JPF Home Page Forums International Chapter Message Boards Canada Chapter Message Board JPF TORONTO - JUNE 18TH MEETING THE LATEST

Well, last night's meeting was extremely informative and everybody had a wonderful time networking like bandits. This, of course, is the name of the game in the music biz. We had two repeat JPFers and five new ones. Now if we could get the first batch back next month, we'd be really happening for an increase in numbers.

John Loweth had a lot of good information for us. Essentially, he compared a career in music to the 25 steps of a ladder, all who were there being on rung #1 and Celine Dion, et al, being on rung #25. When you are on rung #1, you have to be prepared to do all the work yourself because until you can show publishers and record labels that you don't need them, they won't want you (with rare overpublicized exceptions). He stressed the importance of getting yourself and your songs out there for people to hear. No matter where or how small. Audiences can provide valuable input when they tell you they really liked a particular song. So means doing every Open Mike, Open Stage, little coffeehouse, local bar, whatever it takes.

He also spoke about getting out there to non-writing performers and trying to persuade them to perform your songs. In other words, do anything and everything to get your songs heard by as many people as possible. John also advised us that the one radio station that will give people without a major label behind them a listen is the CBC. He told us that they can be very supportive of artists they like and can be very helpful in building a career. He mentioned the Barenaked Ladies as one group the CBC had gotten behind. There are now 3 CBC's, Radio 1, Radio 2 and the internet only Radio 3.

And of course, network, network, network! Songwriters need their support groups. They are very encouraging, the ears are educated and best of all, it's a good time. So for those of you who haven't made it to a meeting, get out there. We want to meet you!

One of our members, John Voorpostel has had a great idea for helping us to get out there. He is a member of the Rotary Club who do a lot of good work. He has suggested that we team up with the Rotary Club to do a Songwriters' Showcase as a fund-raiser for them and a promotional opportunity for us. This is a great idea! People last night thought it would be really good and so do I. So if any of you would be interested in participating in this, drop me a line.

When John get back from Nashville where he is at the moment participating in a JPF showcase down there, he and I will put our heads together to try to get this happening ASAP.

So that's the latest. Details on next month's meeting will be coming in a couple of weeks but the date is July 16th, same time, same station. So block this night off on your calendars and come on out.

Val
Co-ordinator - JPF Toronto Chapter

Any JPF member is always welcome at my shows. I'll even be setting aside one night a month for a full set of JPF'ers to perform with or without my band. It's a Writer's Night with Chart Band Jam. And Mentor and cohost and band leader Mike Dunbar will be giving those chart writing classes before the nights too. Just let me know when you'll be coming. I'm so looking forward to seeing and heating John V and Steve H again.
Terri Lynn


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Terri Lynn
http://www.mkoc.com/TerriLynn/

Yup that freudian slip is fitting TL

For everyone in TO, Terri Lynn is worth the trip all by herself. Awesome blues singer. Her and Mike Dunbar played us some songs that really showcased their talents and made them a tough act to follow. But then because we were all among friends, that part did not matter much.