MAB Q&A

                                                            SONG PROCESS. WHAT'S NEXT?

Peggy has a good question that many of us go through. What happens AFTER SOMEONE RECORDS OUR SONGS? That is what we all want. What do we do NEXT? Then of course you have ALL the good ones, BMI, ASCAP, Teamster's union, which one is best?

Well, my dear, here is where we enter the world of THEORY and REALITY.

In THEORY, and "the way things used to be" , you would have a publisher, be affiliated with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC), you would have them sign a LISCENCE(contract) saying that they will pay you X amount of money, and you would sit back, check your mailbox every day, and go directly to the bank and spend those HUGE checks!

YEAH.....RIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHTTTTTTT!!!!

The fact is that if you sign a song with a major artist, major publisher, major record label, major producer, major this major that, it still works that way. FOR NOW.

Outside of that, we are all kind of on our own. And since out of the TWELVE BILLION songs a year uploaded to the Internet, about 500 will make any significant money worldwide. Most artists, particularly independent artists with no real label, manager, lawyers, agents, sell in the TENS of albums. Not hundreds, not thousands, TENS of records. And I am NOT EXAGERATING.

Everyone thinks they are going to record something, put it on YOU TUBE and Facebook and BOOM  they are going to go viral. What happens? They do that, and it DISSAPEARS an hour after being posted, because ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND OTHER THINGS HAVE COME UP THE HOUR RIGHT BEHIND THEIRS. They have their site that their friends, family, publicise their gigs, and get a few people interested in what they do. But aside from that, they are a DAILY FOOTNOTE that uses the Internet. How many spam emails do you get a day? That is what most artists are. SPAM EMAILS!

What about live shows? Well, when they can get a place to play, gather up their band, pay them to play with them, do advertising, have to pay a club to play, print up posters, spend twenty hours online promoting their gig, do fifteen free gigs to bring people into the one they are supposed to play for, set up their CD, T shirts, hats,etc, that they paid FIVE TIMES TOO MUCH FOR THAN THEY'LL EVER MAKE BACK, be told by the promoter that they booked another band in their time slot so their time is cut in half, then somebody from a radio station comes in and has to get their girlfriend on the show, cutting their time AGAIN, down to three songs, they might be able to sell two copies to an AUNT or a friend their sister works with in the parking lot. 

Don't expect some major royaltiy checks from there.

CD's are now GIVEAWAYS. We are lucky to get anything recorded.

Want to know where the actual music business is?

Each artist out there on a major label, has about $2.5 million dollars invested in them. Recording, promotion, radio tours, salaries, insurance, band fees, union dues, travel, food, etc. It is VERY EXPENSIVE. Want to do CONAN, Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show? Well you are paid about $500 for those. It costs about $15,000 in expenses to do all those shows. Pack up your band, roadies, road managers, that you are paying $10,000 a week to, into the $8500 a week tour bus, and burn up $1500 in fuel to go do those shows. 
The "Break Even point" for a new artist is around 680,000 units sold.

The two biggest current artists in country are Eric Church, and Luke Bryan.

Eric's sales are right around 600,000.
Luke's are around 400,000.

These two, the TOP COUNTRY MUSIC STARS, ARE NOT EVEN BREAKING EVEN FROM RECORD SALES.

Now, they can make a LOT of money from Festivals, major arena concerts, Merchandising. This can be hundreds of thousands a night. So they are not going broke.

But as far as RECORD SALES and what they pay to OUTSIDE WRITERS? It is not even breaking even.

As a songwriter you are paid from MECHANICALS, or when physical product, CD's, LEGAL downloads, are sold.

You are paid for PERFORMANCES, which are when MAINSTREAM RADIO plays in standard rotation. Podstreaming (about 500,000 streams pay around $1500). Ring tones, movie and television placement, commercials, etc. Are what everyone is shooting for. And very few doing anything.

Enough of the down side.

If you are to get a cut on an artist, you should have your own publishing company. You are self published until you get someone to take the job.
Usually an artist is going to want to be involved with that. For all the good it does. (SEE ABOVE)

I would talk to the artist. Find out what they expect. I would draw up a simple lisencing agreement if they and you feel it is nessasary. These can be found on ASCAP, BMI or publisher's web sites.

If you draw up an agreement, you get 9.1 CENTS per copy sold.

                                                                       PERSONALLY:

I would be encouraging people to record my songs and make it as easy to do so as possible. If they got very active, and a lot of money got on the horizon, I would pay attention. Most of it doesn't.  

