Hello everyone. Hope you are all safe at this time. The newest dimension that is now a fact of life for all of us in music are the LIVE PLATFORMS on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and all other Internet platforms. At this point for the past few week and on into the future are millions of artists, writers, are live video concerts, single songs, messages on internet, via, camera phone, computer, or video camera. AS social distancing has become a life and death situation, live venues have closed down, concerts are on…
Read more FOLLOW THE GUITAR LINED ROAD
(A FIRST TIME NASVILLE SONGWRITERS TRIP)
BY MARC-ALAN BARNETTE
Today, between 100-600 people will be moving or making trips to Nashville to investigate the songwriting community. They want to visit the heart of country music, see the sights, go to the downtown bars, and most notably, find ways to access this town and this industry, from a songwriter or artist perspective. There is always one huge question:
HOW DO YOU START? Where do you go, how do you meet people, where can you perform your songs, how do you get to publishers, song pluggers, managers, publicists, agents, or just HOW DO YOU DO THIS?
We all talk a lot about thinks that WON’T WORK. Overnight success, ten year town, scams and schemes,
“THE ROAD TO HELL PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS”
How about a little primer on what you CAN AND SHOULD DO?
Ask and ye shall receive. A few things to remember first.
ALWAYS GUARD YOUR WALLET. Always someone there to separate you from your money.
NOTHING HUGE HAPPENS AT FIRST. IT is a long-term adventure, and sometimes you can do everything and still not “make it.” (Whatever that means today.) But lets get started.
GOALS: You should set up three goals. This could be every time you visit TWANG TOWN.
#1. NETWORK. This is simply MAKING FRIENDS, MEETING PEOPLE, OBSERVING ALL THESE PEOPLE.
#2. PERFORM. This is an option, but it usually involves STANDING IN LINE, either online ques, phone calls or physically showing up and waiting your turn.
#3. CO-WRITE. This is a bit tricky, since you first have to KNOW PEOPLE in order to write. But it often happens. Most people you meet are just like you, new to town or on their first trip. You can meet for coffee or a drink and perhaps an actual co-write can come out of that.
IF you achieve at least two of the three, you’ve had a successful trip.
BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Do some research. Search “WRITERS NIGHTS AND OPEN MICS”
Go to www.nashvillescene.com The “NASHVILLE SCENE” is a local paper specializing in resturants, bars, music and goings on in Nashville.
RESEARCH web sites, Facebook, Instagram, X and other sites specializing in “NASHVILLE SONGWRITING.
Look for individual posts that talk about writers nights and open mics, contact the poster or host.
Get with people privately. Find “home town links” (people from your home area.)
Ask where THEY go, what THEY know, and are willing to share. Offer to meet for coffee or a drink, or ATTEND THEIR SHOWS. If you want people to support YOU, first you have to SUPPORT THE
Make a list of these places for each night, and find out if there are DAY TIME SHOWS.
MAB recommendations:
START WITH THE COMMODORE GRILL, HOLIDAY SELECT 2613 WEST END AVE. NASHVILLE, 37203
They have writers nights every night, with open mics following the show. Show up and sign in.
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, DEBI CHAMPION
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Jimmy and Anna Lisse
FOLLOW THE INFO.
Starting at one, will give you information on more. TALK to the writers. Find out where they go, the latest nights. Make notes and follow up.
NSAI, GLOBAL SONGWRITING NETWORK, TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS.
These are organizations that have ongoing classes, workshops and nights, that promote education and understanding. It costs nothing to visit, but meetings might need a small admission or a membership fee. Check it out first, before you join anything.
BOBBYS IDLE HOUR TAVERN 9 MUSIC SQUARE S. NASHVILLE 27203
Wed. 1-5 Guitar pull with Janet and Charles. A “guitar pull” unplugged and anyone can show up and play.
SEE SHOWS: (These are NOT open mics, but should be attended and supported
THIRD AND LINDSELY “BACKSTAGE NASHVILLE” Wed. and Saturday DAY TIME SHOWS (not an open mic)
BLUEBIRD CAFÉ
THE LOCAL
LISTENING ROOM
MAXWELL HOUSE
HOTEL ALOFT (there are many others, do research)
PERSONAL PREPERATION:
Before you are ready to perform, CHECK YOURSELF.
KNOW YOUR SONGS.
On open mics you have 1-2 songs. If You don’t care enough to learn them, DON’T DO THIS!
Try to go without Phones, I-pads or lyric sheets. These are the BIG LEAGUES. Act like you belong there.
TIME YOUR SONGS.
You have about 5 minutes per song and per set up. LESS IS MORE.
PEOPLE DO NOT NEED TO KNOW YOUR LIFE STORY AT FIRST. Where you’re from, name and glad to be here is enough. NO TEN MINUTE INTROS FOR A SIX MINUTE SONG.
