DAY - 290

Happy Labor Day!

As promised here's a Recap for Friday, August 31st...

Today was an incredible day to end an incredible week.   I woke up to an email from co-writer, J Fred Knobloch explaining that he had a meeting with Universal Music Group's Senior Director of A&R, Joe Fisher.  Turns out, Joe not only loved the songs, "Better With You", "Cupcakes & Wine", "Boots" and wants to pitch them to Sugarland, but he also LOVES the sound of my contemp. country side project, "Sweet Angeline".  So much in fact that he asked J Fred if we could come to Universal Nashville and play for the staff!!  I couldn't believe it.  The door to Universal Music group has officially been kicked open!  More to come on this.  J Fred also let me know that he is in the midst of setting up a meeting with Warner Bros music group as well.  Let's keep 'em coming baby.  

About 10:30am, I got to producer, Chris Zurzolo's studio to work on some new tunes.  Things are sounding FANTASTIC!  New "My Name is August" single almost ready to be released.  Stay tuned.

Later that day, I received an email from Nashville publisher and songplugger, Shane Barrett letting me know he listened to "Better With You"  and like it a lot.  Great to hear from Shane because I'm planning my next trip now and I'm going to be contacting Shane to hopefully set me up with a writing session.  

As for today, (Monday, Labor Day) not much I can do in the way of emailing so I've been doing a bunch of research, scanning websites like Taxi and Music xRay looking for leads on artists in need of songs and good TV/Film listings.  

Wishing you rest and relaxation and a happy Labor Day.  Cheers! 

DAY - 289

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got."
(Anonymous)

My Psychology of Teaching professor just dropped this one on a us today and it hit me right between the eyes.  I found it really inspiring and very true when reflecting on my own life.  The only times I truly make progress and find success is when I break out of my shell and out of my routine and try something new.  I can't count how many times it has proven true this past year!  Almost everything I've accomplished during this blogging adventure has come because I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something different.  This "Anonymous" character must be a pretty smart guy.

Today I had a little idea.  If you've been following, you'll remember that I've been in contact with EMI music publishing Canada rep, Katie O'Halloran.  The new demo I've been talking about (refer to yesterday) is a dead on pitch for Avril Lavigne.  What do EMI Canada and Avril Lavigne have in common?  You might have guessed it...Canada.  Well, long story short, I contacted Katie with the idea of a possible connection to Avril.  I figured it was worth a shot since the music biz in Canada is apparently quite small and close knit. (from what I hear)  We'll see if anything happens.

Also, a bit of cool news...  I heard back from Cal IV Entertainment's creative director, Natalie Harker today!!  (refer to day 286)  I'm super pumped because she was interested in knowing when I'll be back in Nashville.  (Actually planning my trip now for October, more to come on that)  I sent her my catalog so I'm hoping she digs enough to meet or set me up with a writing session with someone on the Cal IV team.  Like always, we shall see.

DAY - 288

On a hot streak...3 good days in a row!  Let's keep it going baby...

Good news and bad news... The bad news is I can't post the new song demo I wrote with Scot Sax. (refer to yesterday)  The good news is his publisher loves it and is pitching it!!   And hey, if the song gets picked up by an artist,  you'll definitely get to hear it...then there won't be any bad news :) Fingers crossed, prayers being said.

Besides working individually on a couple songs today,  I've emailed a whole bunch of people!  One of whom being rising star producer, Scott Stallone.  I think Scott would be the perfect guy for an upcoming pop song I've written and I'm trying to connect the dots.  He's relatively local at this point so let me know if you know him or know someone who does!   I've also been putting out feelers to a few of my publishing contacts about the new song.  Hoping to get some attention and pull my weight on the  pitching side of it.  

Cheers!

DAY - 287

Great day for music! (didn't I say that yesterday?)  Hey, 2 days in a row... I'm on a roll.   Here's the skinny...

Early this morning I reached out to ASCAP Nashville rep, Mike Sistad.  I know my co-writer, J Fred Knobloch deals with Mike so I figured I'd reach out and introduce myself.   I let Mike know that I'm moving to Nash-vegas next summer and I'm interested in meeting as many other writers as possible and performing in as many ASCAP events as I can.

