DAY - 65

Happy Halloween! And indeed it is.  I have off of student teaching tomorrow for parent/teacher conferences and get to spend the whole day writing and recording.  Woo hoo!  I have a session booked in the morning with Nashville's own, J Fred Knobloch and a Friday evening planned with the wifey downtown.  Looking forward to an early weekend.

Today I reached out to Nashville super producer and publishing company owner, Frank Liddell.   Frank owns Carnival Music publishing and producers hit artists such as Miranda Lambert and the Eli Young Band...to name a few.    I read an interview with Frank a while back regarding his interest in emerging songwriters and I've been meaning to connect ever since.  We shall see.  Here's the site if you want to check it out: http://www.carnivalmusic.net

I also sent a follow-up to the creative director of Liz Rose Music, Natalie Harker.  Just touching base, letting her know I'm back in town, and would love to collaborate.  I forwarded over a few new things I've been working on as well.

That's all for today.  Have a happy Halloween and stay safe!  Cheers!

DAY - 64

At the moment,  I'm going over potential songs to perform this Saturday at the writer's round for All About Z Music.  Getting pumped about it!  A lot of new material to try out and some very cool people I'm looking forward to meeting.  That's this Saturday Nov. 2nd.   If you're around, let me know and I'll send you details.

Today was a laundry list follow-up kinda day...

1) Emailed Abbe Nameche (refer to yesterday)  and thanked her for the meeting.

2) Emailed one of my ASCAP reps, Ryan Beuschel to let him know I was back in town and looking to be kept in the loop with anything and everything ASCAP.

3) Emailed the super talented song-plugger/publisher, Shane Barrett to keep in touch.

4) Booked a writing session with Fred Knobloch for this Friday.


It's such a beautiful afternoon.  Time to take my dog to the dog park...who knows who we'll meet this time!

DAY - 63

Fantastic meeting today with Abbe Nameche, GM of Anchor Down Entertainment. (refer to yesterday)  She spent some real quality time getting to know me, listening to my music, and even had me play something live in her office.  First off, Abbe is super cool.  She's an industry vet and she totally knows her stuff.  She gave me great feedback and very solid advice moving forward.  She was partial to my pop stuff and even thought "Heart On A String" (song I wrote with Fred Knobloch)  was "a hit".  She stressed that I spend some time trying to get my pop catalog placed in TV & Film.  Not to mention, she even offered to make a few phone calls on my behalf.   Totally buzzing.

As you may have guessed, I'll be following up and cultivating this relationship.  Cheers to meeting awesome people in Music City!

Also, in case you're wondering... last night's surprise birthday dinner was at Virago. (Killer sushi joint downtown)  It was the first time we ate there and it totally lived up to the hype.  Expensive but REALLY good.  Afterwards we went to the Flying Saucer, a beer hall with over 280 beers on the menu, then closed out the night at Jeni's Ice Cream.  Sweet potato and marshmallow ice cream...sounds weird, tastes like frozen thanksgiving goodness in a bowl.  

Sushi, Beer, and Ice Cream = One happy b-day boy.

DAY - 62

Hope you had a great weekend!  Mine was perfect.  For the first time, in a long time, I got to kick back and relax.  On Saturday, Sue and I took our dog, Indy to the dog park.  Guess who was there?  Country star, Chuck Wicks!  That's right.  At 8:30am Me, Sue and Indy hung out with Chuck and his two King Charles Cavaliers.  Only in Nashville.  After the dog park we came back to the apartment and I set up my recording studio!  Actually, I think recording studio is a strong word.  It's more like a guest room that I sort of turned into a studio.  It'll do for now...

This is what I call compromise.  Studio/Guest Room.
Thanks are in order to my supportive wife :)   

Today is my birthday.  And... as luck would have it,  it's been a great day!  I heard back from the GM of Anchor Down Entertainment, Abbe Nameche. (refer to Day - 60)  Not only did she get back to me but she invited me in tomorrow afternoon for a meeting!   She said I was doing a great job and would like to meet.  Abbe is a music industry veteran with an incredible amount of experience and expertise.  She a is super talented pro who has worked with the who's who of the country world.  I'm totally pumped to meet her.  I wrote back and gladly accepted the invite.  Stay tuned!

