Tag Archives: Music

Biz

The Songwriter Who Cried “Hit!”

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Man vs Row

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.

Please protect the authority of your word.

Make your word mean something. If people can’t trust your word, they’ll keep you at a distance.  Don’t be like the songwriter who cried “hit.” Don’t overhype accomplishments which are not… accomplished yet. Protect the value of your word, or people will stop investing in you and your career.

I know a person who always has some deal that’s huge and a “done deal.” Some deal that’s going to make us both a lot of money, etc. But not one of these deals (record deals, cuts, hit singles, etc.) have actually happened. And it’s not just big things- small things like “demoing our song tomorrow” rarely materialize. As a result, I just don’t get excited about any “big news.” I don’t know if this person is just trying to speak their wishes into existence or if they’re just naive… but either way, I just don’t believe this person anymore.

No, I don’t share this to complain.

I’m sharing this to beg you NOT to be this person.

This person is nice and has potential, but I can’t and won’t recommend that any of my contacts work with them. I simply don’t trust this person enough. I don’t want this person either looking like a fool or a fraud to my contacts. It hurts my credibility if I vouch for them. I just can’t afford that.

It’s true that if enough people THINK you’re a hot property, then you ARE a hot property in Nashville. But you can’t be dishonest. The wheels turn slowly here, and people have plenty of time to jump back off your bandwagon when they realize they can’t believe anything you say. It’s fine to promote yourself and highlight your accomplishments, but be honest with people.

Please, protect the value of your word.

What do you think?  Have you had dealings with people like this?  What was the result?  Do you still work with them?  I’d love to hear from you!

God Bless,

Brent

THE PRO KNOWS

To BE a pro, you need to THINK like a pro. In this complimentary report, learn the mindsets that help the pro songwriter get cuts, earn respect in the industry, and maintain long-term success in the music business. Just click on the picture below to download this complimentary report today!
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If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Man_vs_Row

Biz, Muse

I Wrote A Hit Song Without Living In Nashville

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Man vs Row

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.

You don’t have to live in Nashville to write a hit song. Or even to get that song recorded by a major artist. I’m Brent Baxter, and that’s my story

As a songwriter living outside of Nashville, you may think it’s impossible to get a song recorded by a major country star. You’d be wrong. Just because you may have a family, job, or other responsibilities that keep you from making a move to Nashville or one the other major music centers, New York or LA, doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a song recorded. It just means you have to grow where you’re planted.

Now, don’t get me wrong, songwriters in Nashville have a decided advantage over those living elsewhere. They are close to the industry, it’s easier to make those all-important personal contacts in the business, and Nashville is a great place to learn the craft of songwriting. However, just because it’s harder doesn’t mean it’s impossible. At least not in my experience.

In 2000, after graduation from Arkansas State University, I was looking for jobs in Nashville, which, I hoped, would help in my pursuit of a songwriting career. However, the job offer came from a company in Little Rock, Arkansas, so Nashville would have to wait. But I knew I couldn’t afford to be idle in the meantime.

I dove into the local music and songwriting scene in Little Rock, which by no means qualifies as a major music center. But my main cowriter from back home in Batesville was living there, too, so that was a start. Since I’m a lyricist and not a singer, I helped get my friend, Tim Meitzen, some gigs in town.

Now, what follows is a string of steps that by themselves may seem insignificant. But in the end, each of those forward steps led to my big break.

I was downtown one day and saw a flier for an upcoming songwriter’s night. Well, that was pretty rare in Little Rock, and I immediately signed up my co-writer, Tim. (That was part of my job as the non-singing half of our cowriting team.)

Tim played the writer’s round, and we met a few guys who were starting a publishing company based out of Little Rock. Through the course of that relationship, one of ‘em gave me a cd of songs by Erin Enderlin. Erin was a songwriter from Conway, Arkansas, who was currently in college at Middle Tennessee State University outside of Nashville.

Months later, I saw that Erin was going to be performing in Little Rock. She was in over her spring break, and I went out to catch her show. She’d been writing songs in Nashville and was having some success making contacts in the music business. I gave her a cd of some songs, and she liked them.

