Traffic

They say the universe is expanding. That should help with the traffic. ……….Steven Wright

I originally wrote this blog 4 months ago after having to deal with traffic for the whole month of this last January. I was about to publish it when the virus hit and poof, there were no longer too many cars on the street to complain about, so I held it back.

However, after being quarantined at home for the last month and with another month at least to look forward to, I thought it interesting to post now and ask the question; do you really want traffic back?

And that leads to the overall question; what do you want the future to look like?

I believe the number one ingredient in magic is intention and that when you fuel imagination with intention, you get consciousness.

So what’s it to be? What do you imagine the world to look like as we open our doors and start to live our lives again out in the open.

How do you want to live in world?

You get a vote. You have a voice.

Traffic

I rarely drive anymore. When I’m not hosting a retreat, I work out of my house. And, when I do have to go out, I plan it strategically so that I don’t run into traffic. When I need groceries, I go to Trader Joe’s first thing in the morning and avoid 9am rush hour. After lunch, when traffic flow is similarly relaxed, I’ll scoot to the gym and swim.

This January, however, I spent three consecutive weeks driving from Studio City to Whittier and back to see my brother. There is no easy way of getting there. The 101 south to the 5 south is the most direct route with some shortcuts, but it’s at least an hour there and two coming back. I spent a lot of time in the car where I realized something: if I had to commute like this every day, it would kill me…or I would end up killing someone (just kidding).

Sitting in the same position for hours primarily using the right side of my body threw me off balance. On top of that, I was stuck in 3000 tons of steel and metal. Confined and contained with no fresh air or movement was not good for my body, mind, or soul.

For me, knowing how long a drive will take helps to rid my vehicle anxiety. I can sit back and plan that time to my benefit. Because no matter how much I stress, it will take the same amount of time to get there. I can listen to an audio book like Michelle Obamas autobiography (boy do I wish she would run). I can listen to any music I want, talk on the phone, sing at the top of my lungs, or talk to myself. My car is an inner sanctum where no one can see or hear me. I can be whoever I want to be.

Luckily, for my fellow road warriors, I am a safe driver who refuses to tailgate especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a freeway. Weirdly, during this time of intense driving, I found myself face-to-face with a variety of bad and stressed out drivers. One women in particular was my favorite. She was an angry women who was late to work and, clearly, not happy in her own life. How do I know all that about a stranger?

Well…

I was in the fast lane on the 101 South between Echo Park and Downtown where the road is a bottleneck 24 hours a day. I was in the fast lane of three lanes and I left two car lengths in front of me. The car behind me was also leaving space. Quite a few cars cut in front of me and would speed on, but I stayed two cars back. Then then came a woman who pulled in behind me sitting on my tail. I slowed down to signal her to get back, but she wouldn’t have it. She came even more aggressively upon me such that I could see fumes steaming up the windows as she was getting angrier.

As soon as she could, she changed into the middle lane and came upon the passenger side of my car. Now, remember, we are in morning bumper-to-bumper traffic where the only space on the freeway for miles are the two car lengths in front of me. We both rolled down our windows and I speak calmly and sincerely, “Listen it’s a tailgating thing with me, I’m a little nervous someone is going to run into me.”

She forcefully tossed her words through her window “ If you are going to drive like a turtle, get the f**k out of the fast lane, move over!!!!"

Her reaction stunned me. All of that angry pent-up energy that she was feeling landed in my lap! My torso, legs and hips were all on fire and vibrating. It was powerful. I started to sing and move as much as I could in the car realizing it was energy with which my body had been bombarded. So I moved it around. Driving is a dangerous business. Between my body being beaten up by the container of the car, the laborious drive and the words of an angry driver, I was exhausted by the time I got to the hospital. I can’t imagine going through that everyday. Its crazy that so many of us put ourselves through that.

My advice is that, if you have to drive, put healing rituals in place to combat the effects. When you reach your destination, go off and do a 10 minute yoga routine, meditate, or walk outside in nature. I would suggest that you drink plenty of water because steel and metal can dry you out. You can also challenge yourself to go a day without driving. That would help with your body, mind, soul, and the environment. Do something that will counteract what you just went through so you can make it through the day.

I had to stop driving my car for a while... the tires got dizzy.

……..Steven Wright

Time

Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.

….Leonardo da Vinci

What do you want to create?

Three days before the stay at home order became effective, I was sitting with a friend who had recently quit his job and did not know what he was going to do. He was lamenting that he did not know where he fit in this world. 

So, I asked him if he had ever watched the series The Last Ship. He said no and I proceeded to give him the rundown. The plot is simple: a virus wipes out the world and the only remaining people live on a navy ship in the middle of the ocean. Spoiler alert! When they return to land, they start a new government where the captain becomes president.

I asked him to pretend he was this captain-turned-president in a land with a clean slate. I told him that he could create the world however he wants it to be. Then, he wouldn’t have to find his place in the world because he would be the one creating it. 

This universal down time has given us all a chance to really look at how we have been living and ask ourselves, does it serve us? Does driving two hours a day to a job, eating fast food, barely seeing the sun, having limited time with friends and family, or being far from nature sound like a good life to us? Perhaps the only silver lining of this whole pandemic is that life seems to be slowing down in order for us to recreate the world in our own image.

Looking back, I feel that I have been preparing my community for this challenge by engaging them in my philosophy and routine. Most of them are getting along because they have built up their immune systems, created schedules to self-motive, and developed communities they can rely on via video conferencing. Without constant interruptions and daily distractions, we now have open schedules to reflect on life’s big questions.

Chief among those questions is the following: How do I want the world to look?

I want people to be able to work at home and use video conferencing to connect. I want workers who have to be on the roads to have an easy time getting to and from their destinations. I want school work to become more efficient with parents who have time to help out. I think its a powerful, bonding experiment to put parents in charge of their kids’ schedule, helping them plan their daily lives so that they don’t all go nuts cooped up in the house.

At my retreat, we start with yoga for an hour and then breakfast. The morning session till lunch is spent on challenging exercises. After lunch the group is broken up into teams and they co-write a song. They create and work on a project together. We then have dinner and share what we did that day. I can see something similar working very well for a family. Balanced and well thought out schedules can cover all the bases.

How are you using this time to transform your life and career to best serve you and the planet? What schedule are you creating so that you can move forward through this crazy time and be the better for it on the other side?

