Who's Online Now
5 members (couchgrouch, rpirone, Guy E. Trepanier, Gavin Sinclair, 1 invisible), 928 guests, and 249 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Can you save me from me
by David Gill - 03/26/24 07:16 PM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
She’s missing but she ain’t missing him
by ckiphen - 03/23/24 08:44 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Make my dreams come true
by ckiphen - 03/22/24 10:51 AM
Stuck Here At The Light
by David Gill - 03/21/24 10:40 AM
Because Easter bunny...
by David Gill - 03/21/24 09:44 AM
"I Miss You, Baby"
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/21/24 08:39 AM
"I Miss You, Baby"
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/21/24 08:39 AM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,989
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,125
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,210
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,118
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,031
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hey folks,

Been away a bit because last Friday I "released" my new CD project, "A LIFE WELL LIVED" and had my 60th birthday, 30th year in Nashville, and "Retirement" party, (Just a joke, I've been "RETIRING" FOR 30 YEARS!) in Nashville. It was quite a hoot ,with around 400 people, many I had not seen in decades, showing up from all over the country and Canada. I thought a lot of these people would have been dead or in prison by now! Who knew? But it was a blast, and below I'll list a link to the video of it that was live streamed on FACEBOOK.

I'm very proud of the CD and glad I did it. Over the past few years we are all going through the "what is the point of even doing a CD or any of this any more, and I Was most definately among that group. Most people don't PAY for music any more so the majority of it is for a vanity project. Well, that is NOT EXACTLY A BAD THING.

I have been writing hundreds (actually thousands) of songs over the past few years and having some new physical thing was not exactly on my radar screen until quite a few people asked for new material. And I also did it as a LEGACY writing thing. "This is what I have been doing..." for people I've lost track of for years. having my ex-wife, her husband, and our daughter and her fiance' was a very self rewarding thing. And to be honest, the sales of the CD just due to that party almost paid for itself.

I am of the opinion, that whatever we do now, we have to do FOR OURSELVES. If we are working hard on our craft, and want to show the world, we have to have some form of PHYSICAL PRODUCT. If you are a performer at all, the opportunities still exist for a few sales here and there. Even if it just pays for gas, what's the harm? And of course, if you are trying to pitch material, you do need to be ready at any occasion. You never know where this stuff is going to show up. So make sure you wrap it in the nicest package you can.

Each person needs to decide for themselves and their goals may be different than mine. But for me, I did this and am pretty proud of it. I have them up on my web site for sale, and soon will be on I tunes and other platforms. For anyone who wants to see a little of the party, the band show and what I've been up to, hopefully this link will take you to the live streaming we did.
Good luck to you all, MAB

https://www.facebook.com/marcalan.b...NTMzMTA2Nzk5Ojg4MzQzODM2NDM3Mjc4Njg1Mzc/

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
MAB ! My favourite motormouth ! How are you bud ?

Legacy ? Whatta you mean ? Listen bud, you've been prattling on for years about "how it's all changed'. Yes the industry has changed, but the song writers haven't , neither have the players, or the young folks, or the financial folks. There has been a huge resurgence in natural music, and if you can't read/write music, and you can't play and know an instrument and can't actually sing a song in tune and well phrased, you won't be looked at.Cheap software ? YuK! It's like saying because you can fly an aeroplane on your PC, you can fly a jet aeroplane.for real.

Obviously this is only one man's opinion, but it happens to stretch a fair way. My own daughter, Ms Rock Chic, I only introduce her to seasoned musicians. And know we can sit down and "analyse" I track for what it's worth in any genre, from her side as well.

Example : 3 guys are playing outside a well known jazz club on the pavement. ( I was outside having a ciggie ) 2 rapppers come along, and between them all, they rock the pavement, stop traffic, and then the police ( in a nice way ), have to shut it down, and all the guys go up into the club, and listen to a reggae/rock band. And everyone gets on great.Why ? because they're all young but seasoned TRAINED musicians with older muso's as well.

So MAB, when you say "legacy", I say to you don't do it, because there's too many young folks that require your expertise, both musically and ethically.

Mike Dunbar has a great quote ; Adapt or die !

I don't do Facebook, but if put up a few clips on Utube, I'll be sure to come along and have a loooksie. smile

Best you my octogenerational friend,

cheers, Geoff


Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,125
Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
Offline
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,125
Likes: 29
Happy Birthday, Marc.

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Top 40 Poster
Offline
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,895
Congrats on the CD, Marc, Happy Birthday and many more to come. All good things,

Ricki

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190
Likes: 30
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190
Likes: 30
Congrats & Happy Birthday old-timer. You're sounding good Marc. Have a great day!

Best, John smile

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 10
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 10
We all know you're lying about turning 60, in order to be seen as a wise elder....soo....happy 30th!

Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 28
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 28
30 years old and seems like 60 years in Nashville
Still standing tall and strong, this bit of a rascal's
Still writing songs
Some a tad too short, some a tad too long
But still writing songs
Still writing songs

So Happy Birthday Marc Barnette
Glad your days ain't over yet
You still got awhile, to make us smile
Yeah Happy Birthday Marc Barnette
Master of the alphabet
You still got awhile, to find those rhymes
And make us smile


If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Nice John I humbly bow.

greatest respect, niteshift

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hey guys, thank you all for responding.

Ricki, don't lose my number.
Martin and John, thanks much, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.
John and Mac, thank you. Most say I don't look a day past 81!

Hey Nightshift, Geoff. When I say ":Legacy" that is just a fancy name for the junk we leave behind. I think I've got a few chapters to add, before I clock out. Funny you should chime in. It's an interesting life, ('Well Lived', that;s the title of the CD) the more I try to pull back, the more I get dragged back in. I've been hit up a lot lately by people asking me for songs. So yes, while a LOT of things have changed, a lot of things stay the same. Integrity, people who can and do write quality, people who have some talent and are lucky enough to stay focused will always find a niche. Music is all a NICHE and while so much has gone to pot (literally and figuratively) in the past few years, there are still plenty of things to keep us interested. This is for you, my Aussie bud.

A few years ago, I Was working with a guy from Cairn's Australia. His name is Andrew Cavanagh. He was working with me for three days on one of my "Nashville songwriter's tours" where he came in and we wrote songs and I introduced him around to my other friends. In cases like his, I try to introduce them to some people INSIDE the town they might have a special connection with. In Andrew's case, it was a very vivacious, incredible singer/writer/artist, originally from PERTH AUSTRALIA, Christine Parri. Christine is a monsterous voice, and incredibly fun girl, wrapped up in this amazing, very sexy, passionate package, who envisions herself as a "torch" singer, (type of music from the 40's and 50's, old Hollywood style.) We wrote a song called "IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK", in which we actually REFERENCED a lot of those old classic movies and actors.

Today, Andrew sent me this video that he had done, including some of those people we talked about in the song.
So if you have not had ENOUGH of the MAB today, (hey, this is not ME singing), I thought it would be fun to include this for your Aussie countrymen and an Alabama redneck. Take care.

Thanks everyone.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w86PmMgqfZvotN_FbBUnZEuVCzgoLfxd/view

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
MAB, that is just absolutely unreal.

Have played this song 3 or 5 times over. Just sensational how a vocalist can project with such simple backing.

I think you are aware that I'm putting in a restaurant/supper/jazz club in northern Fiji, between Nadi and Lautoka and if the lady would like to be in residence ( 6-9 months Time ) , would love to have her in my club to blow the socks off the guests.

You can contact me via Linkedin. Just superb . Is there a Spotify link which I can distribute ?

cheers mate ( real ones, beers only today ) niteshift

PS - what did I tell you ? There's so much work to be done to bring excellent vocalists and muso's to the forefront. Old ? Take a back seat you old fart till you're 90 yrs at least mate !


Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,003
Likes: 1
Top 20 Poster
Offline
Top 20 Poster
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,003
Likes: 1
MAB

I remember the first time I saw you at the COURTYARD CAFE! I said to myself, that left-handed guitar player is cool! HE MAY MAKE IT IN NASHVILLE!
I remember those nights with SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND: like it was yesterday!

Happy birthday! I'll be 80 tomorrow myself--Nashville has changed so much since I came in 1960.

Keep doing what you LOVE! You still sound GREAT!

Mackie

Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by niteshift
MAB ! My favourite motormouth ! How are you bud ?




Hey there are a lot of other motormouths who feel neglected! ha!


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,579
Likes: 13
Congrats on the new album MAB! It's nice to see someone else who has been at it even longer than me. I've only got 33.5 years. You must be over 40?


Brian Austin Whitney
Founder
Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
Skype: Brian Austin Whitney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks

"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hello folks, happy Sunday.

You guys have some funny comments. Good to hear from you all.

Brian, I sometimes lose count of how long I've been doing this, but I do know the exact date I began my journey in music.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1974. (44 years for those who don't want to do the math.) two o'clock in the afternoon, to be exact.
That was the day I first stepped on a stage at Tarrant City High School in Tarrant Alabama (outside of Birmingham) for a high school assembly program, at what would be my future high school. I was 15 and the girls all screamed as I sang "I believe in music"by Mac Davis. From that moment on I was "hooked on music" and have never wanted to do anything else. Of course, like all of us, I've had to do a million things to support my music habit, but the dream has never faded. Just adapted.

