Category Archives: Think Like A Pro

Song Title Challenge #54: Where The Hell Is Heaven

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

So, you have an AMAZING song title… now what? How do you spin it or land on an angle? And is the angle you’ve come up with the BEST angle for the song? Is it the most competitive and intriguing angle, or could there be something better? 

In this episode of “Song Title Challenge” Brent and Johnny dig into “Where The Hell Is Heaven,” a really great title submitted by CLIMBer, Ollie.  Which way will they go?  Find out here! 

LISTEN NOW  http://bit.ly/wherethehellisheaven

And, as always, we’d love to hear your take on this title.  Leave a comment on our socials or in the C.L.I.M.B. Community!

And if you have a song title you’d like Brent and Johnny to tackle on a Song Title Challenge episode, please email that title to johnny@daredevilproduction.com and put “Song Title Challenge” in the subject line. 

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Song Title Challenge #53: Break Me Better

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

So, you have an AMAZING song title… now what? How do you spin it or land on an angle? And is the angle you’ve come up with the BEST angle for the song? Is it the most competitive and intriguing angle, or could there be something better? 

In this episode of “Song Title Challenge” Brent and Johnny dig into “Break Me Better,” a really great title submitted by CLIMBer Marla. Which way will they go… I don’t know… but you can find out here! 

LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/breakmebetter

And, as always, we’d love to hear your take on this title.  Leave a comment on our socials or in the C.L.I.M.B. Community!

And if you have a song title you’d like Brent and Johnny to tackle on a Song Title Challenge episode, please email that title to johnny@daredevilproduction.com and put “Song Title Challenge” in the subject line. 

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Song Title Challenge #52: If Tomorrow Was Yesterday

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

Have you ever wondered how hit songwriters come up with such interesting angles for song titles? What is the process? And how do they choose the most interesting direction? 

Well, here’s your chance to listen in as Brent and Johnny dive into the song title “If Tomorrow Was Yesterday.” 

Thanks to David Pritchett for submitting this title!

LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/ittomorrowwasyesterday

You’ll hear Brent and Johnny weave their way through many different approaches to this song and try to figure out which one hits home the hardest.

And, as always, we’d love to hear your take on this title.  Leave a comment on our socials or in the C.L.I.M.B. Community!

And if you have a song title you’d like Brent and Johnny to tackle on a Song Title Challenge episode, please email that title to johnny@daredevilproduction.com and put “Song Title Challenge” in the subject line. 

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Song Title Challenge #51: Pass The Heartache

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

How would you write to the song title “Pass the Heartache?” How many directions will this title go- and which direction is going to be the most intriguing?

If you want to feel like you’re in the room during the first 15-30 minutes of a pro co-writing session, then THIS is the episode FOR YOU!

LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/pleasepasstheheartache

And, as always, we’d love to hear your take on this title.  Leave a comment on our socials or in the C.L.I.M.B. Community!

And if you have a song title you’d like Brent and Johnny to tackle on a Song Title Challenge episode, please email that title to johnny@daredevilproduction.com and put “Song Title Challenge” in the subject line. 

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Song Title Challenge #50: Lawnboy Maserati

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

Not many people get to hear what it’s like to be inside a pro songwriters room! If you’ve ever wondered what the first 10-15 minutes looks like, then this episode is for YOU! 

Be a fly on the wall as Brent and Johnny dive into the song title “Lawnboy Maserati” and brainstorm which direction to drive this song. 

LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/lawnboymaserati

And, as always, we’d love to hear your take on this title- leave a comment on our socials or in The C.L.I.M.B. Community! 

If you want to submit a title, send it to Johnny at info@daredevilproduction.com.

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Song Title Challenge #49: Left Undone

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

Johnny takes a title submitted by a CLIMBer like you, and he springs it on me live!  Then I have to figure out how to make it a hit… yikes!  Watch me blow up or flame out.

If you want to submit a title, send it to Johnny at info@daredevilproduction.com.

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Song Title Challenge #48: New Teeth And A Used Trailer

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

Johnny takes a title submitted by a CLIMBer like you, and he springs it on me live!  Then I have to figure out how to make it a hit… yikes!  Watch me blow up or flame out.

You absolutely won’t believe what Brent and Johnny came up with on this one.

LISTEN NOW: http://bit.ly/newteethusedtrailer

If you want to submit a title, send it to Johnny at info@daredevilproduction.com.

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

What Kind Of Song Should I Play For A Music Publisher?

If you get the chance to play a song for a publisher, what kind of song should you play?  What kind of demo?  Should you play a cowritten song?

The awesome members of the Songwriting Pro community often ask me questions about publishers and publisher meetings.  I thought I’d answer a few of them here on the blog.  So let’s dive in!

 _______________________________

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!

Click Here For The Book

_________________________________

Question: What kind of song should I play for a music publisher in Nashville?  A country song?  I song I think fits the market or radio?  Or just something I think is cool?