Self-Motivation

Morning sunrise at the dog park. No touch up

Chapter 7 of my first book, The Songwriters Survival Guide, is all about self-motivation. In these times of quarantine and confinement, which may last up to two months, motivation is exactly what we all need. Our daily rituals, routines, and addictions have all but gone away. In their place we are left without outside influences and obligations. Excluding medical workers and essential industry workers, most of us will be at our own mercy to fill the time. This is a big opportunity to take charge of our own lives.

For those looking for silver linings in these trying times, the virus is causing us to reevaluate. We’re all forced to take stock and reconsider how we’ve been living our lives. With all this time for reflection, we’re asking ourselves how our jobs, leisure time, and routines are serving us.

I have been preaching to my community for years about the importance of having control over our bodies, minds, and souls. To be conscious about what we put in our bodies, to not overtax our minds, and to sing to our souls are essential practices. I hope you have been applying those concepts as best you can. And, if you have not it is up to you to motivate yourself to get up every morning and continue your path. We have ten days to two months of isolation. What do you plan to do with that time?

One of the best tools of self motivation is putting a schedule in place. And, now more than ever, you can create your own. Here are a few of my suggestions: get up and go to bed at the same time every day, learn something, brush up on your instrument through youtube videos, co-write via Zoom, perform full body exercises indoors, and put a meal plan in place.

I am sharing Chapter 7 of my book below so you can start this time with new practices that will take you into the future. Since life as we know it will never be the same, ask yourself, it you were the one chosen to create a new world that you would love to live in, what would it look like?

It’s a great time to dream.

#7 SET YOUR MIND TO IT: Self-Motivation

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. - Zig Ziglar

Did you know that self-motivation is a mindset? You have a choice, even when you don’t think you do. You can take matters into your owns hands and make a plan.

How do you create a new mindset? Having a positive attitude that will support you on your journey is key. It will get hard along the way, and it’s especially in those difficult times that you should be able to give yourself a pep talk, looking at yourself in the mirror and telling yourself, “You can do this!”

Like the example from Chapter 1 of doing handstands even when you don’t think you can, you need to find ways to gain the confidence that you can achieve your goals.

Self-motivation is what drives you to accomplish your goals. It is the essential tool for realizing your dreams.

Here are two basic methods of self-motivation that I personally have found to be effective.

Intrinsic - The internal desire to engage in an activity or perform a behavior for no reason other than the pure enjoyment of developing a skill or learning new material.

Extrinsic - External factors that prompt you to engage in an activity or perform a behavior in order to earn a reward or avoid a punishment.

Ask yourself: What is your true intention? Are you generally more motivated by praise from others, or do you do something because it is personally rewarding? Do you play a sport because you love the sport itself, or because you might win an award? Maybe the answer is a bit of both, but it’s important to be aware of what drives you.

Now let’s take a look at how you motivate yourself

Start small - Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much, too soon. Start with setting up one co-writing session a week, not five!

Track your progress - This will imbue you with the sense of purpose you need to keep going. It shows you the positive outcomes of your hard work, and that can drive you closer to your goals.

Be kind to yourself - During this process, it is very important that you remember to take breaks. Go for a long walk, forgive yourself for making mistakes, and reward yourself when you complete an important task. For example, when I finish this book, I am treating myself to a long massage!

Lastly, how do you keep yourself on track?

Challenge yourself. Make a bet with yourself and keep it!

Keep learning. Getting restless? It may be a great time to enroll in a class that will spark new ideas.

Surround yourself with others who are going to encourage and support your vision.

Ask yourself one last question: are you hungry to be a great songwriter? The answer has to be a loud and joyful “YES”, because you have to want to be a songwriter more than anybody else does. Your need to succeed will have to be greater than your fear of failing.

True story: Katy Perry fully embodies the ethos of self-motivation. The majority of my time with her was spent during the period of uncertainty that came between the end of her first record deal and her blow-up debut. During this interval, she was taking some much-needed time to focus on self-development.

Katy had spent years trying to please record executives with her music so that it would get released. But no matter what she did, they always sent her back to the drawing board to do it again.

I resonated with Katy when she would lament not being heard by those who were supposed to be helping to lead her career, and I knew that my responsibility to her extended to not only sharing my knowledge and experience of the music business, but also with imparting how she as an individual could gain her own power.

Whenever I would guide her, be it on a small issue or a serious problem, she listened with surround sound, integrated my suggestions into her life, and benefited from the imparted knowledge in some way. Each time, she took a step closer to being a little happier and more secure about where she was going and how she was going to get there. And believe me, it didn’t take long, because when she finally stopped and listened to herself, she found that she knew exactly what she wanted!

Katy wants her life and career to happen on her own terms, and in her heart, she knows that she is the only person who can make that happen. She has found her personal power in her self-love, by first giving herself what she needs, knowing that only when she is happy and fulfilled can she give of herself to those around her.

Katy now has millions of people who share in her vision that she has created. They uphold it for her every day, making it easier in the long run for her to achieve the life she always dreamed of.

Judy’s Must- Read: The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz gives you great principles to practice in your life.

To self-motivate, ask yourself what you want and how you’re going to get it.

1. Add structure to your day. Having a set routine is a recipe for productivity.

This is what works for me. I have taken the decision-making into my own hands, and I choose to wake up at the same time each morning (6:30 am). This allows me to know what to expect, and so I can plan my day accordingly, saving me time in the long run.

2. Instill discipline. Start every day with a mantra, some time for meditation, or a simple walk. It is through the consistency of your actions and your routine that you will see results.

I like to start my day with the following prayer from Ho’oponopono, an ancient healing practice of forgiveness from Hawaii practiced throughout Polynesian cultures:

I’m sorry, forgive me, thank you, I love you.

What are three things that you can commit to? Some examples could be a daily walk, practicing yoga once a week, or regular vocal toning in the car on your way to work or school.

3. Gain flexibility. You don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done. Your imagination is your consciousness with intent!

At one time, giving away a single download of a song for free was unheard of, until one promotion executive had the idea to give fans a token of thanks (and, more importantly, to use this as a way to promote the artist’s latest album). Breaking rules and being in more than one project paved the way for Joy Williams to go from being a solo artist to part of The Civil Wars, and then back to a solo career!

Come up with three innovative ideas of your own, then go for it as if no one is looking and no one is holding you back. Use your intention to fuel your imagination. That’s when the magic happens.

4. Be committed. Remember why you are doing this in the first place. Write your intentions down in a journal and revisit it often to keep your focus.