Well, when Erin came back over summer break, we started writing together. Then she went back to school and continued making music business contacts. Then, over Christmas break of 2001, I gave her a lyric I’d had for a few years for a song called, “Monday Morning Church.” She liked it and wrote a great melody for the lyric. Then she was back off to Tennessee.

Now, I ended up finally making the move to Nashville myself in March of 2002, but it was Erin’s contacts that made the cut of that song possible. She brought the song back to Nashville, where she had begun working with a publisher. He demoed the song, played it for Keith Stegall, and it was eventually recorded by Alan Jackson in March of 2004.

Looking back on it now, it might seem like a straight line to the record store, but that’s only in retrospect. At the time, I was plugging away, just trying to take advantage of every opportunity that I could either find or create. I chased several rabbits along the way, not knowing which one would lead somewhere.

And that’s the point. You don’t know which small step will eventually lead to where you want to go. No, the writer’s night at Starr’s Guitars wasn’t the Bluebird. No, Little Rock wasn’t Nashville. But taking those small steps, growing where I was planted, led to a hit song and the ability to do this for a living. At least for a while.

I wouldn’t presume to know exactly which steps you need to take. And I certainly don’t think I was so talented that Nashville couldn’t help but notice me. No, I know ultimately, it was up to God to open those doors. He had me in Little Rock at that time for a reason.

If I’d been idle, just waiting to get to Nashville, I might never have gotten here. God has you where you are for a reason. Maybe it’s for music, maybe not. But I do know that where ever you are, it’s important to grow where you’re planted.

I hope my story encourages you to keep chasing your passions.

What about you?  Do you live in Nashville, or are you chasing the songwriting dream from out of town?  I’d love to hear from you!

God Bless,

Brent

KNOW THE ROW

MvR presents your opportunity to visit with new Curb Records artist, Ruthie Collins, as she prepares to release her first single to country radio.  Ruthie and hit songwriter, Brent Baxter, will give you an insider’s look at the reality of songwriting and record-making on Music Row. But they won’t be the only ones talking- you’re invited to join in the conversation, too! There are only EIGHT tickets available for this intimate get-together.  Click on the image below to find out more!

Know The Row w: Ruthie

DON’T MISS A SINGLE MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Man_vs_Row

Muse

The Law Of Achievement Is A Lie

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Man vs Row

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.

Man… I don’t know how this is gonna turn out.

I usually draft these posts ahead of time, but not this time.  This one is a “here’s something that hit me just now, and I want to share it with you” post.

I was just reading through “One Way Love” this morning by Tullian Tchividjian as part of my quiet time.  He talks about how we get exhausted by trying to fulfill the Law instead of relying on grace.  He also made the point that we also have innumerable little laws that we and culture dictate.  And that’s what hit me.

He says many folks butt up against the law of success that says, “if you don’t achieve __ level of success, then you don’t measure up.”  “If this person or that person is further along in their career, even if they started later, then you don’t measure up.”

Here are a few of my self-imposed laws:

*If you don’t get to write songs and do creative things you enjoy for a living, then you are a failure.

*If people who got to Nashville after you are having greater success than you, it’s because you are not good enough.

*If people who used to write with you are having greater success than you, it’s because you are not good enough.

I struggle against these laws.  I am convicted by them almost every day.  These laws drive me to get up at 5am before work and sometimes stay up till midnight after my wife goes to bed in an effort to build Man vs. Row and my songwriting business into something that satisfies the law.

These laws convict me through the radio, facebook, and twitter.

Guilty.

Guilty!

GUILTY!

Grace.

Grace tells me I don’t have to be enough.  God’s Law is good because its purpose is to hold up the true standard, the perfect standard that I’m incapable of meeting.  It’s purpose is not to drive me to perfection, but to drive me to relationship with God.  Where there is grace.  Where there is love.  And where the Law is fulfilled and no longer has jurisdiction over me.  Where I can rest.  Where I’m free.

Personal (and our cultural) laws are dim, twisted reflections of the good and holy Law.  They condemn me, drive me to exhaustion, cause me stress and fear.

My laws are a lie.

If I never get to live the creative life again, it has no bearing on my success or failure in this life.  That is NOT the standard.

If other people have more achievement than me, it has nothing to do with my worth.

My value is not determined by how many songs I get on the radio.

That’s the truth.  And with grace, that truth will set my heart free to do whatever God sets before me to do.

