Tag Archives: music clubs

Songwriting: The Motorcycle Boy Roadmap

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Dan Harr
In Francis Ford Coppala’s film “Rumblefish”, Mickey Roarke’s character, Motorcycle Boy, says – “A leader has to have someplace to go”. The songwriter is the leader in his/her song. My initial way of listening to lyrics has to do with how it feels when I hear / read them without thinking about it – is it clear, does it make sense? Do I understand on some level – emotional, intellectual, physical…
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Hip Kitty – Self Titled

Posted on September 13, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
At some point over the years, Rock and Roll lost its’ fun side. The lyrics became darker, and usually began to mix with some kind of political message. Thank God for acts like Hip Kitty. I’ve been a fan of this group for a long time, because they do what they do, and they do it well – all too often with a bit of Rock & Roll attitude. Led by lead singer Jen Halverson, Hip Kitty delivers their music with an undeniable amount of swagger. The opening cut, “I’m With Your Best Friend,” is a great example of…
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Songwriting: The Mechanics

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Dan Harr
When I was in high school back in Michigan they started students on what they considered practical courses that would teach them skills that would translate directly to getting a job in the real world. It is the idea behind trade schools – teach me something more practical than theoretical. I see that attitude more frequently in the questions I have been getting from people I teach or advise through…
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Is It Worth the Investment?

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Dan Harr
Today’s the day of the month that I usually do my monthly paperwork where I record all my income and expenses from the previous month. My business expenses are very different from the business expenses of my clients’. Below is just a snapshot of what a recording artist’s expenses include for just one album project. But there is one item on this list that, once the money is invested into it, it typically carries over into all future projects and other areas
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The Wagons – Welcome To The U.S.A.

Posted on September 4, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
In the “Land Down Under,” the music of the Wagons is among the most popular around. Now, with the release of their new CD Rumble, Shake, & Tumble, the band has set their sights on crossing over to a new audience – one based in the United States! MNN recently had the chance to catch up with leader of the band, Henry Wagons, and he proved to be a very interesting interview. One of the first questions asked to him was the fact that some have described the music of The Wagons as “Dr. Suess…
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Red Meat Does Clash With Red Carpet, Just So You Know

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Dan Harr
“You can’t wait until that morning [of the awards show] to decide what you’re going to wear. You should put it on. Get in front of a camera. Tape it. Look at it back. See what it looks like on camera. Have some photographs taken. In other words, don’t just put it on because those images will be there forever!” Robert Deaton, co-owner, Deaton Flanigen Productions – CMA Industry InSite, June 2010…
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Songwriting: Tips from Michael Lloyd

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Dan Harr
As I have mentioned previously in this column, one of the great things about being a teacher is how much you learn. This past week I had the opportunity to interview producer/writer/music supervisor Michael Lloyd for a songwriting class. Keeping up with his cumulative credits has become sort of a running joke with us when I introduce him. The internet data bases where I get bio information are…
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Songwriting: Just The Facts, Ma’am

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Dan Harr
One of the points about writing lyrics I have made in these articles and in my book is to give the listener enough detail to get the idea of what you are trying to say. Many times songs feel overly generalized in an attempt to be too universal. They leave the listener wondering what is going on or worse, not caring about what is going on. But the other side of the coin is being too detailed in…
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Songwriting – It’s All About The Title

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Dan Harr
Most non-professional songwriters do not understand the importance of the song’s title. It is a gradual learning process to appreciate just how necessary an effective title is. I remember when I first started dealing with industry types; I was always a little surprised and even somewhat irritated when they would ask, “What’s the title?” At that time I didn’t understand what that could possibly…
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Picture Perfect

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Dan Harr
Recently I was in NY to speak to several performers including musicians, songwriters, and others on the importance of image in advancing their careers. In this session I covered a variety of ways to improve their image, including determining the right look that says what they want it to say, making their written and online marketing materials stand out, presenting themselves in the media, and…
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The McClymonts – Wrapped Up Good

