The widest read, 'delivered to your Email box', weekly music Ezine on the Music Net.
The Archive - '2'
A service from 'The
Serious Writers Guild' at MAKEHITS.COM
Written by Dec Cluskey with a little bit of help from his friends.
This Email first mailed to all Members of 'The Serious Writers Guild' and subscribers to 'One Minute With Dec' on
06 AUGUST 04
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"Where the lil' guy gets the same chance as the big guy" Latest Music News Quality Information TechniquesCutting Edge Advice for TodayRun by real, successful, active, performing and music making human beings - not 'faceless' businessmen. ================================= 'One Minute With Dec' "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-] "Truth -
Accuracy - with no Flannel....that is our promise here at 'The Serious
Writers Guild'. "I'm so broke I can't even pay attention." jimmi hendrix I'm so embarrassed by the success stories! I have often had weeks where I have been deluged by thank-you notes from Members of the Serious Writers Guild....but this week takes the biscuit. All these guys did was buy the ten month program "How To Make A $Million From Your Music"...follow the method for music success to the letter and success was assured. It certainly gives help with songwriting and Hit music making. One guy, David Shelton called me: "Dec, it's all down to you, I only did what you told me to do". David wrote 'Innocent People' which was one of the only 9/11 songs to get success...it was even played on Remembrance Day.....he got a gang of 'name' recording stars to record it with him and had the airways buzzing in the States. Since January he has been putting together a state of the art venue in Cheshire, North West England. Recording studio, rehearsal rooms [the big money spinner] bar, kitchens, lounging areas - even a stage area for seminars and classes on stage production and stage technique. He is currently working on a project to support Kirsty Howard, the tiny girl who stole everyone's heart when she held David Beckham's hand and was presented to the Queen of England during the Jubilee celebrations. Contact David, he has promised really discounted rates for all 'One Minute Subscribers' and even better for Members of The Serious Writers Guild. David Shelton [+44. (0)1606.350022] - Cheshire Sound Productions - Unit 2, Hadfield Street - Northwich CW9 5LU. Let David's success rub off on you....he got his success in the usual place: "The Serious Writers Guild" www.makehits.com . My attitude rubs off on those I mentor: I often talk of finding yourself a mentor....of course, if you are member then you have me, at the end of the phone or Email, letter, fax. One of the guys I pay closest attention to came around my studio last week. He always comes to check mixes after they are mastered. He has taken my advice. In thinking about what I say, he ditched the most dishy girl singer you have ever seen, from his current project. She even has her own Web Site. The project is sold already and he believes me when I say that each band member has to give 100%....nothing less will do. Even if they are the greatest looking/greatest playing/greatest singing members of the band. The band has to be firing on all cylinders. She was simply not interested enough. This girl's biggest problem was that she was self opinionated....critical of the material and the production methods [the equipment is top of the range Protools, stunning, by the way]. This project is Top Three. And they don't work like a committee band. The two guys in charge KNOW what they are doing and where they are heading. D**** put it beautifully to her: "If you work for a window company, you don't tell the boss how to make the windows, what tools to use, and how to run his business - you just make the best windows you can, under his direction" "You can only tell the boss that when you own your own window making company, own all the tools and make better windows than him"....."So we don't need you anymore! Goodbye." "A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours." Check out this web-site for the greatest stage and TV/Film shoesYou just will not believe this stuff....I've seen 'em in use....unbelievable! Web site for shoes www.shalimarshoes.com
Weekly Major writing tip: Do you ever have writer's block....just can't find the inspiration? If you are a pro writer and you follow a 10am-5pm discipline this can be difficult....Here is a dynamite piece of advice from someone I read a lot of - this applies directly to songwriting/music making: " Increase your personal productivity by working at your most creative times. Once I incited a firestorm of criticism on CompuServe's PR Forum by revealing that I hardly ever spend more than one hour writing a press release. Other PR professionals opined that I couldn't possibly create decent work that quickly. Well, I do, and here's my secret: following a process that creativity researchers will tell you is used by top scientists and inventors, I absorb all the facts and define the challenge for myself, then go to sleep, take a walk or step into the shower. Within a day, my unconscious mind brings me a "Eureka" experience with a terrific headline. The rest of the press release pours out right after the headline. Had I sat down to try, try, try to write that document, it would take triple the time and not reach the same quality. Marcia Yudkin <marcia@yudkin.com>" Help fellow Subscribers? The band 'Leroy' - all feedback is much appreciated. If you go to the gig I will publish your comments. Next Gig: Thursday 19th Aug, The Magnet, 45 Hardman St. Liverpool, UK Check out www.multimap.com for directions. www.leroy-music.co.uk =========================== Firstly - Dec, I am still writing and the way I'm doing so now has changed out of
all recognition from 12 months ago, which is very exciting. Richard
Mollet Dear Dec! I worked with TOP 20 producers, for example with Henning Verlage.