One foot in front of another. What if that one song led to writing with the artist? What if that led to another song, and another one, and other bands or artists finding out about you? Get some activity and a publisher will get involved with you.

                                                                      ASCAP, BMI, SESAC?

They are COLLECTION AGENCIES. Most songs are FREE MUSIC. So there is NOTHING TO COLLECT.

Visit all three of their web sites. Find out people you can talk to on the phone. Ask questions you would like to know about. If you get a lot of cut activity and interest going on, I would then make a trip to personally visit them face to face. 

ASCAP is the OLDEST.
BMI is the MOST SUCCESSFUL.
SESAC is the most intensive personal attention, but you have to be asked to join.

That is about all I can tell you tonight. I hope this helps.

MAB 

Thanks for the congrats MAB... I think I landed right where I needed to be.  Those words you told me were a factor in my decision also, I appreciate the advice, I weighed many, many, things but while the "upfront" money isn't as much, I will nearly breakeven just based on travel expenses honestly. It's the longterm security, benefits, etc. I'm so happy I've found, can finally feel as "secure" as possible in this day and age. I'm happy. Already told my wife over the phone today, cause she asked to go out of town for a friends wedding with her parents (a sister of friend of hers) but her parents are footing all travel bills, she just wanted to make sure I was fine with both kids all that time... I told her and I quote "Ok, but I got a job now, so you just mark it down the second I get to use vacation I'm already saving and I'm going to MAB's in Nashville" she laughed and said "OK" (She's actually been wanting me to be able to go for a while, she knows the necessity behind the "trips" and it honestly makes her happy to see me get to go cause she just knows I love it) then which hopefully with this new job and little side jobs I can make maybe two or even three in a year in the future, but im not jumping on that yet, she just knows as SOON as my job allows, i'm twang town bound.

PHIL,

If you're reading this, that idea I threw your way for "Flat Tire Kind of Friend" I did get your emails... I had just tabled all my stuff till I got this job secure while I have the letter of offer, and it's basically done, I gotta take a signed form down to them Friday, then Monday is the physical and drug test, then I'm on the payroll with a start date. Then it's back in the habit for writing.

p.s.

MAB that's the cool thing about this job is every other friday is a mandatory off day, so i could cut early a half week and drive back on a Sunday and get three or four nights in town. I'm still mowing lawns too for the extra cash, and as soon as I post this I'm going to work on building a new website for our HOA which will pay me monthly but it will literally exactly cover my HOA dues, but they'll pay me some upfront money for the revamp so the Nashville savings account is now back to being funded!!!! lol Waffle House, here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An interesting factoid came up on "another thread" involved in the dreaded copyright discussion. Peggy, I think this might put into some perspective about the revenue from "streaming".

MAB 

 

 

Thanks MAB and Justin.
Yes MAB it is me. Hate pictures because I am not photogenic, but I do like this format with pictures and real names. Although it is a little hard to find people from the old forum who used nicknames only.

Great Peggy. Glad to see you and have you back over here. Did I get to all your points? It was kind of late last night when I did that but I hope I covered everything.

The short answer  is "sure", let them record your song, and help them promote it. What else are you doing with it? Isn't that the purpose you are writing? 

I believe that we all make this more complicated than it should be. The vast majority of music earns NO MONEY, and is only heard by a very small amount of people, unless it is taken to those higher levels, at which point there would be other people involved to assit on things like liscencing, publishing, etc. And the entire mechanical system of the entertainment industry as a whole has FALLEN COMPLTELY APART. We are having to make up our own rules as we go along now and mostly we are on our own.

So make things fit what you need them to and be open and honest with who you are working with. 

AND WRITE MORE DAMN SONGS!!!

MAB

 

Hey Justin! Yea, I got those few scattered ideas down then it just stopped. If you can use any of what I sent you to come up with more ideas that would be great! Take your time.

I'm gonna be busy for the next month or two building a deck out back. I'm gonna try to WRITE MORE DAMN SONGS. Maybe working in the heat, banging up my hands, getting sunburned, getting muscel aches, will stimulate something in my creative side. We'll see.

phil g.

Phil,

As an important safety tip, TRY NOT TO HIT YOUR HANDS, FINGERS, OR FEET WITH HAMMERS OR HEAVY OBJECTS. Just wanted to be of help to you.

Captain Obvious.

MAB,

It's the Old Dog speaking.  It's true I had some computer issues; other than the confusion of signing up with the new Ramp site.  Mercy, they were insistant on an avatar picture and my tower computer was in the shop.  I had my laptop (that I rarely use) but I had no photo's stored in it for an avatar.  Anyway, the tower is back from the shop and I had to use an old photo because my other one was taken and loaded on the Ramp by my admin friend Steve Oxford (Sid Chigger). So hopefully all works well and this post get loaded.