Chris Oglesby of BMG Chrysalis dropped some great advice on us at a previous Play For A Publisher event that Songwriting Pro hosted.  Here’s what he had to say on the subject:

“Play songs for publishers that YOU love.  Don’t just play what you THINK the publisher will love.  After all, you probably don’t really know the publisher personally, so you don’t really know what they’ll like.  But songs that YOU love will tell the publisher a lot about YOU, and that’s valuable.”

I agree with Chris.  And that’s because publishers are usually looking for more than just a great song.  They’re looking for a great songwriter.  And so they want to get to know YOU.  Yes, they want to work with a writer that can write radio hits and make a ton money.  But what’s the special sauce that will make YOUR songs different, and tasty?  Well, that’s the “YOU” ingredient that only YOU can provide.  And the publisher can get the best taste of YOU when you play songs that you love- because they will have the most YOU in them.

After all, over the long haul, the real you is going to shine through in your songs- for better or worse.  So the earlier a publisher can find the real you, the earlier he or she can figure out if the two of you are a good match, musically, personally, and professionally.

As for me (since I’m currently collecting songs for our next Play For A Publisher event), I’m just looking for something that knocks my socks off.  Something I think is really cool.  Not everything I select for these events are radio-hit types of songs.  But each of them are really cool in their own way.

Question: Can I ONLY play fully-produced demos for publishers?  I don’t have full-band recordings of my songs…

You want to make the best first impression possible.  So, if you have two songs that are both really good, but one is demoed and the other isn’t, I’m always going to play the demoed song.  It’s more professional, and it’s just easier for the publisher to hear and “get” the full expression of your song.  But a worktape or guitar/vocal of a great song beats a full demo of a good song every time.

Good song people know great songs- even if they aren’t fully produced.  A good guitar/vocal should be enough.  Or even a clean, well-performed worktape.  But even the best song person might miss a great song if the work tape is really bad.

(Side note: I don’t want to work with a publisher who can’t hear a great song in a decent worktape.  After all, they’ll be listening to worktapes to help me figure out which songs to demo!)

For the Play For A Publisher event, you can send a demo, a simple stripped-down recording, or a work tape.  It’s all welcome.

Question:  Can I play cowritten songs for a publisher?  Or do I have to write the songs all by myself?

It doesn’t matter if your song is a solo write or a cowrite.  A publisher just wants a great song.  Granted, it’s more impressive if you can write a killer song on your own.  This is for two reasons: 1) it’s rare that great songs are written, much less by one person and 2) the publisher doesn’t have to wonder if you were responsible for the cool stuff in the song or not- they know it’s ALL you.

So, a great solo written song is an added bonus, but having a cowriter (or cowriters) on your song won’t make a publisher like it any less.

For the Play For A Publisher event, both solo and cowrites are welcome.  I screen them without any idea if it’s a solo or cowrite- I’m just listening for really cool songs.

Question: Ready to play YOUR song for a publisher?

If YOU would like to play your song for a legit music publisher, our next Play For A Publisher event is coming right up!  Our guest will be Matt Lindsey of Matt Lindsey Music.  Matt has worked closely with several #1 hit songwriters, and he’s been getting songs recorded by major artists for years.  If YOU have the songs, HE knows what to do with them!

CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS AND SEND IN YOUR SONG!

Last question:  Is this event worth my time?

These events have resulted in publishers wanting copies of songs, to wanting meetings with the writers to an open door to send more songs.  It’s a great relationship-building tool for songwriters.

And here’s what a couple of previous participants have to say:

“The combination of Brent’s talent as a songwriting teacher with some of the best ears among Music Row’s publishers makes this an indispensable event for any aspiring writer.” – Joe Slyzelia “Vinyl Afternoon”

“I just took part in Brent Baxter’s Play For A Publisher event with Chris Oglesby of BMG. This was a great opportunity for me to get one of my songs in front of Chris and also to meet him personally. Chris listened to my song (and everyone else’s) start to finish and gave very useful and specific feedback regarding each. Chris and Brent took a lot of time throughout the night to answer everyones’ questions. This was very educational, helped me get my face and name in front of a prominent figure in the Nashville music industry, and honestly was a lot of fun. Thanks Brent and Chris for a great experience!” – David Hill “Are You Awake”

CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS AND SEND IN YOUR SONG!

God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,

Brent

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 and a #1 in Canada… so far.  He  also  co-hosts  the  popular  podcast  “The  C.L.I.M.B.”  available  on iTunes,  Stitcher,  and  HERE.SWP 4

Song Title Challenge #47: “Alcohol Involved”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

Get into a pro songwriter’s mind!

Johnny takes a title submitted by a CLIMBer like you, and he springs it on me live!  Then I have to figure out how to make it a hit… yikes!  Watch me blow up or flame out.

If you want to submit a title, send it to Johnny at info@daredevilproduction.com.

