Some Advice for Young Singers

When my sons were just beginning their country music journey at ages 11 and 14, it was difficult to imagine in just a couple of years how far they would progress as entertainers. Some of the best experiences they had were with house bands in small live venues in Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. There was no better experience for them than to work with experienced musicians that play simply because they love music, not because they are making a ton of money doing it! Young children and teen usually start out by learning to sing with Karaoke tracks and progress to professional accompaniment tracks. Those work in the beginning because that process teaches them to listen closely to intros, bridges and breaks so they know when to come back in singing. It also helps them develop better pitch because the musicians on those tracks are usually tuned correctly. Although, I can’t say much for the demo singers, more often than not, unless it’s the original artist or band, the singers have bad vocal habits or pitch issues. My advice to my students has usually been, listen to the original artist rather than the demo to learn the music if we didn’t have sheet music to follow. After the boys, The Lucas Brothers got through the first couple of years of practicing, competing and performing; it was time to start the live venue experience. My oldest son, Neal, had already begun playing the guitar and would play for hours. Nick had started forming his own particular style of being the “ladies man” with his soulful, smooth voice. Neal had this raw, edgy, energy that really caused you to focus on every move he made. But, together, they were phenomenal! Being prepared to work with a live band was key…the boys always had their lyric sheets and the keys they needed to sing them in, costumes, headshots and anything else that might be needed for promotion. I had taught them to be professional when they spoke to anyone, especially in the music industry. They always had fun during rehearsals with the bands, but were very attentive and respectful. There are so many live venues in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee and really in just about every state that welcome young, talented singer/songwriters. Also, don’t forget about the plethora of fairs and festivals in every state in the union that need entertainment! If you have put in your time learning much about your music, and can talk intelligently about the business of music and performing, then the sky is the limit! Don’t let another day go by just wishing you could be on that stage…. Our favorite places to perform: Arlington Country Music Revue, Grapevine Opry, and Silver Dollar City. Here is a link to the multitude of venues in the great state of Texas: http://governor.state.tx.us/music/directory/venues/venues-country Nick, 13, singing at the former Johnnie High's Country Music Revue in Arlington, Texas. Neal, 16, performing at JHCMR in Arlington, Texas. Together, they were The Lucas Brothers.

Songs That Make A Difference!

What’s the purpose of singing a song you ask? Quite simply…to tell a story. All of you know, there are tons of lyrics out there with little substance to them. My pet peeve is a song that repeats one set of lyrics…over and over. It’s almost as if the songwriter didn’t think his audience was capable of thinking very deeply. Or, the songwriter just had great connections in the industry to record such inane lyrics. (flickr.com) Nashville’s Muzik Mafia Founders Big Kenny, Kenny Alphin and John Rich (former lead singer for Lonestar) of Big and Rich; John Nicholson and Cory Gierman began their journey as the Muzik Mafia in October 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee. The group is made of singers, songwriters and musicians as well as a painter. Their purpose in forming this group was, as John Rich put it: "We wanted to do it on the worst night of the week in the weirdest place in town, so that if anybody showed up, they'd be there because they wanted to hear music, not because they wanted to schmooze." (About.com, 2012) (myspace.com) Some of the Muzik Mafia’s songs tend to shock the sensibilities, but if you listen closely, you hear the simple joy of making music. Others, are honest, tear-jerker ballads about real life. Founders Big and Rich recorded two of the most moving songs: “Holy Water” and “8th of November”. Both address social issues of rape and recovery and a poignant story about a particular Vietnam conflict. "> (YouTube.com) (YouTube.com) These songs are not the only ones with relevant stories to tell…there have been hundreds over the years since the first pressing. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter the story if it’s told honestly and with conviction. Something else that impresses me is the mantra of the Muzik Mafia – “music without prejudice”, - which means anything goes, fiddles and conga drums, steel guitars and saxophones. It also says much for them that the entire group believed in writing and performing music for the sake of music, not for the sake of the industry standards (CMT.com, 2004). References: Big & Rich - 8th Of November (Video) - YouTube . (n.d.). YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpdBvB0hek Billboard. (n.d.). Big & Rich Music News & Info|Billboard.com. Music News, Reviews, Articles, Information, News Online & Free Music|Billboard.com. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.billboard.com/artist/big-rich/592506#/artist/big-rich/592506 Fabian, S. (n.d.). Big & Rich - Biography of Country Music Duo Big & Rich. Country Music. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://countrymusic.about.com/od/bigrich/p/BigandRich_pr.htm Gilbert, C. (2004, May 27). CMT : News : Muzik Mafia Make Vegas an Offer It Couldn't Refuse. Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1487969/muzik-mafia-make-vegas-an-offer-it-couldnt-refuse.jhtml Home. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.lonestarnow.com/ Music Group. (n.d.). Big & Rich - Holy Water (Video) - YouTube. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dXLC1butGc Music Nashville. (n.d.). Big and Rich. Big and Rich. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http://www.bigandrich.com/

