MAB Q&A

Another Magic Bluebird show last night. There is nothing on earth like this in the world of songwriting. As I sat in my favoite seat, (the one facing the door, best view of the audience) I was just a lucky observer on a GREAT SHOW. Scott Southworth, the host, really put together a stellar round with BILL DILUIGI, and Lizzie McAvoy. She writes for Major Bob music and is quite the song bird. Big voice. Bill always finds some very comfortable grooves and Scott is the MASTER of getting audiences to sing along to songs they don't know. WRITE EM' SIMPLE FOLKS. there is your lesson.

I was trying to keep up, following Bill and before Lizzie. I started out with BAREFEET, telling the story of Frankie. (The Bluebird is one of the only places you are EXPECTED to tell a short story about the song, before doing it) The second was my real dilema. Sitting about ten feet away from me was a co-writer, TUCKER BOWLER, from Alabama. He is a retired professor from AUBURN university and now making regular trips to Nashville. One of the songs we wrote, ELVIS IS ALIVE IN MY BATHROOM MIRROR, is a pretty good comedy song and nothing like anything else I have. So I pulled that one out of the archives and did my best to get through it. Doing a ten year old song is risky, but I made it except for the bridge. Just skipped that.
After that, we went deep and I pulled out THE HARD WAY, the one I have written with Scott. Now an interesting side note on that song, is that Scott and I have virtually TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS of that song. We were never in the same room as we wrote it, and both have kind of our own stamp, in relation to the way we speak. Scott likes a little more words than I do, and his version kind of changes some of the lyrics around to fit how he likes it. I tend to prefer my version as well. That happens sometimes. I have heard writers, particularly in bands, that have different versions of hit songs. Kind of a cool thing. Sometimes producers, editors, publishers, etc. make changes even after a song is released. I have known of writers who have a completely different version of their popular songs.

My friend Joie Scott had a song recorded by SHANIA TWAIN. Shania and her husband/producer at the time, Mutt Lange COMPLETELY re-wrote the song. It was used in the DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES soundtrack. But it was a totally different song. Joie now follows my example and does both versions of the song. Can be fun.

The last two, THE GRAND OPENING, the first song I did at the Bluebird, and ending of course, with TABLES AND CHAIRS, it was a pretty rewarding night. Why can't I do that EVERY NIGHT? I would die happy if that were so. But very grateful for that one.

Afterword we went across the street to a Pizza place where a small group of us hung out. I was approached by a 13 year old female artist and her mother, they bought a CD and started asking questions. An hour later, they walked out with us, I hope a little wiser. I was telling them about Melissa, who I have talked about  a bit lately. I hope they will contact her.

So that is how it was last night. Today is my writer/artist/lawyer from Birmingham. I hope to bring him over here soon.

Later,

MAB 

 

 

 

MAB,

Loved your stories (as usual).  Thanks for increasing the font size on your text,  that makes a huge difference for us old guys. 

Hey, something I found interesting about your Garth Brooks story.  You mentioned Garth was scheduled for his Bluebird performance (which resulted in him getting a deal),  by replacing Ralph Murphy, that couldn't make it that night.  I was curious about Ralph's age at the time.  According to Wikipedia, Ralph was born in 1944 making him around 44 years old in 1988, around the time Garth was signed.

Wouldn't Ralph had been somewhat old to be signed as an artist; or because of his previous success, was Ralph being considered for a songwriting deal???   Just curious.

Maybe the artist's age wasn't that big of an issue back then like it is today.

Hey,  I'm really happy to hear your show was a success and you loved being part of the Bluebird experience again.

Good luck with your Tour today.

OD

 

Hey OD,

No Ralph was just an example of the older hit writers. Same thing we do today. It would be, new young artist, experienced hit writer, new young artist, experienced hit writer, etc. Ralph was an executive Vice President for ASCAP. It was a way to show that ASCAP is populated by hit writers, producers, artists, new writers, people with deals, people looking for deals, etc. 

We do the same things on all showcases today. Publishing companies will bring out their writing roster to show off new songs and their possible artist candidates. Record labels, publishers, etc, will do showcases for new artists or a group of new artists. Showcases can be VERY EXPENSIVE, with food, drinks, giveaways, press,etc. So grouping several artists on one show will be less expensive. The "Old Dogs" are to showcase where they have been. And they have the names to draw in other people. Lynn Shultz, the guy that signed Garth was there to meet Ralph, so they could for a beer after the show.

