That was a great summary Kevin! Of your first trip. I have been going down there for 4 years now, and have experienced a much broader scope. I have seen just about every big name writer that comes down. And, it is not [just] country. There are writers from all genres. There are over 200 shows to take in, if you can find time. And you can hear both the kinds of songs that have "made it" and those that have not. And if you are observant, you will be able to compare all of those songs to your own. And if you are hones with yourself, you will see your own weaknesses.
I want to explain the benefits of this festival from a different perspective. Like I said, I've been going for 4 years now. Yes I've seen a lot of great shows, and "seen" a lot of great writers. BUT, I have also been a festival volunteer. I have worked as an evening door monitor, and as a beverage server during the afternoon lunch service. So, in addition to "seeing" a lot of writers, I have also had the fortune to MEET a lot of these writers. The first thing you notice when you get in the same small room with these folks is how everyone seems to know everyone, and those that don't, are eagerly trying to get to know everyone. It feels like a big family reunion. And when you get to know these folks, none of them brag about their success over any one song or anyone else. Sometimes they confess they don't know how a song made it, except that they and their cowriters believed in the song, and it was through their RELATIONSHIPS with industry decision makers and/or their relationship with the artist, that the song was selected to even be cut, let alone become a hit. They all have stories about the songs they wrote that got put on hold, but never recorded, or got recorded, but never got cut, or got cut, but were never released as a single. And through all of those almosts, and little and big successes, it was always the RELATIONSHIP that kept the hopes alive. Relationships is the most treasured thing all of these guys enjoy.
Almost all of these guys started as "outsiders". But they had the drive and commitment. They began their journey playing open mic's, got invited into some writers rounds, and made relationships. Then someone who had a relationship with someone on the inside heard them and liked them and introduced them. NONE of these guys were "overnight successes". It took a lot of years of hard work and relationship building. And a lot of hard work nurturing and maintaining those relationships. This songwriting business is not for the faint of heart!
The other big event during the festival is the afternoon songwriter showcase at the Flora-Bama. This is the place where amateurs and folks trying to break in get to "show off". And the host Don McNatt is always trying to get professional writers to join in for a few songs. You get to hear a lot of different styles and levels of accomplishment. If you stick around a listen to enough folks, you can see what it takes to become a professional songwriter. I have a lot of respect for ALL of these guys because not only do they write songs, but they have the courage to put those songs and themselves "out there".
And finally, the other lesson I've learned is that the music business is a big maze of traps and pit falls. You can waste a lot of time, energy, and money doing the wrong things, trying to break in. Anyone who is seriously trying to break in needs some professional help. Someone on the inside who has "been there done that". There are a lot of those kinds of folks there that will "help" you. Some are legit. Some not so much. This can be another one of those pitfalls. So, you need to find someone who is willing to talk to you first and explain what the business is about and how it works, and be brutally honest with you. Before you try to break in, I urge you to go back and browse through this entire thread, and look at the great insight and advise our very own MAB has shared with all of us. You might even consider contacting MAB privately to see where you go from here.
I wish everyone success on their journey!
phil g.