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Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Sites Where You Can Get Your Music Reviewed 3. Radio Shows that will Play Your Music 4. Online Services that will Help to Sell Your Music 5. Sites Where You Can Upload Your Band's MP3s or Videos 6. Helpful Music Resources 7. Why and when is consignment better than distribution? by Tim Sweeney 8. If You're Doing it for the Money, You May Not Make Any by Harriet Schock, Songwriter and Author of "Becoming Remarkable". 9. WMMW CD Review of The Month by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INDIEPERFORMER.COM is accepting CD projects of all styles and genres from Independent and Major Label artists throughout the world. We are seeking enormously talented independent musicians and songwriters who are underexposed or on private record labels that much too difficult to locate. We provide independent artists a unique opportunity to increase exposure, to be recognized, and to be heard. INDIEPERFORMER.COM is known for its creative ability to gain maximum exposure provided via the Internet and throughout the independent and music industry communities. Submissions will be considered for written review and showcasing on INDIEPERFORMER.COM. IndiePerformer, ATTN: New Submissions, P.O. Box 3721, Brentwood, TN 37024 For additional information, please visit: www.indieperformer.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SIGN UP A FRIEND TO RECEIVE THE INDIE CONTACT NEWSLETTER and qualify to win a $350 Audix 6OM Microphone! You will receive ONE ballot for EVERY person that you refer. To sign someone up, e-mail indiecontactnewsletter@rogers.com with the word "newsletter" in the subject heading. Put all addresses you are referring in the body of the e-mail. **REMEMBER once entered, your ballots will remain in for ALL future draws. The next Audix Microphone draw will take place in March 2002 and the winner will be announced in the April newsletter. This month's winners of 1 year subscriptions to OnStage Magazine (http://www.onstagemag.com) are: Shaun Pelote (Rincon, GA) Rose Larkin (Topsham, ME) Kim Risburg (Nashville, TN) Megan Gandy (Hickory, NC) Brian Allan (Woodland Hills, CA) Chris Roy (Seattle WA) The winner of the 3 month subscription to the Bandit Newsletter (http://www.banditnewsletter.com) is: Barry Swayn (Rye, Australia) Winners of the Indie Bible e-book (https://www.indiebible.com) are: Vincent Seguret (Chauvigny, France) Madrigal Music (Gloucestershire, UK) Olu Oyenigba (London, UK) ***Starting in the March newsletter there will be 3 NEW prizes awarded each month. There will be one draw for EACH of the following e-books... "How To Successfully Promote Your Music on the Internet" by David Nevue. For more info on this book, visit the Music Biz Academy at http://www.musicbizacademy.com "The Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook" by Bob Baker For more info on this book, visit http://www.thebuzzfactor.com "How to Make $100,000 a year in the Music Business (Without a Record Label)" by Lee Kennedy and David Hooper. For more info on this book, visit http://www.musicbizbooks.com I'm still ironing out the details with other authors and music companies. I will hopefully have many other music books and music items to offer as monthly prizes as the year rolls on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SPRINGBOUND MUSIC wishes indie artists great success in 2002! Benefit this year from our BURN-ON-DEMAND distribution. Eliminate trips to the post office and the up-front cost of ordering large quantities of CDs. Contact us at 1-877-696-8742 to discuss how we can assist you with your CD manufacturing, distribution, and promotional item needs. www.SpringBound.com ONE NEW ARTIST IN FEBRUARY WILL RECEIVE 100 FREE CD SAMPLES WITH YOUR BURN-ON-DEMAND PACKAGE! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GALARIS - SERVING THE MUSICIAN'S NEEDS Galaris gives musicians FREE promotional tools such as classifieds, chat rooms, gig calendar, music boards, valuable tips and information, polls, and a place to buy or sell Independent music. For more information visit our website http://www.galaris.com/indiemusic We would also like to offer you a free subscription to our musician's newsletter. To receive a sample of our newsletter, send a blank email to newsletter@galaris.com To view the newsletter online please visit http://www.galaris.com/newsletter7.html If you would like to start receiving the newsletter please send an email to addme@galaris.com and type "add me" in the subject line. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. INTRODUCTION Welcome to the February edition of The Indie Contact Newsletter. Entertainment Lawyer, Richard P. Dieguez will hopefully back next month with his next article on Artist - Managment contracts. This month the newsletter offers articles from two very well known authors in the music business, Tim Sweeney, and Harriet Schock. Best selling author Tim Sweeney offers his insights on the benefits of selling your CDs by consignment, versus the regular methods of distribution. Also this month is an excellent article by Grammy nominated songwriter (and author of the book "Becoming Remarkable) Harriet Schock. In her article, Harriet examines the difference between writing with integrity and writing for money. As always, the MuzikMan is back with another review. This month he reviews Darlene Koldenhoven's CD entitled "Heavenly Peace". I'd just like to mention that I'm on the road this month and will be at the Millenium Music Conference in Harrisburg PA and the Folk Alliance in Jacksonville FL. If you're at any of these shows, please stop by my booth to say "hi". As is the case every month, there is a sizable group of new contacts listed that can help you to gain more exposure for your music. So dig in, and enjoy the February edition of The Indie Contact Newsletter! David Wimble Editor indiecontactnewsletter@rogers.com Below are the contacts that were submitted to me in January. The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections. 1. Publications that will review your music 2. Radio stations/shows that will play your music 3. Online services that will help to sell your music 4. Sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos 5. Resources and promotional sites for Independent bands @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 2. SITES WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Outer Shell Roy Harper OUTERSHEL@aol.com http://members.aol.com/outershel A free, monthly, on-line music zine that was started in 1985. What we try to present is "OTHER" Music News & Views, with interviews, reviews, & commentaries on artists from the 50s to today's Indie artists. More often than not, these are artists that are pushed under a carpet when they do deserve recognition. We request that any artist send us 2 copies of their CD. Readers of Outer Shell win the CDs, books, videos, etc of the artists written about in each issue. Longislandmusicscene.com Paul Cuthbert webguy@longislandmusicscene.com http://www.longislandmusicscene.com Long Islands hometown portal for music and entertainment providing free exposure and resources for musicians and music fans. Tangzine.com Matthew Ralph matt@tangzine.com http://www.tangzine.com Online music, sports, art, film, and culture magazine. Independent Reviewer - Arthur Shuey webmaster@lovewhip.zzn.com I review all styles of music for three local entertainment magazines in Wilmington, North Carolina and my own "Word on the Street" e-zine (http://daddyvoice.tripod.com), Blues for American Harmonica Newsmagazine and a dozen or so Blues Societies in the US and Canada. Arthur Shuey, 108 South 13th Street, Wilmington NC 28401 Girl Musician Online Donna Adams donna@girlmusician.com http://www.girlmusician.com Girl Musician Online has been designed with the female singer/ songwriter in mind with an emphasis on the independent recording artist. Ambient Visions Michael Foster editor@ambientvisions.com http://www.ambientvisions.com We are an e-zine that specializes in reviewing ambient, dark ambient, new age, electronica, electronic experimental and space music by artists both large and small. We also feature interviews with many well known artists within these genres, adding to our value as a vehicle of exposing independent music through a variety of means. Ex-Reprobate Webzine Al Newberry al@ex-reprobate.com http://www.ex-reprobate.com A webzine dedicated to Christianity and Liberty, with an emphasis on the arts. Fast Cow Peter Carter p.carter@bathspa.ac.uk http://www.fastcow.co.uk An I!N!D!I!E! music webzine that gives FAIR reviews to any artist. Also runs interviews and misc articles. Indie-Connections.com tony@indie-connections.com http://www.indie-connections.com A music site that promotes unsigned and independent label bands and songwriters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISC MAKERS Get a FREE "Musician's Guide to the Web" from Disc Makers, the nation's leading independent CD manufacturer and proud sponsor of The Indie Bible. Click here to register to get your guide http://www.discmakers.com/imbible Disc Makers offers complete CD, cassette, and 12" vinyl packages and provides helpful guides, newsletters, and DIY resources to the independent musician. We offer most every CD packaging option available, from jewel boxes and Digipaks to jackets and CardDiscs-- all with the fastest turn times in the industry. Our packages include a free UPC barcode, unparalleled customer service, and a money-back guarantee. Get 300 full-color, 11"x 17" posters for only $99 when you make CDs with Disc Makers. Learn more at http://www.discmakers.com/hl ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GOTHIC BEAUTY, A NEW FASHION MAGAZINE, also accepts music submissions for review. Each issue also features music interviews. Gothic Beauty is interested in goth, electro, industrial, ethereal, and punk. Gothic Beauty is published quarterly and has major distribution through Hot Topic, Tower Records, and Books-A-Million covering 600 outlets in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, and Japan. Issue 4 will be out mid December and in-stores on January 7 '02. Please send us your material now for Issue 5 (April 9 '02). See website for more details http://www.GothicBeauty.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RAINMAKER MUSIC PUBLICITY devoted to working with unsigned bands and indie labels across the U.S.A....So..Ride The Revolution... go to: www.rainmakerpublicity.