DAY - 166

Today I reached out to major hit producer and remixer, Rob Chiarelli. You can find him at www.finalmix.com or just google him for tons of interviews. He's work with everyone from Christina Aguilera to Will Smith.   I met Rob, briefly, at a music convention in LA almost 2 years ago.  He heard my song "Half the Girl" and wanted a copy of it.  I've been following up and staying in touch ever since.  We've never worked together to any capacity so far, but I'm definitely interested.  Which actually leads to my blog for the day...

I sent Rob a rough working demo of the dance/pop song I'm working on. (refer to yesterday)  I'm hoping (maybe I should say fantasizing) that he'll check it out, dig it, and have a major artist he happens to be working with want to record it. :)  Don't laugh, this is how my brain works sometimes.  But nonetheless, if not for anything else,  I want to stay on his grid and show him some strong ideas I'm working on.  I thought this song would be a cool opportunity to do so....especially since its right up his alley.

That's it for now... back to teaching some guitar lessons.

DAY - 165

Another crazy busy day!!  Anna Maki got back to me right away yesterday with contact info for Kos Weaver... the Disney Music Publishing rep in Nashville. (refer to yesterday)  I forwarded the info to my co-writer, J Fred Knobloch.  Got an email from J Fred Knobloch at 6:36am this morning letting me know he made the pitch of "Heart On A String" to Kos Weaver at Disney!! Let's keep our fingers crossed he digs it...

Had a 9am songwriting session with the Sweet Angeline team, Tyler James and Liv Devine.  We finished the arrangement and a recorded a rough version of the dance/pop song we've been working on.  Its a hard-hitting, fun and upbeat, pop tune in the same vein as Katy Perry's new single "Part of Me" and Jessie J's latest single "Domino".   We sent the rough acoustic/vocal to a producer in Philly who is going to produce a full-blown demo for us!  Definitely psyched to see where it goes.  Can't wait to post it so you can hear the finished version. Stay Tuned!

But thats not all, I decided to take advantage of some extra free time and reached out to NYC songwriter/producer Alex Houton.  www.alexhouton.com I met Alex about 4 or 5 years ago.  At the time, he was interested in producing my old band, Fire by Night.  Long story short, the deal never exactly worked out the way we had wanted it and the band actually broke up before we could pursue anything further.  Anyway, Alex is working with some Major label artists and doing some great things right now so I figured I reach out and try to reconnect. I sent an email to see if he was interested in writing sometime.

It is now 9pm and I am exhausted.  Time to put on Food Network, cook some food, grab a drink and chill out.  Cheers!

DAY - 164

Apologies for the brief nature of this blog post but today is super busy!  I just spent the last hour researching contacts at Disney Pixar.  J Fred Knobloch and I are planning to pitch "Heart On A String" in consideration for "Toy Story 4" (which you already know about) and NOW the "Muppets Sequel".  Yes, thats right, the Muppets will be back on the big screen again with a followup sequel that Jason Segel has already begun working on!!   We want to pitch to both movies and Disney Pixar in general so I'm researching contacts.

I sent an email to Anna at ASCAP Nashville to see if she can do some digging to help me out and also I reached out to a music plugger I met a long time ago that deals with Disney.  His name is Paul Majors.   We'll see what I can come up with.  If you haven't heard "Heart On A String" you can do so here...
http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/heart-on-a-string-ruff-mix

The hunt is on!!

 

DAY - 163

Great news!! Katie O'Halloran from EMI Music Publishing Canada got back to me. (refer to yesterday) She said she would love to feature my Contemporary Country group 'Sweet Angeline' on her website! www.ithinkiloveit.com

I'm so pumped!  I wrote her back, gave her my info and we're going to talk more in detail before she does a feature.  In light of the good news, we amped up the 'Sweet Angeline' website and added a couple new songs for streaming.  Check it out www.sweetangelinemusic.com

Now its off to an early rehearsal with the Liv Devine Band.  I'm playing an acoustic show with the band for Thunder 106.5 opening for American Idol's Casey James!  The show will be at the Brickhouse Bar and Grill in Brick NJ.  If you live around that area and think you want to come hang out...check out the website for more details www.livdevine.com

All good things!  I'll let you know when the feature goes up on Katie's site.  Cheers and have a great weekend!

