SOME BASICS OF THE NASHVILLE MUSIC BUSINESS

If you have dreams of getting your music recorded in Nashville but you don't know how to make that happen, this information is provided to help you get started in the right direction. The music business is highly competitive. The people who work in it are extremely busy and have little time to listen to newcomers. It won't be easy to get heard, but it will be a little less difficult if you use the right approach. 

  How to submit your music for consideration

1. Prepare your package properly. The first thing you need is a clear recording of your music. This is called a "demo," short for demonstration recording. Be sure the vocal is loud enough to hear all the words easily. CD’s are preferred over cassettes. Three to five songs is appropriate but if you have a professionally produced full length CD, you may use that. If you are an artist, enclose an 8x10 professional photo and a brief bio of your background in music. If you are a writer pitching your songs you should also include a page with the lyrics typed on it unless you are certain that the vocal is clear enough to hear and understand every word. Be sure your name and phone number are on the CD, the case for the CD and on the lyric sheet. Enclose a letter stating how you received permission to submit. Do not submit sheet music or just the lyrics. 
   
2. Obtain permission first. Businesses in Nashville do not accept unsolicited material. There are too many songwriters and singers trying to get heard and there isn’t enough time to listen to them all. Also, it leaves businesses open to potential lawsuits from writers who believe they have been plagiarized. Most of the time you will need to be referred by someone in order to get permission.

Where to submit your music

1. Record labels listen to artists and to songs for the artists they have signed. The department at the label that does this is called A&R, which stands for artist and repertoire.
   
2. Artists listen to material to find songs to record. Unless you have a personal connection to the artist you should go through their record label or management company.
   
3. Producers listen to potential artists and to songs for the artists they produce.
   
4. Artist managers listen to artists seeking representation and sometimes screen songs for the artists they represent.
   
5. Publishers represent songwriters and pitch their songs for them. Record labels, producers and artists prefer to have songs pitched to them by publishers rather than by the writers directly because publishers screen songs to be sure they are well written and appropriate for the artist.

How to get a referral

If you are unknown in Nashville you must get heard first in order to get a referral to someone in the business. Some of the ways to do this are:

1. Writers nights – there are many open mic and pre-scheduled writers nights in Nashville where writers play their original music. The people in the music industry with the power to sign artists and get songs cut rarely attend these nights, but they are an excellent place to meet other writers and to start getting to know people who might be able to refer you to someone in the industry. Check the “Writers Nights” page on this website for a partial listing. More complete listings can be found in the Sunday Tennessean newspaper or in the Nashville Scene and Nashville Music Guide, both of which  are available for free at most clubs, hotels and convenience stores. Call the club or go to the writers night and talk to the host to find out the sign-up procedure or how to get scheduled.
   
2. Workshops – there are many workshops, both in Nashville and across the country, that are taught by people with connections to the music industry. They will help you learn about the craft and business will help you meet people who might eventually refer you to people in the business. Check the workshops page of this site for ones hosted by Barbara Cloyd.
   
3. Performance rights organizations – there are three organizations that help writers collect royalty money from radio and TV stations, concert halls and nightclubs. They are ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers,) BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) and SESAC (Society of European Songwriters and Composers.) A songwriter can join only one of these organizations, but they each have member representatives who will explain the function of their organization and listen to songs by their members and potential members. They will also refer writers to publishers if they think they are ready. Call to find out how to get an appointment, but be patient because they too are very busy.
   
4. Singer talent shows - Many clubs have talent contests and jam nights where singers can perform to backing tracks or with the house band. The people in the music industry with the power to sign artists and get songs cut rarely attend these nights, but they are an excellent place to meet other singers and to start getting to know people who might be able to refer you to someone in the industry. You can find listings in the Sunday Tennessean newspaper or in the Nashville Scene and Nashville Music Guide, both of which are available for free at most clubs, hotels and convenience stores. Call the club or go on the night of the show to talk to the host to find out the sign-up procedure or how to get scheduled. 
   
5. Personal connections – most people in the industry only listen to new writers or artists because someone whose judgment they trust has recommended them. If you “know people who know people” you might ask if they can make a referral for you. Use every opportunity to be around people in the music business. Go to writers nights, performances by hit songwriters, workshops, seminars, classes, parties and other industry functions. The old saying is true, “It’s all who you know,” so be friendly and spend time getting to know people. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 and Helpful organizations

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) – 615-256-3354, 800-321-6008 – Based in Nashville, they also have many chapters throughout the country. They offer excellent education and networking opportunities, many of them free to members. You can drop by their Nashville office to ask questions and browse their extensive library and bookstore.

