musicians for snagging the top honors in the Christian category. Both of these guys are amazing and you should watch out for more upcoming great projects. Please make sure you go to www.songdoor.com to hear Sean and David's winning entry.
Subject: Press Release - SongDoor 2007 Winners Announced
From: LeAnn Zotta zotta@comcast.net
To: "Songwriting Assns." zotta@comcast.net-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:LeAnn ZottaVP & Director of Marketing,
SongDoorPO BOX 159345Nashville, TN 37215
info@songdoor.comhttp://www.songdoor.com
SongDoor 2007 Winners AnnouncedNASHVILLE, TENN., USA - January 22, 2008 -- The winners of the SongDoor 2007 International Songwriting Competition have been announced. Entries were received from 13 countries on four continents.“The quality of the entries this year was mind-blowing,” says SongDoor president Tony Zotta. “We just agonized over having to pick the finalists. There were so many great - not just good - songs.”
The winning songs may be heard online at http://www.songdoor.com. The competition was generously sponsored by SongU.com, Delgado Guitars and MasterWriter.
GRAND AWARD WINNER:SINGER/SONGWRITER CATEGORY:
RETURN TO YOU Erinn Sherlock (Tennessee, USA)/ Anthony Igizzi (Sydney, Australia)CATEGORY WINNERS:ALTERNATIVE:Sophia Bass / Paul Buono for “Believe”(Virginia, USA)CHRISTIAN:Sean Clive / David C. Smith for “The Everlasting”(New York, USA)COUNTRY:Stephen Amos / Tina Dod for “It’s A God Thing”(Kansas, USA)INSTRUMENTAL:Cindy Horstman / Michael Medina for “Rio”(Texas, US)
POP:Sheri Miller for “The Blade”(New York, USA)
ROCK:Erinn Sherlock / Clive Young for “Collide”(Tennessee, USA - Sydney, Australia)SINGER/SONGWRITER:Erinn Sherlock / Anthony Igizzi for “Return To You”(Tennessee, USA - Sydney, Australia)
Grand Award winner Erinn Sherlock has won a full-band private-session demo, done at the famous Jay's Place studio on Music Row, as well as an array of other valuable prizes, including a Johnson cutaway sunburst acoustic guitar. Everyone who entered receives a free self-paced online songwriting course from SongU.com, and each song receives a free professional critique.SongDoor 2008 is open for submissions on April 10, 2008. The entry fee is $10. For more information: http://www.songdoor.com.About SongDoorSongDoor is an annual event designed by songwriters, for songwriters. The competition is open to amateur and professional songwriters worldwide. Entry deadline: November 15, 2008.Judges include seasoned music industry producers, artists and engineers who have worked with/for such artists as Britney Spears, Neil Young, Jimmy Buffett, Garth Brooks and a host of other stars. ###
This is an awesome song!
I have been blogging about Pro-Life issues lately in conjunction with http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/. Here is a small example of some of the great music that is being produced by Catholic artists today. Enjoy.
Visit http://www.thatsworship.com/ to learn more about Robert Galea from Down Under.
Visit http://www.thatsworship.com/ to learn more about Robert Galea from Down Under.
Pro-Life Thoughts (continued)
Yesterday, I posted some thoughts on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I wanted to expand a little on this topic and share some resources that are available for those who have been part of an abortion or those who have been affected in some way.
First of all, as a Catholic I find myself in a peculiar category because as I mentioned before, I stand for life in all cases. This includes euthanasia and capital punishment as well. So I find myself at odds with conservatives because of my death penalty stance; and, at the same time, I am at odds with liberals over my position on abortion. While my political sympathies definitely run towards the conservative side of the spectrum I choose to be a Catholic first and a capitalist second. Where the two value systems may seem to conflict I choose to give the benefit of the doubt to the Church.