Miranda's Way

Miranda Lambert is the epitome of the modern country music woman. From her early beginnings at her father’s knee, she learned the fine art of songwriting. Her first competition at age 10 was just the start of her long and winding road to country music stardom. In choosing people to emulate and pattern a career after, Miranda definitely sets the standard high! She gained notoriety and acceptance from her first fans on the stage at Johnnie High’s Country Music Review in Arlington, Texas. Inspired at 17, she chose to start her own band, “Texas Pride Band”. In the meantime, she learned to play the guitar and was penning her famous songs. The premise behind great artists is the road they chose to take to build their career and their fan base. Starting at the bottom, earning every lesson and award teaches performers and others alike the importance of knowing your craft from the bottom up! Performers have a multitude of things to learn while they are honing their craft such as: timing, stage presence, song selection, songwriting and a plethora of other issues that given any one negative could delay or kill a career. Miranda herself says she didn’t come from typical family upbringing. Her parents ran a detective agency and because her dad was a singer, songwriter on the side influenced her choices in lyrics she shoes to write about life, as she knew it growing up. The video from YouTube is one of my favorites and could have been a song about my life. Although this song is not one Miranda wrote, it clearly tells her story from the beginning! In each of her albums, Miranda gets better and more polished as a singer songwriter. For each of your life experiences begins a song and clearly, Miranda Lambert has the guts, brains and talent to pull off anything thrown at her…and lives life Miranda’s Way… Television Network. (n.d.). Miranda Lambert Print - Biography.com . Famous Biographies & TV Shows - Biography.com. Retrieved March 18,2012, from http://www.biography.com/print/profile/miranda-lambert-369610 Lambert, M. (n.d.). Miranda Lambert. Miranda Lambert. Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://www.mirandalambert.com/ Miranda Lambert Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story - Biography.com . (n.d.). Famous Biographies & TV Shows - Biography.com.Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://www.biography.com/people/miranda-lambert-369610

Keep It Real….

This past week was stressful to say the least! My part-time job at a prominent Christian university felt as though it should have been full-time with all the past rehearsals and preparations for the 6 recitals I am responsible for accompanying.

An issue I want to address is when working with professional musicians; artists need to remember we have a multitude of experiences under our belt. The head of the vocal department reminded me: a little power goes a long way. That was in reference to a situation between myself and a student who was preparing for a senior recital. Because of the privilege of directing a play, this student felt she had the right to dictate to her instructor and myself how the music was going to be performed. What she failed to realize, I have the ability to either make her look really polished or very inept and her skills/musicianship left a lot to be desired.

A little perceived power corrupts and can destroy your career quickly. The smart singer/songwriter usually realizes early on who ultimately keeps them on the charts. A couple of country artists that come to mind are: Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, Jr. Both of these artists have seen the ups and downs of a career over many years and are considered part of the outlaw country movement that had it’s roots in the mid-70’s.

Nelson and Williams have always been outspoken. Just like the Dixie Chicks in their debacle over the comment about President Bush which ultimately led in ruining their career, these guys have also felt the sting of paying the price from untimely comments; Nelson through his support of legalized marijuana and Williams’ recent fiasco with ESPN last fall.