I also reached out to hit songwriter and host of the Bluebird Cafe's open mic night, Barbara Cloyd.  I contacted Barbara merely to say hi, follow up and stay on the radar.  I sent her some new material as well.  Besides being very talented and a great teacher,  Barbara has good connections with publishers in Nashville so it can't hurt to try and stay in her good graces.

Now, what I'm really excited about.... Just got my first listen of the first mix of my latest song with hit writer Scot Sax.   It sounds AWESOME!  I can't express how much I love it.  Philly producer and songwriter, Cliff Hillis absolutely nailed the production!  NYC singer-songwriter, Dana Alexandra killed the vocals!  As for the song...it is a super catchy, gritty rockin,  chick pop anthem, chock full of hooks!   I might be able to post a sample, but I have to wait because if Scot's publisher decides to pick this one up we can't have it available for streaming while in pitch mode.  Wish us luck!!

DAY - 286

Great day for music.  Got up early and headed to a recording studio in North East Philly to work with the Sweet Angeline team and producer Jason Cook on a new song demo.   I have to say, Jason is killing this production.  The song sounds incredible so far!   It's a mix of fresh, inventive, yet organic, Pop stylings that's reminiscent of Fun, The Wanted and Adele.  Big drums, big vocal hooks and a great vibe overall.   Can't wait to hear the finished product and post for you.   Stay tuned!

Today I reached out to Cal IV Entertainment's Creative Director, Natalie Harker.  I sent basically the same type of email to Natalie as I did when I initially reached to Daniel Lee.  "I'm looking for help with development and interested in writing with one of the very talented writers on your team...etc...ect."

I'm realizing more and more that in a failing music industry, publishing companies these days aren't signing writers left and right like they did in the 90's.  You have to have a track record and potential big money rolling in the pipeline.  Well, how do you get a track record if no one will sign you?  What I'm learning is this.... you have to write with as many established writers as you can!!   Hoping that you'll get one through the door and onto Keith Urban's next record. (substitute Keith for any big name artist)  The minute you have a single,  you can get a meeting with any publisher you want!   Now, don't get me wrong, I know this isn't the ONLY way to do it.  Writing with people you have natural chemistry with is just as important.  But, it's definitely a way I've seen a bunch of new writers get signed.  Might as well give it a try...come at it from every angle.  We shall see!

DAY - 285

If you spend your life searching for the road to success, then you will have wasted your life looking for something that isn't there. The road to success has to be built by ones self with a concrete made of knowledge and desire.

Ryan Wilkins

I woke up early and started writing almost immediately (after mowing the small plot of land we refer to as the backyard) and the muse was with me today.  At 11am EST, I started a Skype writing session with Canadian songwriter, Kirk Penney.  Kirk and I dotted our i's crossed our t's, tied up the loose ends and put the finishing touches on the song we started last week. (Hell, we even sprinkled some fairy dust on it)  I'm REALLY happy with how it turned out!  Its a tongue and cheek, story type song, with a fresh contemporary vibe.  Kirk is ahead of the game and already booked the studio time in Nashville to record the demo in September.  Can't wait to get this one done!  

After a great morning/afternoon of writing I checked my email and I had a message from Daniel Lee.  Daniel said he really enjoyed my stuff, I have genuine talent and already a bunch of strong material, BUT, it wasn't necessarily better than what he is already pitching from the writer's signed to his team.  However, even though he didn't feel like he could offer me a deal, he put my name and contact on a list he keeps of very strong up and coming writers in which he distributes to other writers and industry folk.  He also emailed me the list so that I can contact these writer's to potentially set up co-writes.  He also said, when I compile another 3 or 4 songs that I think our incredibly strong...send him another CD!  

Well, it wasn't exactly the response I was going for, but it wasn't half bad either.  Another connection made and a door kept open.  Not to mention a whole list of potentially great co-writers!  I'll take it.  Have a great weekend. Cheers!

