DAY - 123

A lot of songs you write are just for exercise -- just pencil sharpeners.

- Harlan Howard


I read this quote today and it got me thinking about my own writing.  I realize that every song I write is not going to be great.  Every song is not going to be a hit...not even close!  But what I realized today is that its important to not abandon a song just because it may not be "great" or a "hit".   I think its important to make every song as best and as tight as it can be both lyrically and melodically.  If I can challenge myself to finish most everything I start, it may result in a future idea and ultimately help to hone my craft and make me a better writer.  Food for thought...

Anyway, got started early today with a writing session with co-writer's Liv Devine and Gene Micofsky.  Had an awesome session!  Started a new song idea that Gene brought to the table last week.  Looking forward to finishing this tune...it just might be great! :)

Today I contacted Sire Records via MusicXRay.  I submitted my song "Caroline".  Here's what the listing said...

Music Submissions for Sire Records - Sire Records is an American record label, owned by Warner Music Group and distributed through Warner Bros. Records.  Current roster includes: Against Me, Blu, Eisley, Evan Taubenfeld, Fountains of Wayne, Foxy Shazam, HIM, Jack's Mannequin, LIGHTS, Meg & Dia, Never Shout Never, Regina Spektor, Tegan and Sara, The Maine, The Spill Canvas, The Veronicas

DAY - 122

Keeping in touch with the Nashville crew...

Today I talked to J Fred Knobloch and made plans to demo the first song we finished.  We're shooting to track the demo in about 2 weeks and start pitching right away!  Darius Rucker is still looking for songs and I think this one will be a really strong pitch.

I also emailed Jason Blume to touch base and let him know I have a new song idea he might be interested in writing.

DAY - 121

Blog for yesterday 12/28/11:

Just got an email from Cassie at KCS Entertainment.  They are interested in taking on some of my catalog to pitch to their clients!  I sent him a link to all my stuff and he's going to go through it and see what will best fit their clients.  Stay tuned...hopefully more to come on that!

DAY - 120

Been in West Virginia since Saturday.  Planning on returning tonight but got caught in a HUGE fog.  Literally could only see 3 feet in front of me!  Looks like we're staying another night.  Most business is still closed for the week so I'll have to do some serious make-up through the end of the week and next week.  Regardless, I have some cool plans in the works...stay tuned  ;)

DAY - 119

Its the eve of Christmas Eve and I just got back from a family party.  The holiday festivities have already begun!  Tomorrow happens to be one of my favorite dinners of the year... the traditional Italian 7 fish dinner. But let me tell you, this ain't your average 7 fishes.  My family is both Italian and Brazilian and all the women happen to be overachievers in the kitchen (to say the least)...so basically what you get is a mediterranean feast that turns into more like 9 or 10 fish dishes, not even counting the shrimp cocktail or crabcakes :)  

Anyway, enough about food, back to business.  Today I emailed 'Plaid Elephant Publishing'.  I stumbled across their site after doing some research on the net.  Plaid Elephant has a handpicked roster of super-talented singer-songwriters and bands that they represent.  They also handle music licensing.  I emailed them to introduce myself and to send them some material.  We'll see if they get back to me.

Hope ya'll have a merry little Christmas and happy holiday!!  Be back on Monday...  Cheers!

DAY - 118

Today I emailed/followed up with Jody Friedman from 'HD Music Now publishing'.  I spoke with Jody about a month or 2 ago because he was interested in signing an exclusive deal for "Cupcakes & Wine".  Since Tyler, Liv and I decided to have Nashville hit songwriter J Fred Knobloch help us pitch the song I didn't end up going with Jody's single-song publishing agreement.  I do, however, want to stay in touch because I have other songs I may to work with him on placing.  So today I followed up and sent over a couple songs, "Easy to Love" and "Remember the Summer Nights" to see if he may be able to use either in any present or future projects.

I also started looking into NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). www.nashvillesongwriters.com  I've heard from Jason Blume and a couple other writers that I should DEFINITELY get involved with this company because they offer a great deal of opportunities and benefits to songwriters.  Since I'm a college student the membership fee for the year is only $100!  I started reviewing the site and I think I'm going to join early in the new year.  Stay tuned!  