In looking back at these prominent and still performing artists, I realized that we all could learn valuable lessons on how to make it in any genre of the performing arts industry! Most important is keeping your integrity and your passion for what you do best. But, most of all…keep it real….and filter your comments!

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References:
CMT.com : Dixie Chicks : Biography. (2009, October 18). Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/dixie_chicks/bio.jhtml

CMT.com : Willie Nelson : Biography. (2009, October 18). Country Music Television - News, Videos, Artists : Online Radio, Song Lyrics, TV Shows and More. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/nelson_willie/bio.jhtml

Corporation. (n.d.). Explore: Outlaw Country | AllMusic. AllMusic. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.allmusic.com/explore/style/outlaw-country-d2685

Hiestand, M. (2011, October 4). ESPN drops Hank Williams Jr. from 'Monday Night Football'. News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Retrieved March 4, 2012, from http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/10/ready-for-some-controversy-hank-williams-compares-golf-with-obama-to-hitler/1#.T1QWdcyfA2Y

Reuters. (2003, March 14). CNN.com - Dixie Chicks pulled from air after bashing Bush - Mar. 14, 2003. CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/14/dixie.chicks.reut/

We’re Gonna Do What?

            Yes, I said you are going to make a personal appearance at a *******, give a private performance and make x-amount of money for a 2 hour gig!

            Because of the record label’s decline in the past 20 years, many of us as artists and managers look for unique ways to promote our client’s careers.  It is forcing us to be more creative to produce a steady income stream.

            New artists pay their dues by beginning in churches, bars, fairs, festivals and private parties.  It was a huge accomplishment 30 years ago to land a record deal. Now, the possibility and reality of new artists making their own recordings and uploading them to the Internet for sale and distribution is commonplace.   Typically, having a contract with a label means: they get paid first.  Reason is, they put out the majority of the money necessary for recording, promotion, touring, booking, etc. 

The great advantage of having access and knowledge of the Internet is that not only is it easy to upload a single song recording or complete album, but the resources are there to find out how.

            If an new artist, or even an established one kicking the traces of being tied to a label, is savvy with research and maybe even has a manager or someone in the industry to guide them, finding out ways to make money off their music is simple.

            The article I found by David Sherbow, gives an extensive list of ideas for creating income streams from multiple paths.  There are the traditional album sales and digital downloads, royalties, publishing opportunities, merchandise and sponsorships. But, there are also some more creative ideas such as paying an artist to write a song for you and maybe even you pay that artist to record with him/her.  For the most practical of us, teaching in some capacity offers a great source of revenue when you are starting our in your career.  But, my favorite piece of advice was the “Any job available to survive and keep making music” at the bottom of the list! 

            Good luck everyone in your search for a dream…if you find a unique way to support your music habit…would you leave me a comment?  I am always looking for ways to help my clients succeed in this very fickle business!

Sherbow, D. (n.d.). A List Of Income Streams For Musicians - hypebot. hypebot. Retrieved   February 19, 2012, from http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2010/01/a-list-of-income-streams-for-  musicians.html

Survival for New Artists 101

            With the advent of the digital downloads, obtaining music as we knew it becomes a thing of the past and is a much simpler process now.  An article by David Byrne gives a multitude of interesting facts about the history of music to current, albeit 2007, standards in which we obtain music for our use.

            I loved Byrne’s description of the history of music.  He described music in the past was used strictly for social function and entertainment.  Nearly every possible social avenue you could think of from pubs to soirees to the church as well as the home.  Once music was performed, that was the extent of your experience. You could only relive it in your mind. 

            As he relates, music in the 20^th century is part of our “social fabric”; indeed, it permeates our lives.  There are few instances where you do not associate music with events in your life.

            I said all of that to give hope to the new, emerging music artist.  Our technology is reinventing itself almost daily!  Think of how far the recording industry has traveled in 135 years: from the first phonograph in 1877 by Thomas Edison to the current mp3 and digital downloads.

