The Cream Rises
Posted: June 26, 2013 Filed under: Songwriting and Career Promotion | Tags: ryan lafferty, still working music Leave a commentThe best advice I received when I first came to Nashville was, “Work hard, the cream rises to the top here.”
And here’s proof it can rise quickly. Songwriter Ryan Lafferty, who moved to Nashville about one year ago has just signed with Still Working Music as a songwriter . b. e.
Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds
Posted: June 14, 2013 Filed under: Songwriting and Career Promotion | Tags: A & R, development deal, live showcase for major label, showcases, Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds Leave a commentA lot of aspiring artists just don’t seem to get it. They can sing, they may be good looking. But in Nashville that’s only the bargaining chip that gets you to the table, everyone holds those cards. In most cases, to “win” you need more.
My advice: Hit the stage with intent.
This band gets it:
Sure, there are big acts that basically just stand nearly motionless onstage and win people over with their personality and/or talent. But they already have hit records. Too many aspiring artists who “want to get signed” get the chance to do a live showcase for major label A&R and when the lights go on, have nothing.
No stage movement, no personality, nothing unique.
The difference between singers I’ve recorded during my time time here who did move on to a major label recording contract and the ones who had great talent yet failed to move beyond a development deal or even the showcasing stage is a lack of drive, a lack of setting themselves apart from other aspiring artists in some way.
Sister Sparrrow and The Dirty Birds is a group totally into what they’re doing. It wouldn’t matter whether there were 5 people watching or 55,000, they’d perform just the same. The band is tight, the girl has a unique voice and makes the most of what she’s got. This is the type of act any A & R person would jump to sign- b.e.
Demo or Master?
Posted: June 11, 2013 Filed under: Song Demo Tip, Songwriting Tips | Tags: Demo or Master?, Demo to Limited Pressing Conversion Agreement Leave a commentShould you have a demo made of your latest song or a master? That is should you use a service such as Play It Again Demos or should you use a studio such as Nashville Trax?
Do a demo if:
Do a master if:
Note that in 2012 AFM Local 257 here in Nashville approved the Demo to Limited Pressing Conversion Agreement which permits an upgrade from demo to master that gives credit for payments already made. Previously it was illegal to sell a demo.
Christian Song Demo Service and Christian Recording Studio
Posted: June 10, 2013 Filed under: Christian, Studio Services | Tags: Christian radio stations, Christian Recording Studio, Christian Song Demo Service, Christian songwriter tipsheets, K-Love, King of Kings, songwriting, The Fish, The Way Leave a commentNeed a Christian Song Demo Service? A Christian Recording Studio?
Try:
Play It Again Demos’ Christian Demo Service
If you believe in God, make the Lord Jesus Christ the center of your life and write music that would best fit on Christian Radio Stations like:
K-Love
King of Kings
The Fish
The Way
…then Play It Again Demos is the Christian Demo Service for you!
The producer, Bill Watson who produces for both Play It Again Demos and Nashville Trax Recording Studio is a Christian and listens to Christian music of all types. The musicians and sraff who work for both the demo service and the recording studio are Christians.
Most, like Bill (who plays bass guitar) serve on worship teams at local churches on Sundays. Most of those teams play contemporary Christian music so the musicians keep up with the latest trends in the genre.
Having quality demos made of your best songs is an important step that will position you as a serious Christian songwriter whether you are writing sinply to glorify The Lord or you’re pitching them directly to a popular Christian artist in the hope they’ll record them.
If you already have a solo act or a band a Christian Recording Studio like Nashville Trax will be needed to start recording songs professionally and offer them for sale on CD, download or at live performances.
Christian Singer Seeking Songs For Project
Posted: June 9, 2013 Filed under: Christian, Song Pitch Opportunity | Tags: christian singer seeks songs, Hannah Belle Leave a commentHannah Belle, of Lorman, MS will be recording here in Nashville this summer and she’s seeking uptempo hit single country material. She’s a Christian and wants clean lyrics but the song submissions need to be country, not pop country, not Christian. If you have something you’d like to have cut specifically for this pitch send in your rough for evaluation.