2nd Rally... new questions...

[girasoledonna]

Hey all. This is my second rally and I am getting every-increasingly psyched about coming out!!! Last year, I flew all the way from NJ alone for the rally, with my friends and family scared for me all alone at the convention. Well, I just want to say if you are afraid about being alone at the rally - don't be!! It is a GREAT experience, and welcoming to boot I had an amazing time, and and coming out once again, alone for it this year. Ok - question - last year I handed out my very professional, full CD to A&R people, with all 12 songs professionally produced etc. I wondered if that was the right move. Do these people want to see the full CD? Or would they prefer a demo? Do you think its better to just get their contact info and follow up with a CD? Do they allow this or would they ignore your emails? And how do you get their contact info? I had trouble with this last year. Secondly - any advice on how to BETTER utilize your time at the rally in terms of networking with industry people? I want to make this year really COUNT! How do you think is the best way to approach them, and what should you say?Thanks!!Anj

[hummingbird]

Very good questions - and if I didn't get to meet you last year, make sure we meet up this time!For the CD thing, I think, realistically... that most of the industry folks at the Rally can't possibly take home 500 CDs. Nor are they likely going to listen to 12 cuts. I would still take CDs so that if you are asked you can present one, and in that case I would carry a highlighter and mark one track on the CD that you think would fit their needs the most. But I would recommend, if possible, getting business cards and pitching music after the fact... ensuring you know what they are looking for and only playing that card when you have something they want.I think most of the industry folks at the Rally are pretty approachable... but they are mobbed by folks who want the reps to listen to music & 'help me make it'. I think the best approach is... to establish a relationship and ask for nothing more than friendship... and a business card if they offer it.JMHOHummin'bird

[christig]

Great advice H.bird!

[kyleellen]

Hi, This will be my sixth Rally and every year I get something great and different out of it. I think it is best to bring lots of Cd's to hand out to fellow taxi members because networking between people is a great thing, but I believe this should be only one or two songs. When it comes to handing out music say at the mentor luncheon or the break out classes then maybe a four song CD. I have asked Dan Kimpel about this and he says yes hand the Cd's when you see the people at the Rally after all that is why these mentoring people show up is to help people if they can. Just hold your breathe or give up if you don't hear back, but work it for all you can. You simple ask for their biz cards and if they are willing they will if not you don't be pushing these mentoring people are really great for the most part. If you are lucky to get a biz card then you can send something later like a few months or follow up in someway. If you didn't go to any of the break out classes last year which are on Friday do it. Force yourself to leave the ballroom for the smaller classess they are worth it. I have a great group of people that fly in from all over the country alone to come. I am here local one hour south. If you want to meet up and make musician professional friends let me know at Kyleellen@cox.net. I am all about helping others at the rally like people did for me in the beginning. Best Wishes, Kyleellen

[jpmuzic]

Hello there girasoledonna I am JP and this two will be my First Rally and I am also coming alone leaving my wife and son and friends behind in NJ. I am so glad that we have this blog to find out what other folks here think as well as you asking some of the questions that the same people may have. I think that this will be a great Rally and many more to come I would like to meet new people and make some new friend's giving my CD out and getting others. Has there been any Rally where folks where given in deals at the Rally? And I will be using my time get all of the information that I can and utilizing my time to the max I work to hard to turn around now! Hey Hummingbird I would love to meet you at the Rally also. I also have a 4 song CD with a color Picture on it.

[gerigates]

Hi;I am coming alone from NJ as well. What area of the States are you coming from if I may ask? I am from the Ewing/Trenton area of the State. Can't wait until one week from now.Thank'sGeri Gates

[jpmuzic]

I am from Maplewood NJ by the way of Queens NY!