And to do it with joy.

God Bless,

Brent

KNOW THE ROW

MvR presents your opportunity to visit with new Curb Records artist, Ruthie Collins, as she prepares to release her first single to country radio.  Ruthie and hit songwriter, Brent Baxter, will give you an insider’s look at the reality of songwriting and record-making on Music Row. But they won’t be the only ones talking- you’re invited to join in the conversation, too! There are only EIGHT tickets available for this intimate get-together.  Click on the image below to find out more!

Know The Row w: Ruthie

DON’T MISS A SINGLE MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Man_vs_Row

Craft

Why Imagery Matters

6 Comments

Man vs Row

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.

Imagery is a very important part of your lyric- especially in country music. The saying in Nashville is, “Show me, don’t tell me.” There are a few reasons we’d rather you show us your song than tell us.

Images engage the heart, not just the brain.

You can tell me you’re sad. You can just say, “I’m sad now that you’re gone.” I will hear that and understand it. But I will only understand that with my head, not my heart. My head says, “Yes. The singer is sad. I understand what sadness is.” But that’s just information, and it stays in my head without moving to my heart.

However, when you show me what the sadness looks like- when I see the emptiness in your heart through the empty 2nd coffee cup you set out through habit and don’t have the heart to put back in the cupboard just yet- I FEEL your sadness. If I see you hugging his pillow at night because it smells like him, then I don’t just KNOW you’re sad, I FEEL your sadness.

Imagery is what gets your song through the head and into the heart.

Imagery makes it easy on your listener.

You can ask listeners to picture a lonely night AND be moved by whatever it is they imagine. Or you can SHOW your listeners a lonely night and ask them to be moved. Which one requires more from your listener? Exactly.

People are busy. They’re probably listening to your song while doing something else- driving, eating, working, hanging out with friends, etc. If the listener doesn’t have enough mental bandwidth left to process your lyric, they may either just hear the melody only (which isn’t the worst thing in the world) or they ignore your song altogether (which IS the worst thing- love my song or hate my song, but don’t ignore it).

Painting the picture for your listeners is often an easier path to their hearts- which is directly connected to their wallets, by the way.

Imagery helps you be unique.

Let’s face it, there are only so many emotions that show up in songs. New love, old love, new heartache, old heartache, anger, hope, nostalgia, etc. Since we really just sing about a handful of emotions, our lyrics are going to be pretty bland and boring if we only write in emotional terms. After all, how many ways can you say, “I miss you” without imagery?

The use of fresh imagery allows you to talk about the same old emotions in a new way. So it’s really in your best interest (and you’ll be more likely to keep your listener’s interest) if you use fresh, believable images to tell your story.

People are visual.

Visuals impact us deeply. There’s a reason radio dramas were made obsolete by movies and television- people respond more strongly to visuals! If you can paint pictures with your lyrics, you can give the listener something to see in his or her mind.

So there you have it. Four reasons why imagery matters. If you’ve been a very emotional, non-imagery based writer, I encourage you to try incorporating images into your lyrics. I think it will serve you well.

God Bless,

Brent

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN MvR IN THE TOP 10?

The listener’s reaction to your song is only as real as the character in your song. The W.I.L.L.power workshop will teach you tips & techniques to make the characters in your songs come alive and jump out of the radio and into your listeners’ hearts. There are only a handful of tickets available for this intimate get-together.  Click on the image below to find out more!

MvR Top 10 2

BECOME AN MvR VIP!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Join by putting your email in the “Become An MvR VIP” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Members receive discounts on products and services and well as some other cool stuff.  Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Man_vs_Row

Live Event

Know The Row w/ Ruthie Collins & Brent Baxter

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Man vs Row

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:

Know The Row w: Ruthie

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

NEVER MISS ANOTHER MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Razorbaxter75

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Biz, Muse

Songwriter, Do You Fear Success?

2 Comments

Man vs Row

 

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.

What is it that’s keeping you from writing that “sure-fire” hit idea that’s been sitting in your notebook? What’s been keeping you from asking for that (potentially) life-changing cowrite even though you think they’ll say “yes?” What’s keeping you from walking through that open door to play your best song for an artist or publisher?

Is it fear of failure?

Maybe.