To round off a great day, Sue is taking me to dinner somewhere special in Nashville for a bday celebration.  It's a surprise.

Until tomorrow.  Cheers!

DAY - 61

Just pitched a song to country star, Lee Brice!  Turns out Lee is looking for songs in the new country / hip hop style and I happened to have something spot on.   The song is one I've been working on with the very talented Canadian/Nashville songwriter, Kirk Penney.  Kirk and I have been getting RAVE reviews from just a rough work tape version of our song.  Side note: A work tape is a recording of the song, pre-demo. A lot of the times it's just acoustic/vocal or piano/vocal.  However, Kirk went all out and put together a GREAT sounding work tape and we were advised by a few publishers/hit writers to go ahead and pitch it.  So we did. (I'll post the work tape next week so you can check it out)

I pitched Lee Brice's management and A&R team at Curb Records this afternoon.  Fingers crossed, prayers being said...as always.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

DAY 59+60

I'm back in TN!  Walked in the door late last night just in time for a delicious dinner prepared by my amazing wife!  It's great to be back and know that I don't have to leave.  It was an intense 8 weeks and I feel like a tremendous weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  Yesterday was a 15hr travel day so honestly not much got accomplished networking-wise.  I did however, chat with co-writers on the ride down to discuss new song demos and to schedule some writing sessions. 3 new demos in the works at the moment!  Looking forward to posting when they're finished.  The drive was long, but not bad.  I actually took a recommendation and bought an audio book from iTunes.  It made the time fly. Great book by the way.  I've been getting into Malcolm Gladwell. I listened to "Outliers" on the way down and I'm currently reading his latest, "David and Goliath".  

Today I slept in.  After a late night pack job on Tuesday, a 3:30am wake up on Wednesday, and a 15hr drive, I was out like a light.  I finally managed to pull my lazy butt out of bed around 10am.  I'm starting my student teaching requirement tomorrow so I wanted to get as much work done/things updated as possible before it begins.  I'll be working with the vocal department of Hunter's Lane High School over the next 7 weeks.  The school day starts early, but is over by 2:15pm.  Perfect for afternoon writing sessions!

Down to biz...
Today I reached out to Abbe Nameche from Anchor Down Entertainment.  Abbe is the GM for the publishing company as well as one of the founding members of the song-plugging group, Chicks With Hits.  I decided I'd reach out, introduce myself, and let her know I'm interested in meeting.

I've got a lot of new contacts so stay tuned!

DAY - 58

This is going to be short and I am really sorry.  No time!!  Have to finish school work, get home, and pack alllll night, hit the road... Nashville bound tomorrow early in the AM!   Shout out to everybody in my grad program.  We made it through the intensive 8 weeks!!  Shout out to my wife, I'm coming home! :)

Today I reached out again to Ciara Gardner at Disney Music Publishing, in hopes of trying to place "Heart On A String" (a song I wrote with Nashville hit songwriter, J Fred Knobloch)   I'm keeping up the polite persistence with this and hoping to get a response.  Preferably a good response.

A couple brand new song demos in the works, one of which is already getting some good attention!  More to come on that.  Stay tuned!

DAY - 57

The show on Friday was awesome!  (refer to Day 57)  Although I didn't get to meet Uncle Kracker, I did shake hands with Joe Nichols briefly.  He is HUGE in person.  A statue of a man with chiseled features and long, dark, flowing hair.  I don't know what they put in the water down south but I'll have what he's drinking.

I also met the other opening act, Natalie Stovall. Natalie and her band were just signed to Hit Shop Records in Nashville and they're on tour at the moment drumming up exposure for the upcoming record they're recording.  They totally kick ass!  Natalie has an awesome voice and the band is rocking!

Today I followed up with Natalie letting her know I enjoyed their set and I'm interested in keeping in touch.  You can check out Natalie and the band HERE.

