I was invited to perform in San Antonio, TX last weekend for the release of my artist and friend, Glenn Green’s “Undeniably, God” album. We had a great time and a great worship experience! You need to hear this CD!
Matt Franklin Session
Published December 5, 2011 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: Dearing, Dennis, Franklin, Matt, Menace, Music, Worship
I had the great opportunity in September to fly to Kansas City, MO and produce a recording session for worship artist/songwriter, Matt Franklin. We tracked the project at Chris Filer’s Tin Roof Studio in Harrisonville, MO. (From left to right) Chris Filer, Matt Franklin, Chad Middaugh, Blair Masters, Bret Teegarden, John-Paul Olson, Dennis Dearing.
I had the honor of being a clinician for the Write About Jesus Songwriting Workshop near St.Louis, MO. I conducted a class “Making The Demo – from Simple to Killer” and met a number of talented songwriters during Alumni 1-on-1′s!
Performing an original: “Stand My Ground” for the Clinician Showcase. Sharing the stage with T.W. Hale, Sue Smith, Lee Black, and Phil Mehrens.
Accompanying Melissa Bishop during the master class.
Here I am moderating one of WAJ’s industry panels.
Pictured: (Dennis Dearing, T.W. Hale, Jayme Thompson, Nick & Allie LaPointe, Belinda Smith)
Here is my 2009 WAJ Questionnaire answers. Only two more days until we head to Saint Louis for the big event. Hope to see you all there!
PRODUCER QUESTIONNAIRE – 2009
1. (From 2009) Briefly, tell about your journey as a music business pro. Who was influential in helping you get your foot in the door?
It really started by me going to Belmont University. I met most of my contacts for about the first 10 years of my career there. I was roommates with Dann Huff my sophomore and Don Koch my senior year. That doesn’t even touch all the other people now working in the industry that went to school there while I was there.
My first playing gig was with Farrell & Farrell in 1983 while I was still in school. They introduced me to everyone at the Benson Company and Benson Publishing. That started a long relationship with everyone there. Not long after that I met Sue at Benson.
2. (From 2000) Who were some early influences on your musical taste?
OK so my earliest was the Beatles and the Monkeys. Then came the Partridge Family but I won’t say anything else about that.
True influences were the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Jim Croce, George Benson and Earth Wind & Fire. Pretty diverse group.
Christian music came a bit later with Truth, Pat Terry and Phil Keaggy.
3. (From 2001) If you weren’t in the music business, what would you be doing?
Probably some sort of relational ministry. Maybe a restaurant owner.
4. (From 2002) What would you change about the Christian music industry if you had the power?
I would like to see it more ministry oriented as opposed to just following the secular music business model.
5. (From 2003) How did you get your current position?
In 1991 I made the jump from session player to producer really by just making the decision that no one was going to call me up one day and tell me that today you are a producer. I had to make that decision on my own. I sold most of my guitar gear and started buying recording gear. I then started doing demo’s and independent records for anyone who would hire me. I had already built a network of relationships in the industry so I just started there.
6. (From 2004) What happens in a meeting with someone whose project you are going to produce? How do artists usually find you or how do you find them?
This is a big question. The initial meetings are about me finding out really who the artist is, what is their passion, what is their mission and who do they see as their audience. From there I try to guide them on producing the best possible CD that will facilitate those goals.
Many of the artists I find are through events like WAJ or GMA type events in which I teach or judge. Others are just word of mouth or friends I have networked with.
7. (From 2005) What are the qualities you look for in an artist or writer that makes you interested in working with him or her?
First I look for a true heart for ministry. Then I look to see if they already have a ministry in place or are they looking for me to “make” them one. After that I look at talent and personality. I must determine if we would be a good fit not only from a musical prospective but from a personality prospective.
8. (From 2006) What’s a typical day like in your job?
The great thing about my job is that it is different every day depending upon what part of a project I’m on. I might be writing and looking for songs. I might be working on arrangements or demoing the songs I’ve written. Then I might be tracking at another studio or working on overdubs. After that I’m doing vocals & bgv’s then tuning vocals. Finally I’m in mix mode.
