Web site improvement|David Beckham|Herbalife sponsorship|Studio improvement

'One Minute With Dec'

The widest read, 'delivered to your Email box', weekly music Ezine on the Music Net.

The Archive - '3'

Written by Dec Cluskey with a little bit of help from his friends.

We do not condone any Music Scam on the Net

This Email first mailed to all Members of 'The Serious Writers Guild' and subscribers to 'One Minute With Dec' on

02 November 2007

FREE INFO PACK? QUICK CREDIT CARD HOTLINE? FREE INFO PACK? QUICK CREDIT CARD HOTLINE? FREE INFO PACK? QUICK CREDIT CARD HOTLINE?
or just prove we are real?

    +44 (0)1323.728005
[UK office hours]

Want to apply to join 'The Serious Writers Guild' and receive the award winning ten month program: "How To Make A $Million From Your Music" now?

"as secure as when you buy in your local shop"

Latest Music News     Quality Information     Techniques   Cutting Edge Advice for Today

Run by real, successful, active, performing and music making human beings - not 'faceless' businessmen.

=================================

'One Minute With Dec'

The Music Industry's Insider.

Since 1996

"My Emails Are Written With Good Humour And Should Be Read With A Smile"

[-The views of any contributor to 'One Minute with Dec' are not necessarily the views of Dec Cluskey-]

Proud Members of Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce

NEW: See all our products now at: http://makehits.com/products090707/index.html

Can't read it properly? Archive version at http://www.makehits.com/oneminarchive021107.htm

Scroll To The Bottom For Easy Add/get rid Info

Proud Members of Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce

=================================

"My Emails Are Written With Good Humour And Should Be Read With A Smile"

[-The views of any contributor to 'One Minute with Dec' are not necessarily the views of Dec Cluskey-]

"Shallow men believe in luck.

Strong men believe in cause and effect."

Sorry for being away so long!
Two good guitar ideas [you will love these]
Don't get caught by scams! [the Web is full of them!]
It Ain't Gonna Happen [sadly!]
9th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST DEADLINE IS COMING SOON [ Maybe this is your cup of tea?]
Success Stories
Visual Laughs? [ You won't believe this! Even Simon laughed ]
Charts
Subscriber's Section [ releasing dance material ]
The gags: ..... Willy again! Voted The Best Australian Joke Of 2006 !!

Sorry for being away so long!

I have had to complete 29 minutes of complex music ... producing, arranging, orchestrating and playing/singing, mixing in the past few weeks ... apart from a busy schedule of concerts .... my MySpace schedule for my band only shows a fraction of what I get up to privately and with the band for private functions. My band was voted 'best big name act in the UK' this year so you can imagine the workload. Best bit is I get to see a lot and let you have the info!

And the new web-site? Check out the preliminary pre release version at: http://www.makehits.betawebsite6.co.uk/ this is purely a pre release .. so some tweaking to be done!

Two good guitar ideas [you will love these]

I was with Joe Brown [major long time star in the UK] last night ... packed house at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.

Neil Gauntlett, his principal guitarist, for years was using .... guess what? The Boss foot pedal delay and sampler that I have been talking about! It would seem that practically every guitarist of note has used that unit at one time or another [I am beginning to regret I got rid of mine now!]

As an aside, the whole show was kitted out with Marshall amps. The stunner was the new 18 Watt replica amp. [part of the Vintage series]. So simple ... smallish, plain looking, looked great and boy did they sound good.

The guys were using purpose built stands that leaned the amp back, had a hole in the back that collected the bottom end sound from the open back of the amps and directed it forward through an opening under the unit .... what an idea .... and boy did it work.

Each of the three guitarists has superb definition through the P.A. [Martin Audio]. The stand idea meant that there was precious little spillage of sound on stage ... all the sound from each amp. was going forward. The drummer [Phil], particularly relished the idea ... no more deafening amps wrecking his ears.

They were also using, at times, the Line 6 Variax 600 guitar.... a modelling guitar that allows a huge amount of instantaneous variation of tone on board and even allows instant change of tuning ...Open G, DADGAD, D-MODAL, Drop-D, or any tuning you can imagine, without ever needing a tuner.

