Dear Kate, Thanks so much for the vote of confidence, and thanks for sharing your comments about the business with the list. I know I'm not the only person trying to make it musically.
Actually, my daughter is trying to get me to write up a business plan for an independent recording label to see what federal grant money may or may not be available. She feels that the first step is a business plan regardless of the outcome. I'm trying to find out more about doing this. It took a while for me to persuade myself to start gigging, but I know it's the right thing to do. Your live performance is your test of ability in my opinion. Right now I'm practicing and trying to come up with a set that I am comfortable with, but also challenges me vocally. People want to see talent, originality and heart when they watch a performer (imo). I am finding out that persistence is the key to success in this business. It takes a commitment for the "rest of your life" to pursue excellence in music. It is harder because you are reaching for a dream that many others eventually give up on with good reason. Yet, you can't give up because something inside of you knows that you have to pursue it. I'm thinking that this is part of the "dues" they say you pay in this business, and I believe I'm willing to pay. Thanks for all the great info! Love, Sherelle In a message dated 02/28/2002 10:44:07 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > >> Sherelle, You DO have the talent & if you feel its what you were born to >> do it, you have to follow that road! >> >> Have you considered finding a way to finance your own recording, even if >> its a spare one...which is often very effective (look at Patty >> Griffin...amazing voice, okay guitar chops...but the passion in her >> recording makes it one of my favorite cds...much more than her second >> highly produced one)...just you & your songs & your instrument or someone >> else playing with you that can support your singing well. Just make sure >> you professional master it to give it that professional edge... >> >> >>> This can be an ugly business, but it's where I have to be because I >> know this is what I was born to do. <<< >> >> Also start gigging as much as possible. That is how you build your >> audience & performance chops...that is what the label wants my niece to do >> before they commit to her....they want her to have a lot of gig >> experience...not just the songwriting talent. Plus that leads you into >> meeting other musicians with connections, etc. Maybe that could lead you >> to a showcase for some smaller labels who could offer you a deal that >> would include bookings, marketing & distribution...Then you are on your >> way making a living! >> >> It is a lot of work though at first, you have to do it yourself until you >> find someone to help you....even just finding a good booking agent would >> be fabulous! Because you would be getting the gigs... >> >> >> Kate, if I could just make a decent living at this, I think I could be >> happy. My dream is also to collaborate with as many artists as I have time >> on this earth for. <<< >> >> Love, Kate >> >> PS I will look for that other article with Brian in it...yes, he is a >> sweet & very hardworking guy...doing it for all the right reasons...he >> stays with us when he comes through SB on his westcoast JPF tours.