DAY - 284

Crazy busy day!  So many cool new songs in the works right now my head is kind of spinning trying to keep track of new lyrical thoughts and melodic ideas.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining...it's not a bad problem to have lol.   Although my fiance, Susan may disagree... I probably seem like I'm in outer space this whole week :)

Anyway, This morning I got together with the Sweet Angeline team to work on "20/20" edits and came up with some great stuff that our co-writer, Jason is digging.  Hopefully the changes will give us the edge we need to get the song cut and make it a hit!

Between teaching lessons, I did a bunch of much needed scheduling for next week.  Got a line up of great writing and recording sessions booked...trying to get it all in before school starts up next Thursday! (Can't believe summer is already over)

Since last night I've been emailing back and forth with producer, Mark Wolff Jr. (refer to yesterday)  Mark emailed me to let me know that instead of the pop stuff I sent him, he's actually really digging my country stuff! (I like his honesty)  Just so happens he has two Country artists that he will be producing next month who are backed by big investors and major Nashville reps.  The best part is... he wants to showcase my stuff.   Could lead to some really things... but of course, we shall see.  I emailed Mark letting him know I'm interested in potentially working together in the future.

DAY - 283

Hit it hard today!  For the past week, I felt like I spent so much time on the creative side of things and not enough time on the business.  So today I spent about 3 hours writing emails.  I reached out to 4 people, 2 industry reps and 2 producers.  Here's who and why...

1) Ryan Beuschel (ASCAP rep):  I sent Ryan the rough work of the song I wrote with Sony Music Publishing songwriter, Heather Longstaffe.  I emailed Ryan to get his feedback and to stay in the loop.

2) Michael Martin (ASCAP Rep & Publisher):  I sent Michael the new demo of "Carousel"... also to get his feedback, see if he had pitch ideas, and to stay in the loop.

3) Mark Wolff Jr: (freelance producer)  Mark is a new contact.  I found him on Music X Ray, then found a contact page for him on another site.  I decided to send an email to introduce myself.  Apparently, he's working on a new record for one of Pussy Cat Dolls who is now going solo.  I sent him to my catalog site and highlighted "Bass Drum" and "Partly Cloudy Mostly Funny" because he was looking for songs with both a Katy Perry and Lily Allen vibe.

4) Rob Chiarelli: (major producer, remixer)  I reached out to Rob and sent him the rough work tape of a Pop song I wrote with the Sweet Angeline team.  I asked Rob for his feedback and let him know that if he digs it and thinks it has hit potential, we'd love to work with him on it.

Alright, now I can get back to writing!

DAY - 282

This morning I spent awhile sending emails and making phone calls following up with co-writers and industry folk I've been in contact with in the past couple months.

I spoke to co-writer Scot Sax and the demo for our latest song is almost finished.  I'm really pumped about this because I know that Avril Lavigne is looking for songs for a new record and this one is a slam-dunk!  We had Philadelphia producer and songwriter, Cliff Hillis  work on the production and mix of the track so I can't wait to hear it!   Hope to start pitching this week.

I also emailed co-writer Jason Blume regarding "20/20" edits.   The Sweet Angeline team and I will be getting together this week to hash out some edits to send to Jason.  As I was saying a couple weeks ago,  we want to ensure the song is as strong as it possibly can be before we make pitches to Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes.

That's all for today...time to start making my teaching schedule for the Fall.

DAY - 281

Fantastic weekend and a great Monday to kick off the week.   Let me catch you up to speed.  Saturday I got together with Canadian songwriter and recording artist, Kirk Penney.  Kirk is a super-talented singer-songwriter that I met during my last trip to Nashville. (refer to day 279)   We hit it off immediately in the studio on Saturday and started writing a great idea that Kirk brought to the session.  Pretty much finished the entire song in a day.  Its a story oriented, country song that would be perfect for someone like Josh Turner.   Can't wait to wrap this one up and get it demoed.  More to come on that!

Today I got together with long time bandmate, friend and co-writer, Eric Schwank.  Eric and I had an amazing session in which we wrapped up a song we already had in the works and wrote over half of a brand new one!   Both songs we're ideas that Eric brought to the table and they are REALLY strong.   We ironed out some super-catchy melodies, solid arrangements and now we're busy making delicate lyrical choices and tweaks.   I'm very confident with these songs and looking forward to the demo stage.  They're both more on the "rocking" side of Country which makes me extra excited because I don't have anything like that in my repertoire yet.   Stay tuned!