5. Have fun! Reward yourself from time to time, and don’t forget to enjoy the creative process.

Nothing

What is there to do during a global pandemic? Nothing.

Nothing is what Americans are being asked to do for the first time and it feels strange. I am rarely in a position to do nothing. I am always working even when I’m not. Luckily, I already work out of my house so I am already adjusted to long days by myself and the isolation it creates. In fact, I relish the time I have at home because I don’t waste time or fuel emissions driving to and from an office.

But, because we have all collectively stopped, I’m starting to notice how tired everyone is. We are a society that has been working non-stop for years. As soon as we wake up, we fight traffic and work our fingers to the bone. We get up and do it again day after day. Nothing closes, nothing ends, nothing matters. I’s all way too much, but we kid ourselves into thinking its normal.

Now, we are being asked - in some cases federally ordered - to stop. And, when we stop, we start to finally feel what is going on. Life in quarantined America show us a starkly different version of the lives we could live. Personally, I’m trying to see that as a silver lining. Anyone who follows me on social media knows I have been posting articles that praise the reset and reflection we’re receiving as a society. 

Coronavirus also allows us to stop and listen for a change and ask ourselves, “what are we doing?” Driving two hours in traffic to a job that takes us away from our family, our community, our personal time isn’t necessary for everybody. Working from home is possible for a large number of office workers.

Even more, maybe we can free ourselves from working so much. We need to remember what is important to us and why we’re here. Our purpose isn’t to work 24 hours a day. Our purpose is to create a life worth living. Last time I checked we were human beings not human doers.

Human quarantine is causing ripple effects across the globe. Behold our planet right now, it looks and feels better because we are not beating it up and forcing it to absorb our filth. Grounded flights and the halting of industry have led nitrogen dioxide pollution over China to plummet. Tourism restrictions have allowed the murky Venice canals to clear up.

I am not washing over the huge financial impact that this will have on all of us. I am just hopeful that our government helps everyone out so that we can pick up and go on once this is over. How can they not? No one escapes this virus.

I believe we are going to come out of this better and stronger.

I would invite you to look at this time as a vacation for your Body, Mind and Soul where you can reassess what’s serving you and what’s not.

Just do nothing. Stop so you can look around and figure out what you do want to do.

I would like to look at this as an opportunity to change the way things were and create a consciousness around how we intend to live. We can create lives that have us working out of our homes more, driving less, cultivating time to connect, and loving more.

What are split sheets & why are they important?

If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely here because you’re curious about split sheets and how to use them during your co-writes. Maybe as a new songwriter, you’ve heard about split sheets, but have never actually used or created one yourself.

Split sheets are an important part of being a songwriter and being the CEO of your own business. It’s important you understand how to use split sheets, especially as a songwriter beginning your journey within the music industry. Luckily, they’re not complicated at all to use or understand!

What are split sheets?

A split sheet is the document that records you and cowriters’ shares of a song that you write.

Why are split sheets important?

You need to keep track of publishing and contact information, so that when someone wants to cut your song, you can all get paid correctly.

When should you use a split sheet?

You should use a split sheet every time you write a song with one or more other people in the room. You should put down everyone’s information immediately before or after every co-write, then sign it.

If you didn’t use a split sheet on past songs you wrote, you should reach out to your co-writers and create one. 

How should you approach talking to your co-writers about split sheets?

Address the subject before the write. Don’t be afraid to talk about it - this is your business.

Plan to split shares evenly among writers, though sometimes that’s not always applicable. U.S. federal copyright law states that if no prior agreement exists between songwriters, all songwriters will own an equal share of the song. If that isn’t the case, it’s important to address this ahead of time.

Is a split sheet a contract?

A split sheet acts as a contract when you sign it. 

What information should be included on a split sheet?

Your split sheet should include your: name, contact info, company/management information (if you have one), PRO, split percentage, and signature. You can lay out this information any way you’d like, though a spreadsheet format tends to work best.

If you have more questions about co-writing and how the music business works, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I’m happy to answer any more questions you have one-on-one, to help you better navigate the music industry as an aspiring songwriter or artist.

What is copyright law in songwriting & the music industry?

If you’re reading this blog, you most likely want to better understand copyright law as it pertains to songwriting. You may also be wondering if you need to copyright your songs; or as an unknown artist, if it even matters yet.

You may not be a world-famous headline act yet, but someday, you may be. It’s essential you learn about copyright law in music now, so as your career grows, you’re prepared for potential future issues and challenges that may arise from people stealing your songs. It’s also important to know about it, so you don’t personally make the mistake of stealing someone else’s work and being penalized for it.

What does it mean to copyright your songs?

A copyright is what legally protects your work. A copyright is what defends your songs against theft. “Theft” in songwriting refers to when people steal your lyrics, melody, or another unique element of your song without your permission.

In recent years, you may have heard about Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s lawsuit against “Blurred Lines”. This Rolling Stones article is a good reference to become more familiar with other famous copyright cases over the years: Read the article.

Do you need to copyright everything?

You should make it a practice to sit down every month and decide which songs you’re going to do something with and put it out there. You absolutely need to copyright the songs you’re planning on doing something with.

When should you copyright your songs?

It’s important to begin as you mean to finish, so you should be copyrighting your work from the very beginning. As soon as you know you’re going to be doing something with one of your songs, you should put it on your list of songs you need to copyright.

Is copyrighting your songs the same as registering for a PRO?

Registering with a PRO means you’ll get paid when your songs get played, but it’s not the same as copyrighting.

A PRO (performing rights organization) collects royalties for songwriters when their works are performed publicly (such as on television, radio, or at a public event).

ASCAP and BMI are two of the biggest PROs in the US, though others exist and are popular across the globe.

A copyright won’t help you get paid when your songs are used or played, but it will make sure other songwriters or artists can’t profit off your original work by plagiarizing it. 

How do you copyright your songs?

Go to the U.S. Copyright Office’s website and register your work, and click on “Register a Work” in the right hand column.

You can register up to 10 works at a time, which makes registering your works on a regular basis convenient and more cost-effective.

The bottom line is, if you don’t copyright your songs, you’re not protected. As a songwriter, you’re the CEO of your own business. It’s important you have the proper protections of your assets in place.

If you have more questions about music publishing and how the music business works, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I’m happy to answer any more questions you have one-on-one, to help you better navigate the music industry as an aspiring songwriter or artist.