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 3. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ NeverEndingWonder Radio Lee Widener ozma@neverendingwonder.com http://www.NeverEndingWonder.com/radio.htm Streaming mp3 internet radio station focusing on a variety of humorous, lighthearted, international, experimental, folk, rock, electronic, music and comedy. Kulak's Woodshed Paul Kulak paulkulak@earthlink.net http://www.kulakswoodshed.com A not for profit, internet web cast showcase for singer/songwriters set in an intimate listening room in North Hollywood, CA Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS FM, Glassboro Kevin and Jack wgls@rowan.edu http://wgls.rowan.edu Send us your music. We play bands exclusivly from the NJ/PA/NY/DE area. Rowan Radio 201 Mullica Hill Rd Glassboro NJ 08028 (Attn:LocalsOnly). Music is broadcast in the Philly listening area and world wide on the web. Junkies for Life Radio Show parksej@earthlink.net http://home.earthlink.net/~parksej The grandaddy of punk radio webcasts, the Junkies for Life Radio Show provides streams of classic, current and unsigned punk and Indie rock and roll. DarkSide of the Radio - It's Where All The Good Songs Have Gone Jonathan Hensley hollywood@kih.net http://www.dsotr.8m.com I own an Internet Radio station that has quite a few listeners. I mainly play Rock music with some folk and blues added in as well. Floyd, Zeppelin, Flickerstick, Gov't Mule, Black Crowes, Dylan.... are all the types of artists I play on the station. I am highly interested in playing more Indie artists. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- IT'S NO SECRET THAT THE INTERNET IS A GREAT WAY TO GET YOUR MUSIC OUT TO THE WORLD. There's only one problem. The Internet is so big it would literally take your thousands of hours to find all of the places and people that are interested in your music and are willing to help you and your band out. A solution is finally here. It's called the Indie Bible. This resource has been created with your immediate need in mind, which is to get your music heard, and moving towards greater exposure as soon as possible. The contacts listed are music reviewers, radio programmers and vendors that will listen to your music, and if they like it, will present it to their readers and listeners. The 3rd Edition is 322 pages and contains: *2300* publications from around the world that will REVIEW your CD! *2700* radio stations from around the world will PLAY your songs! *440* vendors and services that will help you to SELL your music! *340* sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3 files! *300* helpful resources and sites where you can PROMOTE your band! Visit the website for details: https://www.indiebible.com email: indiebible@rogers.com or phone: 613-596-4996 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- INDIE MUSIC SAMPLER SBS Records is NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS for indie CD sampler. We can help you expand your audience by releasing your "single" to our indie music-loving fan base of over 15,000. Our objective is to support and empower independent artists in ALL GENRES and all levels of experience by placing your song on a CD Sampler. Plus you get FREE copies of the sampler! For more info, please visit www.SBS-Records.com/sampler.html, or email SBSRecords@aol.com. --------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 4. ONLINE SERVICES THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Pop Sweatshop Chris Barber chris@popsweatshop.com http://www.popsweatshop.com We work furiously, in sweatshop conditions, to make and distribute great indie releases for bands on a non-exclusive basis. eSoundz Promotions, LLC S. Crippen info@esoundzpromotions.com http://www.esoundzpromotions.com Prepares promotional campaign for your next CD release. Rental space (NH & MA), Announcements to airplay, Promo Mailings, and online CD promo Mailings worldwide. dOCUMENTO Records Ernest egg@kookoo.ph http://www.documentagon.com A Philippine-based, art-inclined record label which supports, reviews and promotes new and struggling independent artists in the glory of the d.i.y ethos. Cooch Music Joseph Cuccia info @coochmusic.com http://www.coochmusic.com We are seeking songs for Darion and two other female artists. Seeking top quality demo's. Please include lyric sheets. Mid to up tempo Pop/R&B/Dance in the style of Toni Braxton / Janet Jackson / Taylor Dayne and Tina Turner. Songs must have POWER! We ask that all songs be UNPUBLISHED. Please include two versions of the songs, one with vocals and one with the music only. Songs should be Radio ready hits no album fillers. Serious writers only. Send only your very best! We will contact writers only if interested. No downloads or MP3's. Darkbreed Promotions Bradley Koralewski Eternlbrad@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/Darkbreedpromotions/Main Promotional help for unsigned Heavy Metal bands.From Progressive to Grindcore a promotional group by musicians for musicians. Native Southerner Records Reginald Walton NSoutherner@aol.com http://www.nativesouthernerrecords.8k.com Home of Native Southerner Records and some of the best talent in GA. Mekko Records J Mike mekkorecords@msn.com