Incidentally, Garth was supposed to go on last. Ralph dropping out and his suggestion, moved him up in the order. Had he not gone on second, Lynn would have left. And Garth was a few days from heading back to Oklahoma. So,for an odd twist of fate, Garth was signed due to one guy NOT showing up. He went on to sell more records (over 100 MILLION) in a decade,the 90's than anyone in history.

 
Funny how things turn out. 

MAB 

 

 

OD,

     You too can write in bigger fonts. When you click on REPLY, look at the top of the panel and it gives you options. I selected Arial Black as a font style because it is BOLD then for size I picked 12 pt. Next time I will pick 14 point. I may have nothing to say but I want it to stand out. And now I will search again to see if any of my songs came over.

Eddie R

EddieR Ol Buddy,

Thanks for the heads up on how to increase the font size.  For me,  I like to reserve the bold print for The MAB; but I do increase the font size so it's easier to read.  The second option down (10) seems to work pretty well although the 12 is a good option also.  Not sure we need a 14 unless it helps your eyes read better.

Hope you are doing well Brother.

OD

 

OD I do my in bold and with the 12 point thread. It would be good if you made your's larger too.

M

MAB, thanks for sharing your Bluebird story! Sounds like it was a realy great night! I was there in spirit. Did you get a video you can share?

phil g.

MAB,

     You look so pensive in your photo.

Eddie R

I'm very pensive. Or pencilive. I can't decide. Phil we videoed a few things and are going to try to post them soon.

MAB,

The Old Dog will use the 12 point font from now on.  If you only knew how many times the Old Dog has been asked to increase the size of what he was using;
(my Font size Girlfriends........... my Font size).

Hey,  speaking of OD's Girlfriends.   I hesitate in revieling what the Old Dog has been up to today.  I can only guess that my Girlfriends have been struggling with leaving their hubby's for the Old Dog.  So without bragging on myself, I will only say the Old Dog has been mowing.  Yes,  the Old Dog mowes.

I don't keep the house repaired; nor do I plant flowers; but I do mow.

I do stop for a beer break once in awhile; which would be a perfect opportunity for OD's Girlfriends to shine and carry an ice cold beer out to him (two at a time would be best).  It would also be an excellant chance for OD's Girlfriends to get out of the kitchen and take a break from cooking his next meal (preferably carrying the beer, to include a frosty mug, to the backyard with nothing but an apron on).

Girlfriends;  note there is no steering wheel because OD's  mower is a zero turn radius that requires both hands.  That will mean I can't let go with one hand to pat you on the bare backside (like in the kitchen); but I will make it up to you later.

Wait....... what am I talking about.  The reason for this post is to talk you Girls out of leaving your hubby's and moving in with the Old Dog.  Girlfriends, the Old Dog already thinks way too much of all of you to put you through a life with the Old Dog.

Please resist the temptation and stay where you are.   I know you Girls love the 'bad boys' but OD is not worth disrupting your lives over.  Forget the backrubs, the bubble baths for two, the champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  Don't even consider the moon light walks and all night talks, the passionate kisses that only stop long enough to write down the next line of a love song.  Forget all of that Girlfriends. 

I beg of you.

OD

PS...... EddieR,  don't even think about asking to move in with the Old Dog.

 

 

Hmmm OD, You said, "I do stop for a beer break once in awhile; which would be a perfect opportunity for OD's Girlfriends to shine and carry an ice cold beer out to him (two at a time would be best)." So, Is that two beers, or two girlfriends, at a time? 

phil g.

OD, I don't know if I could take living with you and all those wild women. Oh maybe for a month or two but then I would be completely drained and would need at least an hours rest. Anyway, I became allergic to beer a few years back and couldn't stand the taste of it anymore but I still drink and liquor is quicker.I made myself a promise that I would pick up my guitar tomorrow and play some. I plan to play some of Aaron Barker's songs, a couple of MAB songs and a few oldies like Miller's Cave and Knoxville Girl.It's a step in the right direction.

Eddie R

Hey OD never knew you had such a big nstrument....   Your Bass OD ................. Your Bass

 

( Sorry couldn't resist on bost counts...............apologies....and I'll get my coat....)

Okay,

New Week. New forum. What are people wanting to talk about? I have tours going on this week but will be around to get things going.  someone kick in with a topic and we'll roll.

MAB 

 

 

 

 

Based on your familiarity with whats happening in nashville  and the almost  jaded  "new country/pop  music" .. where  do you see the next trend....  More blusey... rock and  roll, No please please  dont say (k)rap . Thats a silent  k . 

 

John,

If I could do that, I wouldn't be here, I would be writing the next hits. Trends are only partically created by artists. They are mostly discovered and embraced by the public. My real answer? Probably more rapid fire rap oriented lyrics. You have to look behind the songs, into what people grow up with and embrace. As much as I absolutely hate it, rap has moved into the worldwide culture and has been reflected in more and more regions of our lives.

