DAY - 81

So speaking of rejection... Keith Urban's A&R person at Capitol Records decided to pass on '20/20'.  She said, "...I just don't think the song is right for Keith."  I was definitely bummed when I got the email, but I realized that you can't win 'em all.   Just have to keep on pitching until something sticks...or...hits :)   Speaking of pitching,  I just found out that country star, Dierks Bentley is looking for songs for a new record so he looks like a good pitch.  I emailed Jason Blume to let him know, but I'm sure he's already on top of it.  

I also emailed Fred Knobloch to set up a time to finish the song we've been working on.  Haven't heard anything about the Kellie Pickler pitch, but still keeping my fingers crossed.

DAY - 80

Today is my birthday.  Even though I'm getting older and life is moving faster than I want it to, I still enjoy birthdays.  Its like getting a chance to start fresh... to see what the next year has in store.  Every birthday, I make a pledge to myself that "this year will be the year..." (fill in the rest)  Well, I have to admit, I feel particularly confident and excited about this upcoming year.  Instead of 'seeing what this year has in store for me' I'm planning to show this year what I have in store for it!  Failures/setbacks may come along the way, but I plan to embrace them with a new sense of determination.  I intend to move right through them without even stopping to look back.  The wheels are turning, the momentum is building...let's make some unforgettable music.  Stay tuned!

Today I emailed Ryan Beuschel (the rep from ASCAP) thanking him for his time and sent him the demo of '20/20'.  Ryan was a really cool guy and very knowledgable...  I would like to try and keep this connection and help it grow.

DAY - 79

Check out the new song the Sweet Angeline team wrote with hit songwriter, Jason Blume.  Its a country/pop/rock song pitch called '20/20'   www.sweetangelinemusic.com

Written by Jason Blume,  Liv Devine, Tyler James, Michael August
*Featuring Paul Scott on lead vocals*

Just got an email from Jason Blume letting me know that '20/20' is officially in the hands of Keith Urban's A&R rep at Capitol Records.  Lets say a prayer and keep our fingers crossed!!!

DAY -78

My apologies for getting behind on the blog.  Haven't had internet access until today...so let's get caught up....

Tuesday was an incredible day at the recording studio in Nashville.  We met Jason Blume at 10:15am, chatted a bit, went into the studio, fastened our seat belts, and came out with a FULLY mixed and mastered (finished) song by 6pm.   It was a whirlwind experience which was guided by the best of best musicians and audio engineers in Nashville! I'll be posting the song tonight for your listening pleasure :)

After the studio, we went out for some dinner and drinks again with our friend and songwriter J Fred Knobloch.  Incredible day...can't wait for you all to hear the song!!

DAY - 77

First day in Nashville...sorry for the delay in this blog, just had to gather all my thoughts and write with a clear head...

 The 'Sweet Angeline' team (Tyler James, Liv Devine and I) flew in 10am yesterday morning.  Then it was off to a full day of networking!  Here's the run down...

2pm:  Meeting with Ryan Beuschel at ASCAP (a 27 year old industry guy with a bigger office than my apartment) We talked a bit, played a few songs, got some advice and critiques and were on our way...

3pm:  Straight to our old friend Captain Jack. Liv met the Captain back in New Jersey about a year ago and kept up the connection.  Captain Jack owns a super successful internet radio station in Nashville that has over 200,000 listeners.  He plays Liv Devine Band's music all the time and also had Liv and Sweet Angeline on the show live back in August.  Great guy! 

5pm:  Had dinner with Jason Blume.  We ate at one of the most unassuming resturants in Nashville.  It could only be described as a perfect fit for the show "Diners, Drives and Dives" on Food Network.  Hole in the wall type of place with down-home southern cooking still made by Grandma.  It turned out to be an awesome time!  Jason was so cool to hang with on a personal level.

8pm:  We ended up meeting J Fred Knobloch out for drinks at a bar called the Gold Rush.  It was an awesome hang.  Fred is such a cool guy and seriously hilarious!  Made plans to hang again tonight.

Alright...its 9:40am Nashville time, chilling in Starbucks (of course) and getting ready to go to the studio to record the demo. 

DAY - 76

The road to success is always under construction.

- Anton Figg

Rejection is one of those big bumps in the road...

Unfortunately, I did not win the Texas Songwriters cruise competition. So close but so far away.  I was a finalist in both Rock and Country but didn't pull off the grand prize :(  Congrats to the winner!...check it out...  http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com/

Also, My song 'Love Takes Work' was rejected from being pitched to Keith Urban.  "Not quite what we're seeking."  was the automated response. (refer to Day 74)  Maybe your not seeking the right thing!!  Haha JK :)  I completely understand though.  Music is a subjective business.  Just because I think a song would be absolutely perfect for a certain artist doesn't mean someone or anyone else will think the same thing.  This case in point.  

