DAY - 281

I always get inside my own head and psych myself out before a big writing session...especially if it's with a new co-writer. What if he/she doesn't like my ideas? What if it doesn't go well and then he/she doesn't want to work again?  What if I totally suck that day and it gets back to the publisher that set up the meeting?   Now granted, it usually turns out fine or even great, however sometimes those insecurities get the best me.   One of my co-writer's Scot Sax (Like We Never Loved At All) said something I'll never forget.  He said, "Every time I pick up the guitar or walk into a writing session I always imagine myself writing the best song I've ever written."  He said, "I actually tell myself...I'm going to write a kick ass song right now."  I've started using that technique as a subtle confidence boost.  I don't know how much of songwriting is technique, practice and skill... and how much is mental.  I'd venture to say that mental aspect plays a BIG part!    Anyway, just thought I'd share.

Which leads in perfectly to today's update.  Last night, I got an email from Natalie at Liz Rose Music letting me know she scheduled me to write at Liz Rose Music next Friday with Jesse Walker and possibly a third writer!  Jesse has written for artists such as Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride.  I'm totally pumped for this opportunity.  It's going to be the perfect way to close out the "writing binge, week off from school" that I have next week.

This morning, I responded yes to session,(of course) and thanked Natalie for the opportunity.  Now it's time to gather some KILLER ideas, melodies, etc to bring to the table!!  Oh...and get out of my own head.

Cheers!

DAY - 279-280

Fall break is fast approaching!  I'm looking at a full week off from school starting this coming Saturday. You know what that means...time to go on a writing binge!  This two writing sessions a week thing has been totally killing the creative flow.  Normally, I'm able to do more but with the purchase of the house...renovations, etc. it's been too hectic to fit more in.   Next week, I'm going to try and write as many songs as possible.  I'll be playing "creative catch up" if you will.  Can't wait!

Speaking of writing sessions, I've got a great one lined up for tomorrow night.  I'm writing with Jason Eustice, Tammy Jacobs, and Tammy's friend, Erica who I haven't written with yet. Tammy, Jason and I have written three killer songs together already so I'm looking forward to knocking another one out of the park!

This morning and yesterday morning, I spent some time sending emails out to schedule writing sessions for next week as well as trying to schedule some publisher meetings.

I want to get everything booked and scheduled ahead of time because Sue and I are also trying to do the majority of our move next week.  We pushed back the move date as much as possible to allow time for the renovations we're doing so it looks like we officially move in October 12th now.  Crunch time!

DAY - 278

Morning Starbucks routine.  The weather has been amazing this week.  Fall at it's best.  I'm staring into a weekend full of home renovation.  Even though it's tough work, I'm looking forward to it!

I took another big swing this morning and pitched Keith Urban's team.  I pitched his A&R at Universal Music, his producer, and his management at Borman Entertainment.  I decided to send only one song... Beach Town.   I know the song is a strong pitch for Keith.  I'm just hoping to get through and in the mix on this one.

Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 275-277

Gotta keep this one short.  Busy day ahead and I have to be at school extra early to get some papers graded, etc.  

Tuesday, I took a big swing and pitched Luke Bryan's team a few songs.  I reached out to his A&R at Universal Music Group as well as his manager at Red Light Management.  The two songs I pitched were "Rebound" and "Happy Hour". 

Wednesday, I made a couple pitches.  I reached out to Joe Nichols producer, Derek George and pitched "Rebound" as well as "Die Happy".  I also pitched a new country duo called American Young.  They had a single last year that was a great song called, "Love Is War".  I love their sound so I figured I'd reach out.  They're currently signed with Curb records so I sent emails their A&R at Curb.  I sent them, "Happily Ever Over" and "Bring Me Back to Life".  

You can hear all these songs at www.mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com 

Last Friday, while waiting in the lobby of Warner Music for my meeting, I met a few people who were also waiting for meetings.  One of which, was a manager by the name of Louis O'Reilly from Invictus Entertainment Group.  We got to talking and Louis gave me his card and told me to send him some songs.  So I did this morning. We shall see! 

