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'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'

Maya Angelou 

Menu: 

What a success story? [ instant proof that it all works? ]

Here is what's wrong with YOUR sweep picking technique [by Mike Philippov http://mikephilippov.com/]

The dancer auditions for the Jackson shows [done in a strange way?]

Who is Philip Solomon?  [ a question I get asked a lot ]

Testimonials

Subscriber's Section [ are there great talents left undiscovered? ]

The gags: .....      [The "F" Word... When is it Acceptable?  From Willy ]

 

What a success story? [ instant proof that it all works? ] 

It is rare that one of my ‘Serious Writers Guild’ members takes all my teaching and carves a successful career for himself in, not only their music businesses, but in helping others set up their own companies as well.  Any business can benefit from what the book Paul Hurst has written. 

Having developed specialist niche companies providing entertainment for barn dances, ceilidhs [Irish and Scottish dance nights] and medieval banquets, Paul Hurst has drawn on not only his musical experience, but from his time working in accounts and administration for many other companies (and even County Courts) to provide a wealth of practical information, tips, and contact addresses. 

Paul is now making serious dosh from his music business and from all the businesses he is involved with, just as I said he would. 

His book:  “Business Survival & Prosperity Guaranteed”, one hundred and ninety one pages containing over thirty years of practical experience, from possibly the only musician ever booked to play on, in and under the English Channel! 

If you only take one benefit from this ‘One Minute With Dec’ take this …. Check it out…. 

http://www.new-business-doctor.com/BSPG-DC.html 

 

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

Maya Angelou 

Here is what's wrong with YOUR sweep picking technique [by Mike Philippov http://mikephilippov.com/] 

If you began to read this, chances are that you have been working on your guitar sweep picking technique and struggled with improving it.  

If this sounds like you, then Mike wants to show you how to avoid the 4 most common technical pitfalls that many guitarists fall into when trying to improve their sweep picking. 

Read on: 

http://www.guitarsite.com/news/guitar_lessons/here_is_whats_wrong_with_your_sweep_picking_technique/?nl557 

 

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands;

you need to be able to throw some things back.'

Maya Angelou 

The dancer auditions for the Jackson shows [done in a strange way?] 

You may have found the dancer auditions for the Jackson shows on Utube .. totally fascinating.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YrA8MzFAaI 

They were conducted just like the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ TV shows … aping the model set by Simon Cowell.  Dancers from all over the world registered for the auditions … literally thousands.  So they ended up with what would be considered the best set of dancers ever assembled. 

This method of auditioning must have attracted many amateurs but the end result speaks for itself … no amateurs selected - just the best hoofers [professional slang-speak for dancers] in the world that were available. 

I smiled at the way the director described the final set of guys chosen:  

"They land on a dime and give you ten cents change"  'This is it' producer director

 

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,

I usually make the right decision.'

Maya Angelou 

Who is Philip Solomon?  [ a question I get asked a lot ] 

Yep, a usual question …. 

This Philip Solomon is not the drum guy [vaguely similar name that won't come to me at the moment].  

Philip was one of the Solomon family from Belfast ... the family business was Solomon and Peres who had the distribution rights of all records in Ireland ... Philip's father then bought a majority shareholding in Decca when they were on their uppers in the fifties.  This gave Philip massive influence in Decca through Dick Rowe, a very close friend of Philip and then myself.  I was with Dick when he died ... a great honour.... and organised his funeral.  Lionel Solomon had a string of Record shops in N. Ireland ... Mervin Solomon started Emerald Records ... who became huge in Ireland ... then Philip came to UK ... discovered Ruby Murray [first artist to have 1,2,3,4,5 in the chart at the same time ... only equalled by The Beatles, I believe.] 

Then discovered Bridie Gallagher ... huge with Irish people ... then Pam Ayres, Van Morrison, The Dubliners, Malcolm Roberts, Raymonde Le Fevre [still the biggest selling orchestra ever], Phil Coulter, Frank Carson, Lena Zavaroni ... he had a deal with Opportunity Knocks [Hughie Green] that all the upcoming winners were passed to him.  Involved with Tom Jones, Englebert, Gilbert O'Sullivan.   

Dorothy and Philip get a huge glowing mention from Sharon Osbourne in her recent book [as I do!] 

He managed my band’s recording career.  We co-owned Radio Caroline with him for a spell [hence the film: “The Ship that Rocked the World”].  Started Major Minor Records, Galaxy Records. 

Then opened Solomon Galleries [art] and became a massive force in the art world - David Hockney and others were 'made' by him. 

An inspiration, to this day.... I learned more about style, culture and business from Philip than anyone else.  A fantastic, larger than life character.  We don't see guys like him in Show Biz. any more.  In writing this I have just called Dorothy ... he has had a bout of illness but he has gotten through and is now in the best of health.   

