Dude McLean (Opportunity) and Dave Trotter (Counterpoint)

[mfowler]

A topic that Dude stressed, many times in "Pitching to Taxi Listings", was being ready to take ANY and EVERY opportunity...
I probably would have passed on one yesterday (Monday) had I not attended his class.

I'm in one music library right now. I signed a three song contract two days before the rally.
It has taken me a little over a year and a half and a lot of hard work to get to this point.
The publisher sent out an email urgently looking for music for an immediate opportunity.
It was for one the big 3 networks, a new show that is coming out.

I had absolutely no music that I could submit for this and was frustrated at losing an opportunity.
This genre was one I had never attempted to compose for, but was somewhat familiar with.
I then recalled Dave Trotter's class "How I Choose a Composer". Simplicity and counterpoint were just a couple of the many valuable topics he discussed.

I wasn't going to waste this opportunity....
I grabbed my acoustic guitar and layed down a basic track in ABAB format. Using my best sample library I pulled up a flute and wrote a simple melody. Next, I pulled up a bowed instrument for the B section. To build and add interest, I added a counter melody and ended it with a button.
A quick mix and some some overall eq and then I uploaded it to the publisher's site and notified him.
With no time for a cold listen, I hoped I did not send him something that would later embarress me and give him the impression that I was unprofessional.


This morning, I received and email that he liked the track and is forwarding it on for consideration.
I almost fell out of my chair...
I realize the odds are pretty slim, but at least the publisher liked the track and understands I'll do my best to meet his needs.

I struggled as to where to post this, but after some thought, I realized that is not about me, but is about the Rally and within itself, what a wonderful opportunity it is. You may not get a deal at the Rally, you may not get your song played at a panel, you may not be able to give your cd to a panelist or industry professional, but you can take wisdom and inspiration home with you.

You can read and study books regarding the music business, but there is no substitute for being there, seeing the emotion and passion behind the message.

Had I not gone to the Rally and had I not attended Dave and Dude's classes, I never would have attempted this.

Thank you!
Marlin

[markmeilander]

Congratulations Marlin!
That's a great story. Both the Rally itself and the stories like that which come out of it will continue to be a huge inspiration.

I hope you get the deal!

Mark

[ciskokidd]

Congratz Mark!

That's taking the bull by the horns. By pushing yourself and taking a risk you have proved that preparation meeting opportunity and the courage to take the opportunity leads to success.

Well done.

-Cisco

[mfowler]

Thanks much guys!

[jparker]

Hey Marlin,
Good story, and it was great meeting you at the rally.

[mfowler]

Jeff, thanks and it was fun hangin' out with you!
Marlin

[ckbarlow]

Way to go, Marlin. You are absolutely right on all points.

And it was great to meet you!

[MatthewMoss]

Awesome, way to not let anything pass you by.