More and more commercials, television shows, communictaions, (Tweets, Twitter, texting, emails,) mean that our entire lives are built upon faster and faster communication (and thereby shorter attention spans), have been coming at us. The news cycle is 24 hours. The theme of the moment changes extrodinarily faster.

How this relates to music has been an onslaught of rap and hip hop oriented lyrics and has been on an unstoppable force. When Jason Aldeen started putting it in through his association with Colt Ford, it kind of unleashed a flood and I just don't see that going back. The fans are embracing that and you can't fight what they are going to go with.

Does that mean people such as myself are going to embrace that? Not a chance in Hell. It is never going to be me, and I don't write for trends. What artists are always going to need are something that connects with THEM. So the story telling aspect of country music is not going to change. Songs will always be about SOMETHING and it is going to be pretty clearly spoken. Just most of it is going to be spoken a LOT faster.

If you want to understand some things style wise, back up 10-15-20 years in rock music. If you hear and understand what the general public was listening to then, you will see where they will be listening to in the future. Country has always had about a 10-15 year time lapse between what happens in rock and pop and what filters down to country. If you take a 13-16 year old kid and what he starts learning to play a musical instrument on, or listens to on the radio, you will see where his/her influences start to be. They will take that forward with them and draw on that as they become accomplished in their mid 20's.
While some will embrace country, most will not. They will be emmersed in the pop artists of the second, the rap and hip hop cultures, then as they mature, the music they like will take on a harsher edge. The one's who gravitate to country usually are turned off by that harsh edge when it drifts into so much negativity, drug use, shows that feature as many knife and gun fights as music, anger, attitudes, etc. Those people who are turned off by that, will gravitate into what they find as "calmer." They can be edgy there, yet rejected by the harder edged of rock and pop. 
And Pop and rock has no bottom when it comes to depravity and lower cultural standards. When people wrap themselves up in MEAT Outfits (Lady Ga Ga) and have to get more and more shocking to get any attention at all, the next is covering themselves in Feces, and throwing human waste at their audience.  It is not a pretty sight at where pop and rock is going to end up. The smell and disease alone will kill off a lot of those audiences.

If you want some current examples of this, look at current charting artists and read biographies, you will find their influences. It will sound something like this:

Lady Antibellum - Allen Parson's, 70's rock acts.
Little Big Town- 1970's Fleetwood Mac
Jason Aldeen- AC/DC/Aerosmith/rap and hip hop
Rascall Flatts- Journey
Taylor Swift-Def Lepord
Zac Brown-Dave Mason/James Taylor

We are also in such a visual era, the attractive people are going to be at the forefront of country music. People are just not going to pay hundreds and thousands of dollars for merchandise, tickets, concerts, etc. for unnattractive people.They want to see someone they WISH they could be. So look for more former atheletes, models, very attractive people. But those people are going to be less and less talented. So don't look for the abilities of the artists to increase. They won't.

We are going to have more and more mediocrity because people embrace it and then move on. The careers will  be shorter. I don't see another Garth Brooks or even Taylor Swift career coming. I think as the older generation (my generation), of the George Strait's, Alan Jackson's, Reba's, Martina's, etc. retire or thin out, they are not going to be replaced. The people that replace them are going to have MUCH shorter careers. Three years will seem like a golden oldies show. Those artists have already seen that handwriting on the wall which is why you have both Strait and Jackson "officially" scaling back their tours. Reba has headed to Hollywood. Dolly is in the Theme park and real estate business. 

There will be people that can build more out of a region now. You have people like Zac Brown, Frankie Ballard, and others who concentrated on regional success before they were pushed into National and International spotlights.
There will be some people that don't exceed those borders. But they will still be able to keep a decent living with local and regional things. They won't become millionaires but they won't be broke either.

On subject matter, that is always the trick. The TRUCK, TAILGATE, DRINKING ON THE DIRT ROAD DOWN BY THE RIVER' WILL RUN OUT OF GAS, just like the Angels, Gods, Honky Tonk, Pick up lines, one night stands,  Have in times before. They all had their three year runs and this is about the third year of that one. So it will dwindle out as soon as the sales figures go flat on those, which is what is happening right now. With the biggest acts in the business, Eric Church and Luke Bryan, not even being able to break even on their recrord releases, you will see that trend start to decline precipitiously.

What can we do?

