Hello everyone. It is Mar. 12.
TODAY'S topic (talk amongst yourselves)
is ... well, it's hard to sum up in one line, but basically is...
"Do the best you can, as long as it's appropriate, puts you
closer to your goal, and the results are better than doing
nothing." How's that? As often is the case, this topic was
inspired by a writer's email.
I received a humorous letter which complimented my page with
sincerity, busted me for being condescending, credited me with
being funny and informative, and asked me not to reply to the
email with a joke (one of my tendencies) although the letter to
me was then closed with a bit of wit that made me laugh. In all,
the very human person behind this letter responded to my pages
much in the way I write them. They are not exactly one-minded and
perfect, but they are getting my thoughts through (obviously to
people who feel, and perhaps occasionally act, as I do.) My best
defense is, at least I do move forward, even if my steps are
small ones.
The way I pursue music is the same way. It is not always the most
perfect demo, or even song, for that matter (though I try, I
swear, I try!) In the songs I write, or the songs I sign to
represent, the projects I produce, etc., there are not always
perfect elements present. But I have two choices. I can work with
what I have (WORK with it, not make do with it) or take the steps
I need to make it work. I swear I hear more whining about what
people cannot afford in this business. If you can't afford it,
you'll have to work with what you have, or not do it. Either way,
there are realities you have to deal with. Let's break it down
simplistically.
You want to write a song, but you don't play an instrument. (Can
you believe I get letters that say this, then ask me what can
they do about it?)
You find someone who plays and instrument, you "teach"
them your song, you realize you are going to need a band (or
players and a producer, if you are a songwriter.)
You find the players and realize you are going to need rehearsal
time.
You start sounding so good (or you have re-written your song over
enough so it sounds good,) you realize you need to Professionally
Demo the work.
You need tape copies, labels, stationary just to spread the word.
(Of course it is about this time that the band breaks up, the
co-writers have a fight, or an artist comes out with a worldwide
hit of a song with the same title of the song you just wrote, but
we won't even go here today, ok?)
You realize you need resources that contain names and
addresses, and emails.
You realize you need a lawyer to draw up agreements between the
band and songswriters, a publisher to represent the songs, an
agent to get the gigs, a manager to keep track of it all, a label
to support records and touring, a secretary to keep track of your
part. You need Performing Rights Organizations to help keep track
of royaties, and licensing agencies to represent mechanical
pressings and film covers. You need copyright administrators to
make sure the royalty counts are right. You obviously need an
accountant, financial advisor, etc.
You somehow find a cousin that makes all this happen. You realize
you need a publicist to help you compete with the other
established artists to get grammy attention.
You win a grammy and realize that right after the grammy party,
it all starts again. (Of course you are down to, after taxes,
keeping about ten percent of your net earnings, your don't
remember the name of your youngest child, because you have been
away 2/3 of her three years, you have no friends because you are
never available, and you work every holiday you used to share
with your loved ones, but who's counting?)
Ok. How much of this are you prepared for? At what part are you
stopped? What steps are you taking to get you closer to your
goals? (Small ones, if not large ones.) Do you realize that there
are no "entities" I can think of, where you simply hand
your song or act over to, and all you do is sit back and write
and play the rest of your days. If anyone is drawing that picture....
good luck!
As usual, I'd like to hear your thoughts. ~ janet
_________________________________________________________
CURRENT SONG NEEDS
Right now this is the ONLY material I am listening to. THANKS
for understanding.
I will be accepting CHRISTMAS songs for REVIEW starting FEB. 15 -
APR. 15.
READ ON ~ They must be FULLY mastered with WONDERFUL (and "master
leasable") vocals. (This means you must own the rights to
the recording, as well as the song.) They CANNOT deal with DEATH,
period. IF they MUST deal with disappointments, the song must be
redeemed with hope or happiness at the end.
THIS PITCH IS ONLY SLATED TO RUN FROM FEB 15-APR 15...I WILL NOT
NEED THIS TYPE SONG AFTER THAT. (I know some of you will come up
to me at conference next year in Palo Alto and try to pitch me
this stuff...ONLY TIL APR.15~!)
I am NOT interested in remakes of traditional carols. I want
GROOVE, STORY, PERFORMANCE, CELEBRATION, SPIRIT, MUSICIANSHIP,
MELODY... (kinda picky, huh.) ONE SONG ONLY PER WRITER!!!
DO NOT SEND BEFORE Feb 15. CLEARLY LABEL YOUR PACKAGE "CHRISTMAS
PITCH". If you can't follow directions, you will not be
considered. Somebody please write some anthems, or likeable pop
stuff... we have a LOT of Country already. Thanks!
If your song HONESTLY fits this criteria, send it to : Goodnight
Kiss Music; 10153 1/2 Riverside Dr. #239; Toluca Lake, CA 91602.
Thanks.
c. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Janet Fisher, Goodnight Kiss Music