DAY - 162

The weather in Philadelphia is absolutely beautiful right now!  60+ degrees and the sun is shining.  You'd never know its still February.

 In light of the beautiful day, I was feeling pretty ambitious this morning so I decided to reach out to 2 contacts today instead of just 1.  The first was Jake Livingston, A&R rep for Major Label, Epic Records.  He posted a listing, searching for fun, upbeat, positive songs that have potential to become BIG summer hits!  I decided to send over "Cupcakes & Wine" If you haven't heard it yet, you can listen here: http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/cupcakes-wine

The second contact I found today was through Music X Ray as well.  This one I thought was really cool! Katie O'Halloran is a Music Publisher rep from EMI Music Publishing Canada. She is apparently looking for artists, songwriters and producers to feature on her Blog www.ithinkiloveit.com (check it out..its really cool! You might find someone you like that hasn't been discovered yet)  This site highlights and features unsigned, up and coming artists and songwriters!  I wrote her an email, introducing myself/ letting her know my goals, then gave some links to my music.  If she digs what I'm doing and decides to feature me on her blog this will definitely help get some recognition as well as a great connection to EMI Music Publishing!

Cheers to great weather!

DAY - 161

Random thought last night while watching Miranda Lambert's Invitation Only concert on the Palladia network.  I've officially decided upon my top 5 favorite songs.  Not in specific order...

1) 'Mr. Jones' - Counting Crows
2) 'Jolene' - Ray LaMontagne
3) 'Piano Man' - Billy Joel
4) 'The House That Built Me' - writers: Tom Douglas & Allen Shamblin. Performed by: Miranda Lambert
5) 'Come Pick Me Up' - Ryan Adams

These may be subject to change but after forcing myself to think about it last night, this is what I came up with...for what its worth :)

Anyway, today was a good networking day.  I was able to secure the contact of BMG Chrysalis Publisher, Daniel Lee.  BMG Chrysalis is a HUGE publishing company...just google it and you'll see who they deal with.  I emailed Daniel a short but sweet message introducing myself, including a link to "20/20".    I'm hoping I can peak his interest.  

I also emailed creative director, Audrey Faires from Ten Ten Music Group (An indie music publishing company in Nashville) I basically sent the same email to her as well.   These were both personal email addresses so I know I'm getting through.  My hope is that they take a minute to check it out.  A minute of someone's time is often asking a lot, especially when the request is coming from an unknown like me.  But we'll see!

DAY - 160

Today I emailed music publisher/song plugger Shane Barrett. (refer to Day 147)  I met Shane at ASCAP in Nashville and have been keeping in touch.  He recently wrote me an email letting me know he was interested in hearing more songs.  Since Fred and I basically finished our demo of "Heart On A String" I figured I'd send that over to see what he thinks. I don't necessarily know if Shane has any ties to Disney Pixar or is working with any artists that would cut the song, I more or less want to stay on his radar by presenting quality work time after time.  We'll see if it works :)

Also,  just booked the writing session with songwriter Paul Sottile (refer to day 142+143) for this Friday. Looking forward to the session!  Keep you posted.

DAY - 159

Heard back from Jason Blume and we're pitching "20/20" to Luke Bryan this week!  I think we've given Blake Shelton ample time to jump on it...he hasn't... so we're moving on.  Say some prayers and keep those fingers crossed people! :)  If you haven't heard "20/20" you can do so here... http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/20-20

Feeling under the weather today so I took the day off from school.  Taking advantage of the downtime, I was able to do some research and stumbled across Bill Silva Entertainment.  Bill Silva represents acts like Jason Mraz and Christina Perri.  I reached out to Bill for management consideration.  I've been noticing that every established publisher "does not accept unsolicited material".   In other words, they don't let you in the door unless someone else, who they think is credible, walks you through.  

