DAY - 336

Happy 2015!  I hope you had a fantastic holiday and a very happy New Year!  I had a great break... trip to LA, family visiting us in Nashville, time spent with friends, and a lot of much needed R&R.     After having a nice long break, I'm gearing up to hit the ground running, full steam on Monday!  Back to school in the morning and an evening writing session with Jason Eustice and Tammy Jacobs.

As you may have noticed, I haven't posted in a while.  The majority of music industry folks in Nashville take the holidays off.  I sent a few emails the week of Christmas and New Year's but mainly received automated-response messages.

The one thing I can report on is the LA writing session with hit songwriter, Michael Jay and my co-writer, Bill Gue.  Not be over-enthusiatic, but we knocked it out of the park!!  Michael really dug the first idea we brought to the table so we rolled with it and finished the whole in in under 3 hours.  It's a really cool pop song that has elements of Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Magic!.  Can't divulge to much info, but we already have an inside track on a pitch and we're are definitely swinging for the fences on this one.   Hopefully more to come on this!

Stay tuned for next week!

DAY - 334+335

Friday!!  Last day before Winter Break.  So pumped.  Even more so because we're flying out to LA first thing tomorrow morning!!  I'm excited for Monday morning.  Bill and I have done our due diligence.  We're coming into our session with Michael Jay with some killer ideas, music and song starts.  Fingers crossed we come out with a smash!  :)  What an opportunity!

Looking back on another productive week.  A lot of pitching, two new song demoed and a few others in the works.  I've also been working on scheduling writing sessions over the break.  Two and a half weeks off but I know they're going to fly by!   The goal is to relax...but stay productive.  Is that possible?  I think so.

Very cool things to come.  Stay tuned!

DAY - 331-333

Productive couple of days!  Working on new music, follow ups and pitching.  Here's a few highlights...

I emailed Cliff Audretch III from Show Dog Universal to say hi and follow up.  I met Cliff briefly in LA at the Taxi Road Rally.  Hearing him and Jason Blume talk at the Rally had a BIG impact on my decision to move to Nashville.  I wanted to reach out to Cliff, send him an update and thank him for his words all those years ago.

I've also been pitching Gary Allan's team.  Over the last few days, I've reached out to his A&R, management as well as his producer, Mark Wright.  I pitched the new one Little Things.  Fingers crossed, prayers being said.

Gearing up for LA!  Sue and I are already surfing the web and finding some killer restaurants, coffee houses, donut shops, and hang outs.  If you know of a good spot, let me know!!

Finally, did you see The Voice last night??  After watching Matt McAndrew sit at #1 on the iTunes charts for 24hrs he landed 2nd place in the competition.  Craig Wayne Boyd ended up winning. Regardless of who won, congrats to fellow University of the Arts graduate Matt McAndrew for an incredible journey, and a flawless streak of performances.  May he receive all the success he deserves!  If you haven't heard Matt's music, just google him. :)

Cheers!

DAY - 329-330

Closing out a big week.  I'm finally feeling like I can breath.  One more week of school, then I'm off two and half weeks for winter break!   Half day of school on Dec. 19th, packing up, then Sue and I are LA bound!  Can't wait to soak up some of that world famous CA sunshine! :)   Co-writer, Bill Gue and I have been working hard coming up with material for our a session with Michael Jay on the 22nd.  We have one ace in the hole, but we've been gathering other thoughts and ideas to bring to the table as well.  Getting excited!

Yesterday, I followed up with Rebekah Gordon from Warner Music.  I sent her a few new songs I thought were particularly strong.

This morning, I pitched another song to Joe Nichols' producer Derek George.  I don't usually pitch new songs right out of the cutting room until I get some feedback.  However,  I'm really partial to this new one.  I think it's a special song and Joe would knock it out of the park.  We shall see.

You can check out the new song HERE.  It's called "Little Things" and I wrote it with Demolition Music's Jon D'Agostino.

Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 323-328

My apologies for the long delay in posting.  Things got a little crazy this past week.  Besides my normal amount of writing, pitching, and networking, I've been working non-stop in preparation for the Winter Concert at my school.  Countless hours of rehearsing, planning, and random miscellaneous "things" went into making last night's concert go off without a hitch.  Thankfully, it did.  I was so proud to see my students perform their little hearts out in front of a packed house!!