http://www.mekkochivonent.com New mini major indie with international distribution looking for talent of all genres of music for its multi division set up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- KARI ESTRIN MANAGEMENT - ARTIST CAREER CONSULTING KEM specializes in artist management consulting: career direction, goal setting and implementation. Plan a recording project and maximize touring, publicity and radio; get out of a rut and make a jump in your career by learning how. Management plan specifically tailored to your talent, needs and lifestyle. Kari has an extensive music business background: artist and tour management, concert/ festival production & promotion and is editor of "How To Be Your Own booking Agent...A Performing Artist's Guide to a Successful Touring Career." Career assessments and consultation-by-the-hour by phone, e-mail or in person. Management-related services also available. PO Box 60232 - Nashville, TN 37206 615/262-0883 - 615/262-9885 (fax) www.kariestrin.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MUSIC PROMOTION TO RECORD LABELS AND FILM & TV COMPANIES NOMA Music, an established music promotion company, has the ways and means to place and license songs for use in major and indie television and film projects. Interested in a recording contract? We can get your songs heard by the best. If you have original broadcast quality music and think you may be interested in our services, send over your CD and package for consideration. "Good music deserves to be heard" www.nomamusic.com 877-980-7700 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ LoopZine.tv presents Pocket Loop - Animated Darkwave Biographies RG Geiger geigerpp@corecom.net http://loopzine.tv Gothic, electro and industrial artists featured in interactive musical animated biographies in a monthly ezine. 5th year. Proto Tracks Jonah Sharp music@prototracks.com http://www.prototracks.com Promotes and licenses new and emerging electronic music tracks (drum & bass, ambient, techno, breakbeat, etc.) for an international subscription base. Send tracks for review. Ken's Gospel Crib Ken Hayes kgospelcrib@yahoo.com http://gospelcrib.8m.com My site caters to Gospel music enthusiates looking for contemporary gospel music artists, Reviews, MP3/RealAudio song files. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USA INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION Songwriters, bands & artists! Enter to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash, merchandise and more! This the largest prize package in any annual songwriting competition. Also, winners' songs will be featured on a nationally syndicated radio program serving over 60 cities in the US and Canada. Judges include A&R Managers from Major Record labels and publishers. BONUS: Early bird entrants receive a FREE gift. Hurry, visit: http://www.songwriting.net ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FEBRUARY 23, 2002: START & RUN YOUR OWN RECORD LABEL A full day seminar presented by Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of Start & Run Your Own Record Label (Billboard) at the New Yorker Hotel in NYC. Revenge Productions (212) 688-3504 http://www.outersound.com/revenge ---------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ cdreplic8.com David Ballinger david@cdreplic8.com http://www.cdreplic8.com Over 500 CD / Tape Manufacturing and Mastering Companies bid for your work. The service is free to all buyers posting replication work and there's no obligation to complete work with any CD Replic8 registered CD / Tape company. The online service covers USA / Canada / UK / France / Germany / Australia / New Zealand. Streetjamz.com.Inc. Aljay Boyd thebigal@streetjamz.com http://www.streetjamz.com Showcasing the best new music from unsigned artist on the web from people of color. Entertainment Attorney Bernadette L. Duffey Bernie@duffeyandassociates.com duffeyandassociates.com We provide legal services to the entertainment industry with emphasis on the music industry - including record labels, producers and artists. The Texas Music Locator Phil Net pne@txmusiclocator.com http://www.txmusiclocator.com Offers free concert, band, venue, and studio listings across the state of Texas. Gracenote Ross rblanchard@gracenote.com http://www.gracenote.com Gracenote provides information about music to millions of music fans around the world every day. Make sure that information about your music is in their acclaimed CDDB service: download their free application at http://www.gracenote.com/metacredit. 4EYES CREATIVE SERVICES Rupert Rogers rupert@4eyesCreative.com http://www.4eyesCreative.Com Professional, affordable PHOTOGRAPHY & MUSIC VIDEO's produced by industry experts (ex-MTV). 4EYES can produce any 'visual' need inc. EPKs, DVDs and web sites. 