Karen is a long time industry veteran who owns her own label; operates a booking/management agency for independent artists; has national credits to her name as producer, publicist and vocalist; teaches songwriting and music business for the University of Tennessee; is a Mentor/Instructor for the Country Music Hall of Fame's prestigious 'Words and Music in Schools' program and is host and program director of Writer's Block, a radio program that airs ONLY independent artists.
Karen is also Vice President of Indiegrrl International Music and Arts Conference and Festival which will be taking place August 19-22, 2010 in Knoxville.
The six hour workshop included a presentation where Karen discussed the 'ins and outs' of writing and pitching songs, creating your own brand, and how to stand out in this highly competitive industry.
The presentation was followed by a pitch session where CSA members were given the opportunity to present songs to Karen as the program director for Independent Writers Block Radio.
It is clear that Karen has a deep routed passion for what she does and a strong desire to guide and support musicians in the development of their skills. Her passion comes through in her presentation style and her endless energy and words of wisdom. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention that she drove 13 hours from Tennessee to be with the CSA songwriting group yesterday.
When a nationally credited singer/songwriter, radio program director, and country music hall of fame program mentor drives 13 hours from Tennessee to sit down for six hours to offer local songwriters the chance to pitch their music, it is truly the opportunity of a lifetime and a credit to Bill Pere and the CT Songwriters Association that she was willing to make the trip.
In Karen's own words: "The Connecticut Songwriters Association is one of the most well known associations of its kind and Bill Pere is very well respected in the music industry, you all have a very valuable resource here and you should use every opportunity to take full advantage of it".
There was a lot of information shared yesterday but I'll highlight a few soundbytes:
If you are serious about getting into the music business:
- Be cut-throat realistic about what you do and your skill level
- Learn how to appropriately book your own gigs (research artists who are like you and find where they are playing and then make direct contact during slowest business hours)
- Learn the business inside and out. Learn about royalties. Know everything about the business.. ."or you will get taken " (this was a particularly passionate sound byte)
- Create your own brand and logo
- Be comfortable with who you are on stage and in your music
If you are sending a song to a radio program director::
- Present the song professionally (no sticky notes)
- Proof your work for grammar and spelling errors
- Include a professional cover letter asking for the song to be writtent
- Package the accompanying disc in a jewel case (easier to be found on a shelf)
If you are a writer and not a performer
- Look for industry calls (Rowfax)
- Enter songwriting competitions and look at the list of judges - recognize the competitions as a way to get exposure for your music. (she suggested the USA and John Lennon competitions)
- Pitch your music to artists who are dedicating themselves
- You can use established "song pitchers" but they are very expensive
It was a great day with lots of information shared. All of the songwriters were talented and the music was amazing.
A few of the songwriters will likely be hearing their songs on Independent Writers Block Radio (congratulations !)
If you missed it, you should look at the upcoming list of workshops that the CSA is hosting so that you don't miss another opportunity like this one.
Through her business, SoundAdvice Musician Services, Karen offers a host of professional services including career consultation, promotional strategy, critique services (which she will do via email) , performance coaching and more. Her radio show plays ONLY music by independent artists
For anyone in the Mass or Southern NH area who would like to get a taste of the CSA programs, you can meet Bill Pere in person at an upcoming workshop in Hingham, MA on June 19, 2010. There are limited spots available and this will be a great day of song craft instruction and professional critique.
