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Marc Alan Barnette's Birthday was Celebrated by about 100, or maybe 200, friends in Nashville tonight. I lost count.
The Celebration was held at The Listening Room, one of Nashville's top venues for songwriters.

I was fortunate enough to be invited.
When I walked in the door the first person I saw was Doak Turner. I said hi and shook his hand. But like a dummy I broke a Nashville rule. Always, ALWAYS, introduce yourself. I didn't.
The Number one Networking person in Nashville and I didn't tell him my name...duhhh!

Then I saw Gary Hannan (Tequila Makes Her Cloths Fall Off, Back When Knew I It All) I didn't speak to him. I spotted Kevin Emmrich and made my way over toward him but he was listening to a talk by Jimbo Hinson. (Party Crowd) So I waited til they were done. Then we sat together and watched the show.
It started out with a few new songwriters MAB has been working with. And progressed to Professional Songwriters. I heard several Songs that were Number ones. I wish I was better at names but I didn't get them all.
Kacey Jones stood out. I have seen her perform before. It is always a treat.

Chas Sanford (Missing You, Tom Waite) did a couple songs with Marc.
There were people there from Canada, Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio, California, And other parts of the country.

The performances were superb.
MAB eventually took the stage and performed about a dozen songs.
Folks, I can tell you this. MAB is the real deal. He is very talented and has a close personal relationship with many industry professionals.
Why Marc has not made the "Big Time" is a question I cannot answer.

I heard songs being performed by people he works with. Songs he co wrote. Every one of those songs was well written and it wasn't just the lyrics. The melodies and arrangements were very good.

The party was still going on when I left. I had watched a show that went on for 4 1/2 hours and it seemed like each performance was better than the last. But I was tired.
I'm home now, sitting here in my little "studio" and wondering why in the world I ever thought I could do this. I knew the bar was pretty high but tonight I got another taste of just how high it is.
I also got a glimpse into what MAB does with the people he works with. The things he teaches and the results.

When Gary Hannan finished his set he thanked MAB for helping him over the years, for being a mentor and a friend.

Whatever happens with my own songwriting or my own musical endeavors remains to be seen. I got a look into what is possible tonight but I also got a look at what it takes to get there.
I am still trying to put my life back together after a rotten two years. I have got some energy back, I am trying to write again, I even started the restoration of my 1974 Corvette.

For a taste of what I saw.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?f...hid=9c63d52b-5b61-43f7-ab7a-966b13615b9a

another
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bdWmgLH2M4

If you ever get a chance to visit Nashville try to make it to Doak's Third Sunday. MAB is usually there.

If MAB gives you advice on the Nashville music scene......
Pay attention

I wish I could have been there to help get the birthday boy hammered. I'll make up for it next time I'm in Nashville. {Soon}
Happy B-day MAB you're a great man, {And I WILL get us both wasted next time I see you {BLAAAAHAAAA!}

Hey, Bill me some more of that :-)

Great fun to read about the party, and very nice to hear MAB is loved by so many people. That's REAL success!

Fun vid's, as usual MAB talks more than he plays. Maybe that's about to change, or maybe he's worried his songs will kill too many? I had no idea there were that many Barnettes around Nashville, either

And you and Kevin Emmrich in the crowd!! I thought he was on vacation!???

Dam.. you boys are in the center of the universe, huh (well, at least for me)!

Congrats, Marc!

Hi Bill,

Just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your story.
And happy birthday to Marc.

Calvin


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/calvinstewart

Bill, we all need dreams,especially as we get older. If we didn't have dreams to keep us going, we would die that much sooner. Never give up even when the odds are stacked against you. Just think of the people in history that never made their mark on the world until they were well up in age. Our dreams and desires may not set the world on fire but we can give it a little spark that might brighten up the dark.

Hey Bro Bill, THANKS for Your Keen Insight (& Happy B-Day to MAB, perhaps a Day-Belatedly, but This Clockmaker's Often-Late to the Party!)

Chin Up, Amigo...so much of life is Being in The Right Place..at the Right Time (& Wearing a Nametag..Always Helps!) heh!

I got No Doubts SOME of that Magic musta Rubbed-Off, & yep, I am SO jealous! Oh What a Night, & Again, Thanks for Sharing!