212-414-4524 --------------------------------------------------------- THE INSIDE CONNECTION MUSIC MAGAZINE and T.I.C. Productions present... THE INDIE SESSIONS 2002 series New York City, NY - August 17, 2002 Los Angeles, CA - September 7, 2002 Nashville, TN - August 24, 2002 The Indie Sessions is a one-day networking extravaganza created to bring together all sectors of the music industry. From the packed aisle of the vendor area, to the exclusive conference sessions covering all the latest issues, to the after hours networking party, The Indie Sessions is sure to generate success for every attendee. Your ticket includes: - An all-access badge to the keynote speeches, presentations, industry panels, debates and access to the vendor area - A 2002 Indie Sessions T-shirt - An Indie Sessions Microphone Key Tag - A 2002 Indie Sessions event directory, which will include a list of the day's events, sponsor information and various discounts from music retailers - First 50 ticket holders per event will receive a free A&R listening session. During this session, an A&R executive from a record label will discuss and critique your music - Next 200 ticket holders per event will receive a written critique from a music industry professional - Free snacks and beverages throughout the day's events - All access to after-hours networking party, which will include networking opportunities with executives, sponsors and attendees - Discount pass for dinner - Goody bags with sponsor information, prizes and discounts - A pen and note pad to take notes during the day's panels - A chance to win over $25,000 worth of giveaways - Detailed biographies on each speaker - Discounted hotel and airfare information FOR TICKET AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION, CALL NOW!!! ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY. (631) 981-8231 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 7. WHY AND WHEN IS CONSIGNMENT BETTER THAN DISTRIBUTION? by Tim Sweeney, Tim Sweeney & Associates ? 2002 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Almost every time I pick up the phone or do a free workshop these days, the inevitable question is, "how do I get national distribution ?" My first response is, "why do you need it?" With that glassy look in their eyes, most artists respond, "because I want to get my CDs in all the stores across the country." Then I frustrate them by saying, "what if I could do that for you, what are you going to do to make them sell?" Again inevitably the response is, "I'm going to play shows and tell my mailing list and then probably mail out to college radio across the country." I respond, "so if you are only going to do that, why do you need your CDs in various record stores across the country ?" The usual response is, "because once they are in the store, people will buy them." Guess what, as much as you would like him to, God doesn't watch over people shopping for CDs and spiritually guide them or smack them on the head, to your CD in the rack out of thousands of choices. People buy CDs they have heard of. Most importantly, they are more likely to buy them on impulse. What does this have to do with you? Everything! Especially the fourth quarter of the year. The quarter when most CDs are sold and the stores have no credit available with distributors. Why is this important? Because when the stores have little or no credit available, they only want to order what will sell fast. Not CDs that will hopefully sell 2 or 3 copies per month. So with the stores coming into the time of the year when they ignore independent CDs, what do you do? Consignment! The simplest, oldest and fastest way to get paid, form of distribution in our industry. How does it work? Simple. A store takes 5 of your CDs and places them on the shelves. When they sell, they pay you your percentage. If they don't sell, the store doesn't have to pay you. In a distribution relationship, the store has to pay the distributor in 60 days for the CD they have ordered. In most cases, they are paying for the CD before it sells! With consignment, there's no waiting for 6 months for your distributor to send you a check for 20% of what they owe you. You stop by the store, check how many they have in the bins and most stores will pay you cash right then and there for what you have sold. In a time when the stores are betting their money or credit on already successful "boy bands" and not on you, use consignment to yours (and the store's) advantage. By the way. You don't need your CDs in all stores across the country. Live shows and the word of mouth generated by the promotion of the shows are 75% of all your sales (and aren't you going to sell your CDs at your shows?). Commercial radio airplay for an independent artist is only 9% and college radio airplay is less than 1% of your sales. The big question is, are you really going to tour the country every month to play shows for 20 people in clubs 3,000 miles away, just because a college station in a corn field is playing it? Especially for no money? Then use consignment first and become successful in your home market, home state and the neighboring markets you can reach on a monthly basis. After you have sold 10,000 copies in each market, consider expanding outward. ============================================= You can learn more about Tim Sweeney, TSA and his International Best Selling books, Tim Sweeney's Guide To Releasing Independent Records, Tim Sweeney's Guide To Successfully Playing Live and Tim Sweeney's Guide To Succeeding At Music Conventions by visiting his web site at, http://www.tsamusic.com ============================================ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BRING TRAFFIC TO YOUR SITE THROUGH THE INDIE LINK EXCHANGE! The Indie Link Exchange is a list of people that wish to exchange links with other music related sites. With over 500 current listings, it's a great way to get some IMMEDIATE and FREE exposure There are no rules to follow. It's a simple one-to-one exchange of text links or banners. http://www.indielinkexchange.com/ile ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Onstage magazine is where artists grab the mic and sound off about making music and livin' the life. Onstage magazine is available news stands for $3.95, or for subscription online at http://www.onstagemag.com. Potential advertisers can contact Onstage sales associate Keith Murray at keith.murray@verizon.