            Now, there are several different distribution models for the music industry:

             If you want to have a stress-free and hands-off experience, then the 360 deal is for you.  Every aspect of your career and music distribution is handled for you with a wider degree of promotion.  Byrne lists the Pussycat Dolls, Korn and Robin Williams as artists letting one organization handle their touring, recording, merch but with little creative control. The one positive of such a deal would be the money often offered up front.  The recent signing of Madonna to Live Nation will be a model worth watching to see how she maintains control of her career.

            On the other end of the spectrum is the self-distribution model where “the music is self-produced, self-written, self-played, and self-marketed.”  (¶33).  The upside to this approach would be the advantage of having complete control over your music, how it is produced, recorded and distributed. The downside, not very cost effective if you are on limited funds.

            Check out the rest of the article to find out more about the other distribution models available for new artists.  Byrne has several charts and statistics to back up his information.  Just like each of us is unique, one of these models will fit your needs. 

Byrne, D. (2007, December 18). David Byrne's Survival Strategies for Emerging Artists.    Wired.com . Retrieved February 19, 2012, from http://www.wired.com/print/entertainment/music/magazine/16-01/ff_byrne

Attorney in Arkansas: Clint Mathis

          After searching for an Entertainment Lawyer in Arkansas, I came to the conclusion that Arkansas did not have one. So, during an appointment with my attorney, Clint Mathis, I interviewed him with the goal of retaining him as one.

            Mr. Mathis lives and works in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and comes from a family of attorneys. His father, William Travis Mathis, was an attorney that started the family tradition.  Clint worked in his father’s office doing research, “drafting dictation and helping with legal arguments.” (LawAdvocateOnline.com, 2007).  His sister, Sherry, practices Medical Malpractice and his brother, Travis was an attorney for 14 years then became a traveling nurse.

            On the website, Mr. Mathis’ biography lists his experience in criminal, divorce and child custody cases as well as personal injury. He has also served as counsel to large corporations.  His attitude shouts complete confidence in his ability and experience. He says, “It's not bragging if it is a fact.” 

            It was exciting talking music business with Mr. Mathis; he had an interest in Entertainment Law several years ago and had copies of many contracts and riders that I will be able to pattern my business contracts after.  We discussed the difference in Entertainment Law and other types were mainly the terms of the trade. Since a law or a contract governs nearly everything we do, he already knows the basics of this division of the law.  He also pointed out the necessity for contracts with venues.

            During our conversation, Mathis advised using thumb or flash drives for press kits and some of the components needed for promoting any artist.  I also spoke with him about some basic terms of a contract I needed to protect myself such as my percentages of bookings and possible publishing deals.  I have already established some terms with one young artist I recently found and have two other artists making decisions soon about hiring me as their manager.

            In this business, the contract is crucial!  I can already tell how close I will be with my clients and it will be difficult to maintain that business relationship amidst a friendship. Having a legal, binding contract that spells out details will ensure that our partnership will be more profitable and enjoyable. I am looking forward to working with Mr. Mathis as my legal counsel as I believe he is trustworthy and aggressive in protecting his client’s assets.

Mathis, C. (n.d.). Law Advocate Online - Mathis Law Firm. Law Advocate Online - Mathis Law Firm. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://www.lawadvocateonline.com/

A Review of Recent Lawsuits in the Country Music Industry

The environment for lawsuits is created when there are contracts between people.  Lawsuits are the citizen’s protection against others who would take advantage of them.  In this blog, I want to focus on three recent lawsuits involving Brad Paisley, Sugarland and Tim McGraw. 

Royalties are important to the songwriter and the lawsuit Paisley filed against his record label alleges Sony underestimated the amount he was due. Shannon (Nashville Gab, 2011, ¶4) reported that Paisley wanted copies of the records from Sony proving the amount of royalties he was due since 2004.  When the judge ruled, Paisley was only allowed to ask for royalties’ paperwork from 2006 on due to some agreement with Sony (Taste of Country, 2011, ¶2). 

In my opinion, Paisley was justified in requesting the paperwork from Sony to verify his claim. If, in fact, he was underpaid, then Sony would be responsible for reimbursing him for unpaid royalties. Since I’m not a lawyer, I can only speculate that he is also due the interest he would have accrued on those royalties. 