That's all for today.  It's homework time.  AND that my friends, will be the last time you hear those words from me!  Tomorrow is the last day of classes.  Wooo hoooo!!

DAY - 55 + 56

Apologies for the delay on yesterday's post.

I have to keep it short and sweet.  It's 6am and I have to be on the road to northwestern PA in 5 minutes, then right from there to the Liv Devine Band show with Uncle Kracker and Joe Nichols!

Yesterday I reached out to super successful producer, Frank Liddell.  I emailed Frank to introduce myself and to let him know I've got a really cool hook/concept for the Eli Young Band (who is know starting to look for songs)  Fingers crossed he digs the idea.

Today, as I said earlier, I'm playing guitar and singing with the Liv Devine Band.  I'll keep you updated  on how it goes.

Have a great weekend!

DAY - 54

1 week left!   By this time next week I will be well into my 14 hour drive back to Nashville, TN.  This time, to stay.

Check out this post from hit songwriter Brent Baxter's blog.  The concept he talks about in this post is the same reason I started my blog. http://manvsrow.com/2013/10/16/boats-and-rivers/#respond. 

If you're an aspiring or even successful songwriter/artist/lyricist and you haven't checked out his blog, do it!   It's insightful, inspirational and chock-full of those little nuggets of wisdom you can only learn by walking the path.

I decided to try something a little different today.  I reached out to Natalie Moore, head of artist development and creative services at Showdog Universal.  I wrote to Natalie letting her know that I'm interested in writing with any artist on her team.  I told her about my strengths as a writer and let her know I'm willing to work with anyone she thinks may be a good fit.

DAY - 53

Beautiful morning!  These are the fall mornings I live for!  65 degrees, sun is shining, the dew still hanging heavy on the grass and the smell of burning firewood in the air.   Puts me in a great mood!  I took the train in early enough to make a pit stop at Starbucks on Board Street.

Today I heard back from songplugger and publishing consultant, Steve Bloch.  Steve reached out personally to give me an inside look at his "Lucky 13 Speed Pitch" workshop.  You can check into it more on his website but here's the skinny.  "The Lucky 13" Speed Pitch is based on the concept of speed dating, but in this case, it's 13 minutes with each of six very viable music industry Pros.  The beauty is that in 90 minutes you will have begun to create relationships with people who might give you a leg up down the road.  Cost is $185 and it includes food and conversation with the industry folks during a 30 minute break.  

Now, I can't vouch for the workshop personally, because I haven't done it.  However, I've heard great things about it from some very viable sources.  In my opinion, if you're really confident in your material and looking to meet the decision makers face-to-face, and you have the extra bread to spare, this is your event.   I'm sure getting a deal on the spot is rare, but the networking possibilities are abundant.  Especially if you're new to town and want to get on the radar ;)  

I wrote Steve back and thanked him for his email.  Cheers!

PS.  Please feel free to comment or email me (mynameisaugust@yahoo.com) if you've ever been to one...or...if you have another event you'd like to share!!

DAY - 52

Hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was pretty productive.  I did some writing, had band rehearsal with the Liv Devine Band, and I bought a new car!  That's right.  My jeep has been acting pretty funky as of late.  Instead of worrying about dumping a bunch of money into things like, transmission, spark plugs, 4 new tires, etc., I decided to trade it in and get something new before making the trek from NJ to TN.  My wife, Sue has had tremendous success with her Kia Sportage (runs fantastic and believe it or not, it actually has gone up in value!)  so I decided to hop on the Korean band wagon and join the Kia family.

Speaking of band rehearsal.  I'm playing with the Liv Devine Band this Saturday at Rowan University. We're opening for Uncle Kracker and Joe Nichols!   Should be an awesome show.  If you live in or around NJ come check it out!  We'll be playing many of the tunes I co-wrote with Liv including "Boots", "Cupcakes & Wine", "Rock Your World" and I'll be singing "20/20".  You can check out most of those tunes at  www.mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com and you can watch the brand new video for "Boots" HERE.

