DeDe Wedekind sings #National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner

My July 31. 2016 performance of the National Anthem @Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes Soccer Game at BBVA Compass Stadium!
Score was 1:1!
Thanks for watching, Following, Subscribing & sharing!
DeDe Wedekind :)

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Yes, YOU CAN Write a BETTER BLOG! Here's how...

Hey are you writing or thinking of writing a BLOG? (BTW-This works for ANY KIND of Blog)

(Got this GREAT #BLOG How To from my friend Simon Sanders at SVT Media...thank you!)  

DeDe in-studio writing her Music Stuff Blog, while mixing her #NewAlbum "Dream of You"! 

Do you want to write better?

If the answer is “hec yeah“, then I’ve got some great tips for you.

 When you are writing a piece of content, it needs to trigger the right emotions and persuade the reader to continue to read your content and not hit the “back button”.

Sometimes, this is difficult to accomplish.

In this article, I will show you some proven copywriting techniques which will help you to become a better writer, boost your conversion rates, increase search traffic, sales and turn fleeting visitors into fans.

Let’s get started!

1. Write Epic Content

If you want to build a passionate audience, it begins with writing epic content. Period.

If you are writing something to inspire people, to stir emotions, you need to provide value and most importantly, you need to blow them away with your words.

Even with all the promotion in the world, if your content is average, your site content will never become popular.

Have you heard of Ramit Sethi?

He receives over 300,000 visitors every month, but the truth, which no one really talks about, is the amount of time he spends writing his blog posts. Every single blog post takes him 12 to 18 hours to write, and this is why he has grown 99.9% of blogs out there because his content is epic.

Are you spending that much time on your content?

You may already know there are thousands of sites and blogs who rewrite the same content repeatedly. Believe me, it’s difficult to stand out when using these tactics.

On the other hand, if you have great content, you have a huge advantage and can push your site to a whole new level and stand out from the crowd.

2. You have 15 seconds

According to a study, you only have 15 seconds to grab your audience’s attention. If within 15 seconds you are able to convince them that they need something badly, they will continue to read.

Make your audience desire your product, service, article or other in 15 seconds, that is all the time you have.

3. Find your quiet place

Sounds like a strange piece of advice, right?

This is one of the best pieces of advice you will ever receive as a writer. I always stress out when I have to write every day. I even do this thing whereby I set myself a limit of writing 500 words a day. I can’t remember how many times I have started and never actually followed through and completed it.

Instead of worrying about the daily word count or page count, concentrate by going to your quiet place and focusing for one hour on your writing without distractions. Don’t set any goals for yourself. No word counts, no pages. Just one hour of writing; good or bad.

By continuing this simple habit, your writing will improve more than you can imagine.

4. Kill Fear with accountability

When I started off, I was always terrified of what people thought of my writing. What if my writing is bad? What if people judge me? Some days I just couldn’t write and I postponed the writing until “tomorrow”. You know the feeling, right?

One of the ways you can overcome this fear is to find an accountability partner. It could be your spouse, friend, coworker, anyone – simply anyone who is willing to help you for 30 seconds a day. Every day, report to your partner via email, and include a) how long the writing process lasted. b) What you wrote about c) How it made you feel?

Try this technique. The benefits are great and your fear will disappear.

5. Make your text skimmable


The majority of people who come to a website, leave within 10 to 20 seconds and that’s why you need to quickly grab their attention.

Here is an image of two different posts:

You can probably tell already that you would press the “back” button if you saw a post similar to what were on the right side.

One of the ways to do this is to format your text in such a way that people can quickly understand the message you’re trying to convey. You can use few different methods to make your content digestible with few glances.

1. Break up long paragraphs into shorter ones
2. When using a subheading, describe a benefit
3. Use bulleted and numbered lists
4. When writing important sentences and facts, make sure to bold them
5. Use images to bring clarity to your message
6. Remove any elements from the webpage, which may distract the reader

6. Bucket Brigades

As with the last point, the attention span of people is short and that’s why we need to keep the reader engaged from the beginning.

Bucket Brigades are words and phrases that keep people on your page. 


Backlinkto author, Brian Dean, uses this technique often and almost every piece of content he writes starts with a short bucket brigade followed by a colon.

Here’s an example:

It can be used to keep the reader on your site even when the content is long (1500+ words). It’s a technique, which was originally used to keep the target audience reading a sales letter.

It works well, and the average time spent on a page will drastically increase after implementing this technique.

