DAY - 161

The past couple of days have been exciting and totally motivating!  In the past few posts, I've been talking about pitching songs.  Well, it just so happens, I've already received two responses from my pitches!  The A&R teams both "love" the songs I pitched and have asked for more material!!  Totally pumped right now!!   I've been pitching songs independently for over a year now and honestly, this is the first time I've seen this type of response.  I said in my last post,

"I understand my submissions are technically "unsolicited"… meaning, they're coming from an unknown entity as opposed to someone trusted or on the inside.  However, it's better than being totally invisible.  Must be present to win!  You never know who will decide to listen or pay attention on any given day."

Nothing may come of this great response, but at the very least, I am more motivated and validated than I was yesterday.  My friend and co-writer, Kirk Penney and I had a great conversation in which Kirk talked about the "snowball effect" in relation to songwriting.  Building momentum and keeping it going, is essential to experiencing success as both an artist and as a songwriter. (and I'd venture to say that is also true for many disciplines)  This blogging adventure has kept my snowball rolling and growing.  I'm so excited to be on this ride...can't wait to see where it goes.

Cheers!

DAY - 159+160

Pitching, pitching and more pitching!  That's what I've been up to the last couple days.  I pitched Billy Currington's team, Little Big Town's team, and I even re-pitched Rascal Flatts' team.  I understand my submissions are technically "unsolicited"… meaning, they're coming from an unknown entity as opposed to someone trusted or on the inside.  However, in my opinion, it's better than being totally invisible.  Must be present to win!  Whether it's going to a show, attending a workshop, pitch session, or attempting to connect via the web.  You never know who will decide to listen or pay attention on any given day.

This week is Tin Pan South.  A week long celebration of the songwriter.  Every venue is packed with hit writers and artists performing their songs for eager fans and colleagues.  I know I've said this before but… only in Nashville.  I've tried to get in to a few places and have failed miserably.  Next year, I will definitely purchase the "fast pass" which gets you to the front of the line at every venue.  Last night, I tried to see the Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip) at 3rd and Lindsley, but the line was around the block and it was pouring rain!  Checked out a few other spots and wound up at South to see one of the former members of the band, Nine Days. (remember them??  "It's the story of a girl, who cried a river and drowned the whole world…")  Had a great night with friends and  ended up meeting some cool new people.

Have a great weekend!

DAY - 158

Yesterday, was the last ASCAP Country Songwriting workshop and it ended in true Nashville fashion.  Everyone brought a song and 20 copies of the lyric and we went around the room listening/critiquing everyone's songs.  This was truly a talented batch of people!  I heard some very strong material and some talented singers.  I, nervously, played my newest demo,"Caught In A Storm". To my surprise, it went over great!  Odie actually pulled me aside afterwards to express how much he dug it!  Sweet!  I'm confident in my writing, but I never know how other people are going to receive it.  That was the cherry on the top of a great 4 week workshop.  Thanks to LeAnn Phelan and ASCAP for inviting me to be a part of it!

Speaking of talent, not only was the workshop informative, but I met some super talented folks that I look forward to working with in the future.  More to come!

Today, I pitched Dustin Lynch, "Beach Town". (written w/ Jon D'Agostino and Jim Huff)  The time is now to pitch summer songs and I'm going to take full advantage!  I reached out to both his A&R and producer.  

DAY - 157

Today, I pitched a brand new song to Gloriana's camp.  Check it out... hot off the press! Caught In A Storm. I wrote this one with Jon D'Agostino and Abigail Nyman.  That's Adam Cunningham on the lead vocals and Abigail singing the harmonies.  Production was done by Jason Garner Productions.  Great team!

Gloriana is with Warner Brothers Records and their next album is being produced by Mark Bright.  This morning I quickly reached out to Mark along with the A&R team and sent them "Caught In A Storm".   I know it's a strong pitch, but coming from an unknown it may be discarded.  We shall see. Fingers crossed!

This morning, I followed up with Carrie Gallo at Cal 4 Publishing and thanked her for our meeting last week.  Look forward to staying in touch.

Hope you enjoy the new music.  More in the works!