Now let's get down to business...

On the networking side of things I heard back from creative director, Daniel Lee (refer to Day 280)  He's said he hasn't had a chance to listen to the CD yet but said he will be doing so this week and to  contact him later in the week to see if he can make a connection.  Keeping my fingers crossed he digs what he hears!   Also, just heard from Leanne Summers from LA Women In Music.  I had emailed Leanne a little while back because I noticed LAWIM had been in connection with Disney Music Supervisor, Cheryl Foliart. Well, Leanne decided to forward my email to a woman named Harriet Schock (one of the board of directors) who happens to be friends with Cheryl and her husband.  Nice!!   One step closer.

DAY - 280

Today I followed up with BMG Chrysalis creative director, Daniel Lee.  (refer to Day 258)  I heard back from Daniel letting me know that he had received my CD and that he would listen as soon as possible.  I haven't heard back in about a month so I figured I'd follow up.  Obviously, I'm sure, listening to my CD isn't his top priority so I thought it couldn't hurt to drop a line and politely remind him who I am. :)

Today I also scoured the Taxi.com listings for this month and found some pretty cool new listings I decided to submit to...  here's one in particular I thought was dead on...

1)  I submitted "Cupcakes & Wine", "Better With U", and "I Kinda Like It"

CONTEMPORARY POP COUNTRY SONGS in the style of The Band Perry, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, etc., needed by an A&R Exec at a Major Nashville Label for a super popular Pop Country group. QUOTING THE EXEC: "Don't be afraid to pitch organic/more stripped down tunes. We need songs that are fun, energetic, and positive that can appeal to a wide audience." Songs should be CONTEMPORARY, with lyrics that have something to say - They're NOT looking for themes that are too juvenile. Songs MUST have ENGAGING and CATCHY melodies, with lyrics that are VIVID and MEANINGFUL. This is a HUGE artist, so be sure your songs have a SOLID STRUCTURE and stylistically match the artists referenced. UPTEMPOS ONLY, no ballads. MALE or FEMALE vocals OK. Make sure your demo really sells the song's concept and vibe. 

DAY - 278 + 279

Day - 278
Had a writing session with a really cool, young songwriter from PA, named Nathan Muchnick.  We had a cool first session, just fleshed through a couple ideas and got started on something pretty interesting.  We'll see where it goes.  Also, spent some time working on another new song that I'm writing with a another new co-writer from Indiana named Bill Gue.  Bill's a talented songwriter I met at one of Jason Blume's BMI workshops a couple summer's ago.  He had a great idea and we're developing it via email.

As far as networking goes I've been doing more research on connecting with Disney/Pixar for "Heart On A String".   I tried contacting Pixar directly today.  Spoke with someone on the phone who gave me a company contact email.  Honestly, didn't seem promising but worth a try.  Also, spoke with J Fred Knobloch who has a bunch of calls out to Nashville reps shopping the 2 new songs.  Keeping fingers crossed and saying prayers I land the elusive "first-cut".  

Day - 279
This morning I spent some time getting song ideas together for a writing session this Saturday.  I'm getting together with Canadian singer-songwriter, Kirk Penney.  I met Kirk randomly while looking at Condo's on my last Nashville trip.   We've stayed in touch and decided to get a co-writing session together.  Looking forward to digging in!

Throwing more irons into the Disney fire today.  These folks are HARD to connect with!  I'm not giving up though. Today I contacted Disney Music Supervisor, Cheryl Foliart.   Stay tuned :)

DAY - 276+277

Back from vacation...relaxed, renewed, revitalized and ready to go!   Hit the ground running as soon as I got back yesterday.  Here's a brief laundry list update on what's happening...

1) Submitted a My Name is August song called "A Higher Place" (co-written with Eric Schwank) to snowboarding DVD in production that's looking for songs.