It might be that you fear the artist or publisher saying your best song doesn’t knock them out. Maybe you fear “ruining” your hit idea because you write it wrong. Maybe you fear sitting down with a big-time writer and being exposed as a fraud. You might fear what will happen if your dream gets crushed.  Or…

…maybe you fear what will happen if your dream comes true.

Maybe somewhere deep down you fear that your hit idea REALLY IS A HIT.

A hit means you finally have to decide if you want to quit your “safe” job and try to repeat your success. What if your cowrite with the big writer goes really well, and he wants to write again or even recommend you to his big-name writer buddies?

That can feel like a lot of pressure to write at a high level again and again, on demand.

Fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure.

Tweet: Man vs. Row: “Fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure. Don’t fear success!” http://ctt.ec/x4_KN+

Now, I’m no shrink, so I’m not going to try and walk you through how to defeat fear of success. But I do know there’s value in identifying where your fear is coming from- so you can call it by name as you battle it.

What about you?  Have you had to battle fear of success?  Leave a comment below- I’d love to hear from you!

God Bless,

Brent

IMG_0995

KNOW THE ROW

MvR presents your opportunity to visit with new Curb Records artist, Ruthie Collins, as she prepares to release her first single to country radio.  Ruthie and hit songwriter, Brent Baxter, will give you an insider’s look at the reality of songwriting and record-making on Music Row.  But they won’t be the only ones talking- you’re invited to join in the conversation, too!  There are only EIGHT tickets available for this intimate get-together.  Click on the image below to find out more!

Know The Row w: Ruthie

NEVER MISS ANOTHER MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Razorbaxter75

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MvR Community, YouDay

One Email Away

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YouDay
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.

It’s ironic that I posted about “8 Ways To Build And Protect A Positive Attitude” on Monday morning, because I felt anything BUT positive.  Maybe it’s just a Monday thing when you’re not heading off to do what you love, and you know you have a full week of not doing what you love ahead of you.  Maybe it’s just life trying to make a hypocrite of me for what I had just posted.

Either way, I was pretty sour.  My next success felt too far in the future, and my last success felt too far in the past.  I felt miles away from where I want to be.  I even had an old buddy return my call about a MvR opportunity, but I didn’t pick up.  I was in no mood to dream and plan.  The rock I’m trying to push up that mountain felt very heavy.

Ever have those Monday mornings?

Well, I eventually started pulling myself out of the funk.  I started listening to some podcasts which inspire, motivate, and fire me up.  That got the juices going some.  Then I called my buddy back and we had a good little chat.  That helped, too.

Then, around 2pm, I got an email from another old friend and cowriter, Roxie Randle.  She said we had just gotten a cut!  The song is called, “No Promises,” and we wrote it back in early 2008.  It’s been cut by an artist out of Oklahoma.  Her name is Sarah Dunn, and she’s on a radio tour right now promoting her first single on Audacity Records.  The album should be out in a month or two.  (You can check her out here.)

I’ve been hearing good things about Sarah, and it’s ALWAYS cool to get a cut.  But what I’m really happy about is that it’s Roxie’s first outside cut.  She’s a talented singer/songwriter and has put out her own albums (check her out here), but this is the first time she’ll get to pop in somebody else’s album and listen to her own song.  She was one of my first cowriters when I hit Nashville in 2002, and I’m so proud to be a part of her first cut.

It just reminds me how everything can change with just one email or one phone call out of the blue.  Believe me, the last thing I expected was to get a call about a cut on a 6 1/2 year old song.  But that kinda stuff can happen when you do good work and put it out into the world.

I have no big expectations for this song.  I’ve learned not to lean too much on what might be.  I’m just thankful for the cut, and anything else is gravy.  And I’m also thankful that tomorrow might bring another call or another email.

But enough about me. What about YOU?

Do you have a story of being in a dark place with your dream, only to have a ray of sunshine just when you needed it?  I think if someone else out there is in that valley, hearing your story might encourage them.  Thanks.

God Bless,

Brent

UPCOMING LIVE MvR EVENTS!