DAY - 156

Break is over. Even though I worked just as hard as ever, it felt great.  I was able to wear one hat last week. Songwriter.  And honestly, it was one of the most productive weeks I've had since my wife Sue and I made the move.  Having time like that is a blessing.  I feel a renewed confidence heading into this hectic week.  Let the juggling act continue... ;)

Today, I followed up with 2 publishers I've been in contact with over the past couple years.  Daniel Lee from BMG and Natalie Harker from Liz Rose Music.  Both Daniel and Natalie are super talented creative directors.  They have a great ear for new music and truly understand the market.  It's evident in the songs they get cut.  I'm very interested in staying on the radar with both of them and proving that I have what it takes to work in this competitive industry.  With that in mind, I forwarded over a couple new samples of my music.

DAY - 154 + 155

Hope you had a great weekend!  Let me back it up a bit and catch you up on last Thursday and Friday.

Thursday, I had a great writing session with Indiana songwriter, Bill Gue via Skype.  Bill and I are tweaking a new pop song we've been writing.  Very cool idea with a lot of potential for different markets.  More to come on that.

Later that day, I had a recording session at Jason Garner Productions.  We laid down the vocals for a brand new song (demo coming soon!)  that I wrote with Jon D'Agostino and Abby Nyman.  The demo singer was Adam Cunningham and Abby sang the harmonies.  The demo is sounding awesome!!  Lady A meets Eli Young Band.  Can't wait to post for your listening pleasure.  Adam Cunningham is an amazing singer and talented songwriter.  Check him out if you get a chance.  I'll definitely be keeping that connection!

Friday, I heard back from Mark Brown at Round Hill Publishing. (refer to previous post)  Looks like we're going to be meeting the week of April 6th!  What a random serious of events.  Looking forward to the meeting.

DAY - 151-153

Whew...crazy couple of days.  And by crazy I mean great!  I've got some stories to tell! Where to start??

I spent most of the day on Monday demoing 2 new songs here at my little apartment studio.  Taught a few lessons, then had a skype write with Jon D'Agostino to put the finishing touches on a new song we're recording tomorrow.  Really cool tune!  Can't wait for you to hear the demo.  Ok, that was Monday now the week starts to heat up...

Yesterday, I had a great writing session with Megan Redmond in the morning.  From there, I headed straight over to the ASCAP workshop.  (Country songwriting workshop I'm doing every Tuesday night in March)  The guest speaker of the night was Mark Brown from Round Hill Publishing.  Mark is a successful, veteran music publisher.  Round Hill is a boutique publishing company with offices in Nashville, New York and LA.  They handle everything from Country to Electronica.  Here's where the story gets good.  Let me first note that I could not find a parking spot at ASCAP and had to park a few blocks down an alley behind Music Row.  After the workshop, I stuck around a bit to network and chat with some of the other songwriters.  As I walk out the door and proceeded down the alley to my car, who is behind me but publisher, Mark Brown!  Seems as though he didn't get a parking spot either and we ended up parking in the same area.  So I kept walking and ignored him... what!?!  Did you think I was serious? ;)  You better believe I took advantage of this small twist of fate.  I struck up conversation and by the end of it, I wound up with his card and instructions to email him to set up a meeting. Only in Nashville!!  After the workshop, it was straight to J Fred Knobloch's to start demoing our new song.  Great day/night of music!

Onto this morning.  I'm just coming out of a fantastic meeting with Cal 4 Publishing!  I met with Creative Director, Carrie Gallo.  I came in with 5 songs on a CD and played one more live.  I know the meeting went well because she asked me to send her more material!  Will do :)

More to come this week.  Stay tuned!!

DAY - 149+150

It's a beautiful Friday morning here in Music City. I'm looking back at a great week and looking forward to a week filled with music!  That's right, next week is Spring break.  Schools out... so no substitute teaching. Students are away... so not many private lessons.  Nothing to do next week but write a hit song!  I have some cool writing appointments lined up, a recording session at Jason Garner Productions, a recording session at J Fred Knobloch's studio, the ASCAP workshop, and a meeting at Cal 4 Publishing.  Looking forward to making the most of the time off.

Yesterday, I spent most of my downtime scheduling out next week.  Today, I decided to reach out to another contact at Ole Music Publishing.  This morning, I reached out Emily Mueller, Creative Manager at Ole.

Hope you enjoy your Friday and the weekend.  Cheers!

DAY - 147+148

Shaping up to be a fantastic week!!!

