Hello again Dec, thanks for your reply ... good stuff!    I have to admit, it kind of scared me the first time reading it and I was ready to forget the whole thing.  But, I read it over a couple more times and I'm back, with more determination than ever.

As I mentioned previously, I am a country fan.  In watching CMT (Canadian Music Television) it would appear that the videos have a much larger impact on the popularity of a song than the actual lyrics and music.  What is your opinion!  When writing, I try to envision what the video would look like.  
 What precautions should I look for before sending a demo to someone?  Is my typed name, and date enough to secure my lyrics on paper or on cover of CD?
Can you recommend someone in Canada that I can trust to produce a country hit and then promote it to Nashville?

My aspirations are not great!  I do not see myself up on stage singing or producing my songs for the masses.  All I want is to offer my lyrics to a professional and let them take it from there.  With out the talent of playing an instrument, I can only sing a very modest version of what I think the tune could be.  I do believe that you have produced an excellent learning tool but it seems a bit extensive for what I'm look to do.  I am researching a lot of info on writing from the internet.  My other concern is location.  Even with the internet providing contact, I am more comfortable with the, face to face approach.  I like to know they can look me in the eye and hopefully be honest.  Call me old fashion ... but that's me.

Will you get back to me?  I hope so!  Your input is very reinforcing.

F ***

 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 ".   

Hi F ***

I will make one exception to the above - as you sound so nice.

<<<<<<< videos have a much larger impact on the popularity of a song than the actual lyrics and music. >>>>>>>

In today's music success is gained by 80% visuals and 20% music.  As you will read in my writings ... The music is the easy bit! [surprisingly]

<<<<<<<<What precautions should I look for before sending a demo to someone? >>>>>>

The main precaution you should take is to not send it at all  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will simply not be opened.  It was tough enough before 9/11 .... Now no one will open an unsolicited package .... We certainly won't.  I always have a vision of walking in the office and seeing one of the girls standing there with her hands blown off!  Scary.

There is an Industry Standard way of approaching Record companies and Publishing Companies ... All laid out carefully in 'How to Make A $Million From Your Music'.
at https://secure.mistral.co.uk/makehits/swgappsecure.htm

<<<<<<<Is my typed name, and date enough to secure my lyrics on paper or on cover of CD? >>>>>>>>

You are probably referring to copyright protection.  In most countries, and in law, Copyright is created the first time any music/lyrics are committed to hard copy ... Paper, tape, CD etc.  In the States they use a belt and braces system of requiring you to register the copyright with The Library of Congress.

I always advise members to create their own Publishing company ... That way everything is protected and copyrighted and you get to keep 100% of the income for  the music and not 50% that a Publishing Company will offer you as a writer.  See www.makehits.co.uk/publishing,htm

<<<<<<Can you recommend someone in Canada that I can trust to produce a country hit and then promote it to Nashville?>>>>>

There are literally thousands of producers ....

But sadly 99.999999% couldn't produce a rabbit out of a magician's hat, let alone produce a hit record.

It is important that YOU learn your business first, that way you will be able to tell the idiots from the proper HIT producers.  As you are a lyric writer I feel you probably mean a co-songwriter .... A producer produces .... He does not write! [although some do]

<<<<<< I do not see myself up on stage singing or producing my songs for the masses>>>>>>>

Then sadly, you will be just a 'hobby' writer .... A  proper dosh making HIT songwriter has got to be 'all things' ... Or at least have the sense to get someone else to sing the songs.  All this is covered in 'How to Make a $Million'.

<<<<<<<I am researching a lot of info on writing from the internet>>>>>>>

And anything you find will be 25 years too late rubbish.  In life anything you get for nothing is 'worthless'.  An old saying but a true one.

<<<<<<<< My other concern is location. >>>>>>>>

The world is a small place now .... And your concept is quaint... But nowadays we run world wide businesses ... I am typing this in Eastbourne, UK, for instance.  You have probably never heard of the place?

Regards

DEC [Cluskey]
mailto:dec@makehits.com

You don't know whether you music is getting better unless you have regular demo consultations with Dec - the one the Pro's use: UK 01323.728005 [+44.1323.728005] http://www.makehits.co.uk/demo.htm

 

 Make it a Great Week  ...... 

Dec 

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

The gags: .....    from  Willie  [ Not meant to offend - just very funny! ]

It takes an INDIAN man to make a woman feel like a woman.

On a recent transatlantic flight, a plane passes through a severe storm.
The turbulence is awful, and things go from bad to worse when one wing
is struck by lightning.

One woman in particular loses it. Screaming, she stands up in the
front of the plane. "I'm too young to die," she wails. Then she yells,
"Well, if I'm going to die, I want my last minutes on earth to be memorable!
Is there ANYONE on this plane who can make me feel like a WOMAN?"

For a moment there is silence. Everyone has forgotten their own peril.

They all stared, riveted, at the desperate woman in the front of the
plane.

Then an Indian man stands up in the rear of the plane. He is handsome:
tall, well built, with black hair and SOFT WARM BROWN eyes.

He starts to walk slowly up the aisle, unbuttoning his shirt.............
one button at a time. No one moves, .................He removes his shirt.
..................Muscles ripple across his chest. ................
She gasps....................He stares deeply into her eyes.

..................She starts to feel faint. ...................He whispers softly:

 "Iron this, and get me something to eat."