 

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

Maya Angelou 

Testimonials 

“Hi Dec,

And thanks again for all the help along the way. I do try and ‘pass the ladder back down’ as I go along, but am unlikely to help as many as you have!

All the best … Paul

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. 

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.'

Maya Angelou

 

Subscriber's Section [ are there great talents left undiscovered? ]

“Hi Dec 

You say “The real fact is that it is impossible to be a great talent and not be discovered” 

I say:  nonsense!  I can show you many great talents who have not been discovered. 

N***” 

My Reply:    

Our rules are "one short reply to ONE question on music FOR NON-MEMBERS, Members of 'The Serious Writers Guild' have unlimited personal access to Dec by direct telephone, Fax and Email, apply at https://secure.mistral.co.uk/makehits/swgappsecure.htm ".     

[Any advice given here shall not be deemed as financial or legal advice under any existing or future laws of any country] 

N***  

In the words of the immortal poet:  name one?  [grin!] 

Whenever I have posed that question the answer is always the same ... "there's plenty" ....  

Dec: "Well - bring one to me, or I'll go and see 'em"  "I'll give you a £10,000 introduction fee if you are right"

Punter: "Eh, well I'm a bit busy now, but I'll let you know"  [Tiny beads of sweat appearing on his brow] 

Dec: "Oh by the way, is he/she 55 years old, pot belly, three stone overweight, pongs a bit and hasn't been to a decent dentist in 15 years?  Wears the same jeans for a week and never changes to go on stage?  Possibly follicly challenged? [bald]  Psoriasis, to some degree, is a given.   

Smokes a lot and drinks pints of beer?  The bedside manner of a terrorist?  Conversational skills of a Nepalese monk.  Can hardly speak intelligible English, although he is English/American?   

Wouldn't know what stage lights are in his presentations, prefers singing in the dark?   

The band's gear is all dodgy stuff from the 60's that buzzes, crackles and breaks down a lot [always at the most critical time?].  Instruments the same … out of a sinking Ark with ancient microphones that should be in the science Museum? 

The guitar player hasn't changed his strings for two years because he likes them 'worn in'?  He loves his 1957 Fender.  [ used to belong to Jimi Hendrix? ]  We won't even mention the bass player's strings.  And the drummers skins?   

The 'talented' singer likes a drink before he goes on - to loosen him up?  His 'classy' entrance consists of stumbling on stage with a pint pot of beer/water, turns his tuchas to the audience, bends down to put the glass beside the mic.?  And this he will do between each number?  They insist that every single note is live?" 

Punter:  "Come on, you're pulling my leg now" 

Dec: "Nope, I guess I've got it about right?"  "In fact, pretty spot on?" 

Punter: "Eh, eh, eh, well ... yes .... I'll see you round ... but you are wrong, there is great talent around that has not been discovered!" 

Dec: "Yeah right!"  [a double positive to make a negative?] 

They only exist in the minds of enthusiastic novices who have missed the boat.  They haven't the faintest idea what is required in this business for success.  You can take that information to the bank and bank it. 

[ not meant to irritate, put down, denigrate or annoy .... just the cold, honest and hard to swallow truth.]  

If you really want the correct information about success in performing check out http://www.liveperforming.com  

Regards

Dec [Cluskey]  dec@makehits.com  

2 Gold discs in 2008!  Decca have relaunched their ‘World Of’ series on the back of those hits.  Readers Digest are now promoting a triple album set …. Do you think I can help your music career succeed?  

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Please consider the environment, do you really need to print this email?  

 

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“3 Minutes on the Radio with Dec” …. Available immediately at http://www.myspace.com/makehits 

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The gags: .....      [The "F" Word... When is it Acceptable?  From Willy – NOT ME! ] 

There are only eleven times in history where the "F" word has been considered acceptable for use.

 

11. "What the @#$% do you mean, we are sinking?" -- Capt. E.J. Smith of RMS Titanic, 1912 

10. "What the @#$% was that?" -- Mayor Of Hiroshima, 1945  

9. "Where did all those @#$%ing Indians come from?" -- Custer, 1877 

8. "Any @#$%ing idiot could understand that." -- Einstein, 1938 

7. "It does so @#$%ing look like her!" -- Picasso, 1926 

6. "How the @#$% did you work that out?" -- Pythagoras, 126 BC 

5. "You want WHAT on the @#$%ing ceiling?" -- Michelangelo, 1566 

4. "Where the @#$% are we?" -- Amelia Earhart, 1937 

3. "Scattered @#$%ing showers, my ass!" -- Noah, 4314 BC 

2. "Aw c'mon. Who the @#$% is going to find out?" -- Bill Clinton, 1998 

and a drum roll please............! 

1.     "Geez, I didn't think they'd get this @%#*ing mad." -- Saddam Hussein, 2003

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