WATCH YOUR SUBJECT MATTER and TONE. 75%-85% of songs are ANGRY, BITTER, REMORSEFUL, DEPRESSING, AND BALLADS!
Songwriters will go for the NEGATIVE every time. So if you want to STAND OUT, DON’T DO THAT!
Keep it LIVELY and QUICK! Your co-performers and hosts will THANK YOU!
WATCH YOUR CO-PERFORMERS.
This is how you meet people, pay attention, keep your talking to a minimum. If you see or hear someone that gets and keeps your attention ,make notes of what they do, and GO MEET THEM. There are areas where people put their guitars, other instruments and cases. It’s fine and ENCOURAGED to approach people.
DON’T GHERM!!!!
“Gherming (pronounced GURMING) is the BIGGEST NO, NO, OF ALL, AND CAN’T BE SAID ENOUGH OR LOUD ENOUGH.
This is where someone comes up and unasked, tries to give a business card, personal info OR CD’S in an insiders hand.
We are in a “sue somebody world” and no one wants to take a chance on a copyright infringement suit by taking something from someone they don’t yet know. And that has not been earned yet. So DON’T DO THAT to hit and established writers, publishers, hosts, or anyone that DOES NOT ASK FOR IT. Have them with you, better to have and not need them than need and not have them.
WAIT TO BE ASKED.
NOW at the same time, it IS THE MAIN FORM OF COMMUNICATION FOR NEW WRITERS AND ARTISTS. But WAIT TO BE ASKED.
Hit and established writers have EARNED their slots in the town. For now, you haven’t. So be polite, be prepared, and be NICE.
KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS REAL!
There ARE NO OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS. Don’t expect it. Most of music is a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend talking about you and forwarding them on to their peers and their fan base/crowds. That takes time.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT:
To meet some potential friends for life, learn more about songwriting than you ever realized, see what people TRYING TO DO THIS ARE DOING AND THE RESULTS.
To get a “REALITY CHECK” on your songs. The majority of what you’ll get is polite “Golf applause” and the equivalent of the Southern “Bless your heart. “ “Good try..” etc. These are NOT critique sessions. If someone finds something you do they like, they’ll
generally tell you. If not, they won’t. Don’t expect anyone to say “OH MY GOD!!! YOU ARE THE ONE THE PROPHECIES FORETOLLED”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE REALITIES OF THE TOWN
Cost of living, areas of town TO GO TO AND NOT TO GO TO.
A chance to BE HEARD. By people just like you.
The GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS ABOUT NASHVILLE ARE EXACTLY THE SAME:
HAVE WAYS FOR PEOPLE TO CONTACT YOU
Business cards, email, text phone, web site info. And COLLECT OTHER PEOPLES INFO. They might not contact you. You have to contact them.
THE GOOD NEWS:
Everyone here is just like you, has the same dreams and desires, get where you come from and are doing the same thing.
THE BAD NEWS:
Everyone here is just like you, has the same dreams and desires, get where you come from and are doing the same thing.
Good luck and don’t suck.
www.MusicChoosesYou.com
Marc-Alan Barnette MBarne4908@aol.com
What is MAB-BLOG
I use this section to share a variety of information related to my experiences, industry thoughts, songwriting, performing, etc. A melting pot of information. I hope you find this enjoyable as well as entertaining and informative.
...you don't choose music, music chooses you...
MAB’S MUSINGS Oct. 7,2017
“I’M HEADED TO NASHVILLE!!!!!”
We see it all the time. Someone posts on Facebook or Social media the big news that they are “HEADED TO NASHVILLE” and very excited for their trip. And of course everyone wishes them luck, “Always Knew you’d make it” messages…” pretty much the same all the time. And it IS GREAT! An opportunity to see a VIBRANT city, on the move, tons of exciting things happening, and a lot of people just like themselves, all sharing music, performing, being a part of a CULTURAL MOVEMENT!!!
For those of us “OLD TIMERS” we say “WELCOME HOME!” We are glad to have you. Tons of people visit here each week, many move and settle in. Of course, the down side is that MANY ALSO MOVE HOME, having lasted about 6 months to two years. So while you need to be optimistic and excited, you also need to inject some REALITY into those big dreams and focus on what you can get accomplished and not get too caught up in what probably won’t happen.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN:
THERE ARE BASICALLY THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO GET
ACCOMPLISHED.
NETWORKING.
PERFORMING.
CO-WRITING.
