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!

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!