Posted on August 23, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
Australian sisters act The McClymonts made some noise a couple of years back in America with the release of their Chaos And Bright Lights CD. Now, they are ready to take that next step to stardom in the states with the release of this disc, and I think they have a strong chance of doing so – given the quality of music on this disc. Sam, Mollie, and Brooke have assembled some of the top talent in town for this disc, and have attracted the attention…
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Billboard Country Music Summit: Advice from Music Industry Leaders on Artist Imaging

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Dan Harr
A little over a year ago I attended the first-annual Billboard Country Music Summit here in Nashville, hosted by Billboard Magazine. During the event, there was much discussion about current trends and issues in the music industry such as monetization of recorded music, usage of new media, and more (my favorite title for one of the sessions was “Not Your Granddaddy’s Record Label: Will the Last…
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Help Me Like Your Song

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Dan Harr
When I hear a new song I want to like it. That may surprise some Taxi members who get my critiques. But I love a great song. I appreciate a well-crafted song – but mainly I want a song to hit me where nothing else can – to speak emotionally in an honest, personal way that I feel my life would be missing if I hadn’t heard it. That is the desire of the listener. But when the listener heads your…
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Taking It to the Next Level

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Dan Harr
While I always enjoy working with new artists and working with a clean slate, sometimes I am hired to work with artists who already look great and already have some sense of style. This is when the details of wardrobe styling become even more important. It’s those small details found in just the right accessories and wardrobe tweaks that really make all the difference in the world. With artists…
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Grady Champion – Dreamin’

Posted on August 9, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
Hailing from Mississippi, it might stand to reason that Grady Champion knows a little bit about Soul and the Blues. On his new album, he shows that he knows just that – and a lot more. Many of these songs, like “My Rooster Is King” and “Thank You For Giving Me The Blues” that have such a rich and authentic sound that they could be played right on Beale or Bourbon. But, aside from “sounds” and “feels,” one…
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Songwriting: The Experience

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Dan Harr
“Are you experienced? Have you ever been experienced? Well, I have.” – Jimi Hendrix. One of the only good things about getting older is you learn things. Sometimes the hard way. The only good thing about learning things the hard way is those are the lessons you remember best. Actually, another good thing about learning things the hard way is those lessons are the ones you really know…
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Sarah Lou Richards – Ruby Red Shoes

Posted on August 8, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
She was born in Wisconsin. She grew up in Connecticut. Obviously, those aren’t two places where a lot of Country Music artists hail from. But, make no mistake about it, Sarah Lou Richards has the talent to go anyplace she wants to. Her vocals, especially on cuts like “Space” and “He Wears Womens’ Jeans,” are especially strong. On the latter, her vocal sails almost effortlessly through various…
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Nu-Blu – The Blu Disc

Posted on August 5, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
In Bluegrass, there are few names more respected than that of Pinecastle Records, so it would stand to reason that if the label believes in you to sign them to their roster, you must be good. Well, this duet is good – and a lot more. Made up of husband and wife Carolyn and Daniel Routh, banjo player Levi Austin, and mandolin player Kendall Gates, this is Bluegrass Music, make no mistake about it…
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Karen Lynne – Heart Songs and Laugh Lines

Posted on August 5, 2011 by ChuckDauphin
Australian native Karen Lynne has established quite a loyal following across the sea, and Heart Songs & Laugh Lines was released with the hope that it would spread her name around the U.S. a little bit more. If there’s any justice, it should do just that. Lynne possesses a very expressive singing voice, one that is quite pleasing to the ear. Several of the cuts here are songs you know, such as George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” While the song has been played and played over the years, Lynne adds a little something different to the tune, bringing a bit of female perspective…
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Catching Flies With Honey

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Dan Harr
In an age when etiquette and courtesy is dwindling while rudeness and arrogance is raging (especially on the freeways!), it’s now even more important to show respect for others, even when they may not. Doing so makes you stand out these days (which is sad – have we become that desensitized to rudeness and bad behavior?). The following media interview tips include ways to show proper…
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