JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum Got A Publishing Contract!

Yes it's true, the postal carrier just delivered it, and I tore it open and am holding it in my trembling hands this very second!

Sunny and I collaborated on a song a while back that she diligently (and very selectively, I might add) submitted to several prospective publishers. We recently got a very positive response from a Nashville publisher, and after some discussion they sent us a contract. They want to sign "But Who's Countin'"!

Whenever someone announced news like this in the past, I always wanted to hear the song to get an idea of just exactly what it is that was being signed so I could educate myself and improve my own chances -- so here's the hi-fi link:

http://artists2.iuma.com/site-bin/streammp3.m3u?162739

If you can't get it to play, feel free to e-mail me and I'll send you an MP3 file of the song.

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

Very VERY VERRRRY nice guys! Now make 'em shop that puppy till they drop! Congrats to the both of you; i know you guys put alot of effort into that one. I've always liked that lyric and i remember hearing the song; it's good stuff!

Way to go you two! Always good to hear great news like this. Just don't sign away that beauty of a song for too many years. I've heard fewer years puts more pressure on them to get it out there. Good luck!!!!!!!!


David

Charlie and Sunny,

Congratulations!!!! People sure are starting to get moving with their songs. I'm so happy for you guys. I tried to listen to the song, but I have issues with listening to stuff. I know it must be great though. I'm so so happy for you guys. I know you'll keep us informed with where the song goes!

Ashleigh

Hi blake.....

I'm helping Charlie out with the replies, since I do keep him rather overworked (and VERY underpaid)...LOL. I owe him on this one. I had tried to re-write it to fit pre-existing music...and he said....Whoa! I like the original version....and I had music overnight. He's a dream...uhhhh...expert musician. Thank you so much for sharing our good news, and I'm glad you liked the song. Hopefully you'll be able to buy the CD some day!

Charlie, that's great! I didn't see the song on your site but I've gotta say...your handle "Mr. Bulk"...I pictured you as a 400lb. Samoan mofo! that's what I get for thinkin! good luck with the contract to you both.

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Terrific guys!. It's amazing how over the last six years that I've been frequenting the boards, how the number of songwriters who are experinecing measures of success are increasing. This internet community is surely growing in so many ways. Absolutely fantastic news. Hope it's a publisher who's a real 'player' and can make the big 'deal' happen! Best to you both!

Tom

Hi hotrod....

What? Do you think 15 years is too long? Just kidding. (LOL) Actually, if you remember the song, it really is one that is timeless. Nothing in it at all to date it, but you are right...make 'em push it.
Thank you for the good wishes...can always use luck

Good work guys! Sunny, it just goes to show that perseverance pays, it's not as much fun as perverseness, but long term, the rewards are so much better... I think.

Keep up the good work, and good job getting an "inroad".

Good luck with it!

Curtis

O.K.....for those of you who missed it the first time around....here are the lyrics. For those of you who remember....this was right before I headed for Tin Pan South...and my long-awaited reunion

BUT WHO'S COUNTIN'?
©2001 Sharon Longworth & Charlie Wong


Nine hundred eighty miles
Three tanks of gasoline
Five cold freshwater lakes
And seven fishin' streams
One famous Grand Canyon
On the far side of the mountains
Layin' between you and me
But who's countin'?

One, two, three, and four
I'm headin' out the door
Five, six, seven, eight
I'll be there soon and I can't wait
Then we'll be swappin' kisses by the thousands
But who's countin?

It's been four months, two weeks
Five days, and nineteen hours
Fifty-one cloudy skies
And thirteen thundershowers
Twenty rolls of pennies
Makin' wishes at the fountain
Since I've been in your arms
But who's countin'?

One, two, three, and four
I'm headin' out the door
Five, six, seven, eight
I'll be there soon and I can't wait
Then we'll be swappin' kisses by the thousands
But who's countin'?