Hey MAB,  first of all,  I read your post about your "Bamatized" song; with the added co-writers now being involved.  Please note the Old Dog was in the room while you recorded the guitar/vocal and I added much possitive energy during that recording; so I think I should be added as a co-writer/contributor also (of course I'm just teasin).

Hey RiDawn Rae,  welcome to the Ramp.  The MAB has spoken about your musical talents and your beauty several times.  Actually, the Old Dog had a chance to meet you at the end of my last visit with MAB.   You and he were going to write on a Friday, and I was looking forward to meeting you; but the MAB told me on Thursday evening I would have to leave before you arrived for the write.   Ha!!!  (just teasin).
   
I was forced to leave town and drive down to Atlanta to visit my ol Army buddy.  I had to suffer through three days of drinking ice cold beer with him; while all along wondering what it would have been like to finally meet you in person.  I wanted to witness your loveliness in person, and hear your angelic voice for myself.  Life can be so disappointing sometimes.

 

Hey Kid,  glad you got the job you were hoping for.  That is certainly good news.

 

A shout out to Larryboy.  I hope you continue to improve Ol Buddy.

 

Good luck to Philboy on that deck, and the songwriting group.

 

OD

 

 

 

 

AND NOW WE ARE COMPLETE!!!!A

Welcome back you OLD DAWG!!! Been missing you around here.Glad to hear you got all that stuff cleared up. If you need any more help, just call the Kid, he can swing up there in between his new job, his writing, becoming a smoker and BBQ guru, putting together his self help books, making his speeches and making trips to Nashville. Should have five or six minutes a month he is not doing much to help you with whatever you need.

Great you are here. And i'll go ahead. RIDAWN, he loves YOU BEST!!!! Imagine me about ten years younger and twenty times better looking, and that is the OLD DAWG! now you know how much trouble you are in!!!!

Hey OD, when you coming down to learn how to play your songs?

And by the way, the band did say "I can hear OD breathing on that track. That is what pushed it over the edge with them. It is "OD APPROVED!!!!" Yeah, we'll cut you in on the "back end of the profits!"

MAB

MAB,

Thank you for the fine welcome back and the promise of including me on the profits of your "Bamitized" song.  However, when you mention the 'back end' profits; it almost sounded like a 'kiss my a**' arrangement.  Am I reading into that wrong???

Hey,  about me coming back down to learn the chords to the last two songs we wrote.  You replied back to me that the chords were easy enough, that you felt I meant the "inversion" chords that may be confusing me.   Yes,   "Inversion"...... that is the word.

Reminds me of an old joke a man, on the advice of his family physician, made an appointment with a surgeon to schedule a surgery to be 'castrated'.
    The surgeon suggested another examination but the man was insistant that he be 'castrated' and get it over with.  The surgeon, upon the man's insistance, scheduled the surgery and it was performed.  While recovering from the operation, the man woke up to find the doctor at his bedside.  The surgeon told the man that during the operation he noticed the guy should be circumcized later on.  The guy, just waking up, was able to mumble "Circumsized"....... that's the word.   Ha!!!   So Yes,  "Inversion", that's the word.   We'll have to schedule that later on,  I'm still trying to recover from the castration.  Ha!!!   (just teasin).

About your comment to RiDawn Raelette (yes, "Raelette" because I'm sure if Ray Charles could have seen her........ I mean heard her,   she would have been a raelette).  Anyway MAB, you flatter the Old Dog by suggesting I look younger than you.  Actually RiDawn, the Old Dog did look somewhat younger before I dyed my hair and mustache grey; but I don't like it, so I'm going to let things grow back to their original dark brown color.

Now, The MAB has mentioned you are married to a wonderful guy, and I don't want to tempt you in going astray; but just in case you may be considering throwing his a** out soon,  I feel I must bring up a few facts.

The Old Dog has a very nice home here in Ohio.  I mean,  it has it's original "Tires" and everything.  If that doesn't win you over, I have to mention the retro orange shag carpet and advocato green appliances in the kitchen.  Now, I'm sure that is enough to make you fall deeply in love with the Old Dog;  but I'm sure you could not resist the two Elvis felt paintings that decorate the living room.

I must admit the Old Dog does not have the comma's and zero's in his bank account to impress you lovely ladies; like a Heff or other rich old men.  I haven't found a lovely lady yet that has been impressed with all of my hundreds; not even all  7 of them.  I'm sure you can see beyond all of that and realize what the Old Dog has to offer.

