BACK TO 'MAKEHITS' HOME PAGE?

 

'One Minute With Dec'

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

The Archive - '2'

A FREE service from 'The Serious Writers Guild' at MAKEHITS.COM subscribe to 'One Minute With Dec'?

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

26 JAN 05

 
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?

join 'Serious Writers Guild'? Order here

"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'  

"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-]  

"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion; you must set yourself on fire!"  

Member  Tony Mallett.

 

MENU:
  • It'll never happen again -   
  • Now what would you do for an 8 min. spot?
  • Brian May told me:
  • Help from fellow 'One Minuters'?
  • The best 'search phrase'?
  • A word from a Marketing Guru
  • A good venue?
  • Success Stories
  • Charts
  • Chart Comment
  • Subscriber's Section
  • The Gags
It'll never happen again -   
 
 You will probably know that we turned over the emailing of 'One Minute With Dec' to a dedicated company [Imedia]...simply because we outgrew our own capability.  The idea was to free up time at Makehits.com to get on with more urgent things.  And that is a good bit of advice:
 
"Never get bogged down in the mundane...concentrate on the exciting!"
 
We sent out a mid week item last week and b*gger me, there on the top was a blatant advert for a 'get rich in a hurry, with no work involved' scheme.  And there is another slice of great advice.  you will note I did not use the usual term which we all use for that sort of advert.  Reason?  The spam Cop type filters will immediately stop this Email.  Automatically.
 
 A Neat bit of advice:
 
If you are sending [on behalf of yourself or your band] a newsletter or info sheet, you should really check it with a good spam checker before you send.  It is essential.  We use an excellent one, costs pennies:  http://www.e-filtrate.com .  By the way if ever I recommend a service like that it is not so that we make dosh out of you, it is simply because we like the service.
 
So....Imedia?  I have asked for an assurance that that type of advert will never appear again.  But no assurance.  Simply a:

 "That is impossible. We would never do such a thing. This has got
to be a glitch, please give me one moment to check into this. " 

 
That moment was three days ago.  So we will give one more chance.  And another lesson..... if you promise a service or a product, always give more than you promise.  And if you operate in the music business operate fast! 
 
Stop Press:
Just received this minutes before sending:
 

"Hello Dec,

 
I assure you that the problem have been found and fixed."
 
Fingers crossed?
 
An 8 min spot?
 
I have been asked to advise on an interesting project.  The girl is up for a world class major casting.  She has been asked to appear in London at a Show Biz bash for 8 mins..  The idea is that the directors behind the casting know that the overall owner of the multi million show will be there.  So that type of presentation is vastly superior to a cold audition in a rehearsal room...yes?
 
Now what would you do for an 8 min. spot?
 
The novice temptation would be to simply sing two songs....right?   WRONG!
 
The owner of the show is a mega dude with huge theatrical, recording, musical history behind him.  So 2 songs is just going to be 2 songs.  But a cleverly designed 8 mins, involving exciting stage presentation, movement and involving as many singing and musical ideas to show off the talent is what is required.  The temptation is to say, "oh it's on Sunday and it's too much work".  But the successful people in Show Biz are the ones who go the extra mile...who spend the hours dreaming up astonishing 8 minute ideas, getting the costumes made, the moves ready, the music ready and finally rehearsing the 8 minutes to death.
 
Brian May told me:
 
20 years ago Queen totally stole the 'Live Aid' show.  The reason?  Brian told me that they rehearsed for 3 weeks at Shepperton Studio for that 12 minute spot at Wembley.  Does that tell you something?  So my way of working this 8 minute piece will be the same.  The music will be worked out to a 'T'.  A stunning opening that will grab attention.....4 lines from differing songs in the first 30 secs.  finishing with a solo voice ad lib section that will make Christina Aquilera jealous.  A cut down version of a stomping hit...in the girl's own style and then into a show stopping, unusual slow song that we have already tested [killed the audience]
 
Treat it like a TV show.
 
The trick in performing for a short time is to always treat it as if you were asked to appear on 'The Royal Variety Performance' [the biggest UK benefit performance on TV].  You have a very short time to impress, so every second has got to be carefully worked out.  Once you start talking in terms of 'two songs' you have definitely failed before you have even started!  If you are a Member of The Serious Writers Guild and you have an upcoming spot to do...talk to me.  You have my private number.
 
