DAY - 120

Happy Friday!!  I just got done a half-day of substitute teaching (yes, I just started substitute teaching) and now I'm killing time at Edgehill Cafe waiting for an interview!  Don't get me wrong, substitute teaching isn't a bad gig when you consider the flexibility, but I need something to really dig my teeth into.  This afternoon, I have an interview at SAE Institute, right here on Music Row.  SAE Institute is a small college for Audio Production and Music Business.  After getting a solid recommendation, I applied and scored an interview.  I truly have no idea what to expect so I'm going in with no expectations.  But fingers crossed, it might be a cool opportunity!

Today, I started pitching IM4U.  I'm submitting to a couple music licensing libraries that I've been working with and starting to do some research on artists who might be potential pitches.  I also sent the song to a few publishers I've met along the way to get some feedback/try and spark some interest.  We shall see.

Feels great to wrap up a mighty productive week.  Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 118 + 119

Apologies for the delay!  Yesterday totally got away from me.  But it was awesome!

First off, as promised, here's the new song I mentioned yesterday:  IM4U 
It's an upbeat, anthemic pop song in the vein of Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson meets Adele.  I wrote this one with Bill Gue, and Liv Devine.  The killer track work by was done by Jason Garner and the incredible voice you hear on the vocals is Molly Hunt.  Hope you enjoy! :)

Yesterday,  I got an email from my Canadian/Nashville songwriting buddy, Kirk Penney.  Seems we were offered a licensing deal for one of our songs!!   I can't divulge all the details until things get solidified, but the short of it is... a TV/Movie producer wants to use our tune in an upcoming movie he's producing in Canada.  Woo hoo!!   A got this email in the middle of finishing a song with Jon D'Agostino and Jim Huff.  What a great way to end a Wednesday night!

Today, I'm meeting with Sean Kelly.  Sean Kelly is a successful Nashville songwriter and musician who used to be in the band, Sixpence None The Richer.  Remember the huge smash, "Kiss Me"!?  Sean happens to be teaching an innovative audio recording, songwriting, music and film program at my wife's school.  I reached out to him the other day introducing myself and asked if I can come by to sit in for a day.  He so kindly got right back to me and offered to have me come in today.  So pumped to meet Sean and check out the program!  

Great week so far.  Let's keep the momentum.  Cheers!

DAY - 117

I'm running all over the place so I'll keep it short.  Today, I had a final mix session for a new demo at producer, Jason Garner's studio,  I wrote the song with Indiana songwriter, Bill Gue and my Sweet Angeline co-writer, Liv Devine.  Jason Garner did an incredible job with the recording.  I'll post it tomorrow for your listening pleasure! :)

Later today,  I tried Kenley Flynn and Combustion Music again.  Combustion Music is one of the most successful music publishers in town.  I emailed Kenley sometime back in August but didn't hear anything back so I figured I'd give it another shot.   Alright, gotta run to teach some lessons.  cheers!

DAY - 116

Hope you had a great weekend.  This weather is nuts!  Yesterday, it was a beautiful 60 degrees in music city and today it dropped into the teens.  With all the crazy fluctuations, I'll be lucky if I don't get sick!   Grammy Awards last night.  What did you think?  I won't report on the whole event, but I can say the Imagine Dragons/ Kendrick Lamar  performance was the highlight of the night for me.  So much energy I thought they we're gonna blow the roof off!  I was also REALLY happy to see Kacey Musgraves win for best country song and best country album.  Her songwriting is outside-of-the-box, fresh, and compelling.  It was great to see the Grammy's acknowledge it.

I'm coming off a great couple weeks of songwriting.  I have more songs in the works at one time than ever before.  It's awesome and overwhelming at the same time.  Awesome because of all the great new material and inspiration, overwhelming because I'm a perfectionist and I want everything to come out as best as possible.  As I go through my day, I'm constantly fine tuning the swirling sea of lyrics and melodies in my head.  I probably pulled the car over 4 times already to write something down.

Right now, I'm sitting at Edgehill Cafe on Music Row killing time before I start teaching this afternoon.  Today, I reached out to Ree Buchanan from Wrensong Reynsong publishing.  After doing some research on a few songwriters, I stumbled across the Wrensong site and felt compelled to reach out and introduce myself to Ree.  As always, we shall see.

Cheers!