Niteshift, it is so funny. I sent Christine your post and she just sent me something back. She'd love to! I'll have to hook you guys up. I'll send you her info privately. I'll also find out about her web site so you guys can check her out. She is actually in Australia right now. She's in Perth, with her parents. It is a funny thing about you damn Aussie's. You guys TRAVEL more than anyone I have ever seen. She posts stuff on Facebook traveling to Paris, all through Europe, all over America... and I've known a bunch of Aussie's who come here, all the time. They just go on these month and two month long holidays. HOW DOES ANYONE DO THAT? Oh well it gets me work.

If you ever hear of an artist named BEN GUNN, I have some things on him as well. He is an artist pretty well known in Australia and New Zealand. My co-writer Andrew, works with him and I've written a few things long distance with him.

Mackie, I always thought you looked familiar. I do know you and thank you for the kudos .Funny you mentioned the Courtyard Cafe. We are currently going through so many changes in this town and of course the Music Row area is getting bulldozed and rebuilt with condos, businesses and apartments that have created a lot of tension in the music community. But actually more so to people who are new to town, who really don't understand that the Row area of old, has been long gone for many years, and the current "old buildings" are not really THAT OLD. Most that are there now, are really from the late 70's and 80's and are far away from the "historic" Nashville that many romanticize over. The Row has always changed and morphed and that is the nature of the business.
WE have a place called "BOBBY'S IDLE HOUR" that is the latest old dive bar being torn down in January. A lot of people bemoan it and I do to, but have seen so many places like the COURTYARD CAFE' come and go.
Again, just part of the nature of all this. Have to take it in stride.

Like Mike Dunbar said "Adapt or Die." Never has a truer thing been said.

Thanks to all of you.
MAB

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hey Niteshift, here is Christine Parri's web site. Contact her there. Tell her I sent you.

www.christineparri.com

Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
It's more like adapt, then die. LoL. I don't recall a time where it was ever easy, this business was impossible from the moment I started, and still seems impossible. I think I adapted well to the new tech world, it hasn't changed my chances. It's like thinking playing slots online is somehow gonna change your odds, to that of playing on a land slot machine. It doesn't....please nobody, ever again, put a nickel In a slot machine.

Anyway, congrats Marc on the cd, in the end it's still about making music and being an artist, and artists make albums, even if nobody buys them

It's a shame and abit discouraging that somebody with all your connections and inside info into the music business hasn't been able to make alot of money, there are a lot of less inclined and less hard working people in music who simply got lucky and are making money.

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082
Likes: 1
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,082
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Marc Barnette


I am of the opinion, that whatever we do now, we have to do FOR OURSELVES.


Amen smile

Happy Birthday! And congrats on your CD and release party. You will have some great memories from that, I'm sure.

Scott

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Once again thanks all.

Fedimntero,

One of the interesting things about this business, is that NOBODY makes the money most people think they do. I have known so many people that had gone through deal after deal, getting little or no traction that by the time they had that big "hit" song, much of the money went to paying back deals they had over the years. Buying back cateloges paying attorneys to get them OUT of things they signed early in their careers. It is always to be remembered that even the Beatles never got all the rights to their songs back, there are still things scattered out there in the hinterlands.

Most everyone I came to town with have long left the business. Most of the professional writers, publishers, managers, artists, etc are all long gone. And while I have never become that household name, I don'[t owe anyone anything and pretty much everything I do is on me, rise or fall.

Also, connections change. Another nature of the business. You can be riding the top of the world one day and the next, the company folds, and you are out on your butt. Has led me to my favorite Nashville introduction, "Hi, I'm Marc-Alan Barnette, who did you USED to be with?"

At the same time, I have a lot of friends who have managed to carve out their own niche, writing, performing, owning recording studios ,management, many other things that they have morphed into over the years.

Again, I always go back to some of my most eye opening things that I learned very quickly upon moving to Nashville. I started writing with hit songwriters very quickly and included in many circles. And something I noticed with many of these monster hit writers with all the gold and platinum you could imagine, is that almost ALL of them had other businesses. Many songwriting sessions being stopped and interrupted while the hit writer had to go show an apartment from their property management business, deliver plumbing or electrical supplies for their construction or plumbing business, etc. Once was a friend of mine who was working on the toilet in my townhouse while at the same time he had his third number one song on the radio.
Never give up your day job.

It's very much like athletes. Years and years to build your skill level, and political connections, a tight blurb of success, then it's over and you are back doing what you were doing before. Again, the nature of the beast. Knowing all that helped me navigate the challenges that come with all of this and stay mostly above the fray.

MAB

Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 28
Top 10 Poster
Offline
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 28
Kudos on that song sung by Christine..."too much to ask" is great "lounge" music....and I do love a good sax riff...


If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 26
Top 200 Poster
Online Content
Top 200 Poster
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 26
Originally Posted by Marc Barnette


If you ever hear of an artist named BEN GUNN, I have some things on him as well. He is an artist pretty well known in Australia and New Zealand. My co-writer Andrew, works with him and I've written a few things long distance with him.