Best Wishes, Big Guys-Hugs,
Stan

Thanks Bill for sharing this. We all share your feelings and know where they are coming from. When we hear a great song, or witness a great performance we all question our own abilities, but like Marc's song says so very well, "We don't choose music, music chooses us." Keep on writing Bill because you never know when the magic is going to happen.

Marvin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARC

sorry I missed your Nashville shindig-cause tis a rare feat indeed when a man manages to be loved by all yet respected by none

many more to ya!

Tom

HI Bill

Thanks for sharing this post - and yeah ! keep writing !

Happy Birthday Mark - thanks for all that you do ! jm

"Another day older and deeper in debt, St Peter don't you call me coz I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store"

Happy Birthday.

Bill,
thanks for posting this. Inspiring and humbling at the same time.

Marc,
Happy birthday. Music has indeed chosen you.

Have fun,
John

I can answer that one. Marc spends too muck time building relationships when all he really needs to do is submit his material to some of the on-line pitching services.

[Ducking for cover]

Happy birthday, Marc, and thanks for sharing, Bill.

Hey Bill,

Neat story. Thanks for sharing your "insider's view" with us. I suspect this put a bit of a musical bee in your bonnet -- have fun and keep writing!!

MAB, a belated happy birthday. From all accounts it sure was a great party...

Cheers,
Beth

Nice One Mark,

A great Guy, No Bullshit , Knows the Business, Hard Worker,
Marc's had His Hits, And he has a great sense of humor.

I had the distinct pleasure of watching Marc and some other talented fellas in a songwriter's round last year at a festival here in Ohio. Marc is indeed very talented and a great performer. He's also a really nice guy. I got to hang out and party with his girlfriend and him as well as some of the other guys that played that night. It was a great time!

One thing I can say about Marc, he is very generous with his time and advice. He really does want to help. We've had a few phone conversations during which he sincerely and genuinely showed his concern and friendship for me. I don't believe I've ever met anyone who was so passionate about music and helping others to achieve their dreams, besides Brian Whitney (hence the existence of this site).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARC!!! Wishing you many happy returns.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Bill. Feels like I was right there. And Happy Birthday to you, Mark, and many more. Where's the cake?

Ricki

Thanks for sharing this info with us Bill. Glad you got to be there and soak in the good stuff you heard and saw.

MAB has got it going on.

doug

Hey Everyone
Thanks for chimin' in.
I posted this last night when I was fighting to keep my eyes open.
I just realized I spun that post into a post about me. It wasn't intentional. Sorry about that.



There was a point when Marc was doing a song with one of the other songwriters when it hit me. This is what it takes.
This guy is in heaven up there on that stage. I don't think I have ever seen someone so engrossed in what they were doing. So totally immersed in the moment. It was a pleasure to witness.

Either that or he was putting on one hell of an act. I doubt that.

Happy birthday, MAB! What a blast. Found myself listening to all sorts of your YouTubes and had a great time. Critiques to follow.

Cheers!

Gosh Bill:

When I noticed your headline before I clicked on your thread, I was afraid the MABinator had "gone on to his reward"... or something like that. (Whew!) I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading your story about him... and it was so very nice of you to take the time to share this inspiring piece with us.

I have not met Marc but I have "argued" with him often and have been inspired with his wisdom, wit and generous patience with his fledgling songwriters here at JPF. I know an old bass player named Steve who lives in Ohio and is probably the best songwriter I know who has not yet made the big time. He believes Marc walks water and by your account, he probably does... well, at least he can leap over small mud puddles. Thanks again, Bill. Could I persuade you to write my obituary when the time comes? (LOL!)

Belated "Happy Birthday," Marc. May you have many, many more.

Dave

Happy Belated Birthday Marc. You're one of a kind brotha'.

[size:20pt]I'M SO JEALOUS BILL[/size], I wish it was me, Marc owes me a beer, LOL. Hey Marc, or do I owe Marc one. One day I'm gonna meet Marc!

Happy belated Birthday Marc, Ok, I owe you one, (A BEER).

Hugs Michele

Let me get this straight, Marc turned 100 or 200 last night, WOW, he looks good for his age. And they had this celebration in a "Listening Room", is that a special room for people that age that helps them hear better????