Soooo... I decided to reach out to a management company in the hopes of gaining a "teammate" in the pursuit of getting that coveted publishing deal.  Basically, I'm looking for someone who might be interested in shopping me around.  I don't know,  just another thought, I figured I'd give it a try.  I still think the best way to get in the door is to get one of your songs recorded on a major record or movie.  But,  a wise man once said, "more than one road can take you to the same place."  

DAY - 158

TGIF!  Another week down, 23 more weeks to go.  Today I heard back from Anna at ASCAP Nashville.  (Refer to yesterday) She came through for me again, securing the contact info for Luke Bryan's team!    I emailed co-writer Jason Blume with the pitch idea and contact info.  We're still waiting to hear back something from Blake Shelton's team so I'm sure we won't make any moves yet, but I figured it'd be cool to have something on the back burner.  Regardless,  Its great to have the contact info for future reference.  Alright, gotta get ready for a busy weekend of gigs and recording.  Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 157

Decided to change up the scenery on this gloomy, cold, Thursday afternoon.  Instead of making my usual stop at the local Starbucks,  I ducked into Cosi on Locust street in Philly... enjoying a coffee and a sandwich.  I don't come here enough.  Free wi-fi, nice atmosphere and the food ain't bad either.

I was G-chatting (i.e. Google Chat) with Sue and I was complaining about not being able to find a good networking angle today, when she brilliantly suggested, "Why don't you try to find contact info on Luke Bryan's team?"  Great idea!  Luke Bryan is a break out country star.  Back to back hits like, "Do I", "All My Friends Say", "Country Girl Shake It For Me", "Drunk On You" etc... he's pushing the edge of country crossover.  He would be a great pitch for some of the new singles I'm writing/demoing.
Long story short,  today I emailed Anna Maki at ASCAP Nashville to see anyone at the office could help me acquire contact info for Luke Bryan's team.  Keep you posted on that!

Also, I heard back from songwriter Paul Sottile (refer to Day 142 +143) and it looks like we're going to try to get together next week for a writing session!  Looking forward to it.

Cheers!

DAY 155 + 156

Apologies for the delay!  Hope you had a romantic and wonderful Valentine's day.  If you didn't, someone out there is missing out.  Sue and I went to dinner and unfortunately had the worst meal ever!  Feeling sick today.  Oh well, the wine was good as well as the company.  ;)

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, as promised,  Here's the first rough mix of "Heart On A String" by Michael August & J Fred Knobloch
http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/heart-on-a-string-ruff-mix

***This is the song we're pitching Disney/Pixar.  Fred is singing,  I'm playing piano and my Dad, August Walton, wrote and arranged the horn section.  Let me know what you think!!

So the past couple days have been a whirlwind of writing, recording and networking.  Yesterday, Liv Devine, Tyler James and I got together for a writing session.  Wound up being a killer day.  We finished a whole song (dance/pop ala Brittany Spears, Katy Perry) and started another one (country/pop ala Lady A)  The new one sounds absolutely beautiful, in my opinion.  Great news as well, today we sent the idea to J Fred Knobloch and he loved it and wants to write it with us.  Definitely pumped because Fred is such an incredible writer its a pleasure to have him join the team!  Today I had Tyler and Liv record the background harmonies on "Heart On A String"  so stay tuned for the final mix!

I heard back from HoriPro Entertainment.  Unfortunately, they said they cannot accept unsolicited material...gonna have to try and find a way around that.  I wrote back politely thanking them for their time.