I'm a big fan of Ben Gunn. Found a video of him on YouTube LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alayd_lm3Zk

Last edited by Gavin Sinclair; 07/29/18 05:36 PM.
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
Marc, I have followed and met some relatively succesful indies in my area, and they say if they couldn't fill the venues they do, they'd make nothing at all. Songs don't make money any more.

But the bigger the venue you can play, the bigger the paycheck.

If any of us could fill a football stadium just once in our lifetime, we'd make enough to live off it forever.

Playing live is the only source of money, maybe tv and movies but I don't know what that pays really. I do know a guy who had a song on Kardashians show, he did well on that.

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 07/29/18 10:55 PM.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,998
G
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
G
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,998
Happy Birthday Marc!

I checked out the Facebook Stream. Damn dude, you can perform! Great stage presence. Excellent vocal. You're an entertainer for sure. Anyway, sent you a friend request on Facebook. Keep on keeping on brother. Again, happy birthday.

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,998
G
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
G
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,998
Originally Posted by Marc Barnette
Once again thanks all.

And something I noticed with many of these monster hit writers with all the gold and platinum you could imagine, is that almost ALL of them had other businesses. Many songwriting sessions being stopped and interrupted while the hit writer had to go show an apartment from their property management business, deliver plumbing or electrical supplies for their construction or plumbing business, etc. Once was a friend of mine who was working on the toilet in my townhouse while at the same time he had his third number one song on the radio.
Never give up your day job.

MAB


The struggle is real. I remember being a teenager and joining as a member of JPFOLKS back in 1999 I believe. Brian would offer me advice, and very seldom would I listen....(Teenagers think they know it all or something). At the time, I was going to a community college right after high school and had been drifting along trying to figure out what life was supposed to be. I was involved in the college radio station, had my own radio show, and writing lyrics (or at least trying to) while juggling college courses and trying not to get into too much trouble.

Here's a segment of my radio show from back in that day:

https://soundcloud.com/thewattonshow/soap-show-on-the-radio-monster-x-skit

As I developed my radio show, I continued learning all I could about writing lyrics and trying to find people to collaborate with. A fellow DJ friend of mine was taking vocal lessons with a local producer and she showed him some of my lyrics she had liked. He asked her to bring me to her next vocal lesson as he had wanted to meet me. Out of that meeting, my first real song collaboration resulted in a song called "WORK OF ANGELS".....

https://soundcloud.com/thewattonshow/work-of-angels

While I was doing the radio thing, going to college, and becoming a better "songwriter", I had day jobs. At that time, I was working at a game store owned by Wizards of the Coast, who then got bought out by HASBRO. While working there, some kids came into the store to play Pokemon. They told me they were going to start a band called RED THIRTEEN (named after a character from Final Fantasy) and that they wanted to do music like Blink 182. They also told me they wanted me to be their manager. So, I became their manager, even though they just wanted a manager so they could say they had one. It was fun, but the most I did for them was get them in the studio to record their first EP. The band ended up breaking up shortly after I left for the military.

While in the military, I continued writing lyrics, but I didn't do it often. I was focused on being in the military. It was toward the final year of my service where I got back into collaborating with people and networking, which led to opportunities (which I have posted about in the forums over the years).

Even with some successes, it's a struggle. I finally tapped into my military benefits and used that to pay for trucking school. I now have my CLASS A license and landed a local job driving a truck for short haul to locations throughout Southern California. I work early in the morning and I am off work before most people head out on the road to start their work day. So, that allows me the freedom to continue pursuing my passion as a writer and working the one thing I love more than most things in life: MUSIC.

Never give up the day job as that will pay your bills and help you finance your dreams. Without a stable income, the struggle will most likely get in the way and prevent you from doing what you truly love.

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hello Folks, happy Monday,

Gregory. thank you very much. Being a performer has been my whole deal for all these 42 years. An entertainer is all I have been, writing, recording, networking and the business I've been in all are outgrowths of that. I started writing my own songs because at 14-15 years old, playing in bands, that's what you do. As I grew older and more experienced, I focused more on writing, working with mentors, and people better than me, then moving to a songwriting town, I always had to build my own catalog and abilities. I sort of have grown into that. But from the rock world, to the country world, with forays into stand up comedy, Musical theater, and pretty much every genre,then into teaching, I have been and always will be a performer first. Thank you for watching the video.


Fidementro:
"Playing live is the only source of money, maybe TV and movies but I don't know what that pays really. I do know a guy who had a song on Kardashians show, he did well on that."

