In Islam, one of the religious person’s duties is to make a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca at least once during his lifetime. I’ve observed a parallel in New Jersey’s diverse original music scene, where one of the basic tenets of devotion to songwriting is making the journey to Nashville---at least once in a writer’s lifetime.

In 2012 Paul Marcontell of Atlantic Highlands, NJ — a prolific songwriter -- was planning his trip to Nashville, and hoping to make some music connections. He was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International and was exploring the website when he saw Jon D’Agostino, Holmdel, NJ on the member list.

Paul has an extensive background in music performance and a master’s degree in composition. When he was well into a music PhD program with plans to teach at a university, (long story short) Paul dropped out of school and turned-on to Wall Street where he remains. His heart though, is in composing all styles of music.

Over coffee at Starbucks, Paul learned that Jon, a lawyer by profession, was also a singer and a lyricist, and had been writing songs and making monthly trips to Nashville for 10 years! Feeling complementary vibes, the two decided to form a local songwriting group without NSAI affiliation. Today, in its third year, the Monmouth Songwriters Group has a 40-person mailing list.  On average, 10 or so attend each monthly meeting at the beautiful Middletown Arts Center.

 Paul says, “Meetings always seem fresh because it’s always a different group of people who are able to come out. It’s a room full of talented people and like-minded souls pursuing their passion, so we always have a good time and exchange interesting ideas.” In February, there was applause when Jon announced the official opening of his Demolition Publishing Company’s Nashville office, and the news that he and co-writer Adam Searan won first place in the “Country” category of the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest with their catchy tune “Last.”   

There is no particular genre or limits on what a songwriter may present in the group. Some people give a live performance of a song they’re working on; some play polished demo recordings; and others share “work in progress.” Within the group, interesting collaborations have formed between singers and guitar players -- between a strong lyric writer and strong music writer, and vice versa.

Beginners as well as experienced songwriters are welcome to join the group. Some of the active members are familiar to Jersey Shore music fans, and recently were featured in the winter Light of Day for Parkinson’s Festival in Asbury Park and Northern NJ towns: guitarist/singers Rob Dye, Chris Corley, Cat London, Maxine Snow, Rosemary Conte, and pianist Charlie Clarke.

The newest member, musician Dawn Hopkins, deserves kudos for organizing the first performance of the Monmouth Songwriters Circle set to play No Joe’s in Red Bank, on April 15. We start at 7pm. Come join us as we share our original songs.

For more information and to join the Monmouth Songwriters mailing list, contact Paul or Jon.

Rosemary Conte is a singer, voice teacher, and music activist based in Matawan. Contact at [email protected] or www.Facebook.com/Rosemary.ConteSinger