DAY - 115

TGIF!  I have to keep it short because Sue and I are about to head out for the night.  This morning I had a writing session with J Fred Knobloch. We've been chipping away at a killer new idea and it's really starting to take shape.  After my session with Fred, I sped home to have a short skype session with Jon D'Agostino.  Jim Huff, Jon and I are working on tying up all the loose ends on the song we wrote last week.  If all goes well, we'll be demoing it next month!

Today, I heard back from Senior Creative Director at ASCAP Nashville, LeAnn Phelan.  I've been looking forward to meeting with LeAnn again since I moved to town and now we're set up for early next month.  I'm excited to share some of my new material, get some feedback and talk about forming/strengthening my game plan in 2014.

Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 114

At the moment, I'm enjoying some downtime in the beautiful town of Franklin, TN at cool little coffee house aptly named, "Coffee House".  Relaxing atmosphere, fast wi-fi, and great food/coffee.  What more can you ask for in a coffee house?!  This afternoon, I'll be teaching my first couple lessons at Pro Music Academy in Nashville.  Looking forward to working with 2 new aspiring piano students and getting plugged into the local music teaching community.

Today, I followed up with Creative Director at Kobalt Music Group, Jeff Skaggs.  Back in August,  I reached out to Jeff after listening to one of his artists, Steve Moakler.  I was so impressed with Steve's music that I had to find out who was representing him.  Long story short,  Jeff sent me back a very nice response and told me to keep in touch for potential future opportunities.  I followed up with Jeff to say hi and send him a couple new song demos.

I 've also been keeping busy doing some social networking on FB.  Reaching out to songwriters, introducing myself, etc.  The fact that I'm in town now and in locational proximity to write with the best of the best, I'm working to do all I can to get my name out there.  In a town chock-full of cream of the crop...I've got a lot to prove. :)  

Cheers!

DAY - 113

Last night,  I heard back from the very talented creative manager of Creative Nation, Julie Stuckey.  (refer to Day - 105)  She sent me a very nice and complimentary email.  Hoping to stay on Julie's radar in the future.  You know, as I'm writing this, I'm reminded of something Justin Levenson said at lunch last week. (Justin is the director of licensing at SESAC)  He said, this town is all about building relationships. Solid and long-term. You can't look 5 months down the road.  You have to look 5 years down the road.  "Sure, things can happen in 5 minutes in this town, but I'd hedge my bet on 5 years." J. Levenson.  (after just a short lunch, I got the impression that he could/should write a book!)

I couldn't have said it better and honestly, in my own short experience, that has totally been the case.  Nashville is a city, but the longer I'm here, the more I'm realizing it's a small town.  Especially in the music biz, everyone knows everyone and word travels fast.  It's so important to develop meaningful and  lasting relationships.  The longer a relationship develops the more comfortable people are to refer you and vice versa.

Which dovetails perfectly with my next story.  A good friend of mine, (a very successful author, tv personality and business woman as well as mother of two fantastic young musicians who have both been my students at one point or another) happens to be friends with a mega hit writer in Nashville and has offered to put me in touch.  Today, I reached out and said I'd love to take her up on it! :)  Hopefully, more to come.  Cheers!

DAY - 112

Shaping up to be a busy week.  I was able to pick up some new piano and voice students at a couple different music schools in town.  Definitely looking forward to teaching music and meeting new musicians/writers at the schools.  This Thursday, I'll be at Pro Music Academy.  The owner of the school is a very accomplished musician named, Chad Chapin who happens to be the bass player for Ben Folds!  Not to mention, a really cool guy.

I got an email today from Ryan Beuschel, my rep at ASCAP, letting me know about an upcoming country music workshop that ASCAP is hosting in Nashville.  I let Ryan know I'm totally interested in participating and sent in the required materials.  I've heard that these workshops can be great places to not only learn, but also do some valuable networking.  I'm hoping that all works out so I can jump on board.

DAY - 111

What a productive weekend and Monday!   Indiana songwriter/co-writer, Bill Gue was in town for a quick writing and demoing trip.  We totally made the most of the weekend.  Between last night and this morning/afternoon, Bill and I finished a beautiful song that Bill brought to the table and knocked out a demo at producer, Jason Garner's studio for a song we wrote with Sweet Angeline co-writer, Liv Devine.  

This afternoon, Bill and I had the pleasure of meeting a brilliant, young, pop artist/writer by the name of Molly Hunt.  Through a random chain of events (too long to list) we found Molly and thought she'd be perfect to sing this demo.  Turns out, we were right!  She killed it.  Such a unique and stylistic voice for such a young artist.  Definitely check out her music if you get the chance.