I hope your birthday was right on the "marc"!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY/MIRTHDAY MR. MARC!

Best of everything and then some,
Lynn

MAB (Many Additional Birthdays)

Great post Bill

Marc is very passionate about all this and that was obvious right from go. I said very early on that if I were healthy and situated I would jump on going to one of his tours down there. Actually I would be thrilled if somebody would just take me to the park LOL
But Nashville wow!

Thanks for all you do helping & advising others Marc, it's a tremendous asset having you around here Happy Birthday, sounds like you had a blast.

Mike

I'm glad I saved the recipe for this delicious cake. Hope you enjoy. Happy Birthday Marc! Best, John

Good likeness John.LOL

Hey guys,

Thank you for all the warm wishes. Thank you Bill for starting this, I am glad you came out and I am still going to drag you kicking and screaming toward the light when it comes to Nashville, hope you make the workshop tonight.

The show Saturday was a culmination of the things I do.

I broke it into three sections:

The first was a group of nine newbies I have been working with over the past three years. They included several people from my Song Ramp group, one of which was here on the weekend's "tour."
Three have very good shots at record deals and the rest have all built up impressive careers both living here and making trips. One was the Hispanic Michigan guy who helped me discover Frankie Ballard. They all did songs that we had written together. Which was kind of like the whole weekend. I think I have written with just about everyone in Nashville these days, since I can't walk in a writer's night without hearing either something I have written on or some kind of song written about me. It is pretty cool.

The second half were 5 hit writers that I am very good friends with and we all have written together. I had them all do their hits. Joie Scott, who did he Colin Raye #1 "Not That Different"
and her Shania Twain cut "Shoes", Gary Hannan did "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" and "Back When I Knew It All" And of course, Chas Sandford, who has the two greatest songwriting discovery stories I have ever heard, (I tell you them if you want) on the songs "You Can Talk to Me" (Stevie Nicks) and "I Ain't Missing You At All" by John Waite, (And it has been cut 30 times, number one 4 times, and considered one of the top 50th most played songs in rock history) So it was cool.

The third part was me, Jimbeau Hinson and Jay Verne, our keyboard player. Jimbeau is MY songwriting mentor, who is the most spiritual writer I know and who gave me most of the information I pass on to you, through the "Giving spirit" of the writer. I believe you get what you give out. If you give of yourself it comes back 100 times. That is what people like myself and Mike Dunbar, Mike Cairo do all the time here. That is what we are trying to pass on.

Jimbeau did his hit songs Party Crowd, and his world famous "Setting Fancy Free" from the Oak Ridge Boys, that had recieved it's two millionth play award from ASCAP two days before. That song has been continually played since 1981.

Jimbeau and I are pretty much the same, monster live wire performers and we let it all go whenever we play. I will have to tell you the ol' Iron Man was feeling all of his 52 years (96 in most people's years, ain't the years' it's the mileage)

But I was very touched that so many people came out and were involved. The cake was AMAZING,made by one of the people on one of the new television specialty shows. I am trying to work with Bill to figure out how to post some pictures here.

The show was part of the group tour I did with 12 people from around the country and Canada. Our own Kevin Emmirick (who we call Kev No) was on it and I am really happy because he can give you a detailed report of the weekend.

I try to explain to you guys what I do without becoming a commercial. That is not what this forum is about,and I can't really explain it anyway unless you are here. But you get a lot of the flavor of my opinions here. I think Nashville is a town of relationships and friends who do like minded things. Many of my close personal friends are at the pinnacles of what we all want to do,make money and be VERY successful in the music business. But at the end they are my friends more than anything. I try to share that with people.

In everything I do, I try to provide a link for the four major parts of the music industry:

Creation of the song
Presentation of the song (live and demo)
Networking
Business.

Aside from the downside of them having to deal with me playing every single night, they all got to see all of it.

From watching performers who do things right, and ones who don't do it as well as they need to, on the performing side. To some AMAZING performers both hit makers and new up and comers.

To meeting face to face with hit writers, Danny Wells, Jimbeau,
Micheal Peterson, Chas Sandford, Hugh Prestwood,James Dean Hicks, and many others that at the time they didn;t even know who they were. To new and up coming artists and writers who they will be hearing on the radio and television in the next couple of years. Last year they met Frankie Ballard.Now he is on the charts.

