Forward Etiquette

[marz]

Hey all,I'm sure this discussion has been had somewhere before, but I can't find it (maybe somebody can direct me?)--I'm an absolute tyro at this, and I just got my first batch of songs forwarded--so now I'm trying to figure out what to do next. Given that I know the name of the publishing company to which I've been forwarded, is it kosher to drop them a line? Via email? Via phone? Can I submit the same songs to another listing, and if so what if I accidentally submit them to a listing for the same publishing company without knowing it? Do I need to go and join ASCAP? Help me Obi Wan(s). You're my only hope.Regards,MarzThe Calculus Affair

[billg]

Give it about 3-4 weeks and send an email, at least that's what I do. Yes, keep pitching the songs until someone offers you a deal. You don't have to register the song with ASCAP until you get it signed but you should join now beacuse it takes a while. Also, recently I have had a couple of songs placed where they actually wanted me to furnish them with the number assigned to the song by ASCAP. Since that always takes a few days to receive I've now started to just register the songs I know I'm going to pitch.

[hummingbird]

Jan 5, 2009, 8:20am, marz wrote:Hey all,I'm sure this discussion has been had somewhere before, but I can't find it (maybe somebody can direct me?)--I'm an absolute tyro at this, and I just got my first batch of songs forwarded--so now I'm trying to figure out what to do next. Given that I know the name of the publishing company to which I've been forwarded, is it kosher to drop them a line? Via email? Via phone? Can I submit the same songs to another listing, and if so what if I accidentally submit them to a listing for the same publishing company without knowing it? Do I need to go and join ASCAP? Help me Obi Wan(s). You're my only hope.Regards,MarzThe Calculus AffairHi Marz- firstly, congratulations on the forwards!!! They aren't easy to get, and this means your tracks are commercially viable.- do not contact the co to whom you were forwarded. They will contact you, if & when they are interested. Keep writing, keep submitting. (If you do contact them, don't ask about the forwarded material... ask if you may submit tracks for their consideration.)- yes, keep submitting the forwarded tunes because, until you sign a deal, they are available for licencing- if you submit them to another listing from the same publishing company (read the description, sometimes that helps)... you get two listens. I've never been too concerned about that, myself.- re joining a PRO - might be an idea. Obviously your music is at the level when a deal is going to come along sooner or later if you perservere. You don't need to register your tunes (leave that for the publishing company), but having your membership number already will help when filling out the paperwork for any deal.HTHHummin'bird Edit - I note Bill & I have given you exactly opposite advice. But this is what I do.

[marz]

Actually, betwixt the two of you, that's pretty helpful advice. At the very least a place to start. Thanks!

[slideboardouts]

I wouldn't contact a company I was forwarded to regarding any forwarded music. If they are interested, they'll contact you. If you contact them you risk being a nuisance.Its not like a regular job where contacting the company after submitting a resume or doing an interview shows initiative and is therefor a good idea. With music you kind of have to play it cool (but when they do contact you, build that relationship and do as much work for them that you can). I think that this is partly because there are millions of people who desparatley want a career in music, but there are not millions of people who desparate want a job where they sit in a cubicle on the phone saying "corporate accounting, Nina speaking...Just a moment. Corporate accounting, Nina speaking...Just a moment. Corporate accounting, Nina speaking...Just a moment" all day (any Office Space fans here ).Thats my opinion anyways.-Steve

[davewalton]

Jan 8, 2009, 12:29pm, slideboardouts wrote:I wouldn't contact a company I was forwarded to regarding any forwarded music. If they are interested, they'll contact you. If you contact them you risk being a nuisance.Right... there's really only three things they can say...1. I haven't listened yet2. We listened but we're passing3. <click>I've never heard a story where they said...1. I'm glad you called... I was too shy to call you2. I didn't like the music then but I like it now that I've talked to you3. Let me put everything on hold while I deal with you nowHowever...Contacting them in a PROFESSIONAL WAY, like any other cold submission to ask if they'd be interested in hearing some of your music, no problem. But it has to be a professional, friendly approach and a gracious "thank you" if they decline.