I reviewed the posts on the most commonly frequented forums that seem to appeal to a large number of active JPFers. I went back approximately one year and annotated the subject matter of the posts that would have a general interest to a large number of folks…Just Plain Folks, of course! Originally I had intended on ten or twelve subjects. But, in order to accommodate all the subject matter that might be relevant to a large number of members/visitors, I had to expand that number to twenty questions.

On the surface some questions may appear to be similar, ie; 13, 14, and 20. Although they cover some subject matter that overlaps, they are, none the less, significantly different to warrant an individual reply. The idea here is to be as definitive as possible.

There were many other questions in addition to these. However, in my opinion, they were either too focal to apply to a large number of people, or; they were exclusively specific to this site. The questions we want to address in this thread are more about the music business in general rather than the JPF site. So, if you have previously asked a question and it is not included among these, it is probably because it falls under one of the two aforementioned areas of exclusion.

At this point, I have included neither answers nor links to previous discussion or off-site resources. I will do that in the near future...after we have decided on the specific questions. At this time, however, I submit these questions for your review and additional suggestions. Once we settle on twenty questions, I will then throw it open for your opinions on helpful and informative answers.

At this time, however, I just want comments/suggestions regarding the questions. We will get to the answers in the very near future.

I am hoping that many of you will be active participants in this process. Before posting a final FAQ thread, I will appeal to Mike Dunbar for a final review. BTW, he doesn’t know that yet!

One last comment: If you have a suggestion to add a question or replace a current question with a different one; bear in mind that it must have general appeal or relevance to a large number of folks here at JPF. Otherwise, it probably will not get favorable consideration for inclusion. That’s it! Have at it!


1: How do I get a publisher, label/artist to listen to my original music? And, how do I prepare/package my demo?

2: I was contacted by email by someone “in the business” who heard my music and wants me to sign a publishing/promotion deal. I constantly hear about people being scammed like this. How do I know if it’s legitimate?

3: Should I copyright my songs? If so, how do I do that?

4: Is there any real benefit to joining an organization such as Taxi or NSAI?

5: I write mostly country music. Nashville insiders say that I have to stick to their guidelines and formulas if I expect to have a major publisher seriously consider my music. But, so much of what I hear on the radio frequently violates many of those rules. Can someone intelligently explain that to me? It seems so contradictory!

6: When I feel my song is good enough to invest money in a demo; should I do a full scale production? Or, is a vocal with just guitar or piano backing adequate?

7: Is it really safe to post my songs on the numerous Internet sites that offer that service? Can’t someone just steal it or make a similar derivative work from it?

8: I’m a great lyricist/musician. But, I do not play an instrument/write lyrics. How do I go about collaborating with someone on the Internet? And, is it difficult?

9: Mom and Aunt Betty think my songs are great! But, how can I get a real and honest critique of my songs?

10: How much should a good demo/critique cost me?

11: I am very serious about my music. I’m pretty darned good! But, I want to be even better…professional quality work. What resources are available to take my skills to the next level?

12: I can’t convince a publisher or label to listen to my music. It really is great, though! Are there any other avenues to get my music heard by someone in the business?

13: Should I join a Performance Rights Organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, BMI or SESAC? And what, exactly, can they do for me?

14: I write some pretty darned good songs. But, I am not a performer. How do I get paid for my songs if a performing artist records them or plays them publicly?

15: I see dozens of songwriting contests all over the place. Are they legitimate, for the most part? And, has anyone ever achieved professional success by winning one?

16: I hear lots of really nice sounding songs on the Internet that people say they have recorded at home. Sounds complicated! How do I go about doing that?

17: Can I be my own publisher? If so, how do I do that?

18: I write/compose mostly country music. I’ve heard it said that you have to live in Nashville if you have any hope of succeeding in country music? Is that true?

19: How do I make an MP3 music file; and how do I upload it to the hosting site?

20: Is there really much money to be made as a songwriter or composer, rather than a performer?

Last edited by Al David; 12/28/07 12:48 AM.