JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Song Plugger ( No bull s%#t)

As a songwriter I feel I've got great material and very nice quality demos however, only a few places to send them to be reviewed. There seems to be ample sites for critiquing but none for plugging. Who are the legit pluggers?

G4U, Don't think there's a such thing as a songplugger with nobulls%#t...;-]If you find one let me know and I'll do the same!!!

R.T.

You may want to pick up a copy of the SONGWRITER'S MARKET avaliable thru any Bookstore. It is Published usually in September so you may want to wait until the new issue comes out. There are also Tip Sheets you can suscribe to. THE LEADS SHEET is one you can check out on www.lyricist.com and Parade Of Stars at http//www.paradeofstars.com.

There are legitimate and reputable song pluggers out there. Many successful writers and some publishers use them to help pitch their catalogues. They usually aren't cheap from what I've heard. If you find one that won't take all of your songs and charge you for plugging them, you are probably headed in the right direction . The best pluggers are VERY selective about the material they pitch as their reputation is on the line each and every time they pitch something. Same with reputable publishers.

There are a lot of pluggers out there that are more than happy to take everything you can give them and charge you a monthly fee and do not have the adequate contacts to get your songs heard. You need to be very careful with this. Ask for references and successes they have had and FOLLOW UP ON THEM.

There are many people who are of the opinion that you are just as well off pitching to publishers as you are pitching to pluggers. Especially considering the more successful and reputable pluggers are just as picky about the material they accept as reputable and successful publishers are. There are many people who also do not agree with that too. I don't think it is cut and dried.

As with all things, proceed with caution.





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John

http://www.johnkscott.com

About three weeks ago I started independent songplugging at the request of a couple of writers from Maryland. I have picked up a few clients already and have pitched their material directly to Aaron Tippin, RCA, MCA and Warner Brother Records. After two weeks I have two holds for these writers on Blake Shelton, one on John Anderson(yes, John is coming back again)and songs taken for George Strait, Josh Turner and Gary Allen. I pitch directly to the artist in some cases, to the A&R staff at the the major labels, and to the producers. I have to be extremely selective of the material and will have to turn down songs that I don't feel measure up to the standards the industry expects me to bring in. If anyone is interested, email me at charliecraig@comcast.net and we will set up a telephone conversation.
Thanks,
Charlie Craig

Hey Guys,
Charlie Craig is as reputable as anyone in the music business. I will vouche for him anytime he needs it. For those of you who don't know he co wrote wanted by AJ. I have written with him as well and am very proud to say I have a song I own part publishing in that he's been a part of. By the way Charlie did you ever play any of those for Aaron? Also we need to write again when your feeling better give me a call if you need anything.
Scott

Thanks Scott. And yes I have played Aaron Tippin everything but the kitchen sink..lol.
He, his wife Thea and I just wrote a dandy together. As you know Scott, Aaron and I have written a bunch together and he is one of my dearest friends. I have been battling a bout with pneumonia for about a week now.
And about R. T., I emailed him and gave him my phone number. He called me and is sending me a few of his songs. So hang in there R.T. and lets see what we can do.
Charlie Craig

Charlie,
What happen to Marty Brown, is he still around? I think when you get over your sickness we need to have lunch. I would love to sit down and pen another even if it works out to be just me and you. Which to be honest that's kinda the way I would like it to be anyway. I've gained leaps and bounds since we last wrote. Give me a call when you feel better.

SCOOOOTT!!!! WHAT ABOUT ME!!!?;-}

R.T.

r.t.
I'm open to co-write with anyone. Let me first check out your material.

OK I can finally stop buugin' ya! ;-}

R.T.

OK...if you folks don't mind...

I'm going to offer a little lesson in songwriter's etiquette.

Now, let me preface this with the fact that it looks like you guys in this thread have stumbled upon two really cool guys who are open to write and deal with us less experienced folks who are trying to learn about writing and move it along. I don't know Scott (at least I don't think I do - but I'm pretty new around the Nashville area so that would probably be my fault ). But I do know Charlie indirectly through another organization and he is genuinely open to working with us "newbies" . Knowing who Charlie is and what he has accomplished, it is a privaledge IMO to be able to submit material to him (which I haven't done to date). Very cool!!