Go to http://www.line6.com/variax/

"The achievement of one goal should be the starting point of
another." "Alexander Graham Bell:

Don't get caught by scams! [the Web is full of them!]

A cursory examination of the web will reveal numerous programs that consist primarily of people trying to sell something that they got hooked on. Basically they are trying to recover their money by finding other suckers that are just as dumb as they were.

Are there good programs on the web? Sure, but for goodness sake, use some common sense. Just because it is on the web doesn't make it an automatic money generator. For success on the Net you must have a product, service or opportunity that will pass the basic credibility test [music is one of the best]. If people don't think it is a good deal, they will simply "click away".

But there are people making money - they have found their "niche market". So what is your niche? Is there something that you know a lot about, perhaps a hobby? Can you produce a product that might be of interest to others?

If you want to make a living on the internet, you must find your niche. One of the things that always frustrates someone who does have a product, is the lack of time to sell it. Why not approach a few people who do have a good product, and offer to have them represent you for a piece of the action? Someone who has an existing "mall" might be a good candidate. Since you will be controlling the delivery of the "goods", it will be pretty hard for them "beat" you out of the money due.

Finding a niche is key on the "net". Those that do, with reasonable advertising, can enjoy the benefits.

Bob Osgoodby

"What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists
and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind
in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined
not to quit until he finds it."

It Ain't Gonna Happen [sadly!]

Robert Plant, frontman of the newly reformed Led Zeppelin, has quashed rumours that the band are set for a full UK tour.

So far the band have announced a single reunion show at the O2 Arena in London on November 26.

He explained that there would only be one show, then added: "We need to do one last great show, because we've done some shows, and they've been crap."

Plant went on to explain that he was considering stepping away from live music completely after the November show.

"I know I'm getting on," he said. "When I come back from touring I'm shocked to find a lot of my mates tend to be going to bed far too early, and that means I should probably be doing the same. Maybe I should stop having a good time and get old."
.

"Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent
perspiration." Thomas Edison

9th ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST DEADLINE IS COMING SOON [ Maybe this is your cup of tea?]

The Great American Song Contest offers $10,000 in prizes and features awards for 45 winners in 9 categories. Entrants receive written evaluations of their songs. Music-industry judges include prominent publishers, recording artists, songwriters and producers. This annual International event is sponsored by Songwriters Resource Network, a trusted education resource for songwriters. Submission deadline is Nov. 16, 2007.

http://www.greatamericansong.com/

"Concentrate all your thoughts on the task at hand. The sun's
rays do not burn until brought to a focus."

Success Stories

'Lila' enters Irish charts this week at 39!

Mark McAllister

Urban Angel Music Ltd

1st Floor

126 Bloomfield Avenue

Belfast

BT5 5AE

+44 870 460 0290

+44 772 592 8016

www.urbanangelmusic.co.uk

Another:

"Do excuse my language, but this is some good shit Dec! (Smiling) Three-quarters through this highly condensed/"anti-fluff" material and I feel like I read a whole encyclopedia. Experiential vs. Theoretical Brouhah ... Wonderful!

I look forward to seeing how deep this rabbit hole gets and applying the principles found therein.

Thanks,

Mike / "Logic Makoto" [Nigeria]

Visual Laughs? [ You won't believe this! Even Simon laughed ]

Biertijd.com // Media » Damon Scott & Bubbles

"The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is
because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard
work."

=====================

Charts:

USA [my thanks to Charles in the USA for supplying this]

UK [Shop bought + official downloads]

1) Leona Lewis
Bleeding Love
(Syco Music)
http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/

2) Take That
Rule The World
(Polydor)
http://www.takethattv.com/page/Home/0,,12359,00.html

3) McFly
The Heart Never Lies
(Island)
http://www.mcflyofficial.com/home/

Download Chart [now the most important chart in the UK ]

1) Leona Lewis
Bleeding Love
(Sony BMG Music)

2) Take That
Rule The World
(Universal Music)

3) Sugababes
About You Now
(Universal Music)

"He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up."
Paul Keating

Subscriber's Section [ releasing dance material ]

Hi Dec,

I wondered if you could help.