Today I emailed hit songwriter and owner of Savannah Music Group, Dave Gibson.  As a hit songwriter, Dave has written for Tanya Tucker, Montgomery Gentry, and Alabama, among many others.  Dave founded the company in 2008 with Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Jeff Cohen. Today I decided to reach out to Dave and try to connect.  Dave says that he believes in the hard working talent of the young generation.  He believes in finding authentic talent and writing/producing great music.  Sounds like something I'd like to be involved in!

DAY - 51

I've got two very cool new writing sessions booked for when I get back to Nashville!  Looking forward to writing with hit songwriter, Jane Bach as well as AWMG Entertainment's, Tammy Jacobs. Thanks to the amazing Shane Barrett for the introductions/referrals!  

Today I reached out to Jeff Carlton at THiS Music.  I sent an email to creative director, Kendall Lettow on Day 43 but haven't heard back.  Jeff is a publishing veteran who just signed on as the creative consultant for THiS Music.  He also happens to have a hand in Parallel Entertainment.  If you've been reading along, you already know I've been trying to connect with both companies. I figured reaching out to Jeff would be a good idea.

The weekend has arrived!  Hope you enjoy.  Cheers!

DAY - 50

Friday eve and I am in weekend mode a day too early.  Bottle of red, bottle of white, in the mood for both tonight.  It's been a long week...and it ain't over.  In fact, I have to be up at 5am tomorrow to be in northwestern PA by 8am to observe my conducting professor direct his insanely talented high school band.  Sound exhilarating?  Maybe if you like blaring trumpets, thumping bass drums and piercing crash cymbals first thing in the morning.

Today was productive.  I heard back from Donald Jenkins (refer to yesterday) and we're planning to meet for coffee when I get back to town.  Donald is an inspirational guy and an innovative force.  I'm really excited to connect.  More to come on that.

This afternoon I reached out to Audiosocket music licensing. (www.audiosocket.com) I have a handful of songs licensed for pitching with Audiosocket. They're actually responsible for placing a couple My Name is August songs with Hyatt Hotels!  I reached out to Audiosocket inquiring about submitting new material.  I wanted to know if they had a need for pop/country stuff.  They got back to me today letting me know they're interested in checking out some of my country stuff as well as some Sweet Angeline songs AND some of my pop material.  There's always been a need for pop music in TV/Film but as of late there's a growing need for Country music as well.  I emailed Sarah Hunt (music A&R dept.) some links and files. Hoping she digs it!

DAY - 49

Just was turned on to this song mashup.  I'm usually not a fan of mashups because a lot of the time they're not done very well but this one is actually pretty cool.  It's Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and Mumford and Sons, "Little Lion Man".  Together titled, "Little Wrecking Ball".  Definitely worth a listen not only because it's sonically and visually cool, but it also demonstrates the vast potential of melodic choices we have over simplistic chord progressions. The interplay between the melody and chord structure makes for some interesting harmonic elements.  Give it a listen here!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/kierawrr/this-miley-cyrus-and-mumford-sons-mashup-wil-4gx1

This morning I heard back from Terry Seay at All About Z Music regarding performing at a living room concert. (refer to Day 47)  We emailed back and forth today and I'm am officially booked for Saturday, November 2nd!  Should be a really cool night.  I'm playing and sharing songs with Nashville Star finalist, Ashlee Hewitt, Lorrie Morgan's son Jesse Keith Whitely and Marty Morgan.  If you're in Nashville and wanna check it out, let me know and I'll give you the details.

Today I reached out to business man and entrepreneur, Donald Jenkins.  Donald is an all around smart business man, engaging speaker, leader, and inspirational human being.  From selling books door-to-door to heading up a successful team in the healthcare industry, to being a leader in the YoungLife organization, to the creation of his website, "Making It Happen" www.donaljenkinsnow.com, Donald's life is an "ongoing adventure" as he says.  I randomly stumbled across his website and found that we have a lot in common regarding reaching goals, teaching and learning.   Follow the link and you'll see what I mean.  If you're in the entertainment industry you'll want to check out his site, read the interviews and watch the insider footage.  Great stuff!