You can simply use Budget brigades at the beginning of your blog posts or even in the middle. The most effective way to find where to place it is to consider at what point in the text your reader might hit the browser’s “back” button.

Here are some effective Bucket brigade classics:

• Here’s the deal:
• This is crazy:
• What’s the bottom line?
• You might be wondering:
• Now:
• It gets better/worse:
• But here’s the kicker:
• Want to know the best part?

Just pick a few and add them to your blog post. I’m confident that the average time people spend reading your content will increase.

7. Make amazing
 headlines

You probably spend many hours writing your content, but how much time do you spend crafting your headlines? Probably not enough.

A headline is important because 8 out of 10 people will read your headline copy, but only 2 out of 10 will continue to read.

ViralNova and Buzzfeed are most famous for their “clickbait” headlines, but even though they receive a lot of hate, their meteoric growth speaks for itself.

You have probably seen these headlines:

Obviously, some headlines are too much and slightly over the top, but they catch the attention of readers.

Here are some examples to draw inspiration from.

15 ___ That Will Change The Way You ___

This ___ Makes ___ 3x Better

Use These 3 Simple Hacks For More ____. #2 Is Awesome

When You Learn About ___ You’ll Never ____ Again

Here Are 6 ___ That ____. And They’re Backed By Science

I Tried ___. And Even I Was Surprised About What Happened Next

When you have crafted your headline, you may want to test it with Headline Analyzer. It’s really simple and accurate.

8. Use the word “you”

You should get rid of every line of copy that begins with “we”. Whether it is on your website or in an email newsletter.

Instead, begin with “you”.

Why?

People don’t want to hear about others, they want to hear about themselves. They have enough problems and questions on their own and they are looking for answers.

If you want to start conversions and write copy, which gets results then you need to start thinking of the word “we” as a word to never use.

9. Write conversationally


The act of writing is a conversation between the author and the reader. We have so much information from all mediums that if we don’t feel connected with the content, we will search for something else and click away to better content.

If you want to get your message across, then keep your copy as conversational as possible. Try using words and phrases that you use in everyday conversations and try writing in the same way, as you would talk to a friend. If you can do that, your copy won’t end up being dull and uninteresting.

10. Use power words to trigger emotions


You have definitely read articles or books from writers who have written with a magical ability to toy with your emotions. This kind of writing takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride, making us feel a certain way about that information.

You might want to consider doing the same thing. The easiest way is to use power words. The 20 most influential words, via David Ogilvy.

Suddenly

Now

Announcing

Introducing

Improvement

Amazing

Sensational

Remarkable

Revolutionary

Startling

Miracle

Magic

Offer

Quick

Easy

Wanted

Challenge

Compare

Bargain

Hurry

You can try using these words in your headlines, bullet points and subject lines. Of course, it takes time to get used to using “new” words, but try adding a few to your existing posts right now.

11. Use simple language


If you went to college, you were probably taught how to write using complex sentence structures and a use of vocabulary that a 7th grader couldn’t understand.

READ MORE...

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Fairy Tale Song is on Broadjam Earth Top 10 List...check it out!

View DeDe's "The Fairy Tale Song" animated video here and help DeDe make it to 14, 000 Views!

Please Like my YouTube Channel & Subscribe! Thanks!!!  -DeDe

DeDe's The Fairy Tale Song was a FINALIST in the Children's Music Category of the 2014 International Songwriting Awards!

Connect to Independent Music

We Miss You Robin!

My sister, actress Missi Pyle, shares a hug with Robin Williams on the set of "The Crazy Ones" in Spring 2014

This is a sweet photo of my sister, actress Missi Pyle, sharing a heartfelt hug with Robin Williams on the set of "The Crazy Ones" this spring.  Robin was really on fire during that episode-the one where he presented the crazy eulogy at client 'Conrad's' funeral. Missi played Conrad's daughter...it was an excellent episode and the whole cast was great.  Missi's thoughts about meeting and working with Robin are posted below, a fitting tribute to a very worthy man. Didn't he make us all feel as if we knew him? -DeDe 

from Missi Pyle: 

     "I didn't know him. I just worked with him. One week last year. He was a huge light. I feel so lucky. He brought so much to us. All of us. So personally. I loved him as a kid watched him in Mork and Mindy. He was fearless and on fire. He inspired me to no end. I wish someone could have convinced him to stick around. We need him. Alas. I hope he finally finds peace. Rest in peace you beautiful man."

