I am happy to say that many poeple have been posting to the Schmoozatorium Message Board these days. As a matter of fact, it's become the main source of updates to the Open Mic and Showcase Guide. I urge everyone to use it whenever possible, because very often, a venue will change its music policy and it becomes dificult for me to keep the guide updated in a timely manner by myself. However, if you always check the Schmozzatorium for updates, you won't find yourself going to a club that recently closed its doors. Many thanks to those who have contributed to the message board and continue to help keep us all abreast of the changes as well as telling us about the new places to play.
In particular, I would like to thank Mark Schell for going down the list and taking the time to phone the venues whose listings were outdated and posting his findings here. You rock, Mark!
LYNNE
ROBIN GREEN on MUSIC PUBLISHING
Those of you who
have written questions about music publishing in the past will find many
of the answers right here on this page. Most of Lynne robin Green's section
is devoted to music publishing in genera and even if you don't have a
specific question about publishing, you will be enlightened by her keen
insight and honesty. This month, we have added TWO new columns from Lynne
Robin Green-
Putting
It All Together - Your Music Library
and
PUBLISHING QUESTIONS
(That You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Ask)
What are you waiting for? You need to read this stuff!
If you feel that some of my sagely advice is particulary helpful, by all means, use the link above to make a contributon to the site. Thank you.
ASK
LI'L HANK
===========================
Hi.
I write in spanish, and have about 40 songs(I write continually).
It all began, I guess, with the need to express something.... Well,
it turns out that whenever I'm in a party, I sing, and I've developed
a small fan following. I'm now realizing that the songs may be to
the liking of many people and thus have decided to get them out somehow.
I'm quite shy, so I don't want to perform or become a "star",
it would however, be nice to attempt to make a reputation, in the field,
as a songwriter, and get some much needed $$$.
What is the first step? What is music publishing?
Right now I'm working on copywriting the songs. I'll anxiously await
any response. And I thank you in advance.
Luis
------------------------------------------------------------------
Well. Luis -
It seems to me you have a LOT going for you. Since your material seems
to go over very well in social situations, you may want to think about
putting together a back-up band and playing some clubs and see about gettinig
your fans to buy tickets to your performances. Since you are bi-lingual,
that's another plus - in fact a MAJOR plus. Even if you weren't the greatest
writer in the world, and from the sound of it, you're probably pretty
good, you could make a good living helping other songwriters translate
their songs int spanish for the Hispanic market, or perhaps write songs
in both languages for the crossover market.
If you are in a music town like L.A., Austin, Nashville or New York, etcetera, you might want to set up some live showcases and invite industry people. It would certainly behove you to get a good reputable publisher and a music attorney, too. Somehow, I get the feeling that things are going to happen very fast and furious for you. As for your questions about music publishing, your first step should be to read every word in Lynne Robin Green's pages on the subject. Her two latest essays are full of the very information you are seeking.
Good Luck,
Hal
BOOK OF THE
MONTH
I was recently discussing songwriting with a friend of mine when the subject of famous songwriter interviews came up in the conversation. I immediately thought of Paul Zollo's incredible tome Songwriters on Songwriting,containing over 50 interrviews with the BEST of the BEST songwriters in the business. This has prompted me to completely update my recommended reading page and I urge you to go there NOW and order yourslef one of the first five titles I have listed there. In fact, I even added pictures and reviews.
Hal Cohen
 |
You've Wrriten
a Song, So Now What? Click here or on the book and purchase it now through Amazon.com |
HAL'S
TIP JAR
Not to be confused
with the contribution page (Li'l Hank's Tip Jar)... How
to Send Emails to Friends and Fans (Without Pissing Someone Off).
I'm leaving this one up a little longer, but i do have a new essay in
the works. Stay tuned.
If you find
Hal's Tip Jar to be helpful, of course, a great way to show your appreciation
is the new Li'l
Hank's Tip Jar page which accepts contributions through Amazon.com.
Ideas?
Anyone have an idea for content relevant to the site? Please submit any ideas, stories, books or CD suggestions for review to halc@halsguide. Though I can't personally respond to everyone like I used to back when there were only ten visitors day, I do read everything. I will consider implimenting any materialt that is beneficial for the songwriter and musician community at large.
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Stay musical, stay healthy,
and stay in touch!
Hal Cohen
Li'l Hank's Guide For Songwriters
http://www.halsguide.com
Let me just remind you all
gently that this is and has always been a labor of love, but if you appreciate
all the hard work that goes into maintaining Li'l Hank's Guide For Songwriters
- please help support our efforts by purchasing your music needs through
our sponsors:
http://www.halsguide.com/sponsors.html
