Mark "Stryker" Ahlberg is the Client Transactions Specialist at Big Loud Bucks Administration and Information, an arm of the hit music row publishing company Big Loud Shirt. BLB clients have written over 50 #1 songs, dozens of top 10 singles, and had cuts on hundreds of #1 albums.
Part 1: Know your PRO
I'll start this series with a disclaimer: there is no guaranteed formula for having success as a songwriter. These are merely tips that can give you a fighting chance in an extremely competitive industry. All the tricks in the world can't replace talent and work ethic. Sure an amateur gets lucky every once in a while and writes a hit, but there is no way to turn luck into a career. And that's the goal, right? A career? So think of this as an idiots guide to Nashville songwriting and let's get started!
Performing Rights Organizations and You
Every time you hear a song played on the radio, the writer(s) get paid a royalty. Seems simple enough. And, in a way, it is. But let's say you're the songwriter; how do you get that money? The answer is your friendly neighborhood performing rights organization, or PRO.
There are three PROs in America: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. All three have offices conveniently located on Music Row, and all three provide similar services. The goal here is not to persuade you to join one over another, but to encourage you to join one!
You may not have a song on the radio, but that doesn't mean a PRO can't help your career. They provide invaluable resources to young songwriters, including workshops, newsletters, and networking opportunities. And that's where the real value comes in: connections. Your PRO rep knows all of the publishers in town, has friends at labels, radio stations, and management companies, and these connections are all at your disposal.
Take advantage of these opportunities! Become your rep's best friend (or at least make sure they know who you are)! You should be going to them with questions, bringing them your new songs, and inviting them to your shows around town. Remember: these people are paid to recognize and encourage talent, and the more they can see you putting forth the effort it takes to be a success the more likely they are to set you up with great writing sessions, slots in writers nights, and label showcases. It's their reputation as much as yours that's on the line in those moments, so they are only going to give you a chance if you show them you can perform at that level. So bring your A game and let your PRO work for you!
Check out info on each PRO at ascap.com, bmi.com, and sesac.com.
Next up: Playing the field...
I'll start this series with a disclaimer: there is no guaranteed formula for having success as a songwriter. These are merely tips that can give you a fighting chance in an extremely competitive industry. All the tricks in the world can't replace talent and work ethic. Sure an amateur gets lucky every once in a while and writes a hit, but there is no way to turn luck into a career. And that's the goal, right? A career? So think of this as an idiots guide to Nashville songwriting and let's get started!
Performing Rights Organizations and You
Every time you hear a song played on the radio, the writer(s) get paid a royalty. Seems simple enough. And, in a way, it is. But let's say you're the songwriter; how do you get that money? The answer is your friendly neighborhood performing rights organization, or PRO.
There are three PROs in America: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. All three have offices conveniently located on Music Row, and all three provide similar services. The goal here is not to persuade you to join one over another, but to encourage you to join one!
You may not have a song on the radio, but that doesn't mean a PRO can't help your career. They provide invaluable resources to young songwriters, including workshops, newsletters, and networking opportunities. And that's where the real value comes in: connections. Your PRO rep knows all of the publishers in town, has friends at labels, radio stations, and management companies, and these connections are all at your disposal.
Take advantage of these opportunities! Become your rep's best friend (or at least make sure they know who you are)! You should be going to them with questions, bringing them your new songs, and inviting them to your shows around town. Remember: these people are paid to recognize and encourage talent, and the more they can see you putting forth the effort it takes to be a success the more likely they are to set you up with great writing sessions, slots in writers nights, and label showcases. It's their reputation as much as yours that's on the line in those moments, so they are only going to give you a chance if you show them you can perform at that level. So bring your A game and let your PRO work for you!
Check out info on each PRO at ascap.com, bmi.com, and sesac.com.
Next up: Playing the field...
Justin Branam & KICKSTARTER
MCU artist Justin Branam is working on a new record, and you can help!
Gavin Mikhail does COVERS!
Check out Gavin's YouTube channel to watch his take on several of today's most popular hits!
Somehow, we got it right.
Last minute cancellations and last minute booking aside, tonight's Bluebird show was incredible.
Jenny & Tyler's KICKSTART
They're releasing a new record, and you can help make it happen!
Sandra & Thad strike again!
