JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Getting cut by a major artist

Bob,

Writing great songs is just the ticket in the door. Then, you've got to sell them.

To anyone wanting to get a cut by a major artist: how many songs have you pitched to a major artist today? How many songs do you have that are ready to pitch? Can you put a cd with a great song in the bubble pack envelope right now? Do you know the name of the secretary at the label? Know what code to write on the envelope that gets it listened by the right folks? The established writers can answer all these. They do it every day.

What's the last time you cowrote with someone who's had a big cut? For most established writers, it's probably within a week. Where does Kenny Chesney's producer play golf? Where does he keep his boat? The established writers know things like that.

Now, here's the secret, I'll say it very...verrry...quietly:

NO ONE IS BORN AN ESTABLISHED WRITER...THEY WORK TO BECOME ONE.

Shhh. Don't want that getting out.

So how did those established writers discover that secret, you know, the "w" word? Because they believed. They believed they could do it...not in a "pie in the sky" or "get rich quick" way. They know TANSTAAFL. They know, as my mother once told me, "Wish in one hand and spit in the other, then see which one gets full first." or, uh, something like that. But they believed. They believed that they could do this, that they could figure it out and that they could work hard enough to make it happen.

The indie thing is a good idea, but here's a story. Years ago I was in a band called "White Crow." We were looking for original songs...hit songs...so we called Harlan Howard. We weren't even indie, just had a "name" producer, Chuck Glaser, and not even a demo. Mr. Howard (often revered as one of the all-time great country songwriters, with hits from the 50's through the 90's) didn't just submit songs. He came to one of our rehearsals and listened to us, then sent us some songs, then he came to our showcase and recommended it to some "biz" folks. So yes, pitch to indies, pitch to majors, pitch to outties, pitch, pitch, pitch.

Make sure you're pitching good songs, make sure they fit the artist to whom you pitch (don't know these things? then stop right there, work like crazy until you do know those things and know them ONE HUNDRED PERCENT.)

There's no magic formula, just a few basic things. Have great songs, read everything you can about the business, you may not have to move to Nashville but it would improve your chances about 9,999,999%. Learn how to sell, how to network. Live, breathe, eat, sleep and dream songwriting. Most of all, believe in yourself...not your songs (your songs might not be ready, and if you do have one that is, they'll want to see another one)...believe in yourself and your ability to work hard enough.

All the Best,
Mike