GSC Songwriting Tip: Get Noticed by Publishers

Write different subject matters other than just love songs!!

Global Songwriters ConnectionPublishers tell us that one of the best ways for songwriters who are NOT signed to a publisher to get noticed their songs is to be writing something DIFFERENT from what their staff writers are writing and turning into them every day. Write songs about different subject matters–anything other than just love songs. Publishers receive tons of love songs and love songs will always be in style. However, we are trying to INCREASE your chances of being heard.

Below are just a few of the suggestions I have been hearing. I have written them down and included a few links for you. Again, the song itself may be “dated” and from several years back. It is simply the SUBJECT MATTER of the song that publishers say they are not receiving. If you want to help ADD to this list of songs from radio today…shoot me over an email at [email protected] with the title of the song and artist name in the subject line. Hope this helps!

1. Nostalgia Life Story Songs – today’s advertising images are frequently reflective of vintage ads, of days gone by as far back as the 40’s.

a. “The House that Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
b. “Mayberry” – Rascal Flatts

2. Radio Drive Time Songs – tempo, fun songs about WAKING UP or WINDING DOWN the day, the night, the weekend.

a. “Finally Friday” – George Jones
b. “It’s 5:00 Somewhere” – Alan Jackson
c. “Good Morning Beautiful”– Steve Holy
d. Christian Radio had Mandisa’s song “Good Morning” – which was a huge “radio drive time” song. Take a listen and see if can hear WHY radio would love this song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM

3. Happy Songs! – the world has so much chaos they need songs to encourage people, get them moving, dancing, feeling hopeful

a. “Great Day to Be Alive” – Travis Tritt
b. “Happy” – Pharrell
c. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake

4. Unity, Hope, Oneness

a. “Get Along” – Kenny Chesney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LI8X-GhFA8
b. “Come Together” – Beatles
c. “(I’d Like to Teach the Word to sing in) Perfect Harmony” – Roger Cook Song

5. Overcoming Songs/Anthems or if you are an artist Your “Dream” Songs

a. “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs
b. “I’m a Survivor” – Destiny Child
c. “Overcomer” – Mandisa
d. “I’m Gonna Be Somebody Someday” – Travis Tritt
e. “Chasin’ that Neon Rainbow” – Alan Jackson

6. Songs that pay Homage to those who have gone before

a. Alan Jackson – “Midnight in Montgomery”
b. Taylor Swift – “Tim McGraw”
c. Keith Urban – recent tribute to Merle Haggard on Coming Home album
7. Songs about our “insignificance” and/or “power”
a. “Live Like You Are Dying” – Tim McGraw
b. “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” – Kenny Chesney
c. “Dust in the Wind”– Kansas

 

Lyrical Content
Really challenge yourself to say something in fresh and unique ways, like the Pop Genre Song “Consequences” by Camila Cabello. If not, the publishers will be singing Ariana Grande’s song to you “Thank you, NEXT!”
You CAN do this!

Sheree’ Spoltore’

GSC Goal Setting Class

If you FAIL to PLAN, you PLAN to FAIL!

Start your  new year off RIGHT with this FREE GOAL SETTING CLASS from GSC!

STEPS Instructional Training

This Goal Setting Class is a powerful tool to help you truly PLAN your 2017 year. This class is normally taught in a classroom setting, so just skip past the sign-up process and get straight to the heart of the matter.

Please DO read each portion of the class as many of us, as creators, are self-sabotaging by nature.

LEARN WHY we often make the choices we make!
LEARN HOW to overcome these self-sabotaging habits!
PLAN for a great 2016 YEAR OF MIRACLES!

 

 



 
THREE QUICK WAYS TO START YOUR NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT!

 

1. “I AM A MAGNET FOR GREAT OPPORTUNITIES!” – Print these words and put them on your computer and in several DIFFERENT locations in your life where you will see them every day. Speak this out loud as often as you can no matter how you may be feeling and no matter what you may be experiencing.