Hope you have a great Thursday!  

DAY - 272-274

Apologies for the delay in posting.  I usually try to get a post in before the weekend, but I got totally consumed with home renovation.  My father-in-law has been in town helping us sand and stain the floors, patch drywall, run new electricity, etc, etc.   Almost ready for the official move-in which has been pushed back to October 9th.  The place is really coming together nicely.  I'll try to post some before and afters soon.  :)

Last week is a blur.   I did a lot of pitching and a lot of following up.

I also had the BIGGEST meeting of my career as a writer so far.  Last week, I met with director of A&R at Warner Music, Rebekah Gordon.  The experience was surreal.

I drive up and down Music Row, every other day, wondering what the insides of these big major labels look like and when or if I'll get the opportunity to be invited in the doors.  Well, the opportunity came.  And I am confident in saying, I was ready.  The meeting went fantastic.  Rebekah, besides being a super talented A&R rep, is an awesome person.  I played her about 5 or 6 songs and received great response...especially on 3 them that she thought might be a good fit for some of her artists.  Fingers crossed.

Ultimately, even if nothing happens (and odds are, it probably won't) at the end of the meeting, the door was left open...and that's a success all by itself.

I love Nashville.  

DAY - 270+271

Great day yesterday.  Woke up early for the usual Starbucks hang and pitched Billy Currington's A&R a couple songs.  I heard he's still looking to finish up his latest project so I pitched a few more.  I sent over "Die Happy" and a brand new song called, "One Kiss".

"One Kiss" is a new song I wrote with Demolition Music's, Jon D'Agostino, as well as Troy Castellano, and Stone Aielli.  Jason Garner productions demoed the song and it turned out killer...at least in my humble opinion. ;)  Check it out...lemme know what you think!

Last night, I had a writing session with the incredibly talented husband and wife team of Scot Sax and Suzie Brown.  We knocked another one out last night and, honestly, I think we knocked this one out of the park!   Very cool song.  Outside-the-box lyric approach and topic, and a killer melody and arrangement.  Looking forward to demoing this one.

This morning, I decided to follow up yesterday's pitch by sending the same songs to his whole team, A&R, management, and producer.  Fingers crossed.  I'd love a Billy Currington cut.  He's one of my favorite country artists.  As always, we shall see.

Cheers!

DAY - 269

Here we are, Monday morning.  Always comes faster than you want it to.  Right now, I'm at the usual Starbucks enjoying my first pumpkin spice latte of the season.  They started offering them a couple weeks ago, but it just didn't feel right. Too hot outside.  This morning, it's 62 degrees in Nashville,  my car windows were fogged when I left the house and there is a faint smell of burning firewood in the air.  Perfect.  If you've been reading this blog for the past couple years, you know that Fall is my favorite season.  I love anything and everything pumpkin.  Next on my list, a good pumpkin beer.  Let me know if you've heard of any new ones!

The new house is awesome!  Sue and I have been hard at work ripping up carpets, tearing down walls, and doing misc. demolition.  On Saturday, we took our first trip to the dump and yesterday, we painted the entire inside.  Official move-in date is October 9th.  We're hoping to have a big portion of the reno done before we move.

Back to biz...

I just got done pitching "Break" to Cassadee Pope's team.  If you haven't heard of Cassadee Pope, she won The Voice a few seasons back and has had two big hits on country radio since her win.  When J Fred Knobloch and I wrote, "Break" the first person I heard it for was Cassadee Pope.  Hoping to get through on this one.  I pitched her producer as well as her A&R team at Big Machine.

DAY - 267+268

Dragging a bit this morning.  I went to Soulshine last night with co-writers, Jon D'Agostino and Adam Searan to check out some writers. (Jon, Adam & I, co-wrote "Young & Stupid, the song Tim Sweeney is cutting for his new album refer to day 257+258)

I wasn't even out that late, but I guess my body has become accustomed to hitting the hay early now.  Ahhh the life of a teacher.  :)  Anyway, it was fun just hanging and catching up.  Jon and Adam had a killer week.  They came in first place for the prestigious, "John Lennon songwriter's competition" for their song "Last".  It's on Adam's new EP he just released.  If you haven't heard Adam Searan, check him out...he's gonna blow up!  www.iamtheband.net    Also, Jon got a cut on Sammy Kershaw's new album.  Pretty awesome stuff! I feel blessed to have become friends with such talented and just awesome people like Jon and Adam.  