A recap of our show last night at Third and Lindsley, another great Nashville Sunday night!
'Everything Starts Where it Ends'
Ten minutes with Lovedrug...
MCU's Bluebird Benefit
Our show on Thursday at the Bluebird featured some amazing performances.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
Sandra McCracken's CD release show overcame any and all expectations.
Last Night, A Recap
Last night, we celebrated MCU's Third Anniversary with Trent Dabbs & Friends.
VOTE NOW - The Cold Stares
They made it to the finals and need our support to send them to Hard Rock Calling in London!
Support The Cold Stares
Nashville's The Cold Stares are finalists to represent us at Hard Rock Calling this Summer!
A Few Words of Thanks...
Thanks for an amazing Tin Pan South Songwriter Festival...
Dave. Matthew. Tin Pan. 4/3.
We are very excited about our third annual TPS show and two additions to our line ups!
MCU & TPS Together Again
Tim blogs about MCU's participation in the upcoming Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival
Tin Pan South
The 18th Tin Pan South Songwriter Festival is coming March 30 - April 3, and we're back with another show!
Four out of Tenn
It was another amazing MCU show at the Bluebird tonight...
Healing 4 Haiti
MCU's Tim Beckner shares his experience on a truly moving night in Music City...
Two Nightingales
Someone once told me that poetry is the sound of two nightingales dueling...
Why I Love Music City Roots
Johnny T checked out Nashville's amazing new weekly music showcase.
Here's To Another Great Year!
Johnny T & Jon D Present The 2009 MCU Year End Review!
Nashville Rescue Mission Benefit
We need your support on December 16 at the Bluebird Cafe
Tom Waits, Miss Kitty and Jerome, Arizona...
Guest Artist Mare Wakefield blog about her recent 5 week tour
What can Josh Groban do for YOU?
Guest blogger and MCU artist Gavin Mikhail's humorous Groban rant
WILL HOGE IS BACK!
And he's at 12th & Porter every Wednesday in June
A Killer For 7 Years or A Kid For $7
Join us May 14 as we support Project AK-47 and their fight to free child soldiers.
Dave Barnes, Derek Webb, Thad Cockrell, Alli Rogers and...
special guest Jonny Lang. Oh, what a night for MCU!
Stryker Speaks, Part IV...
More advice on surviving as a songwriter from our friend and guest blogger...
World AIDS Day
Here are some ways you can help as we promote AIDS awareness today.
My Second Passion
MCU's Jon Dicus reflects on the Nov. 13 benefit show for Nashville Rescue Mission.
MCU BENEFIT FOR THE NASHVILLE RESCUE MISSION
16 artists join together at Rocketown Nov 13 for a great cause.
Guest Artist Blog... Mare Wakefield
Another great blog from our friend Mare Wakefield.
Stryker Speaks, Part III...
Read part three of our blog series on getting a publishing deal from our friend Stryker...
Guest Artist...Chris Milam
Read his blog and join us for his CD Release party 12th & Porter Oct 11
Free Music Rules!
Chris Rule discusses House of Heroes and The Autumn Film...
Stryker Speaks, Part II...
Read about why playing live can be the key to your success in music...
Free Music Rules!
Read a review of the Ten Out of Tenn tour by our man Chris Rule...
Free Music Rules!
Our Guest Correspondent writes about Andy Gullahorn...
It's A Community Thing...
Check out our new blog by Portland artist Justin Jude...
Stryker Speaks...
Check out our newest blog series on how to be a hit songwriter...
Free Music Rules!
Read Chris Rule's latest article on NoiseTrade.com...
1 Out Of 600
Read an update of Darnell Levine's journey on the road...
Free Music Rules!
Our Guest Correspondent Chris Rule presents free Andy Osenga music.
From The Road...
Read a blog by our featured artist... Clay Cumbie
Johnny T, Jonny D, and the 'Bama...
Heeeeeere's Gavin Mikhail...Guest Blogger, showing the love!
Our First Guest Artist...
"There are many different types of songs..." by Mare Wakefield
A Little Update
Two Weeks and We're Getting There...
What a Week!
Johnny T's recap of this week's Songwriter Festival
We have lift off...
Music City Unsigned is back with a lot of new features and a trio of artists for our latest episode.