Moments like last night,  remind me of why I love music and why I carry a special place in my heart for teaching music.  Watching parents wipe tears from their eyes, seeing an entire gymnasium smiling ear-to-ear, and soaking in the sound of a thunderous standing ovation not only fills me with joy, but it creates a truly special memory for each student.  Music gives extra meaning and purpose to everyone's lives and watching young teenagers discover that in front of my eyes is a unique and amazing experience.

The past week has been filled with great writing sessions and numerous pitches and networking opportunities.  There is BIG BIG news to come so please stay tuned. :) :)

DAY - 321+322

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!  I had a relaxing break and hit the ground running...

Yesterday, I heard back from Carrie Gallo at Spirit Music Group (formerly Cal IV)  letting me know I can send her some mp3's of some new stuff.  This morning I forwarded over a couple new ones including Rebound and Brand New Love Song.

This morning, I pitched a few songs to country singer, Kip Moore's A&R and management for consideration on his upcoming project.  Fingers crossed!

Tonight, I'm on Music Row at Demolition Music Publishing with one of my favorite writing teams, Jason Eustice and Tammy Jacobs.  We've got some compelling new material in the works and I'm pumped to start something new tonight!

That's all for now...time to go be "Mr. Walton" ;)

DAY - 320

Last day before Thanksgiving break!  I'm excited for a good 5 days of relaxation.  Of course it won't all be relaxing.  I've got some co-writes scheduled as well as plans to re-set up my studio gear and work on a few demos.  Can't wait for Turkey Day!

Last night, I had a great session with Bill Gue.  Bill and I worked hard peeling back layers of the song onion.  We fleshed out a killer idea that Bill sent a few weeks ago and tossed around a couple new ideas. All was done with the purpose of preparing for our Dec. 22nd write with LA hit songwriter/producer, Michael Jay.  Our goal is to be more than prepared to knock one out of the park and we are definitely giving this experience our due diligence.

This morning, was spent following up with Nashville publishers that I've met with in the past year as well as setting up co-writes for December and January.  I can't believe it's already day 320.  45 more business days before the close of Chapter 2: Nashville.  Can't wait to see where this goes.  Stay tuned!

DAY - 318+319

Fantastic write last Thursday!  Jesse, Adam, and I wrote a song for a new movie that is in production. The best part is, Adam happens to be doing the music for the movie.  It was such a cool experience, reading through a script, checking out a look book, and angling a song specifically for a certain scene.  We had a blast writing the song.  It's quirky, sarcastic and totally outside-the-box.  After the session, we set up a few more writes in the upcoming months.  I'm totally pumped to be working with such talented people.

Tonight, I have a co-write with Bill Gue.  Bill and I are working on ideas to bring to our session with Michael Jay in LA.  The trip is less than a month away and I still can't believe it's happening.  Such an honor! (refer to Day 291-294)

Speaking of Bill Gue,  he forwarded me an email he received from another LA producer about potentially cutting IM4U!! (song I wrote with Bill Gue and Liv Devine)  The producer wants to re-produce the song for an up-and-coming female artist he's working with.  Can't disclose any specific details at the moment, but I can say the producer is very successful and the artist is the total package...so, as always,  fingers crossed and prayers being said!

DAY - 314-317

My apologies for the long stretch in between posts.  I started writing a post yesterday morning, but then realized I was set to be observed at school and needed to put a bunch of "finishing touches" on my lesson plans.  Ahhh the challenges of living a double life.  Speaking of living a double life, this week has been fantastic for writing and I couldn't be more excited for what's in store today.

First off, I made a handful of song pitches this week including one to country artist, Tyler Farr.  His recent success with songs like "Redneck Crazy" and "Whiskey In My Water" has really gained the attention of country radio.  After listening to a good bit of his material, I thought "Rebound" would be a strong pitch.  I pitched his A&R team at Sony Music Nashville.  As always, we shall see.

Tuesday night, I had a great co-write with Kirk Penney.  Kirk sent me a killer idea that he'd been working on and Tuesday night we knocked it out of the park.  VERY cool song we decided we're going to demo.  Can't wait for you to hear it!

So what am I so excited about doing today you ask?  I have my second co-write with the super-talented, Jesse Walker from Liz Rose Music. (refer to DAY - 287) Last month, Jesse and I wrote a beautiful song in our first session.  Today, we're working in East Nashville with a 3rd writer, Adam Ollendorff.  Adam, besides being an awesome songwriter, happens to play guitar, pedal steel, and lap steel for two of my FAVORITE artists in Nashville...Will Hoge and Kacey Musgraves..among many others.  I'm am excited and honored to be working with two amazingly talented people later today.