I heard back from Debi Champion at Commodore Grille. (refer to yesterday) She let us know that Tuesday writer's night is already booked but we're welcome to play the open mic night again.  I emailed her, thanking her for her time and let her know we might see her on Tuesday night.  

Anyway,  Its a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I'm leaving for music city (Nashville, TN)  tomorrow morning!  Everything is planned and in order. (Refer to last week) I will be keeping a detailed account the next couple days so stay tuned and wish me luck.  Cheers!

DAY - 75

Met with my 'Sweet Angeline' co-writers this morning, Tyler James and Liv Devine, to rehearse some songs and work out some last minute details before our Nashville trip.

We're planning on performing at one of the writer's nights on either Monday or Tuesday night.  Back in August, we played an open mic night at a place called the Commodore Grille.  The host of the evening, Debi Champion, really enjoyed our songs and gave us her card. She told us to contact her before we come back and she would book us on a full writer's night.  Just sent her an email today letting her know we'll be in town and we're interested in playing on Tuesday night.  Second only to Blue Bird Cafe, Commodore Grille is a super popular venue for writers and performers alike.  Securing a writer's night here will definitely help us make more contacts while we're in town.

Hope you have a great Friday night...Cheers!

DAY - 74

TMG is listening for hit songs to pitch to Keith Urban and his camp. Please send only your best! All tempos.



This is a new listing I just found on MusicXray.com and submitted to today!  I submitted a song called  "Love Takes Work" check it out...  http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/love-takes-work-demo


We'll see if they like it...

DAY - 73

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

- Henry David Thoreau

Found that comforting today...

Anyway, spoke with Ryan Beuschel from ASCAP today (Refer to Day 72) and we are officially set for a meeting on Monday Oct. 24th at 2pm.  Great news!

Monday is shaping up to be a good day.  Flying into Nashville by 10am, meeting with Ryan at 2pm, and having dinner with Jason Blume at 5pm...now we just have to find a place to perform on Monday night!

DAY - 72

Great day for music!  Woke up early for a Skype writing session with J Fred Knobloch. (Nashville hit Songwriter)  We made some killer edits to the new song we've been writing.  Its shaping up to be a beautifully upbeat and fun tune that just makes you smile.  I think one more session and we'll be ready to figure out demoing details!

Fred also let me know that his meeting with Jim Catino got delayed, but Jim will be previewing 'Cupcakes & Wine' this week! (Refer to last couple days)

Finally!  Someone from ASCAP got back to me. (refer to Day 68)  A rep by the name of Ryan Beuschel.  He emailed me today and I emailed back looking to schedule a meeting for Monday Oct. 24th.  Getting my face and ultimately my music in front of these ASCAP reps can be a HUGE help with making songwriting, publishing, and label connections.  If they like what they hear and believe in your ability, ASCAP reps and publishers really have the power to open doors that are usually locked tight!  

DAY - 71

So today is the day that J Fred Knobloch is pitching 'Cupcakes & Wine' to Jim Catino, Vice Pres. of A&R at Sony Records. (refer to Day-65)  I've been walking around all day with butterflies... excited, nervous and anxious.  This is my first major song pitch.  The chances are slim to get a cut on any major album... especially someone like Kellie Pickler.  Even if the song gets rejected, its still an accomplishment in itself to finally have a song placed in front of the 'right' people.  I'm not gonna lie though, I'm praying for a win!  Keep your fingers crossed.

I have a song writing session via skype with Fred tomorrow so I'll find out all the details.  Stay tuned!

DAY - 70

Did some research on a new label called DigSin.  They are a singles label, which means their main focus is on promoting, selling and distributing single songs.  I was considering sending over a song for consideration, but I want to find out more about the company and its credibility.  It was founded by Jay Frank, who has written a very success book called FutureHit.DNA...but that's all I know so far.

DAY - 69

Happy Friday!

Alright so I finally got a hold of someone at ASCAP Nashville. Her name is Ana, and basically, she is the gatekeeper.  She gave me her email address and told me to email her with some links to my music.  She said she would forward the email on to all the publisher reps to see if we can schedule a meeting. (this was pretty much the same story last time)

Hopefully we'll get a meeting this time!

DAY - 68

Hard time getting out of bed this morning, something about consistent rainy weather that makes me want to sleep.  So you'll find its no surprise I am in Starbucks right now, getting my caffeine fix for the day.