I have two special online small group coaching sessions coming up in August, and I’d love for you to make it.  The first is on “Finding And Focusing Your Idea.”  Learn some of the techniques I have used to generate song ideas that have led to cuts.  The second is a special small group interview/chat/Q&A with new Curb Records artist, Ruthie Collins.  This is your chance to connect with her as she’s recording her debut album and is prepping her first single for release.  It’s a very cool opportunity.  Just click on the image below to find out more about each!

Small Group Coaching 1

 

DON’T MISS A SINGLE MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Razorbaxter75
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Biz, Muse

8 Ways To Build And Protect A Positive Attitude

14 Comments

Man vs Row

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.

As I discussed in “A Positive Attitude Matters For Songwriters” (to read it, CLICK HERE), it is very important for songwriters to have a positive attitude. In this post, I’d like to discuss 8 ways to both build and maintain that positive attitude. These are techniques which I personally use (some more than others). Feel free to tweak for your own needs/personality.

1. Regular Bible study and prayer time.

It’s important for me to connect with God on a regular basis. It’s good to spend time focusing on something outside of myself, to remember that there are things more important than music. Aligning with truth helps me to keep the ups and downs of the music biz in proper perspective. Christ has a loooong way to go in making me who I will eventually be, but He’ll get me there.

2. Display trophies.

Sometimes it’s easy to think about present disappointments and forget past victories. Try displaying trophies from your success. My wall includes albums I’m on, a few awards, and some pictures. You might not have that yet, and that’s fine. Start where you are. It might be framing a lyric that was a breakthrough in your writing. It might be framing the comments from a positive song evaluation. A photo from your first writer’s night. Or maybe it’s more of a vision board where you post visual reminders of where you want to get.

Awards Wall

3. Listen to positive messages.

Garbage in, garbage out… so make sure you’re exposing yourself to positive messages. During my day gig, I do a lot of driving, so I’ve really gotten into podcasts. I mostly listen to entrepreneur podcasts, and songwriting podcasts and sermons. Not only do these podcasts inspire and educate me, they keep my dreams in front of me. For you, it might be posting motivational or inspirational messages where you’ll see them often.

4. Serve others.

Get out of your own life and help somebody. A disappointing publisher or pitch meeting loses some of its sting when you’re face to face with the homeless or the sick. Try it out and see for yourself. (Full disclosure: I’m lousy at this, and God usually has to put those opportunities in front of me because I’m too self centered to go look for them. But when I follow through and help somebody out, it always lifts my mood. Who’s really helping whom?)

5. Exercise.

Exercise releases endorphins and helps raise your mood. Getting in shape also gives you more energy for chasing your dreams. Plus, it helps your general self-image and makes it easier to see yourself as a disciplined person who does the right things. If you’re out of shape, that gives you one more thing to beat yourself up about. “The publisher didn’t like my song… and I’m fat.”

6. Enjoy the journey.

Don’t delay gratification until the night of your Hall of Fame induction ceremony. First of all, you might get hit by a bus the week before. Secondly, if you just put your head down and work work work until you reach some far off goal, you’ll probably burn out and quit first. The journey itself is the only guarantee- so enjoy it. Celebrate the small victories- go out to dinner with your team or hang a trophy on your wall. Don’t rest on your laurels, but celebrate along the way.

7. Eavesdrop on yourself.

What story are you telling yourself about your talent, your songs, and your chance of success? It’s important to listen to your internal monologue- that voice in your head that tells you that each obstacle is either proof that you’re a failure or just a hurdle that you’re going to overcome on your way to success. Retrain yourself to think (and talk) in more positive terms. Replace your negative thoughts with positive ones.  I know, I know.  It sounds kind of “woo-woo new age,” but it’s true.

8. Build a positive team.

Just as it’s important what you tell yourself, it’s important what others tell you. Are they lifting your spirits or pulling you down? Does your cowriter spend half the session complaining how nobody’s getting cuts and great songs can’t win? Or is he trying to figure out how your great song WILL win? You don’t want a team that refuses to see reality and how hard this biz can be, but you also don’t want a team that is defeated from the beginning. Align yourself with the folks who bring out the best in you – both musically and otherwise.

Well, I hope this has been helpful for you. Keep your chin up and keep writing!

God Bless,

Brent

THE PRO KNOWS

To BE a pro, you need to THINK like a pro.  In this complimentary report, learn the mindsets that help the pro songwriter get cuts, earn respect in the industry, and maintain long-term success in the music business.  Just click on the picture below to download this complimentary report today!