For more information regarding this topic, check out the Ultimate Guide to Copyright Law by How To Start an LLC.

Answers to top questions about co-writing

If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely here because you’re new to co-writing. Or maybe, you’re an experienced co-writer looking for guidance about how to be even better at cowriting.

If you want to be a professional songwriter, knowing how to co-write and handle different co-writing situations is a must. The most you practice co-writing, the better you will get at it. If you are new to cowriting, this discussion should be especially helpful in getting you started on the right foot.

What should I look for in a co-writer?

Find someone who’s going to complete you.

If you’re a topliner, you need a great musician. If you’re a musician, you need a great topliner. Ultimately, it’s knowing yourself well enough to know both your strengths and weaknesses.

Also, you want to find someone you have chemistry with, and want to spend all day with. If you’re going to be co-writing a lot with this person, chemistry is key. Songwriters have to be vulnerable with each other during the writing process, so your co-writers need to be people you feel comfortable opening up to.

How do you find co-writers?

The only real way to find co-writers is through networking! You can go to writer’s rounds, open mics, songwriting retreats, or join Facebook groups and social media forums. These are all great places to find new and professional co-writers that will complete you.

How can I prepare for a co-write?

Preparing for a co-write depends on your creative process. Again, it’s all about knowing yourself as a songwriter and creative.

What do I do if someone wants to release a song I co-wrote but I don’t want it?

Let them release it. You can release it under a different name, or ask that your name be unattached.

What are ways to smooth over things with co-writers?

Hear them out as you want to be heard. Give them space to talk. Then, give your suggestions in response to what they have to say. Give them options.

What if I’m in a co-write I hate?

My suggestion is to never go over 3 hours for a first co-write. This will give you time to test the chemistry you have with someone, without too much of a commitment.

Sometimes though, you just have to walk away from a co-write. Be civil about it, and let them know the chemistry just isn’t there. If they are professional, they will understand and probably be on the same page.

Can my co-writer and I both release the same song?

As long as you communicate about it, yes - you and your co-writer can release the same song. There is no rule or law that says it can only be released under one person.

Do I need a co-writer?

No, a co-writer is not required to write or publish a song. But, there are definitely benefits to co-writing.

First, co-writing brings more ideas to the party. Second, it helps you stay challenged and growth-oriented as a songwriter.

How do I address split sheets in co-writes?

Start the co-write with a conversation about how you want to handle the split. If you aren’t familiar with splits, my blog about split sheets will explain them and give you some tips!

What if I think a split is unfair?

Go to your co-writer and state your case. Then ask, “how do you feel?”

It’s important to give people space. Let them express how they feel about the situation, and then talk it out to come to a resolve.

If you have more questions about co-writing and how the music business works, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I’m happy to answer any more questions you have one-on-one, to help you better navigate the music industry as an aspiring songwriter or artist.

I also invite you to attend one of my upcoming retreats. If you really want to get serious about co-writing, my retreats provide aspiring and professional songwriters alike the opportunity to come together and write amazing songs. You can learn more about my retreats here: https://judystakee.com/retreats

How to Prepare Your Songs for Digital Release

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely here because you’re a songwriter who wants to prepare a song for release. You want to know more about the distribution process, and how to put your songs out into the world.

As much as I know about music publishing, the digital game has changed things over the years. For this blog, I interviewed my social media manager - Myylo - about how he prepares his singles for release:

“When do you know when your song is ready to be released?

When you feel good about the topline, you’re ready to master your song. When you have a mastered recording, you’re ready to plan putting it out. Before you put your song out, you want to have your album art done. Generally, about 8 weeks ahead of time.

Ultimately though - when YOU love a song, that’s the benchmark for releasing it.

“How many weeks before releasing it?”

8 weeks. 

Most distribution sites demand 4-8 weeks, to be able to upload ahead of time.

“What do you do to prepare a song release?”

Plan your release date carefully, and don’t release during busy seasons. Prepare a press release about your song 4-8 weeks ahead of time. 

Then about 1-2 weeks ahead of time, send an email to your fans about your song coming out. Be personal in your newsletter. Tell the story of the song and go in depth about the process. People who are signed up for your email list want to know these things.

Focus on driving Spotify pre-saves, to have engagement on the song the day of the release. That helps with Spotify’s algorithm.

“How do you promote songs to get traffic on the day of your release?”

Again, focus on Spotify pre-saves. Submit your song to Spotify’s editorial board to get on playlists. Spotify is also more likely to reward songs associated with projects.

“What about music distribution sites?”

CDBaby or TuneCore will upload your songs to all the leading streaming platforms for you, including: Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube, and Deezer.

“What should you do before releasing a song?”

Register with a PRO. Copyright your songs. Make sure the split sheet is correct.

Playing live is a great way to feel out if your songs are up to snuff.

Last, remember to keep your early branding cohesive. Consistent branding is more important that quality of production equipment.

If you’re not sure whether your song is ready for release, or want help preparing your song for release, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I’m happy to answer any more questions you have one-on-one, to help you better navigate the music industry as an aspiring songwriter or artist.

The taste of your intention

According to our internet bible, Wikipedia, Food is “any substance, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains essential nutrients...consumed to provide nutritional support for an organism.”

We eat life to sustain life. It is, therefore, essential to be intentional about the food we’re consuming. I put great thought into what I consume and my body rewards me for my dedication. I

select real food;  cauliflower, brussels sprouts, apples, and oranges because it makes a difference to my overall health. I sleep like a baby, never get sick and am very productive in my life and career and one of the major reasons for this is the way I eat.

I had a conversation about this very topic recently with a new friend. He is the type of person who travels nonstop with his work and is forced at times to eat very unhealthy; leaving only a few options at various airports that would normally be on the naughty list. But, when you’re hungry, you lower your standards. We have had many talks about food and he is very appreciative of the lifestyle I maintain - cooking 90% of my food at home and consuming real food.

This year he joined me and a group of friends on our annual vacation. where we stay at home with a kitchen instead of a hotel with  restaurants and room service. He was especially looking forward to the home cooked meals.

During our stay, we only eat one lunch and one dinner out, all the rest of our food we cook at home. We take turns going into town to fetch local fare from the farmer’s markets. 

One afternoon, when it was my friend’s turn to go to the market, he picked out a pineapple as a treat in addition to the required shopping list. Later that night, after dinner while we were all winding down, he went into the kitchen, cut it up, and came back outside with a bowl of freshly cut pineapple and several forks.