More to come.  Cheers!

DAY - 313

Happy Friday!  I'll make this short and sweet...

This morning, I pitched another song to Demi Lovato's camp at Disney Music.  After the great response my co-writer, Bill Gue received on "IM4U" I wanted to send a follow up.  Obviously, it's a long shot, but I heard she's still looking.

In about 10min, I have a quick Skype writing session with Jon D'Agostino to try and put the finishing touches on our latest song.  Really cool tune.  I played it, as is, at Bluebird a few weekends ago and got some great response.

Hope you have a great weekend!  Stay warm.

DAY - 310-312

Good morning Nashville!  It's cold and cloudy outside, the car is warming up and I'm finishing off a pot of coffee.  The past few days have been good...

On Monday and Tuesday, I pitched Love & Theft's whole team, (producer, A&R, management) a few songs.  I ended up hearing back this morning from their producer, Josh Leo.  He liked the songs I sent over, but let me know they are finished up recording the record.  You'd think I'd be depressed.  I was actually excited to get the response, even though it was technically a "no".

If you're in the business world you "climb the ladder" of success, working your way to the top.  Well, in the songwriting business we are constantly climbing the ladder of rejection.  A week ago, I had a song turned down by Joe Nichols' producer, a few weeks before that, I had a song turned down by The Band Perry.  Again, you'd think I'd be upset.   But honestly, my initial reaction was, "The Band Perry listened to my song!? That's awesome!"  As songwriters and artists, rejection is part of the game.  We are constantly striving to get our songs up the ladder to the real decision makers but often hear "no" before they get past the first or second step.  The higher up the ladder of rejection we get, the more doors open.  Eventually, if we're lucky, we will get to hear that one word that can change our careers, "yes".

Last night, I met with a great songwriter named Chris Yurchuck.  Chris and I met for a beer at The Tin Roof.  Instead of writing a song right off the bat, we got together and hung out.  Chris is an awesome guy and a hard working songwriter.  We're going to be getting together in January for our first write.

Tonight, I working with Alex Seier for the second time.  Alex and I started a song over the summer but our schedules have been pretty crazy.  Alex has been touring a lot.  We're getting together tonight to finish up the song and maybe start something new.  Looking forward to it!

DAY - 309

FRIDAY!  And a beautiful Friday it is.  Sue and I just got back from our favorite little taco joint, Mas Tacos Por Favor... bellies full and ready to park ourselves on the couch for some much needed relaxation time.  Next time you're in Nashville, you have to try Mas Tacos.  It's a local favorite.  It was also on Diner's, Drives, and Dives and is seriously the best tacos I've ever had!

Down to biz...
I'll keep this short and sweet.  This morning, I pitched a song to Thompson Square's team.  I reached out their producers, New Voice Entertainment as well as their manager, Shawn Pennington.  As always...we shall see.

Hope you have a great weekend!  

DAY - 307+308

Yesterday, was an all around great day for music!  It started off in school.  My 8th Chorus performed for a group of 25 Chinese Principles who are in town visiting American schools.  Considering that my group has only been a Chorus (some have never even sang) for about 3 months they knocked it out of the park!  It was the first time they performed in front of anyone. I was definitely proud.

After school, it was straight to Music Row for a writing session with the amazing Tammy Jacobs and Jason Eustice.  We met up at Demolition Music Publishing (Jason's Publisher) and did a ton of work editing two of our past songs and finishing a brand new one!   Tammy, Jason and I have written about five songs so far and honestly they just keep getting better...and I still think the first one is a hit! Great songwriting and success in the business of songwriting has A  LOT to do with great teamwork. I'm grateful to be working with such talented people.

Yesterday, I also sent an email to John Ettinger owner of TTA.  The Talent Associates is a progressive and innovative management company representing groups such as Emerson Drive and new comers Black Jack Billy to name a few.  I reached out to John to meet and play him some songs.  To my surprise he got back to me and took me up on the offer!!  More to come.

Cheers!

DAY - 305-306

My sister's wedding was beautiful!  We had blast catching up with family and old friends!  Cape May, NJ in the fall is gorgeous.  So many colors on the trees and the town is decorated to tee for Halloween.  Wish my sister and new brother an amazing first year of marriage and a lifetime of happiness.  For them, it's off to Saint Lucia for the honeymoon!