Yesterday, was the Country Workshop class at ASCAP.  Guest speaker was the incredible Tom Shapiro.  Tom Shapiro has written over 50 top 10 hits and 26 of them went to #1!  The session was inspiring to say the least.  After the workshop it was off to a writing session with Kirk Penney.  Kirk and I are working on a killer new tune.

Today, I heard back from Carrie Gallo at Cal 4 Publishing and scheduled a meeting for next week!!  This will be my second meeting at Cal 4.  (The first meeting was with Natalie Harker who has since moved to Liz Rose Music) I'm pumped to show Carrie some music!  Fingers crossed :)

Also, just got word today that LA producer, Eddie Galan is interested in IM4U for a new artist he's working with!!  Disney Music Publishing in Nashville is also showing interest in the song.  Exciting stuff but I'm taking it all with a grain of salt.  As we all know...you never know.  Let's keep the ball rolling.  Cheers!

DAY - 145+146

Great weekend!  Last night, I played a killer set at Bluebird Cafe's Sunday Writer's Night.   I rolled up to the parking lot around 7:30pm and the line at the door was already around the block!   The room was packed as usual, but last night's crowd was an especially high-spirited bunch.  I was the second writer to hit the stage.  I played two brand new songs and one that I haven't performed in a while.  The crowd reception was incredible!  I really feel like I connected with everyone in the room.  Overall, I met a lot talented people and made some new contacts!

Speaking of brand new songs, you can check out one of the new songs I played last night!  Here's the finished demo of Old Beach Town!  Written with fellow New Jersey native and future hit-maker, Jon D'Agostino as well as California songwriter/producer, Jim Huff.  The track was produced by Jason Garner and Beau Fuller is singing.  Hope you enjoy!

Today, I reached out to Bluebird to book another writer's night.  Hoping to have a date soon!

In other news, everything is officially signed so I can announce the song placement details from a month back.  Co-writer, Kirk Penney and I landed a song placement in a Canadian movie called "A Daughter's Nightmare".  (if you're bored, you can google it and find a bunch of info) The movie will air in Canada as well as on the Lifetime Network in the US.  Let me know if you see it!! :)

Cheers!

DAY - 143 + 144

Yesterday,  Sue and I decided to catch a show at a locally famous original music club called, The Basement.  The Basement is your quintessential, divey, rock club and yes, it is literally in the basement of a building. (Actually there's a killer record store that sits above called Grimey's)  Low ceilings, exposed pipes, cement floor, brick walls, cheap beer and GREAT sound.

We went to check out Hailey Steele.  Hailey also teaches at Pro Music Academy and we met last week at the showcase.   She is a fantastic singer and songwriter who writes for BMG and also happened to be a contestant on The Voice.  If you're not familiar with her stuff, check her out!

Today,  I just sent an email to Ben Strain, Creative Director at Ole Music Publishing in Nashville.  Like I had mentioned in February, I think Ole would be a great company to get a foot in the door.

Coming up...

I'm playing the Sunday Writer's Night at Bluebird Cafe this Sunday!  I'm looking forward to playing some new songs for the first time.  If you're in town, come hang!

DAY - 142

Today, I started the Country Music Workshop at ASCAP Nashville.  The workshop is invitation only and FREE for ASCAP writers!  It's happening every Tuesday night in March from 3pm-5pm and is led by hit songwriter, Odie Blackmon.  Odie is a grammy-nominated, #1 songwriter who has written hits for George Strait, Lee Ann Womack and Gary Allen...to name a few.  Every week he also brings in a special guest.  This week was a focus on song demos and the guest speaker was Chip Matthews.  Chip is an amazing mix and sound engineer who has been a part of incredible records and live performances such as Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Sugarland, etc.

Not only was it a very informative session, but there was a lot of talented people in the room... including a top 5 contestant from American Idol.  Looking forward to meeting everyone and possibly working together over the next month!

DAY - 141

Snow Day!  Pretty much all Nashville area schools are closed today along with private music schools so my wife Sue and I are enjoying an unexpected day off.   Taking advantage of the time, I started emailing tv/film production companies regarding music needs.

I got a little good news this past week.  My newest jingle was picked up for use in a regional tv and radio campaign.  Woo hooo!   I still can't help but  laugh every time I hear myself singing a jingle.  Just cracks me up.

Alright, I've have some cool new songs that need attention.  I'm going to take advantage of this downtime and work on making future hits.  Cheers!