Before I went out last night I taught at School of Rock.  One of my students father's happens to be a manager and boutique label owner that reps some pretty cool acts.  I met him for the first time last night and we hit it off.  He gave me his card and asked me to send over some music.  Umm Sweet! Hopefully more to come on that.

Closed out this week by making a pitch to country artist, Josh Thompson.  Josh is looking for uptempo radio songs so I pitched "Happy Hour" and "Rebound" to his A&R and producer.  Fingers crossed and prayers being said...as always. :)

Have a great weekend!

DAY - 264-266

Crazy days!  Pitching, writing, repeat... Oh and btw... My wife Sue and I bought our first house!!!   Here's a pic.

                                                                       

                           

On the pitch list has been...
Thompson Square, Natalie Stovall & The Drive, Sarah Ross, and Reba McEntire.  Yes, Reba.  Swinging for the fences on that one ;)

Here's a brand new song I wrote with husband and wife, dream team, Scot Sax and Suzie Brown.  It's called "Bring Me Back to Life" and I'm in love with this little song.  Scot did a great job with the demo.  Simple and straight to the point.  Hope you enjoy.

https://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/bring-me-back-to-life

DAY - 262+263

VERY cool couple of days!

Right after I posted my last post, before leaving Starbucks, I check my email one more time.  There was another email from Red Light Management letting me know they forwarded "I'm Not Practice" directly to The Band Perry!!  (refer to days 259-261)  Crazy stuff!  It is definitely an out-of-the-box pitch so I'm glad they dug it enough to send to the band.  I haven't heard anything since Wednesday but still, fingers crossed and prayers being said.

I heard back from the director of A&R at Warner Music Nashville.  A&R is in charge of scouting and signing major label acts.  A&R is also responsible (in most cases) for listening for hit songs to send to their roster of artists.  Today, I'm feeling very blessed and totally pumped that a BIG door has opened.  Warner Music has invited me in for a meeting to play them songs!!   Warner artists include, Blake Shelton, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Gloriana, and many more huge name acts.  I can't wait to get in there, shake some hands, play some songs, and hopefully be invited back.  ;)

Pitching news...

Yesterday, J Fred Knobloch and I pitched "Break" to Kellie Pickler's team.  Kellie is looking for an anthemic, soaring chorus, type song so J Fred and I thought it'd be a strong pitch.  J Fred has worked with pretty much everyone on her team at one point or another so I figured it was wise to have him make the pitch.  As always, we shall see.

Stay tuned and have a great weekend!

DAY - 259-261

Hope you had a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend!  My weekend wasn't very relaxing but it was a blast!  Sue and I went to a friend's wedding in the Outer Banks. (Duck, NC)  Everything about the weekend was perfect.  The weather, the venue, the food, the friends, etc. How much fun was it?  Let me sum it up by saying, by the end of the party half the guests ended up in the pool...fully clothed! Including myself. :)  Now that was a party.  Congrats Adam and Amber!!

Also, a big congrats to co-writer, Liv Devine and her husband Chris Dunn who we're also married this weekend!

Been working hard the past few days pitching and following up with contacts...here's some highlights.

Connected with Natalie Harker from Liz Rose Music and we're setting up a meeting for this month! Natalie is a super-talented creative director with a great ear for hit songs.  I'm totally pumped to meet with her again and show her the new stuff I've been working on.

I pitched new country artist Michael Ray.  I pitched him "My Happy Hour".  Heard back from Warner Brothers letting me know they are done looking for his project.

