For the country writers:

[jwebbinspired]

I believe we can write what we are within the market's system. It's not easy, but we can write songs we aren't ashamed of while also making money. I am a businessman. I've worked in product management since I graduated from college. And the one thing I have learned is that the market will tell you what it wants. If you want to do your own thing, go for it. Just don't expect to make a good living at it. If you manage to make a living that's great! Follow your heart. Just don't get mad at the "system" for not wanting your music...it's not the system...it's demand.What is often considered "cookie cutter" form in today's popular music is actually liberating. The foundation gives you solid ground to build your musical structure on. It enables you to write more universal, life-changing music. I used to not like the "system" but then I realized that it's there for a reason. I'm excited about the era of "singles" returning because better music is coming back...it has to if the music industry is going to stay alive.Andy

[jjktunes]

I agree 100% I'm just saying it would be nice to write that hit that makes you enough money so you can write something that isn't written to fit a listing. I never said I was mad at the system. If I was I wouldn't have joined Taxi. I will still write from the heart and also write for the demand, but if i just write for the demand something inside me will be undone. Shoot looking at your writing style I would love to co-write with you sometime.

[jwebbinspired]

JJK,I understand what you're saying completely. I have so many songs that will never go anywhere (and those are some of my favorites). I guess sometime you have to write for sanity.To me, songwriting can be very frustrating. It's basically the war between my creativity and discipline...and if you're going to have any success they have to be able establish peace treaties from time to time I do a lot of co-writing. And I enjoy it a lot. We'll have to do it sometime. Andy