All the best music, blessings & peace to you!  DeDe :)

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@DeDeWMusic

A GREAT ARTICLE from TAYLOR SWIFT about Where The Music Industry is Headed...

Where is the Music Industry Headed?

Well, I have to hand it to her, Taylor Swift has managed to write a pretty decent article about the music industry now vs. 10-20 years ago, and where it's headed. Although I'm not sure such a youngster with so much success so early on isn't bit skewed in her thinking, (but aren't we all?), I do think there's a lot of truth to what she says. She basically says that the music industry has completely changed over the past 10 or so years. Its a lot harder to make it and for even good artists to sell their music. And since truly talented artists are rare, it makes sense that our music should be held in high regard. Therefore it should be bought at a price and NOT be free! I never thought I'd say this about Taylor Swift, but I agree!

Read more here: Taylor Swift's WSJ Article about Music

Thanks for reading/Subscribing and talk soon!  DeDe :)

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How to Make a Cool (Cheap or FREE Music) Video!

Hi there Friends, Musicians, and Assorted Countrymen (and women!),

Well, now that I sort of have your attention once again, here's some loving advice from a good friend regarding making music videos, or any videos really.  This falls into that new category that I call: TRUE THAT.  You NEED to be on YouTube if you are a musician or songwriter. Period. Yes, ahem I'll say it again: "True That".  If you are not on YouTube you will fall by the wayside if you're trying to promote yourself, your music or a song, etc. Long gone are the days when you could avoid Social Media like the plague and still make it or try to make it (well, you can still TRY...)

You can even do fun lifestyle-type videos for your fans (or even your family & friends), or one to promote a new business or something, but whatever you do, be sure that you make them look and sound as professional as possible. And, there's no need to spend megabucks on them right now. That is, unless you are a super-mega watt superstar raking in the cash-ola, and in that case you should be making them really really professionally (read: totally expensive!), or you may just look cheap.

DeDe :)  www.youtube.com/1dwedekind       www.DeDe-Music.com
Personal Disclaimer: If you look at my vids, some of them are professional like "One Child" and "The Fairy Tale Song", and some are more, shall we say, amateur. But I TRIED to only post ones that I thought had interesting content, and good sound/video, but this isn't always the case! :)

Written by: Gregory Douglass

So many bands and musicians have had success through viral music video outlets like Youtube. The demand for video is only increasing so it’s time for you to get in on the action. Youtube is still the second largest search engine in the world, and in case you forgot, that’s how Justin Bieber was discovered (how could you forget?) You could easily spend thousands of dollars on a sharp looking, professionally-produced music video – but if you’re just getting started, you probably can’t afford that. That’s no excuse for bypassing music videos altogether though. As a musician, you can’t afford not to have them these days, so here are six steps on how to make a music video on your own for free for those of you who are brand new to the world video:

1. Choose your strongest song. Assuming that you’re a recording artist, you probably have a least a handful of brilliant songs already recorded that you can choose from. Be sure to pick your strongest song, but don’t just take your own word for it – get some second opinions! Chances are, your favorite song isn’t necessarily your strongest song – at least not according to everyone else. Ask your fans, friends, and family what they think is your strongest – then do yourself a favor and take their word for it. This should set the stage for more consistent results from the music video you’re about to make. Understand that your music video will be an incredibly powerful promotional vehicle for whatever song you choose, so make it a strong one!

2. Choose your video equipment. Assuming that you already have a laptop, computer, smartphone, tablet, or camera with video capabilities – you’ll have plenty of equipment options to choose from. If you don’t have access to any of these devices, you probably have a friend who would be kind enough to let you borrow something. All of these devices come with some sort of internal camera and video recording capability, so choose whatever works for you. Since you’re making a music video, the audio component of whatever device you choose won’t matter because you’re eventually going to replace the audio with the pre-recorded audio of your strongest song. I use a Canon Vixia consumer camcorder myself – which is HD quality for a reasonable price – but you can use your shiny new iPhone 5, MacBook Pro, or something as affordable and easy to use as a Flip MinoHD Camera.

3. Create your concept. What kind of imagery comes to mind from the song you’ve selected? What kind of music video do you want to create? For example, you can choose to create a more traditional, story-driven music video, or a live performance-style music video. With a story-driven music video, you might consider doing some acting or filming various places, people, things, or circumstances that support your storyline or imagery. Get creative here and make the most out of what you have to work with already. Is there anything just lying around the house that you can incorporate? Include footage of you lip-syncing a performance, lip-syncing a studio recording session, or capture footage your band performing the song. This will also work exclusively for a live performance-style music video, and you’ll be better off lip-syncing to your pre-recorded song verses singing it live for sake of better audio quality.