It's not an easy situation
But I know we were blessed
The day the world got smaller
And the East met the West

One, two, three, and four
I'm headin' out the door
Five, six, seven, eight
I'll be there soon and I can't wait
Then we'll be swappin' kisses by the thousands
But who's countin?

congratulations kids

here's to many more !

Bob

Charlie & Sunny,
Yayyyy!!!!!!!
That's such great news!!!
I'M VERY HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH!
Pam

WOW!!! Way to GO!! Both of you! Things are sure looking up around this place. I am SOOOO happy for you. I also remember listening to this one when you first posted it, and recall thinking it was pretty commercial, considering what they seem to be looking for right now. This really IS terrific. Hope it is just one of MANY more for both of you. Sure hope your publisher is able to turn this into some immediate cuts for you. This is so encouraging for all of us. If he could, I am sure Dawg would also wish you both ALL THE BEST with this (and many more).

{{{HAPPINESS HUGS}}}
Bobbie

Hi Ashleigh....

Sorry...I seem to be running behind on these replies. Thank you so much for your kind words. I have to say, you have been very encouraging to me during my "down" times...and I really appreciate that. I guess it's pretty normal in this business to have "down" times. I am so excited, but I do try to keep a perspective on things....this is only the first baby step. However....I will be glad to let you know if it goes anywhere. Just seems to me that a publisher makes nothing if he/she does not get a song placed...so it is to their benefit to work it. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Charlie and Sunny, I like the song. I have so much trouble getting the song to play completely without starting and stopping though there isn't anything lost, it sure plays havoc with my music muse trying to keep in with the mood of themelody. I like this and best wishes with the publisher's contract and mucho dinero from it also.

Hi couch.....

Thank you for the kind wishes. The song is on album 2. Charlie's so excited, he forgot to put that link on there. Maybe he'll edit it in later so people don't have to search.
I'm computer illiterate, so I can't help. So glad you could share this with us....missed you when Wy and I landed ON THE INTERNET a few weeks back. Good luck is contagious...so hope you catch it!

Hi Tom.....

It seems to me we have all grown so much from reading and critiquing each other's works. I think it is finally starting to pay off, and I think there will be many more here who see the benefits of "all of us being in this together". This is just a small step forward, but I would much rather have a song sitting with a publisher than sitting in my closet..or drawer...or whatever....collecting dust. Thank you for sharing our good luck....and for your kind wishes...hope you're next on the list.

Charlie and Sunny,
There`s many, many reasons why you two deserve this...but hey, who`s countin! Congrats, and way to go! ! Dan.

Hi Curtis.....

Yes...I do persevere. You could say I'm perversly persistent...you could, but I know you won't . I made up my mind this spring, that music does no good sitting around collecting dust...and no one is going to come knocking on my door asking for it. So....every week, without fail...I get my stuff out there. If they don't take my/our music, at least they will know my name. Even if they take something just to shut me up (which it won't)...that's o.k.

You know, though....CHARLIE deserves a lot of credit here. No song is a song without the music. And Charlie does good music.

Thank you for your kind comments....we appreciate your good thoughts.

Hi Bob....

Charlie and I thank you so much for your kind wishes. I do think we'll see much more of this sort of thing on the board here. It seems everyone's hard work is starting to pay off.

And Pam....

Yes...we can all use some good news these days....in almost any form. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Charlie and I are thrilled to have our first contract. CONTRACT....what a nice word.

Congratulations, you two. I'm very happy for you! You're both very deserving.

Corey

HI Bobbie....

Thank you so much for all those kind wishes and thoughts. Cuts? Oh...we'd sure love cuts. One step at a time, I guess. I'm glad you liked it last spring...and if I'm not mistaken, I think dawg liked this one, too. If not, maybe we can convince him now---LOL. So sorry his computer's not feeling quite up to snuff. Hope it will soon be well again. Thank you for you for sharing this with us.

Blake, David, Ashleigh, Rob, Tom, Curtis, Bob, Pam, Bobbie, Sharon, Dan, Corey,

Sorry for the mass-mail spam-type response, but I have not had to time to even stop by recently except to post this topic. I even completed a couple more collabs and did not have time to post them, although I did notify the co-writers -- my "plate is full" as they say, not just with songwriting but life in general, and my day job in particular.