DAY - 117

Cassie Jones from KCS Entertainment got back to me today.  They wanted to know if I was already signed to a publisher and if I had any songs published yet.  Basically, they let me know they wanted to talk further in detail.  I wrote back and let them know I'm not signed yet, but definitely interested in talking some more.  Could be interesting...stay tuned!

DAY - 116

The holiday season is upon us.  As hectic as this time of year can be, I still love it. The smell of a Christmas tree, sugar cookies, and over the top lighting displays are worth all the extra traffic and craziness the season brings.  Speaking of this hectic time of year,  this week and next week probably aren't the best for networking, but I intend to plow ahead anyhow in hopes that the holiday spirit might bring me some good tidings :)

I just got done writing an email to KCS Entertainment, a publishing company based out of Hollywood CA. KCS is a private company who is apparently playing in the global music market.  After doing some research, I stumbled across the website and found out that they're in search of new writers!  As you can guess, I did not hesitate to submit some material and refer to my websites.  We shall see.

Earlier today I also called J Fred Knobloch to set up a potential writing session for next week.   Looking forward to finishing the song we started and showing him another new idea!

DAY - 115

Today I heard back from Stanley at Naz-Sect music publishing. (refer to DAY -114) He said he LOVED "Remember the Summer Nights"... actually to quote him, he said "I think this song is a hit!"
Unfortunately, he said the recording quality wasn't at the level that it needs to be to be considered "Master Quality, so he wouldn't be able to use the track.

I know the track isn't master quality... its a demo.  However, it just goes to show how competitive the market is!!  Normal song demo's just don't cut it these days.  Not all, but a lot of Music Labels and Publishing Companies do not have the time or $$$ to spend cutting a master recording, even if they LOVE the song.  They are looking for HIT songs already wrapped and tied up in a bow.

He ended the email by saying, "if you get a professional mix and master of this song, re-submit it and we'll start pitching it."  Definitely food for thought!  I wrote back and thanked him for listening and told him I'd definitely be keeping in touch.

DAY - 114

Kicked off the semester break the right way... 3 days 3 writing amazing sessions in a row!  Today I got together with my good friend and long time songwriting partner Eric Schwank.  Eric had a beautiful new song idea that we worked on this morning and actually ended up finishing the whole thing!  Its an inspiring and emotional mid tempo song that can truly be pitched to any market.  Its not a 'country' song or a 'rock' song or 'pop' song...its just a great song!  So psyched for you to hear it so stay tuned for the demo!

Today I was able to reach out to an independent publishing company based out of North Carolina called 'Sect-Naz Publishing'.  They look as if they're in the early stages of development, but seem to be doing some great things.  I submitted some material to them including "Easy to Love" http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/easy-to-love  and wrote an email with my intentions as a writer.  We'll see what they think!

TGIF!  Have a great weekend :)

DAY - 113

Today I got together with the 'Sweet Angeline' team and stumbled onto a killer new song idea.  We had a great day of writing that will hopefully lead to finishing a new tune.

After the session, I emailed Philly hit songwriter Scot Sax back (refer to past couple days) about getting together next week.  Stay tuned for more details.  

I also read through the WAP publishing agreement and everything looks kosher.  I'll be submitting "Remember the Summer Nights" to their catalog so we'll see how it goes.

I also happened to stumble across singer/songwriter , Rachael Yamagata's page on facebook and decided to shoot her email.  She's a super talented songwriter who's has had a ton of success that's gone under the radar.  Facebook isn't really the best for networking, but I figured trying to make a connection couldn't hurt.

Alright, writing session early tomorrow morning... time for bed... goodnight yall

DAY - 112

Great day for music!  Started off bright and early... out of bed at 6am to warm up for my 9am final performance of the semester at University of the Arts. (refer to yesterday)  Felt great about it.  Nice way to close the semester. Finished everything up around 9:30am and from there it was right back home for an 11am skype writing session with nashville hit songwriter, J Fred Knobloch.  Killer day!  Fred and I started digging in on a new idea.  I'm really excited about where its going.  Its a bouncy, light-hearted, love song in the vein of Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet".  Can't wait to finish!