They performed on a Nashville writer's show, playing through a monsoon rain and lightning and still kept going.They "pledged the Nashville fraternity" by doing so and put themselves in the same level that everyone has to do when they start this journey. They came through with flying colors and all picked up future contacts with new potential co-writers.

They heard face to face the difficulties of song plugging and what the placement world is today. It is my contention that you have to get personal with these people and can't do it by remote control.Which is the problem I have with all these nameless and faceless pitch services that pop up and everyone is asking about on half the threads on these sites. This is a different world and we are all having to adapt. The legal issues and downloading are horrendous and none of us know where it is going. But there is always someone ready to separate you from your money. That is what I try to keep people from doing.

The last section was the writing. I paired everyone up with in the town artists. And we did a full day writing session at Doak Turner's. Everyone did GREAT. they turned out nine songs with passion, humor, heart, soul, attitude, and overall so far above what any of them thought they could do.

We recorded those songs yesterday and many of the artists are already starting to perform them out. Yesterday evening, during the Doak Turner's "Third Sunday at Three" party, I sat back and heard many of those songs played before an assembled throng of over two hundred other writers, friends, fans, and industry people. It was heartwarming.

So that is what it was. A HUGE weekend with some GREAT people. I hope all of you can experience it sometime. And yes, Brian, send me a rate sheet, I'll buy an ad.

By the way, Dave, Steve (or the Old Dog,as we call him) is here and we are about to meet for breakfast to start his tour today. He is a great guy and was out there performing and working the crowd himself yesterday.

Glad to hear from all of you and if you have questions or want to find out about me, just ask. I'm around.

Later,

MAB

Terrific. Thanks for the information and insights on Marc. Really nice to have a peek at the party.

Tom

The Birthday boy

The Cake. What a great Cake

Hi Marc:

Thanks for letting me know the "whereabouts" of the "Old Dog." We've had the Sheriff out lookin' for him but now that we know he's in your hands... expect the National Guard 'cause he's having too much fun down there in TwangTown. Seriously, do your best to keep him on the straight and narrow path while he's in your custody... LOL! I just noticed Bill has posted a couple of photos. That's some cake!

This has been an enjoyable thread.

Best,

Dave

Dave,

Just finished our second song today. The "tours" are always through the "past,present and future" of the writer. I review the catalogue and older songs he has been doing, help him see some things he might have missed, write new songs, each one designed to teach the various aspects of writing, structure, phrasing,subject matter, visual images, etc.

And with each tour I step the level up. he is here for a couple of days so tonight at my "Newbies" workshop, I will set him up with another couple of writers so he can write with them. It is simply meeting my friends and introducing him around.

But it is all done with fun and making friends.

The Cake was made by a friend of mine's friend. It was amazing. I hated to cut it because it should have been a show piece. but hey, I have never been one for starving for one's art. LOL!

MAB

Happy belated birthday, Marc! Sorry things didn't go as smoothly as desired by you Bill but, what the hey? Sounds like a good time was had by all. I enjoy reading MAB's posts but sometimes wonder why he always writes a novel when a leaflet would do. Ha ha! JK!

-Dave

Dave,

Because you have to give background to make it understood. You
can always delete what you don't like. but I am never long in my songs. That's the part the public hears.

By the way, one of my buddies is in the press today about the ilegal downloading thing. If you want to know the effect on the overall music business, this is what it is like:


James Otto took to Twitter this week to protest illegal downloading of music, offering a specific example of how it affects artists and songwriters.

"I've known music piracy was rampant, but check it out," he wrote. "This week I sold 7,500 singles (which is pretty good), but 80,000 people stole it. No wonder so many of my friends in the business are losing their jobs. Kinda scary. Half the [song]writers in Nashville can't get a job anymore because of this. People pay five bucks for a cup of coffee, but not 99 cents for a song?"


That is 7,500 sold
80,000 stole.

If you wonder why we need to explain things in detail. That is why we have to.