You improved my life so much. Thank you. I really appreciate your help
via emails. The greatest support I ever got!! In fact, I recently had my first story accepted for publication after writing down some goals and acting upon them. Such an easy thing, but I'd never done it. Guess I thought I was too sophisticated to do something like that. I now know better.. I'm currently working on children's songs for an album to be released in conjunction with a Spanish animated film. I've also had a request to do some songs for M********* bands including O****. The guy is DJ B**** L****** who used to DJ at the H*******. I will phone if there is anything specific I need your advice on. Please feel free to quote any of my words on your website Richard Dowling UK 1) 'THUNDERBIRDS/3AM' .... Busted 2) "Dry Your Eyes"..... The Streets 3 ) 'LOLA'S THEME' ... SHAPESHIFTERSUSA 1) "Slow Motion" ......... Juvenile Featuring Soulja Slim Cash Money 2) "Lean Back" ..... Terror Squad 3 ) "Confessions Part II,"..... UsherChart Comments: Watch out for the phenomenal new
release by UK band KEANE. A Masterclass in production and performance! But it looks like 'Busted' in the UK can do no wrong...will they make it in the States? For success in the States you have to really go there, stay there, and work there! Always was the way it works, and still is. Why didn't Robbie listen to that advice? Darkness? Celebrity News: Ashlee Simpson: Move over Jessica, sis is starting to steal some of your thunder even though her new album. "Autobiography," dropped to number two on the Billboard charts this week. The 19-year-old singer, who already has proven that she is a good actress on The WB hit 7th Heaven playing Cecilia Smith, has been added to the music line-up for the Teen Choice Awards that will be broadcast on Fox Wednesday, August 11 from 8:00- 10:00pm. She plans to cut loose with her hit single "Pieces of Me" for the network audience and attendees. Lenny Kravtiz, blink-182 and JoJo are also scheduled to perform at the Los Angeles Universal Amphitheater that night. The fun event will be hosted by road warriors Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Flash Gordon: If Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury was alive, he would be a happy camper this week. Stephen Sommers, the creative writer and director of Van Helsing and The Mummy will take on a Gordon flick soon. Numerous European press outlets reported that Sommers and his writing partner, Bob Ducsay, recently purchased the film rights to the comic book character. The last time moviegoers were treated to a Gordon tale was in 1980 when Sam Jones played the hunky hero with the glorious sounds written and recorded by Queen playing in the background. That version was worth the price of admission just to hear the music. Buster Crabbe played Flash in a series of 1930s tales. Now all Sommers needs is Britney Spears to take on the Dale Arden role. The pop superstar can play the part and provide the songs. "What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him. Study the
best and highest things that are - but of yourself humble thoughts
retain.." Subscribers Section: "Dear Dec, I've a query regarding Musicians Ear Plugs, maybe you could help. I'm a musician in a rock group and am worried that my hearing will deteriorate if I keep playing without ear-plugs. I've tried the regular type that you can buy at Boots but they cut out all all high frequencies so they're no good. Musicians Earplugs, the ones with build in filters, seem to cost £250 (according to an ear specialist in the West End in London) which I can't really afford at the moment. Do you know about any other options? Is it maybe possible to order them for less money over the internet? Hope to be hearing back from you soon! Best, D*** My Reply: Hi D*** I just love the fact that you refer to 'playlouder.com'. [grin!] Age old problem and one not to be taken lightly. The last bass player I had in my band had to retire from 'tinnitis' which he acquired [before he worked for me] from working with a lead guitar player who just crucified everyone in the band with volume. The high mid frequencies are the dangerous ones...exactly the same frequency as the shipyard riveters that destroyed so many workers' ears. I always believe in tackling the problem head on.... Consider this: Brian May plays very quietly and has probably the biggest sound in the business. It's not done with volume [talk to me I'll tell you how it's done] . It's the way he plays....I don't play loud. I was just fishing out some pics. of the last big performance George Harrison played. I played on it - with Brian, Bruce Welsh [Shadows], Joe Brown, Phil Collins, Lonnie Donegan, Chas McDevitt, etc. etc. Jim Marshall supplied a wall of amps and Brian played his own AC30.