Can't wait for you to hear this demo!  Not only did Molly crush the vocals, but Jason Garner produced a fantastic track.

DAY - 110

What a productive weak!  4 new songs on their way to completion and I met some fantastic new people along the way.  Looking forward to this long weekend.  Indiana songwriter, Bill Gue is coming into town on Sunday and Monday to do some writing.  On Monday, we're also going to be hitting the studio with Jason Garner to finish up demoing a song we wrote with my Sweet Angeline co-writer, Liv Devine.  It's a pop song, Adele meets Kelly Clarkson, with a bit of Euro stylings.  We all can't wait to wrap up the demo and start pitching.   Hopefully I'll be posting soon.

Today, I reached out to the GM of Creative at Ole Music Publishing, John Ozier.  I've heard fantastic things about Ole through numerous sources.  Major reach with an Indie vibe.  They pitch both artists and TV/Film. They have offices in LA, Nashville, and Toronto and handle pretty much all styles of music.  Being a multi-genre writer, this is definitely the type of place I'd like to connect with.  That's all for now.

Have a great weekend.  Cheers!

DAY - 109

Today, I had lunch with the very talented percussionist and director of licensing at SESAC, Justin Levenson.   I met Justin back in March when he played percussion for my Pop/Country side project, Sweet Angeline at our Bluebird Cafe showcase.  Not only is Justin a killer musician, but he's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the music biz in Nashville...not to mention a great guy!  Being that I am still getting my feet wet here in Music City,  it was cool to grab lunch and chat with someone who knows the ropes...and knows the real deal when it comes to PROs.  (Performing Rights Organizations. i.e. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

Also, I wanted to add to my story yesterday.  The song I wrote with Jon D'Agostino was actually a 3-way co-write.  The idea that Jon brought to the table came from the incredibly talented LA songwriter, Jim Huff.  (Jim Huff is a very successful songwriting veteran who is currently writing for Ole Music Publishing. Check him out!)  Jim, sent Jon the idea, along with a guitar riff and chord changes.  Jon took it from there, wrote a verse and a chorus and brought it to our session and we finished it from there.  Now all 3 of us are working on wrapping it up.  That's what you call, cross-country songwriting.  From CA to NJ to TN.  Get 'r done.

DAY - 108

I had a great write today with new co-writer, Jon D'Agostino.  Jon and I worked in a writer's room at ASCAP and, in less than 4 hours, we tore through the idea that Jon brought to the table.  It's a really cool new tune with a great country/pop vibe.  Looking forward to putting the finishing touches on this one.

Today, I reached out to Daniel Lee, creative director at BMG/Chrysalis publishing. Daniel is a very talented, young publisher and I really would like to stay on his radar.  I spoke with him a while back (during the first 365) and he asked for a CD to check out some of my songs.  I've been keeping in touch every now and then.  Today, I sent him an email to schedule a meeting.  I'd love to get in the room and play some of my new stuff.

Tonight, Jon invited Sue and I to dinner with some of the folks he's been working with here in Nashville.  Looking forward to a great night with some great people!

DAY - 107

Up with the sun this morning to get a bright and early start to another busy day.  The session with Brad Oliver went great last night!  We finished a whole song in one sitting and I'm really digging it.  Brad has a home studio with some killer equipment and a plug-ins list that might dwarf some of the bigger  studios.  If I know him, he's already rocking away on a demo.  Looking forward to finishing and posting!  

After researching a little more about Bigger Picture, (refer to day 104)  I found out that Matt Rovey is the VP of Creative as well as a producer for artists signed to the label side of BP.  He received an album of the year for Canadian country artist, Dave Brody's record and more recently, he produced Craig Campbell's second album.  This morning, I decided to reach out to Matt and try to connect.

Alright, it's time to finish getting ready and head out.  I have a session today with J Fred Knobloch.  Time to write a big ol' hit.

Cheers!

DAY - 106

Hope you had a great weekend.  It was a beautiful 50 some degrees and sunny here in Nashville.  Sue and I took full advantage of the weather and did some exploring.  We found an amazing new walking trail called, Stone's River Greenway.  It starts in the suburb of Hermitage, TN and actually connects to a series of Greenways that lead all the way to the city.  The Greenway is a beautiful asphalt/bridge walking, running, and biking trail that runs parallel to the cumberland river.  You can google it to check it out, but here's a quick pic...