It’s not a cowrite.  You keep 100% ownership of whatever you write, and you’re free to use any ideas I throw out.  I am NOT a cowriter on this.  Any ideas are simply my gift to you!

If you’re a singer, songwriter or indie artist who wants to grow your career, THIS is the podcast for you!

The C.L.I.M.B. Podcast is proud to partner with Disc Makers- who have been supporting indie musicians before indie music was even a thing.

When you’re ready to make CDs, DVDs, vinyl- or distribute your music and videos with customized USBs- www.discmakers.com is the only place you need to go.

And while you’re there, click the “Guides and Resources” tab and download some of their excellent free guides.  They’ve just revised and expanded their Home Studio Handbook, which has got a ton of great advice and information for newbies and studio veterans.

Find them online at www.discmakers.com or give them a call at 800-468-9353.

The C.L.I.M.B. stands for “Creating Leverage In The Music Business,” and that’s the goal of this podcast- to help singers, indie artists and songwriters like YOU to create leverage in the music business.  What is leverage?  It’s “strategic advantage; the power to act effectively.”  We want to help YOU make stuff happen in the music biz.

It’s exciting to see how folks are digging the show- and being helped on their CLIMB.  If YOU like it, we’d really appreciate it if you’d subscribe and leave a rating or review on iTunes.  Positive ratings and reviews help us to climb the iTunes rankings so more people become aware of the show and we can help more singers, songwriters, and indie artists like you make The CLIMB!The CLIMB iTunes review 3

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE C.L.I.M.B. ON ITUNES

If you aren’t on iTunes, you can listen to the show at our website:

TheCLIMBshow.com

If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe to the show on:

Stitcher

Thanks for your time. It means a lot to me, and hopefully it’ll be a lot of help for you!

God Bless and keep C.L.I.M.B.ing,

Brent

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 top 10 in Texas, and a #1 in Canada… so far.

Do Music Publishers ONLY Want To Hear Fully-Produced Demos?

When trying to get a music publisher’s attention for cowrites or a publishing deal, how produced should my songs be?

Can I play a worktape (imperfections and all), a clean guitar/vocal or piano/vocal, or does it need to have a full band?

I’ve gotten this question from the Songwriting Pro community on several occasions, so let’s talk about it!

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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!

Click Here For The Book

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What’s your goal?

Well, like most things in the music biz, there’s no one right answer.  Think about your goal for the meeting.  If it’s just to get feedback to make your song better, a work tape is preferable.  The publisher will feel more free to make suggestions.  If you have a full demo, it’s more uncomfortable for them to suggest changes that might mean you having to drop another $800 on a new demo.

But if your goal is to be seen as a pro and treated as a pro, you want everything about you to be professional.  And that includes your song’s production.  So you want to play the most pro-sounding recordings you have, whether that’s a guitar/vocal, or just your best “one-take” iPhone worktape.

Here’s what I do.

Even though I’m already seen as a pro in the biz, I only play demos or high-quality guitar/vocals for publishers when I’m first getting to know them.  Over time, I may feel more comfortable playing work tapes- but not at first.  At first I always want to put my best foot forward.

That being said, it’s important to start playing work tapes for a publisher as your relationship deepens and you’re talking about signing a deal.  I don’t want to write for a publisher who has to hear a full demo before he knows if the song is any good or not.  I want to be able to run into his office and play that day’s worktape and have him do backflips and yell, “we gotta demo that!”

Here’s what I’m NOT saying…

Now, I’m not saying that you should stop trying to make publisher relationships until you’ve dropped a few grand on demos.  I’m not saying that.  Get feedback through other sources first (Songwriter Pro Coaching, NSAI, etc.).  That way you can figure out if your song is worth demoing.

Playing the demo of a bad song just tells the publisher that you don’t have the judgement to know NOT to demo a bad song.  It tells the publisher that you probably don’t even know it’s a bad song.  So save your money (and your reputation) until your songs are ready.

So to break down playing a full demo for a publisher:

**If the song is amazing, the publisher can run right out the door and pitch it immediately.

**If the song is good, you look like that much more of a professional.

**If the song needs work, the publisher is less likely to suggest changes.

**If the song is bad, you look like that much more of an amateur.

If your song- worktape or demo- is ready for a publisher… if you’re ready to get some honest, helpful feedback… or if you’re ready to knock a publisher’s socks off, I have a great opportunity coming up for you.

Songwriting Pro’s next Play For A Publisher event is coming right up, and our guest is Matt Lindsey of Matt Lindsey Music.  Matt has worked closely with several #1 hit songwriters, and he’s been getting songs recorded by major artists for years.  If YOU have the songs, HE knows what to do with them!

CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS AND SEND IN YOUR SONG!

God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,

Brent

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 and a #1 in Canada… so far.  He  also  co-hosts  the  popular  podcast  “The  C.L.I.M.B.”  available  on iTunes,  Stitcher,  and  HERE.SWP 4