Not to my knowledge. There are exceptions. Gerry House, one of the top DJ's in the country, who is syndicated but based out of WSIX in Nashville, actually is the one who got "I'm Moving On" by Rascal Flatts played Nationwide. He is one of the few that have the power to do that.

Ray, a thing to remember, is that most of the handbooks the industry have gone by are no longer relevant. There are side deals going on all the time. Taking a three quarter of statuatory rate instead of the full rate just to get something out there is pretty standard. Once again, a LOT of supply and finite demand. And of course a lot of people are still trying out how to collect money from "FREE." i don't know of too many people who are able to do that.

As far as track record before you get signed, why do you think these artists are being signed as writers for three years before their deals get out into the public? They are writing with the hit writers and learning with the masters. And people can complain about the results but they are either going to have to accept it for what it is or form their own labels or publishing companies, which again, is EXACTLY what is happening.

If you want to see the future, it is Taylor Swift. build on your own fan base and distribution, partner with a major label and THEN you put everything together. That is the future. That is where the bar is set. For anyone that doesn't like it, they are always welcome to do it themselves.

MAB