Today, was a big follow up day.  I reached out to a number of contacts that I've been keeping in touch with...songwriters, publishers and industry pros alike.  My goal is to kick off 2014 with a handful of meetings.  I have a lot of new material that I'd like to get in front of the right ears and now is the time to do it.   I'm looking at a busy week ahead.  This afternoon, I'll be writing with new friend and co-writer, Brad Oliver.  Pumped about the session!  Later in the week, I have a couple other sessions and a lunch meeting with talented musician/percussionist and head of licensing at SESAC, Justin Levenson.  Onward and upward.  Stay tuned!

DAY - 105

Happy Friday!

Just picked up a bottle of red and I got some turkey chili simmering on the stove.  Perfect accompaniment for a cold and rainy Nashville night.

Productive day.  Between yesterday and today I have next week looking pretty good as far as interviews, a meeting, writing sessions, a writer's night and potential teaching opportunities. The schedule's going to be a little wacky but we'll make it work.  I scheduled a brand new co-write on Wednesday morning with the very talented, Jon D'Agostino.  Jon and I have been meaning to write together for a while after being introduced by song-plugger, Shane Barrett so I'm pumped to finally get together.

Today, I reached out to the creative manager at Creative Nation, Julie Stuckey.  Creative Nation is a publishing and management company owned by the husband and wife team of Luke and Beth Laird. Luke is a hit songwriter and Beth is an industry pro.  I sent Julie an email a couple months ago, but haven't heard anything so I figured I'd try reaching out again.   After reading the different bios on the CN website,  I noticed that Julie Stuckey has focused a lot of her efforts on facilitating co-writes and networking opportunities for young writers.  Being new to town, I figured connecting with her was worth another try.  I sent an email letting her know I am interested in any co-writing/networking opportunities on the horizon.  That's all for today.

Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 104

It's been a crazy little week so far.  I had a few interviews at a couple local music schools that went really well.  I'd like to get back to teaching some private lessons.  It's flexible, it pays well, and I love doing it.  I also just got word about a long-term substitute teaching position that might be coming available for an elementary music class.  Not that subbing is a dream gig, but it could at least bridge the gap between now and summer.  All in all, a pretty good start.

Last night, my wife, Sue and I went to a writer's night at Atmalogy to hang with some friends and check out a friend of a friend, Alex Seier, perform.  Atmalogy is a brand new cafe and social/business meeting place right in the heart of Nashville.  Really cool spot!  Low lit, open-face brick, high ceilings and a laid back, vibey atmosphere.  As it turns out,  we actually knew the girl running the writer's night.  Kinda cool, because she asked me to play next Wednesday.  I'm in!   Btw, if you haven't heard Alex Seier's music, definitely google him and check it out.  Really cool stuff.  Look forward to being on the same writer's night next Wednesday.  (6:30pm - 8pm Atmalogy on West End Ave. If you're interested)

Today, I reached out to CEO of Bigger Picture Music Group, David Robkin.  Bigger Picture is doing some really cool things here in Nashville and they're doing it differently.  They're a label, publisher and management team working with some of the best up and coming acts in town.  They're is a label side and a publishing side to Bigger Picture.  I decided to reach out to the CEO.  Go big or go home.  Hah...jk, he's the only contact I was able to find for now.

See you tomorrow!

DAY - 103

Just another day at the office.  My office has a desk, a computer, paper, pens, pencils, a mini clock and a picture of my wife and I.  It also happens to have some decent recording equipment, a keyboard and a selection of nice acoustic and electric guitars.  It's the place where I practice, write, record, network, find inspiration, lose inspiration, laugh, cry, curse, and talk to myself.   ***Fun fact: 30 year rock veteran and legend, Nick Cave actually has a building connected to his house that he calls, "the office".   He frequents his office like a day job.  5 to 6 days a week, 9am to 5pm he writes music and then returns to his wife and kids to enjoy the rest of the evening.  

Today, after sending out my resume to a couple job openings, I reached out to April Potter Holleman from Creative Vision Entertainment.  April is the founder of CVE, a relatively new management and publishing company.  She is a 16 year music biz veteran.  I decided to send an email to introduce myself and try to set up a meeting.


A wise business man once told me, the best way to get a great job is to make getting a great job, your job.  