 

2. LISTEN IN – to at least ONE POP Event a month. Those who are doing so are growing, learning, connecting AND 101 members had in person publisher meetings through this event last year.

 

3. Career Mentoring Session – schedule a one on one mentoring session and help lay out your 2016 year and get a checklist started on what to do NEXT! We recommend that you plan and prepare to do FOUR mentoring sessions a year.
 

We Believe in YOU!

Your GSC Team!

 

Music Industry Tip: Brand Yourself During the Holidays

Brand yourself over the Holidays! In this 2018 year, through our Publisher Online Pitch (POP) events you have been connecting with great publishers online. Several of you have been meeting with these same publishers, many of you signed single-song contracts, and a few of you signed publishing deals, publisher representation deals, artist development deals, etc.

With each step of these successes, it is important to give thanks. GSC recommends personalized thank-you cards, personalized touring cards, and personalized holiday cards as a great branded way to give thanks and remind the publishers or industry professionals of who you are!

Read more

Sheree’ Spoltore’ Named Best Community Role Model 2018

Nashville Scene Community Role ModelGSC President, Sheree’ Spoltore’ is named First Place Community Role Model by The Nashville Scene-2018 The Best of Nashville Edition. There was a reveal of the winners and the popular “Best Of” magazine at the War Memorial Auditorium downtown Nashville. Sheree was honored and surprised by this recognition. She is passionate and dedicated to her work within the creative community of Nashville for over 20 years now. Much appreciation to all who support and encourage Sheree in her work and her efforts.

Sheree Spoltore Community Role Model

Songwriting Tip: Behind the Scenes at GSC

Sarah Deforsby Sarah Defors

I was originally a GSC member from the Los Angeles area for nearly 3 years and then…I moved to Nashville and I WORK at GSC.  I’ve recently passed 3 months of living and working in Nashville full time. There are so many wonderful things I’ve learned, especially working behind the scenes at GSC. Sheree has asked me to share my observations from the perspective of being a member of GSC from LA to being right in the middle of the magic of Music City, the business and industry events and showcases.  Now that I am working behind the scenes with Sheree, this article could go on and on. But, here are a few highlights I think everyone can benefit from professionally, creatively, and personally.  I trust it will be of service to you:

1. Please, please, please ALWAYS come prepared.

Even if you’re great at winging it, do the extra little work to plan for whatever is coming! One unexpected thing can throw you off, as I just had reaffirmed in a publisher meeting; but, being prepared can put you right back on track. Nobody ever said “Wow, I wish I was less prepared.”

2. Know how to read the room.

This comes in so many different forms. If it doesn’t come naturally, Google is your friend. Read up on body language and cues. Writers, peers, audiences, and ESPECIALLY industry professionals will give you cues when they’re done with a conversation/meeting, when a certain vibe song doesn’t fit the energy of the room, when they are giving you an opportunity to play a song or talk about yourself, and when it may not be the time to talk business, etc. I’ve seen nerves (especially not being prepared) make someone totally not pick up on a cue, have a meeting go way too long, and not even let the publisher talk. Don’t have that be your first impression.

3. Lift up others.

Sometimes the best first impression you can make is to sit back, listen to your peers or industry pro’s, engage and listen, and compliment people where it is deserved. Make sure the compliment is TRUE; we can tell if you’re just flattering for flattery’s sake. Make sure to take your time to shine when it comes up, but don’t take someone else’s moment by talking over them or interjecting.

4. For the love of Johnny Cash, Brand Yourself.

POP pitches have been incredibly educational for me in many ways, but I couldn’t have imagined how much work they are to prepare for. Please send your music on time and try not to change the songs last minute. If you do, we have to change the PowerPoint, song sheet, and playlist. Please attach your bio, photo, lyrics (IN WORD DOC FORMAT) and mp3’s in one email. If you don’t, we either have to search through thousands of files to hopefully find an old lyric, bio, or recording, or you just won’t have a bio or lyric for the publisher, which looks bad. If everyone else’s lyrics are beautifully branded with their name, email, phone number, photo, co-writers, etc., and yours are haphazardly thrown together or missing a component, IT LOOKS BAD AND UNPROFESSIONAL. Publishers have disappointedly commented on this behind the scenes. They actually KNOW our GSC members from all of the other events they do and they have come to expect this step of excellence. Not only have they called on us to OPEN doors for meetings, signings, single song agreements….they have also called us to CLOSE open doors they gave a member because the person dropped off the materials they requested without contact information! It looks unprofessional – you’re not ready for the next step.

