DAY - 196

I'm looking forward to playing tonight at Belcourt Taps in Nashville!!  The writer's round is from 9:30-11pm.  If you're in town, come hang!   I'll be sharing the round with Alex Seier, Justin Trimble and Lance Carpenter.  Promises to be a great night of music!  I'm pumped to play some new tunes and meet some new people.

I'm going to practice!

 

DAY - 195

Happy Friday!  And a beautiful Friday it is.  Just capped off a productive week with a killer writing session with the amazing, Scot Sax.   Scot and I cranked out a new tune...full song and demo track ....in a little over 2 hours.  No joke!  Scot works fast.  Great energy and good vibes makes for some really cool music.  Look forward to posting the finished product when we're done!

The Bronze Radio Return show last night was absolutely killer!  Again, if you've never seen or heard these guys you NEED to check 'em out!  www.bronzeradioreturn.com   

In other news, I was just invited to play a very cool writer's night!  New co-writer, Alex Seier (refer to yesterday) put together an evening of super-talented writer's to perform at Belcourt Taps in Nashville and he invited me to join!  The show is at 9:30pm this Monday night and it's featuring Alex Seier, Justin Trimble, Lance Carpenter and myself.   I've heard all of these writers/artists play and trust me, it's going to be an awesome night of future hits!  If you're in town, come hang!

Have a great weekend!

DAY - 193+194

Great couple days of music!  Apologies for the laundry list.  I'm in a bit of a hurry!

1) Wrapped up a brand new demo, courtesy of Jason Garner Productions.  A super-fun, rockin'-good-time of a song I wrote with Jon D'Agostino.  I can't express how pumped I am about it.  Can't wait to post for your listening pleasure and start pitching.  

2) Went to Soulshine last night in Midtown to see Chase Likens perform a showcase for William Morris Agency.  He played "Caught In A Storm" to packed house and they LOVED it!!  It was pretty surreal.  "Caught In A Storm" hits iTunes on May 21st.  Just saying ;)

3) Had a great writing session today with new co-writer, Alex Seier.  Alex is a very talented artist and songwriter.  We had a killer write today.  Looking forward to working again soon!  Check out Alex's stuff www.alexseier.com

4) Tonight, Sue and I are going to see our good friends, Bronze Radio Return rock the Exit/In.  Having had 50 placements of their music in TV and Film this past year, the boys are killing it!!  Can't wait to see the show and catch up.  If you've never seen or heard Bronze Radio Return.  Check them out!!
www.bronzeradioreturn.com

DAY - 188-192

The Key West Songwriter's Festival was awesome!  I went down with Demolition Music Publishing President/writer, Jon D'Agostino and DMP writer, Adam Searan.  Not only did we have an absolute blast, but we wrote two new future hits ;) and met a ton of talented writers and industry folks.   What an amazing little adventure.  BIG thanks to Jon and Demolition Music Publishing for making the trip incredible.  Over the next week, I'll be following up with all the new contacts and cool people I met.  I've realized that the "follow up" is just as important as the initial introduction.

Jon D'Agostino, Adam Searan, Me

View from the writer's room (aka Southernmost Hotel)

Had an awesome write today with artist/songwriter Vanessa Bransan.  We started and finished a killer bluesy, r&b, type country song in about an hour!  Looking forward to demoing this one soon.

Crazy busy week ahead.  More to come. Stay tuned!

DAY - 187

Running last minute errands and getting everything ready for Key West.  My flight leaves at 8am and gets in at 3pm.  7 hours total! So many layovers :(  

Just wanted to leave a message if you're checking in daily...  I might not be posting updates while I'm there.  However,  I'll be sure to post a big update in detail when I get back.

Stay tuned and have a great rest of the week!

DAY - 186

What a beautiful Monday.  80 degrees and almost no humidity!

(Shameless plug alert)
Despite the amazing weather, "Caught In A Storm" hits country radio stations and iTunes TODAY!! :) Call in and request, "Chase Likens' new single, Caught In A Storm"!

I'm not subbing today and I don't start teaching at School Of Rock until 4:15pm so I figured I'd take advantage of the time to do some decent networking.  I did a bit of research this morning and stumbled across a publishing company I was not aware of.  I found Zavitson Music Group (ZMG) owned and operated by president, Russ Zavitson.  The publishing company has a stable of great writers and has had recent cuts by Thompson Square, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley and Reba McEntire.  Today, I reached out to the VP of Creative, Eric Hurt.  I was especially interested in the company when I read that ZMG is expanding into TV/Film, Pop and Rock markets.  Eric is the talented individual responsible for heading up this expansion.  Needless to say, he's someone I personally would love to connect with.

In other news:
The Lifetime Network began airing "A Daughter's Nightmare" this past weekend, featuring my song, "Must Be Saying Yes"!  (written with Kirk Penney)  

DAY - 185

Happy Friday!  

