United States

" . . . Give freely, expect nothing and perhaps if you are lucky enough you will get something in return? "
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. . . destined to fail . . .
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Tomorrow,when you go to work, tell your boss that you like him so much that you're just gonna work for free . . .

Failure will be my choice then. Nothing is written and by the time you feel it safe enough to let people listen to your new stuff will you actually really know its yours all safe, sound and bound?
I am the boss

There are other ways, and I rather like people liking what I write. I live here and now and cannot guarantee I'll be here when that Dinosaur charging service gets up to speed, if ever. Yes I'm doing this legally and its free, no I'm not stupid, glad you assume it though.

" . . . Give freely, expect nothing and perhaps if you are lucky enough you will get something in return? "
.
. . . destined to fail . . .
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Tomorrow,when you go to work, tell your boss that you like him so much that you're just gonna work for free . . .

RM,
Don't get me wrong. I am doing it the right way but that doesn't mean there are not other options too which I am exploring by writing to the various agencies concerned. None have replied I might add, so far in any case.

I imagine that you like me and thousands of others are getting a tad peed off with this? I know I am. You've probably found it already but there is now a survey up there. You don't need to supply an Email address and once complete there is a chance to vent your feelings. If you haven't already done so it might be a good idea.

Cheers.

Ok I did get a reply.
Hit me up on MySpace RM. Its more expensive but for a collection, well worth it. Yes its legal. Cheers

"Registration is instant via our electronic system and you will receive a serial number via email,

Thanks
Person"

I'm not waiting; I've been performing these songs 2 - 3 times a week.

Alrighty then.

I'm not waiting; I've been performing these songs 2 - 3 times a week.

Do you play out, yet?
If so - how often do you play for a crowd of strangers?
Because that's the real test for any song.

No mate. I need much more gear and a good job to do that. I don't know that I necessarily agree with that but I do see you point as always.

Right now I'm doing what I do best keeping my head down, working on it. perfecting it as much as I can do in any case. I cannot play everything so there are decisions to be made IF I even want to play my stuff outside these four walls, also no one will want to do them in any case.

In any case getting back to the point about copyrights. I don't let anyone hear what I'm doing because if I do it will forfeit the copyright won't it? I mean someone could have a recorder there at one of your gigs right? They specifically ask if its been aired anywhere I'm certain that will play a big part right? I mean in the validity even if we get one!

Do you play out, yet?
If so - how often do you play for a crowd of strangers?
Because that's the real test for any song.

Actually RM I want to thank you.
When I first came here you were one of the first to greet me and pick me up off the floor, I thank you for that being the stranger that I was. You used to post a lot more back then and I've had many a good conversation with you.

It was your comments in fact towards what I was trying that spurred me on even further.
Respect. And thanks again.

[quote="Chippy"]

In any case getting back to the point about copyrights. I don't let anyone hear what I'm doing because if I do it will forfeit the copyright won't it? I mean someone could have a recorder there at one of your gigs right? They specifically ask if its been aired anywhere I'm certain that will play a big part right? I mean in the validity even if we get one!

That's a good question Chippy! That's one thing I want the answer to. No book I ever read covered a scenario like that one.

Kruliosis, the concern of my songs getting ripped off - that stopped me from peforming for years.
Big mistake.
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Don't let it stop you, too.
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Record your stuff on CD as a collection, spend a few bucks, and get it copyrighted.
Then go out a do what you know you want to do - play your songs, and let others hear them.

Aside from a CD worth of songs, this includes art and lyrics too for a one time fee? Or are lyrics for publishing only?

Dunno about the art; that has little to do with performing your songs in public
But, yeah, lyrics are covered.
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Now, you've gotta do your research, and get yourself into a position where you feel comfortable playing your music in public.
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- or, before you know it: - it'll be 10 years later, you'll be 10 years older, and you'll still be thinking about it.
I know that you don't want to let that happen . . .
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Also - When you perform in public, you'll be inspired to write more.
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Time to do it, my friend.
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By the way - don't ever let anyone talk you out of taking successful actions.
A lot of folks may say stuff that boils down to "Why bother?"
The reason you are "bothering" is because you are more ambitious than they are.
Get OUT there, and play your songs for the people man . . .

You sure know how to motivate a guy! Your'e right, time ticks really fast, and wasting it is blasphemy.

I keep looking for new recruits, but the excuse is they're not good enough yet...don't need people with that attitude.

If I have to, I've decided that I'm going to hire people whenever I can just to play. I know it's money out of my pocket, but life and music are priceless. It's the best investment.

Go to 3 different open mikes, and talk to people.
Print a card up with contact info.
I use a plain piece of paper, divided into 8 cards w/ 2 photos each, hotmail address, phone #, and MySpace address.
It costs me almost nothing, so I give them away to everyone who shows an interest.
I also put all that same info on CDs, and pass them out to people who I think will actually show up at my doorstep.
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When you ask someone if they want to play with you, and they say they can't, ask them if they know of anyone.
Asking people like that will result in finding triple the number of musicians that you could find on your own.