5. If you don’t read anything else here, READ THIS.

Take the time to look inward and know your flaws, insecurities, and strengths. We all have them. These things can permeate every part of your artistic, personal, and professional life because, let’s face it, in the music industry your truth and personal life are your product, your business, and your identity. If your internal foundation isn’t solid, it breeds insecurities and cycles that can cause you to not be present in your meetings, writes, etc. Believe me, publishers, A&R, and Pro-writers CAN TELL SOMETHING IS OFF. Know yourself first. Sheree is always focused on helping YOU be the best YOU can be FIRST and then…your music as you are the source of the music. YOU are who a publisher or label signs.

Respectfully,

Sarah DeFors

 

2017 GSC Member Success Stories

GSC Members…Label Signings, CMT TV, Winning Nearly Every Song Contest!

With every hour spent in a GSC Career Mentoring Session, our goal is to Encourage, Equip and Empower you to create the career of your dreams. GSC is different from other songwriting communities in that we are all about one-on-one mentoring/career building and meeting your specific needs. That is how GSC feels we can best create results for you. We can mentor, teach, and give guidance, but we can’t live your dream for you and make it come true. We want your dreams to come true as much as you do! Our team believes in the fact that you have been given these gifts and talents to be used and to be shared with others.

Over time, some of you are applying the tips and tools we teach, you are following up, you are stepping out and you are DOING IT! Needless to say, we are very proud of each of you and honored to be a small part of your journey. As you are moving up, from level to level, we will continue to do everything we can to maximize and amplify your efforts. Please take a moment to review some of our recent member success stories. Hopefully, we haven’t missed anyone’s successes as there are so many of them–good problem! Thank you for reaching out to each person on Facebook, let them know you are a GSC member and CONGRATULATE THEM! YOU…are NEXT!

Dave Quirk

Dave Quirk, OR – Dave has diligently and relentlessly been investing in himself and his songwriting gifts and talents with the goal of writing his personal best songs.  He has attended several GSC FOCUS events, taken advantage of our GSC POP Events and our career mentoring services.  Dave is a songwriter on the rise and we are thrilled that his efforts are starting to bring him some recognition!  And, this how “it” happens.  Dave co-write a song “One Less Regret” with GSC member Carrie Cunningham and it is her first single on her album! Read more about this album in the next success story about Carrie! Thank you for congratulating your fellow GSC member Dave Quirk on his facebook page. All of you know firsthand just how hard you have to work to create success.

 

 

GSC Member Label Signings, Top Ten Artists to Watch, CMT TV STARS!

Our GSC members are absolutely EVERYWHERE and RISING!  It takes years to achieve success in this industry, but they are working it one step at a time.

Carrie CunninghamCarrie Cunningham, CA – Carrie is a stunningly gorgeous songstress by night and a smart, hard-working business woman by day.  GSC congratulates Carrie as her album made the TOP TEN LIST for Women in Country.  Carrie has attended GSC FOCUS Events and we have supported and encouraged her efforts as an artist for many years.  It has been a JOY for us to see her overcome the life challenges that we all face and to see her succeed.  WELL-DESERVED SUCCESS!  You can congratulate Carrie and learn more about her and her album on her facebook page or read the article here. Even better, buy her album!  Let’s support our up and coming GSC talent!