Today, I spent my free time scheduling meetings/writes for next week and the following as well as planning out the itinerary for the BMI Key West songwriter's festival.  So many amazing shows, so little time!  That many talented people playing at one time in one place is crazy!  My co-writer, Jon D'Agostino sent me the show itinerary and it's staggering.  Jon and I have a skype write later today so we'll probably solidify some plans.

 Hope you have a fun/relaxing weekend ahead of you.  More to come. Stay tuned!

DAY - 184

Today, I reached out to Celia Froehlig, VP or Publishing at Black River Entertainment.  I have been in touch with Celia since last March and I drop her a line every now and then to stay on the radar.  I sent her an email today to say hi and give an update.  Black River is both a label and publishing company.  On the label side, they have artists such as Kellie Pickler and Craig Morgan, and on the publishing side they have some great writers, including Josh Osbourne (Merry Go 'Round, Come Over, Drunk Last Night, etc.)

That's pretty much all I have time for today.  Off to teach at Pro Music Academy.  Stay tuned!

DAY - 183

In transit...from subbing to teaching at School of Rock.  I'm presently taking advantage of an hour break to get some networking done.  Still pumped from getting the official word that Case Likens is releasing "Caught In A Storm"!  The national radio debut is May 5th.  Please do me a HUGE favor and call in to your local country station and request it on Cinco de Mayo!   Here's a preview of Chase singing the song!  https://soundcloud.com/chaselikensofficial/caught-in-a-storm-preview

Today, I reached out to the Creative Director at Kobalt Music Publishing, Jeff Skaggs.  I emailed Jeff about a year ago and he sent me a nice response letting me know to stay in touch.  It's been a while since I've dropped him a line so I decided to do so today.  Kobalt is an international music publisher with offices all over.  They handle all types of music and are working with many successful artists such as Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Demi Lovato...just to name a few.  I sent Jeff some new material, both Pop and Country.

DAY - 181+182

I have some exciting news to reveal!  Remember I said I was getting a song cut?? (refer to DAY - 170) Well, the word is out!  American Idol finalist and new country artist, Chase Likens officially recorded "Caught In A Storm" and he's releasing it as his first single on Nashville radio. Woo hoo!!! :)  Fingers crossed and prayers said that Chase takes it straight to the top of the charts!  Follow the link above to check out the demo we pitched him.  The song was written with co-writer and President of Demolition Music Publishing, Jon D'Agostino as well as young and talented artist/songwriter, Abigail Nyman.  So pumped.  Let's keep the momentum!

Speaking of keeping the momentum...I'm going to Key West next week for the Key West Songwriter's Festival, hosted by BMI!   Even though, I'm an ASCAP writer, Jon D'Agostino invited me to join him and Demolition Music Pub songwriter, Adam Searan for the trip.  3 nonstop days of writing, networking and checking out shows.  Nashville's best will be there, songwriter's and industry folks alike.  Needless to say, I couldn't turn it down.  I leave next Wednesday...can't wait!

DAY - 180

I've been subbing all day...little kids.  My master's degree in Music is K-12 certified. So technically, I can teach all-ages.  However, I've made the firm decision (today) that I could never take a gig teaching kids below 4th grade.  I am worn out!!  I know this might sound horrible, and I say it with love,  but I just find that age (K-3) to be highly annoying!  Sorry.  Just venting.

Anyway, I got done early today and had some time this afternoon to network.  I started off with an email to creative director at THiS Music, Kendall Lettow.  THiS Music has some fantastic writers on there roster doing even more fantastic things.  I'd love to meet with Kendall and play her some music!

I followed up with Senior Creative director at ASCAP Nashville, LeAnn Phelan.  I thanked LeAnn for including me in the Nashville country songwriting workshop and sent a general update with some new tunes.

Finally, I followed up with creative director at Liz Rose Music, Natalie Harker.  Just said hello and gave a brief update.

Just to plug it one more time... I'm playing guitar for singer-songwriter, Molly Hunt today at Mama's Java in Nashville.  7pm start.  Come by if you want to check out some great music.

Cheers and have a great weekend!!

DAY - 177-179

The past few days flew by in a blur.  I'm having trouble remembering what I did.  Let's see...

Tuesday morning, I reached out to Washington Street publishing to say hi and introduce myself.  Later that day, I finished a brand new song with co-writer, Jon D'Agostino.  The song is killer!  Super catchy, upbeat and fun.  Can't wait to finish, demo, post and pitch!

Wednesday, I sent Mark Brown at Round Hill a follow up email, thanking him for meeting with me.  I also got together to rehearse with co-writer, Molly Hunt.  I'm playing guitar for Molly on Friday at Mama's Java.  Killer line-up featuring, Jenn Bostic as the headliner.  Should be a great night of music.  Come check it out if your in town!  Later that night, I did a work tape for the song I wrote with Jon.  This thing is really coming together nicely.

