Question for Rally vets... regarding CD's.

[AndyKotz]

OK ...

Mazz, Adonis, Casey, Dave W., Allen D., Ellwood and others...

I'm going to bring a handful of CD's for this event but I'm wondering, do I make a CD with all film/tv type cues, and another CD of songs, etc.?
Should I be concerned about separating genres or will a CD that shows everything I can do... be best?

I know you're going to say "just your best 5 tracks and songs". I don't have any idea what my best 5 tracks/songs are!! I write 3-a-day!! And they're ALL good!

I don't even know what day it is!!! ("what day is it? I didn't miss the Rally did I?!!)

[kclements]

This will be my second Rally, and while I am no expert, this is what I plan to do.

I have a CD with a cross selection of stuff. I limited myself to 2 songs from each genre I like to write in; so 2 orchestral, 2 instrumental, 2 suspense and 2 solo piano. The CD has 8 songs on it. My thought is if they want to hear more, they have links to my Web site and email.

I am guessing that anyone listening isn't going to have the time to sit and listen from beginning to end. So, if I limit the choices on the original CD, they have less to skip around to. I just want to give them an idea of what I can do. Just to get my foot in the door - then, if they like what they hear, they will contact me either for more examples, or to talk about a deal.

I think it is best to be a stern editor - only give them a couple of examples to listen to. Don't try and overwhelm them on the first listen. I guess I'm going with the less is more/leave them wanting more philosophy. At least, that's what I am trying this year.

hth
Cheers -
kc

[davewalton]

My first Rally in 2004, I picked up a CD from a guy named Matt Hirt. At that time he was like a god to me... up there on the panel... if only I could touch his garment...

Well I don't remember if I touched his garment or not but I did get his CD at that time and I noticed that it was a collection of music in a wide variety of styles. I've followed that lead for the most part... a single CD (a "composer demo") that represents a small variety of my best work at the time, for me mostly instrumental with a few vocal songs. Of course I'm doing nothing but film/tv pitches so that works well.

Someone like Jacqueline I think usually has had two CD's... one for her film/tv stuff and the other for her artist/band songs (Otto's Daughter). I think I would separate artist/songwriter pitches from film/tv pitches and make separate CD's if you're doing that. If you're just doing artist/songwriter pitches or just film/tv pitches, one CD is all you need.

As an aside, this year I've done a demo CD with just one specific focus, "Electronica Crime Drama" music (5 tracks). So that's a departure from my wider ranging demos in previous years. We'll see how that works out.

[Casey H]

I mainly target film/tv and do 2 CDs-- one with songs (with vocals) and one of pure instrumentals.

As far as knowing which songs to put on the CD if you think they are all good, remember your goal is to impress them enough that there will be follow up contact later. You can always show them more if and when that happens.

Casey

[AndyKotz]

Just because I think they're all good doesn't mean that they are, Casey!!

Only one of you (kc) gave me a number. 2 songs/tracks per genre or a total of around 8 to 10 tracks should be enough right?

I think that's what I'll do. But I'll make a CD of instrumentals and one of vocal songs. I'm not pitching to labels but to film/tv type stuff... so, the vocal songs are either source music, transitional cues or themes.

The instrumentals are either ad agency type stuff or modal cues...

[AndyKotz]

Are there going to be more publishers, publisher reps and music supervisors at the Rally than what appears on the Schedule Of Events?

[Casey H]

Hi Andy
It's getting close! See you in a little over a week!

It's easy to over-analyze things after a while. You and your open mind are still the most important things to bring. As far as songs for CDs, pretend an important publisher or library exec told you they want to hear your music but had a strict 3 song limit on submissions. What would you choose? Lead your CDs with those. Nothing wrong with one CD for songs and one for instrumentals if you are most interested in film/TV. Also, either CD might be good to have to drop for panel listening sessions though the odds that YOUR track will get randomly selected by Craig (or is it Duke that picks?) is small.

As far as who is going to be there, look at the panels as well as the breakout classes and when the 1:1 mentor list is released (should be very soon), that too. However, it's important to see the rally as a total experience. Sometimes the best comes out of hanging with other members, the super-charged atmosphere, an "ah" moment at a class or panel, etc.

So... Be smart but try not to over-think. Being there is the biggest key.

Best,
Casey

[AndyKotz]

I see what you guys mean about the barrage of CD's being thrust upon the panelist/guest speakers!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/taximusic/ ... otostream/

Personally... I almost feel it's an offensive gesture. I don't feel comfortable doing it either.
It makes you look so desperate... (and trust me when I say I AM!).

So... I'll bring them along.
But to me, it seems like developing a line of communication and establishing professionalism may lead to more opportunities in the long run.

I also noticed that most of the mentoring is done by TAXI screeners.
No offense screeners but I was hoping it would be done by Kara DioGuardi, Dianne Warren, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharrat, Charles Fox, John Williams, GOD, Bill Conti, Michael Giacchino, etc... !!!!!!!!

("I know, I know... I've seen the credentials of our TAXI screeners!")

[Cat Herder]

What I appreciated about some cd preps is that the writer broke tracks into categories. I could look at the cover and see that track x through y were Country Vocals for example, and another group was Rock instrumentals. It would be clearly marked on the cover. Always think of how you can make it easier for the listener to target what she or he may be looking for. Also, if you are providing a CD to someone that you "know" is looking for something special, have a highlighter handy. I always appreciated that, since I could go straight to the track that you recommended. It tells me that you have taken the time to understand my needs. If you have a limited number of styles it would not hurt to bring different collections to focus on a particular style (not too many..1 or 2 each). Four to five cues per CD. Be as prepared as is reasonable for you to do. You may have only one shot with that prospect. Last year someone gave me a CD titled "Mr. Trotter, Studio 51", what do you think I did with that CD? You can bet it was one of the first I listened to, and signed that composer. That will not hurt if you have a target prospect. All this said; not every mentor and guest speaker is someone who is looking for talent. So don't load up with a hundred CDs, you may only deliver 5 or 6, maybe 20, (but that may be a stretch) that targer your goals. Study the bios, and prepare for whom you may want to hand a CD to. Make sure you have CDs for the listening panels as well. One per panel you are attending. I signed one composer jolly on the spot two years ago because of his panel demo. Look at the panel schedule and make a single track cd for that panel (Make sure your name and e-mail address is on the CD in case a panelist request it. I am sure I am forgeting many ideas and others will weigh in on. I hope this all helps.

[Casey H]

Look at the panel schedule and make a single track cd for that panel (Make sure your name and e-mail address is on the CD in case a panelist request it.

Just a note that you don't HAVE to make single track CDs for the listening panels. Taxi gives you a stick on label for panel drop box CDs, on which you indicate TRACK NUMBER and genre. So I don't make separate CDs for panels- I just take enough of my regular CDs to cover panel use.

Nothing wrong with making a few single track CDs for this purpose, but just wanted to mention it isn't essential.

As I've mentioned before, don't assume you'll get your CD back after the listening panels. You can but it's pretty hectic with hundreds of folks scrambling. I consider them disposable.

Casey