Songwriting opportunities will come to you more and more as professionals in the music business (publishers, artists, producers, other songwriters) think three particular things about you.
The more people who think these things about you, the more doors are going to open for you, the more inside information you’re going to get, and the more successful you’re likely to become. So what are these three magic beans that can grow your songwriting career? Buckle up, ‘cuz I’m about to drop some serious, deep philosophy on ya.
Read on if you want more songwriting opportunities. ________________________________
To BE a pro, you need to THINK like a pro, and this FREE ebook will help transform your thinking, your songwriting, and your success. Get it today!
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You want people to think…
“I know you.”
“I like you.”
“I trust you.”
There ya go. Are you surprised that these are the keys to the doors of opportunity? If so, on behalf of the people of Earth, I welcome you to our planet. I hope you enjoy your visit. While you’re here, I suggest you check out The Grand Canyon and pancakes. If you only have time for one, go for the pancakes.
It’s just simple human nature that people want to work with and help folks they know, like, and trust. Let’s look at each one.
“I know you”
You have to get out there and shake hands- whether in person or digitally. Complete strangers rarely bring good opportunities. (Although there is a promising email in my inbox right now from a prince in Nigeria…) I can’t tell you that a new artist on Sony is looking for your type of song if I don’t know you or what type of music you do. Without someone knowing you, you’ll never get to the next step…
“I like you”
The music biz is rarely like a serious medical condition (I know what you’re thinking- don’t say it) where there’s only one or two doctors in the world who can help. In that case, the doc can be a complete jerk, but you don’t care because he’s the only one who can sew your face back on or whatever. It doesn’t matter if you like him. But that isn’t the case in the music biz where we’re surrounded by talented people. If we’re going to extend a good opportunity, it’s going to be someone we like and can think…
“I trust you”
Let me tell you about my brother-in-law, Matt. I’ve known Matt for over a decade. He’s a great guy. But if I were to get on an airplane and hear his voice come over the intercom saying, “This is your pilot speaking…” I’m getting off the plane! Why? Because I don’t trust him to fly an airplane. He has a lot of skills, but that isn’t one of them. He’s not a good fit for that job.
Folks in the biz are less likely to attach their name to you if they don’t trust you for that particular opportunity. For example, let’s say you’ve had a couple meetings with a publisher. He’s gotten to know you, and he likes you. Awesome.
But he doesn’t think your songs are very good. Is he going to set you up on a cowrite with his best hot-streak writer? Probably not. Because he doesn’t trust that you’ll bring the goods. And he doesn’t want Mr. Hot Streak knocking on his door asking why his day got wasted.
See, it takes all three components for the opportunities to really start rolling in. They may start as small opportunities as people get to know you. But if you knock those small opportunities out of the park, people will begin to trust you more often and with bigger opportunities.
More “know-like-trust” leads to bigger opportunities.
But it all starts with folks getting to know you. So reach out in person at industry events, writers nights, workshops, online groups, etc. Be likable. Then knock their socks off with your songs and professionalism. And enjoy those pancakes.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to connect with some music industry pros, I have a great opportunity for you. In August, I’m hosting a “Know The Row” event with a legit music business pro!
On August 14, you can hang out online and ask YOUR questions to music publisher, Scot Sherrod, of Rare Spark Media. Scot has had his hand in several hit country songs, and his current roster includes rising country star, Walker Hayes (“You Broke Up With Me” and “Craig.”)
This is YOUR chance to sit down face-to-face (online) with a real-deal music publisher.
You and I both want to learn what Scot has to share.
Here’s the deal. You can join us online from anywhere in the world on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 7pm-8pm Central time. And these special “Know The Row” events are FREE to members of Frettie.com! (But don’t worry- you can still purchase a ticket even if you don’t want to take advantage of all of Frettie’s membership benefits.)
CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS & MEET HIT MUSIC PUBLISHER, SCOT SHERROD.
Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US, a #1 in Canada & a top 10 in Texas… so far.