4. Choose your locations. Keep it simple and stick to 1-3 locations for your music video. They can be anywhere that supports your storyline or imagery – even three different rooms in the same house works. Is your song dark and brooding? Consider darker locations with softer lighting. Is your song happy and inspiring? Consider brighter locations with wide, open spaces. Shooting outside during the day always offers ample lighting, and cloudy days are particularly helpful in regulating the light because clouds act as natural light diffusers – so long as it’s not raining on your video equipment! If you want more indoor lighting regulation, be sure to have some good lighting options on hand – such as strong overhead lights with dimmers or spotlight lamps – and experiment with each lighting source.

5. Shoot your video. Experiment with various camera angles and positions before you start recording full takes. You might discover you have a more visually striking side or angle, and you might discover the same about your location. Once you’re ready to press record, plan to perform or lip-sync to your song 2-4 times, and aim for 2-4 takes for everything you decide to film as a general rule of thumb. This will give you more than one option for every point in the song, just in case you had something between your teeth during the first take. Nothing is more discouraging than putting the time and effort into filming just to realize you have to do it all over again, so always create options! This rule of thumb is particularly helpful when you’re filming yourself because no one will be behind the camera to keep an eye on things while the camera is rolling. Consider various different angles for each take so your options are diverse when it comes time to edit. Different angles might include a wide shot, a waist shot, a close-up shot, and a handheld shot.

6. Edit your video. Editing your own music video can be as much fun as creating a concept and shooting your music video, so don’t be afraid to learn. It’s exciting to bring your footage to life, and it requires more of your own creativity. There are some powerful video editing software options available for premium prices – such as Final Cut and Adobe Premiere – but since we’re talking about making a music video for free, lets take a loot at the freemium alternatives. If you have a computer, you should already have access to free video editing software that is easy to use and simple to figure out on your own. If you’re on a mac for example, you should already have iMovie, and Windows Movie Maker for PC.Youtube even has its own built-in video editing application, though I can’t say I’ve tried it yet. Whatever software you use should have the option to eventually mute or disable the audio from your video footage once you import/upload it into a new project. You might want to keep it enabled until you’re finished editing though, as it will be a necessary point of reference for the song as you extract each clip you want to use to lay over the recording of your song. Once a clip is added to your video timeline and matched up correctly to the appropriate section of your recorded song, you can then disable the video clip’s audio channel. Get creative and play around with all the different takes and angles you’ve captured until you have built a completed music video that you’re happy with, free of charge!

I'm on iTunes (finally!)

Hi there Friends & Fans, OKAY SO THIS IS PRETTY EXCITING, MY NEW CD "Love & Fairy Tales" IS NOW ON iTunes (sigh). Before you laugh, let's talk about the level of difficulty here...  First I had to make the EP/CD, then get all the (retouched) photos, then get all the photos and songs to fit the format on the ReverbNation store to get them to push it to iTunes. I also had to first publish the hardcopy CD on my Reverbnation Store. For some reason the hardcopies didn't happen this time on CD Baby...oh well. No worries. Then I had to pay Reverb to put it on iTunes. Then I had to keep my fingers crossed that iTunes would publish it quickly-and (yay) they did! This was AFTER my release in June 2013 about a month and a half later, so I was, um, a bit late shall we say?  Anyways, it's there now. It took about 5 DAYS to get it posted to ReverbNation because they were having severe bandwidth issues with me getting my songs uploaded and the photos, etc. for the CD....it was a very taxing time for me. All's well that ends well anyways, so here's the URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blame-it-on-the-summertime/id681711229?i=681711394  Ta-Da! (I really hope you upload it since it's less than $6.00!!) A bargain I might add... Thanks! DeDe :)  PS the Christmas CD is really coming along great, (if I may say so), and I really think you will like the 2 videos coming from my visit to LA: "One Child", my original new Christmas song, and "The Fairy Tale Song" (fun & whimsical-I really love what Jesse is doing to this video so far!!) I'll certainly keep you posted about when they arrive, AND a few contest updates for you as well... :) www.DeDe-Music.com www.facebook.com/DeDeWedekind

DeDe @ Bovaland chats about her Christmas CD 2013! 7-3-13