The lawsuit filed against Sugarland alleges they were negligent in the stage collapse at a their August 2011 Indiana State Fair.  In an article by the Huffington Post, the duo’s contract with the fair stated they “had the final say on whether to cancel the concert due to weather” (2011, ¶4).  Because of the decision by the group to have a “prayer break”, they were spared injury during the incident.  The defendants feel that Sugarland should have been more aware of the weather and cancelled the concert (Zobaib Ahmed, 2011, ¶7).  

While my heart goes out to the families affected by this terrible tragedy, doesn’t common sense have a place in this lawsuit?  Just because their contract stated Sugarland had final say…the attendees should have used common sense to “get out of the weather” if they felt threatened and should not have relied on other people to make a decision for them.  I do not think the duo could have ever imagined what happened or would have allowed the concert to go on had they had any clue how serious the weather really was. 

In late spring, 2011, Curb Records filed lawsuit claiming a breach of contract due to the delivery of McGraw’s last recording of his “Emotional Traffic” album.  McGraw’s contract specified how soon he could deliver a new album after the release of the previous one.  “Emotional Traffic” was delivered in Oct. 2010 after being “written and mastered” in 2009/2010 (Maher, May 25, 2011, ¶4).  McGraw countersued Curb by asking for “advance payment and recording-fund reimbursement, unspecified damages, and a jury trial.”(¶1).   There are other issues between Curb and McGraw concerning country radio’s perception of the album and problems with business relationships involved in his tour (¶5).

This case was a little more complicated to form an opinion.  McGraw had a 20-year, incredibly successful, relationship with Curb Records. It feels like Curb took advantage of their long-standing contract and by causing issues with business acquaintances.  McGraw won his suit against Curb and was released to choose his own label or form his own. (WYRK, 2011, ¶3).

References

Ahmed, Z. (2011, November 23). Fans File Lawsuit against Country Duo Sugarland. Music, Videos, News and Lyrics. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://www.kovideo.net/fans-file-lawsuit-against-country-duo-sugarland-news-sugarland-4504.html

Alan, B. (2011, November 30). Tim McGraw Wins Lawsuit Against Curb Records - Country 106.5 WYRK Radio. Country 106.5 WYRK Radio - Buffalo Music. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://wyrk.com/tim-mcgraw-wins-lawsuit-against-curb-records/

Conaway, A. (2011, December 5). Brad Paisley Reportedly Sues Record Label. Country Music News - Taste of Country. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://tasteofcountry.com/brad-paisley-sues-sony-records/

Post. (2011, November 22). Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse: 48 Victims Sue Sugarland (DISTURBING VIDEO). Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/23/indiana-state-fair-stage-collapse_n_1109385.html

Maher, C. (2011, May 17). Tim McGraw Hit With Breach of Contract Lawsuit by Curb Records Over ˜Emotional Traffic™ Album. Country Music News - Taste of Country. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://tasteofcountry.com/tim-mcgraw-lawsuit-curb-records/

Maher, C. (2011, May 25). Tim McGraw Files Countersuit Against Curb Records. Country Music News - Taste of Country. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://tasteofcountry.com/tim-mcgraw-curb-records-lawsuit/

New Page. (2011, November 23). Fans File Lawsuit against Country Duo Sugarland. www.onenewspage.com. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from www.onenewspage.com/n/Entertainment/74mxa2xjb/Fans-File-Lawsuit-against-Country-Duo-Sugarland.htm

Shannon. (2011, December 4). NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville gossip: The Legal File. NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville gossip. Retrieved January 8, 2012, from http://www.nashvillegab.com/the_legal_file/

Waddell, R. (2011, May 17). Tim McGraw Sued By Label for Breach of Contract | Billboard.com. Music News,

              Reviews, Articles, Information, News Online & Free Music | Billboard.com. Retrieved January 8, 

              2012, from http://www.billboard.com/news/tim-mcgraw-sued-by-label-for-breach-of-contract

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