 

 

Lance CarpenterLance Carpenter, TN – Not only did Lance Carpenter sign a record deal with Show Dog Nashville Records (Toby Keith’s label), he also recently released a single with Krystal Keith titled, “Anyone Else” and as if that wasn’t enough, Lance was named by Huffington Post as one of the top 10 Country Artists to Watch in 2018! Some of you have written with Lance at our GSC FOCUS events and created a relationship with him. Reach out and congratulate him on his facebook page.  Man, wish we would have gotten his autograph while we still could! Here he goes, folks…

 

 

 

Jessica MackJessica Mack, TN – Jessica Mack become a TV star on CMT!  You may have remembered reading her interview as a GSC Featured Member.  If you have been on our GSC POP Events, you’ve heard the lovely and amazing voice of Jessica Mack for the past two years as she faithfully, faithfully pitched her music.  Several of you were wise enough to hire her to sing a few demo’s for you and now…. she is a featured up and coming Nashville Star on the CMT original show that is replacing the show Nashville. Congratulate her on her facebook page and be sure to tell her that you are a GSC member. Learn more about the show here and become a fan! This is just the beginning for Jessica Mack.

 

 

John Cirillo John Cirillo, TN – John Cirillo signs Nashville Publisher catalog rep deal!  John has been hard at work on the craft of songwriting for many, many years now in Nashville.  John has remained true to his talents and stayed working with his head up while there were times that his heart was down.  We are so thrilled to announce that John has signed a catalog representation deal with one of Nashville top publishers!  As a writer, it is so great to have a home for your music and a great working relationship with someone you can trust to represent your catalog.  If you are a new artist in town and looking for a writer who has been down the road before you for years…look up John and get to writing!  Read on further under the Song Contest section for even more incredible news about John and give John a shout out on his facebook page.

 

 

Believe it or not…over the Christmas Holidays there was ONE MORE of our artist/writer members who was signed to an artist development deal and a publishing deal.  We can’t talk about it until the official press release publishes but here’s a hint–read through your old newsletters as she was recently a GSC Featured member.  Stay tuned for more on this rising star!  In the meantime, keep READING!!

 GSC MEMBERS ARE WINNING SONG CONTESTS!

Did you know that recently GSC received calls from two different song contests asking about GSC and what we do as our GSC members songs were overall THE winning songs in their contents??  Their judges noticed the QUALITY of the GSC member songs were simply better songs!  So, thank you to those of you who sent in your branded lyric or listed GSC as your member affiliation. We really appreciate it. Also, thanks to those of you who have signed up for mentoring sessions to have Sheree or Bruce Michael Miller review your songs. Now kick back and get ready to meet some WINNERS!

Diann HammerDiann Hammer, MD – Diann Hammer entered songs she had been co-writing with GSC Members into the 34th Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest sponsored by her local and regional Songwriter’s Association of Washington and guess what?  She and her co-writers had a TON of great success!

 

 

 

 

 

Mike RhodesMike Rhodes, CO – Diann Hammer co-wrote “Bottle Or The Bible” with Victoria Banks and Mike Rhodes at our last GSC FOCUS event. The song took the first place Gold award for the Gospel/Christian/Inspirational category.  Michael is a performing, singer/songwriter/artist in the Denver, CO area. The best is yet to come for Michael Rhodes.  Check out his amazing talents at on his facebook page.

 

 

 

 

Clayton JonesClayton Jones, TN – Terms And Conditions” co-written by Diann and Mitch Hammer with Clayton Jones placed as  a Finalist in the Open Category.  Clayton Jones is an amazing artist, creator, performer, and most of all, person.  Clayton is an artist of artists, a vocalist of vocalist!  You will hear the production work and voice of Clayton Jones nearly every week on our POP Events.  This is one great artist you want to know! Check him out on facebook.

 

 

 

 

Mitch HammerMitch Hammer, MD – “Let You Go” co-written by Diann and Mitch Hammer along with Victoria Banks, received Honorable Mention in the Adult Contemporary category.  Both Diann and Mitch have attended our GSC FOCUS events and have been working diligently at their craft for the past 3 years.  We are so excited for all of their success and their co-writing connections.

