The Music Business is like any other business --
there are excellent, caring legitimate people and business -- and
there are scams. Run from ads that say "Sell your songs" or "we can
put hit melodies to your lyrics."
Few songwriters like the business end of
songwriting - getting your "children" out there and risking
rejection. It's easier to justify paying money to someone else
who's promising the moon.
Deal with all companies and people with a healthy
skepticism - legitimate ones will gladly answer your questions and
you should verify their answers. If someone gets upset by your
questions, then run (if they aren't cooperative BEFORE they get
your money, how will they act AFTER you've sent that
check?).
Legitimate songwriters and publishers NEVER "buy"
or "sell" songs. If that is news to you, then read "Step 5" in
6 Steps to Songwriting Success and Part 1 of This
Business of Songwriting. You should never pay to have a melody
written to your lyric (or vice versa) unless you are doing it for
your own enjoyment (and ask for demos of their work before you send
in any money). If you aren't getting any publisher interest in your
songs, then a song plugger won't be able to get you success either.
The credentials of a song plugger should be more than dropping off
CDs with the receptionist -- verify his or her claims of
success.
Our books and instructional CDs can help you
learn, understand, and achieve your goals. Jason's students have
had hit songs, publishing contracts, and staff writing
deals.
The critique service is done by producers and hit
songwriters having success in the current market. They will help
you make your songs stronger and more competitive.
The list of Nashville demo studios is
not all-inclusive of the hundreds of good studios in
Nashville. The list is a compilation of ones our clients and
students have used and we know are legitimate. They will be glad to
send you demos of their work. We have no connection with any of
them and receive nothing from them if you decide to use one of
them.
Good luck with your writing and may all your hard
work and perserverence pay off --
from Neil Rice, JB's assistant
