Hey Marc,

I believe that guy was me. It was a real treat to talk to you in person. Having you listening to my show was a bit nerve racking but once I paid attention to my performance it went pretty well. I was watching the crowd and some people at the bar actually "turned around!"
How do you make money in the music business? First, build a fanbase in your own backyard. I did a lot of freebies for the last five years but now sell a lot of CD's (knock on wood!) and my band and I have built up regular gigs per month which pays some expense to "hang out in Nashville." At 67 years years old and over 40 years as a Bass Guitarist, I feel I am doing pretty good for an old guy. There was a point in my career when i made really good money playing 6-7 nights a week but those days are gone. Because of my lifestyle I have an unlimited supply of experience to write songs from and have. Somebody told me a long time ago to get out and experience life before you write. I kind of overdid that one but still it is important. Now, I need People like Marc Burnett and all the others to supply me with new ideas and what works today in the music business. Songwriting for me is a second career and a rewarding one weather you get rich or never make a dime so make the effort. Join NSAI, hang out here, write songs and test them out on the listening public not family and friends. Network, network, network! All the advice offered here is usable, watch for links to websites and get involved. If you can perform your own songs, or not, come to a Nashville Songwriters Fest or Loretta Lynn Ranch Fest. I've actually met a lot of JPF'ers this way and those moments are priceless. To make a point here, you are the product so do everything you can to present as good a product as you can before you start out. People still like music and are willing to pay but today you have to find a uniqueness and be able to stand out in this huge crowd we call the music business.

By the way Marc, I sold 4 CD's that night on my way out, attended the Midnight Jamboree and met Mike Dunbar at Cowboy Church Sunday. Then I had to get back to Iowa because we had bookings in Lincoln, NE. Tiring trip and too busy but priceless. Some things are better than money.......

Wayne
www.waynelongtin.com