Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
KNOW THE ROW w/ RUTHIE COLLINS & BRENT BAXTER
Do the following statements remind you of yourself?
I feel like Nashville and Music Row is a world away. I write good songs, but I can’t seem to “crack the code” of Music Row. What does an actual artist REALLY want? It has to be more than just “positive uptempo love” songs, right? Why do artists pass on really good songs? I have a few questions that nobody I know can answer. I need to talk to somebody actually IN the music business. I think if I understood how an artist really decides what to record, I could have a shot at getting cuts. But I’m either not getting heard- or not getting honest answers.
If you keep on guessing what gets a song cut, you’ll probably get pretty much the same results you’re getting now. Taking who-knows-how-much time trying to figure out the truth on your own while spending who-knows-how-much money demoing songs that will probably never get cut.
Trying to get a cut without understanding the music business is like throwing darts in the dark and trying to hit a bullseye. You can spend your time and money filling the air with darts and hoping to get lucky… or you can let Man vs. Row pull back the curtain and let some light in. Learning how Music Row works- getting an insider’s perspective, will put you in a much better position to get cuts or a record deal.
This is not about giving you a fish. This is about teaching you HOW to fish. This is not about saying, “Artist so-and-so wants ___ kind of song.” No, this is about learning to think like an artist- to determine what artists really want and need- and how you can write songs that fill that need.
On Thursday, August 21, I’m hosting a special “Know The Row” Google Hangout with new Curb artist, Ruthie Collins.
This is about helping you get on the path to where Ruthie and I are. She’s an artist on Curb Records preparing to send her first single to country radio. I’m a songwriter with several cuts under my belt- including a top 5 country hit in the US and a #1 in Canada.
You’ll be more than just a fly on the wall, though. You’re invited to join the conversation and ask your own questions as Brent and Ruthie discuss:
*How getting a record deal is just the beginning.
*How the songs on an album are really chosen (and why branding matters).
*Picking a first single. The best way to get a cut on a new artist.
*The process of writing songs for a record.
*Why an artist needs to be proactive (and patient).
There are only 8 spots open for this intimate one-hour event, which will be from 7:30-8:30pm Central on Thursday, August 21, 2014. We will meet via Google Hangout. Tickets are only $97.
Reserve your spot NOW by clicking on the image below:
PRAISE FOR BRENT’S ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Brent’s Skype clinic was great. He was so well organized that the information was very easy to follow, and he was very friendly and the environment was very interactive. His suggestions and ideas about songwriting were so motivational that I stayed up until 2am writing that night! He even sent all of us extra handouts and went past the scheduled time to make sure everyone had their questions answered. I appreciate his willingness to share his love of the craft with other writers. – Briana Murphy, Nashville
Your presentation was interesting and flowed well. Your handouts and examples were good and helped. What you covered in that short amount of time was very informative. The development section has opened a new world to me. Would I do this again? Yes. – Mark Westendorf
Brent Baxter’s songwriting workshop gave me the ol’ inspirational shot in the arm that I was hoping for. I can’t wait to try out some of his recommended methods for digging up and developing ideas. He’s on top of the latest digital aids and is the most organized songwriter I know. This man knows his stuff and shares it with those who want to take their skills to the next level. — Janet Goodman, Miami
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Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter
Brent Baxter Music: http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com
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