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 | 0 | | ...swimming
in those turbulent musical waters!!
For those of you who have decided to
take the plunge off the high diving board into the unpredictable and stormy waters
of the music industry beware, there is a strong undercurrent below where sharks
are circling and hungry for a bite! Even for someone like me who has over 20 years
experience in the music industry as a professional songwriter, record company
executive, marketing, public relations and promotions consultant, I too, can be
had. I share this story for all of you, who like myself, have been traveling on
this rollercoaster ride of a journey in search of a dream. | As
a professional songwriter, I found a plugger in Nashville who was very excited
about pitching my songs. I did my homework and checked him out. He had a solid
reputation in town, was well liked, a "good guy" I was told and had success getting
cuts for major country recording artists. His price of $300.00 US per month to
pitch my songs sounded reasonable. It made me feel that I had my proverbial foot
slightly in the Nashville door and most importantly, it kept the dream alive.
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For
the next six months, I sent him checks and every two weeks he would send me a
list of the producers he pitched the songs to, names of the artists, ones who
"kept" the songs, "passed" or put them "on hold." I was excited to receive his
updates and was cautiously optimistic. As the months rolled on many of my songs
were being "kept" for major recording artists and more importantly, he was keeping
my hope alive. During this time, I made a writing trip down to Nashville and showed
a friend in the business his list of contacts he was pitching to. Many of these
names were colleagues of hers and she called some of them just to check out his
credibility. Well my hope quickly faded to black after three people who were on
the list hadn't seen "my plugger" in months and had no recollection of the songs
he said he played for them. The shark took a bite and I didn't even know it! I
eventually confronted him in his sparse Nashville office. To make a long story
short, I eventually got all my money back. I was one of the lucky ones. Just think
how many people he may be scamming, taking their hard earned money "pitching songs"
and lifting their hopes and dreams. I thought I had seen it all through the years
and never would I have thought that someone with my experience could be taken,
if it could happen to me it could happen to anyone!
On the flip side, there
are many good people in the industry that can legitimately provide guidance and
contacts. There will be opportunities that come to every person on their journey,
however, you MUST do your homework and check them out thoroughly. Find out their
list of clients and call some of them. Ask them about their experience with this
person, their good points and bad. Make sure you talk to as many people as you
can to get a fair opinion. Organizations are set up like Music BC, NSAI, SOCAN,
ASCAP, SAC to assist you. Join them. Their services are invaluable to someone
starting out in the music industry. They can provide you with networking opportunities,
solid advice and essential information for you to follow up on. If someone legitimately
likes your songs and wants to work with you, perhaps a deal can be worked out,
but NEVER sign anything without having a good lawyer review it.
There
are no guarantees even if you have done all your homework, but try to think it
through and not let your heart rule your mind.
It's tough but don't let
blind ambition get in the way of your dreams or you too can be shark bait!
~Rona
Goodman
Rona
Goodman is the principle of Goodman
Media Inc. and provides expert knowledge and service in the field of marketing,
promotions, publicity, sponsorship, consultation, media buying, event coordination
and songwriting. Rona has twenty years experience and a well-rounded background
in the entertainment industry as an artist, songwriter, musician, record company
executive and marketing/pr consultant. Rona started her career as a songwriter
and lead/rhythm guitar player, touring and recording in various bands across Canada
and the US. As a professional pop and country songwriter, she lived in Nashville
for many years co-writing and pitching material and has had some cuts in the country
and dance/pop market. Prior to launching Goodman Media Inc., Rona worked at MCA
Records and BMG Music as a Senior Account Executive. Her company provides innovative
solutions to meet the evolving needs of her many clients, which include The Merritt
Mountain Music Festival, (2005 CCMA Country Music Festival of the Year), The Variety
Show of Hearts Telethon, Ballet British Columbia, adidas Vancouver International
Marathon, Vancouver Idol, Vancouver International Comedy Festival and Harlem Globetrotters
to name a few. Email Rona at info@goodmanmediainc.com | | |
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