From the other side of the handshake part 2

[Cat Herder]

Now I am back in the studio with your CD. I see lots of comments about how long does it take. With me, usually 6 months to a year. I recently began the process of making an offer to a writer that was forwarded from TAXI to me in 2006. Now I need his style, now is his time. He was surprised to say the least. Don't put a clock on responses, if you do wrap your head in duct tape, so you have all the pieces when your head explodes. I may put in a dispatch and need something right away, but one of my clients blows a hole in my work schedule for months. Sometimes it is fast, sometimes painfully slow. Every situation is different.

Last: Resume. I am not looking for a secretary. I want to know what equipment you have, what samples you use, What instruments you play live. Your overwhelming projects of epic proportions do not phase me. If I think you are too busy I may pass you over. I want to know you are a team player and that you care about how I look to the people I make obligations to. I want to feel good about whether you will be on the mark, and on time. If your music is not good enough, or right, I will never get to your resume.

I hope this helps with these questions

[Cat Herder]

One last thing I forgot. I try to take every demo seriously. I know your heart and soul are in it, but PLEASE do not call me (if you get my number) or fill my e-mail box with follow up inquiries. It really does not help. If you are a TAXI forward it is the very thing that may get you on the rejected list. That is the reason I request TAXI not to disclose which is my listing, although everyone seems to figure it out. I will listen to every demo I am handed, and every demo I get as a forward. Your work is the only thing that can close the deal.

Thanks
Dave

[remmet]

Thanks, Dave. Figuring out what approach to take with our initial presentation can be a mysterious process, so this information is very helpful. I have 2 followup questions if you've got a moment.

1. I was thinking of having the first CD track be a collage of perhaps 10-second snippets of several pieces, just to allow a quick overview of style and diversity. The remaining tracks would be the full versions of those pieces. Good idea or not?

2. You mentioned what a resume should include. Are you saying you would want and expect to get a resume along with our CD? Or would a link to our website (on the CD insert as you mentioned earlier) serve the same purpose and lighten your carrying load?

Thanks again.

Richard

[T&V Marino]

Hi Cat Herder,

You speak the truth! Great advice in your post.

It took us years to realize that to be successful in the music business, it's not just about the music. That's assumed.

You ALSO have to: meet deadlines; be a "people person"; put your ego away; constantly improve your craft; sign your contracts and send them back in a timely manner; carefully label your work; learn about metadata and the best way to describe your music; answer phone calls; send professional -- but brief -- emails; go to conventions to meet people face-to-face; take classes and workshops to learn about new ideas, approaches, technology; purchase the latest greatest sounds and equipment; take music/voice/composition lessons; read all the books you can find about the music business; have "SUPER HUMAN PATIENCE" (as Matto told us many years ago); and be able to handle rejection and disappointment on a regular basis. If you have ALL of those qualities -- plus some talent -- you just MIGHT make a living doing this!

~ Tracey & Vance Marino

[Cat Herder]

[quote="remmet"]Thanks, Dave. Figuring out what approach to take with our initial presentation can be a mysterious process, so this information is very helpful. I have 2 followup questions if you've got a moment.

1. I was thinking of having the first CD track be a collage of perhaps 10-second snippets of several pieces, just to allow a quick overview of style and diversity. The remaining tracks would be the full versions of those pieces. Good idea or not? I can listen to :10 snippits without your providing me a place to do it. For me it would only tend to clutter up the sleeve.
2. You mentioned what a resume should include. Are you saying you would want and expect to get a resume along with our CD? Or would a link to our website (on the CD insert as you mentioned earlier) serve the same purpose and lighten your carrying load? I like simple, brief and to the point 1 page resumes rubberbanded to the disk, or, as I have sometimes seen, the information I want can be placed on the inside cover, or back cover. I have selected many composers without benefit of a resume. That said, what I want most is that e-mail address. I seldom, and I mean VERY seldom go to websites, (others may feel differently, so you should have a professional website). Now you have to consider I am not looking for an act. Those are totally different situations, and if I were, I would most likely require totally different presentations. My primary goal is to evaluate your creative and production skills, and your commitment to professionalism.

[mazz]

What if I'm allergic to cats?

[remmet]

What if I'm allergic to cats?

Or hoards of herds?!! I've heard you can get hurt.

R

[Cat Herder]

You may remember Mazz; you are the one who gave me this name.

[remmet]

Silly me. Turns out I already know Mr. Cat Herder quite well; I just didn't know that's what he was called in these parts.

Nonetheless, his advice is useful and pertinent!

R

[Cat Herder]

You just never know who is on the forums reading every word you type. Part of one of my courses.