So I'll see all of you around, and thanks again.

Sunny,

I am indebted to you for keeping the posters informed here, they should know that we appreciate their looks, listens, and input. And I am certainly grateful for you posting the lyrics, I forgot all about including that...


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

Congratulations you two. This board is really hoppin' these days with folks having some successes. I hope it gets cut soon!!!

Chris

Great song guys! Congrats! I'll be watching for the Toby Keith video on CMT!

Yaaaahhhhooooooo!!!!
Late to this party today. (I'm busier on weekends) but wanted to add my voice to the choir of congratulations. Just goes to show that persistence pays off.


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Harriet

Chris and Harriet,

We certainly appreciate your kind sentiments.

Hey Griz, yah, Toby'd be okay, no objections here! And I don't even have to be an extra in his video!


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

And I'd like to add one more thing -- it seems that the comments I've experienced from people in the business that I've been submitting my stuff to lately, have almost all expressed appreciation for the fact I am trying to submit uptempo stuff. Seems there's a shortage of those and way too many slow songs, so of course the best way to increase one's odds is to...


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

Hi Sharon....

I'm sure sorry you're having problems with playing this. It goes pretty fast, if you ever get to play it straight through. I have had the same problem with the MP3 site at times...but then go back another day and it works fine. So, I have no clue what causes those "hiccups". Thank you for your kind words...and "mucho dineiro" (or however it's spelled) sounds good to me!

WOOOHOOO!! Congratulations, you guys!!! It looks like that contract fever is still going strong at JPF. Hope I catch it! I couldn't be happier for you two!

Ricki

Hi Dan....

Let's see...

1. A gazillion hours spent writing.
2. Mucho bucks spent on postage, and supplies.
3. Another gazillion hours spent making dubs, lables, lyric sheets, etc.
4. Mucho bucks spent for counseling after all the rejections (just kidding)
5. Another gazillion hours spent on the internet with co-writers and all the great JPF members who help to fine-tune and teach.

I could go on, but who's countin'? In the end, it feels good inside to do what we do....and that's the payoff right there. Thank you for sharing this with us and for your kind comments.

Hi Corey....

Thank you for sharing this with us. I am as thrilled as Charlie is about this, but what is so great about songwriting...and yes, I HAVE to write...is the wonderful people I've met here. Not only my great co-writers, but everyone else...the whole family! I don't know about Charlie, but I would not have a contract if it weren't for Just Plain Folks and all the terrific people here. And I do believe everyone is going to have their contract someday, which only goes to show how well Just Plain Folks really works.

WOW!!! Miss a day around here and you miss all the news! I'm soooooo happy for you Charlie & Sunny! You are a great team and both very talented and deserving! I am listening right now (sounds great!) and expect to hear it on the radio one day!
Had trouble listening with the direct link. When I went to the main page it played without a glitch. Keep us posted!

Congratulations, guys! Keep us posted on whether the song finds a good home on someone's album! (As if you wouldn't otherwise..... )

Anthony

Oh you guys!!!! That's really fantastic!! I can say "I knew them when..." I couldn't be happier (unless of course it was my name on the contract. ) for the two of you!!! I haven't had a lot of time lately to comment on lyrics, but just HAD to tell ya just how happy I am for ya!!

Thanks for spreading the sunshine!

Best of luck to you both!!!
Tink

Hi Charlie....

My pleasure! You just keep composing that great music...and I'll just keep typing away.

Thank you.....

Hi Chris.....

If what I hear is correct, you came a long way for this post Thank you so much for stopping by and offering those nice words. I hear you're not doing too badly yourself Stop by more often if you can.

Hi Griz...

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this with us. Toby Keith? Oh....he can do one of our songs anyday...and more. Glad you liked it...thank you for taking the time to listen, and for such a great sentiment.

clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap ....