If I’m not working on a project I’m trying to find the next one. Not to mention emails, accounting, studio maintenance, returning phone calls and still trying to be a good husband and father.
9. (From 2007) What is the most desirable character quality of an artist or writer wanting to “make it”? What is an instant turn-off character quality of an aspiring artist or writer?
Being humble, and that is a tough one for people who want to be artists.
I think anyone who thinks they have it all figured out and is not teachable is my pet peeve. I’m still learning every day and I KNOW I DON’T have it figured out.
10. (From 2008) At what moments have you most clearly seen God’s hand in your career.
This is a bit different than last year but at the end of the day when I go to bed and I think back that I got to do exactly what I believe God wanted me to do that day and be able to support my family while doing it I know God’s hand was at work!
11. (From 2009) Since this is your first year at Write About Jesus, what are you expecting from the workshop?
4th year but who’s counting. Probably losing my voice again by the end because I have had an opportunity to share with all the WAJ-ers a bit of my experiences in the Christian music ministry.
12. (From 2000) What’s one song that’s had a major impact on you? Why?
OK this may be cheese but This Old Guitar by John Denver. The lyric inspired me as a young writer in my early teens and the chord progression helped me as a guitar player back then.
13. (From 2001) What would people find most surprising about your job?
How much of my day often has nothing to really do with music.
14. (From 2002) Given that this has been a tough year for many in the Christian
music community, what songs have ministered to you personally?
Some of the worship songs we sing at our church like: God Of This City
15. (From 2003) What are the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards in your work?
Challenges are making sure I don’t become a workaholic, getting burnt out and leaving enough time for my family.
Rewards are seeing my artists ministries prosper and getting to do what I love for a living.
16. (From 2004) What are the basics you require for doing your job?
Patience. compassion, a musical ear, creativity, organizational skills & people skills. That’s a start.
17. (From 2007) What is your favorite pair of socks and what is it that makes them special?
I used to have a pair of Disney socks with Goofy on the side. He’s kind of my role model. I think they are in the rag bag now.
18. (From 2005) What have been some of your proudest moments this year?
Seeing my artist and WAJ alum Chris Filer sign his first record deal with Lofton Creek Records this year.
Celebrating 14 years of marriage to my beautiful wife Karen is a big one.
19. (From 2006) How many songs do you listen to each week?
Wow, if I’m searching for songs for a project like I am now and judging a songwriting contest like I do in Franklin could be over 100.
20. (From 2008) Do you have a current favorite author whose work inspires you?
Oswald Chambers always does on a daily basis.
Here are my 2008 answers for WAJ. Only 4 more days. Can’t wait!
WAJ QUESTIONNAIRE… 2008
1. Briefly tell the story of how you got your foot in the door in the music business.
I was attending Belmont University and ask to play for CCM artist Farrell & Farrell by another student who was leading their band. I guess it came down to who you know.
2. How many years have you come to Write About Jesus? What is your favorite part of the weekend? If this is your first year, what are you most looking forward to?
This is my third year. My favorite part is probably one on one’s. Even though it’s only 15 minutes it’s great to get to know people on an individual bases. I also love to hear John speak to us in the mornings.
3. How often do you write? How many songs do you write in a year? Of those, how many get cut on average?
Not often enough. Since my main profession is production I’m usually only writing at the beginning of a project then it’s on to producing the CD. I can write anywhere from 10 to 20 songs a year. Usually most the songs I write with my artist get cut on their next CD. When I can, I try to write with a few other writers just to write.
4. Who are the writers you admire most and why?
This is a hard one. Diane Warren is an amazing writer. Her work ethic is unbelievable.
5. How many projects to you produce in an average year? How much variety is there is the type of projects and the artists whose cd’s your produce?
This year I will have produced 6 full CD’s. These are all over the place stylistically. Pop, Country, Children’s, Worship & singer songwriter.