MAB

I've been to networking things where I could tell you people's first names, their spouse's first name, where they worked their day job, and how many kids they had. At the same time, they couldn't tell you my name even after meeting several times. That's why I don't like networking too much--it always seems to hinge on "what can you do for me?" Now and then, good relationships come out of it, but sometimes you have a rolodex full of names but not have anyone to call.

"I just noticed Bill has posted a couple of photos. That's some cake!" - Dave Rice

What do you mean "That's some cake". Heck, there ain't no eyeballs or any other body parts. I don't even see a smidgen of blood.

John

Well, John:

For one thing... that's the shortest necked guitar I've ever seen... LOL! Heck, I might even be able to play that thing if I could overcome that creature embedded deep in my ever growling stomach and keep from devouring it. (How's that for ghoulish?)

Dave

Hey Brian:

The counters aren't working. I've been stuck on 2201 for the last three posts. (Perhaps that's penance for not hangin' around enough?) LOL!

Finally watched the video and felt like I was there..

Lots of great lines, but these got me ...

cause what they see three hours a nite
is a tortured soul laid bare
sometimes it feels like
I'm playin' for tables and chairs

Thanks for sharing.

Dave,

It says 2202 on the post you said was stuck on 2201 so I am not sure I follow the problem? If others are having that trouble, please let me know.

To Marc, congrats on the cool party. The stat you mentioned (7500 sold, 80,000 stolen) is only going to get worse. I think we're getting closer than ever for all music to be seen as free on a legal basis. I've had some scary phone calls recently with some politicians in DC who see a tax being levied on everyone in exchange for free music for everyone. When that happens, only the most powerful and connected multi-national corporations will have access to that money and it will all become even more politicized than things are now. Of course those same companies controlled all the money in the past as well, but any promise the net had to helping independant musicians will be gone and prospects will be worse than ever.

The more things "change" the more they stay the same.

How many friends do you have Marc (or yourself for that matter) with a significant number (at least double digits if not triple digits) of cuts who are far from being rich? Now imagine how much worse it will be if you have to fight not only label and radio execs to get the money they owe you, but also multi levels of government stooges?

But I digress... it's great you had such a wonderful evening. I can relate to that feeling each time we get folks together for Roadtrip events or our Music Awards. People need to realize that a great life is being surrounded by friends and doing what you love. Money and politics and the approval of multinational corporations do not a happy life make and its unfortunate that so many people who make music focus on that instead of the real good stuff!

Brian

Brian,

Good to hear from you.Thanks for responding on this. My particular deal came through the other night because it really showed my particular passion, which is songs and friends and sharing some great times with like minded individuals. That was really what Saturday night was all about.

It is things like here, songramp and other sites and orgainizations that are the meat and potatoes of the "real world" of songwriting and entertaining. It is people like you that drive all this and an effective way of explaining what we are always up against.

in the overall scheme of things I know we are in a situation where there can be very little positive outcome. There are going to be a lot of problems coming and while sometimes I get a little irritated as to some people who should know better, when they have fairly unproductive attitudes. But at the end of the day, they are opinions and we all have to do the best we can.I don't always have to like it but fortunately, my particular situation tends to insulate me from attitudes I don't care to deal with.

But I believe in you and this site. I do want to find out where the info sheet on advertising is, that is what I haven't found, and I do want to contribute to this site. I enjoy it and the people. Getting Kevin in here and tonight seeing Bill Robinson, coming by are what makes it worth it for me.


Good to hear from all of you, I am always around if you need me.

MAB

Brian:

Thanks for responding. I'll keep track of the register thing and see if the perceived problem continues. No biggy, just thought you should know. Man, your comments are sobering. I've always known how tough the music biz really is... but now, I'm considering folding my tent and stealing quietly out into the desert... where the deer and the antelope play... LOL! (Not!) I couldn't quit if I tried. The only thing that will make me stop writing songs is the call to judgement. Oh Lordy, perhaps I should become a monk?

Marc:

At the end of the day... look in the mirror and tell the young man you see there... that he really does make a difference in the mundane, drab and lonely lives of songwriters and performers everywhere. We appreciate all the give and take and camaraderie that always seem to surround your interesting and insightful posts.

Dave (the old one)

Good Mornin' folks.
Last Night I attended one of MAB's workshops.
For a pleasant change I heard information with some meat in it. No gratuitous bullshit.