I am currently enjoying a beautiful day off from school.  Nashville teachers got off of school for voting day. Sweet!  I had a writing session lined up at Demolition Music Pub tonight but it looks like we're postponing until tomorrow.  So technically, I have off the entire day.  It's been great.  Slept in a little, caught up on paying bills, took the dog for a nice long walk, and did a TON of networking! Between yesterday morning and today, I did about a week's worth of emailing.  It feels good to be productive.

One of the biggest things I did this morning was email the head of A&R at Universal Music Nashville, Joe Fisher and ask for a meeting.  Joe wrote back to me about a song I pitched for Billy Currington a while ago asking if I had any more material.  At the time, I sent him what I had.  Now, I have a lot more in the catalog so I figured I'd ask for a meeting.   We shall see.

I reached out to long time family friend and successful NY songwriter, Dana Parish to keep in touch and send an update.  I also asked for some useful advice on a new song.  I wrote a song with Bill Gue called, "When I Am In Your Arms".  It's a Popera song (Pop/Opera) in the style of Josh Groban. I love how the song turned out, however I am very unfamiliar with the players in that market so I'm getting advice and ideas about pitching.  Dana has written for adult contemporary artists such as Celine Dion so I was thinking she might have some ideas.   If you've never heard Dana's music check her out...she's awesome! http://www.danaparish.com/

I made a connection with an LA publisher,  Katie Jelen from Secret Road Publishing,  through one of my co-writer's Matt Santry.  Secret Road is a publisher, as well as management company who's biggest client is Ingrid Michaelson.  

Lastly, I pitched "When I Am In Your Arms" to Mascioli Entertainment in consideration for their artists.

Those are the highlights.  More to come this week!

DAY - 303-304

Flying back to NJ this morning for my sister Toni's wedding!!  Can't wait to have a blast with my family and watch my lil sis tie the knot. :)  Amazing!!  Not to mention, I'm gaining a brother-in-law.  Win win!!    My flight leaves in 2 hours so I'll make this one quick.

Yesterday and this early this morning were pitching days.  Yesterday morning, I finished up pitching the rest of Parmalee's team.  This morning I decided to re-pitch Cassadee Pope a newer song I wrote with J Fred Knobloch called "Break".  While we were writing "Break" I had Cassadee in mind the whole time so I really want to push for it to be heard.  We shall see.

Have a great weekend.  Cheers!

DAY - 300-302

Another year down.  Yesterday, was my birthday.  Not bad for a rainy work day.  Sue and I made the best of it last night and went to really cool new restaurant called "Sinema" and afterwards hit our favorite ice cream joint, Jeni's.  Sinema was really good.  High quality, chef inspired, gourmet dishes, cool atmosphere and a very knowledgable food and beverage staff helping pair food with wine selections.  It's a little pricey, but not too bad especially for a special occasion.

Dragging this morning.  I feel like I might be getting sick. Worst timing because this weekend my sister's getting married!  That's right, my sister, Toni and my future brother-in-law, Josh are getting married this weekend at a winery in Cape May, NJ.  Sue and I are flying back this Friday.  Looking forward to seeing my family for the weekend and celebrating such an awesome day!

This past Sunday, I played the Sunday writer's night at Bluebird Cafe.  Fantastic evening of music. About 10 songwriters performed including headlining hit songwriter, Hugh Moffet.  It's still amazes me to show up at a venue and see a line out the door and down the street.  The unassuming, Bluebird Cafe, set in a tiny strip mall, has become a true Nashville destination.  Folks from all over the world come to see shows.  Literally.  On Sunday, there were folks from Australia, England and Canada in attendance. Here's a pic...

Monday morning, I heard back from Joe Nichols' producer, Derek George.  (Refer to Day - 295-297)  I pitched Joe "One Kiss".  This is the first song Derek has gotten back to me about.  He said, "really cool song but not the one."  Damn! feel so close yet so far away.  It's exciting that I'm getting through the door, but of course a bummer I haven't hit the home run yet.  Patience is a virtue.  In the music business that proverb is especially important to remember.  :)

Yesterday morning, I made a few more follow ups and did a little writing with Jon D'Agostino.  This morning, I pitched Parmalee's team, "Brand New Love Song".

My head is up, my spirits are high, and I'm more excited than ever to take on this new year of my life and career.  Wish me luck!  Cheers!

DAY - 298+299

Beautiful week here in Nashville.  I'm excited it's Friday. Supposed to be 70 degrees today!