After the first bite, my friend exclaimed, “This is the best pineapple I have ever tasted!”

We all dug in like we hadn’t eaten for days.

Seizing the moment, I asked if he knew why it was so delicious.

He answered, ‘Because we are in Maui?”

I laughed, “Yes, and, more importantly, you went to the market and put intention into the food you want to eat. You spent time picking it out, cutting it up, putting love and kindness into your actions and so…”

“I can taste my intention,” he finished my exact thought.

Intention with your food should be everyone’s aim. When we buy already prepared that comes in a box, we get someone else’s energy. What if the food prepper had a bad day? What if they didn’t  lead with love in their heart? It can be more difficult to buy and prepare our own food, but I invite you to set your mind to it and tell yourself, you’re worth it. Your body is your reflection of how you feel about yourself.

I know because I can feel it.

When we headed back to Los Angeles after a week of relaxation, we all parted ways ready to head back into a new year. I challenged my friend to continue on

I offer all of you a similar challenge this year: put thought into what you put into your body. I promise it will reward you with taste - the taste of your delicious intentions.

Practicing in front of a mirror

It is through mistakes, through falling down, that you are given the opportunity to get back up and do it again, but differently, and with more intention. Then, when you fall again, you get another chance. You get as many chances as you need in order to succeed.

As my best friend says, “you have to collect your no’s before the yes’ come.”

If your goal is to become a skier, you start with lessons on the small slope learning the plow - the position you and your skies must be in, to go down a hill. After you learn the plow, you get to ski down the mountain. Your only choice becomes how hard you want the slope to be. Some skiers choose to spend the rest of their lives practicing skiing down mountains of various terrain, aiming for the Olympics,

It is no different for songwriters.

"Practice is everything. This is often misquoted as practice makes perfect" - Periander

* * *

Have you ever been in a crowded airport and watched as someone passes you by with a ‘style/outfit’ that makes you wonder, “Did that person look in a mirror before they left?”

As an artist and creator, having a mirror reflect another perspective back can save you from a “bad hair day”, or encourage you to wear a certain style that looks good on you, but for your music.

A mirror is someone who can look at your work and pinpoint its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a person you trust and someone who you can handle their honesty.

Everyone knows that in order to become great, it takes practice, self motivation, routine, and discipline. However, mentors and friends who can act as mirrors are essential as well. They will help you iron out your flaws, cultivate your strengths and, in doing so, help you achieve your goals.

“It takes a village to raise a child”

My husband was one of my best mirrors. I came to rely heavily on how he saw me. Brian spoke to me with love and always had the best intentions for me. For the most part, I liked what I saw in his eyes, so when he pointed out ways that I could improve - as a person, as a businesswoman, or a wife - then I knew it was for the best for me, and often times, I set out to do so.

With Brian, I knew I could trust him to tell me the truth about myself, so when he brought something to my attention, I wouldn’t blame him for bringing “flaws” to my attention, but instead would shift things in my practice to better myself.

If your goal is to become a great songwriter, then get yourself mirrors who will tell you the truth. Some mirrors will have a mastery over language and be able to tell you if your story makes sense. Others will have greater musical sensibilities and be able to aid you in understanding chord structure and theory.

Great artists have great mirrors for everything from the song itself to performance, styling hair and makeup and beyond. Sometimes one person will house all these traits and be able to guide you single-handedly. Other times, you’ll need a team of mirrors with specialties in different areas.

"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows". Sydney J. Harris

Next, practice, practice, practice!

Practice until your hands bleed, your joints hurt and your head aches from the struggle, from beating your head against the wall..

Practice until you laugh uncontrollably at the silliest things, are having fun in all your co-writes, and until the words flow out of your mouth like water and your connections are deeper.

It’s practice that leads us to our dreams of supporting ourselves with music.

That is the number one wish I hear from all of you. You want to support yourself by doing the thing that gives you the most joy.

My advice…practice. And get yourself a good mirror to practice in front of a mirror.

Good old home cookin'

Growing up, my family did not eat out for meals except on special occasions like a 16th birthday, Christmas Eve, or Sundays when my mother was too tired after church to cook. Otherwise, we ate three home cooked meals a day at an antique round kitchen table that my father bought on a long extended sales trip to Ohio.

My mother (and Dad too on the weekends) cooked every meal, and taught all four of her children how to do so as well.

My mother is now 90 years old. She recently had all of her bloodwork done because she has to have a left hip replacement surgery next month. The doctors and nurses were astonished by the results. She has the blood work of a 60 year old, takes no medication, and has all her wits about her...and then some.

The nurses gathered around asking her to spill all her secrets, but she just smiled without saying a word! I’ll tell you her secret however: she has cooked and eaten at home the majority of her life. She had complete control over the spices, herbs, and foods that she consumed every day. This led to a very healthy lifestyle that has served her well throughout her aging process.

Is it any wonder that I too ascribe to cooking and eating at home regularly?

One of my rituals is to make dinner on Sundays that will last a few days. Last week I had my staff over and made a pot roast that took me 10 minutes to prepare and 8 hours later, voila, it was ready to go! I included veggies and an easy-to-make salad in order to round out my food groups. The result was a healthy and easy to make meal. Jordan was especially happy since he got a lot of the leftovers! It was also incredibly inexpensive in comparison to restaurant food.

It’s wild that I can buy a pound of lettuce at the Farmers Market for $8 and have it last me more than a week. If I dine out, it costs $8 for a dinner salad! What a waste!

I even got my husband on the bandwagon. He used to drink iced tea every day all day long. When I met him he was frequenting establishments on every corner to fill up and get a new cup. I suggested another solution: a cooler filled with ice from his own ice machine, self brewed tea put into tall thin cylinders that transported well in the cooler, and a reusable 24 oz. plastic cup with a permanent straw that fit perfectly in his car cup holder.

He brought it home every night, cleaned it out and started all over again in the morning. He was set, saving thousands of dollars a year and saving precious minutes in his day by not having to go into corner stores.

So, let me challenge you all to take a good look at how, when, and what you eat. Healthy, home cooked meals not only give you the health benefits that my mother enjoys, but can also give you a slice of extra financial stability that my husband Brian accrued. And, who knows, maybe you can put those pennies saved toward attending a Judy Stakee retreat!