This ties directly into two main thoughts that I have been considering for some time. The first being, "How do I minister effectively to those who have experienced or participated in an abortion?" This is a very delicate topic because of the intense emotions that people harbor long after the deed has been done. In order to answer this question I have come across some wonderful people who are involved with a group called Project Rachael. It is a post-abortive healing ministry. Information on this ministry can be found here: http://www.hopeafterabortion.com/ What I find most remarkable about this ministry that it has continued to grow and reach out to more than just women. In a recent article for the The Colombian (the official magazine for the Knights of Columbus) Project Rachael has started to reach out to men who have been affected by abortion on some level. This has been a controversial move and it has not been totally supported by some of the women involved. However, I think it is a good first step toward recognizing that abortion traumatizes all involved men and women alike.
Secondly, I have been thinking about another question that does not have an easy answer. What effect has Roe v. Wade had upon our society? This is not an easy question to answer because there are many factors that can influence attitudes, values and the opinions of people at large. Furthermore, society as a whole is not a homogeneous group. There are many factions and sub-factions that have had differing reactions to Roe v. Wade. However, I think I can safely say that since Roe v. Wade our society as a whole has become more callous and violent both in a literal and vicarious sense of the word. It seems that we have turned from pursuing truth and beauty in our popular culture and replaced it with the pursuit of shock value and titillation. I understand that correlation is not definitive proof of causation; yet, I sometimes wonder if we underestimate the profound effect that fateful decision from 1972 has had on our culture.
I would like to close with the thought that I do believe that all is not lost. There is still hope. Wherever and whenever we can stand for life in spite of the difficulties, we can bring a small ray of hope and joy into this world of darkness. God can use our small efforts to change hearts and minds. The most important thing is to have faith; and, as Pope John Paul II said, "Do not be afraid!"
PS Don't forget to check out the wonderful Pro-Life music available at http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/
First of all, as a Catholic I find myself in a peculiar category because as I mentioned before, I stand for life in all cases. This includes euthanasia and capital punishment as well. So I find myself at odds with conservatives because of my death penalty stance; and, at the same time, I am at odds with liberals over my position on abortion. While my political sympathies definitely run towards the conservative side of the spectrum I choose to be a Catholic first and a capitalist second. Where the two value systems may seem to conflict I choose to give the benefit of the doubt to the Church.
This ties directly into two main thoughts that I have been considering for some time. The first being, "How do I minister effectively to those who have experienced or participated in an abortion?" This is a very delicate topic because of the intense emotions that people harbor long after the deed has been done. In order to answer this question I have come across some wonderful people who are involved with a group called Project Rachael. It is a post-abortive healing ministry. Information on this ministry can be found here: http://www.hopeafterabortion.com/ What I find most remarkable about this ministry that it has continued to grow and reach out to more than just women. In a recent article for the The Colombian (the official magazine for the Knights of Columbus) Project Rachael has started to reach out to men who have been affected by abortion on some level. This has been a controversial move and it has not been totally supported by some of the women involved. However, I think it is a good first step toward recognizing that abortion traumatizes all involved men and women alike.
Secondly, I have been thinking about another question that does not have an easy answer. What effect has Roe v. Wade had upon our society? This is not an easy question to answer because there are many factors that can influence attitudes, values and the opinions of people at large. Furthermore, society as a whole is not a homogeneous group. There are many factions and sub-factions that have had differing reactions to Roe v. Wade. However, I think I can safely say that since Roe v. Wade our society as a whole has become more callous and violent both in a literal and vicarious sense of the word. It seems that we have turned from pursuing truth and beauty in our popular culture and replaced it with the pursuit of shock value and titillation. I understand that correlation is not definitive proof of causation; yet, I sometimes wonder if we underestimate the profound effect that fateful decision from 1972 has had on our culture.
I would like to close with the thought that I do believe that all is not lost. There is still hope. Wherever and whenever we can stand for life in spite of the difficulties, we can bring a small ray of hope and joy into this world of darkness. God can use our small efforts to change hearts and minds. The most important thing is to have faith; and, as Pope John Paul II said, "Do not be afraid!"