 

 

 

 

Tedd SwormstedtTedd Swormstedt, OH – Tedd’s songs are not only winning contests, but he just received his first official Nashville single song contract offer the first of this year!  You all know that we count and celebrate every contract as they represent a working relationship with a top industry professional and those are NOT easy to come by!  In addition, Tedd’s song  “Blood” received the Gold Award in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest!  This is a solo written and a powerful song.

 

 

 

 

John CirilloJohn Cirillo, TN – John won first place for Best Country Song “If You Drink” in the USA Songwriting Competition Award!  John is the kind of guy who always wants to be sure that his co-writers are always recognized right there with him, so kudo’s to GSC member and field reporter, Daniel Reifsynder, and former GSC member, Sarah Spencer, for helping him pen an award-winning song!

 

 

 

 

(If we missed your success story – please email [email protected] and put MY SUCCESS in the subject matter to be recognized in our next newsletter.)

Article: Patience and Perseverance 101

Jim Parkerby Jim Parker

Patience and Perseverance 101

I was asked to write about how patience and perseverance paid off as a songwriter to achieve my first #1, “Better with Time”, with a young performing songwriter, Billy Droze. As all overnight success stories begin, mine began in 1961. Don’t worry, I’ll fast forward through most of the 56 years I’ve been honing my craft. There are many twists, turns, cliffs and curves in my intriguing adventure of a lifetime so please take the time to read the full story. It’s about Patience and Perseverance.

1963: In my home town of Amarillo, TX. my first group, The Illusions, got a record deal with Dot Records and had moderate regional success with two of my songs. I had written a few songs and was surprised how easy it was to get a record deal. Beginner’s luck!

1966: The Illusions changed their name and moved to LA where we signed with Lee Hazelwood’s label, LHI. Our album, “Everything But The Kitchen Cinq”, had regional success on the East Cost. I thought we were on our way to the “Big Time”. Wrong once again! We broke up and I joined two more bands, Armageddon and Them (post Van Morrison) from 1968-1971 and struck out two more times. I was the writer and or co-writer of a large majority of the songs. I started thinking it wasn’t as easy as I thought and I was questioning my songwriting talents.

1972: I became insecure when we had so little to brag about and frustrated with the whole band scene. I decided to move to Northern California where it was more solo performing songwriter friendly, folk clubs and listening rooms. When I saw John Prine with an acoustic guitar singing “Daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County down by the green river where Paradise lays” and “Sam Stone” I knew I was home. I discovered some things about me when I focused on making a living as solo, performing, Songwriter. 1.) I didn’t like living in poverty like I was with multiple member bands and all of the multiple personalities you have to deal with on a daily basis. (I’m better at dealing with my own multiple personalities) 2.) I was happy and challenged to figure out all of the parts of my songs. Not just the chords, harmony parts, parts of the lyrics and small lead parts. 3.) I was terribly green but relied on my own skills and talents to succeed or fail and not because my band member was in jail, cussed the manager, fought on the break or missed the audition or gigs. Sound familiar?

1973: I got a break opening for a Rock ‘n Roll group out of Texas called “Baby” who was working the Midwest opening for REO, Aerosmith, Black Oak, Exile and many more. We were playing for thousands of people and I was writing with one of the members that led to a Rock n Roll cut on a nationally distributed album. The song is called “LA Lady” on “Where Did All The Money Go” but no awards.

1975: The baby tour was over so I moved to Nashville where songwriting is King and my ultimate challenge and dream! I was working at the Country Music Association for the late, great Jo Walker Meador as the mail room guy when my barber introduced me to John Anderson. Immediate chemistry was evident so we wrote and fished for several years building out catalogue and songwriting chops. We also worked together at Danny’s Market making hotdogs and change. It has changed names since then but it’s still there. We had our first Top 20 in 1978 while there called “I’ve Got A Feelin”, co-written with the great Michael Garvin. We topped that with our first Top 10 at #8 with the classic “Chicken Truck” in 1981 co-written with the late Monroe Fields. I’ve had many album cuts by John  since then when it paid to have an album cut.

