TO GHERM OR NOT TO GHERM
Here is you a story Justin. About 17 years ago, I was invited to play in a hit songwriter's round in Tallahassee Fla. Now you have to remember that since I got into this town, I have been put into rounds and shows, benefits, etc. with a LOT of hit writers. I have written with over 50 writers that have had number ones. top tens, awards like Grammy's, CMA's, etc, I have been at the forefront of doing things and it has been a pretty good life. I have never had to GHERM anyone, because usually THEY WERE TRYING TO GHERM ME!!!
I was a very strong performer for a writer so I got put on a lot of shows. So I find myself at this really big, packed show in Tallahassee. I thought I was going to be in the "smaller round", that went first, which was with some local and decent writers. I was actually in the MAIN ROUND, with PAUL CRAFT (DROP KICK ME JESUS THROUGH THE GOALPOSTS OF LIFE, KEEP ME FROM BLOWING AWAY, by Linda Ronstadt, and was the publisher on THE GAMBLER.) and "DUANE BLACKWELL (FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES and my personal favorite, GONNA HIRE A WINO TO DECORATE OUR HOME). I LOVED Duane Blackwell, because "Wino" was the first solo country song I learned when I started doing comedy songs.
So I was into this. The round went amazing. Every time I would sing a line or hit a note (and I was ON FIRE THAT NIGHT) Paul and Duane would be saying "Oooh yes!" "Great Line.." and were really into what I was doing. The show went great and it was a night to remember.
The next day we were all staying in this ENORMOUS house. Some of the sponsors of this show were very wealthy and opened up there twenty or thirty room house to us. We each had our own little wing and rooms but they had a common kitchen, where they had pastries, coffee, etc. for breakfast. I got up early as always and was sitting in the sun room reading the paper. (we used to do that in those days). About an hour later, Duane comes down and has coffee. I started thinking "Man he loved me, here is MY CHANCE TO GET A WRITING APPOINTMENT!!!!" So we made some small talk, and then I launched. "Hey man, 'Wino' was the first song I learned when I started doing this. Amazing song, loved that. You know, I have a lot of comedy type ideas, you and I should write some...."
He barely looked up from his coffee and said "THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN."
I sunk through the chair I was sitting in, made a joke about it and continued the conversation. He explained that he didn't co-write anymore, was pulling out of Nashville, and moving to Mexico. (you see, he was one of those telling me about the music business starting to collapse back all those years ago. The money was going away, so he was selling out and moving from the business.All this stuff I have been talking about, we have been seeing coming since 1997 and 98') So that is why he didn't want to do it. Was very complimentary, but HE WAS OUT.
And that is a big reason why gherming doesn't work. Most of the people who are interested in you will ASK you. Most people just don't want to talk about music. They might be interested in other things, they might have family or friends at a show or event, they might have other things on their mind. I have seen many major writers and artists at events and talked to them, then to find out a few days later, they have some bad disease or their marraige is breaking up, or they lose their deal. So the LAST thing they want to talk about it music and the business.
The best thing to do?
TALK TO THEM ABOUT THEMSELVES, let them ASK YOU, or just be nice and enjoy hearing their point of views, or FOR GOD'S SAKE LET THEM ALONE!!!!
This weekend will be THE SMOKEY MOUNTAIN SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL (you are right Kevin, you are missing a golden opportunity) There will be a lot of hit writers and buddies there. And there will be a LOT OF WANNA BE'S. Sometimes it is hard for any of us to really talk, because so many people are wanting to horn in and gherm. It's going to be additionally strange because not only do I have three shows in two days, but also am doing a televised interview for a show in Kentucky. So there is a lot going on. Just respect other people's space and you will be fine.
MAB
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