So RiDawn Raelette,  I have only a few questions for you.  I've hesitated in asking you these simple questions because I almost scared off our friend Peggy when requesting she give me her answers.  It's true the Old Dog is a sucker for you pretty ladies, it is also true the Old Dog loves all you ladies the best.  However,  I've been thinking for sometime it is "YOU" OD "Loves The Best".  So here goes:

1.  Are You Attracted To Fat, Old Men???
2.  Does Your Hubby Own A Gun???
3.  If So, Do You Know Where He Hides The Bullets???
4.  Ya Got Any Money???

Happy to meet you Love and anxious to hear your answers.,  Also realize the Old Dog is just teasin and you can't take me seriously.  Just Take Me!!!   Ha!!!
(on a cruise would be nice).

OD

 

 

  

 

Yes, we are back together! The NEW SONGRAMP IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!!!

MAB

Great picture OD. Are you playing "Daddy's upright Bass?"

I once heard from a guy up north who had the same name as me. He sent me one of his CDs and I sent him one of mine. I always come out on the short end of the stick on these CD swaps. Later on he tells me he recorded one of my songs onto his latest CDs and sells them at his regular gig. He didn't even ask, he just did it. I don't know how many he's selling but he's stealing from me and it was unethical in the first place to do what he did. He should have at least asked for permission plus paid that $91 per thousand.

Eddie R

at least on my phone....there is no way to skip to the last page. Right now there are only 6 so it isn't to bad to have to go each page. Soon that wont be an option. I also only have one line I can see while I am typing.?????
OD all your exes live in.....well everywhere. Cause every time there is a new pretty face we all become exes. Lol glad your back in full force.

MAB,

May I suggest for anyone posting, the font size that will automatically show up is an 8 size (this is extremely small and we can barely read). If you look at the bars of options at the top of the comment section (before you type in your comment) and click on "font size" you can increase the size of the print (which is much easier to read).  I like the third one down; or the 12 size font.

What man or woman wouldn't prefer a 12 size over an 8???
(font size girlfriends.......... font size).

Hey MAB,  that upright bass in my photo is exactly what lead to the "Daddy's Upright Bass" song.  Mine is a modern Englehardt Bass M-1 that is an exact replica to the Kay M-1 bass Bill Black played.  Englehardt bought out Kay and continued building the bass to exact Kay specifications.  They are both a 3/4 scale model just because the full size bass is much larger and harder to haul around.  Bill put tape on the outer edges of his Kay M-1 and painted the tape white.  Paul McCartney, liking that look, later had a white binding put on the bass to protect the edges and keep the Bill Black look, shown on photo's and early Elvis albums.

To repeat the story behind our "Daddy's Upright Bass" song. Former SongRamp member and MAB's Forum poster Greg Powers posted a lyric in the Ramp writing room about a guy that had a factory job he hated and a boss that constantly gave him grief.  It was almost like another "take this job and shove it" type song.

The story behind Greg's song was the guy found peace and comfort by visiting a club (after work) and listening to the soft sounds of the upright bass being played in the band.

That got my attention, as a bass player, and I approached Greg about another direction the story could take.  We went back and forth a little with ideas; until I remembered an article my Army buddy sent me about Nancy Black (the daughter of Bill Black, Elvis's original bass player) and how she tracked down her father's upright bass that was bought by Linda McCartney as a birthday present for her husband and Beatle bass player Paul McCartney in the seventies.

Now, the rest of the story is a lesson on co-writing and seeking help from a more experienced writer than ourselves.  We wrote the lyrics around the story of Bill Black's daughter and the story of Paul ending up with the bass.

Greg gave me credit for being a more experienced songwriter and taking the story and lyrics beyond what he was capable of. I then sent our lyrics to MAB for tweaking and requested MAB add a melody to fit the lyrics.  The MAB improved our lyrics and chorus and put a fantastic Elvis feel to the melody.  Greg later commented that the idea and lyrics went from his hands to a more experienced songwriter (me, in his opinion) and I brought in another songwriter more experienced than the two of us combined....... The MAB.

You (The MAB) then took the song to be recorded at Jay's and the boy's in the studio got into the song because they all grew up being influenced by Elvis and loving that sound.

For me and Greg, we got to be a part of a great song.  The main story behind all the co-writers involved, proved how co-writers can greatly improve on a song idea, especially if we are fortunate enough to write with better writers and artist's than ourselves.