1979 – 1984: I received my Real Estate license just in case my career went south because I had family now. It was a good match. I began showing musical folks houses and one of my first transactions was a big one. It bought a zero lot line house in Percy Priest and an 83 Volvo. I’m still selling to keep myself in strings and beautiful instruments. In 1980 I went on the road with “Dave and Sugar” playing all over the country and at the famous Billy Bob’s twice. It was pinnacle of a country performers dream at the time. Dave decided to go Sugarless around that time and reorganized the band so I went south with my Real Estate license to Madison, Alabama.

1985: Songwriting had to take a back seat to survival after relocation and starting my own business, “Parker Realty Group”. It consumed me and I didn’t write for a miserable two years. That’s when I knew I had this terminal genetic disorder call creativity. I found myself with tears in my eyes standing in front of my beautiful wife telling her I had to restart my songwriting career. She tried to soften the blow of potential failure by saying; “If it doesn’t happen the way you want it to don’t be disappointed”. I was confident and said. “I know how to do it. I’ve done it before and I can do it again”.

I started songwriter open mics and a Network Workshop I facilitated for over 18 years. During that time I passed the baton to friends to run the open mics and workshop while I moved into Pro Songwriters in the round at various restaurants every Thursday for years building my network of pros from Muscle Shoals, Nashville, Canada and LA. Some invited me to co-write and that continues today.

2001: I was playing the Bluebird where Steve Maples, COO of The Von Braun Center Huntsville, invited me to bring “Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series” to the VBC City facilities after my performance. It’s a 300 seat theater fully equipped for my show. It’s been successful venture for 13 years and allowed me to sit with hundreds of #1 Hit Writers, Hall of Famers and Grammy winners. Life is so good!

Sit was 2001 when Billy Droze was only 14 when his sister, Linda and fellow Realtor, ask me if I’d be interested in writing with him. She was driving him to Nashville on the weekends and she was aware of my work. I passed up the opportunity then but fast forward to 2011.

2011-2017: Billy Droze personally called me to co-write and we have been writing ever since. He’s been in the music business for 16 years and is 30 years old. We wrote “Better With Time” in less than two hours because he was mixing his last song for his current album “To Whom It May Concern”. Billy’s co-producer, Ronnie Bowman a Bluegrass Legend, heard “Better With Time”, tweaked it and it was added to the project the next day! Another song Billy and I wrote, “Home In Hell”, was bumped as the single. It’s another first for me. I’ve never bumped myself in favor of myself for a single. As of this writing we’ve been on the Bluegrass Today charts 4 weeks at #1 with a current video being viewed on several sites to include YouTube. Google it!

“Chicken Truck” was #8 in 1981. My math tells me it took 36 years since I’ve had a significant chart position. I’ve always had my goal set for a #1 from the time John and I came so close. I finally made it with a Bluegrass cut! Who could have predicted this old rocker, country writer, folk singer would find the diamond in Bluegrass. Although, 53 years of believing in yourself, taking chances, honing your craft, consistent live solo performances and jumping off cliffs can eventually teach you to fly like and eagle.  

 

 

Music Row Publisher Success in 2017

Dear GSC Members,

Music Row Magazine recently posted this article in an edition of their magazine.  This is great information for you when it comes to what publishers are experiencing success at the moment.  Of course, this list changes from year to year so if you don’t see “your favorite” publisher on this list…don’t worry!  That doesn’t mean they aren’t working and having success! This list is recognizing GOLD and PLATINUM cuts!

The National Music Publishers Association fights for songwriter rights and David Israelite leads the charge in Washington.  I encourage EACH of you who are creators to get to know David and his work on your behalf and on behalf of creators in the entire US.

Keeping you informed…

Sheree’
President, GSC

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has announced its September Gold & Platinum Program features top songwriters, publishers, and 259 certifications of hit songs.

In partnership with the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program, NMPA finds and certifies the songwriters and publishers of RIAA-certified singles. RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams towards its Gold (500K), Platinum (1M) and Multi-Platinum (2M+) thresholds. Thousands of songwriters have been recognized since NMPA’s program began in 2007.

