Looking back on two years since my first rally

[mfowler]

Nov 1, 2009, 6:49pm, robertjennis wrote:I appreciate all the advice and responses to my post. I recently received my first critique. I got all sixes. Which means I might not have it, but he didn't dismiss the song which was incouraging. His main contention was that the song didn't fit the genre asked for from the Publisher. I have to admit he was right, but I wanted to get some feedback on one of my songs. Look forward to meeting you all.A couple more suggestions...Post in Peer to PeerIf you see another listing, submit the song again... I have seen very different scores for the same song submitted to multiple listings that were similar. Some screeners may score lower on average than other screeners. Spring for a custom critique... can be pretty helpful and think you can get quite a bit more feedback and help. Make sure you set the context for your song.Marlin

[davewalton]

Oct 25, 2009, 10:52am, mfowler wrote:Oct 25, 2009, 6:53am, hurowitz wrote:...People often ask if it's worth it from the perspective of signing deals on the spot, getting noticed, etc. It's hard to explain why most of the time that's not at all what it's about. It's about the learning, the unique energy level all around you, being surrounded by thousands who share the dreams you share, the renewed motivation, and the lifetime peer relationships that are priceless.... I totally agree with you Casey! I think one could be pretty let down if getting noticed or getting a deal was the primary reason for going. I'll vouch for that. I was pretty desperate for a "deal" my first Rally in 2004. Suffice to say that I didn't get it and felt anxious and frustrated most of the time, trying to "force" things to happen (like trying to shove my CD up Matto's nose after a panel thinking he was a deal maker or something ). Anyway, I'm finding out that a few people get those "on the spot" deals but I see the Rally as a (significant) contribution towards my education which keeps me from spinning my wheels and (hopefully) keeps me focused in the right direction. Oh yeah... it's a heck of a lot of fun too. FWIW,Dave

[mazz]

Also, if you're overly focused on one thing (getting a deal), you might totally miss other cool stuff. If you're only hawking the industry folks, you might not meet that awesome collaborator or future producer, for instance.I posted a reply in another thread about what's the best thing to bring to the Rally and my reply was: An Open Mind The best thing one could do at the Rally, IMO, is to be yourself. This is a relationship building business. Folks want to work with people that they like and can relate to. Over hyping equates to "too hungry" and can be a turn off. This isn't an audience building conference, it's a conference with like minded folks all looking to build their careers in one way or another. If a deal happens, great, and they do happen, but that's the exception rather than the rule. Everyone's time will come. It's that fine balance of doing and allowing.See you there!!Mazz

[robertjennis]

The bottom line is, If the song is good it is good. I am resolved to writing till I write that song.

[matto]

Nov 1, 2009, 6:49pm, robertjennis wrote:I appreciate all the advice and responses to my post. I recently received my first critique. I got all sixes. Which means I might not have it, but he didn't dismiss the song which was incouraging. His main contention was that the song didn't fit the genre asked for from the Publisher. I have to admit he was right, but I wanted to get some feedback on one of my songs. Look forward to meeting you all.Robert, most people don't just "have it" or "don't have it". It's something you develop over time. Kara DioGuardi, AI judge and one of the world's most successful songwriters cheerfully admitted at a past Road Rally that her first song was "godawful".I think that's probably true for most people, it certainly is for me.The key is to seek out feedback by professionals who know what they're talking about (you'll have a chance to meet plenty of those at the Rally), take some eye-opening classes (again plenty to choose from at the Rally), read a good book or three on the subject, always keep an open mind about your songs, and constantly strive to improve them.Even the most talented and highly successful songwiters didn't spring from the womb as fully formed hit writing machines... matto

[Casey H]

Nov 1, 2009, 6:49pm, robertjennis wrote:I appreciate all the advice and responses to my post. I recently received my first critique. I got all sixes. Which means I might not have it, but he didn't dismiss the song which was incouraging. His main contention was that the song didn't fit the genre asked for from the Publisher. I have to admit he was right, but I wanted to get some feedback on one of my songs. Look forward to meeting you all.Hey RobertAlmost everyone started out with a touch of (or much more) rude awakening when they got their first reviews and found out what they had wasn't as good as they thought. Many of us were convinced we had the next mega hit on our hands but unfortunately didn't. That's what's good about all of this. Independent professionals, not your family or friends, help you evaluate where you are and guide you moving forward. Casey