6. What are some things we do to help people who are unused to the recording process?
Just walking them through the whole process and making recording the vocals as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
7. Tell the story of an especially rewarding project that you have produced.
Well, this year I finished helping Kevin “Benton” Stokes finish his first solo project. It was two years in the making. He is such a talented artist and an amazing writer.
I also just finished two projects for Chris Filer who I met here at WAJ two years ago. A country CD and a worship CD. His country CD is probable the best sounding CD I’ve ever produced. Plus we became such great friends through the process. That is always a great perk of what I do.
8. If you can, tell the story of an especially frustrating project that you have produced.
Well I haven’t had many of these but usually this happens when an artist hires me and them spends the whole project second guessing everything we do. You have to have trust in your producer.
9. How often do you set goals for yourself? How successful are you at meeting them?
To some extent it’s every day. I’m a big list maker. I do usually put more on my list than I can ever do. Big picture stuff I look at a couple of times a year.
10. When you sense your pool of ideas running dry, what do you do?
I get many of my idea’s from movies and also sermons. I also love Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest” I could write a song from almost every day of that devotional.
11. What is your favorite song you’ve written in the past year? (or two… or three)
Well I’d probably have to say it’s a song I wrote with Steve Marshall about how I met my wife. We made it a funny country song called “She was checking me in and I was checking her out”
12. What is the most frustrating part of the production process? What is the most satisfying part?
Most frustrating is probably the fact that I might go a month or more and not be able to write because of where we are at in the project. The same goes with playing guitar. I have gone a couple of weeks before without even being able to pick it up because I have a mouse in my hand that whole time. It’s just the way it goes when you are producing a project. Everything is in phases.
13. Which genre do you feel most comfortable in? Which are you most drawn to? Which genre have you not had cuts in that you would like to have success in in the future?
I really have loved producing worship projects so I guess I’m also drawn to them. I have also loved producing a few country things in the past few years. It would be great to have a major country cut I guess.
14. What do you believe are your strengths as a producer?
Ultimately it’s just that relationship building with the artist to capture what their heart really is for a project and making that a reality. There are some creative producers who don’t have very good people skills and in the end I think everyone ends up frustrated with the process.
15. What three things would you advise aspiring writers to definitely do? What three things would you advise them to definitely NOT do?
1. Never stop believing in yourself but remain humble.
2. Never stop learning and thinking you know it all.
3. Never burn bridges.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Don’t think you can’t make a song better.
3. Don’t say “God gave me this song”
16. Look on your “Top 25 Most Played” list in your i-Tunes. What are the top 5 songs on your list?
I really use i-Tunes just to organize but not to listen very often but here is what I’ve bought recently.
1. Maroon 5
2. Brandon Heath
3. Keith Urban
4. Carrie Underwood
5. Rascal Flatts
17. Regular or diet? Seinfeld or The Office? New York or LA? Fiction or non-fiction? Starbucks or home-brewed? Morning person or night owl? Sweet or salty? Debit card or cash? The Beatles or Springsteen? Merry-go-round or ferris wheel? Dogs or cats? Mac or PC?
Water or coffee most of the time. I’ve never seen The Office. I’ll take “NashVegas”. Non-fiction. Starbucks. Night owl. Combo (think chocolate covered pretzels) Debit card. That’s like asking talent or non-talent. Has to be The Beatles. Ferris Wheel. Dogs. PC
18. Do you have a current favorite author whose work inspires you?
Oswald Chambers.
19. How much time do you spend online each day?
I plead the 5th.
20. At what moments have you most clearly seen God’s hand in your career as a songwriter.
Almost anytime someone I respect asks to write with me. I try to never take it for granted.
Here are my answers for the 2007 WAJ conference. Just a week before this years WAJ begins!