The top songwriter with 16 certifications is Zac Brown (Reach Music). The songs “Chicken Fried,” “Colder Weather,” “Knee Deep,” and “Toes” have been certified multi-Platinum; “Whatever It Is” has been certified multi-Platinum and Platinum; and “As She’s Walking Away,” “Free,” “Goodbye In Her Eyes,” “Highway 20 Ride,” and “Keep Me In Mind” all certified Platinum and Gold.

The top publishers honored include:

Sony/ATV Music Publishing: 64 certifications
Gold: 18
Platinum: 18
Multi-Platinum: 28

Warner/Chappell: 46 certifications
Gold: 27
Platinum: 9
Multi-Platinum: 10

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG): 32 certifications
Gold: 9
Platinum: 10
Multi-Platinum: 13

Kobalt Music: 21 certifications
Gold: 14
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 1

Reach Music: 18 certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 7

BMG: 15 certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 7
Multi-Platinum: 3

Spirit Music Group: 13 certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 2

Imagem: 8 certifications
Gold: 7
Multi-Platinum: 1

Downtown Music Publishing: 5 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 4

Atlas/Combustion Music: 5 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 1
Multi-Platinum: 3

Round Hill Music: 4 certifications (multi-Platinum)

Pulse Music Publishing: 4 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 3

Big Deal Music: 3 certifications
Gold: 2
Platinum: 1

Velvet Apple Music: 3 certifications
Gold: 2
Platinum: 1

Horipro Entertainment: 3 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 2

Reservoir Media Management: 3 certifications (Gold)

ole: 2 certifications (Platinum)

Black River Entertainment: 2 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 1

SONGS Music Publishing: 1 certification (multi-Platinum)

The Royalty Network: 1 certification (multi-Platinum)

Big Machine Music: 1 certification (Platinum)

Curb Music: 1 certification (Platinum)

Arthouse Entertainment: 1 certification (Platinum)

PEN Music Group: 1 certification (Gold)

Sea Gayle Music: 1 certification (Gold)

Music Sales Corporation: 1 certification (Gold)

Songwriting Tip: How to Be Instantly More Professional at Writers Rounds

Dan Refsnyderby Daniel Reifsnyder

5 Tips To Make You Instantly More Professional At Writer’s Rounds

If you’re an artist/writer, doing shows is a given – even if you’re simply a writer with no designs on a record deal, performing out at least sometimes is a given. It’s a great way to meet potential co-writers and friends, and a great way to gauge audience reaction to your songs. Wherever you are in your career, here are some tips to help you make a great impression.

 

1. Be Early
Life happens. The venue you’re playing is only 20 minutes away, but you blow a tire halfway there. Or there’s an accident and traffic is backed up for miles. Or you get there and you can’t find parking (a given if you’re playing Downtown Nashville). I always try to be a minimum of half an hour early for gigs. This not only leaves plenty of time if the unexpected happens, but it also gives me time to check out the acts before my set. It’s always nice to catch even a little bit of their stuff and introduce yourself.

2. Stay Late
Nobody expects you to close down the bar, but if you skip out the minute your set is done, that can be seen as rude. Most people are understanding if you have a long drive ahead of you or another gig you have to get to – it happens. But if it happens all the time, it starts to look like you’re unsupportive of your peers. Even staying for just a few songs can leave a better impression than packing up and rushing out.

Read more

What Publishers are Looking For

GSC members,

We have been diligently gathering information about what publishers are looking for when it comes to songs.  At GSC, we want to provide you with information that helps you to write songs with intention, direction and purpose.  We trust the information below with help you in your efforts.

Song Types – Song publishers are telling us that they want beat driven “track drive” tempo songs but with meaningful, meaty lyrics.

Titles – Publishers want and need FRESH UNIQUE TITLES that are almost like a slogan on a t-shirt or a slogan that you would read on a coffee mug.  Songs are released as singles and on digital sites like Spotify and need to STAND OUT.

Read more