DAY - 48

Check out this article on Dr. Luke in the New Yorker.  http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/10/14/131014fa_fact_seabrook  Pretty cool.

Today I reached out to C.T. Wyatt from Parallel Universe.  C.T. heads up the Nashville office of Parallel Universe.  Earlier in the blog, I reached out to the company (refer to Day 36) but haven't heard back so today I tried another contact.  In this email, I let C.T. know that I am going to be in town full-time as of October 23rd.  In the email, I included that I've been writing with some very talented folks and producing strong songs and that I was looking to increase my business connections. (paraphrased of course) I sent an upfront, no bs, email that got straight to the point.  Basically, stating that I'm interested in networking and opening doors.  We shall see.

DAY - 47

Rainy day Monday...literally.  Tornado warning, in fact, here in Philadelphia!

I had a great weekend getaway to Nashville.  Spent some quality time with the wife, the dog and with my favorite city.  Sue and I also happened to meet some great new people on Friday and got together with them on Sunday for a bday celebration.  You never know who you're gonna meet at the dog park!  Yes, the weekend was a blast in deed, however, I'm paying it for it now.  I have hours upon hours of schoolwork staring me in the face.  Just hook me up to a caffeine IV because I'm going to be up all night.  Alright, alright, enough complaining.  After all, "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails."  William Arthur Ward.

Today I reached out to Terry Seay.  Terry and his wife, Wanda own an indie publishing company based in Franklin, TN called, 'All About Z Music'.  I met Terry and Wanda about a year ago when I attended one of their ever-growing house concerts.  It was a Canadian songwriters night and I was invited by none other than the great Kirk Penney (co-writer).  Terry and Wanda have been throwing these house concerts for a while now and they've become very popular around the area.  In fact, they have some big names in the songwriting industry make appearances at every concert.  I spoke with Terry and Wanda when we met and they told me to contact them when I move to Nashville full-time to perform at a house concert.  I know you can see where this is going.  Long story short, I just emailed Terry today to connect.

Alright it's homework time.  Until tomorrow...Cheers!

DAY - 46

"Just rolled into Nashville, Tennessee..." B. Harper

Technically, I flew in.  But either way, it's great to be home!  I was greeted at the door by a very excited pooch who immediately wanted to play a rousing game of throw-the-slipper followed by a belly rub.  Dogs are awesome.  You don't have to earn their love like you do with cats. (sorry cat people)  I haven't seen Indy in over a month and he's not mad. In fact, he's happier than ever!

Sun is shining, the pool is still open.  Looking forward to a relaxing weekend before heading back to Philly for the final 2 weeks of my course work.  However, before the weekend festivities begin, it's "Business Time". Flight of the Concords 

This morning I sent another email to Josh Hoge regarding performing at an upcoming Whiskey Jam. (refer to day 32) Just wanted to follow up with that and stay on the radar.  Speaking of staying on the radar, today I reached out to another rep at Disney Music Nashville, Ciara Gardner.  I sent Ciara roughly the same email I sent Patrick Clifford (Day 33) pitching "Heart On A String" as a potential song for Disney Films.  And we wait...

Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 45

Great session with Philly singer-songwriter, Matt Santry last night.  If you haven't heard Matt check him out at www.mattsantry.com.  He's in the process of making a new record and he's planning to include our song on it.

Nashville this weekend!!  I'm so pumped.  I miss my wife, miss my dog and I miss my new city.  It's been over a month, but I'm taking an extended weekend to visit, relax and re-energize before returning full-time October 23rd.

Today I reached out to Cornman Music songwriter, Erik Dylan.  Erik is a super talented writer/artist and I really dig his music.  I sent him a message on ReverbNation looking to connect.  I also reached out to independent song-plugger and consultant for Black River Entertainment, Steve Bloch.  Steve is a very respected industry vet and offers an array of services on his website.  I noticed he's guest appearing at Jason Blume's next BMI workshop so I decided to reach out and introduce myself as someone new to town!