VISIBILITY IS VIABILITY. If you have something that is seen and heard EVERYWHERE, you are going to do quite well. The major productions (movies, television and commercials) have larger budgets and are seen more, so they pay much better. I have a former student who just posted on Facebook that he received his Gold and Plantmium records from the movie "THE GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH" , the hit movie with Hugh Jackman.
He will do very well from that. The soundtrack has SOLD well, and the movie did big business.
His "main job" has been as a computer programmer and writing music for video games, which he has done for about 20 years. He was one of these computer nerds, who played keyboards and was into programming for music. Now, he conducts orchestras, here in Nashville for major blockbuster movies. Who knew?

I always compare the modern music industry to sports. There are always people at the tops of the pyramids. People who get huge cuts, are incredible performers/writers (And their organizations), people who have those top ten and twenty songs that actually still pay money. Streaming and downloading have changed all that and most people will never make money. But there are those that do.
In sports there are thousands of those marquee teams and athletes that get all the endorsements, win championships, and make fortunes. Even some that sit the benches on those huge teams, make a lot. I once dated a girl whose Father had been on the 50's New York Yankees teams. The ones that won all the world series, including the 1955 Don Larson perfect game. But he only played in about half of those. He still made money from those games and years he was on the team for the rest of his life. And he did play in the second half of those 6 years. So he earned what he got.

There are also interesting aspects of the music business. For many years we had "PRODUCT SELLING ALBUMS" and "AIRPLAY ALBUMS." That meant there were songs and records that did well on the charts but didn't sell much physical product, and other records that never did well on the charts, but sold a TON of units.

We have sort of the same thing now. Ed Sheeran, one of the hottest artists out there, doesn't chart a lot. But he sells how huge arenas and sells a TON OF MERCHANDISE. Touring and merchandising have always been the lifeblood of an artist, since traditionally they didn't write all their material. A current artist on the charts can probably sell ten times what they make on any song in merchandise. Taylor Swift does about $1.5 million a NIGHT in t-shirts, hats programs, coozies, and all the other things she does.

So yes, the industry has taken a lot of hits and we all have to adapt to it. But there are some things that don't change. A vibrant performer that has a special relationship with his/her audience, devotion to those artists, will continue on. We are in a celebrity world. If you don't believe it, think about Chloe Kardaishian, who just became one of the worlds youngest BILLIONAIRES. That's all in PRODUCT. Cosmetic companies, endorsements, celebrity.

Interesting world ain't it?

MAB


Last edited by Marc Barnette; 07/30/18 08:23 AM.
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
Ya, we live In a world now, where it's easier to become famous than it is to make money. And people like the Kardashian can be world famous, yet nobody knows exactly why they are famous. Famous for being famous.

I still contend that the only way to make a dime is to perform. If you are lights out good, people will come. I guess it's a bit of a litmus test too, you can find out fast if you are any good.

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
To a degree, that is very true. The world is now the province of the singer/songwriters and those in control of their own material. WE are all in the world of "NICHE MARKETING." We are all finding our niche, our little piece of the marketplace and constantly attempting to build upon that Niche. Those that are more self contained are going to be the ones in the best position to take advantage and develop their niche.

Just like at one time there were singers and artists, those lines blurred in the 60's and 70's, with the era of the self contained act,writing and performing all their own songs. But for many years the songwriter still continued. Now it is almost completely self contained. and not from just the position of artist/songwriter. Now artists are their own producers, musicians, agents, publishers, publicist, video directors, social networking managers, managers, etc. until they can get someone else to take over the job. And you work ten times as hard for less or the same money what we once made from any one of those.

Its a do it yourself world. Adapt or die.

MAB

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 10
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 10
If I may, I will now meander down a recently well worn path.

I hear/read a lot of talk about the CD/physical product being dead.....and yet every single time I play out.....I either have none and see the negative reaction or don't have enough copies to satisfy the demand that night.

Is it merely the age of audiences I play to? Or the reality across the board?

My being mid fifties ...and listeners being roughly the same.

I truly don't believe the CD is dead, by a long shot.....waning? Maybe....dead?...no.

Younger set?.....believable.

Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
Mac I'd say the age of your audience matters a lot. At that age people still remember what it's like to pay for a music album.

Also factor in that older people tend to have money that kids don't. If a kid has a choice between two more beers, and somebody's cd, I think he's gonna get the beers.

Mainly cause they know all they need to do is go home and search you online, if they want to. I had a kid tell me one time he was going to check me out when he got home...and we know what happens there

I guess having a physical product gives you some legitimacy, and when people are right in front of you, they might buy just to be decent human beings.

But they probably don't buy many cd's no matter what age they are.

What you should do is give out cards with your website and your links on Spotify, at least u might get a listen out of people who won't buy

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 07/30/18 09:43 PM.
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 10
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 10
I admit to being a bit insular, but when I lean into it, I have cash in hand from people(be it my age, yes)that I have never laid eyes on.....and that is palpable.

I don't do cards, have no website,

And that rhymes with goodnight.

