It was just announced this week that Chelsea Bain has signed a record deal with Bigger Picture. (Bigger Picture is home to artists including Craig Campbell, Chris Cagle, and Chris Janson.) This is exciting news for me because I have a song (“Simple Is Hard”) on Chelsea’s independent album.
This is actually the second time I’ve had a song cut on an artist’s indie album right before the artist got signed to a record deal. The other was James Dupre’ (“Ring On The Bar”), who later signed with Warner Bros. Nashville.
In both cases, somebody pitched my song to an indie artist, who recorded the song. This is how I first found out about each artist. Thankfully, I did some research, found out that each artist is good, working hard, and building a good fan base. So I reached out and started a relationship- BEFORE they signed a record deal. In James’ case, we’ve been writing songs now for a couple of years. Chelsea, I have yet to meet in person, but we’ve shot some messages back and forth. This wasn’t so much in the hope that each artist would sign a big deal- I reached out because I dig what they do and I like what they did with my song. So it came from an honest place.
Now, I have no idea if Bigger Picture is going to put out Chelsea’s current album or start from scratch. Either way, though, I have a foot “indie” door (yes, I like bad puns). Getting a cut on her indie record might’ve gotten me a little access. But the fact that I’ve also built some communication with her should give me a better chance to pitch some songs directly to her or maybe even write with her. Hopefully, I can help her get a big ‘ol hit.
This goes as further proof that there is no such thing as a bad cut. Today’s indie artist just might be tomorrow’s label artist. So, if you do get an indie cut, do your research and don’t let a potential opportunity pass you by.
God Bless,
Brent
If you want to hear these cuts, click here…
Chelsea Bain – “Simple Is Hard” (by Brent Baxter and Robin Welty)
James Dupre- “Ring On The Bar” (by Brent Baxter and Byron Hill)
YOU VS…
What did I miss? Have you had a similar experience? Anything you’d like to add or ask? Leave a comment!
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Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter
Brent Baxter Music: http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com
