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I have been trying very hard to follower my dream but am getting no where fast. Would you please visit my web site and listen to my song and give me any advice (good or bad) that you can? I am at a lost I have tried everything I know how and my mom has been managing me but she has done all she can do by getting this far, and she say's I needed a real manager. So please check me out and send me your input or if you can help me.
www.shannonclarkmusic.com



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Shannon Clark

Shannon,

I suggest you post a link to one of your songs in the MP3 feedback board and perhaps some folks will listen and give you feedback, like everyone else who posts there. This board probably isn't the best one to get feedback on your music.

Brian

Thank you Brian but I have already and you was one of the ones who replyed back to me but still need help, not getting much here.

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Shannon Clark

We're all in this together, and most of us are in the same boat . I would suggest not using Real Audio for your web site, and pay the 60 or 70 dollars a year to get rid of the banner ads. Folks will take your site more serious that way. If there were a clear road map for success, we'd all be on it. Keep at it and grab every opportunity that comes your way.

Good luck with your endeavors
Walter Farmer

Hi Shannon! From one West Virginian to another! (I'm in Seattle now, but I grew up in Hancock County WV) Judging from your website, I think you have great enthusiasm. And some noble goals, too: USO Tours and the Grand Ol' Opry.

If you're looking to attract management, I've been told that most managers want to see professionalism and activity. Is the CD professional-looking and sounding? Is your bio professionally written? See if you can get copies of the press kits of your favorite artists. Does your own kit stand up? How about your website? Does it look as nice as those of your heroes? Also, how many shows do you do per month? Most managers want to see that you're together (and brave) enough to book and promote your own gigs regularly.

Pay attention to those organizational details. I know it sounds weird, but I've been told that you have to create the illusion that you don't need a manager in order to attract a manager. You don't need to spend a lot of money but you do have to make sure that at the very least, your CD package and bio are high quality.

Another tip I've heard: do you know other country musicians who have management? Maybe you can contact them for advice. Don't ask them to take you on, just ask to meet for coffee and ask them about what you can do to take it to the next level. Ask them to look at your press kit and CD and give you honest feedback. There are lots of managers and agents out there who LOVE to give free advice

Good luck!

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Scott Andrew and the Walkingbirds
DIY acoustic pop and weirdo country thing
Hear it: http://www.scottandrew.com/main/music
Buy it: http://www.scottandrew.com/main/records

Thanks Wirdaz, But has I explained in MP frredback if you can not hear my song from my web page than try here it is not real player it is on windows media player I think.
http://www.foxlink.net/~bobnbren/2000s.html

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Shannon Clark

I make CDs for $.40 a copy and give them to everyone that is interested - Record, burn copies, make labels, buy cases at Sam's $12.00 for 100 and start getting the music out... If you can't take over your neighborhood - how you gonna rule the world?

Axiom: People must hear your music to create your following - the radio stations are "little" help - get the music to the people. Drug dealers know that a free sample goes a long way - wishing you success!

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peace, love, and rock!
Tampa's most visited band is Abstract - link with us! www.AbstractRock.com

Yeah, well, I couldn't listen to the music, but I did check out the web site, and I agree with the others although I'm a little more blunt. No web site is better than an unprofessional website. I'm sorry, but your site just does not come off as professional. Personally, I think you'd be better off with a Soundclick site.

I looked at the names of the tunes on your demo. They look like mostly covers. You won't get anywhere in the music business singing covers. Some of those songs might be originals. They ALL need to be originials -- if not written by you, then by someone else.

I also looked at your schedule and it seems like you don't perform very much. You're going to have to change this. The odds of some musical producer stumbling on your website are infitismal. The old fashioned way is still the best -- get out there and work your buns off. Play the bars, if you have to. Play at coffee houses, play at festivals. Get your name out there and create a buzz. If you're any good, you'll gather a local following... and you can build on that.

If you're not any good, then you'll fall flat on your face, but at least you'll know.

BB

[This message has been edited by BB Wilbur (edited 11-04-2003).]

[This message has been edited by BB Wilbur (edited 11-04-2003).]

Well, I wouldn't say that. Emmylou Harris has done pretty well.