Last edited by maccharles; 07/30/18 09:56 PM.
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
But you do do jpf, and soundcloud and band camp. Those are websites

maybe you should do cards, if you want to sell a few more

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 07/30/18 10:34 PM.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,998
G
Top 200 Poster
Offline
Top 200 Poster
G
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,998
Know your market and capitalize on it. If you're a polka artist trying to sell to an audience who wants death metal, you ain't making a cent. You want some kid to buy your stuff, but that kid isn't your target demographic, you're wasting your time and your breath.

#hashtagyourtargethere #maximizeyoursocialmediapresence #beopenminded #changeandadapt #lionsdonteatgrass #lionseatprey #corneryourmarket

Last edited by Gregory Watton; 07/31/18 12:08 AM.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hey MAB and Greg especially ( and everyone else too smile ).

There's a lot of great reading here, so I will condense my reply.

Even 10 yrs ago or more, if you weren't "signed" , forget it. The corporate's still felt they could dominate music, through their corporate cross ownership of the media. One national TV audio director whom I happen to know tried to get a long time and well respected artist on a top show. Answer : No ! We work with a corporate musical company called S , and she is signed with WB. There's no cross ownership, and company TV has a placement deal with S. Result ; Don't even try.

Today ? All music is fragmented, as anyone can pull up any tune of their liking at any time and not be dictated to listen to "what you should be listening to, because we say so".

It all started with Soundclick, and Youtube and because any bozo could record himself on a cheap recorder, and then "publish" it, we ended up with a bunch of white noise. Now ? Send your track off to any independent publishing company and they'll distribute it, globally, as long as it's radio ready playable.

I tend to like Spotify ( no financial connection ) and you get one 15 second ad per about 10 songs. Don't want that ? Then pay about $7 per month for no ads.

So where is your niche ? Spotify have 130 million listeners. And that's only one of many streaming services. Me ? I have only less than a dozen tunes up, but someone somewhere is listening to them. And all from a nobody without any social media advertising.

Now, what would happen if you actually WORKED at promotion in your very tiny field of niche music. Your royalty checks may exceed over $19.48 for my last quarter.

Think. Then adapt or die. And please, no more complaints from those that say "no-one will listen to my music".

Mini-lecture over, time to stream some music. smile

cheers, niteshift

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hey guys, thanks for commenting.

Mac, I was very much the same way. I was wondering "why should I do another CD?" It took me YEARS to get rid of the others that I had. (I've had seven CD's over the past 15 years). So I was very hesitant to do another one. Most of the time you have them and nobody buys them so you end up dragging a few around.

Then I had a few issues that I went over in my head. My daughter is getting married and is bringing in a new group into our family with his family and friends. And as I am seeing, I have quite a few people that follow me through my career, Facebook, You Tube, other platforms.

I have not been the "on the road: musician. I have a very nice life with a great girlfriend, dog and house. I focus mainly on my teaching/mentor things. But I also do play festivals, showcases, writers nights. And I'd rather have them than not have them.

I have several songs that have been requested/talked about for decades. One of my most popular songs is called "CAN'T BLAME NOBODY BUT ME." It's actually been recorded 13 times aside from the four times I've recorded it. I will see people that knew me decades ago and ask about that particular song. I wrote it BEFORE I moved from Birmingham, and for years was a centerpiece of my shows. I had not updated it for years and always wanted to hear it with the full horn section, soul/R&B take. When you write songs for publishers, you have to record them in a way that will be the most conducive for pitch purposes. So you don't always get your vision on songs.
This time I could do that.
I had three or four other songs that were similar. Had always been talked about among industry people, actually recorded, but never the "big hits" that are the standard in this business.

So I did my CD in that way. And since I threw it out there a couple of weeks ago, I have been mailing out and getting downloads on it every day. The Internet can be pretty cool. I have not gone to streaming or downloading yet away from my website, much because I am taking this in a very methodical approach. My next step is a music video to promote one of the songs. But that is coming. I'm a "little at a time." guy.

So in all those areas and a few more, I did my particular CD and am glad I did. Everyone has to have their own reasons. But I believe that PHYSICAL product is always going to be a reason performers need to keep that in mind in their career. You are always going to need something, if nothing more than a case of "THIS IS ME."

MAB

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hey MAB, great story.( won't even call you motormouth this evening ), but that would probably insult you, so take it either way, Oh heck, you're just have to be motormouth !

I am listening to some FANTASTIC music at the moment, and it's all coming from the young folks. Ms Rock Chic and myself try for a one on one musical session a week, go song for song.

We swap song for song for song and then give a critique. Strange thing is, we don't argue.And I always say to her "there is the piano/acoustic guitar, play it and sing if for me in your own style" .

If she can or can't, then we reach a smooth compromise how a song should it be written and produced.