The Pro Knows

 

DON’T MISS A SINGLE MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

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MvR Community, YouDay

Awards

7 Comments

YouDay
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.

I got some exciting news last week when the nominees were announced for the 2014 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs). Gord Bamford, Byron Hill and I are nominated for Songwriters of the Year for our song, “When Your Lips Are So Close.” The song is also nominated for Single of the Year. (It went #1 with Gord as the artist.) By the way, if you happen to be a CCMA member, we’d appreciate your vote!

What award would you love to win? As a writer and/or artist, which award would you take if you could only have one? And, honestly, if you couldn’t care less about awards or if your dream reward has nothing to do with the music business I’m cool with that. I hope you’ll put whatever your answer is in the comments.

What award would YOU love to win?

As a writer and/or artist, which award would you take if you could only have one? And, honestly, if you couldn’t care less about awards or if your dream reward has nothing to do with the music business I’m cool with that. I hope you’ll put whatever your answer is in the comments.

I’ll go first, and I’ll keep it to music.

In 2005, “Monday Morning Church” won a “Song I Wish I’d Written” Award from NSAI. There were only 13 given that year, and the other winning songs included “Bless The Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts, “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” by Lee Ann Womack, “Hey Good Lookin’” by Jimmy Buffett and Friends, and “Memories Of Us” by Keith Urban.

To have one of my songs sitting along side songs written by Hank Williams and Rodney Crowell was simply amazing. What made it even more special was that the award was voted on by only pro songwriters. When I dream about success, it usually involves that award.

But enough about me. What about YOU?

God Bless,

Brent

DON’T MISS A SINGLE MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

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Biz, Muse

A Positive Attitude Matters For Songwriters

11 Comments

Man vs Row

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.

Success in songwriting and the music business is about so much more than just talent. For one thing, there is just so much talent in (and trying to get in) the business that talent alone is not enough. In a biz where talent is as common as water, attitude can make or break you. So today, I’d like to focus on why having a positive attitude is important.

A positive attitude keeps you going.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. A positive attitude allows you to tap into your deeper energy reserves. Without this, it’s too easy to quit when it’s been a few miles (or a few years) of uphill climb. A positive attitude gets you through the tough times.

A positive attitude draws the right people to you.

Wise, successful people want to surround themselves with positive people. They know that negative attitudes are contagious and toxic, so they intentionally avoid negative people. If you want to keep the company of successful people, it helps to be a positive person.

A positive attitude helps you be more creative.

If you believe you’ll be successful, if you believe your next great song is just around the corner, your mind will be open and receptive to song ideas in the world around you. In a cowrite, you’re more likely to shut down and not contribute if you’re more worried about not saying something “stupid” than you are about saying something that might be great.

A positive attitude opens your eyes to possibilities.

Pessimism focuses on the closed door, but optimism keep an eye out for an open window. A positive attitude allows you to move on from disappointments more quickly so you get back in the game. Pessimism sees only the reasons something won’t work. Optimism sees the obstacles, but it can also envision the path to victory- or at least believes that there IS a path to victory to be found.

A positive attitude helps you learn.

If you always focus on how “bad” the songs on the radio are or what hacks the hit songwriters are, you’re less likely to see what has made those songs and those songwriters successful. You don’t have to love every song on the radio, but they each might have something to teach you. Don’t miss the lesson.

Songwriting should be fun!

Listen, the chance of big monetary or commercial success in songwriting is very slim. If you don’t have a good attitude, if you aren’t having fun, then you should probably find something else to do. Music is meant to be a blessing. If it becomes a curse, you may need to step away for a while.

Take good care of your attitude, and your attitude will take good care of you.

What about you?  What other advantages do you get from a positive attitude?  What disadvantages of a negative attitude?  I’d love to hear your comments!

God Bless,

Brent

DON’T MISS A SINGLE MvR POST!

If you like this blog, don’t miss a single post!  Subscribe by putting your email in the “Follow Man vs. Row via E-mail” section on this page.  It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below.   Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it.  I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else.  Thanks!

Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter

Brent Baxter Music:  http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com

Brent’s Instagram: Razorbaxter75
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