DAY - 154

Hope you had a great weekend!  Finally got a little snow.  It was actually welcomed (for me at least).  It was one of those beautiful looking snowfalls that happened over night and melted in the sun the next day.  No hassle, no fuss, just a glistening, white, covering.

So good news, I heard back from Michael Martin at ASCAP this morning.  (Refer to Day 135).  Its been about a month, but he got back to me and said he's interested in listening to some more music.  I'm really excited because Michael truly has his finger on the pulse of the Nashville scene and he's a 'go to' publisher for many labels and A&R reps.  Let's just say he's pretty connected.  Anyway,  I just forwarded him the brand new demo that J Fred Knobloch and I are finishing.  Its called, "Heart On A String".  I'm really happy with how this one is turning out!!  Its the song I've been talking about for the past month (the one we're pitching to Disney Pixar)  I'am actually trying to post it online for your listening pleasure right now but the internet connection is so slow, it doesn't seem to be loading.  Oh well, I'll post it ASAP.  We have one mix done already and we're working on a whole other mix with a full horn section.  I'm not gonna lie it sounds preettty sweet.  Stay Tuned!!

DAY - 153

Happy Friday!  Right now I'm sitting at Sweet T's Bakeshop (my sister's Toni & Chrissy bakery) www.sweettbakes.com   enjoying a great cup of coffee and sampling the latest creations.  I like to think of myself as their 'professional' taste tester.  The only downside to this gig is that I've probably gained about 10lbs since they opened in December.  Time to hit the gym!

Today I followed up Kary Sit from KSC Entertainment. I haven't heard back since our last email in January so I wanted to touch base and let them know that I am still interested in collaborating.  KCS Ent. is constantly pitching music for TV and Film and just had 6 deals landed in December.  Definitely want to stay on their radar.  Hope you have a great weekend.  Cheers!

DAY - 152

Go at it boldly, and you'll find unexpected forces coming to your aid.

- Basil King from The Conquest of Fear



A month or so ago I had mentioned that Darius Rucker (frontman of Hootie and the Blowfish turned Country star) is looking for songs for a new album.  At that time, I reached out to Anna at ASCAP Nashville to try and find contact information for Darius' management or A&R.  She got back to me about a week later with the info and we pitched "20/20" to Josh his manager at McGhee Management.  Unfortunately, I never heard anything back.  Soooo today I decided pitch another song.  I sent over "Love Takes Work".
http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/love-takes-work-demo

After sending 'Love Takes Work' to Living Wills Publishing yesterday, I started thinking about the song in general, and 'who' I could potentially hear singing it.  All of the sudden, Darius Rucker's voice came out of nowhere and started singing it in my head...lol.  I have to laugh at myself because I know that sounds weird...but don't judge me.  Listen to the song and picture his voice singing it instead of mine.  You'll see what I mean!

.... fingers crossed I hear back this time.

DAY - 151

Today I contacted yet another indie publishing company in Nashville.  This time, instead of contacting a company with a HUGE track record,  I contacted a company who seems to be just getting started.  'Living Wills Music Publishing' was formed in 2009 and they've just begun securing cuts for other artists and TV/Film.  They're young and hungry...just like me. (This strategy, I've heard, can be very beneficial in some cases)  I figured I'd reach out and send them something to see what they think.  I sent them my rough working demo of 'Love Takes Work'.  I let them know that obviously it isn't a full blown demo, and that I just wanted to get an opinion of the song and the writing.   If you haven't heard it yet, you can listen here and make your own opinion. :)  http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/love-takes-work-demo

If you like it you can download it for free. Cheers!

DAY - 150

Day 150...wow!  Time seriously flies.  Only 215 days left...almost half way there!  Incredible how much has happened over the past 150 days.  Just started reading through my own blog and got a little overwhelmed with how much can be accomplished if you hit it hard everyday.  I can't take all the credit though.  The idea to start this blog was actually the brainchild of my loving and supportive girlfriend, Susan.   The idea was actually invented and discussed, on a road trip through the mountains of West Virginia, one whole year prior to starting this adventure.   So once again, thank you Susie :)  And thank you to YOU the readers who have been following and offering suggestions and connections.

