Writer's Notebook - James Rafferty Blog

Another Song on First Tracks: Without You

As I wrote in my last post, I am entered in the First Tracks contest on Gather.com, where several hundred songwriters are competing for a record deal and $20,000.    I am pleased to report that my first song Irish Man got enough support so that I was named a semi-finalist and am competing in Round 2.  Voting in this round is permitted daily up until March 31.   

My new song for the second round is Without You.   I wrote this about 2 years ago.   It is a jazzy rock piece that also features slide guitar on the choruses.   There are a few lines in this tune which are about blogging, which is one of several aspects that make it unusual.   

In addition, I was inspired to do a radio ad for the piece, which you can find here.  I'm really proud of the radio ad, which came together very nicely.  Among other things, it will tell you more about the song, in a cool disc jockey mode.   Don't miss the 3 part harmony on the call letters at the end!

I'm having fun with the contest.  There is a lot of good musical talent based on what I've listened to so far.   I wrote an article on Gather that highlights a few songs that have caught my attention so far.  If you like music and want to hear some fresh talent, check it out.    

My Song in First Tracks Contest

As many readers may know, last year I entered two novel writing contests on Gather.com last year.   On the whole, it was a great experience, since I got some very useful feedback on my writing.  I also met a peer group of novelists on Gather that care as much about writing as I do.   We've supported and learned a lot from each other.   

In addition to writing, I also am a musician and have been writing songs for many years.   Gather is now running a new contest called First Tracks and I decided to enter one of my songs, Irish Man.   

To listen to the song, link here.   If you visit, please also cast a vote.  The rules for voting are that you can do it every day.  Voting is not too difficult (see the Red Vote box) and there is no need to join the web site to do it.  There is a pretty good story behind the song, which you can read here.   

If you like what you hear, please let me know and tell other people about it.  The contest and daily voting goes on until March 17.