This morning, I pitched the Band Perry's team.  I pitched both their management at Red Light as well as their producer.  I sent something totally outside-the-box production-wise but I just have a hunch that if it gets to the band...they'll dig it.  I wrote the song with grammy-winner, Scot Sax and it's called "I'm Not Practice".   Wait...just got email...as I'm typing this post, I actually just heard back from their management.  He said he's going to "pass it along."  Sweeettt!  I don't know to whom, but that's awesome!  Fingers crossed it gets in to the right hands!

Alright gotta run, get my free ice coffee refill, and head to school to educate the future of America.  Cheers!

DAY - 257+258

Back at Starbucks this morning.  Have you noticed the drastic improvement in the turkey bacon, egg white breakfast sandwich?  That's the best 230 calories I'll eat all day!

I forgot to mention yesterday.  I got a new song cut!!  Just got the word on Friday that a country artist will be cutting a new song of mine.  The call came from co-writer and Demolition Publishing owner, Jon D'Agostino.  More details to come asap!

Last night, I heard back from Casey James' manager, Bryan Frasher, about the song I pitched.  He loved the song, but didn't think it would fit on the record.  When I wrote him back, I thanked him for the kind words and for listening.  I didn't even mention that I heard from Casey directly.

This morning, I started follow ups.  I reached out to my rep at ASCAP, LeAnn Phelan as well as Mark Brown from Round Hill Publishing.  Just wanted to touch base, give an update and try to schedule a meeting for September.  My catalog has grown in leaps and bounds since I last met with both LeAnn and Mark and I'd love to play them some new songs.

That's a wrap for today!  Looking forward to Friday and a long weekend!

DAY - 255+256

Staying positive.  Easier said than done sometimes.  I'm not adjusting to daily grind (day job) as well and as fast as I had hoped.  Maybe I've been a free bird for too long.  Maybe I'm selfish.  Maybe I don't like being responsible for anything extra...outside myself and my family.  Maybe I don't like having to answer to someone else.  Maybe I hate not being in control of my own time.  Maybe it's all of the above and more.  Probably is.  I don't mean to make this a venting session or a sounding board, but I'm sure many of you reading this can relate.  And I'm sure many of you can't relate.  You can say, "Get over it!"  "That's life...and it only gets harder!"  And you'd be right.  But, for me, these feelings are brand new.  So "Stay positive" is my focus.  My plan? Push harder, work longer, get up earlier, go to bed later.  But, how do you balance family?   How do you do what you HAVE to do and do what you really WANT to do all in one day when there isn't enough time?   I guess we're all figuring that one out.

Back to business...

Two great writing sessions back to back.  Monday, I wrote with Scot and Suzie Sax and last night I wrote with Matt Santry.

Scot, Suzie and I strummed out another really cool song.  Btw, I have to post the last one we wrote.  It's beautiful and Scot's plugger really loves the song!  Coming this week.

Matt Santry and I are putting the finishing touches on a song he is about to release.  The music is already recorded, we're just tweaking the lyrics before Matt hits the studio to sing.

Yesterday, I pitched "Pretty Little Liars" star Lucy Hale.  She is a burgeoning country artist looking for songs for an album.  I pitched her team, "Break" and "Happily Ever Over".  You can listen to those songs at www.mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com

Alright, I've got about an hour before school begins.  Time to pitch some more music!

DAY - 252-254

It's about 7am Friday morning and I'm sitting in my local Starbucks sucking down the usual americano and starting to wake up.  I've been here since 6:30am and don't have to be at school until 8:30am.  This gives  me a nice 1-2hour window to get some work done and post.

It's been a pretty cool week.  Some highlights...

 At School Of Rock, I started teaching a new student.  Her dad joined us for her trial lesson.  During the lesson, we got to talking and he said he was "a songwriter, producer, you know, you gotta be a little bit of everything in this town" very nonchalant.  After the lesson, I come to find out he's one of the biggest producers in Nashville!! Currently working on 2 or 3 HUGE new records.  That was definitely an "only in Nashville" moment.

