Thanks Bear, for the info. If there is anyone else out there that can add to this I would really appreciate it.

Stace

"Junior" promote yourself, if you generate interest it will help attract a higher caliber of manager / lawyer.
Labels like to see hard working artists - work hard.
Aim to build a "these people are interested in me"
list that you could do a mailshot with to potential managers and (or) lawyers

eg:

1) local honcho producer has offered time at his studio..

2) WYETWJ&^
shdfy3789
838jm38
and
73udu7e3 radio stations are playing my stuff 24 hours a day
3) here are some comments from local reviews "better than miss piggy & kermits Xmas record" back in 82'...etc
4) My song "Internet Ranger" has been downloaded 3900 times since it was put up on MP3.com
5) The shows at 'The Hog Shack" have been well attended and I have been invited back for a 8 year 5 day a week residency.

I am looking for representation and would vey much like to send you a promo package to get your views on it.

Yours sincerely,

The Next Big Thing

Like that, sort of...

Thats how to do it..

:)

Jules

If it's being played, make sure you've got copies in the appropriate stores within the station's coverage area. If they won't take them on consignment, find out why not and do whatever it takes (bar code stickers or whatever) to get them in the stores.

This isn't just about selling a couple thousand copies. Documented sales in stores will put you in a whole different league when you go looking for financial backing and management.

...Good deal!

Questions:

1. Do you entertain the idea of having the songs posted for either MP3 or net streaming?

2. Are you going to do self distribution or find a distributor??

3. Are you getting a tracking report for the number of plays per station daily? is it 6 or more?

4. Do you have a web page avalible (for Purchase) with samples of the songs and a link for either credit card orders or other?

5. Be sure all Copyright info is taken care of immediately, if you haven't already

Remember the song "give me one reason"? (Tracy Chapman)

Chip Jones and Sharon Newport did it 4 years before Tracy, and it was stolen with no compensation. Chip has passed away 3 years ago...(due to stress) and Sharon...who knows...what a bad ass singer she was...

The Artist, sending out demo tapes, gave someone the idea of the song, it was rearranged, a few words were changed, and it went proudly to market....A rip off for sure.

I still have one of the masters.

They figured out that it would cost a lot of dough to go after it, then Chip died...so it is a dead issue.

Internet sharing is a good thing within reason (clips, snippits) to generate sales and to date and protect your work as "proof".

Do not under any circumstances "not" have your copyright position firmly covered...and even then, a "spin off" is possible.

I hold a song and artist that is a guaranteed hit. If Jimmy Buffet sang it, I know it would be a monster. Logistically, no matter what, once the song(s) are public, they are open to all kinds of BS. Protect yourself...lawyers are of value in many circumstances....

Good luck...Post the link if you have them on the web for a look/see or purchase.

Look at the big picture, and don't loose faith. This is a big business, you may get lucky but keep it in your control. As soon as someone gets ahold of the project that you cannot track, it is over as far as profitability (IMHO)

Thank you Jules, Bob and Bill. Great advice all the way around. This is a great forum - where else would I get information from such a wide range of experienced people? Thanks so much! The main message that I get from each of you is to stay smart about things and stay in control as much as I can.

Here I go .....

Stacey

Stacey,

You need to become a member of SOCAN. They do in Canada what BMI and ASCAP are doing in the U.S.
Check out http://www.socan.ca