A Tribute to TSF-Mike
Mike Frisbey was the founder of The Songwriters' Forum (TSF). In 2005 he went looking for a site where songwriters could get together in a friendly environment and help each to improve their craft. When Mike didn't find quite what he was looking for, he went ahead and built this site - by Songwriters, for Songwriters! From a handful of members originally, the site has grown to hundreds of users and thousands of songs - but the sense of family that Mike brought to it from the start has stayed and flourished. Below are some of Mike's thoughts and messages captured along the way.

"I got to tell you it really helps, me at least, to hear all about everyone's experiences. I think through these revelations we develop a common bond with people of different countries, lifestyles, values and beliefs. One thing I have learned is everyone is human no matter what and we must learn to live with one another if the human race is to survive."

Dec. 1, 2008

"I never, ever wanted to make a pact with God or challenge him to make me better in exchange for some lofty goal that I would then try to accomplish for him. No, rather my eyes have been opened to how much of a gift already given that I have squandered.

A lot of people have asked me why now, why try to do something with your music now when you had years to have done it. Probably like a lot of you, I just never felt I was good enough. I get embarassed easily and am really a very shy person at heart."

Nov. 25, 2008

"Perhaps if we were all a bit more honest with ourselves and with others in sharing our critiques--either public or private--then our creations would take on a new light."

May 11, 2007

"Don't be shy in asking someone for help in getting things polished. There are so many kind and gracious musicians here and other places that may be willing to give you a hand for nothing more than giving them a percentage if things go well. What have you got to lose?"

Nov. 5, 2008

"I guess I live, eat and breath to be creative in many different forms. I find myself accomplishing things I never thought possible. I'm continually learning, and not by somebody forcing me to, it is by desire. I suppose if God told me to build an ark, I would probably find a way to do it. The first one might fall apart, but the second one would be killer, as long as we hadn't already drown."

Dec. 23, 2006

If I hear one more person tell me they "can't" do something like sing or play an instrument, I'm going to scream. It's amazing how many obstacles life throws in your way without us constructing our own walls in competition. I guess that was one reason for the tagline on my signature. Stop telling yourself you can't do something and just try it for crying out loud. Stop whining and just do it or forever be looking back on your life and saying "if only I had."

Aug. 14, 2008

"See what I mean....inspiration for somebody like me comes from everywhere. Heck I could probably get inspired again by just reading the phone book. So you don't think I am crazy, what I am talking about is your last line of your paragraph below. "Every Day is a Little Better". Great hook and you didn't even know it."

Jan. 2, 2009

The way to achieve the unbelievable is to first imagine
that it can be done.
"Works for me!.....Do you have the imagination to see your creations and projects come to life? Beyond the mechanical nature of what you do in writing music, have you ever envisioned yourself becoming famous and standing on a stage singing your own songs to a packed auditorium? Do you believe it can happen or do you shrug it off as nonsense? Do you succumb to your inner voice telling you that you can't do something....and why bother with all the embarrassment you would receive? We all have that voice. But for a fleeting moment, if you can imagine it possible, it might happen to you."

Jun. 14, 2007

"The melody must fit the lyrics and the lyrics must fit the melody. There can be many levels at this stage too as you refine the two together. Once things have taken shape, a real demo can take place."

Nov. 5, 2008

"Boy if I had a nickel for eveytime I've said that. No worries, that's what 'Open Mic' is all about so just keep on singing and refining. We might never be great singers or great musicians, but at least we try. No coulda, shoulda, woulda's here!"

Dec. 26, 2008

"Guys, just so you know, I've always had a hard time accepting praise or kudos from others. I embarrass real easy. So don't think what you have done has gone unnoticed because it hasn't. I will treasure it always."

Jan. 1, 2009

"Testing one, two, three.
Can we get a little gain on the mains please?
That's better, hold it right there...perfect.
Sean you and Mike ready? OK.
Can somebody please turn that light down just a bit it is blinding us. We don't need that spot until the show...Thanks. You guys ready to rock?
One, two, three......."

Dec. 5th, 2005

"Keep on writing, it keeps your mind sharp and your pencil lead dull."

"You can't leave footprints in the sands of time if you are sitting on your butt--and who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?"

This was one of TSF-Mike's signature taglines. He lived by
it and encouraged his fellow-songwriters to as well.

As for Mike's loving family in Oregon, they will remember the many lines he liked to use around the house such as....

"For cryin' out loud!" (from the movie The Christmas Story)...
"Must be nice!"...
"Are you kiddin' me!!???"...
"Pretty slick if you ask me!" and...
"You serious Clark??" (from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)