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 8. IF YOU'RE DOING IT FOR THE MONEY, YOU MAY NOT MAKE ANY by Harriet Schock, Songwriter and Author of "Becoming Remarkable". ? 2002 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remind myself it isn't Kansas anymore-or wherever I came from way, way back, when I formed the belief that everyone shot straight from the hip, or at least straight. Last week, one of my Advanced Class students said something which has bothered me ever since. It's not that I haven't heard it before-in fact, I've heard it much too often-but usually from business executives, and jaded ones at that. The whole thing started when I commented that a number of songs on the radio recently have sounded quite a lot like another song called, "Old Time Rock & Roll." The student defended them with the statement that they were making money from these clones. I suggested that integrity might enter the picture somewhere (he was a new student, so I was more tactful than I might have been on his 4th week). To this he responded with the line in question, "Integrity doesn't pay the bills." First of all, I can understand the attention a person might have on paying the bills, especially in this economy. But I feel it's such an incredibly dangerous viewpoint for an artist to have, I wanted to address it-or undress it-publicly. The student who said it is talented and bright, and I don't think he actually embraces this as a heartfelt philosophy. I think it was an offhanded remark. But since he said it, here goes. Check out the definition of "integrity." It's not just honesty or incorruptibility. It's also "wholeness," "soundness." It's in the writer's nature to put things together to form a whole-and that's the main meaning of "integrate." I've observed many writers-colleagues, mentors, students-some hugely successful, some total unknowns. But one thing I've noticed is that the ones who are doing it because they love it and have something to express are generally the ones being successful at it. The ones who got into it to make money usually never did. It's sort of like a guy who takes a girl out just to go to bed with her and can't figure out why he never gets to. It's not that you're getting punished for being mercenary, or anything else so linearly Puritan. It's simply that you're coming from the wrong place and that's where your attention will be-on the money, not on the music. You'll make decisions based on that; your passion will be centered somewhere away from the song. It's like trying to get turned on by the person you married for money. You've created your own prison. Now somewhere, some songwriter is reading this who has made a lot of money with his/her art and he/you may be smiling. But think back to when you first started writing. Weren't you doing it for the love of the process, the heat of the communication, the thrill of the music? And when your attention is on writing "something that will sell," do you like what you come up with as well as you do when you write because you really want to say something or get that musical idea on tape? I have heard my producer, Nik Venet, say that even though McDonald's may be the biggest restaurant chain, one would not ask to meet and compliment the chef there. Similarly, Citizen Kane never made its investment back, whereas Love Story made millions. But which one do we remember? In my own experience, songs I wrote from that burning desire to communicate were always my most successful copyrights. And here I'm talking about songwriting-not assignment writing for films or records, because that's a whole different subject. They are commissioned anyway. I'm referring to those songs that are an extension of who you are as an artist-that you would perform yourself, proudly, if you sing. "Integrity doesn't pay the bills" may be true. But neither does chasing trends, writing at the radio, ripping off other songs, and focusing on writing something that will make a lot of money. To make a lot of money, it has to sell a lot or be played a lot or both. That means lots of people have to hear it and buy it. That means it has to move people when they hear it. Now, if you think you're good enough to write something that's going to move all those people, while you've got your attention and your passion over there on your bank statement, be my guest. Give it a try. But your craft had better be unbelievably good to pull that one off. And between the time you start and the time your craft is THAT good, there's a lot of dues paying and songwriting you'll have to do. So you