Yesterday, I pitched Casey James a song for his upcoming project.  Casey is a super talented singer/ country artist that gained fame from being a finalist on season 9 of American Idol.  He was signed immediately to Columbia records.  Casey has a powerful voice and a great presence.  Long story short, he got back to me personally, right away, letting me know he listened to the song and thanked me for sending.  However, it wasn't his style.  Actually, a pretty cool tid bit of info...Casey does not sing songs that have drinking or alcohol references.  The song I sent, the first verse was set in a bar.  Anyway, I responded letting him know I dig that choice and that I opened for him a few years ago with Co-writer, Liv Devine. We've begun corresponding. Hoping to keep in touch!

Also, check out the new music video from rising country singer, Liv Devine. "Cupcakes &Wine" BIG thanks to Liv and the band for choosing the song we wrote for their next single!!

http://youtu.be/B6lmn7RYdLk

The pitching machine continues...

Yesterday, I pitched Jana Kramer "Break".  I pitched her A&R team.  This morning, so far, I pitched Rodney Aktins' producer for his new project.  He's looking for songs that say something cool about going through life so I pitched " Die Happy".  

Fingers crossed!  Another power-packed week in music city is coming to a close and I'm ready for the weekend.  Hope you enjoy!

DAY - 250+251

Pitching...teaching...writing...pitching...teaching...writing...repeat...

Head is spinning a bit...but...I'm starting to get a handle on things.  I think.

Three great writing sessions over the past two days.  Monday, I met Vince Constantino at a pretty sweet Starbucks in Hermitage, TN.  This Starbucks has a great outdoor area with ceiling fans and tons of space.  It made for a great location to hang and write, especially when no instruments were necessary.  Later that night, I met Jon D'Agostino for a Skype session.  We worked on tweaks to our latest song as well.  Tightened up both tunes and now looking to demo soon!

Today, I had co-write with co-writer, James Breedwell.  James is a talented writer who has been blessed with success!   He has a ton of cuts with indie artists and major label artists as well as a big cut with the young and super talented, Jackie Evancho of "America's Got Talent" fame.

On to pitching!
Monday, I pitched Thomas Rhett's A&R team.  I pitched "My Happy Hour" and a new song called "Rebound".  This morning I pitched Love & Theft's producer, A&R and Management.  I sent "Brand New Love Song" and Happily Ever Over".

You can check out all these songs (except Rebound) at www.mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com

"Rebound" demo is in the works and coming soon!!

DAY - 249

TGIF!!!!   I know I've said it before, but I've honestly never exclaimed it with such enthusiasm. Classroom teaching is hard work.  If people actually knew how much work it was before getting into it we would have a lot less teachers.  Because...it's not just teaching.  It's piles of paperwork, it's learning 10 different computer systems, it's memorizing policies and procedures, grading, it's having your air conditioner break in 95 degree heat and waiting a month for it to be fixed,  it's dealing with 7th grade middle school girl drama. :)  And I'm sure I missed a lot.  My point is that "Teaching" is literally only 50% of the gig.

Alright, got that off my chest now we can move forward... back to business.

School starts at 8:40am.  The plan, now, is to wake up extra early every week day and do my networking. Wether it's pitching songs, booking weekly writing sessions, or trying to schedule publisher meetings, I will attempt to stay disciplined and do all of this in the wee hours of the morning.

Today, I pitched Randy Houser's team.  I reached out to his producer as well as his manager.  The song I chose to pitch was Brand New Love Song

After that, I pitched new female artist, Lindsay Ell.  I reached out Lindsay Ell's production team, New Voice Entertainment.  I chose to pitch her 2 songs.  Break and Happily Ever Over.

That's it for today.  Hope you have an amazing weekend! Stay tuned.

DAY - 247+248

Short on time, but wanted to post!  The past couple days I've been waking up extra early and using the time to pitch songs.

Yesterday, I pitched Carrie Underwood again. This time, I pitched her producer's assistant.  Trying to get through the gates!  The songs I pitched were "Break" and "Happily Ever Over".

This morning, I pitched Billy Currington.  I sent songs to his producer and his A&R rep.  I pitched, "Old Beach Town", and "Young & Stupid".