Down to business.  Today I was researching more Nashville publishers and I came across, Horipro Entertainment.  www.horipro.com  Horipro has offices overseas as well as Los Angeles and Nashville.  They represent a wide variety of music so I thought they could be a good fit.  I went to the site and tried emailing creative director, Amy Hendon Scott.  She works with the Nashville branch.  Getting in the door through email is often the hardest task.  We'll see if I get a response.  Keep you posted.

DAY - 149

Its Monday afternoon approximately 1:30pm... that would mean I should be in Starbucks on Broad Street (if you've been keeping track)  Like clockwork, I am in deed.  Getting my much needed caffeine fix while taking advantage of the free wi-fi.

After doing some research on publishing companies in Nashville, I came across another really well- established and successful indie publisher called 'Ten Ten Music".  I emailed both Patrick Clifford (A&R) and Barry Coburn (President) in hopes of getting through and making a connection.  I read an article about 'cold contacting' music reps that said it is most important to keep the email short and sweet.  So that's what I tried.  (Harder than you may think)  We'll see if I can break through by email... once again, since I am still an 'unknown' entity,  this is a hard task.   Regardless, now I have 2 really amazing indie publishing companies on my radar... Big Yellow Dog and Ten Ten Music.  Now, the object is to keep my eyes out for other ways to get in front of them!  i.e. pitch sessions, workshops, etc... that they might be hosting.

In other news... Still waiting to hear back from Blake Shelton's camp.  The fingers are still crossed!!

DAY - 148

Spent all morning in the studio working on tunes and loading new software onto my studio computer.  Tedious stuff but necessary.  I spoke with J Fred Knobloch today regarding making connections with Disney Pixar.  Looks like we may have a way in to get our song in the mix for consideration in a potential Toy Story 4 movie.  Its in the very early stages, but we'll see.

Looking forward to a great weekend of no commitments.  Finally!

DAY - 147

Just heard back from music publisher Shane Barrett! (refer to day 131)  Shane is a music publisher responsible for placing a ton of hits songs that you hear on the radio today!   We met in Nashville, at ASCAP and I emailed him afterwards to follow up.  He got back to me today and said he wanted to hear more music from me... needless to say,  I sent him some more tunes and gave links to my song catalog.
I'm definitely going to attempt to keep this relationship growing.  

Also, just started looking into music industry meet and greet lunches... I was just tipped off to this by a friend and looks really cool. Apparently, they hold them pretty often in NYC.  Which is right around the corner for me so that would be great. More to come on this...

DAY - 146

New song demos, as promised, for your listening pleasure!!

"I Kinda Like It" - Uptempo, Pop/Country ala Sugarland (M. August, L. Devine, T. James)

http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/i-kinda-like-it

"Boots" - Uptempo, Country/Rock ala Carrie Underwood (M. August, L. Devine, G. Micofsky)

http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/boots

"Boots" is a song I wrote with Liv Devine and her lead guitarist/musical director Gene Micofsky (refer to Day 93)  for the Liv Devine Band. There is some serious stuff going on right now with Liv and her band (I'm talking major label interest / recording contract status)  So stay tuned for upcoming news!!


Also submitted to this listing today on Music X Ray.  I submitted the new demo of
"I Kinda Like It"

Epic Records Looking for radio ready commercially viable records for placement 
Song starts, tracks, hooks, lyrics, full songs, anything... looking for songs to place on other artists records, must have memorable chorus, familiar production with a twist, looking for fresh hit songs!!! Country, urban, dance, pop, rock, electro, guitar driven rock songs, piano driven ballads, uptempo preferred.  We are looking for youthful, energetic, hooky, positive, melodic, big summer anthems!!!