Today, I've been subbing.  I was supposed to have a writing session with co-writer, Kirk Penney tonight but my wife and I have an impromptu meeting with a mortgage broker.  That's right...it's house huntin' time!  Biggest priority on my list...space for a recording studio!  ;)  This morning, I was able to fire off a quick email to Laura Wright at Big Yellow Dog music publishing.  Hoping to connect!

DAY - 176

Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!  The weather in Nashville was incredible.  3 perfect days in a row and today we're going for a 4th.

Nonstop day.  Subbing in the morning/afternoon, teaching at School of Rock in the afternoon/evening, then straight to dinner for a friend's b-day!   Doesn't leave much time for networking, but I was able to grab a few minutes during a break and made a quick song pitch.  This morning, I pitched Tim McGraw's camp.  I hear Mr. McGraw is wrapping up in the studio for his latest project so I figured I'd send a song as a last minute effort.  The chances of getting a Tim McGraw cut are slim at best.  But again, this blog is all about throwing Hail Mary's.

Have a great Monday!    

DAY - 174+175

Sometimes I don't think I'll ever get my big break.  And I don't mean that in a negative way.  While on this journey, what I'm finding is that it's all about the "little" breaks.  Last night is a perfect example of what I mean.  Bear with me...

Over two years ago, Sue (my girlfriend at the time) and I, while in Nashville, went to an ASCAP Song Source.  These are held every Wednesday night at ASCAP on Music Row. 15+ songwriters sit in a room and everyone plays a song for a special guest music publisher.  Usually, the publisher critiques the song and if they really dig it, they'll ask for a copy.  On this one night in particular, the weather was pretty sketchy and the forecast was calling for snow.  Turns out, no one showed up but me, Sue and the guest publisher, Shane Barrett!   I literally spent over an hour, one-on-one with Shane talking and playing him songs.  At the end of the session, he gave me his card and told me to stay in touch.  Needless to say, I did. (This story can be found in the first making it 365) Over the course of 2+ years, Shane began setting me up with co-writes, clients of his, etc.

Which brings me to last night.  Sue and I were invited to dinner to celebrate the launch of my co-writer, Jon D'Agostino's new publishing company, Demolition Music Publishing.  Around the dinner table at Maggiano's, sat 4 music publishers and 5 super talented songwriter's.  Who was sitting next to me?  Shane Barrett.  That's right!  Shane hooked me up with Jon and now Shane has been pitching songs I've co-written with Jon to Major label artists!  That "little" break, over two years ago, led me to breaking bread with some of Nashville's finest last night and to Jon and I writing another killer tune this morning in the office of his new publishing company on Music Row.  Crazy!

Another "little" break.  Remember the story of how I met VP of Round Hill Music Publishing, Mark Brown, walking down an alley behind ASCAP?  (the story is DAY - 153)  Well, yesterday we had a meeting...and it went great!  We hung out for over an hour, talking and playing songs.  He dug everything I played him and said to call next week, keep in touch, and he'd like to meet again!

Everyone talks about their "big break".  I hope to talk about that one day as well.  But for now, I'll celebrate the little breaks.

Happy Easter weekend!

PS: Congratulations to Jon D'Agostino and the launch of Demolition Music Publishing.  www.demolitionmusicpub.com 

DAY - 172+173

It's shaping up to be a good week.  More info on the new cut coming soon! (refer to DAY - 170) The artist recorded vocals this past week and I was forwarded a copy of the final recording last night.  I have to say, it sounds awesome!!

My writing schedule is pretty packed for the rest of the week, working with Molly Hunt and Cheyenne Medders tomorrow and with Jon D'Agostino on Friday.  Hoping to knock out two new future hits. ;)  Tomorrow afternoon, I have a meeting with Mark Brown from Round Hill Music Publishing.  Looking forward to speaking more with Mark and playing some new music.

Today, I followed up with Creative Nation creative director, Julie Stuckey.  Julie responded to an email of mine back in January and left the door open to keep in touch.  This afternoon, I sent a couple new song demos.

DAY - 171

Hope you had a great weekend.  The weather was incredible here in Nashville! (not like today...another gloomy Monday)  Sue and I spent Sunday morning walking the dogs and laying on a blanket in Centennial Park followed by our new tradition of looking at Sunday Open Houses.  That's right, it's house hunting time!  The market is CRAZY down here.  Houses are selling on the first day and they're going for asking price and above!  Fingers crossed, we hope to land something in the next couple months.