So far today I scheduled a writing session with J Fred Knobloch for next Tuesday.  We're going to shoot to tie up the loose ends on the new tune we've been writing.

As I'm typing, I've been on the phone with ASCAP publishing in Nashville trying to schedule a meet and greet with a publisher for Monday, October 24th.  Last time I was in Nashville my team and I had no luck with getting 'one on one face time' with an ASCAP publisher.  Hopefully (now that I can throw around a few names) we'll have more success this time around.  We shall see!

ASCAP is a performing rights society or PRS. Basically a HUGE publishing company with gate keys to the entire music industry.  They also do all the royalty tracking for songs played on TV, film and radio and make sure everyone gets paid accordingly.

DAY - 67

Spent all morning recording some demos with the 'Sweet Angeline' team. www.sweetangelinemusic.com   We've started planning our little two day adventure to Nashville.  Gonna try to make the most out of these days... networking, performing, recording, shmoozing...etc. I sent some emails out today to Barbara Cloyd from Bluebird Cafe, J Fred Knobloch, and some other contacts we made while we were in town back in August.

Also,  Finished up some stuff with Jason Blume today through email.  Unfortunately, just found out that Rascal Flatts is 100% done recording they're next album. Why is this unfortunate, you ask?  Well, because the song we're going to be recording in Nashville in 2 weeks was meant to be a pitch to Rascal Flatts for their forthcoming album.   Looks like bad timing :(   But hey, if its meant to be....

DAY - 66

You are a finalist! You are a finalist again!?  Amazing news in the form of a phone call from Texas... 

I just received word that I'm a finalist in the Texas Songwriters Cruise song contest. (refer to Day - 42)   

I got a phone call from Lealean Peace, (founder of the song cruise) that my song 'Half the Girl' was chosen as a finalist in the Rock/Alternative category...then...2 minutes later, I got another call from Lealean letting me know that, 'Cupcakes & Wine' was chosen as a finalist in the Country category.  He actually said, I'm the only person to have 2 songs chosen as finalists in 2 different categories!!  This means that both songs will be entered to potentially win the grand prize....http://www.txsongwriterscruise.com/default.asp?p=song-contest  (basically, I'll win a free cruise and a free ticket to all the workshops and the chance to network with some of the top people in the industry)

Lealean told me he really loves the tunes and to call him anytime for questions or anything.  I am freakin' out man.  Great Day!

DAY - 65

I got an exciting piece of news today, heres the story...

So about 2 weeks ago..(refer to Day-52) After finding out that country sweetheart, Kellie Pickler, was looking for songs for her next album,  I called Nashville hit songwriter and now a co-writer of mine,
J Fred Knobloch on the chance that he may have a connection to her 'people'. (I 've co-written a song with my country side project, Sweet Angeline, called "Cupcakes and Wine" and I think it would be a smash for Kellie) Anyway, Fred said that he'd make some calls...

Well today, I got an email from Fred letting me know that he will be playing "Cupcakes & Wine" for Jim Catino (Sony Records VP of A&R!!!) in consideration for Kellie's new record.  This is amazing news!  Even if Jim doesn't like it for Kellie, there may be a chance he'll like it in general and possibly for someone else.  Just having your song pitched to the right people is more than half the battle sometimes!  HUGE thanks to Fred!  Lets keep our fingers crossed and say a little prayer :)

DAY - 64

Today I was able to thoroughly read through the publishing contracts I received (refer to day 53)  I had a couple questions and concerns with the single-song publishing deal for 'Cupcakes & Wine' so I emailed HD Music Now to voice those concerns.

Also, remember when I said that all deals aren't right?  Well, I decided the Studio 51 Publishing deal was not right for me.  In the music business, there are so many different paths you can take...sometimes half the battle is staying focused and knowing what you really want.  I am on the road to, not only a publishing deal, but a  'songwriting' deal/recording contract, and all my efforts need to remain focused on this road.

DAY - 63

Alright,  the rough vocal/guitar demo is done and sent off to the studio, demo singer and musicians.  Speaking of musicians, the line up of musicians that Jason Blume has secured so far to record this demo is seriously a who's who of country studio/touring musicians...check it out...

Electric Guitar: Troy Lancaster (Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Dunn, Martina, Sara Evans, Rodney Atkins, Justin Moore ...)

 

Piano: Steve Nathan (Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Reba, Toby K, Sara, Martin, Jake Owen ...) 

 

Steel (or lap steel or dobro):  Scotty Sanders (Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins ...)

 

Acoustic Guitar: Larry (Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill ...)

 

So excited!