Shameless Plug Warning:  This Sunday night I'm playing the Sunday writer's night at Bluebird Cafe.  If you're in town, come on out and catch my set! I'll be playing some brand new material.  Doors open at 7:30pm but it's first come first serve and the line at Bluebird gets long early.  Hope to see you there!

Yesterday and today have both been follow up days.  I've been following up with new writer connections as well as publishers and producers.  Nothing to exciting report.  Hope you have a great weekend!

DAY - 295-297

The LA trip is officially booked!  (refer to last post) Co-writer, Bill Gue and I are all set to write with the amazing, Michael Jay.  I'm still so pumped about this opportunity.  Sue and I are actually going to make a little trip out of it.  We're flying out the weekend before and planning to spend a few extra days soaking in the California sun.   It's been a few years since we've been out to CA so I want to take advantage of it.

Monday, I pitched Joe Nichols' team "One Kiss".  Haven't heard anything back.

Yesterday, I had a writing session with UK artist/songwriter Jen Armstrong.  If you haven't heard Jen's music, check her out.  Really cool sound and a great voice! She also happens to be a killer songwriter.  We knocked another one out last night.

Later today, I'm skyping with Bill Gue to finish up a song we started a few weeks ago. Very cool concept with a nice little twist.  Looking forward to finishing.

This morning I also sent some emails following up and keeping in touch with contacts I've made thus far.  "It's all about the follow up" is an adage I learned in business school.  Honestly, the more I practice it, the more I realize how true it is.  

Cheers!

DAY - 291 - 294

TGIF!  This has felt like a looonnng week.  Probably because last week was Fall break... so this week was extra hard getting back into the grind.  Anyway, I'm looking at a beautiful weekend ahead.  The fall weather is in full effect and I'm loving it here in Nashville.  Come to think of it, a year ago today, I was just finishing up my coursework and leaving Philadelphia for Nashville.  I can't believe it's already been a year!  It's also crazy that I'm staring at DAY - 294 of Chapter 2- Nashville of Making It 365 .  The full 365 is fast approaching.  Looking back, this year has been incredible.  If I can keep this momentum going 2015 could be a killer year! Fingers crossed.

Speaking of keeping the momentum going...I've got some pretty awesome news!  My co-writer, Bill Gue and I have been invited to write with mega hit LA songwriter/producer, Michael Jay!!  Bill sent some songs we've been working on together and he took a BIG interest.  Long story short, he has invited us out to LA for a co-write!  Michael has written hits for artists such as Celine Dion, Eminem, Kylie Minogue, Mandy Moore, to name a few, as well as countless hits for artists around the world.  Incredible news and such an honor.  I'm so pumped!  More to come on that! :)

I also had a great write this week with Jon D'Agostino.  We finished up a really sweet new song.  And by "sweet", I mean it's a truly endearing song.  I can't wait for ya'll to hear it.

PS:  If you're in Nashville next Sunday, .I'll be playing my the Sunday writer's night at Bluebird Cafe.  Let me know because I'd love to see you there.  Cheers!

DAY - 287-290

Crazy,  non-stop, exhausting, but awesome week.  Five new songs written and one house officially moved into.  I can't say it was a relaxing Fall break, but it was pretty damn productive. Who needs to relax anyway?  I can rest when I'm dead.  But seriously,  I've realized I've the become the type of person that if I'm not doing "something" I get anxious.  I can't even watch TV for too long without feeling like I'm wasting precious hours.  Are these signs of being a workaholic??

My writing sessions when great last week.  Friday was a big day for me.  Natalie Harker, the first publisher I ever had a meeting with, set me up on a write with one of her writers, Jesse Walker, at Liz Rose Music.  Like I said earlier, I was anxious about the session because I wanted to bring my A-game and prove myself, blah, blah blah. Well, it went amazingly well.  Not only did Jesse and I write a beautiful song, but we got two other dates on the calendar to write again.  Sweeet!

Sue and I are finally moved in to our new home in East Nashville.  Yesterday, we had lunch at one of favorite spots, (Mitchell's deli) which is now right down the street, and last night, we went to Midtown and 5 Points in East Nashville and it was totally awesome to be able to take a $7 Lyft ride home.  Couldn't be more excited about our new digs!!

This morning, I did some following up.  I also sent Rebekah Gordon at Warner Music an edit of a song she really dug, but had a few suggestions on the lyric.  My co-writers agreed and we made the edits.  Here's the song ONE KISS

Cheers!