What is probably NOT going to happen is you waft into the Bluebird, they have a last minute cancellation, and pull you onstage, to be heard by a record president who just happened to be there to see the person who didn’t show up, and they rush to you with a
RECORD DEAL IN HAND!!! I know that happens all the time on
“NASHVILLE” and other Hollywood productions, but it doesn’t
exactly happen in real life. You are more than likely going to stand in line, wait your turn, participate in an open mic after most people are gone, PLAYING TO TABLES AND CHAIRS. (Yeah I already wrote that one).
There are writer’s nights all over town and you HAVE TO ATTEND THEM AND WAIT YOUR TURN! Just part of “pledging the fraternity”.
BUT: You can make the best of that time. There will be dozens of people performing. Watch THEM! See what they are doing, what makes the audience TUNE INTO the songs and performances, and what makes the audience TUNE OUT!
A majority of performers are very inexperienced. Most songs sound just like other songs. A lot are steeped in
Negativity, anger, bitterness, despair, preachy, self-absorbed…. DON’T WE GET ENOUGH OF THAT ENDLESSLY ON THE NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA?
Many are things you CAN’T UNDERSTAND A WORD OF WHAT THEY ARE SAYING OR UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THEIR SONGS.
If you need a decoder ring to figure out what they are about NEED TO RE-WRITE THE SONG!
Many performances are substandard, with no flow or dynamics. Many are BALLADS, which can slow an entire night down.
So THINK about what YOU WANT TO DO. Do song and artist RESEARCH. Make your moment in the spotlight as appealing as possible.
PERFORMING
Got ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A BAD FIRST IMPRESSION.
Make sure you DON’T WASTE YOURS.
Choose your songs wisely. If you do the introspective “all about me, whining, depressing, bitter songs” you are going to fall into where 98% of other people who are ignored. Doesn’t mean you have to be all “HAPPY!!!” Like Pharell Williams (although that one did pretty good!), but if you can NOT BE SO DEBBIE DOWNER, it will MAYBE make people put their cell phones down for a few minutes.
Make sure you are IN TUNE! Be ready to go on BEFORE THEY HAVE TO CALL YOU! Know where your place in the line is.
Make sure the HOST KNOWS YOU, and you are ACCESSIBLE to go on. There just MIGHT be a cancellation, and being aware and ready is EVERYTHING!
Perform WITH DYNAMICS. ENNUNCIATE. LOOK AT YOUR AUDIENCE. ENGAGE THEM! That is what you are supposed to be doing but most people don’t. Don’t just CLOSE YOUR EYES and sing to yourself. Those that do, only end up SINGING TO THEMSELVES!
NETWORKING:
“Networking is simply MAKING FRIENDS.” If you see someone who impresses you, GO UP AND TELL THEM. If they have family members, talk to them. (BUT DON’T DO IT AT THE TABLE WHERE YOU ARE DISTURBING THE OTHER PERFORMERS. GO TO THE BACK OR OUTSIDE!)
Learn about their journey’s. Share information, business cards.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DON’T GHERM!!! (Giving out CD’s BEFORE they are asked for.)
This is mainly for established or hit writers, producers, publishers or anyone in the industry. That is a VERY BIG NO, NO! (see my web site for definition.)
But for most newer people, or out of towners, it is fairly common to trade CD’s. If you like something ASK FOR IT, OR OFFER TO PAY FOR IT!
(Hey, what a novel concept!!! Paying for someone’s music you like!)
CO-WRITING:
This more than likely WON’T happen over just a couple of days in Twang Town. It is something that needs to be built up to. But starting those relationships, seeing when people are open, long distance or SKYPE writing, all are viable opportunities. If you MAKE FRIENDS while you can, you can EXTEND those relationships later. But there are opportunities sometimes with others that are in similar circumstances, in town for a few days, and might have some open times, TRY TO MAKE USE OF IT. Most IN TOWNERS or established writers are going to take longer to build up to. So expect that.
DON’T SCARE PEOPLE AWAY. Just keep it light, friendly, and build for your future. Usually every trip to Nashville SETS UP FOR THE NEXT TRIP!!!!
KEEP EXPECTATIONS MANAGABLE.
Expect to stand in line, expect to meet a lot of people like yourself. Expect a lot of things NOT TO WORK OUT. This is the musical version of SPEED DATING. You will see a lot of people, but very few will actually pan out. With every writer you will meet THREE other writers. And you will hear of other shows, venues, social events, guitar pulls, etc.
BE PATIENT. It all takes time. This is a very slow town. We call it a “TEN YEAR TOWN” because it takes a while to get known. But the more you put out there, the more you get back. Support others and they’ll support you. We’re always glad to have you. And you can go home with a great experience. Just realize that you are one of many, and everyone wants their own “moment in the sun.”
Make sure you don’t waste yours!
MAB
PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF NASHVILLE BY THE NUMBERS
Nashville is two things:
THE ART OF THE HANG: Getting to know people, socially, guitar pulls, writer’s nights, educational opportunities.