And as a great songwriter yourself, you tell ME how to write a song ? I played your song with the Darwin vocalist now living in Perth, as "my turn". Link : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w86PmMgqfZvotN_FbBUnZEuVCzgoLfxd/view

\Ms Rock Chic does it too sometimes , and blows my socks off, that track,as a vocalist and musician, blew her socks off.Silence. Even after the second play !

So my friend, if you ever give up playing ( actually that's allowed ) but if you ever give up a God given talent for teaching , I shall have to hire a charter plane and get a bunch of those big Pacific boys to endanger your manhood. grin

with the kindest of regards, niteshift

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hello Niteshift. As always, you can call me pretty much anything. I don't mind.

I'll probably never stop performing, writing or teaching. Rumors of my retirement and demise, are a little overblown. But I am able to lean back a bit now and not worry so much about everything. You get to a point in life where things don't bother you as much, and learn the importance of things.

I'm also able to turn down things that I don't want to be a part of. Writing situations, gigs that I really don't want to take ,people that I don't care to be around. I am still polite as always, but able to avoid things that are unpleasant.

No matter what I seem to do, I can't get away from trying to teach or at least make suggestions that help people. I've always done that so nothing about that has changed.

Actually the "Perth" singer, Christine, is just there visiting parents. That girl travels about as much as any person I've ever known. She has this Facebook page that she posts pictures of everywhere she goes. She was in Paris recently, and was all over the place, before that in New England in America. And she's really A STUDENT going to college over here. Her parents invested in some houses in Nashville and she manages those, in addition to running her own vintage clothing store. (She's like a person that stepped out of 1940's America.) But she TRAVELS all the time. A great singer. I hope to work more with her in the future. If I can ever get her off the road.

Glad you like her. Hope she can swing by Fiji sometime and rock your audiences there.
MAB

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hy MAB, I'm sure that will happen.

I notice with Ms Rock Chic, who is primarily a vocalist/musician that she also paints and very well too. Then she's just done 5 weeks ( twice a week ) for a top " soap" which is close for the beach shots, and then into the city for the studio work. Then she gets an extra on a top rating series. Then I have to take her for a film shoot not far from us. No pay for that one, but got to keep all the gear from an upcoming designer, and all the stills also.

And some folks are complaining ? What a load of rubbish. I helped her initially, then it's all been her own work. And at 18, is doing it herself.

Maybe she will take more interest in music, but the photography gigs are paying, so take the gigs that pay. I think there are those who are too precious. Didn't Woody Allen say 99% is just turning up on time ? I guess a 5.30 AM start must be too precious for some.

cheers, niteshift

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hey Niteshift,

Ms. Rock Chick sounds pretty cool. Is that an artist you are working with? Model? Sounds like a cool thing. I have found a few people around that have that great work ethic. But they are few and far between. Far too many people expect everything to be done for them. Same people who can't figure out that because they actually have a WHOLE SONG, that they are not getting paid for it. I love those.

Hey, the world is so funny. Over the past few weeks and months, I have found that one artist I wrote a song with,Jan Edwards, took one of our songs to top ten on some JAZZ CHART! LOL! I didn't even know she was doing Jazz!

Then another artist I've worked with, Bob Marshall, from Michigan, won "Cowboy Country Singer" of the year and had a top ten on one of our songs on the "COUNTRY COWBOY CHARTS," (whatever that is...)

And today another friend and co-writer of mine, Scott Southworth, who is starting to play all over Europe, has just hit number one on the Airplay Direct chart.

Now in all of those, it doesn't mean much of anything. There are thousands upon thousands of charts. But it is fun to know some of these people are living their dreams.

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hey MAB, Ms Rock Chic is my daughter Charlotte. https://www.starnow.com.au/CharlieBrownWood Page loads slow, just press "load more"

She's primarily a musician/vocalist, but the other gigs pay much better. I guess the training must have paid off. She has no problem with a 5.30 AM call.

And all those contacts ? One just leads to another. There's a lot to be said for reliability.

Just like you, I hope one day the royalty checks just keep coming in. It makes for a better nursing home for me ! smile

cheers, niteshift

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hey bud. that is cool. I'll check her out. As far as royalty checks, I've never really concentrated on those too much since I know what is involved to get close to begin with. I always have chosen to be paid up front. But yes, it does make for a better retirement situation. Thanks for the note.

MAB

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
HOLY COW NITESHIFT!!!! SHE IS GORGEOUS!!!! Incredible!!! Thankfully looks like her Mother I take it?

Congratulations. How do such odd people as us end up with such amazing kids? Thank God for their Mothers!

MAB

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 26
Top 200 Poster
Online Content
Top 200 Poster
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 26
Hey MAB, I finally got a chance to check out the video on Facebook. What a great evening! Made me wish I was there, although the videographer did a really good job of capturing the occasion. Some top notch songs there, and the fabulous band really brought them to life. What a talented bunch. Also, I have to admit that I was blown away by your vocal chops. I kind of expected that you would be good, but you are a whole lot more than that. My hat is off to you.

