Removing the “DUHs”

This week’s guest blog comes from the guest on THE most popular episode in the two-and-a-half year history of “Now Hear This Entertainment.”  (So much so that he was invited to come back on the show for a second appearance.)  He is Nashville-based singer/songwriter Marc-Alan Barnette, who has written more than three thousand songs.  This was originally published on his website a little more than a month ago.

In the modern age of music, it can get very complicated. Trying to stay abreast of constantly shifting technology, dealing with enormous competition, trying to get paid anything in the era of “free music,” presents enormous challenges. It can make the head swim. But whether you are trying to create something for your own friends and family, on your social media, or just to play in a living room, trying to create a local presence in your hometown and area, or working your way up for a “shot at the brass ring,” it usually comes down to four distinct areas. And if you look at it logically, it can be pretty simple. Most of these are “DUHs”. You need to remove those.

THE FOUR SECTIONS OF MUSIC:
 
#1. CREATION OF THE SONG
You want to have songs, either that you write, collaborate on, or discover for yourself, that stand out, that make people want to hear them over and over again, and tell other people about them. “DUH!!!!”
This starts with a melody and lyric line. They need to be REPETITIVE, yet not REDUNDANT.
Repetitive can reinforce the hook and central elements of the song. REDUNDANT can just be boring.
While many songs walk a fine line, it is best to keep the lyrics active, be responsive to your audience, where they can sing or dance along.
Making the audience feel a connection to the song, like “you are writing THEIR lives.”
Having a hook that is MEMORABLE. Having a hook or chorus that is SINGABLE. Having a story that is RELATABLE.
Having a melody with dynamics, musical SECTIONS, becoming an ‘EARWORM” that stays with people all the time.
"DUH!"
 
#2. PRESENTATION OF THE SONG (Live or recorded)
LIVE presentation is an art unto itself. And in an age of “everyone is a writer and singer” it is even more important to have a polished, personable style. Being able to ENUNCIATE words, so that people understand what you are saying. Not overwhelming the lyrics with music (unless it is dance or musically focused), having SECTIONS of a song, a little less volume in verses, more dynamics and infectious choruses. Being identifiable so that people remember you. Standing out on a writer’s night or open mic. Talent audition. Small intimate shows, huge showcases, or “playing to tables and chairs,” you always need to be rehearsed, professional, personable. You are a politician. “VOTE FOR ME. VOTE FOR MY SONG.”
Everything is presentation, presentation is everything. We are in a visual social media now. Facebook, ReverbNation, iTunes, YouTube, and endless streaming and Internet-based sites. The higher the level a “pitch,” the more complete the recording needs to be. Putting an amateur, poorly lighted or sounding recording on YouTube, can sometimes be worse than having nothing. Again, you never know who is listening. The same on audio, with songs that could potentially be used in television, film and radio, we now do more complete recordings. The days of just doing a “demo” (demonstration) on a song are fading out as the more applications for songs grow. Don’t spend a fortune, but do realize that you have only one chance to make a bad first impression. Again, you never know who is tuning in.
"DUH!”
 
#3. NETWORKING
The magic word of “Networking” most of the time just means making friends. A huge amount is done online, but still where the “rubber hits the road” in terms of a writer, artist, is “pressing the flesh.” Getting into local songwriter’s shows and nights, “open mics,” are a great starting place to find like-minded people.  Assembling your own “team” or circle of friends, for co-writing, co-promotion, sharing the work, help in publicizing, etc. For people who are primarily “writers,” as opposed to artists, they need to find people who are extensions of them on their songs. Being able to “link up” with other people to build a fan base, a crowd in local performances, social network help. All of this is done by creating a LIVE face-to-face relationship with the audience.
Making more people like you than dislike you is the key.
“DUH!”

#4. BUSINESS
In the modern era of music, “Business” can take many forms. As always, making money at anything is business. With less and less money being paid for songs themselves, we are now shifting to “artist branding.” The sale of merchandise, endorsements, sponsorships, etc, in addition to live gigs, sales of physical CDs or legal downloads, are all part of “Business.” But another part of “business” is creating a presence. Being invited to higher and higher level shows, building a fan base, increasing your viability, reputation with peers, advancing in the realm of publishers, managers, venues, agents, Performance Rights Organizations, building your own BRAND, are all parts of business. Doing one thing a day for your career can help as well as many other things. Perception is reality.  Make them know you. Make them LOVE YOU.
Make them REMEMBER YOU.
"DUH!!!!"

Visit Marc-Alan Barnette’s website to see other blogs, news, and an array of content, plus links to his social media sites.  (Go here to see the prior guest blogs we’ve published.)