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Start a diary. Write about what you’re eating so you can assess if what you’re consuming is healthy

2. After that assessment you can get rid of bad habits and put new good habits in place that will serve you on your journey of developing you and your career.

3. Keep up your new good habits

Mantras

I am asked frequently at my retreats, what does is take to make it? Well, it takes a lot: hard work, grit, late nights, frustrating moments, times you want to quit..... it takes a lot to keep going right through all of that. And I wish I could count on my family and friends to be there at all times for me, guiding me on but the cold hard fact is that the only person I can count on 100% of the time is me. That is why it’s so important to take care of my myself.

Some examples of mantras are:

I am present now.

I am strong, I am beautiful, I am enough.

I am the sky, everything else is just the weather.

Everything I need is within me.

You were born to be real, not to be perfect.

As part of my morning routine, I chant my personal mantras to get the day started. When I do, I feel like I have my very own cheerleader whispering in my ear to keep me going on my journey. By putting a mantra in place, I’m able to encourage myself to keep going when the going gets tough. That’s why I encourage all of you to create your own based on your own needs.

One of my favorite mantras is “No means maybe”. (Because of the time we live in I must explain that in no way am I talking about a women saying no to a man in his advances and meaning NO.)

I am talking about not giving up and not taking no for an answer. When you are told you are not ready or not good enough to get what you want in your life, keep pushing forward...as long as you don’t violate anyone or anything doing it!

How many times were you told no as a child and then figured out another way? Many, many children learned how to climb out of their cribs when they wanted something across the room bad enough. You become downright passionate and ingenious when giving up is not an option.

I recently heard a piece of dialogue from my new binge show obsession, “Ozark” that fits perfectly with this conversation,

Man - “He said no.”

Woman - “No he didn’t, No one drives 3 hours to say no. That’s a maybe”.

And the word “maybe” gives us hope for a yes.

So find a mantra, find two, find 10 that can remind you to keep going to fight the fight and follow your dream.

If you already have a favorite mantra, leave a comment below and let us know what it is!

Happy New Year!

Well, well, well... the holidays are over and a new year is upon us.

To harness the magic of this new year, I’ll be using an old trick: a vision board. During this time of resolutions, making lists, and manifesting a path forward, vision boards help to visually remind me of my life’s goals. This will be my 10th year in a row making one!

I began the ritual in 2009, the year I left Corporate America to begin my own path. Using scrapbook paper, clippings from magazines, my trusty glue stick, and flat cardboard poster paper, I created a visual collage of my dreams. Each subsequent year I’ve used this tool as an expression of what I want for my life personally, creatively, and in business. I can’t predict the future, but my vision board helps me manifest the one I want.

When I start this project anew each year, I never really know exactly what the board will look like. I flip through stacks of magazines and rip out anything that catches my eye: a word, a phrase, an image, etc. Letting my intuition lead, I always seem to compile a collection of images that speak to me.

Ten years ago I had stacks and stacks of magazines, old and new, to choose from. But, as any other 21st century person will tell you, we’re all purchasing fewer magazines. This year I only had five! However, these five magazines coughed up a decent amount of images and phrases. They weren’t enough to complete the board, so I supplemented them with intentional searches on Google Images. For instance this year I searched for the goddess of education, Saraswati, in order to represent my intention of creating a songwriting class for 4th and 5th graders.

After compiling my images, I glued them all onto the board to see how they might fit. That’s when the magic happens. The first time I did this, I had the feeling that the universe was nodding at me because the images seemed to know how to fit together. I still feel that way each year when I complete this ritual. It still surprises me how well this process gives me a visual representation of my heart’s desires.

Here’s my finished product.

For 2019, I invite you to make a Vision Board to steer your journey in the direction of your dreams.

Happy New Year!

Snacks

For those of you who have been following me for a while, you know how picky I am about what food I put into my body. If you come to one of my retreats, you will experience how much food plays a part in your well-being as a songwriter. I believe that your physical health affects your mental health. Bottom-line is that when your body is happy, you get much more done!

I eat a consistent diet filled with a mostly crew of superfoods: fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and oatmeal. But, just like anyone else, I love a good snack. However, I don’t look towards Doritos or sweets to satisfy my cravings, instead, I turn towards Trader Joe’s nuts and raisins.

These individual packets are the perfect snack and come in a bag of ten. They have no salt, no sugar coating, and haven’t even been roasted. They’re just plain nuts and raisins.

Why, you ask, am I blogging about nuts and raisins? Because twice in the last few weeks I have been faced with trying to find a different healthy snack.

Here’s the skinny.

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Seattle for the evening and left my lunch, along with my snacks, on the shuttle to the airport. I got distracted by a group of fourteen-year-old kids on the shuttle who were flying to DC for a rocketship competition...fascinating. Ugh, I was so mad at myself. Not only did I have to buy my lunch at the airport (I don’t eat on planes unless I absolutely have to), but I also had to find a snack. I went into every store and airport bodega, but all I could find was roasted trail mix with salt and added M&M’s. Eventually, I found a bag of cashews, not raw and lightly salted, that would have to do.

A few days later I traveled to upstate New York for two back-to-back retreats and brought along two bags of my individual nuts that ran out the final two days. I sent one of my staff to go into the small town we were staying in to find me more nuts and raisins. Anticipating what I went through at the airport, I asked him to, if necessary, get me a bag of walnuts and some raisins I could mix them myself.

He came back as frustrated as I had been. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Every trail mix and nut concoction had salt, sugar, and roasted nuts mixed in. He bought me two bags of the least offensive mix and I picked the salted almonds out of them. I ended up eating my fruit for a snack instead.

On the last day, I could hardly wait to drive back into New York City and hit up Trader Joes for my snacks. I realize I have a much simpler palette than most, but I like that what I put into my body comes from the earth. It makes me happy.

Nothing packaged, nothing processed, nothing not real. Hopefully small towns and airport bodega will get on board soon.

Tagging

TAGGING: Recording the information embedded in an audio file that is used to identify the content.

 If you want your songs to be included and embedded into scenes of movies, television shows, or commercials, then you have to make sure all your tags are available and correct; dot all your I’s and cross all your T’s.

These records can be the difference between getting a placement or hearing someone else’s songs on the big screen.

 Supervisors who are selecting songs for sync content need to have all pertinent information before they pitch it to directors of projects. If they play a song and the director loves it, but the data for licensing isn’t available... oh child, the director will not be happy.

