This is Jeffrey with The Nashville Trans-Hit Authority. I apologize, I would have gotten in sooner but I had no idea this thread existed. Thank you to Phil for the mail. I would like to answer everyone's questions. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at jeffrey@bigredsongbus.com; I can usually respond within the hour.

"All in all, they look like an interesting alternative (I'm considering giving them a try). They claim to use a very successful songplugger who is, however, unnamed."

Our current songplugger is Matt Christopher who has done very well in the business in the last five years. Truth be told, we are currently in negotiations with a very, VERY successful plugger. He will come on as our second plugger because business is picking up. As soon as we have confirmation, I'll notify everyone.

"My only concern is that they're very new and, considering the fact that they're actively looking to license "music only" mixes of their catalog, they might be more interested in songs with full demos as opposed to simple guitar/piano vocals."

Yes, we are a new company. But The Nashville Trans-Hit Authority is run by successful pro songwriters and successful pluggers. So, the company is new...but the owners are far from it! Licensing "music only" mixes is something we have just gotten into recently. In the last few months, we've realized that many local artists need songs for their independent albums. Many of them can't afford to go into the studio to record full demos. This offers them a cheap alternative. I'd like to stress that this is merely an additional perk for our members. Typically, Patty and Damon stress the idea that you should not demo your songs until you are POSITIVE that they are complete. So, to answer your question, they almost prefer worktapes. It is hard to make changes to a completed $700 demo! Personally, I prefer guitar vocals.

"I'd certainly want to clarify if you have to remain a "paying member" for two years in order to exercise the reversion clause. That would be a deal breaker for me."

Not at all, Phil. The great thing about NTA is that it is run by songwriters. If they aren't running with your song, they have absolutely no desire to keep your songs locked in a safe. 99% of the time, they are more than happy to return your song to you.

"That also calls to mind the question, how good is a single song publishing contract with them if you cancel your membership? In other words, does the publishing relationship hinge on the membership fee?"

Good question. This is part of the reason why we require at least a three month term. It wouldn't be fair for someone to sign up...have their song passed along to our plugger...and then cancel their membership. That would be abusing the system. You must remain a member to have your song pitched.

I think I've answered all the questions. Let me know if I forgot anything.

-Jeffrey
jeffrey@bigredsongbus.com

http://www.bigredsongbus.com