Songwriters Guild of America (SGA) – 615-329-1782 - They advise songwriters on contract and legal matters and also offer excellent, inexpensive panels and workshops most of which are open to members and non-members.

Country Music Association (CMA) – 615-244-2840 – They present the CMA Awards and Fan Fair. Even if you don't join, you may want to purchase their comprehensive directory of Nashville music businesses.

Tennessee Songwriters Association (TSA) – 615-959-5967 – They hold a weekly workshop in Nashville and publish an informative monthly newsletter.

Helpful Publications

American Songwriter Magazine – 615-321-6096 – This monthly publication is full of information for songwriters with professional aspirations.

Music Row Magazine – This publication is geared to the industry and can be an invaluable tool for learning who’s who and what they’re up to. With a subscription you are eligible to purchase their weekly tip sheet on who is currently looking for songs.

The Nashville Music Guide - This free monthly publication is full of information about local writers, artists and the business. You can pick it up at Nashville clubs and hotels or subscribe to have it mailed to you out of town.

Helpful websites

The following websites are some of the many that are geared towards helping songwriters learn and grow as they pursue their dreams.

Barbara Cloyd, Your First Cut,  Write Songs, Jason Blume,  Song U., Nashville Muse, 
Songwriters Connection,  Just Plain Folks  Songjourney.com  The Muses Muse   Music News Nashville

Helpful hints

1. Be very careful about what you pay for. It is reasonable to pay for demos, photos, classes, workshops, consultation, publicity and advertising, music lessons, image consultation and other services. Shop around to be sure you are not being over-charged. Don't pay someone because they have connections. There are people who will claim to promote you as an artist to record labels for a fee, but people with the power and influence to truly help you will do so for a percentage of future income. Some of them claim they are only charging for producing a recording, but they may greatly inflate their rates. There are a few reputable independent song pluggers who pitch songs for a fee but they are as hard to place songs with as with a publisher. There are also many who charge a fee but do not have good connections or who will take your money even though your songs are not strong enough. Before signing a contract or paying a lot of money, have the contract looked over by a lawyer or other knowledgeable, unbiased person. Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Songwriters Guild (SGA) are reputable organizations that can offer advice or steer you to someone who can give it.

2. Educate yourself. Knowledge is power. The more you know about the business the easier it is for people in the business to work with you.

3. Always present yourself at your best. You only get one chance to make a first impression. You never know who's watching. You can do a lot of damage with an out of tune guitar or a sloppy recording.. 

4. Always follow through promptly. If someone makes a referral for you and you don't call the person they referred you to, that shows that you are not serious about your career. The same is true if someone says "Call me next week" and you wait a month.

5. Develop good networking skills.- Your career success will largely depend on your ability to develop strong relationships with people in the music business. If you meet someone in the industry they will never get to know you if you are too timid to talk to them. But take an interest in them and don’t monopolize the conversation talking about yourself or trying to impress them. Don’t ask someone to listen to your music or help you until you have built a relationship that makes that appropriate. Industry pros are very busy and they may avoid you in the future if you are too pushy and try to impose on them. And don’t worry only about getting to know people who are already successful Make friends with other aspiring singers and writers who impress you. Then you can help each other grow and advance.

6.  Don't get ahead of yourself.  A bad first impression can damage your chances. Before you try to approach record labels, producers or publishers be sure you are ready. Start with a simple, inexpensive recording - a guitar/vocal or piano/vocal is fine as long as it is in tune and recorded without static or hiss. Get some feedback from people who know the market and will be honest with you about whether or not your music is strong enough to get a positive response. If you don’t know people who can give you this advice for free use a professional vocal coach or song critique service. You can find recommendations of these on the resources page of this website. When professionals agree that you are ready, then invest in a more elaborate demo and use all your networking skills to get it heard by anyone in the industry you can..

7.  Have a positive attitude. No one enjoys a person who is negative, resentful, desperate or self-pitying. Take criticism gracefully. If someone is generous enough with their time to give you feedback or advice, thank them politely even if it stings. There are not enough openings for all the talented writers and artists. The ones who succeed are the ones who work the hardest. A little talent with a lot of hustle will out-perform great talent every time.