Hey Guys,

Naiomi Sue. forgive me, I am a writer, and not very good technology wise. That is why you have people on places like this as when one person misses something someone else can help out.

Let me give you the MAB view of the music industry. You can find out what works for you and doesn't work. Get as much info as you can.

Everything in music operates around four points.
#1 Creation of the song.
#2 Presentation of the song.
#3 Networking
#4 Business

You have to write, have them written for or about you,or become a part of songs that are unique, get attention, and keep attention of everyone you come into contact with.

You have to present songs live that stand out from everyone else that is around you. This includes demos, or recordings that are now our calling cards for places like Face Book, My Space, etc.

You have to meet friends, associates, co-writers, producers, record people, publishers, song pluggers, all sorts of industry and the general fans.

You have to understand the elements of commercial accessibility of music, the avenues that make money, the dead ends and what motivates others to make money on you.

These all have to work together to create a career. Everything you do is built around these four things.

How it works

The more you learn about writing, the better you get at it. The better the writers you are around, the better your personal side gets.

The more you perform and work in the studio, the better you are at it.

The more people you come into proximity of the public, the more people you bring into your "songwriting universe."

The more you do all these things, the more your chances of succeeding financially.

You have to look to the "win-win." What can you do that helps someone else, thereby helping yourself. Can you sing someone else's songs. Saving yourself money on demos and approach.

Be careful of "bands" Less is more. Every good musician plays with several people and you are willling to be the least of the priorities. Try smaller singles, duos or trios before you graduate to bands. Take baby steps before you jump in the deep end of the pool. Find a "mentor" who has good songs you like, who plays and instrument and help you get to where he or she wants to be as well as your own goals. Share the load and the responsibilities. Get someone you like, you may be around each other for a long time.

Practical reality

A year ago I was introduced to a guy out of Kalamazoo Michigan. he was 25 very good looking, a young Keith Urban, and had a very soulful voice. Much like yours truely used to. He was an incredible guitar player and entertainer who played in Kalamazoo 6 nights a week. His only thing missing was song writing chops.

For six months, he visited me in Nashville. He did my "tours" of Nashville where he stayed at my house, we wrote songs, I introduced him to hit writers, got him around the Nashville world. he was also very good on his own so it didn't take much. We wrote 13 songs, he recorded them, in addition to two of my own. We had written five with number one songwriters.
Creation of the song.

We recorded all fifteen songs (my two I had the existing tracks on) He did a CD. Silmultaneously he was playing continuously in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Pontic. he was played on radio. He opened for Chuck Wicks, Montgomery Gentry, Keith Urban twice for Kenny Chesney in front of 50,000 people. Each time his fan base, My Space, Face Book grew. Before long he had over 40,000 people as friends and fans.
Presentation of the song, live and demo.

As his legend there grew he also continued the trips to Nashville. One thing led to another and another hit songwriter, Walt Aldrich, took him to the president of Sony music where he was signed as a staff writer.
Networking.

Seven months after our first song together he signed as a writer. Eleven months after our first song he signed as an artist with Warner Brother's record. He is in the studio now with Jason Aldeen;s producer and is expected to be a huge artist next year.
Business.

This doesn't happen for every one. Frankie is VERY good. But he was very smart. He employed me which pays my bills. I helped him get to places he couldn't get for a while without me.
Win-Win.

But all that I do is simply speed up the time frame for some people. There are many other things you can do. Online workshops, forums like these, face to face writing and workshops. just get into as many situations as you can. Study them first. Be careful. Take it easy. Learn the basics first. Baby steps.

I am down there once a month. I do very little during the day and am happy to sit with you and talk over things. When I really get to work, that is what I am paid for. But I have a web site, and am always glad to offer suggestions. There are other professionals here on this and other sites. Stay involved, ask questions and learn. For almost any question you have, there is someone here who has done it before,made mistakes and can give you some unique insights.

If you ever need help, all you have to do is ask.

MBarne4908@aol.com My personal web site is www.marcalanbarnette.com

The Frank Brown festival is very disorganized but it does happen. Just plan on being there. I will coach you through it. And there are others here that can offer suggestions. But none of us know you, what level you are at, or what you need. You have to pick your questions based upon you.

Let us know. And that goes for all of you as well. We are all here for the same reasons. We all wish you luck. If we can help you we will.

MAB