2007 Write About Jesus Questionnaire: Dennis Dearing
1. What is a typical day like for you as a producer?
The great thing about my job is that it is different every day depending upon what part of a project I’m on. I might be writing and looking for songs. I might be working on arrangements or demoing the songs I’ve written. Then I might be tracking at another studio or working on overdubs. After that I’m doing vocals & bgv’s then tuning vocals. Finally I’m in mix mode.
If I’m not working on a project I’m trying to find the next one. Not to mention emails, accounting, studio maintenance, returning phone calls and still trying to be a good husband and father.
2. What do you wish you’d known back when you were starting out in the music business that you know now?
When I first started in the music business I put people on a pedestal and it took about 5 min. to see them fall off. I was devastated to tell the truth. We are all just people, even those successful people in the music business. It took a while for me to really get that.
3. What was the first project that you were the producer on?
Well, I was in college working on my own songs in the studio at Belmont. It was a great learning experience. The first one I was paid for was a country artist named Rhonda Hampton. She is still on the road with Ronnie Millsap.
4. What are some common misconceptions that people have about recording a cd?
I think the big thing is that if they have never recorded before is the time that it takes to record a quality project. Also if they haven’t sung in the studio before how under a microscope and naked their voice is while recording. It can be very eye opening.
7. What is the toughest or most stressful thing about recording for an inexperienced artist?
Overcoming their preconceptions of the recording process and accepting budgetary limitation.
8. What is an instant turn-off character quality of a new or aspiring artist?
I think anyone who thinks they have it all figured out and is not teachable is my pet peeve. I’m still learning every day and I KNOW I DON’T have it figured out.
9. How do you stay on top of your game, energized, motivated, sharp…. day in and day out?
One thing is the fact that I love what I do. Even a bad day is still pretty good compared to what I could be doing.
10. What are the top 5 mistakes people make in the studio?
Wow, that’s a tough one. 1: Not coming in prepared is a huge time waster. 2: Not knowing when to move on. Sometimes it’s just not going to get any better. 3: Not hiring the right person for the right job. 4: Trying to do too much in a short period of time. 5: Keying songs to high. Not sure these are the top five but it’s what I’ve got right now.
11. What should people look for when they choose a producer for an indie project?
First, you should find someone who shares your same vision for the project. If they are trying to make you someone you are not then it’s probably not the right person. They should have a servant’s heart in my opinion.
12. What personality traits do you have that make you good at your job?
I love people and I am a somewhat patient person. I hope I have some people skills. I tend to work off of both sides of my brain. I’m very organized yet still have a creative side. I’m also a good listener. Some producers like to listen to themselves talk so much that they don’t hear the artist’s vision.
13. What kinds of goals do you set for yourself as a producer?
To capture the vision of the artist and help guide them to speak their message to their audience in a creative way.
To give them the absolute best product I can for their budget.
To make it a fun process.
14. What’s the strangest or funniest thing that’s ever happened to you in a recording session?
I was playing guitar on a session when we just finished a track and all took a break to go to the bathroom. Everyone was in there and I just made the statement “Good playing”. The new keyboard player that we had just met that day said “Thanks”. I said “No, I meant me”. It was kind of an inside joke with the rest of us we used to pull on each other. I just couldn’t help myself I had to do it because it was set up so well. It’s not as funny written out but we were all on the floor laughing. I guess it’s a musician thing. (Or maybe a guy thing)
15. What’s the best, worst, and most challenging part of your job? I
I love the recording and creating process. The worst is long hours at times. The most challenging for me is just the insecurity of being self employed.
16. How has the trend toward singer/songwriters affected the industry? Is that trend driven by the market or by record companies?
I think it’s a good thing because it has become more about the song again and less about image and fitting into a mold.
I think more about technology than anything. Singer/songwriters can record better quality projects themselves for less money and distribute their work on their own via Myspace & Facebook etc….
17. Just for fun, what is your first reaction when someone talks about a “song the Lord gave them?”
I saw a cartoon once that showed a singer at a church with a caption of “I’d like to sing this song that God gave me and any unauthorized use or reproduction will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law”
I think God gets blamed for a lot of bad songs.