Cheers!

DAY - 102

Thank you so much for the overwhelming support after yesterday's post.  My inbox and facebook were lit up with inspirational messages and well wishes.  Reading through them today, I couldn't help smiling from ear to ear.  My professor and friend from University of the Arts may have said it best regarding making a career in music..."this crazy path that we call a career and 95% of the population would consider complete madness." -Justin Binek

Today, I reached out to the very talented VP of Business Development at Red Light Management, Erin Parker.  Red Light Management is a one of the most innovative management companies in the industry.  Starting in 1991 with their first client, The Dave Matthews Band, they have grown internationally.  RLM is now responsible for incredible talent such as, Tim McGraw, Luke Brian,  Lady Antebellum, Dave Matthews Band, Franz Ferdinand, Ben Harper, just to name a few!

Erin, after reading my post yesterday, so graciously offered to help put me in touch with someone for a current job opportunity in the music biz here in Nashville.  Ahhh, the powerful collide of social media and networking at work. Not to mention, amazing people!

Right now, I'm hanging out at a local Nashville Starbucks and just sent an email to Hannah Showmaker at Parallel Entertainment.  I reached out to Hannah a couple months ago because I really like what I've heard about the music and publishing side of Parallel.  They are traditionally a management operation for comedians such as Larry The Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy, however they have moved into music.  I contacted Hannah to try and schedule a meeting to check out some of my catalog.  We shall see.

Every item on the "To Do" list has been checked and I'm about finished my Americano which means it's time to get going.  Looks like I've got a free night to do some writing.  Have a great rest of the day and thanks again. :)




 

DAY - 100+101

Hi, My name is Michael August and I am unemployed...

The feelings of elation that come from finishing grad school are almost immediately followed by the unrelenting realization that I am unemployed.  For the past few years, I was nestled safely under the umbrella of the phrase, "I'm a grad student."   Now, there's no excuse, there's no safety net, no umbrella.  'Grad student' to 'Unemployed' in one day.   Not that grad student is any prestigious title, but let's be honest, it sounds a whole hell of lot better than unemployed.  Wait a sec!  This is not the way it was supposed to be!  I was supposed to float seamlessly from graduate school into a full-time career as a hit songwriter and/or recording artist.  That was the plan.  Well, that time has come and I'm not floating seamlessly.  Instead, I'm being pulled down fast by an anchor of impending college debt and the weight of the "real world".   Sure, in NJ, I could at least go back to teaching my 40 private students, running workshops, gigging, doing the indie musician thing.  But here in Nashville, I have no life raft.  The PLAN didn't happen as planned.

So,  that's that I guess.  I gave it a good run. It was fun while it lasted.  I figure it's time to hang up the guitar and dust off the old business suit.  Ok, who thought I was being serious?  ;)  NO! Shit happens, things change, plans don't go as planned.   That doesn't mean it's time to give up. When it comes to doing what I love and pursing the dream of being able to do it full-time, giving up, just isn't an option.  It's not in my bones.  It just means it's time to work harder and possibly, differently.  I don't know what this next month will bring job-wise and I know this in between period is going to be stressful, but let it be fuel for the fire.

Back to business...

Today I reached out to hit songwriter, John Eddie.  I opened for John back in 2010 at a coffee house in NJ called Coffee Works. After the show, I'll never forget he came up to me and said he thought my song, "Caroline" was a hit.  John is veteran songwriter/artist and has had tremendous success. His latest cut was "More Than Miles" performed by country star, Brantley Gilbert.  I emailed John to re-introduce myself and see if he'd be into co-writing next time he's in town.

Today I also did some following up.  I emailed Natalie Harker from Liz Rose Music regarding setting up another meeting to show her my new material.  I also emailed Sony Music Canada songwriter/artist, Heather Longstaffe to get together for another co-write.

DAY - 99

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  The music industry is almost back in swing so I figured I'd get a jump on things.  Usually, the industry is pretty dead between the end of December til the second week of January so most emails/phone calls result in out of office replays.  However...

Today, I reached out to Green Hills Music Publishing veteran, Woody Bomar.  Woody actually sent me a very nice email over the break and I responded today.   Hopefully more to come ;)

I also reached out to my local ASCAP reps to set up a meeting for the new year.

Finally,  I spent some time planning my schedule for writing/recording next week.

That's it for today.  Good to be back.  Let's have a BIG 2014!!