might just as well do it for the love of it. Maybe you'll even discover in the process that integrity has fewer bills to pay. ============================================= Harriet Schock is a multi-platinum songwriter/recording artist whose songs have been recorded my numerous artists, nominated for a Grammy and used in films. Her fourth, fifth and sixth CDs, "American Romance," "Rosebud" and "Harriet Schock Live" are in current release, as well as her book, BECOMING REMARKABLE, published by Blue Dolphin, from which this chapter was excerpted. As well as performing worldwide, she speaks, teaches and consults in person and via the internet. For further information about her book, cds, concerts or consultation, go to http://harrietschock.com/ or call (323)934-5691. ============================================ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ARE YOU AN UNSIGNED ACT, SONGWRITER OR PRODUCER?? Looking for a Record, Publishing, Management and Licensing deal worldwide, especially in the UK and USA? Each month the BANDIT A&R NEWSLETTER publishes features on Labels, Publishers, Management etc looking to sign acts, songs or masters. Get yourself a FREE SAMPLE COPY from: bandit.42@aweber.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 9. WMMW CD REVIEW OF THE MONTH by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck ? 2002 Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Artist: Darlene Koldenhoven Title: Heavenly Peace Genre: New Age-Seasonal Label: TimeArt Recordings Website: www.musikinternational.com I am a little late in delivering my words concerning this lovely group of spiritually uplifting holiday songs by Darlene Koldenhoven. What's that you say? You haven't heard her name before? I would be willing to bet you have heard her five octave vocals at one time or another on someone else's album. Does the name Yanni ring a bell? I thought so, now we are getting somewhere. Darlene was seen by 1.5 billion people performing on the "Yanni, Live at the Acropolis" video. Okay, now we have all that straight. Darlene Koldenhoven is much more than that woman who sang on the Yanni video. This talented diva sings, plays keyboards, engineers, produces, and sings like an angle from heaven above on her "Heavenly Peace" release. I was truly moved by here vocalisms. Each story was brought to life by her gorgeous voice and innate sense of musical direction. It really touched the depths of my soul. You know on second thought, I am not too late in delivering my overview of this CD, why can't we enjoy the all wonderful stories and music all year round? After all it's about mankind and our history. Just because it's a Christmas CD doesn't mean we can't give it a spin any time of the year. Think of it like going to a mass at church with a New Age artist performing. The music and spirituality will give you a new sense of worthiness as a human being and why we are here. 1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman 2. Gabriel to Mary, Weeping 3. Joseph's Question 4. The Star to the Stable 5. Angels' Pastorale 6. Angels We Have Heard On High 7. Balulalow (Oh My Dier Hert) 8. Silent Night 9. Emmanuel 10. Ple Jesu from Requiem ==================================================== Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck muzikman@bcn.net is an independent music reviewer. Keith writes reviews for "Women Of Music-Music Of Women" as well as several other sites on the Internet. Contact Keith for submission information. Reviews, interviews, and articles can be viewed at these sites: www.buzzine.com www.musicdish.com/muzikman www.indiebible.com/muzik www.themusic.com/muzikman www.2upbeatmag.com www.lancerecords.com Indie-Music.com www.buzzemporium.com www.womenofmusicmusicofwomen.com www.girlmusician.com www.progressiveworld.net/muzikman.html www.classicrecords.com (DVD-DAD Reviews) ==================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------ COME AND NETWORK AT THE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA SUMMIT! New York City, March 2-3 2002. To register for the Summit by credit card, go to http://www.acteva.com//booking.cfm?bevaid=18479 For checks and money orders, please send your payment (with a copy of this e-mail invitation from the Indie Contact Newsletter) to: Global Entertainment & Media Summit 519 Bloomfield Ave, 6G Caldwell, NJ 07006. 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To subscribe please send an email to: mailto:musicians-tipsheet-subscribe@egroups.com Zebra Music Web Site http://www.zebramusic.com An information depot for musicians featuring hundreds of Industry Contacts, The Gig Sharing Network, The Musicians Tip Sheet, Industry Interviews, Music FAQ's, Music Chat, The Musician Discussion List and many Cool Links to help your musical act. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OVERTURE CAN PUT YOU IN THE SEARCH LISTINGS OF YAHOO, LYCOS, America Online, AltaVista, Hotbot, Netscape, CNET and many others!! http://www.overture.com/d/advertisers/p/bjump/?o=RR-19763&b=10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN REACHING OUT TO OVER 40,000 MUSICIANS and songwriters each month, then please contact me at bigmeteor@rogers.com or (613) 596-4996. 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