Song Submission Opportunities

Currently, I'm working diligently to get a few placements in preparation for this next year.  It seems like I'm chasing my tail sometimes, but I just can't stop doing what I'm so passionate  about.  Writing songs for a movie soundtrack has always been a dream of mine.  The only thing that was stopping me was not knowing anyone who was doing it or knew about it themselves.  Keeping that in mind, I read an article that was very informative about how to submit songs for a movie soundtrack. Some of the suggestions include networking to get close to music supervisors and giving them some copy written music that could be potentially placed on a soundtrack.

One of the things I always try to do when I can is network. When this opportunity fell in my lap that’s exactly how it  happen.  I was speaking with a colleague about doing some work together and they called me later that week to submit some music for the soundtrack.  Now, of course in this business I realize that there are no guarantees, but I'm truly taking full of advantage of this opportunity. 

The first thing I did was read the plot and timeline of the whole project.  This information came on onesheet and had everything I needed to know like the plot, the characters, the book this movie would be based on and the projected timeline of when the music project should be started and the dates for the projected release for the movie and soundtrack.  This is a link for an example of a one sheet. http://onesheet.com. 

This is the most excited part where I get a chance to seek out the producers I want to work with and create some music that’s inspiring.  I'll let you know later how things work out, but no matter the outcome, its one of my favorite experiences during this journey.

Artist Development

While going through my classes here at Full Sail University, I’ve contemplated whether I really wanted to be an artist manager or more of a booking agent.  I began looking at my current demands as a full-time teacher, wife and mother and consider all the things that this job may entail.

Looking at the artist needs I thought about the artist development piece that is even more crucial, in my opinion, than having an artist manager.  There are plenty of artist out there that have managers.  Did they have the proper development?  That’s what I believe is my calling. 

One of the articles I read on artist development was from Music Marketeer.  They basically feel that the ‘It’ factor that people say they look for comes from a combination of things like talent, hard work, and artist development training.  I totally agree with the article and how it breaks down the necessities an artist should be doing before seeking out a manager like vocal lessons and working on their stage presence.  It is such a tedious process to begin with that one should not do it half way.  You can’t get a Beyonce’ or Janet Jackson type artist without all of those factors I mentioned above.  

When you look at the needs of an artist you have to first look at if they have good songs.  Today it seems that its more about your look and the ‘shock’ value you can have on your audience like a Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj type artist.  I just wish the industry would focus more on the music than the artist.  I believe that’s what gives them longevity industry. The former days of Motown and the Beatles were made up of songs that we still sing today.  To me that is the most important thing an artist needs.  Of course their needs to be a look, stage presence, and even a singer/songwriter is even better, that’s more money for the artist. So much is at stake when developing an artist and its important to be thorough.

So I definitely think that artist development is a better fit for me, what do you think?

Self-Publishing

When it comes to figuring out what the best way is to distribute your music, there are several opinions. This is so important to know because if consumers don’t have a way to purchase your music when they hear it then you’ve lost out on an opportunity to sell it.  In case you didn’t know having great songs, stage presence, and a great band is only half of what you need.  The other have I would wager to say would be great marketing so that people hear about you and a way to get your music to them. This is publishing your music.

I was doing some researching about publishing and there are two ways you can do it.  You as the writer can either find an agent to work for you that finds places for your music to be heard or you yourself can find it.  Of course doing it yourself would be less money, but you also need time to invest in yourself.  It’s a lot of work calling around to the various publishing houses trying to find someone that needs songs like yours.  This can be frustrating and could impede on your creative process.  Some people can handle this without losing creativity like Diane Warren.  She once wrote in an article that at first she was her own publisher and it was very difficult, but as she made more hits, she then could afford to hire staff to run her publishing company.  This is where I want to be.

Companies like TuneCore and CdBaby also help you get your music out there.  It’s one of the ways to get it in the consumers’ hands.  Choosing either one of these companies will allow you to get to some of the main sites like Itunes or even selling on Facebook.  Nevertheless, whichever road you take, you must decide which is best for you.