 This is a list of the information you will need to provide:

 1. Name of artist

2. Name of songwriter

3. Song title

5. Album title

6. Label

7. Publisher

8. Year the song was released

9. The track number of the song on the album

10. The musical genre that the song falls into

11. Producer

12. Contact (either yours or management)

13. Performing rights organization you’re affiliated with (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

14. Mood of the song

15. BPM of the song

And, of course, since we live in a digital world, there are dozens of metadata editor apps that will format your tags for you, for example, MP3 Tag Editor.

But, app schmapps, YOU still have to gather the information. After every co-write, you need to have a system in place to record this data for each new song. Record all of your information plus your co-writers information (before they leave), as well as the lyrics and audio.

When I was at Warner Chappell, I gave all my writers a “Co-writer Information Sheet” that they were required to fill out with each song they turned in. If they didn’t have the information, the song was not counted as “turned in” and, therefore, would not be pitched or counted toward their delivery commitment. They kept a stack of these sheets by their studio doors as a reminder!

Some screamed and shouted about having to do all that “work”. They all thank me now, when, 20 years later, they have all of the tagged information and a TV show wants to use their song. Why? Because they’re getting paid!

That is the whole point of tagging!

For more on this topic, here are 2 articles; one from BMI and one from Socan (Canada’s PRO) on tagging and more!

1. 10 Things you need to know about placing music on TV and Films

2.Sound Advice: How to tag your tunes

The more you know about how to protect your material, the better. Half of getting a placement has nothing to do with the song. It has everything to do with how you take care of yourself and your business.

How do I critique myself?

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

Have you ever been to a public place and observed people’s style? As you look on, you start to wonder how some people feel okay leaving their house in the morning. That girl’s hair is out of place, that guy’s shirt is too small, and that man in line at Starbucks is only wearing one sock.

I have a mirror in my bathroom that half the time says “ no, no, no, no, no, take that off, that does not work!” And I listen!

So, I then wonder what those peoples’ mirrors are telling them? Do you think they might not even look?

Hmmmm.

The ability to look in a mirror and really see yourself is a talent that will serve you well when you critique your own songs. You are going to have to be able to know where you need to add, edit, or improve. It’s your responsibility.

It’s imperative in the age we live in that you do the work yourself to make yourself marketable. Your songs are your brand, so the more open you are to improvement the quicker your brand can manifest. It’s your ability to adjust quickly after going off course that will serve you best in this process.

Dr. Laura, a renowned radio personality, tells a story about racing sailboats. When it comes time to hoist the main sail, one man quickly raises it only to see, in shock, that it was upside down. What happens next is astonishing. The sail comes down and, in 2 seconds, it is flipped and raised in the right direction. No one stood around gawking at the mistake; instead, it was corrected and everyone moved on. Poetry in Motion.

So, where can you learn this skill - the skill of correcting mistakes? You can start by having a professional (like me) critique your songs so that you can gather some tools to do it yourself. Or, you can also put in place a “Board of Writers,” a group of colleagues you trust to review and critique your songs. As other people highlight areas in need of improvement, you will start to see them yourself. In this way, you will learn to self-critique.

Self-critique is a skill that will make you valuable to yourself and to others. Just think, you won’t be as likely to waist time because you will be able see

where you can better tell a story or integrate an emotion more readily.

So let’s break it down: How can you self-critique in an efficient and productive manner.

Firstly, read and listen to the lyric. The lyric is a story told in approximately 200 words and 4 minutes time. And we have all kinds ranging from Keith Urban bearing his soul in detail to Sheryl Crow using metaphors brilliantly all the way to Bruce Springsteen speaking for the working man. And, they are all stories. What’s your style and is the story clear?

Now the ability to consume the lyric relies heavily on the melody it is riding on. The melody is the emotion and feelings behind the story. How do you want your audience to react?

When you listen to your own songs ask yourself the following: Are my melodies compelling? What do I need to learn or do for them to become more compelling? You could.... learn an instrument, work on your voice, or get better in touch with your feelings.

Gather a team or a professional to gain insight into your problem areas. Then, begin to rely on your own perspective when it comes to what you need to do to improve your songs and yourself.

Look in the mirror.

Where should I live?

Location, location, location...

As a songwriter, musician, or artist, it used to be all about living in LA, Nashville, or New York. Then, over time, Miami and Atlanta were brought into the fold. However, no matter what music hub you called home, you were expected to be physically present with your co-writer during a session or in the studio when laying down vocals for a track.

That is not the reality anymore. The digital world has made it possible to live and create from anywhere you want, especially the comfort of your own home.

I, for one, believe that Skype is the most genius platform ever invented! It’s free and I can wear pajama bottoms while holding court! I have it on my phone as well as my computer. 75% of my work is over Skype. It saves me time and the headache of traffic (the bane of our existence here in LA).

These days, you can use the internet for a writing session, a vocal session, or a meeting with many others at the same time in different locations! As I was finishing this blog, a manager texted me about a new client on a major label who needs songs. I went into my dropbox, picked the 2 that I believe were hits and texted him back the link.

He texted immediately, “My gosh you are fast! Will check out immediately”

That said, I am a firm believer that you need to show up in person and have face-to-face time with your network, team, and community in order to enhance relationships. That is where you have the opportunity to cultivate and strengthen the bond between you and your personal, creative, and business relationships, which are ultimately the driving forces behind your success.

But, if you don’t want to live in Nashville and love to write country music, devise a plan so that you can visit every 6 weeks and cultivate writing partners who want to write with you so much that they accommodate your travel schedule. If you are a mom, have a very solid family life, live in Ohio, and you’re a fantastic songwriter who can make trips 6 times a year to Nashville, then why can’t you have a career? If you have to work a little harder to arrange and rearrange your life to fulfill your goals, then so be it.

I don’t think anything replaces living in a city that is pulsating with music and filled to the brim with others like yourself, but it can be done. And, that lands me right back to where I always begin with: “It all starts with a song”, which is what I named my songwriting retreats. When you have the calling card of great songs then you will find it easier to call the shots about where you can live.

Do workshops & expos help songwriters?

Let’s first get the question that’s on everyone’s mind out of the way: Are retreats, workshops, and expos worth the money?

In short, yes, they’re worth every penny.

Songwriting is one of the few professions where few people have standardized education or schooling beyond their undying love and passion for music.

Some songwriters don’t go to school or take lessons. Indeed, you can be self-taught and self-motivated and get quite far. However, the percentage of those lucky ones is few and most of us have to work really hard at our craft.