Today, I reached out to Combustion Music Publishing's president and owner, Chris Farren.  As I was saying earlier in Chapter 2: Nashville, I'd love to score a meeting with Combustion.  They're one of the top publishers in Nashville.  Great writers, great staff.  I reached out and sent Chris a sample of my work.

That's all I could squeeze in today.  I have an interview at 2pm.  Wish me luck!

Some cool stuff coming this week.  Stay tuned.  Cheers!

DAY - 167-170

CRAZY busy week!  My apologies for the delay.  This week was what I like to call an "organize my life" week.  Everything from doing taxes, to consolidating college loans, to filling out massive amounts of online paper work to become a certified music educator.  Honestly and unfortunately, it did not leave much time for music.  But, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Here's a quick rundown of what I did accomplish.

1) Scheduled meeting with Mark Brown from Round Hill Music Publishing for next Thursday!

2) Pitched a lot more songs.

3) Received word that I'm probably getting a song cut!! Can't share too much at the moment but the artist just laid vocals down on the track this past week.  More details to come. :)

Cheers!

DAY - 166

Hope you had a great weekend!  Saturday night was amazing!  As I was saying on Friday, I played a writer's in Franklin, TN.  Hit songwriters, Dave Pahanish, Jonathan Singleton and Brad Tursi headlined the night.  One word...incredible!  They shared hits they've had with artists like, Tim McGraw, Toby Kieth, Keith Urban, David Nail, Josh Turner, Kenny Chesney and more.  It was like a master class on songwriting...educational, motivating and inspiring.  After they were done playing my wife, Sue and I stuck around to make conversation.  I have to give BIG props to my wifey.  She struck up a convo with each of them and ended up introducing me! Lol!  New manager?!   Looking forward to seeing these guys again.  They're probably more interested in seeing my wife ;)

Rainy day Monday, back to the grind.  Today, I find myself at a local high school substitute teaching for a chemistry teacher.   Do I know anything about chemistry?  No. (Apologies to my 11th grad chem teacher, Dr. Wisniewski) Thankfully, the teacher has left some handy dandy worksheets. :)  Beautiful school, nice students, not a bad way to start the week.  Especially since I've already had a few breaks in the schedule.  Perfect for being productive!

Today, I reached out to Mark Brown from Round Hill Music Publishing to schedule a meeting.  (Refer to DAY - 151-153) I also pitched Kenny Chesney's team and up-and-comer, JT Hodge's team.  I heard back immediately from Chesney's producer...letting me know they're done recording the upcoming album and no longer listening for songs.  Oh well.  We'll get 'em next time.  :)

Busy week ahead. Stay tuned!

DAY - 164+165

Spring is in full swing here in Music City.  It is said to be the most beautiful season of the year and I can see why.  The weather is in the 70's, the trees are all blossoming, all types of colorful wild flowers are blooming, and the grass is deep shade of green from all the rain.  Just wrapping up another busy week and looking forward to the weekend.

Tomorrow night, I'm playing a writer's night in Franklin, TN.  This is the one (I've mentioned before) that's held in Terry and Wanda Seay's living room.  Once a month, Terry and Wanda open up their home to songwriters who come and share their music.  They have a beautiful open concept living room with high ceilings and a great Bose PA system.  All the guests bring food/drink and there is always a big hit songwriter to headline the evening.  Tomorrow night is Dave Pahanish.  (written for Toby Keith, Keith Urban, and many others) I'm looking forward to performing some new songs and doing a bit of networking with the other writers.

Yesterday, I had a great recording session with J Fred Knobloch.  We started laying down tracks for our latest song.  Very cool tune.  I'll post as soon as we're done!

Today, I reached out to a few more producers and made some pitches.  A lot of music is being produced right now and a lot of new records are on the way.  I'm trying my best to get in the mix on some of these projects.  Fingers crossed, prayers being said...as always.

Have a great weekend!

DAY - 162+163

Yesterday, I had another little twist of fate/"only in Nashville" moments.  While subbing at a local High School, I struck up a conversation with one of the other teachers.   We chatted for a few minutes, making small talk, and I told her my story about moving to Nashville to become a full-time songwriter.  She said, "Well, you have to meet (so-and-so) her husband is a big time producer in Nashville.  Let me introduce you!"  Long story short, I'm not going to name names, but he is and I've actually reached out to him before!  Small world.  After making the connection, I decided to send him another email and reach out again.  After all, he's producing one of the albums I'm trying to get a song placed on. :)  

This morning, I woke up to a great text message from co-writer, Jon D'Agostino.  Apparently, "Caught In A Storm" is being considered very strongly to be the first single for a new country artist/former American Idol contestant.   Fingers crossed, more to come on that.  Today, I reached out to another Nashville producer, Mark Wright.  Mark is producing Gary Allen's next record and I pitched him 2 songs for consideration.  Let's keep it going! 

Cheers!