2)  I submitted 2 other MNIA songs, "Caroline" & "Easy to Love" to a Taxi.com listing for a "new American Idol winner" looking for pop/rock songs for his debut record ;)

3) Heard back from major pop producer Michael Lattanzi.  He told me he would love to get together and to contact him when I'm coming into Nashville again!!  I emailed him back and let him know I'd be in touch.

Bunch of writing sessions going on this week with writer's around the country and even Canada!  Keep you updated as the week progresses.  Let the music flow!  Good to be back.  Cheers!  

DAY - 275

Reached out today to Showdog Record's VP of A&R, Cliff Audretch III pitching him Carousel.  I've been in contact with Cliff for a while but he hasn't bitten on anything yet.  We'll keep throwing it out there though.

*Note: This upcoming week I will be on vacation in the little backwoods lake town of Rangley Lakes, Maine.  I can't promise that decent wifi will be available so stand by regarding next week's activity.  I will update as much as possible.  Have a great week!

Ps:  I'll try to snap some pictures of moose :)

DAY - 274

Had a meeting with J Fred Knobloch and the Sweet Angeline team this morning via Skype.  We spent some time talking to J Fred about the game plan he has for upcoming pitches.  Keeping our fingers crossed something sneaks through the door and onto somebody's album :)

Scoured the Taxi.com listings today as well and found a bunch of great new opportunities!  Here's some highlights...

Submitted Carousel:
PASSIONATE ADULT CONTEMPORARY SONGS (with a Pop feel) in the style of Adele, Train, Kelly Clarkson, etc., needed by a worldwide Music Publisher providing music for high-profile films and TV networks. He'll be looking for FRESH, CONTEMPORARY MELODIES, with MEMORABLE lyric hooks, and VIVID lyric imagery. Songs MUST have a PERSONAL, HONEST, and COMPELLING vibe that will set the mood for a scene. Your instrumentation MUST sound CURRENT and fit within the style of the referenced artists. Lyrics must be Universal - don't get too specific with names, locations, etc. Vocal and instrumental performances must be top-notch! MALE or FEMALE vocals are OK. All tempos accepted.


Submitted I Kinda Like It and Cupcakes & Wine:
A-LIST MUSIC SUPERVISOR NEEDS CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY SONGS in the style of Sugarland, Scotty McCreery, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, etc, for a Popular returning television series. This Music Supervisor uses LOTS of music, averaging 7-10 songs per episode! The key to this listing is a MODERN CONTEMPORARY SOUND in the vein of the chart-topping artists mentioned above. This listing is looking for GREAT SONGS with STRONG HOOKS, and a MODERN CONTEMPORARY SOUND. The bar is HIGH, so submit your best work, featuring contemporary Country song lyrics, melody, and production. This supervisor needs songs that can add energy, mood, or atmosphere to a scene. Lyrics should be UNIVERSAL Ð avoid featuring a name, place, or specific, detailed storyline that might conflict with a scene. MALE and FEMALE vocals and all tempos are acceptable. NO Instrumentals! Production must be top notch with solid arrangements.

DAY - 273

Great writing session today with the Sweet Angeline team.  We finished a brand new dance pop song that's reminiscent of "The Wanted".   We decided to team up with a brand new producer on this one that Tye James has been working with recently.  His name is Jason Cooke and he does fantastic work so we're pumped to see where he takes the track for this song.  It was cool to dig into another dance pop song.   Haven't written anything like this since "Bass Drum" and its a blast.  Definitely a different mentality and a different head space than I've been writing lately and it satisfies my songwriting A.D.D  :)   Can't wait to get this thing produced and finished so I can post!

Speaking of producers...  Long story short,  Sue and I were in Long Island, NY this weekend visiting friends when we got to talking to a random woman at tiki bar on Sunday.  We were just making small talk when the conversation shifted to music and us moving to Nashville.  The woman told me that I should reach out to her friend, Michael Lattanzi who happens to be a very successful pop/rock producer.  So, as you've probably already guessed, I reached out to Michael today.   I let him know that I'm in Nashville every couple of months and that I'd love to chat and possibly get together next time I'm in town.  We shall see.