I had a revolving door of wanna-be-songwriters in my office throughout the years, those who showed up with a journal under their arm, a song in their hearts, and a guitar on their backs declaring themselves songwriters. And, in reality, they were in need of some serious fine-tuning (and sometimes their guitars were too).

If you want to beat the odds of making it in the music industry, then investing in education and further development is par for the course. Remember, there isn’t a single person out there willing to do the work for you, you have to do it yourself...but, you don’t need to do it by yourself.

Put a team in place to advise you.

That is where workshops, retreats, and expos come in, as they provide epicenters to find this team. They bring together a wonderful cross-section of songwriters and executives to converse. It’s a place where you can introduce yourself to most anyone and the return handshake will be sincere and giving.

Beyond the ability to connect with others, you’re given inspiration, education on techniques to improve your craft, and valuable information based off industry professionals experiences.

The first such event I went to was the New York Music Seminar in 1990 when I was with Warner Chappell. It was round the clock panels, showcases, and parties! My most vivid memory is one where I was with Paul Kreman and David Landau (RIP) in the back of the room on the second morning. All three of us had our black ray bans on, hiding our eyes from the late night before, pretending to listen to the speakers.

We were dying. That’s when I learned the importance of pacing myself.

That lesson in itself made the entire seminar worthwhile.

The importance of harnessing your power

Did you know that you give away your power to make a good impression when you lead with excuses?

Don’t make excuses, make good. -Elbert Hubble

At my songwriting retreats, I start each day with a pseudo-Socratic Seminar, posing a single question to a group of songwriters. I might ask, “What are you most afraid of?” or “What drives you to write songs.” The questions give me a sense of who the songwriters are and permit them to do a bit of introspective self-analysis. One thing I am constantly amazed by is a collective inability to give a straightforward response. The majority of my songwriters feel the need to justify, explain or excuse.

For example, I often ask the following: “What is your creative process?”.

A straightforward answer might look like this: “I sit down at the piano and come up with an emotional melody first and then I put lyrics to them” or “I don’t write music. So I come up with a rough lyric and then get with a co-writer who is a better musician to finish the song.” Clear, succinct, and to the point.

Most people, however, stumble over their responses. They might say something like this: “I write the lyrics first, sometimes it starts with just an idea, but I like to piece the words together by myself. I don’t like to work with anyone else. Music is harder for me and I should be playing the guitar more, but it may be too late for me and I haven’t had time. So, then I will put a little track together and put my vocal on the song, even though I don’t really like my voice. I took some lessons but never stayed with it.”

Right there, our songwriter has given away his power to make a good impression. By feeding me excuses and revealing his shortcomings, he has given me the go-ahead to negatively pre-judge him. And, before he knows it, he has sabotaged himself with stories of his excuses and shortcomings.

Because of that story, I now see someone who is not confident in their voice (I don’t really like my voice), even though it has everything to do with being a successful songwriter, does not play well with others (I don’t like to work with anyone else), and is not dedicated to his career (I took some lessons but never stayed with it).

Is that the impression you want to give? Is that what you want me to hear? No!

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. -George Washington Carver

Think about when you call to cancel a doctor’s appointment and the receptionist answers. Do you really think she cares one ounce about why you can’t come in? No. She only needs to know when you want to reschedule.

By giving her an excuse, like your car has a flat, that you can’t get ahold of your boyfriend, or that your Auto club card expired, it makes you sound scattered and unprofessional.

Life is easier for everyone if you just call in and simply reschedule the appointment!

How you use your words is important for your future. Words are the tools that will help you present yourself as professional and likable throughout your journey. When you lead with excuses, you immediately tarnish your reputation. Always speak with confidence, intent, and remember, less is more.

The real man is one who always finds excuses for others, but never excuses himself. -Henry Ward Beecher

Case Studies: Getting your foot in the door

There’s a simple principle behind getting your foot in the door: You must prepare to succeed or you have prepared to fail.

You get your foot in the door by preparing yourself in such a manner that gatekeepers want to take a meet with you. Once you’re sitting in their office, you tempt them with a single great song so that they will want to hear more.

Jordan Richman

Currently, I manage one client, Jordan Richman, who is a brilliant songwriter, musician, producer, and a very hard worker! When he started out, I did not start setting up meetings with any A&Rs or publishers. It was only at the point that he had a litany of great songs that I made intros into the corporate world of suits and contracts. With a rich catalog, I trusted that he could convince any executive to do business with him.

I prepped Jordan for his first meeting at Sony with a bit of theatrical role play. With my office as the stage, I assumed the role of Jim Veluttato (VP of Sony/ATV Publishing) and asked Jordan that initial probing question, iterated as a comment really, that one can expect from any publisher: “So, Jordan, tell me about yourself.”

From then on, I let Jordan lead the meeting. He discussed his strengths, recounted his career highlights, detailed the hours he had spent honing his craft, and peppered the conversation with endearing anecdotes. He did well and, afterward, I gave him my critiques so that he could further perfect his performance.

At the end of the day, you need to think about these meetings as performances. When you have an amazing opportunity to connect with someone who could help you in your career, you cannot leave the meeting to chance. When you get your foot in the door, be ready, be prepared, and be rehearsed.

By the way, he nailed the meeting due to his preparation and Jim started setting him up with his writers immediately.

Myylo

One of my previous interns, Myylo got his foot in the door by first moving to Nashville, the music city. Location can make a huge difference in your musical success as the industry is concentrated in a few cities. Secondly, he integrated himself into the community by co-writing with others and venturing out to industry events and shows so that he could network. When it came time to release music and a music video, he was able to take full advantage of that network.

With a catalog of finished music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HVHtcSpDbM ), he is now able to set up industry meetings, co-writes with people further up in the musical food chain, and shows around the city.

“Luck” is truly not the serendipitous force we think, is it? No, luck is what happens when great preparation meets opportunity. This business and our little lives can be filled with luck when we make it so.

One of the reasons I started my songwriting retreats was to create a time and space for songwriters to create luck by investing in themselves. They’re able to get away from quotidian responsibilities, the drain of technology and self-imposed limitations and go, instead, towards setting a foundation to achieve their dreams

Write the songs, prepare yourself for the business and network with music organizations and communities so you are ready when the opportunity comes.

“I will prepare and some day my chance will come.”

― Abraham Lincoln