DEMO SERVICES - Re-Introduction...

[AndyKotz]

Hi everyone! (I also posted this in "Lyric Lovers"),

My name is Andy Kotz and I'm a composer. I have signed 6 deals (music libraries, publishing & production deals) in the last 2 years. Although not all of them were a direct result of a Taxi forward (2 were), I feel that Taxi is responsible for my flourishing success. I have an established career in music as a touring/recording guitarist as well as a producer in the record business when I lived in Los Angeles (1972-1997) prior to relocating to Minnesota and "semi-retiring". Well the "music mistress" won't go away, she kept knocking at my door! Now... I'm back to music... full-time again.

The music business IS a process and it is an arduous one.

With all that aside, I would like to invite anyone of you songwriter/lyricists who are in need of demo services to visit my music and website. I operate AKMusic Productions from my basement studio in Minneapolis, MN. I have composed for songwriter/lyricists from Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY, Chicago. IL to Brisbane, Australia and Dublin, Ireland to Prague of the Czech Republic. All because of the internet!
I have Skype video conferencing available which also makes it fun and easier.

I do currently have 2 active "clients" (both Taxi members) that have hired me and are VERY happy with the results (testimonials available at my website). I aim to please. I'm diligent and give the utmost attention to detail with regards to all of my productions, whether mine OR yours...

As a verifiable Taxi member... you will get a $200 discount on Full-Production rates (always)! I especially like my Taxi clients since they are professional AND courteous!

Please consider this option when you shop around for a quality demo.
My website has all the information you will need with regards to any question(s) you may have.

Please visit: AKMusic Productions

Wishing us ALL success!! -- Andy

[songmaster]

Hi Andy If I were to use your service, would I own all the rights to the finished song? I am specifically talking about TV and film. I am a Taxi member and this is the first time I've seen a demo service here. I am looking for a simple acoustic guitar or piano arrangement by a male singer. As a Taxi member yourself, you are probably familiar with how the TV and film folks always request that you own all the rights to the recording. Anyway, if you could let me know I would really appreciate it. All the best. Tom.

[AndyKotz]

However you wish to do it. You will always own the Master 100% unless you sell it (or sign it off) to a publishing company. That said, if you have any co-writer's, you still own it (your share) as long as you have your partners signature/release.

I have several songs done with co-writer's but we are all in agreement regarding submissions.

Back to your initial question. Yes, I can do a straight up "Work For Hire Agreement" (where it's as if you did the music yourself). A complete buy-out. It removes me completely from the picture.

I have been fortunate enough to have most people insist upon me keeping 50% writer's share (as the composer). For that reason, I don't have any qualms anymore about doing business either way. I used to always want "my share" because I was defensive and I thought it was right. But in this industry, we do what we can to survive and my name is steadily garnering a reputation and would like to stay on track! I'm easy to work with and I aim to please.

I hope I answered your question. If you have any more questions you can contact me at/thru my website: www.akmusicproductions.com

Thanks for inquiring! -- Andy

[fusilierb]

I checked out your site. I REALLY dig how you have your players framed in those little hanging boxes.

[AndyKotz]

Thanks Bryan!!

[songmaster]

Hi Andy Thanks for answering my questions. I usually do the music and lyrics myself but I know in Nashville some of them work under a " Demonstration Contract " and that's why I asked if I would own all the rights. Naturally if you composed the music to my lyrics a 50/50 split would be in order. Anyway thanks again and I will definitely keep you in mind for my next demo. All the best . Tom.

[AndyKotz]

Like I said... it's completely up to you. You can own it outright or (if you have a conscious) you can give me a composer's share!! But you would be paying me so again, it's your call.

I know that a lot of people that are newbies are fearful of being ripped off. They hear SO many horror stories from well intending friends. But truth be told, if you're an unknown commodity, the odds are you will be struck by lightning several times before having a hit song! Those are just the odds. A lot of the time it has nothing to do with talent.

Some of the demo companies sign off on WFH agreements because they know the "artist" is going nowhere (*refer to lightning reference) and then you have the demo companies that have the agreement (fine print/page 68! ) that you cannot pitch the track without a further agreement (which will cost you more money!).

Bottom line is, I'm flexible and want to do business... and I want to do it right. That way, I get return customers who feel good about the entire process and the word gets around.

Thanks for considering me and PLEASE... send anymore people you know that may be interested in songwriter/demo services!

Best wishes to ALL OF US!! Cheers! -- Andy Kotz (http://www.akmusicproductions.com)

[AndyKotz]

Here are the 2 most recent projects completed (this week):

For Mary Eaton: Hands Of The World (featuring: Stuart Cardell)

For Ott Lukk: I'll Be Goldilocks! (featuring Kendra Glenn)

[AndyKotz]

Latest project as done for Canadian artist Bamtone (aka, Briand Melanson):

"Break"

[AndyKotz]

Briand ("Bamtone") told me at this year's Rally that the song I did for him has been forwarded 3 times...