DAY - 44

Intelligence + Creativity = Greatest Potential.   One of my professors proposed this idea 2 weeks ago.   Until recently,  intelligence and creativity were on opposite sides of the spectrum.  You have the smart people and you have the creative people.  Left brain people and the right brain people.  But what this simple philosophy proposes is that to achieve our greatest potential we must strive to enhance BOTH  our intelligence and our creativity.  Look at the greats, Einstein, Franklin, Edison, Shakespeare, etc, etc, all super intelligent and vastly creative.  To quote Einstien, "Creativity is Intelligence having fun."

That all sounds great but what does it have to do with music, songwriting, performing!?  Well, when I first heard this concept it hit me like this.  The more I increase my knowledge of the craft the more creative I will become.  In other words, the more hard work, practice and study I do, the easier it will be to let my "intelligence have fun."  The reading, analyzing, evaluating will feed the higher processes of the brain and ultimately fuel creativity.  Feed the left side, fuel the right side.

I don't know if this makes sense to anyone else, but I thought it was a pretty awesome concept and thought I'd share.

Anyway, I got my ReverbNation site up and sort of running this weekend.  Need to take the time to upload more content but if you're on RN hit me up!  www.reverbnation.com/michaelaugustmusic

Tonight I have a session with Philadelphia singer-songwriter, Matt Santry.  Matt just got back from a great trip to Nashville.  I'm pumped to continue working on our song.  The idea/hook is so strong and the rest of it is shaping up nicely.

Today I reached out to Cliff Audretch III, senior A&R director at Showdog Records.  I sent Cliff a song I've been working on with co-writer, Eric Schwank.  I fired off a quick email letting him know that it was something I thought he should hear.  (I have Toby Keith in the back of my head)  Fingers crossed he takes a listen and digs it.  

DAY - 43

Is "The Voice" really on again... already??  I feel like it JUST ended!  Anyway, apologies in advance for how short this post is going to be.  I have a ton of school work piling up and it's already 10pm.  Another 2am bedtime?  Probably.

Today I heard back from Matt Cottingham, entertainment lawyer at Petree Law. (refer to yesterday)
Matt let me know that he'd definitely be checking out my stuff.  Fingers crossed, he digs and passes along.  I'd love to perform a YEP event.

Tonight I reached out to Kendall Lettow, Creative Director at THiS Music.  THiS Music is home to songwriters, Ben Hayslip, Jimmy Yeary Tim Nichols, Connie Harrington, Leah Turner, Marv Green and Molly Reed.  The company is also responsible for two of the most recent #1's, "Anywhere With You" - Jake Owen, and "I Drive Your Truck" - Lee Brice.  Kendall was just recently named creative director.  I sent an email introducing myself and letting her know I was interested in meeting.

DAY - 42

Hope you had a great weekend!  I had an awesome writing session on Sunday afternoon with singer-songwriter, Eric Schwank.  Every time we get together I'm reminded of how gifted Eric is as a songwriter and lyricist.  I'm truly lucky to have him as not only a co-writer, but as a great friend (and groomsman) for all these years.  Yesterday, we finished up a song-in-progress and started something brand new.  I'm really pumped about the new stuff we've been writing!  Hoping to start demoing soon.    
Speaking of Eric, he has a debut solo album in the works that is going to be incredible!  I'll keep you posted.  

Today I reached out to entertainment lawyer, Matt Cottingham.  I came across Matt's name on the YEP list.  YEP stands for Young Entertainment Professionals.  They're a group of music biz folks in Nashville that have teamed up for the purpose of networking.  They're a group of pros that believe that team work is essential in this business.  You can check 'em out of Facebook or just google it.  "It's all about who you know...", was the tagline on one of YEP's most recent events.  What do you know...that's the very premise on which I started this blog!  (I would amend that statement to include, incredible talent and unyielding persistence as an integral part of the equation) Needless to say, I decided to reach out to see if I can get involved.

Matt Cottingham is with Petree Law.  I sent an email to Matt to introduce myself and display my interest in the events held by YEP.  I let him know that I'd love to get involved in any way possible, attending or performing.