So the lesson is; it started with an idea by an inexperienced songwriter.  That led to a collab with a slightly more experienced songwriter; which led to a great product with the help of a pro songwriter and artist.  

MAB would probably never have thought of that song and it's approach without the story idea and lyrics from me and Greg.  I would never have thought of the idea; nor the story of Nancy, had Greg not written some lyrics of an upright bass and a guy trying to escape the stress of work.

 I recall Greg wanting to drop out of the write because he didn't feel he added anything, in the way of lyrics to the verses and chorus.  However, the song would never have been written and performed had it not been for his idea.  Sometimes the idea behind a song is everything.

RiDawn Raelette, I would consider signing over my songwriting credits on that song; if you would agree to snuggle up with me on the plastic covered sofa, as we admirer the Elvis felt paintings and end up on rolling on the orange shag carpet listening to The MAB perform his "Daddy's Upright Bass" song.  Just sayin.....

OD

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Peggy Love,

I love your photo and find you very lovely and photogenic.  It's no wonder the Old Dog was charmed by your presence and "Loves You Best".

If you and RiDawn Raelette show up at OD's at the same time, I'm sure we can all experience a wonderful three way.
(co-write girlfriend......... a threeway co-write).

OD

 

 

 

Hey,

While the Old Dog is trying to catch up after being gone for awhile.  I must give a shout out to my favorite girlfriend Miss Meliss.

Girlfriend Miss Meliss,  thanks for the email and the concern where I have been.  I just want you to know, I did recieve the 'one way' airfare ticket to your hometown.  I look forward to meeting up with you in that sleazy motel you booked for me.

I'm sure some great songs can be written in that room.  I hope we can write a couple of them, like:

Look Who's Knockin, Should I Let Her In:  or

I Haven't Even Unpacked and Already I Need A Shower;  or

The Neighbors Are Complaining And We Haven't Tuned Our Guitars Yet: or

We Have A Crowd, Maybe We Should Draw The Drapes; or

Does Your Hubby Know You Have A Buddy;  or

Wait 'Till The MAB Hears This One: or

You Don't Have To Get Undressed, To Know OD "Loves You Best"; or

It's Time For Me To Check Out; Which Card Did You Want To Use:  or

I Woke Up From A Pleasant Dream, Were You Expecting Me

OD

PS........ I just love my friend Miss Meliss because she is so gorgeous and talented; but also because she has a great sense of humor to allow the Old Dog to be so stupid.

 

 

 

Hey y'all

My first post in this new space to wish everyone a great day and lots of fun and personal fulfilment writing the best songs we're capable of!

Yann

Bien venue ,encore!  or is it bien  venu?

 

Hey John, thanks mate

Welcome is "bienvenue", meaning exactly the same thing, your coming is well appreciated

How come you have already 101 posts in this new space, are you spending your days here, lol?

Have a great day, y'all!

Yann

101  posts.  I do a little admin stuff on here  and try to brush  up  on the  bits of  other languages that  I  know a smattering of ..

Ca Va? L'hier , ici ,  c'est   tres miserable . ce'nest  pas  froid   mais ,simplement,  miserable!

                                                                        BACK TO THE BIRD
Hey guys. Well, to let you know, RiDawn did very well in her first "test flight" out last night at the Maxwell House. SHE actually ended  up putting the round together and her first time in a writers situation in about 15 years turned out to be a great triumph. She did four of the new songs we have been working on and they worked like I thought they would. It is always nice to see them in front of an audience and to be a part of putting them out there. It is always great to sit back, watch her, the audience and see how all that flows together. A really re-warding experience and I congratulate her whole heartedly. I hope she'll be coming over here soon and let you guys know her side of things.

i am lucky to work with a lot of tremendous artists and writers. Yesterday was writing with Savanna Lynne, my new 15 year old wonderkind, who I expect to see a LOT of things happening, and my stalwart, BONNIE LEE PANDA. When you get the chance to write with TWO AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN WITH THAT LEVEL OF VOCAL ABILITIES, you realize this is the chance every writer wishes they could get. And the song, a summer song, turned out great as well.

I truely am blessed.

Tonight, is kind of the pinnical  of things with me. I get to go back to my most favorite place in the songwriting Universe, the world famous THE BLUEBIRD CAFE'! I am playing the early show with my good buddy from the MUSIC ROW SHOW, SCOTT SOUTHWORTH, a friend I have never played with, Bill Diluigi, and a new artist with Major Bob music, LIZZIE MACAVOY. This is the SUPER BOWL of songwriting. I'm pretty thrilled about it. And I NEVER GET THRILLED. OR NERVOUS. BUT I WILL BE DOING BOTH!