Later today I got some fantastic news!  I heard back from the last MusicXRay listing I submitted to. (refer to DAY - 110)  I got an email from Jim Hughes at WAP Publishing and they offered me a non-exclusive contract.  WAP publishing is a London based publishing house that pitches/places songs with film and tv advertising and they want to include my stuff in their catalog.  This is not an actual "Publishing Deal" but definitely a cool way to potentially get my songs placed with major ad companies. Nonetheless, another iron in the fire...Cheers!  Here's what he said...


Hey Michael,

Thanks for submitting your music to me at MusicXray. I checked out both of your websites and you have some really good stuff there. We would love to have you on our artist roster and have your music available to the clients we work with including Chevy, Coke, Pepsi, Unilever, Microsoft, Campbell's Soup and many more. Our catalog is also used by over 30,000 filmmakers worldwide. 

DAY - 111

I don't know if I ever mentioned this on the blog, but I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree in music at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.  Between school, teaching, writing, performing and now networking everyday, the past 4 months have been INSANE to say the least!  Tomorrow I will be performing my Jury (yearly graded performance) at school at 9am, then I'm off for a month!  Can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the break.  I intend to the hit the writing and networking extra hard over break and try to make some solid headway...and it starts tomorrow!

Just got off the phone with hit Nashville songwriter J Fred Knobloch.  We scheduled a skype writing session tomorrow right after my Jury is over.  That's right, no celebrating, no end of semester partying for me, I've got some writing to do!  :)

I also did some research on other Nashville recording studios and got in touch with a studio owned by famous session drummer, Lonnie Wilson. (Lonnie has played on countless hits from Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, just to name a few)  Lonnie offers GREAT rates and amazing recording quality, and not to mention, he plays on the tracks!  J Fred happens to have an 'in' at the studio so it looks like I'm going to be doing some future recordings there.  Stay Tuned!

DAY - 110

I heard back from Philadelphia hit songwriter, Scot Sax today. (refer to DAY 108)  Looks like I'm going to be getting together with Scot to do some writing either next week or after Christmas!!  I'm definitely pumped about this.  Scot is a great writer.  I'm looking forward to sharing some of the new ideas I have brewing.  Stay tuned!

I also submitted to another listing today on MusicXRay.  I submitted the female version of
"Remember the Summer Nights"  You can listen here... http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/remember-the-summer-nights-female-version

Here's what the listing says:


WAP Publishing is seeking Country, Alternative Country, Bluegrass, and Western genres 
WAP Publishing works with brands around the world and we are constantly in need of new country music for placements. We are looking for everything from folk to alternative country. If you have something good, we want to hear it. If we like what we hear, we will contact you with details. 

DAY - 109

I heard back from Ryan Beuschel at ASCAP today. (Refer to day 106)  He had an interesting critique about my song, "Half the Girl".  He said, I change the main pronoun of the story too much from 'You' to 'She'.  Now, this is something I did because I liked how it sounded poetically...however, for song pitching,  it is very true.  You need to keep the pronouns constant. Definitely food for thought.

 Today was a super busy day so the only thing I was able to accomplish was a quick submission to a MusicXray listing.  I submitted my song "Caroline".  Here's what the listing said...

Epic Records A&R rep Jake Livingston is looking for song starts, tracks, hooks, lyrics, full songs, anything... looking for songs to place on other artists records, must have memorable chorus, familiar production with a twist, looking for fresh hit songs!!! Country, urban, dance, pop, rock, electro, guitar driven rock songs, piano driven ballads, uptempo preferred.

DAY - 108

Today I followed up with Philadelphia hit songwriter, Scot Sax. I met Scot about a year ago at University of the Arts in Philadelphia.  Scot holds private and group songwriting workshops here in Philly so I wanted to get in touch with him to see if he has any sessions coming up or if we can schedule a private session.  Scot is a fantastic and extremely versatile writer that has many placements with TV/Film and a HUGE cut with Faith Hill and Tim McGraw called, "Like We Never Loved At All".    