18. What do you most often see that keeps a good song from being a great song?
It’s usually what I would call a throw away line here or there that might work but is just not stellar. It could also be a melody that doesn’t blend well with the lyric.
19. Why do you support the WAJ workshop?
First it’s Sue’s heart that filters down that is so impressive to me. Then it’s just the spirit of the event. Everyone is so supportive of each other even in the “competition”. It’s just a great community.
20. What is your favorite pair of socks and what is it that makes them special?
I have a pair of Disney socks with Goofy on the side. He’s kind of my role model.
WRITER QUESTIONS
1. How did you know when you were ready to do what you do full time?
I’ve been doing something in the music business since I was a senior in college. I’ve never done anything else since.
2. What do you wish you’d known back when you were starting out in the music business that you know now?
I wish I had concentrated more on writing earlier in my career. I spent a lot of time on the road that I wish I had spent in a writer’s room.
3. What was the first song you ever wrote and what was it about?
Wow, I can’t even remember my first song. I was probably in Jr. High. The first song I remember was called “Thank You Jesus From Me” I was a junior in HS. It was probably the same as everyone else’s first Christian song, not very good. I actually have a recording of my best friend and I singing it in church on a Sunday night and no you will not see it posted on my Myspace page.
4. Did you set goals in your first years of writing? What were they? What goals would you recommend to aspiring songwriters?
Unfortunately I did not. I would recommend trying to write something every day and always try to be learning new things about writing from everyday life.
5. Tell about a moment you looked around and realized you were the “B” writer in the room. How did you deal with it?
The artist I was playing with invited a few people to write at his house. I felt very insecure and thus didn’t contribute very much to the session. Looking back I had just as much to say as anyone else but I let fear get the best of me. The enemy loves that.
6. What are some common misconceptions that aspiring songwriters have about professional songwriters?
Probably that it always comes easy and you never have off days. You will. It’s just how you deal with it that makes you truly a professional.
7. What is the most desirable character quality of an aspiring writer wanting to “make it”? What is an instant turn-off character quality of an aspiring writer wanting to make it?
A very thick skin. You have to be able to take constructive criticism. You’ll get a lot of it.
Being unteachable.
8. If you could be famous (a household name), what would you like to be famous for – in a field other than songwriting/music?
The thought of being famous isn’t very appealing to me but if I have to say something I would say for being a great Dad & Husband.
9. What is one of your top pet-peeves when it comes to co-writers?
Being late!
10. What is your most memorable moment in a co-write session? What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you in a co-write?
This is a tough one. I’ll think about it. Ask me at the event if I have remembered something that I can repeat.
11. How do you stay on top of your game, energized, motivated, sharp…. day in and day out?
Starbucks
12. How do you approach a writing opportunity that you know will be a “Stretch” for you?
I think it is actually good to purposely put yourself in those situations to stretch your self. I try to do my homework and be familiar with the situation whether it’s a style I’m not as sure of or what ever. Research is easy these days with itunes.
13. What are the top 5 mistakes songwriters make?
1: Trying to make a song something it’s not. 2: Not being open for change or criticism. 3: Not knowing the market you are trying to write for. 4: Not being willing to bring in another co-writer when you are stuck. 5: Arguing over percentages
14. When should an aspiring writer ready to make a trip to Nashville to co write or pitch songs? Who should they call? (professionals or peers/other aspiring writers)??
Networking is the name of the game. If you’re making a trip to Nashville have as many appointments booked ahead of time as you can. Try to meet with your PRO (ASCAP, BMI or SESAC)
15. How do you deal with dry spells in your writing?
Take a break. That may mean take a week off from writing or just go see a movie matinee. I always get inspired to write when I see a good movie.
16. Do you like to write anything other than songs? Is it easier or more difficult than your songwriting, and why?
I pretty much stick to song writing being a music guy. That doesn’t mean I don’t write lyric too but it’s not my main thing.