But BB Wilbur has a point. Shannon, you need to decide whether to be an artist or a performer/entertainer. If you dream of playing the Grand Ole Opry, you should probably work really hard on writing original songs, like an artist would. If you want to play USO shows, local festivals and other big events, you can probably play lots of covers and do okay, as long as you wow 'em with your performance. Pick a path and work hard at it.

I didn't want to focus too much on your website, but...BB Wilbur is right. You could probably move your info to a SoundClick or MP3.com site easy (for free!), at least until you have some $$$ to spend on a more professional-looking website.

Thanks Dave for your advice I have given almost 1,000 cd's away aready all over the world and you are right the raido stations are no help unless you got big buck to pay out.


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Shannon Clark

Thank you so much for your Opinion BB but the first 4 songs on my CD (no a demo) are original and as far as my web site goes a very sweet, kind man that does not even know me at all have been kind enough to make and maintain my site for me at no cost at. Now if you think he is unprofessional how about taking a look at his site at www.alansperry.com. I agree I do not know anything about web sites, and my mom has used her life savings and has managed me to get me this far. It is very hard to get anywhere without $$$$$ or a manager.
But I do thank you as for all for your feedback and honesty.

Thank you Scott I have sent your reply to Alan the man that fixed my web site and maintains it for fee only because he is a nice sweet kind man that want's nothing but to help me. Please vist his site at www.alansperry.com and see what you think about him, don't get me wrong people I do appreciate everything you all are telling me good and bad, but what my problem is, I only sing, I know nothing about all this business stuff, what to do what not to do. That is why my MOM keeps telling me to find a Manager and one that won't take you for a ride. But it is hard to do when you have no $$$$$$.

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Shannon Clark

Shannon,
Not to beat a dead horse, I agree with what's been said after checking out your site...it's very amateur. Not the appearance of it, but the content. For example, your bio really needs work. Putting in statements like "Shannon will know she's made it when she's a regular on USO tours" just send up a red flag of unprofessionalism. I think you really need to get out and do more live gigs, especially coffeehouses, small bars, etc...it's not that difficult to book those types of venues on your own without the help of a manager. If you're willing to do shows for charitable causes, why not for the few bucks in tips at a coffeehouse for the exposure??? I started out with a 4 song cassette demo and a bio. Now, I've released 3 CD's and booked pretty solid every month including a couple of shows a month out of town. All without a manager. It's alot of hard work. But, it's also alot of SMART work, as Brian likes to say, not repeating the mistakes you've made. Start by sending your CD out to some of your local entertainment papers and try to get some type of press written about you to build your bio with. Even if the say a combination of positive and negative, take the positive quotes and use them in your bio, making sure to credit the writer/reviewer. Do the same with the flyers for your shows, place a couple of positive quotes on them.
I don't necessarily agree with the comments about having a free site, I have one, and while the pop up ads can be a pain, they do help keep it free. The people that do my free sit have very professional looking templates and make it very easy to upgrade and edit your site on your own.

Keep pluggin'
Davey O.

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Davey O. Music (ASCAP)
http://www.daveyomusic.freehosting.net
http://www.cdbaby.com/daveyo1
http://www.cdbaby.com/daveyo2
http://www.cdbaby.com/daveyo3

Shannon,

Personally, I don't care if the man is nice and sweet. Nobody in the music business will care either. Your dream is to get into the music BUSINESS - not the "nice and sweet" club.

It's good to know that you are writing. That's a positive step. Emilou Harris might be doing covers now (so are artists like Rod Stewart), but I'll bet she started out doing originals.

But are you performing? Are you out there working? This is only my opinion, but I doubt very much that a legitimate manager will take on a client who does not have regular gigs and a following. If you need money, earn it by playing live.

BB

Thank you BB for you brutal honesty I like that in people, I am not out to be lied to anymore I need honesty to help me in this business. I have been taken for so long that it is a delight to meet someone like you. I have already done everything that all of you have suggested, I am still singing in Bars UGH! but in this town it is hard mostly older people here as you can see on my site I sing at the D.A.V., Moose (which is nothing about it on site) We do have Marshall University here but very little of the students go for Country Music. BB how you like to come to WV and be my manager you would make a great one!