PS Don't forget to check out the wonderful Pro-Life music available at http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/
Fred Withdraws
I can't say that I'm surprised. But I am still disappointed. Fred Thompson has withdrawn from the race for President. What is a conservative supposed to do?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I Choose Life
This week marks a grim anniversary for our nation. Thirty-five years ago in the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, the United States legalized the practice of abortion. Since that time more than four million babies have lost their lives. This is an issue that speaks deeply to me because I have had a real intellectual struggle with this issue within my own spiritual life. I have not always understood why abortion is such a grave evil.
Perhaps one of the reasons that I have struggled so is because so many women find themselves in difficult circumstances; and, one cannot help but feel empathy for their situation. Yet, the church's teaching on the sanctity of human life is clear. Furthermore, in choosing to end a human life through abortion one is essentially choosing an objective evil in order that some temporary life situation may be made subjectively easier. The taking of life even for seemingly good purposes cannot be a legitimate moral choice. Therefore, after much deep thought and prayer, I have to stand on the side of life in all cases. This is a very difficult position to maintain because it is often misconstrued as a harsh and judgemental position. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.
I find for some it is hard to move past the deep emotions this issue elicits. That is why I find that music can be a powerful tool that can help communicate the truth of the Pro-Life position in a way that combines both the intellectual and emotional comprehension of the pain and evil caused by our culture of death. My good friends at http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/ have compiled a list of the best Pro-Life songs that are currently available. These songs run the musical spectrum from "soft contemporary to jazz infused rap". The featured artists cover a whole multitude of Pro-Life issues from nearly every angle, from the political to the personal. If you are looking for inspiration and support for a culture of life please check out these artists and support their music.
Since we are on this topic allow me to put in a plug for my favorite Pro-life Song "Unborn Victims of Violence" found here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=76875197&id=76875245&s=143441 on iTunes. You can also check out Fr. Stan's website here: http://www.francescoproductions.com/
We are constantly faced with choices. We can choose to do nothing and allow the culture of death to continue; or, we can choose to stand up for life. Please let us resolve to work in love to support life. Perhaps through our prayers we can help to change hearts and minds so that the sanctity and holiness of human life will once again be honored and respected.
Perhaps one of the reasons that I have struggled so is because so many women find themselves in difficult circumstances; and, one cannot help but feel empathy for their situation. Yet, the church's teaching on the sanctity of human life is clear. Furthermore, in choosing to end a human life through abortion one is essentially choosing an objective evil in order that some temporary life situation may be made subjectively easier. The taking of life even for seemingly good purposes cannot be a legitimate moral choice. Therefore, after much deep thought and prayer, I have to stand on the side of life in all cases. This is a very difficult position to maintain because it is often misconstrued as a harsh and judgemental position. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.
I find for some it is hard to move past the deep emotions this issue elicits. That is why I find that music can be a powerful tool that can help communicate the truth of the Pro-Life position in a way that combines both the intellectual and emotional comprehension of the pain and evil caused by our culture of death. My good friends at http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/ have compiled a list of the best Pro-Life songs that are currently available. These songs run the musical spectrum from "soft contemporary to jazz infused rap". The featured artists cover a whole multitude of Pro-Life issues from nearly every angle, from the political to the personal. If you are looking for inspiration and support for a culture of life please check out these artists and support their music.
Since we are on this topic allow me to put in a plug for my favorite Pro-life Song "Unborn Victims of Violence" found here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=76875197&id=76875245&s=143441 on iTunes. You can also check out Fr. Stan's website here: http://www.francescoproductions.com/
We are constantly faced with choices. We can choose to do nothing and allow the culture of death to continue; or, we can choose to stand up for life. Please let us resolve to work in love to support life. Perhaps through our prayers we can help to change hearts and minds so that the sanctity and holiness of human life will once again be honored and respected.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I Support Fred
I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately. I take my civic responsiblity to vote seriously; and, I try to vote based on issues and core pricinciples. Looking at the field of candidates that share my philosophy of limited government, low taxes and maximum personal liberty I have to throw my hat in the ring for Fred Thompson.
I truly believe that Fred is a humble patriot who will make a great President. Right now the field on the Republican side is wide open. There is no clear cut front runner. If you feel that we are headed for real fiscal trouble if we do not return to conservative (i.e. constitutional) principles of government then please consider Fred Thompson. There are many other good men (and one woman) running for President. To paraphrase Hillary Clinton some of those candidates are right and some of them are wrong. I think Fred has the right combination of experience, integrity and leadership to help us continue to be a strong nation.
https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=a66158ea-2fd9-4d8c-b92d-c0afa07bcb94
I truly believe that Fred is a humble patriot who will make a great President. Right now the field on the Republican side is wide open. There is no clear cut front runner. If you feel that we are headed for real fiscal trouble if we do not return to conservative (i.e. constitutional) principles of government then please consider Fred Thompson. There are many other good men (and one woman) running for President. To paraphrase Hillary Clinton some of those candidates are right and some of them are wrong. I think Fred has the right combination of experience, integrity and leadership to help us continue to be a strong nation.
https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=a66158ea-2fd9-4d8c-b92d-c0afa07bcb94
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
It's Called Christmas with a Capital "C"
These guys are pretty hard core, but I think it goes without saying that we should not be afraid to say "Merry Christmas." Our nation was founded on the notion that we should be able to worship God in any way that we see fit. Those who wish to intimidate or discourage a portion of the population from wishing our fellow humans a hearty, "Merry Christmas!" should be given a copy of the Constitution to read. I usually don't take offense at a sincere "Happy Holidays" but I ususally reply, "The same to you, and Merry Christmas!" So far I haven't been jumped by angry agnostics or militant athiests, but I do think that we should give more thought to the religious implications of the Christmas Season (which extends beyond December 25) and try to celebrate with true joy rather than put ourselves deeper into debt.
Anyway, enoy the video! I think it rocks.
Anyway, enoy the video! I think it rocks.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Vespers for Epiphany
Our local chant group sang a First and Second Vespers for Epiphany on January 5 & 6. It was wonderful to sing with our small group of chanters. This being our first services things were pretty good musically speaking. I know that as we practice more and get used to singing more with each other that things will get even better.
My favorite comment of the evening when a wonderful lady approached me and thanked me for the evening then remarked, "There sure sounded like there was more than six of you singing." I thanked her and filed that comment under my We Must Be Doing Something Right folder.
Hopefully we will be getting some pictures and a website up for the chant group in the near future.
My favorite comment of the evening when a wonderful lady approached me and thanked me for the evening then remarked, "There sure sounded like there was more than six of you singing." I thanked her and filed that comment under my We Must Be Doing Something Right folder.
Hopefully we will be getting some pictures and a website up for the chant group in the near future.
Happy New Year
The busy season has passed and a new year has begun. I have taken these first couple of weeks of 2008 to be on vacation. It is the first time I have taken vacation at this time of the year. I have found it somewhat relaxing even though everyone else has gotten back into the swing of work and school. I have been reflecting on the past year and planning for this coming year. As I look back and reflect I think that overall 2007 was a pretty good year. I have certainly made progress spiritually. That is what I want to work on for the coming year. It has been a challenge for me to find balance between my family life and my professional life. I'm sure that is a pretty common challenge particularly for those who like me have to force themselves to take time off. I'm amazed at how much my children have grown; and, I think daily about the short time that I have been given to guide and nurture them.
So looking ahead I have decided on a few resolutions. First, to work hard at being a better husband and father. Secondly, to make progress improving my physical fitness and keeping my weight under control. Third, to work on writing some more psalm settings as well as improve my paino playing. I think that is about all I can handle for this year.
I'm looking forward to 2008 because I will be releasing some new material through ILP. I'll keep you all posted as things develop and the St. Augustine hymnal nears completion.
So looking ahead I have decided on a few resolutions. First, to work hard at being a better husband and father. Secondly, to make progress improving my physical fitness and keeping my weight under control. Third, to work on writing some more psalm settings as well as improve my paino playing. I think that is about all I can handle for this year.
I'm looking forward to 2008 because I will be releasing some new material through ILP. I'll keep you all posted as things develop and the St. Augustine hymnal nears completion.
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