ART OF THE REFERALL: Co-writers, publishers, song-pluggers, PRO’s, record companies.
FOUR ELEMENTS OF THE TOWN
- CREATION OF THE SONG
- PRESENTATION OF THE SONG (LIVE AND RECORDED)
- NETWORKING
- BUSINESS
Getting Attention
CREATION OF THE SONG
Being Unique and interesting
Say the same thing differently
Avoid overused thymes and titles, clichés, subject matter
Keeping Attention
…
MAB LYRIC WRITING TIPS AND TRICKS
Nashville is two things:
THE ART OF THE HANG: Getting to know people, socially, guitar pulls, writer’s nights, educational opportunities.
ART OF THE REFERALL: Co-writers, publishers, song-pluggers, PRO’s, record companies.
FOUR ELEMENTS OF THE TOWN
- CREATION OF THE SONG
- PRESENTATION OF THE SONG (LIVE AND RECORDED)
- NETWORKING
- BUSINESS
Getting Attention
CREATION OF THE SONG
Being Unique and interesting
Say the same thing differently
Avoid overused thymes and titles, clichés, subject matter
Keeping Attention
…
TO GHERM OR NOT TO GHERM, THAT BE THE QUESTION
Duane Blackewell, A CAUTIONARY TALE
I have always been a VERY DYNAMIC PERFORMER. It has always attracted people, particularly hit writers, to me. I've always been the "BIG BANG" people would put on their shows, and I also had a few good cuts that even the hit writers were attracted to. I hold my own pretty well in all this. Just had a lot of things that didn't work out.
In 2000, I was doing a bunch of shows, in town and out of town. I also was starting to do the NSAI groups and one of the ones I did was…
CO-WRITING, WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHY AND HOW?
Hello. When I come to these or any other pages, I come to provide a little perspective and experience of my years in Nashville and aim it at a very distinct group of people. Those that are currently interested in making a trip, multiple trips or actually moving to Nashville, and things they will encounter on their musical journeys here. I’ve done some posts on OPEN MICS, WRITERS NIGHTS, NETWORKING and elements of the BUSINESS and I thought I do something that is essential for people to understand and a few…
Read moreWHAT’S THE POINT-ISM?
This morning, as I sat outside in my usual “WHAT THE CRAP IS HAPPENING TO MUSIC?” Mood, I went through something that I see every one of my contemporaries, and anyone who has ever been involved with music, thought about being involved with music, or pretty much any form of artistic expression:
“WHAT’S THE POINT-ISM”
“I’ve written all these songs, and many are really good, but no one will ever hear them at all…”
…
IT'S ABOUT TIME - WRITERS NIGHT CONUNDRUM
This is for people who are starting, attempting, PLAYING writers nights, open mics, talent nights, contests, Auditions, etc.
BE AWARE OF YOUR TIME!!!!!
It happens all the time. You have a particular time slot and tell all your friends, family, social media, etc. that this is when you are going to be on. Many show up even though they have WORK (that thing we used to do) in the MORNING. They all get a table (or tables) and are ready for your big shot. Then, the writers BEFORE you, start going on and on about…
Read more"ENTITLEMENT GENERATION"
ENTITLEMENT GENERATION.
I've noticed a new trend among a lot of people who seemingly find their way to this web site. The propensity of people who just show up, join my mailing list THEN ADVERTISE THEIR OWN BLOGS ,THEIR OWN WEBSITES ,THEIR OWN CONTENT!!!! What the HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?
What if I just tracked down your web site, social media, etc. and started putting my own content on there? What if your competitiors just started advertising (FOR FREE) on your web sites? HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THAT?
The…
Songwriters Festivals and how to Play Em'
MAB’S MUSICAL STUFF:
SONGWRITERS FESTIVALS AND HOW TO PLAY EM’
I found out last Friday, that I was going to be included in the upcoming GATLINBURG SONGWRITER’S FESTIVAL, August 19-22 of this year. This was very nice because I had forgotten I SUBMITTED, for the Gatlinburg songwriter’s festival so it was very nice and an honor to be included. I had done the SMOKEY MOUNTAIN SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL for five years but when the founder, Cindy Montgomery died two years ago, I did not…
Read moreTHAT AIN'T COUNTRY!!!!!
MAB'S MUSICAL STUFF
"WHAT IS "COUNTRY"?
Well, it must have recently been awards time, (haven't watched them in years), but the age old claims have popped up over and over again, "THAT AIN'T COUNTRY!!!" "All the acts, have changed,the music has changed, the looks have all changed, "it's just warmed over pop and it SUCKS!!!!"
Well, yes, that is probably right from YOUR point of view. And in many cases, I might agree with you. I don't like much on radio, don't really pay attention to trends, or momentary blips…