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hey MAB,

Re : Ms Rock Chic. Yep it's us male muso's that get the ugly genes. That's so we can go and chase pretty girls, and actually capture one, once in awhile. smile Nature does have a purpose. I will pass on your kind comments.

If you are ever out this way, I'm sure Charlotte would love to do a songwriting session with the master. I'm thinking of something for fair swap........

How about she teaches you to walk down a cat walk, in high heals without falling over ? Though you may already have attained that skill ! grin

Thanks bud, will pass on your kind comments,

cheers, niteshift

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Top 50 Poster
OP Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 16
Hello folks,

Happy Monday to you all.

Gavin, thanks for the comments on the birthday show. It was a great time. So many people showed up from my past, many that I thought would have been long dead or in prison by now. Who knew? It was a fun show, and I'm glad we were able to film it and live stream it. Thanks also for your comments on my abilities. I sort of feel I know what I'm doing, have been at it for a long time. I'm pretty lucky that I've made a living at this for many years and have been able to stay in this game when most of my friends and contemporaries have long packed it in.

Although now, like athletes, after the show is over, you ache all over! LOL! Funny how just a couple of hours of doing that will whack you right down into your bones. But I guess it's worth it.

As always, I will tell you that the SMOKEY MOUNTAIN SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL is just two weeks away! Next week about 50 hit writers and 100 local and regional writers will descend on the GATLINBURG area for a great weekend of shows and networking. As always ,I'd love to meet you face to face. I think you'd get a different viewpoint of songwriting and in particular what we do in Nashville. It would give you a boost in energy and desire to write. And there are open mics and jams you could be a part of.

Oh well, can lead you to water.....

Niteshift, I don't know if I need "catwalk lessons" but I can tell you of a recent "stage adventure" I had. I front an 11 piece horn band called "DANGEROUS DAN AND THE FUNKTOWN HORNS" that do a ton of Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, and other hits, including a few of my own. It is a great, fun band and really tremendous musicians.I few weeks ago we played this big out door show South of Nashville with a really big crowd of about 2000 people. The stage was about 4 feet off the town with a barracade between dancers, getting down and the band.
On our last song, TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS, by Otis Redding, I decided I'd make the big jump down into what would be an "orchestra pit." It was to show how cool and hard working I was as I took my jam TO THE PEOPLE!!!! Well it all went cool and the crowd seemed to love it. I was working my butt off and after a two hour set in July heat in Nashville, it was quite the work out.
As the song was ending, and it was time for me to get back onstage to get off, I realized THERE WERE NO STAIRS leading back up to the stage! So I had to do this weird, shimmy, slide and climb back up to the stage.
IT WAS A SPINAL TAP MOMENT!!!
Here I am, this 60 year old fat goof ball trying to look cool while he doesn't want to break his grandpa glasses!
The hardest thing? I was laughing so hard, that it made it even harder to get back up!

So maybe Rock Chic can help me find some new moves to get me OUT of the situations I get myself INTO.
Or maybe I should just SIT MY OLD BUTT DOWN!!!!

By the way, I HAVE finally found the way to handle the music business.

TELL EVERYONE YOU ARE QUITTING THE MUSIC BUSINESS!!!!!

I've never had more requests for songs, more people following me on FACEBOOK and the web. It is pretty funny. The more I try to get OUT the more they pull me BACK IN!!!!!

I sort of "retire" like the EAGLES. When they finally decided to wrap it up they did their "FAREWELL" tour. Of course that was just "FAREWELL ONE.' Then there was "FAREWELL II, FAREWELL III FAREWELL IV, and so on and so on. I think now they are on "FAREWELL 15." They've probably run out of Roman numerals by now.

That's the way I retire.

MAB

Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,989
Likes: 15
What do songwriters do when they retire? The same thing they always did

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hey MAB,

Funny story. Must tell Ms Rock Chic that if she jumps off a stage, she must be sure to be able to get back onto it .

Classic !

cheers, niteshift

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Top 50 Poster
Offline
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,827
Hey MAB,

Just noticed that Phil Collins is touring Australia with his "I'm Not Dead Yet" tour.

See ? If it's good enough for Phil, it works for you too. smile

cheers, niteshift

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Hmmm... I don't think we would be able to attract any of these good artists to perform here in "West Mayberry." We don't even have a bakery on the town square where people can stand in front of the window and watch the dough rise. Come to think of it... we would have to build a stage... with steps for Marc to use after making his back-flip exit. LOL!

Yeah, Marc... I "failed retirement", too! Life is a beach. On the bright side of things... we're "above ground" and doing what we love. What could be better?

Best wishes always... even to Geoff and his Sea Turtles.


Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,714
Posts1,160,942
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5