I am looking at releasing dance material (commercial disco house, elektro house, funky house etc..)that I have written (music/lyrics), using session singers I know.

This would be done on my own Label Imprint and obviously through downloads also. Do you have any
ideas regarding a contract I could use for this kind of thing. Obviously, a singer can recoup something through
the PPL system, but would it be best to arrange for a 50/50 split through the Label Imprint (is that too much?)
or would you suggest some sort of "buyout", my main concern is that I don't have much money, so I'm looking for the easiest and cheapest route!

My next question would also be, is there somewhere one can get a simple contract like this rather than
paying a Lawyer "silly" monies!

Lastly, do you still have information regarding starting a Publishing Company? I suspect that would also be a good idea!

Many thanks

B**

My Reply:

Our rules are "one short reply to ONE question 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 ".

B**

<<<<<my main concern is that I don't have much money, >>>>>>

And how many times have I heard that from music guys? [grin!] You have had 'How to Make A $Million From Your Music' ... so you should, if you have followed what I said, be making serious dosh!

Almost all disco/house etc. music is low cost/low sale stuff... in other words, modestly produced [although to an extremely high standard] ... it is usually licensed to companies who deal with this stuff .... the deals are usually dismal. In other words, again, the wild stories you hear af a friend of a friend of a third cousin getting £30,000 for each track in Germany are the stuff of fantasy.

In rare cases [Freemasons, for instance] you can get a good reputation for remixes and cash in by charging per remix .... but again, a difficult game to get into, and the remix fees aren't as huge as are thought!

A licensing deal is usually an advance plus a percentage of 10%-25% depending on your reputation and the sellability of the product. Don't hold your breath for the royalties [you probably will not get any] ... so the logic is to get the best advance you can. However, that advance will be tiny towards what you think you can get. All the negotiation skills are covered in 'How To Make A $Million'.

It is ESSENTIAL to be business like and keep accurate files of all contracts, letters, Emails, contacts etc. You WILL be ripped off as this end of the market is full of villains. But if you are business like you can beat them at their own game ... My band had 5 bootleg albums released in one month ... that takes a lot of work to check and collect .... I have just brought another back from overseas!

<<<<<<<Do you have any ideas regarding a contract I could use for this kind of thing>>>>>>>

All the contracts necessary for this sort of operation are in 'How To Start Your Own Publishing Company for Less Than £100" at www.makehits.co.uk/publishing.htm ... or call 01323.728005 in office hours.

<<<<<Obviously, a singer can recoup something through the PPL system>>>>>>>

In theory, yes, but I don't know one who is business like enough to do that! And it is not up to you to advise them! They can also pick up on VPL [Video Performance Limited] I do hope that you are set up to receive PPL and VPL?

<<<<<<<would it be best to arrange for a 50/50 split through the Label Imprint (is that too much?)>>>>>>>

A simple session fee is all that is required for a 'contracted artist' .... unless they have a specific contract with you that allows them a split of the sale price. This would normally be only done with a name artist or potential name. In law, the person who pays for the product owns the product ... that is the principal of all produced music. So, it is again ESSENTIAL to pay the session singers/players and obtain a receipt stating the session day, title/titles, composer, lyricist, Publishing Company and a note to say "this is in full and final settlement of any entitlement re. "track title".

Sadly, almost always, you will find that they will not have a clue! But they will quote Charlie down the pub who knows a thing or two.

<<<<<<<My next question would also be, is there somewhere one can get a simple contract like this rather than paying a Lawyer "silly" monies!>>>>>>>

The going rate from a solicitor [who will simply cut and paste a standard contract, is £2,000 per contract. In 'How To Start your own Publishing etc.' you get all on CDrom and in hard copy for £87.50.

As regards publishing, this is where you make the REAL dosh! Every single track should be assigned to your own Publishing Company - otherwise some Publishing Company will take 50% and leave you with only 50% instead of 100%.