DAY - 62

Apologies for the delay on this blog post.  Spent all day recording a rough demo track that the studio musicians and country demo singer will use to learn the song for our Nashville demo session.  Still going back and forth with Jason Blume, making final tweaks and edits, assuring that everything is exactly how we want it.  We secured a pretty bad-ass demo singer!  His name is Paul Scott, check him out  www.paulscottmusic.com  I think he'll nail the sound we're going for!  More to come soon...

DAY - 61

Flight is booked...Nashvegas here I come! (refer to past couple days)

Another day of planning, handling details and getting things set up.  Everything is good to go with the studio time and musicians. We fly in on Monday morning Oct. 24th and have the whole day to get settled, do some networking, and possibly even perform. Tonight I started doing some research, looking into things we can do on Monday for networking/performing.  More to come on that.

In other news, I received a short email back from Marcus Peterzell (refer to Day 58)  I was appreciative that he got back to me.  He offered a couple names of music publishers in New York that I will be checking into.  I sent an email thanking him for his time.

DAY - 60

Great day for rock n' roll!  Woke early and headed into Philly for a recording session @ Medicine Man studios with my co-producer and mixing engineer, Chris Zurzolo.  I laid down some vocals for a new
'My Name is August' single called, "The Best That Never Was".  Its sounding awesome!  I'm so psyched for you to hear it!!  Should be releasing the song within the next month or two so stay tuned...

The rest of day has been spent teaching and emailing back and forth with Jason Blume regarding our Nashville recording session.(refer to yesterday)  Everything is coming together beautifully (knock on wood).  It looks like we'll be tracking 2 versions of the song... version 1 will be a pop style demo and version 2 will be a country demo (we're doing this so that we have a broader spectrum of artists we can pitch the song too)

I'm planning on bringing a little video camera to the session so I can post it on here to give you a little insight into how it all goes down.  So exciting...more to come soon!  :)

DAY - 59

Power packed day of rapid fire emailing.... Plans are officially in action for demoing the song we've been writing with pro songwriter, Jason Blume! (refer to day 36)  Looks like the "Sweet Angeline"writers, Liv Devine, Tyler James and I will be making an impromptu trip to Nashville on October 25th to record!  I can't even express how excited I am.  Being part of a true Nashville recording session has been on my list for a while now.  Feeling extremely blessed.  Goodnight.

DAY - 58

About a year ago, I was interviewing for music/entertainment marketing jobs in NYC.  After being rejected from every position I applied for, I decided the corporate world wasn't for me and I would go back to school to get my Master's degree in music and focus on becoming a professional songwriter.  Through the interview process, I met a very successful business man named Marcus Peterzell.  Marcus is currently VP of Marketing for a prestigious entertainment marketing firm in New York.  Before this job, however, Marcus was a player in the music biz.  Among many other positions, he actually happened to be manager for the 'The Cure'!

Tonight I emailed Marcus to try and reconnect... I figured I'd let him know what I was up to, send him some links to my stuff, and see if he could lead me anywhere or to anyone.  Shot in the dark, but who knows??  I think that's the beauty of this blog/project... you'll never know if you don't ask.

Alright, feeling inspired...time to do some writing...

DAY - 57

Nothing like spaghetti dinner Sunday's at Mom's house to end/start the week right. (I know Sunday is technically the first day of the week, however I usually think of Sunday as being the last) Somehow all is right with the world when you have a big plate of pasta and homemade meatballs in front of you.

After dinner, I felt re-charged and ready to research.  Tonight I stumbled across 'Upper 11 Music & Management' and the founder, Tony Meola.  www.upper11.com  After doing some research on the company, I found that they are a subsidiary of Universal Music.  They handle not only management of artists but also publishing and licensing of songs and have had many placements with TV and film.  I got so caught up in the research of the company, I wound up emailing Tony Meola tonight.  Usually, I don't like emailing people on weekends...buuttt... I kinda forgot it was Sunday hah.   Hopefully the email doesn't get lost in his inbox.  ; )

DAY - 56

Thought this was hilarious... :)

Sorry for the delay on this blog.  Yesterday was a great day!  I spent all morning/afternoon writing with pro Nashville songwriter J Fred Knobloch via Skype.  Aahhh the wonders of modern technology.  (Basically saved me a $300 plane ticket! amazing!)  We had a great session and got really far on the new tune.  Really excited about it!  I also spoke with Fred a little about the contracts and, being the wonderful person that he is, he offered to read them over for me and check for any red flags.

So the rest of the weekend will spent looking into these contracts and doing some more research on new people to contact.  If you know someone...send them my way!  mynameisaugust@yahoo.com

More to come. Cheers!