Future Goals

A lot of people assume that my dream as a musician is to perform everywhere and sell tons of records. Especially the performing part. But that’s actually not true. It’s not that I don’t like performing, I do and I’ve come to realize it’s a very natural part of who I am. But I definitely have other specific goals that I am pursuing after I complete this record. So I thought it would be nice for me to share some here in the blog!

1) The number one goal right now for me is to be a professional, paid songwriter. And I’ll be using this new album as a ‘portfolio’ to show people when I knock on doors. Being a professional songwriter means that I would sign a publishing contract with a publishing company to be a contracted writer. This company would do their best to get the songs I write for them recorded by artists and songs that I’ve recorded placed in media. A contracted writer is usually paid a set weekly or monthly stipend and is required to hand in a set amount of ‘recordable’ songs per year. Every company varies. Bottom line. Being a professional songwriter means someone pays you for your songs and those songs, hopefully, are recorded by artists who are signed to labels. There’s also income from royalties but that’s a whole ‘nother blog entry.

2) The next goal I have for this album is to place songs off this album on network TV. You know, all those songs that play in the background during scenes on most shows? This is called ’song placement’. I’m determined to work hard and do my best to make this happen. This means building relationships with Music Supervisors and those in the industry who are looking for quality music. They have a need, and I want to help them by sharing the specific songs on this album that I know would fit their needs. “Marionette” during a particularly emotional scene on “Gray’s Anatomy” anyone? Maybe “One Tree Hill”. Hmmm… I can see the scene now and someone is definitely crying and breaking down. Right now, the door to song placement is OPEN to unsigned indie artists. Payment for placement can be from a pittance, “hey it’s amazing publicity for you!” to $500-$1000 on average for unknown artists. I haven’t literally read this but I suspect some labels also pay to have their artists prominently featured. “Promotional consideration provided by…. ARTIST NAME HERE, LABEL NAME HERE”. Haven you all seen that?

3) The sales goal I have for this album is to sell 5000 copies total, including digital and hard copies. Now that’s actually not an unrealistic number and if I get TV or Movie placement, it might be easier to surpass. But for me, it’s within reach but a bit higher than would happen normally, so it’s just a number to reach for. If I don’t reach it it’s ok, if I surpass it, that’s great too. Did I mention I’m not good with numbers?

4) Finally… a ‘performance’ goal! Besides visiting all the places in the good ole’ USA where people already are familiar with me and my music, I want to play all the usual ’singer/songwriter’ venues that everyone plays in LA. The Genghis Cohen, Hotel Cafe, etc and wherever else will have me. I’ll do this with the help of my booking reps. We’ll send a CD to these venues then call and call and call. Professionally and completely politely, with confidence of course! Then I’ll invite everyone I know in the LA area and I’ll pack out the joint! Gar, I need to start practicing more!

So, I’m hoping for a lot from this album, ya know?