The Bluebird, for those of you who have never been, is quite simply WHAT SONGWRITING IS ABOUT. It is the Mother Church of songwriters, and has been since Amy Kurland, opened it in 1985. It is the blue ribbon standard that all songwriter's venues are judged by. It is very small, only 85 seats, and EVERY SHOW sells out. Usually in less than 5 minutes. Our's sold out in three. But that is not because we are so great. It is because THE BLUEBIRD is so famous.

It was the first real place I performed before I moved to Nashville. I went there, was blown away, then ended up auditioning before I would call Nashville home. I recorded my first album one weekend in 1988, AND auditioned that weekend. Out of Both, I got my first cut, THAT'S WHERE IT HURTS on Shelby Lynne. It took an average of 1 year from the audition to actually performing there and I was playing regularly three weeks later. Amy Kurland, my wonderful friend who owned the place, took a shine to me and was instrumental in helping me develop my career. I wouldn't be doing half the things I do without her. So you can thank her if you learn anything from me. She was also one of the ones who convinced me that I had some use as a teacher.

But many people who come to the town, go by to peer in the window, or stand in line for a show or a picture out front, wonder WHY is The Bluebird THE BLUEBIRD? Well, the intemancy, and the dedication to songwriters and songwriting. The theme of the club is SHH. They will tell you to SHUT up very quickly and not only the management, but the staff, AND THE PATRONS there. This is where you come to LISTEN. And every song is treated as the gift to the world it is. Every writer gets the ultimate in respect. If you are a writer and you die. You are shown your own seat at the Bluebird in Heaven, and sit in the round with Hank Williams, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter and Elvis. John Lennon, wants in but won't shut up and they keep him looking in from the outside.

But it is THE place for songwriting. And my favorite place on earth. I have such stories from there, from playing with some of the biggest writers in the world, seeing people like Carol King and others just drop by and sit in, seeing amazing shows, being part of the fabric of this town. In 1999, I was called by Amy to play a special morning show. (The only reason she called me was because I don't sleep all day like a lot of writers, LOL!) but we did this show for travel agents from all over the world. One, sitting in the back had a scowl on his face the whole show. (Of course the show started at 8:00 AM.) During a break, he came over to me and asked "AVE, YOU EVEAH BEEN TO BELGUIM?"
I thought, "sure, that;s what we do here, finish our set at the Bird, then take a limo to the airport, and fly to Belguim! Just another day in TWANGTOWN!"
But three weeks later, I was on a jet flying across the Atlantic, headed to BELGUIM!!! Was up for 26 hours straight, but got to go to the Waterloo battlefield, saw a lot of that country, met some amazing people, and played an AMAZING show for a bunch of people who DIDN'T SPEAK ENGLISH! I also learned an important lesson about lending money to a hit songwriter and artist. One of the guys who went with us, PETER MCANN, was a hit writer/artist from the 70's.  He wrote and sang songs like "DO YOU WANNA MAKE LOVE (OR DO YOU JUST WANT TO FOOL AROUND), and RIGHT TIME OF THE NIGHT." big hit songs. But Peter, who had been to Belguim many times, ended up getting into an all night card game, lost all his money, then BORROWED MONEY FROM ME!!!! And LOST THAT! Then forgot he BORROWED MONEY FROM ME. He still owes me that! LOL! The price you pay for life's lessons.

But it was an astounding time. I have had hundreds of those and if any of you ever get the book, THE BLUEBIRD SCRAPBOOK, my story is in there.  The "NASHVILLE" television show, has turned up the attention to a club that didn't need ANY HELP GETTING ATTENTION!!! It is the central location for the TV show, and they have treated it reverently as well. It is where all the main characters play, a central part of the action, and they DON'T FILM AT THE BLUEBIRD. They recreated the Bird down to the VERY LAST DETAIL on a soundstage about 10 minutes north of town. 
They got it down to my picture on the wall leading to the bathroom. Which was there. Until they TOOK IT DOWN AT THE BIRD IN ORDER TO PUT A MIRROR UP.  So I'm not up at the Bluebird, but PLAY ONE ON TV!!! (A commercial reference!)

