We want to help student KMF attendees with a chance to win a $150 voucher to be used at the Courtyard Marriott during the conference! KMF provides important and valuable resources for student songwriters, and this is one way for us to offer our support. Instead of packing spam musubis for lunch and missing out on open mic while you search for affordable dinners elsewhere, use this voucher to enjoy meals at the hotel while you schmooze with fellow attendees and get to know your staff members. We want you to get the most out of your KMF experience and take hold of every opportunity that you can, and we think a little extra spending money at the hotel can go a long way! 

 
How to Win:
Generate a short video (no longer than one minute) explaining why you write songs and why music is important to you. Feel free to get creative - if we like what we see we'll put it on the website and share it with other attendees at the conference!

Upload the video to the Kauai Music Festival Facebook page timeline (https://www.facebook.com/kauaimusicfestival) by Wednesday, July 30th. In the post, please include your first and last name, grade level, and name of the school that you are currently enrolled in.  One video per person, and one person per video please - band members are welcome to work together, but videos must be submitted individually and each must be unique. 

The winner will be selected at random and announced at the start of the conference. 

Students of all ages who can provide a valid student ID card or other proof of current enrollment are welcome to enter. You must already be registered for KMF 2014 in order to win. By submitting a video, you agree to let the Kauai Music Festival use any and all parts of your video for promotion on the Kauai Music Festival website and social media pages. 

Please direct any questions to [email protected]. Thank you for your participation! 

Producer/songwriter
Biggest contribution to KMF: He works on records from the beginning stages of writing through final production, so he can give attendees a very real perspective on the way records get placed and the whole process of writing. 
Recent Projects:  "Suitcase" - Mary J Blige http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgaad9UEYoY&feature=youtu.be

Mark Feist is a truly talented, experienced, and passionate songwriter and producer. Since moving to Los Angeles from Australia in his 20's, he's worked with stunning artists including Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland, Natalie Cole, Hot Chelle Rae, The Spice Girls, John Legend....the list goes on; check it out in full on AllMusic: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mark-j-feist-mn0000830686/credits 

With an impressive career like his, it's no surprise that Mark said his biggest challenge is always trying to outdo his last record and take everything to the next level again and again. His motivation and love for making music, he said, come from the way music can become a part of your soul. "Music is the only true universal language," he said. "There are no barriers, no color line. A melody with lyrics can touch someone's life. That's why I do it." 

Coming into his first KMF, he said he's looking forward to connecting with people and helping those with doubts and questions. "If I can just help one soul to find or tweak their journey as they navigate through it to help them get there faster, that's what it's about!" 

Mark's advice for artists:

• Don't forget that it's a business
• Be in touch with the market. If you want to break through and be competitive, research the top records in your genre and make sure your music compares
• Demos no longer suffice; people want to hear a finished product

Source: Mark Feist

Songwriter/Producer
http://www.richardharrismusic.com
Biggest contribution to KMF: His great attitude! He also gives detailed, productive critiques to help you improve your songs.

Richard Harris is one guy you don’t want to miss at KMF….and to be honest, it’ll be pretty hard to go four days in the same hotel as him without falling into a conversation together. Besides his fantastic songwriting skills, you’ll be drawn to his rad hairdo, great sense of style, and most importantly his kind, outgoing nature. Did I mention the British accent?

When he’s not in his Los Angeles home with his wife and kids, he goes by the name KiDD : R!CH as a writer/producer with Peer Music LA. His work has been all over the pop and dance charts in the US and internationally. His most recent work includes # 1 Billboard single “Lie To Me” feat. Koko LaRoo with Cole Plante, Canada radio Top 40 hit "Two Hearts Set On Fire" - Shawn Hook, and Top 40 iTunes Dance Chart hit "Young Love" feat. Koko LaRoo with Felix Cartal. 

Richard’s advice for artists:
·       Learn everything, and never stop learning. Become an expert yourself so you don’t have to depend on managers, lawyers, A&R, producers, or publishers.
·       Don’t approach any relationship with an eye to get something out of it. Try to see what you can bring to it. There are far too many takers out there.
·       Be diligent; work hard every day and do what you say you’re going to do. 


Source: Richard Harris and http://creativespotlights.com/music/producers/interview-richard-harris/