Also, I already heard back from that last MusicXray listing... it wasn't a perfect pitch for what he was looking forward, but still got pretty good news!  This is what he said:

1. This song has a good hook, and I like the style a lot. Although this song in particular was not selected at this time, I'd like to hear more, definitely. -NRE
2. It doesn't quite meet what we're currently seeking but I will keep this track in mind and share it with colleagues

DAY - 107

To keep with my goal this week of following up....

Today I emailed high profile ASCAP rep and publisher Michael Martin.  I met Michael back in August in Nashville.  (refer to Day 13, August)  He really liked the material we showed him back in August so I wanted to try and stay on his radar.  I sent him over the song, '20/20' and let him know that we worked on it with hit Nashville songwriter, Jason Blume (figured a little name dropping couldn't hurt)

I also submitted to another listing on MusicXRay... here's what it said:

I have the ability to solicit material to a number of major and independent labels, and have been encouraged to do so by these labels. Let me hear what you've got to offer, if I like it, it may end up in the personal email of an A&R representative or producer that I interact with on a regular basis.

DAY - 106

My college Marketing professor once told me, "The key to good networking is making sure to always follow up."

Thought I'd get an early start this morning and emailed Ryan Beuschel from ASCAP.  I met Ryan back in  October when the 'Sweet Angeline' team went down to Nashville to record our demo with Jason Blume.  Ryan was the 27 year old creative rep with an office bigger than my apartment. (if your keeping track)
After our meeting I told him I'd keep in touch... so today I decided to shoot an email over with a song attached to get his opinion.  I sent over 'Half the Girl'.  If you haven't heard it yet you can listen here...
http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/half-the-girl 


 

DAY - 105

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.

- William Jennings Bryan


What I am learning and what this blog adventure continues to teach me day in and day out is this...

I can't stand around and wait for things to happen.  I have to MAKE them happen.  I know this sounds cliche or like common sense, but saying it and doing it are two completely different things. 105 days ago I wasn't truly doing EVERYTHING I could to MAKE things happen.  I am a religious person and I do believe in fate. At the same time I now, more than ever, realize that I can't sit around and say, "well, if its meant to be, its meant to be".  That's a cop out.   I'm learning more and more that I need to take the 'steering wheel of life' into my own hands and drive... kind of like the 'Incubus' song :)

Today I found a cool listing on MusicXRay and submitted.  This is the listing on MusicXRay.com....

Looking for Pop Ballad or Uptempo songs for Young at heart. I have a duo that need great songs with harmonies.

DAY - 104

This blog is for Yesterday 12/2/11:

Today I got started early with a 9am writing session with the 'Sweet Angeline' co-writers, Tyler and Liv. We started fleshing out some new ideas that we're planning on bringing to to J Fred Knobloch to co-write and develop further.

I also submitted to another Music X Ray listing.  Although, I haven't heard back from the other three I submitted to over the past 2 weeks.  Stay tuned.

Alright, time to get ready for my gig.  If you happen to be near West Chester PA. I'll be playing a wine bar called Teca starting @ 10pm.  

Until Monday... cheers!

DAY - 103

"20/20" has officially been pitched to Darius Rucker!  Just heard today from Jason Blume. (refer to last couple days)  Got a foot in the door... now let's keep our fingers crossed and say a prayer they let us in :)
If you haven't heard "20/20" yet you can check it out here... http://mynameisaugust.bandcamp.com/track/20-20

Also, just sent an email to J Fred Knobloch today to set up another session and talk about recording our new tune.  After reviewing a ton of Darius Rucker's new material, I have a feeling this new tune would be an even stronger pitch to Darius than "20/20".  We'll see if we can get it recorded in time.

Just read this little excerpt today from Bob Lefsetz newsletter and found it inspiring.  I think its not only  relatable to music, but really, any field or career path...


"When asked what her advice usually is to aspiring singers, she says it boils down to three words that she learned early on herself and have been her guide: You are enough.

'You are enough. You are always enough. You don't ever have to pretend to be anything other than what you are. All you have to do is deeply embrace who you are and you'll be fine,' she says.

'In life, aren't you drawn to the more authentic people? Of course. You're not drawn to phonies.'"

Barbara Cook