When I play this place, I have to pick my songs carefully. I'll be doing five. They will be BAREFEET, to show off the Frankie Ballard influence, CLEANING UP AROUND THE HOUSE, to show off the comedy, THE HARD WAY, my song I wrote with Scott, showing off my "tender Father side", TOO MUCH BLOOD IN MY ALCOHOL LEVEL, to do something that has been cut, and the vocal impressions, and close of course, with TABLES AND CHAIRS.  
Then, hopefully, I'll sell some CD's. But you have to do it IN THE PARKING LOT, because they have another show coming in and have to sweep the room. So it will be an amazing two hours, THEN YOU ARE OUT ON YOUR BUTT!!!!

It's gonna be great. Wish you could all be there. But it sold out so fast I couldn't get anyone in. Tina and my tour client today, Jarod, were going to have to stand outside and watch through the windows. Although, thjat is not a bad seat. I first saw and met Garth Brooks doing just that in 1989. 
What a long, strange trip it's been.

Have a good day all.

MAB 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAB, enjoyed your Bluebird story. Also, really like your song selections for tonight. If I thought I could get there by 6pm, I'd gladly stand outside in front of the window with Tina and Jarod! Enjoy and make another great memory.

phil g.

Thank you Phil. I'm actually going to try to have Tina video it. i don't know how it will turn out but we are going to try. 

To me, it is as close to a RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE that I have. I have never played the RYMAN, and done the GRAND OLD OPRY ONCE in a songwriting thing. But all of those are the older, although wonderful experiences. The Bird is the real deal for those of my generation.

So it is a really special thing for me and I always try to live up to the hype. I lift my own perfoming even higher than usual. it is my Super Bowl or WORLD CUP. (God I'm biting my tongue as I say that. I HATE THIS SOCCER NONSENSE!) But I will say......

                                     GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!

                                             WHEN THE MAB MET THE GB

You want a couple really cool Bluebird stories? I know you do. Well here is one,but you have to kind of back up and see it in context. Sit down campers. This gets involved.

When I moved here on April 1, 1988, I was something of an anomoly. Everything I did seemed to work.  I auditioned and played the Bluebird faster than just about anyone (except my friend Paul Jefferson, who did it his first night with no audition). It was hard to get in even then. It was always the best place and where everybody wanted to be. But even I, and becoming good friends with Amy,the owner, could only play there so much. (although looking back, I was there about every six weeks. Oh how things have CHANGED!!!LOL!) It was my main hang out.

But I also played all over the place.  My first "official' night as a resident was at Douglas Corner. And I started playing there regularly. There were other places, Every Monday night was THE THIRD COAST, where I met and worked with Chuck Cannon, Stephony Smith, Lari White, Deana Carter, and all the real hot stars that would come out later. (including Gary that guy Justin and OD saw me with in Huntsville.) On Tuesday nights, the Hall of Fame, on Thusdays, the Commodore on Friday's and Saturday's, the Bluebird on Sundays. And there were always a few others that would pop up and then close. I would hit them all. Some times I would do two a night. Even did three one time. On Wed. there was no writers nights, so I did stand up comedy night. One of the guys I did that with is running for judge now. His name is Adam Dread. Funny as Hell. Imagine that. "JUDGE DREAD!!!"

So I was hitting everything and quickly I became the  "Big finish at the end.' I was catching fire everywhere  being talked about in offices and behind the scenes. Had record people, publsihers,managers, etc. all coming up to me, everywhere. THERE'S A NEW KID IN TOWN!!!!

About 6 months in, as I was getting known EVERYWHERE, I was called into the office of my ASCAP rep, Tom Long. (I thought I was in trouble AGAIN! They NEVER CALL PEOPLE IN.) Tom sat me down, offered me drinks, got me comfortable, etc. Then started asking me all kinds of questions about what was going on with me, because "my name was popping up all over." I told him about the things going on. Then he said, "ASCAP is doing a concert series called "The old and New Dog Show" and it would be at the Bluebird once a month, featuring the new up and comers and the old hit writers. Was going to be a big deal and they wanted me for the third one. I was pretty fired up. Then he hit me with what he wanted to talk to me about.

"The first one is tonight at the Bird and I want you to go. There is a new guy in town that's going to be a big star and is playing the show tonight.' I have been talking to him about you and want you two to meet. Go up and tell him I sent you. He will know who you are."

 

So I did. I got there and it was so packed there was a line outside. Sounds like today right? Well, they have this little speaker outside and you can hear everything going on inside. the Bluebird went smoke free years before anyone else, and that was a way to get the smokers outside. So there I am and I see this guy getting up and plugging in. He had this huge cowboy hat and seemed like a lot of the other guys we always get here. Then he started playing. 
The first song was "Much Too Young to Feel this Damn Old." The second was "If Tomorrow Never Comes."
Yep. That was GARTH BROOKS.