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Shannon Clark

Shannon,

Have you tried to get any shows in Columbus OH or Louisville KY? They're only about 2 hours from Huntington. Maybe you should get some information about the country music scene in each of those cities. Huntington is a nice place to live but I'll bet the music scene is small there

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Scott Andrew and the Walkingbirds
DIY acoustic pop and weirdo country thing
Hear it: http://www.scottandrew.com/main/music
Buy it: http://www.scottandrew.com/main/records

No Scott I have not I have oerforned in Ashland however, Just right now I can't go to far school is in and well you know, kids needs me for now.

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Shannon Clark

Shannon,

I've been to West Virginia. My aunt and uncle live in Parkersburg... when they're not in Naples, Florida. Nice country, but I think I'll pass on the manager's job for now - LOL! I have a tough enough time managing to get my daughter to school on time.

BB

Well, BB if you ever change your mind you are the kind of person I need to manage me. I know what you mean about getting kids off to school lol.

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Shannon Clark

Shannon,

Check your email.

dawg

OK someone advised me to put my CD on CD baby.com so now it is there my link to it is
hppt://www.cdbaby.com/shannonclark
I hope it helps lol

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Shannon Clark

Shannon - typo in your CD baby link:

http://www.cdbaby.com/shannonclark

I have to agree with most of the comments above. Your CD includes songs that have been done very well by others, all this does is invite comparison to the previous recording - so unless you have a completely different take on the song, or a much better voice than the original artist, its almost impossible to come out on top.

Your website looks like the last update was back in the summer - and angelfire websites with all their pop-ups never help your image.

Thank you Marty and I do agree with you about the remakes, however I do believe that MY 4 song I di very well, And to think of someone else doing my songs I don't think so.
I am sorry you don't like my voice but many, many others do.lol



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Shannon Clark

Hi Shannon,
I listened to the song. It is it Real Audio. I liked the song and your voice. I see that you are playing some places. Do they still have the Wheeling Jamboree? If so you should try to play there. I have heard about a big Country Music Show somewhere close to St. Clairsville not too far from Wheeling in Ohio. You should also check that out maybe thru the Chamber of Commerce. To be sucessful you need to have a CD of original songs and a Publicity Photo if you don't have one to sell at your shows and give to fans so they will remember you. Don't know what kind of places are booking now with winter coming on but doing some research and planning for next year would be good. If any shows are going on near by go and check them out to see if you can do an appearence. You should have some original songs to do. Good luck.

Thank you Ray I have no idea about anything in Wheeling and right now I am working on getting everything in order for Jessica Lynce's Party her dad is giving for her this spring. Thank you for your feed back and I will check into them all.


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Shannon Clark

Shannon-

I played Cobo Hall (the biggest auditorium in Detroit at the time) with my first band when I was 16 years old. The first thing I was told by the producers was:"SMILE." In your head-shot, I feel you could open up a little. I agree, that look is trendy, but it does not hurt to be original.

Search for a "True" hit song. One which is unique, and memorable. A song that will be remembered for a long time.

Also, I truly feel your vocals are a little weak. You "CAN" develop your style, and strengthen your voice with a good vocal coach.

Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, all do not have that golden sing like a bird voice, but "DID" have the the tunes, and style, which made them icons in the industry.

Keep pushin, and "DON"T GIVE UP!".


Cal Allen Park, MI

[This message has been edited by Cal (edited 12-28-2003).]

Thank you Cal but you see my Voice is very strong the guy who did my cd took $7,000.00 from my mom and then modifyed my voice. If I could I would love for all to hear my "demo" but none of the songs are mine, As far as a hit song I do believe I have 4 not 1 if ever get the chanch to re-do my CD you would agree with me I am sure. Just look out for crooks out there they are everywhere!



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Shannon Clark

Is it live or is it Memorex?
Some of my buddies and I went to hear our friend play a gig. Guitar and tracks. It sounded pretty good, except the bass part had odd rhythms ranges. Nothing earth-shattering, but odd. No one but a musician would have picked up on it.
On the break, we pointed this out to our friend.
He said "Hey, I got this gig with this sound. And now I've got eight more jobs over the next two weeks."
We all nodded and agreed.
"Bass sounds pretty good."
"Yeah, better by the minute."
"Sounding good, man."
The point is if you get the work, it doesn't matter how much synthesis there is in the tracks. As long as there is one live musician, it is live music. The gig is the important thing. It's salesmanship -not peer approval - that matters here.