Charlie and Sunny, this is great news!! Wish you both the best of luck!! You have both worked plenty hard on getting a contract. Y'all deserve every bit of good stuff that comes your way.
Congratulations!!
Bluelitenin

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"Music is the Sound that I hear in my Mind"

NEW WEBSITE - http:/home.mindspring.com/~ceriousart

Hi Harriet....

Hmmmm....everyone thinks I'm so persistent...have you guys been checking my postage bills? You are right. I do not let up. I do work full-time, but songwriting has become a second full-time job....and whew! I'm gonna need a vacation one of these days. Thank you so much for the kind thoughts.

Hi Noel....

Thank you!

Hi ricki....

Thank you very kindly. I hope everyone catches contract fever. Wouldn't it be wonderful?!

Congratulations to you both on a job well done!!! Waitin to hear it on CMT. Jen (breezy)

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Jen

Wirdaz, Ricki, Bama, Anthony, Tink, Blue,

With my limited time I'm sorry I can't reply to each of you individually, but know that I appreciate and certainly thank you all for making the effort to come by and post your kind and encouraging remarks.

Some of you even listened, as I have a stream/download counter on the web site (30 listens just yesterday) and I am especially grateful for that since it is not easy to do if you don't have just the right computer equipment.

Hay John,

Hopefully you did not mis-post a message intended for the Venereal Disease forum, haw!!! (sorry, a little misguided humor there)


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

Hi bama....

Radio? You mean I gotta buy a radio? (Just kidding...got one in every room ---LOL) Thank you so much for your encouraging remarks. And again, I have to say....without everyone here at JPF, this would have never happened---well, for me at least. Charlie would probably have made it anyway. Thanks for sharing our good news.

Hi Anthony....

Oh, my....albums, CMT, Videos, radios....I'm beginning to feel the pressure! (LOL) Thank you a bunch for stopping by to share this with us. I hope it's so contagious everyone catches it!

Hello Jen,

Don't believe we've met before. Thank you for dropping by and for the encouragement. CMT indeed! That's what we, and probably most of the rest here, hope and dream for...


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

Hi Tink.....

Thank you so much for those kind words and thoughts. Boy...hope I'm not using a cane and walker by the the time "Knew them when" comes around. (LOL) Careful about that "spreading sunshine" thing...you'll ruin my reputation (just kidding). So glad you stopped in to share our good news. It means a lot...thanks.

Sunny,

If you would please stop saying that "Charlie would have made it on his own anyway" or whatever -- 'cause now I'm embarrassed.

I have simply plumb run out of lyrics lately and depend on you and a few others to make my songwriting dreams come true.

And another thing -- what makes a good collaborator is not just the ability to write words or music well, it's also about attitude.

Many here are quite good, many write words that most composers could easily put to music. But if they prove difficult to work with, attempt to continually justify any negative references one makes towards their portion of the input, promise that their part of the work is not "set in stone" yet fight like a wildcat to keep it the same when one suggests changes, or sit back and laurel-rest when the product is demoed and done and not help out with pitching it or at least show it around for evaluations, well, then that is the end of the relationship as far as I am concerned.

You know the saying, "A hundred years from now, none of this will matter"? That may be true for petty backbiting or revenge or some other terrible aspect of human nature, but we songwriters have the gift to affect humanity in a small but significant way, and if we co-write effectively with someone and both of us get off our duffs and MARKET the product well, then in a hundred years perhaps some small fragment of what we've accomplished will still remain, and WILL matter. Maybe they'll play our song at sporting events. Maybe at Christmas or weddings. Maybe some spurned lover is wallowing in the blues and, "Puts on Sinatra and starts to cry", or...you get the idea.

Thanks partner. For everything.


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Best Regards and Aloha,

Charlie
http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Wong_Songs/index-1.html

Sunny and Charlie
Congratulations to you both. Been gone for two days and just came back to a nice surprise. WOW....gettin hard to count all the contracts by JPF. I expect it's the first of many for you guys.
YEEEEEEEE AHHHHHHH
Allen