17. Just for fun, what is your first reaction when someone talks about a “song the Lord gave them?”
I saw a cartoon once that showed a singer at a church with a caption of “I’d like to sing this song that God gave me and any unauthorized use or reproduction will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law”
I think God gets blamed for a lot of bad songs.
18. What do you most often see that keeps a good song from being a great song?
It’s usually what I would call a throw away line here or there that might work but is just not stellar. It could also be a melody that doesn’t blend well with the lyric.
19. Why do you support the WAJ workshop?
First it’s Sue’s heart that filters down that is so impressive to me. Then it’s just the spirit of the event. Everyone is so supportive of each other even in the “competition”. It’s just a great community.
20. What is your favorite pair of socks and what is it that makes them special?
I have a pair of Disney socks with Goofy on the side. He’s kind of my role model.
FINALLY… could you list 5 or so of your songs that are available on i-Tunes which would introduce people to you as a writer.
Pure Heart – Judy Martin Hess
Abba Father – Noah
Fall In The Arms Of Love – Noah
I’m That Sparrow – The Peasall Sisters
Write About Jesus 2011 is Coming Up!
Published October 5, 2011 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: 2011, About, Conference, Dearing, Dennis, Jesus, Menace, Music, Write
The WRITE ABOUT JESUS 2011 conference is coming up next weekend in St. Louis, MO! I have been given the opportunity to attend as a Music Industry Faculty Member this year, and give my class presentation titled: “Making a Great Demo.” 2011 will be my 6th year in attendance! Just for kicks, here is an industry panel questionnaire I filled out for WAJ2006. Please enjoy the insight and wise-cracks (on-the-house, of course 
… and please leave a comment!
2006 Write About Jesus Questionnaire: Dennis Dearing
1. Where are you from and when and how did you end up working in Nashville? What other jobs have you held in the music industry?
I was born in Anderson, IN but grew up in Chattanooga, TN. I came to Nashville to go to Belmont University. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I started as a guitarist with Farrell & Farrell and Geoff Moore. I then moved on to being a studio musician.
2. What other jobs have you had, and how were they harder or easier than producing and working in a studio?
Being on the road was fun most of the time but is hard on a family. Being a studio musician can have quite a bit of pressure.
3. What’s a typical day like in your job?
One thing about my job is that there is no such thing as a typical day. As a producer there are so many stages of a production that every few days you’re doing something new. Writing, tracking, overdubs, vocals and mixing.
4. How many hours do you spend in the studio each week?
Wow I’m almost afraid to think about it. Let’s just say more than my wife and son would probably like.
5. How can an artist or writer prepare for working in a studio? What should they expect when they work on a project?
A writer, when working on a demo, should be ready to rewrite a lyric or melodic line if needed during the session. What may look great on paper may not sing well or a melody just doesn’t work with the orchestration. Don’t be too married to anything. An artist can be prepared by being very familiar with the song he/she is going to sing but not to the point that if a melody needs to be changed its ok. Being flexible is always a good policy.
6. What’s the best part of working with a new artist in the studio? What’s the worst part?
The best part is that they probably haven’t developed any bad habits and they will be very willing to learn and take advice. I love helping a new artist develop their voice and style. On the flip side is the fact that inexperience in the studio can lead to a lack of confidence. A good producer can and should instill confidence and give good guidance and direction. He should have a heart of a teacher.
7. Who are your writing heroes? What is it you admire about them?
I have quite a few but I’ll try to narrow it down. I have always been a fan of pop music so Diane Warren is definitely at the top of the list. I think she has had more hits than just about anyone besides the Beatles. She knows how to take a very simple idea turn it around just a bit and make it touch your heart. I think we can learn from that in Christian music because our tendency is to be too complicated when we don’t have to be. Ok back to the question. I also like David Foster and Babyface in the pop world. They are both great writer/producers. I think Steven Curtis Chapman is still one of the best artist/writers today. I also have to say that two of my co-writers Kevin Stokes and Chaz Bosarge always amaze me with their talent. I am very honored to write with them.