Now, back to what I wanted to talk about. Like I said above, I think we are fortunate that there are two cool people who have offered their services and/or cowrites. That isn't always the case. Typically when one of us newbies approaches a writer with a fair amount of success we must be careful. Begging for a co-write, cornering them, putting them on the spot in front of other people and other things like that is generally not a good idea. Rushing artists back stage with your demo CD or cornering a publisher in a restuarant are probably not good ideas either. They have a term for this in Nashville. It's called gherming. You don't want to be labeled a gherm.

Usually the way it works is that you write, start hanging out with other writers, show your stuff and start building relationships. If a "more advanced" writer who you have become frinedly with thinks you show some promise, they may ask you to co-write. That's usually the direction you want the asking to go. It all takes time, patience, hard work and most importantly good songs .

I don't want to come off as an expert on this subject. I'm not. In reality, I'm pretty new to this, at least on a serious basis. I just wanted to share some things I have learned. I know some folks have a different perspective on this. Obviously, Scott & Charlie do. It's true that if you never take any chances, you won't advance. However, I think there is a fine line between promoting yourself and being pushy. I think that line is drawn by motive. If you are motivated by just getting your stuff into someone's hands, that is the bad side of the line. If your motive is to build lasting relationships with people you have the fortune to meet, then I think that is the good side of the line.

Anyone who disagrees with me (including Scott or Charlie) please feel free!!! I'm only offering my perspective as I have learned it.

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John

http://www.johnkscott.com

John,

You're offering valid advice, but keep in mind in this case Charlie came here to our site and solicited people hire him to do a job for them. So when people are contacting him, that's completely different than gherming. It's exactly what he asked for.

Also, don't assume everyone here is an amateur. We have a large number of successful writers and artists in JPF (including #1 songwriters and artists, Grammy Winners, Oscar Winners, CMA winners, etc..). The lyric boards certainly are frequented by folks learning and developing, but that's just a small fraction of the overall organization. With over 25,000 members, you're only exposed to a few hundred who regularly post on the lyric boards.

Brian

Brian,

You are absolutely corrrect. I just kind of saw some things happening that brought this to mind. Just wanted to let folks know how fortunate they are in this situation and that this isn't standard operating procedure. Didn't mean to suggest that they shouldn't contact Charlie or Scott or that anyone behaved inappropriately in the current situation.

I also never assume everyone is an amature on any site or in any situation. You never know who's watching...

Thanks for allowing me to clarify!!



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John

http://www.johnkscott.com

John, you are right in what you posted, in most cases, especially an artist. Writers do sometimes get labeled as pushy or as a gherm. I just happen to feel at ease opening up an invitation to writers on this forum, and others like it to send me material. On my website I envite people to send me songs for publshing consideration, songs to critique, and from time to time I am looking for songs for an artist I am working with and producing. Now I have started a songplugging service. So I want every writer, naturally including yourself, to feel free to approach me with any way I can help or be of service. I cannot help everybody, naturally, and my songplugging service won't work for every songwriter. I appreciate the thought you had in your post, but, as Brian said, I posted asking for writers to contact me if they choose to, so rest assured the invitation is open to everyone and all is well.
Charlie Craig

The thing I think alot of people don't realize is with getting pitch sheets not only do they cost a good amount of money (I think songlink is around $750, rowfax $350,and cuesheet is $750)to get, but even knowing who's cutting won't get you in the door. Because then you have to figure out a way to get it to them even though your given the address. If you send it they trash it for the most part(never send songs through the mail unless they tell you to and then offer to bring it). If your unknown(to anyone other than your momma, that's for you R.T. I laughed about that most the day) and try to go in and hand it to the receptionist it gets put to the side. For unknown writers the best route to go is with a songplugger(like Charlie) or a publisher whether its me or anyone else. Or and I have been doing this ever since I started Go to the producer and leave it in his drop box. Even though most the time an intern will be doing the listening. You give 'em a great song. You will hear from them. This isn't meant to bring down morale of anyone. Alot of people that are new are spending tons of money that they could be saving. I just thought I should offer advice because pitchsheets cost, add that into doing demo's, gas at $2.00+. It adds up.
If I can ever be of assistance to anyone in here don't hesitate to ask?
Scott

You know what I always say sometimes...;-}
If you can't make 'em laugh at least make 'em smile! Enjoy everyone;Enjoy!