Thank you Jazzzzzzzzzz for your input.


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Shannon Clark

Shannon,

Check out this resource page I have for artists on my web site.
http://www.natalie-brown.com/forartists.htm
It has a ton of listings of books, web resources, management resources, songwriter resources, Indie strategies and a whole lot more that will help you. There is also a comprehensive listing of OMD's there that will help you establish a web presence.

Mid to Upper Level Management will generally only be interested if you are already generating a buzz and you have something like an album (or albums), incredibly strong demo, tour history, merchandising history... something that is earning revenues, etc. to work with.

Try the Indie Managers Association ( http://www.indiemanagers.com ) and look through the Management Directory listed there. Perhaps you could contact someone there and at least start a dialogue to see what it's going to take to get some interest in you as an artist.

Keep doing what you do and think outside the box when it comes to your career strategy.

Persistence really is the key in this business.

Good luck,
Natalie Brown

PS: You CAN do a lot with no money and no management. I know because I did it. I started with absolutely nothing and did trade work etc to record my first songs. I managed myself until 2001 and it was only when I had done a whole heck of a lot of work that someone stepped in to help me out. If you work extreemely hard and you are willing to sacrafice and learn as you go, it can be done. As far as money goes... yes it is hard... but lots can be done without money if you are creative and again, if you dedicate yourself 100%. I even learned to design my own websites because I couldn't afford to pay anyone to do it. Don't be afraid to do things on your own. With time and practice, you can master anything if you have to. You just have to have the desire, good work ethic and a lot of passion. You CAN do it tho!
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I'm Just Plain Me

A Cool Christmas Available Now

[This message has been edited by rnbluvva (edited 12-21-2003).]

Yes...I have to agree with Natalie 100%%%%

Look, I'm no spring chicken, I just turned 40 this year and I'm doing this as a complete cottage industry. It can be done...I book my own shows, I have recorded my CD's in either my home studio or my guitarists (it's amazing what can be done with home recording, PC, Mac or workstation, for a small investment!), I manage my own website (it's a free site, but it works great for me), I design the artwork for my CD's and print, package and shrink wrap everything right at home. My guitarist burns the discs for me in his studio. Truth is, I'm not expecting to be a star at my age. Because I write and perform music that would be considered more artistic than pop (think Wilco, Son Volt, The Jayhawks, Wallflowers), I'll be very happy if I get signed to an indie label that will distribute my CD's and help me by putting me out on the road to promote them. However, I am starting to feel the crunch of trying to wear to many hats, because as my touring region increases, it gets harder and harder to book and promote the shows, making sure I contact the press and indie radio in the towns I'm visiting, getting flyers in the mail, etc... All of this, a 13 year marriage, a house, and a full time job!!! I, at least would like to take on someone that will act as a booking agent/coordinator/promoter.

Don't forget, the internet is probably THE most valuable tool you have besides whatever amount of talent and determination you possess. I use the net all the time to discover new venues, music festivals etc...The most important quality you can have, that I'm finally learning as I get older, is PATIENCE!!! It's amazing how things start to happen as you work really hard and are patient in waiting for the results. I can actually look back over 6 month time frames and see how much I have accomplished. And again, it's not costing me thousands of $$$ to do this. Yet, I am able to perform regionally throughout 4 states (with lots of stuff being worked on for 2004) and slowly build a fan base, and sell my CD's. Jsut keep working and developing you skills, and be TRUE to what you believe YOURSELF to be musically. Take care...

Davey O.


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Davey O. Music (ASCAP)
http://www.daveyomusic.freehosting.net
http://www.cdbaby.com/daveyo1
http://www.cdbaby.com/daveyo2
http://www.cdbaby.com/daveyo3

[This message has been edited by 3daveyO3 (edited 12-21-2003).]

Thank you for the info


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Shannon Clark

Dave thanks check your e-mail please


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Shannon Clark