8. What personality traits do you have that make you good at your job? What traits do you have that make your job harder?
I have patience most of the time. I can also multitask to some degree. The fact that I am a perfectionist may make my job harder.
9. What “equipment” do you need to do your job well?
You don’t necessarily have to have equipment to be a producer but in today’s world almost every producer I know has his own studio in his home.
10. How has your job changed over the last few years? How has a typical studio changed?
With technology today you can have a state of the art studio for a fraction of the cost just a few years ago. I do quite a bit more programming myself today than when I started. Budgets continue to get smaller so you find yourself having to wear more hats every day.
11. What producing lessons have you learned in the past year?
I think the biggest lesson I’m still learning is how to say “no”.
12. How do you nurture your creativity? What are creativity ”killers” for you?
I think just trying to stay on top of what’s happening today keeps me inspired to not just doing the same thing. Technology while a great tool can also really bog you down when it messes up.
13. What do you wish you had more time for in your job? What’s the part of your job you could totally do without?
Usually more time to mix. It seems like there is always a deadline. I could do without production by committee.
14. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 5 cd’s would you take to get through it?
“Somewhere In Time” Soundtrack by John Barry
“The Fabulous Baker Boys” Soundtrack Dave Grusin
Toto IV
Russ Taff “Walls of Glass”
Quincy Jones “The Dude”
That was hard!
15. How important is a great demo to a song? How much should a person invest in a demo for a song?
Normally I would say that a well done piano or guitar vocal would be enough and in some cases that still holds true but in today’s world most A&R directors want to hear an almost finished product. Also know that your competition is going to do everything that they can to have an edge so you need to compete with that. Most publishing companies have had a demo budget of between $300 to $500. That has changed a bit with more writers producing there own demo’s the publisher is not as willing to spend that amount.
Just as a sidebar an artist demo is something entirely different. With that you are competing against other artists that may be spending thousands of dollars to have a product that can compete with what is out there on the radio.
16. What should people do to get the most out of the Write About Jesus weekend?
Take advantage of every moment that you are here. Network with as many other writers as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions of all the industry people that are here. That’s why we have come all this way.
17. If you were an artist, how would you get the most out of “you the producer?”
I think it would just be the trust factor. I would want to believe that my producer had my best interest at heart at all times. I really try to live by that.
18. What projects have you worked on this year that make you proudest or most excited?
Noah Barlass is a very talented 15 year old. We spent a couple of years developing his sound and writing. It’s a really good record.
Also Woody Bradshaw a country artist that just got signed to Primoris Records/ Universal. His first single will be out in November.
19. What tv shows are you hooked on?
Probably Fox News at 9:00 and David Letterman when I’m up that late. I’m trying to not watch as much TV but we did keep up with American Idol this year because I know Mandisa. She should have won. Ok, ok I have been rooting for Sara Evans on Dancing With The Stars. There I said it.
20. What’s been your most exciting moment as a producer? Your most humbling moment? Your most satisfying moment?
Most exciting: My first Dove Award nomination.
Most humbling: Not winning my first Dove Award.
Most satisfying: Just knowing that I’m helping facilitate artists furthering the Kingdom. I thank God every day that I get to do what I do. I am blessed.
Hosting Puckett’s Rising Star
Published October 4, 2011 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: Competition, Darwin, Dearing, Dennis, Embassy, Marshall, Menace, Moody, Music, Puckett's, Rising, Star, Steve
I had the exciting opportunity to host Puckett’s Rising Star Songwriting Competition recently. There was the typical packed house of Puckett’s Restaurant along with exceptional talent that night!
Also doubled as a judge with my good friends.
Pictured left to right:
Darwin Moody(Pres. of Embassy Music), Dennis Dearing,
Steve Marshall(Dove Award winning songwriter)
Solo Of The Week # 5
Al Denson’s To Forgive from The Extra Mile 1992
Wow, it’s been a month already. If you have enjoyed listening to these let me know and I’ll keep it up.
This week we have Living Life Upside Down by Truth