In a lot of ways, not much. We can be who we are. It always is going to come back to what I talk about all the time. Writing reality and finding a way to make it different and interesting. Hooking up with artists early in their career. Helping them build their careers past the song. Utilizing elements of current sounds, but being true to yourself.

And BEING REALISTIC IN YOUR EXPECTATIONS. That is the biggest thing. You can't  expect a bunch of money to come rolling in because it is never going to. Even with all the things that go on in the culture, new formats coming out, new delivery systems, Internet web sites,whatever, you can't expect it all to "go back to the way it was" where people were making money because they are just not COLLECTING MONEY. When you have created an "expect everything for nothing" and gotten them used to that premise, the way you viewed it is GONE. It is not going back.

 

 

Or I could be totally wrong. Only time will tell. Enough prognostication for the day.
MAB 

 

 

 

Thought  that  might  get things  rolling

And of course, more Australian's suing more Americans. That is on the way.

MAB 

 

MAB, I can validate your predictions based on up close and personal contact with the new generation. NOBODY at the open mic's I go to does  "Country". UNLESS, they are in their late 40's or older. THEN, they are doing cover tunes from the 60's-70's. Once in a while I will see a younger kid (under 40) doing some older contry covers, but it is rare. The kids (30 and under) are doing "cover tunes", but I don't recognize the genre' at all. So, I guess what I'm seeing/saying is, the kids I meet will probably never listen to "country" UNLESS it starts sounding more like what they are listening too. Of course, I rarely listen to anything but [current] country, which mixes in some "older" country (more than 2-3 years old). (NOTE: It is amazing how quickly country music is changing. At least on the radio here in central Florida.)

As a matter of fact, I learned about 10 years ago, you just cannot keep up with the music industry. Write what sounds/feels real to you. There ARE some "traditional" ish sounding tunes coming out now and then. BUT REMEMBER THIS ALSO!! You must have a RELATIONSHIP with someone "in the business" if you ever want to hear one of your songs on the radio, NO MATTER HOW GREAT IT IS. Also, IF your goal is to hear your song on the radio, that will probably be the penical of your success. You most likely will never be able to measure your success in dollars and cents. Well, "cents" maybe?

Great vision there MAB. I feel like a has been already, and I haven't even got a good start at the race, thank you very much LOL.

phil g.

New Guy in Town,

Hey everyone, I wanted to welcome a new member here, JARROD NICHOLS. Jarrod joined last night and is trying to find his way around. He is an attorney from my home town of Birmingham, Alabama, who has done two tours with me in Nashville. He has been writing for a while but never had anyone sit down with him to show him form and structure. He has made a lot of progress since his first meeting with me, and this past weekend made his second trip to get his journey rolling. He did make it to the Bluebird and did video tape the show. So hopefully he will post some stuff for us soon.

Jarrod, I hope you find us over here and get into what we do. Glad to have you.

MAB 

 

 

Thanks Marc-Alan. Honored to be here, ready to learn.

He made it. Glad you are here Jarrod. You might want to introduce yourself and tell a little about you other than what I have made up. If they don't chime in, i'll do a break down of who is here.

MAB 

 

Hey Jarrod! Welcom to the family! I'm a retired computer programmer, trying to write songs I can not be embarrassed to say I wrote LOL. I play 2-4 open mics here in the Ocala, Gainesville, Florida area. Most folks [that do music] play cover tunes. I usually only play my originals. At least to date, I haven't been booed off the stage LOL. Thanks to MAB and his good friend, Allen Sherville, My best success hax been doing a three song set at 360 Burger in Nashville. When I do make it to Nashville, I try to do 2-4 open mic's. Commodore and Douglas Corner. NOTE: That IS open mic's. There is a definite distinction in Nashville between open mic, and writer's nights.. My goal is to try and make enough writer connections [A.K.A. friends/RELATIONSHIPS] there that I can get invited into some of the scheduled writer's rounds when I come to town.

phil g.

That's great Phil. Thank you. RiDawn is also reading along and still trying to figure all this out. So just go like you are talking to both of them. It might be kind of interesting to tell Jarrod your story of how you are refocusing your energies in writing and performing. Jarrod is a good performer but until recently didn't have enough structure in his songs. (TOO LONG AND TOO POETIC.) You might mention some things not only that you have learned but things you see in others that DON'T seem to pull it together on your travels. You have actually seen quite a bit in Nashville with other writers and while you don't have to name names, it is interesting to comment on things you see that people do (OVER AND OVER AGAIN) That LOSES the audience's attention.

MAB

I've been Barnettized, so I hope to keep the long poetic thing from impeding my improvement. I'm sure I will backslide from time to time, but hopefully Marc will be there to cleanse me of such wrongdoing.