You can check these songs out at www.mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com

Cheers!!

DAY - 245+246

Last night was an amazing night of music!

I was honored to be a part of the first annual Wrecking Ball Writer Showcase hosted by Demolition Music Publishing.  Belcourt Taps was packed all night.  So much talent showed up to play and we had an awesome crowd!  I want to thank all of you who came out to support.  It was a blast!

I was in the first round with Demolition writer, Jason Eustice and a phenomenal singer by the name of Taryn Papa.  I played, Die Happy, Caught In A Storm, and Happy Hour. My first song, Die Happy, was a little rusty...forgot some lyrics... think my nerves may have gotten the best of me.  I recovered, got comfortable and crushed the second 2 songs.  After the set, I made rounds, said hi and introduced myself to some really cool people. Here's the flyer with a list of the folks that played!

Tonight, I have a skype writing session with the super team of Tammy Jacobs and Jason Eustice.  We have a tweak session tonight to go over and edit some of our finished work.  Tighten things up and make sure we're good to go before demoing.

DAY - 240-244

My apologies for for the delay on posting.  To be completely honest, there's not much to post.  This week was the first week in "MI365 - Chapter 2: Nashville" history that I totally fell short of my goal.  I'm not going to sit here and give excuses.  Yes, the teaching gig is in full swing. Yes, I'm crazy busy.  However, the fault is mine for not creating the time.  Like I said earlier, this is going to be a test in time management and multi-tasking.  I blew it this week and have to deal with the fact that I have 5 whole business days of basically zero new progress.  Not happy.

Today, I made up for it a little.  I had a killer writing session at Demolition Music Publishing with Jon D'Agostino, Stone Aielli, and Troy Castellano.  We knocked out a killer new tune.  Something fresh and different. Country with a soulful R&B flair.  Pretty sweet.  Looking forward to finishing this tune.  Tonight, it's dinner with the Demolition family and possibly some Karaoke!

Monday night, I'm playing Demolition Music Publishing first ever Wrecking Ball Writer's Showcase!  It's at 8pm at Belcourt Taps.  If you're in town, come hang and check out some future hits! ;) I'm playing in the first round so don't be late.  Cheers!

DAY - 237-239

This past week I began a new chapter.  For the first time in my life, I have a boss. (Well, technically, a principle)  That's right, I have accepted a position to teach music at a middle school in Nashville, TN.
My program will consist of teaching piano, songwriting/composition, recording arts and chorus to 5th-8th middle schoolers.  I'm feeling anxious, scared, nervous, overwhelmed, excited, and a whole other host of emotions all at once.

Being able to teach these content areas is an amazing opportunity.  It's also a BIG commitment.  Full-time.  For the first time, my schedule is not totally under my control and that freaks me out!  I've been asked on numerous occasions lately, "How are you going to keep up with songwriting???"  My answer... really long hours!  I'm prepared to take on the responsibility of 2 full-time jobs... as well as being a husband, owning a home, and starting a potential future family.  How? You ask.  One day at a time. Lol!   My motivation, drive, time-management, and ability to multi-task will be tested at a whole other level.  I have no doubt that I will rise to the occasion, but not without a struggle.

For Sue and I, this opportunity gives us the means to purchase a home, pay off college debt, and do some things we've been wanting to do for a while.  As scary as it is to enter this new chapter, it is exciting.  Time to take it up another notch.  Wish me luck!!

Back to business...

The end of last week was spent working on new song demos.  Co-writer, Vanessa Branson sang vocals on the song we wrote with Kirk Penney.  I worked on a demo of the song I wrote with Jen Armstrong from the UK.   I also sent some follow emails to a few publishers.

New Music!!  Here's #4 of the 5 new demos I promised.  It's called DIE HAPPY.   It's a fun summer song with a cool storyline and a great beat.  Seems appropriate at the moment. ;)   Written with Jon D'Agostino & James Breedwell.  That's Daniel Mason on the lead vocals and me singing harmonies.  Track by Jason Garner.