Check out www.makehits.co.uk/aboutdec.htm
When we were introduced on stage I checked my volume against Brian [beside me]...but when everyone cranked up, he was left behind....there were only a couple of ambient mics. for the wall of amps. In his West End show ['We Will Rock You' - now world wide] his amp is actually in an enclosure outside the orchestra pit. There are four different guitar players who play the show, and believe it or not, a lot of the time it is Brian himself...he just loves it! Although my pal [one of the other players] tells me he is always terrified! Case proven. You don't need to stand in front of a screaming amp. Also consider this: I gave up playing an amp donkey's years ago. I used to get complaints all the time: 'too loud'...can't get the rest of the band up to your level in the mix...all that stuff. So I use a JMP1 rack module with a Digitech rack effects unit . The two 'speaker emulator' outs go to front of house mix and I have a rack Marshall Valvestate amp driving a 4X12 cabinet at quite low level pointing up at ME and me alone. That cabinet is part of the stage set. So there are no amps in sight....a clean set. A very 'today' look.
If you insist on using an amp you will: 1) Always be assured of a 'guitar
heavy' mix which will achieve
nothing But - if you are insistent on using an amp and wrecking your career [grin...but serious] then pop along to your local 'good' guitar shop and seek their advice....the frequency selective earplugs used to be expensive but are not now.....check out Guitar Amp and Keyboard Centre [ask for Sanjib] say I sent you. The details are in 'Uncle Dec's Lil' Instruction Book - Vol II' www.makehits.co.uk/qabook.htm but you can have 'em this time: 01273.672977. They will give you top advice and the BEST price [I don't get a cut....I just enjoy helping my Members...I note you are not a Member?] Finally, it's interesting to note that all the top players and top bands use my system of monitoring and front of house sound for guitars....does that make you think? A lot of the time what you are seeing on Telly, or live, are amps which are not even switched on! Jim Marshall and his gang are personal buddies [we had dinner on Sunday on a cruise] and you should hear the stories! Regards " I'm proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is- I could be just as proud for half the money. -- ." Arthur Godfrey Regards Dec You may use any part of this 'One Minute' in your own publications...we simply require you to add: Start ============ 'One Minute With Dec' is written each week by Dec Cluskey. Dec's advice? Get in touch personally to discuss what you want to achieve in music dec@makehits.com <mailto:dec@makehits.com>web: www.makehits.com <http://www.makehits.com> or call +44 (0)1323.728005Finish=========== ============================================ The gags [One for the English folk - from Paul McGillivray] Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God went missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him on the seventh day resting. He enquired of god,"Where have you been?" God pointed downwards through the clouds. "Look Michael, look what I've made" said God. Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?" "Its a planet," replied God, " and I've put LIFE on it. I'm going to call it Earth and its going to be a great place of balance." "Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing down to different parts of the Earth, "For example, North America will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while South America is going to be poor; the Middle East, over there, will be a hot spot and Russia will be a cold spot. Over there, I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people." God continued, pointing to the different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and arid while this one will be very cold and covered in ice." The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to another area of land and asked, "What's that?" "Ah," said God. "That's Yorkshire, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful people, seven great cities, and many impressive towns, it is the home of the world's finest artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, explorers and politicians. The people from Yorkshire are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found travelling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hard-working and high-achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as speakers of truth." Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance God, you said there will be BALANCE!" God replied very wisely, "Wait till you see the w*nkers I'm putting next to them in Lancashire!" ============================================
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 The Data Protection Society 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.
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Photo: Doug McKenzie
See
what I mean? Dec at Jim Marshall's birthday party
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