Help fellow Members?
 
Dear Stone Cat Fans,
 
We'll be performing in front of three major record labels this Thursday, January 27th at Lemmon's Basement Bar, 5800 Gravois Street, St Louis, MO in the USA at around 7:00PM.
 
We don't expect our fans to come to this show because we're only performing two (2) songs and the admission price is a whopping $10.  However, if you do decide to make it to support us, we'll give you a FREE Stone Cat T-Shirt just for showing up and seeing our two song show!
 
Our next live show, where you can catch ALL of our original music will be at "Lil' Nikki's" Friday Feb.11th.  Get there early to get a good seat ($5 general admission).  We're opening up for J. Boozer and another local St Louis Band (TBA).  Stone Cat will be the first to hit the stage, so arrive early!
 
For those of you not familiar with Lil' NIkki's, it's located next door to the Farmer's Market in historic Soulard (St Louis, MO).
 
Thank you for your continued support!  We love you all!
 
Stone Cat... Janine, Mark, Jeff & Chad
www.stonecatband.com
Thursday, January 27, 2005 ~ Lemmon's Basement Bar 7:00pm (St Louis, MO)
Friday, February 11, 2005 ~ Lil' Nikki's 9:00pm (St Louis, MO)
Saturday, February 26, 2005 ~ Mulligan's 9:00pm-1:00am  (Peoria, IL)
Saturday, March 18, 2005 ~ Five Spot 9:00pm (Nashville, TN)
 
Whoops!   Did I see someone say "2 songs"? [Dec]
 

"You can be taught how to be successful, but whether you learn it is a different thing" 

dec cluskey

 
The best 'search phrase'?
 
We subscribe to a service from www.atomz.com .  They can provide a search facility for your site.  Excellent service.  We have the service on each of our sites...so if you want info on a particular subject simply enter the question where you see the 'search' box.  www.makehits.com www.makehits.co.uk and www.liveperforming.com .  There is masses of career changing info.  Of course we keep all the choice stuff for our Members!
 
Why I mentioned Atomz was that they also supply a list of the search phrases used by visitors.  One struck us as hilarious - and in a way, sad....
 
"2 searches for  "i want be a pop star with out paying"
 
I find it curious that almost every profession, without exception, has got a price tag to it....no matter what profession, mountain climbing, dentistry, sailing, being a surgeon, lawyer, barrister, racing driver - but sadly, guys expect to be successful in the Music game with no  dosh expended, no knowledge and usually expect there to be no work or application involved.
 
By the way, if you have a site, you best get the Atomz search facility...it's very tasty....check mine out.
 
Guru Time again?
 
I always recommend the best business gurus to those who listen...because you simply have to know business to be successful in our game...that is fact....check out Bob.....a whiz on Internet stuff....you may have a music web site?

 

Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine
"Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business on his Web Page? 
 Subscribe  at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm
Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday
Instructions to place your ad are in the Newsletter.
 
Best Wishes
Bob Osgoodby
A good venue?
 
Check out a venue one of the guys played...sounds interesting.

 

I played a great venue. 
The event, Black Drop started promptly (8pm), ended promptly (10:30pm), was well attended and ran smoothly.  There was a decent turnout and given it was the first Monday in the New Year, can only get better.  If you happen to be in or around Nottingham [UK] on the first Monday of the month, it is well worth a look in address: - Canal House Bar and Restaurant, Canal House Road, Nottingham, 5 - 10 minutes walk from Nottingham train station.  I will certainly be going back.
 
Peace, Love and Guidance
Original Sonofman


Success Stories and Thank-You's [they get better and better!]:

Hi Dec,
Just want to share some good news.  Only one month into 2005 and Rockit Music Publishing ( formed from your 'How To Start Your Own Publishing Company for Less Than £100' package) and we have had a cut on a song we have a sub-publishing deal with.

It is on the latest release by Linda Gail Lewis (Jerry Lee's sister).  The album is entitled BOOGIE WOOGIE COUNTRY GAL ( actually released in March of 2004, so we have some back pay due!) on Castle Music, a division of Sanctuary Records in the UK.  The song "Absence Makes the Heart Go Wander", is cut #13 on the record.