R.T.

In the 2004 songwriters market book
starting on page 58 titled a tale of three cities. Dan Kimpel mentions TAXI wich is an independent A & R service and even gives there web address. I just started looking into it. does anyone have anymore information? www.taxi.com
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/3/chadcole.htm

Mornin' cac, The principle behind TAXI is sound and has done good things for some of it's members. There are posts somewhere on this forum that discuss it! I,at this point, am stuck between not being able to afford TAXI and not being able not to... ;-} Am leading heavily into the not being able not to at this point. I have a few irons in the fires, when I see the outcome there I will decide. Did you look at TAXIcom?

C Ya! R.T

yes but only briefly they say that if you send them a song they will review it and if it needs work they will politely let you know what could inprove it. so they will not plug your song just because your a member the song has to be good and be exactly what who ever is asking for it is looking for at the time. the say about 4 out of every 10 people who send in will get something sent somewhere and they are a bit steep about $300 dollars for one year. they toot there horn loud and claim to really go to work for you. I am going to wait and see if I hear anything from other writers first.

Hi cac,
I've been a member of TAXI on & off since 1995. I can tell you that they do what they say they do. Their critiques do help most of the times, at least they did for me. And yes they're a bit expensive, so unless your songs are 100% ready to be pitched against the big boys, hold off on your membership.

I've met Michael Laskow (president of TAXI) and he's a very nice guy truely looking out for his members. But the main thing you need to know about TAXI is that they will only forward songs that fit exactly what the listing company is requesting. Not something that's close, but exactly. That's what's made them so popular and respected within the industry.

I thought this was a pretty important thread. So,,,,,,,,for all you hopeful songwriters (incl. myself) bump didee bump didee bump bump bump

Hi good4u,
I have a suggestion...check with www.songpluggers.com I personally do not have a demo made yet, so I haven't used their services for plugging anything yet, however the President James Rea, emailed me back when I had emailed them with a question about whether they knew some reputable people to get a demo made with, and he was a huge help! (the advice was FREE I might add) As soon as I am ready to get my demo made I will be using the very person he reccomended, (I checked the person out that he reccommended with a search online on the persons name and with the BBB and with a couple of my mentors (that happen to be famous) in Nashville and James had referred me to one of the best!) Anyway, check them out, they are in Nashville. Best of Luck to you
~Sammi
www.LyricsandPoemsbySammi.com

[This message has been edited by LadyLyricist1 (edited 06-09-2004).]

Hi there. My name is Michael John Ahern and I am available to help you if your song has merit, that is it has commercial value with a solid recording.

The process is as follows: You submit your song on CD or cassette. I review it and get back to you. No charge

If your song has market potential I will suggest a strategy, ie artist, or appropriate artists.

I have direct contact with artist management both domestically and internationally.

I then contact the identified management directly and work, ie. pitch your music, lyric sheet and direct contact information.

Once received, if the artist/management wishes to use your material they work directly with you and I receive no further monies.

My fee for this representation is $275 per song per artist submission and is payed via paypal, CC, personal check or money order.

But once again this is predicated by the quality of your song.

I am available by phone 1-5pm M-F PST at 650 533-1408

I hope to hear from you MJ

Hi there. My name is Michael John Ahern and I am available to help you if your song has merit, that is it has commercial value with a solid recording.

The process is as follows: You submit your song on CD or cassette. I review it and get back to you. No charge

If your song has market potential I will suggest a strategy, ie artist, or appropriate artists.

I have direct contact with artist management both domestically and internationally.

I then contact the identified management directly and work, ie. pitch your music, lyric sheet and direct contact information.

Once received, if the artist/management wishes to use your material they work directly with you and I receive no further monies.

My fee for this representation is $275 per song per artist submission and is payed via paypal, CC, personal check or money order.

But once again this is predicated by the quality of your song.

I am available by phone 1-5pm M-F PST at 650 533-1408

I hope to hear from you MJ