It is no secret that the Music industry of yesterday is long gone. The sales, incomes, and loss of jobs clearly indicates a major shift in the way the industry will be doing business in the future.

The Mantra in Nashville seems to be "Write with a new, young, artist" not write for an artist. Although if you already have connections writing for a specific artist would be the way to go.

But most of us don't have those connections. And by connections I mean a solid direct contact with the person/persons choosing the songs to cut on the next album.

As far as income stream for the 9,999,999 of those out there trying to make money from this goes, well, fugitabotit.
It ain't likely.
Brian has a theory that you only need 5,000 fans to support your music and you can make a living at it. He is correct. But getting 5,000 fans is the problem
Let's face it, there's only so many fans to go around......
And I think most listeners are picky enough that you had better have something special if you want to collect 5,000 fans.

A lyric alone won't do it. A great voice. Great guitar skills. How about stage presence? Etc. None of these alone will do it. It takes all these and then some, Marketing, getting yourself out there.
And......Networking. Developing relationships with other like minded folks.

As far as getting a cut goes, well, it ain't likely. Unless you are allied with the folks that can make it happen.
Then, if you have written a very, very, good song...maybe it will get cut.
There will always be a better song out there to choose from. Always.

Marc has made a success in what he does. Oh, I'm sure he would have liked to have that Number one under his belt, or Would have liked to have Garth Brooks opening for Mark Alan Barnette.
But through no fault of his own that has not happened....Yet.
But I think MAB will tell you he has been successful.

I think you must develop relationships with someone in the loop or at the very least very close to the loop if you want to succeed in the music business.
By succeed I mean financially.
If your goal is to just make great music then you probably have already succeeded. Because great music is all in the ear of the listener and if you can make one person feel something with what you have created the you have succeeded.

But if you think you can sit in your living room and write songs and they will magically find there way into the hands of the next big star you are fooling yourself.
There are probably more than 100,000 songs written, and probably demo'd, in Nashville every year. Good songs. That's in town.
If you want to get a cut, one way or another you will have to get your songs into the hands of someone close to the artist.
The easiest way to do that is write with the artist. Or, Co-write with someone who is close to the artist.
How to do that. Well it ain't easy. The best advise I heard was write with as many co writers as you can. You never know when one of them might make that contact that will get you in the loop.
It's all about numbers.

I heard about a young artist the other day that has a great voice and plays guitar well, and is looking for someone to work with. He is looking for someone who can write lyrics and has a place to record in the Nashville area. hmmmm. Who do I know like that? I'm gonna have to find this guy.

Good comments Bill. Glad to have you aboard.

MAB

Hi Bill,

Thanks for that great post on MAB's b-day. I more jealous than ever now that I couldn't be there. While I have not met MAB in person it is going to be in my plans. It's pretty obvious to me that he is the real deal--either that or he has snowed a bunch of people and somehow miraculously helped them improve. LOL. MArc--don't give me the boot --just a bit of humor. All kidding aside, it's nice to know. there's a guy like MAB who gives so freely of himself. MAB--I hope you'
re recovered from your party--there's probably a dozen songs in that alone. LOL. Take care both of you,
Roger

Marc's comments have been so interesting to me that I have really taken them to heart. It seems like breaking in at the top is not realistic - for me anyway. So we are going to take the local approach and try to break in at the bottom. Bill Creel has recorded a cd with the ten county songs that we co-wrote. I am giving a copy to some local country artists to see if they are interested in performing or recording the songs.

If the mountain won't go to Mohammad, dig a hold under the mountain.

Tom

Tom,

Glad that you find something I say interesting. Thanks "for that. The truth is that no one has ever really "broken in from the top." They always start on the ground floor. It is admirable you are working in your local area. That is pretty much all any of us can do.

By they way, everybody who sits on top of the charts now, started out with someone hooking up with them early in their career. Never know where things are going to take you.

MAB

There are people who have broken in at the very top... but with a caveat that they did have to be at the "bottom" of the gatekeeping powerbroker after hours on the couch in his office.

The quote at the bottom of my posts pretty much sums up what Bill has said above. I'll add another old gem to that. The biggest helping hand you're ever going to have is at the end of you own arm.

Brian