This album has been doing well and is being distributed world wide.  We are now collecting the royalties on the writers behalf. (and taking a cut, that's what it's all about.

Thanks for being there with the talk back.
Take care.
Anthony Raybould

==============================
"Hi Dec,
thanks for all your help so far, just need to know about PRS membership. I'm just in the process of signing my first client to publishing.  Ian Campbell
==============================

I must say that you are an inspiration to my life in general.  Dec I want you to consider your self as my motivator and also a mentor to me.

Roy Atsegwasi

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

Thanks again for another great session.  Definitely the best stuff I've come across.
Alan

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

Hi Dec,

I need your help! I live in Spain where I've had three songs accepted for inclusion on a record which will accompany an animated film.

Yes, I have been enjoying the "Make a Million" course and learning a lot!

Richard Dowling

==============================
Greetings Dec,
I am happy that I was able to join.  I am looking forward to great success this year !
Peace,
Michael Annotti

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

I've now read lesson one twice...... will read it again tomorrow... until then, let it be known that i appreciate your consultation services/reality check......it's done great things for me.... i need that all the time no matter how good of a song i write...i can always write a better one and keep improving...thanks again Dec!
Mark

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

Charts:

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

(1) Let Me Love You, Mario 3rd Street

(2) 2 Step, Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott

(3) Lovers And Friends, Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz Featuring Usher & Ludacris  

UK

1)  CIARA ft PETEY PABLO -  'GOODIES'
2)  ELVIS PRESLEY -  'A FOOL SUCH AS I'
3)  CHEMICAL BROTHERS -  'GALVANIZE' 

UK

Download Chart  [now the most important chart in the UK]
 
(1) 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' - Green Day 
(2) ''Galvanize' - Chemical Brothers
(3) 'Wires' - Athlete
Well the Elvis dream has faded a little...got to Number 2 this week....still that is a healthy place to be for anyone.  It was almost a total joke.
 
Therefore what we see at the top this week is something to be celebrated. 'A Fool Such As I', Elvis single of the week is not Number One. Instead the honour goes to new US R&B star Ciara with her debut single 'Goodies'. The formula for her single isn't actually anything we haven't heard before - she wears very little, sings huskily over some popping synths with some macho rappers backing her up in the mix. It is basically Kelis-lite and breaks little in the way of new ground but as a response to the tidal wave of 1950s Rock 'N' Roll that was threatening to engulf us the single stands proud as proof that pop is far from dead and in truth as something of a breath of fresh air.
 
British chart changes dramatically as it does each week...and the download chart is going the same direction...is it a British thing?
 

USA chart....about the same but the UK download chart has seen a lot of action....great!

 " Before two people form a band, they should be required to wallpaper a room together-"
dec cluskey

 Subscriber's Section:

 Amazes me how cynical music guys can be....and it gets back to an earlier remark I made.  Why should we be the only profession [a highly paid one at that] that folk expect success for Zilch?  So many of my music pals started out by 'learning' and paying good money for that learning.  I did!

Hi Dec,

i read some of your 'minute with dec' newsletters with interest the other night, some of them made me chuckle ,which is never a bad thing ! , and you made some really perceptive and useful statements.

i have given up my job as of a year an a half to try and learn some basic music production skills and more importantly to write songs, which is something that although at times is a grind [cos I'm not getting any return from it right now] gives me a bigger kick than anything else in the world.

Now it's probable that this is one of the 'questions' you get so frequently that it'll be a ' cheat' answer - as you put it, but how is it [and i don't mean too be cynical ] that with the success you claim to have had and are having making records , you've

a.] got time, and

b.] have the need to generate revenue from running these courses ?

I am very aware that my own  'business acumen and experience with regards to the industry is - how can i put it politely, - somewhere between flawed and non existent!  I would dearly love to get help with this and also with the whole arena of networking and hooking up with other writers and musicians, but you must realise that 175 quid for someone who's living on 60 a week is a very big deal and a massive gamble on a completely unknown quantity in real terms!  And at 38 I'm no spring chicken so I've been duped a few times over the years which is probably my fault for being tooo open minded about things!

I'm also aware that there's no substitute for experience, and very little that's effective by way of 'shortcuts' in life - if ya wanna do something proppa!
Well perhaps I'll hear from you , i await your reply with interest.......


best regards
s****.

 Answer:

Hi S****
 
Sorry to disappoint but I don't write 'cheat' answers...although I must say, I am tempted to on occasions.
 
<<<<how is it [and i don't mean too be cynical cos there's far too much of that in the world an i don't like it] that with the success you claim to have had and are having making records , you've a.] got time, and b.] have the need to generate revenue from running these courses ?>>>>>>>>>>
 
"The success I CLAIM to have had?"  All my success is documented and charted in many books and certainly on many sites.  They are not 'claims' they are fact.
As regards having 'time'?  I am writing this on the beach in scorching sun in total luxury.  Simon - I can only quote the greatest advice accepted by all successful people: "If you help enough people to get what they want then YOU can have EVERYTHING you want"....and that is absolutely irrefutably true.
 
As regards generating revenue, you are also misunderstanding a basic logic that all successful businessmen understand and live by.  "It is almost a duty to generate as much money as you can in life."
 
Abraham Lincoln's mother exhorted him to : "Be something, Abe".....Martin Luther King drummed his same message into every young black man who would listen.
 
Humans are the only beings in existence who can exercise the right 'not to grow to their full potential'....an oak tree will grow as big as it can, a kangaroo will grow as big as it can - and run as fast as it can.
 
On average there are only 3% of the human race who have the killer attitude to go the whole way in any career or profession....and this is abundantly clear in the music industry.  In other words, 97% fail.  Success is not achieved by just dreaming of success, you have to actually "climb over dead bodies to get there" as was so well put by a great music maker.
 
The great businessmen understand that business is 'fun'.....I do not work!  I have never worked in my life....I have simply made fortunes doing what I love!  You yourself admit that music is enormous fun....and the business of music is even more fun. 
 
Money generated is the only means of judging the success of any venture.
 
I have the choice [just like Dale Carnegie] of making as much money as I can and then giving it all away.  My Charitable Foundation does some mighty work in helping young people.  My career long charity The Grand Order Of Water Rats does magnificent work in helping those in Show business who fall on hard times and my local charity, Lark In The Park Charitable Trust, of which I am patron, does astonishing work in helping Special Needs kids.
 
I leave you with the thought: "Why does the Queen of England continue to do what she does, at her age, and with her enormous wealth?"  Jack Nicholas?  Tom Jones?  Tony Bennett?  Martina Navratilova? James Garner?  Bill Gates? Ted Turner? Dick Van Dyke, The Pope, The Dalai Llama?
 
As regards your complaint that you have to spend £175 to gain the knowledge to earn £1Million + per year?  The maths surely don't add up?  All other professions expect to pay for education.
 
And as regards your complaint that you have to live on £60 per week....I would suggest you don't do that [unless there is a medical reason].  I have never accepted one penny from the State [which is really stealing from me and the rest of the hard working citizens] even when I slept on railway station benches.  And I did!  There are always a hundred ways of making money available to anyone who looks....that is the start of 'killer attitude'....the kind of attitude ESSENTIAL for success in music.
 
Sitting at home waiting for the Record company to ring you simply does not work.  Never has, never will.
 
Regards
 
DEC [Cluskey]


"You don't reach lofty goals in leaps - you get there step by step.

Excellence comes over time, to those who are the most patient and the best prepared.

Combine those characters with desire, and you become unstoppable."

Sandy Cluskey 

 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

web: www.makehits.com or call +44 (0)1323.728005

Finish===========

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

The gags: 

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.

Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behaviour."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behaviour, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

 

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

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?

join 'Serious Writers Guild'? Order here

"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.


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?

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


Copyright ©2005 MakeHits.com, Dec Cluskey. All rights reserved.

Subscribe to 'One Minute With Dec' here Check this one out for improving your web visits

The only Banner Exchange program we support

Go To 'MAKEHITS' Home Page?

Go to Site Search?


http://www.makehits.com/oneminarchive260105.htm -- Revised:   26 JANUARY 05

Copyright © 2005 MAKEHITS. All rights reserved.
Maintained by: makehits.webmaster@makehits.com