DEC [Cluskey]
mailto:dec@makehits.com

The best product list in the 'success in music' business:

http://www.makehits.com/products090707/index.html

https://secure.mistral.co.uk/makehits/swgappsecure.htm or fast cred*it card line: +44 1323.728005 or UK 01323.728005

Make it a Great Week ......

Dec contact Dec direct at dec@makehits.com He answers every Email.

=================================

The gags: ..... Willy again! Voted The Best Australian Joke Of 2006 !!

A bloke's wife goes missing while diving off the West Australian
coast. He reports the event, searches fruitlessly and spends a
terrible night wondering what could have happened to her.

Next morning there's a knock at the door and he is confronted by a
couple of policemen, the old Sarge and a younger Constable.

The Sarge says, "Mate, we have some news for you, unfortunately some
really bad news, but, some good news, and maybe some more good news."

"Well," says the bloke, "I guess I'd better have the bad news first?"
The Sarge says, "I'm really sorry mate, but your wife is dead. Young
Bill here found her lying at about five fathoms in a little cleft in
the reef. He got a line around her and we pulled her up, but she was dead."

The bloke is naturally pretty distressed to hear of this and has a
bit of a turn. But after a few minutes he pulls himself together and asks,
"what's the good news.......??

The Sarge says, "Well when we got your wife up there were quite a few
really good sized crays and a swag of nice crabs attached to her, so
we've brought you your share."

He hands the bloke a sugar bag with a couple of nice crays and four
or five crabs in it.

"Geez thanks. They're bloody beauties. I guess it's an ill wind and
all that... So what's the other possible good news?"

"Well," the Sarge says, "if you fancy a quick trip, me and young Bill
here get off duty at around 11 o'clock and we're gonna shoot over
there and pull her up again.....!"

============================================

How to set up a Demo consultation with Dec?

The Professional service the Professionals use. Even available for voice and guitar!

Simply get in touch by Email - click this link: demo@makehits.co.uk and tell me that you want to send your material for a full critique and appraisal. We will then send you a unique PIN number to put on your letter or Jiffy Bag. This will ensure you get immediate attention. This is also for security reasons. We do not open unsolicited Jiffy Bags.

For full details click on this link: www.makehits.co.uk/demo.htm

Back to the list page for Archive 'One Minute With Dec's'? Click HERE.

Heard enough, want to apply to join 'The Serious Writers Guild' and receive the award winning ten month program: "How To Make A $Million From Your Music" now?

"as secure as when you buy in your local shop"

[As members of Data Protection Register your details will never be given to ANYONE]

To pay by any other method please check out the payment methods on the secure page. Any queries re payment just contact me directly. I'll get back in touch with you within hours: dec@makehits.com

For your further protection, we are recognised by British Actors Equity.

Dec Cluskey
The Serious Writers Guild,
Stanton Prior,
Darley Road,
Meads,
Eastbourne BN20 7UH in the UK
Email: dec@makehits.com

Fax.: +44 (0)1323.729318

FREE INFO PACK? QUICK CREDIT CARD HOTLINE?
or just prove we are real?
+44 (0)1323.728005
[UK office hours]

Also at:

Denton Road
Meads
Eastbourne

and

Il Cortes Del Golf, El Paraiso, Benavista, Costa Del Sol, Spain

Sign up now or risk losing the place to someone else.

The number of places is strictly limited per year, so act now, today. Click the blue link under:

Order 'How To Make A $Million From Your Music' Now?

For your complete privacy and protection 'The Serious Writers Guild' is proud to be registered with the Data Protection Register Reg. number Z5952061. We never share your details with anyone.

Copyright ©2007 MakeHits.com, Dec Cluskey. All rights reserved.

Go To 'MAKEHITS' Home Page?

Go to Site Search?

http://www.makehits.com/oneminarchive120907.htm -- Revised: 12 August 2007
Copyright © 2007 MAKEHITS. All rights reserved.
Maintained by: contact@makehits.com

Proud Members of Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce