Organizing My Songwriter Catalog with TuneSmith

While “googling” for some no-cost/low-cost ideas for organizing my songwriter catalog, I ran across some interesting options from creative uses of spreadsheets to several software programs ranging from free to pricey.



In the “no-cost” category was an intuitive cross-platform software package from Idolumic called, TuneSmith.  Like most people, I was immediately drawn to it because it was “free” and soon discovered that it delivered much more value than one might expect from a freebie.  I downloaded it, took it for a “test drive,” and am now using it as part of my song creation and administration strategy.

TuneSmith offers songwriters a comprehensive set of tools for creating and administering songs that centers around three interactive categories . . . creative talent, song catalog, and pitch journal.

• Creative Talent is where you enter the personal/contact information of collaborators, co-writers, publishers, managers, lawyers, artists, etc. that you are in contact with regarding your songs.
• Song Catalog contains all the essential information about your copyrights, and provides tools to help you hone your songwriting craft, including a lyric/text editor.  Also, you can use the built-in audio recorder to quickly capture your melodies and manage all the cover versions of your songs.
• Pitch Journal allows you to track your song submissions by finding out who has put your songs on hold, who has recorded your compositions, who has entered the charts with one of your hits, etc. A customizable task list/calendar helps you keep your song pitches organized and on track.

TuneSmith provides you with tools to effortlessly create and administer a growing catalog. It can be installed on any computer without a serial number or activation. When paired with Idolumic’s affordably priced Rhyme Genie, TuneSmith becomes an invaluable songwriting companion that will help any songwriter stay organized and be more creative with greater ease. It runs on both MAC and PC platforms. Visit their website today and download your complimentary copy of TuneSmith. 

Post your thoughts and comments in the comment section below.

Making Music "Fast" with Band-in-a-Box

Several years ago my longtime friend, Larry Smith, introduced me to an intelligent automatic accompaniment program called Band-in-a-Box (BIAB). He had been experimenting with this creative music composition tool for some time, and has since converted me to become a loyal user.

Band-in-a-Box is a fascinating, versatile music composition program that can be used in many ways. It is a great tool for quickly creating original music, and allows you to explore and develop music ideas with near-instantaneous results.

I simply type in the chords of a new song that I am working own, choose a style that I’d like to try out, and let Band-in-a-Box automatically generate a backing track. By using optional live audio tracks, I can create professional-quality accompaniment tracks. Click here to check out a backing track (in progress) of the old hymn, "All In Him", that I have been working on in my home recording studio.

Free Rhyme Dictionary with VersePerfect

Sometime ago while “googling” for a rhyme dictionary, I ran across a free software version of the McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme that included VersePerfect, a cutting-edge verse editor. Soon after downloading it, I discovered this electronic reference is a useful tool that can quickly become a songwriter’s friend. The software is versatile, easy to use, and can be run from a USB thumb/jump drive making it highly portable for anyone on the go.

Dedicated by American poet, Bryant H McGill to “fellow poets everywhere,” The McGill English Dictionary of Rhyme with VersePerfect is available for free from various download sites (google it) or from McGill’s own website. It is considered to be the most extensive rhyming reference ever created, and has many applications beyond songwriting. I enjoy using it, and encourage fellow songwriters to visit McGill’s website and discover it’s possibilities for themselves.

Studio Buddy - The Home Recording Helper

I recently ran across some free software that addresses common questions about the recording process. After downloading it, I believe it is something that other home recording enthusiast might find useful, too. Check out Studio Buddy: The Home Recording Help.