I will tell you, there was an electricity I have never felt before or sense. I have felt people have it on times I have played and hit that stream that runs down your back when everything just works. but not like this. There was an etheral light about him and he just captivated every one in the overpacked house. You could feel it outside. There was something about his EYES, that he looked right through you into your soul. And of course the songs were amazing. He pulled it off better than anyone I have ever known, and I have no problem saying that he would have blown me off the stage. And that is pretty hard to do. Gotta acknowledge the KING.

At any rate, he finishes and gets a standing ovation. Everybody is slapping him on the back, shaking hands, and trying to talk to him. Then he did a very odd thing. The Bird is so small when you finish you need to get your guitar and case out of the way, so other people will have room. So he did. He came outside right where I was standing, his wife at the time, Sandy, on his arm, and put his case in his car, which I was standing next to. Before I could say "Great Job!" He looked at me and said "You're Marc-Alan Barnette arent you?" I was kind of taken aback, and said "Yeah."

He then told me about seeing me perform and named off one of my songs, "Can't Blame Nobody But Me" and how great that was. He told me about Tom Long talking to him and said we had to get together and write.  We could contact each other through ASCAP and would do it in a few days. We talked for about 5 minutes, mostly him telling me how great I was, and then he had to go back inside. Everyone was wanting him.
Now first of all, this guy has every major label guy in Nashville INSIDE, and he is out there talking to ME. The second I would find out the next day, that Lynn Shultz, of Capital Records, actually signed him that night. An interesting thing about that, was that Shultz, had turned him DOWN that same day before that show. Lynn was a friend of Ralph Murphy, who was supposed to play in the slot that Garth played in. But Ralph was out of town and couldn't make it. He told them to put Garth in his place. Ralph's mother is still pissed at him for that. LOL!
But Garth had been turned down 19 times by labels and was about two weeks away from moving back home to Oklahoma and giving it all up.

This was his second stab at Nashville. The first had come in 1986, where he moved to town and never unpacked his U-Haul.  He had decided he wasn't good enough for Nashville and went back with his tail between his legs. His wife Sandy, bitched at him until he came back in 87. He had gotten here six months before me. He had been the new kid in town,but had been rejected by everyone because they were looking for more "bluesy sounding singers."Nobody wanted that "Traditional sounding crap."

So I never got to write with him, but did see him three times after he bacame huge and he always remembered me. The thing that puzzled me was where he saw me. I could never figure that out. Then I found out about it a year after that.

I was in a meeting with my Brother In Law at the time, Stan Byrd.  Stan managed a few artists like Mark Chestnut, and Tom Wopat, from the TV show, DUKES OF HAZZARD. Stan also had a publishing company and a radio promotion company. He was telling me how bad the future was going to get, that there would be no more staff writing deals and that this new thing, the Internet, would destroy the music business in the future. This was 1989. How true he was.

But as I am sitting there getting depressed, this other artist comes in that Stan was managing. his name was Doug Supernaw, and he had just been signed to a deal. He looks at me and says "You're Marc-alan Barnette arent you?" Again, I said Yeah?" What is it about all these people? He says, "I saw you blow Garth Brooks off the stage one night." Now I KNEW that hadn't happened and for the next few minutes he tells me all about this club, that neither of us could remember the name of,and how great I was, blah blah blah. Something about guys in cowboy hats I guess. 
He described everything in detail. The club being downstairs, the crowd, all kinds of stuff. But I couldn't remember it at all.

I still didn't remember and he left. A few days after THAT I remembered it. The reason I did not remember was that it was not my songs I was singing. It was a friend of mine who had hired me AND Garth to sing two of his songs. Garth went on before me, so I missed him. But he saw me. But THAT WAS NOT EVEN WHERE GARTH NEW ME FROM.

Now....for....THE REST OF THE STORY.

Garth had seen me, but it was not that night. It was the same club, which I still don't remember the name of, but it was two nights later. I was playing in that same club as the feature on a writers night. At the end of my set, two guys came up to me and asked me what I was doing with my closing song, "CAN'T BLAME NOBODY BUT ME." The guy talking, an older guy was really all over me and I said the five dumbest words I have ever said:
I told him I was hanging on to it for myself, "I'M GONNA BE AN ARTIST!!!!" (DUH!)

He said, "you should. You are great and that is a great song." He shook my hand and left.

That guy was named Bob Doyle. The guy standing behind him was GARTH BROOKS. Yep. I pretty much turned down a Garth Brooks cut.

You never know who you are talking to.

MAB