International Country Music Association Newsletter August 2001
On The Web At: radiocountry.org Email: intlcma@aol.com
Post Office Box 271238, Nashville, TN 37227
Publisher: Scarlett Gremard, Editor: Bobbie Patterson,
Music Reviews: Rhett Ashley

Circulation: 75,000 +

Music Quiz
When is George Jones' birthday and how old will he be?
Answer, later in this issue.

The Following DJs Need Your Music
When you are mailing your CDs to overseas DJs, please be sure to fill the customs forms out correctly. Mark the green sticker, "Promotional CD, " "No Cash Value, " and "Gift." It is very important you mark the customs forms, in this fashion. If you place a value on the package, the DJ will be charged taxes on the full amount. Many DJs receive a hundred or more CDs per year, and European nations have a much higher income tax rate. All of the DJs listed below are real DJs with long running radio shows. They are not just record collectors, who want to add your CDs to their collection.

Chuck Wilson, P O Box 100, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland - Joe Vincent, PO Box 39, Waterford, Ireland - Barry Williams, 28 Curl Curl Parade, Curl Curl, NSW 2096, Australia - Charlie Sparrow, P O Box 77, Beachmere, QLD 4510, Australia - Hugh Wilson, Manor House Cottage 17 High Street, Reepham Lincoln lLN3 4DP, United Kingdom - Juan Carlos Martinez, P O Box 99, 46117 Betera, Spain - Johnny Nielsen, Marievej 24, DK 5700 Svenborg, Denmark- The DJs listed above are primarily interested in country music. Rein Wortelboer, Akelei 10, 5803 CA Venray, The Netherlands Rein has country, gospel, and bluegrass programs. Loek Lamers, Burg. Commanduer 6, NL 1687 Wognum N. H., The Netherlands. Loek plays some country, but is primarily interested in music for his bluegrass program. Job Gathemia, P O Box 49256, Nairobi, Kenya. Job plays some country, but his program is mostly gospel music.

We distribute music to these and about seven hundred other DJs worldwide. You are furnished with a copy of the entire distribution list. If you'd like to have your music distributed to hundreds of DJs worldwide, but don't have the time to make up 700 packages. Contact us by email at; intlcma@aol.com. We can package and distribute your entire album with our compilation CD. Or; we can put one of your songs on the compilation. Either way; you know your music is really going to the DJs. We can save you both time and money. We keep our list clean of dead addresses and record collectors. We didn't buy some book with a 5 years old list full of useless addresses. If they don't have a radio program, they don't get on our list. We mail our list, at least twice each year. Bad addresses are constantly being deleted and new DJs are added at least once each month.

We Answer Your Questions
Each day, we receive email containing questions about the music industry and how it works. As our circulation has grown, the volume of questions has exceeded our ability to provide personal responses. This month, we start a new feature. We will pick one or two of your most interesting and frequently asked questions, and respond in this space. If one of us does not know the answer, we will consult various members of our board of advisors and our executive board. The two boards include a range of experiences and knowledge that is rarely equaled. It includes professional entertainers, DJs, executives of record companies, highly successful songwriters, promoters, booking agents, and many other aspects of the music industry. We will tap into vast pool of knowledge and experience, for you. If there are conflicting opinions, we will print each of them.

If you have a question concerning the music industry, please put "Question" in the subject line of your email and send it to us at: intlcma@aol.com

This Month's Questions: How Do I sell My Song? & Should I ever pay, to have my song recorded?
The short answer to the first question is, "You don't ever want to sell a song you have written." Under the latest United States copyright laws, you own the song you have written and are entitled to a royalty each time your song is used for commercial purposes. If you were to "sell" the song, you would be giving up all rights, title, and interest in the song. You would be agreeing to accept one payment, and would forfeit all future earnings. A person who would take advantage of you in such a fashion would be highly unethical. The industry is full of stories about the bad old days, when people would take advantage of a writer's poverty and/or ignorance by buying a song. One such story is told about Willie Nelson and Faron Young.

The story is that Willie Nelson was a down on his luck unknown songwriter, in bad need of a few dollars. They say, Faron Young was a major star near the peak of his career, when Willie offered to sell him a song. Faron took the song and handed Willie the money he had requested. At that point, the song belonged to Faron. He was legally justified in putting his name on the song as writer and applying for a copyright. However; Faron was a highly ethical man. He listed Willie as the sole writer and recorded the song. The song was, "Hello Walls." It became a number one hit for Faron and has earned tens of thousands of dollars, for Willie. Some folks even say it launched Willie's career. They explain, if Faron had put his name on the song's copyright, nobody would have known Willie was capable of writing a hit song. Some writers were not so lucky. A conclusion can be drawn, from this story. If a person talks to you about selling your song or offers to help you sell your song, one of two things is true. Either that person has very little knowledge of how the music industry really works; or is of questionable ethics.

Here's the proper way to earn income, from a song you have written. Join a performance rights organization, pitch your song to people and companies who will use it for commercial purposes, convince at least one of them to use it, file all required forms with your performance rights organization, and collect your royalties.

There is no short answer, to the second question. The writer should always expect to pay to have a demo recording made, but most of the time should not pay to have the song released to radio or any other commercial use. Your song is similar to any other piece of personal property. Let's use an example that might help you more easily understand the difference in the two situations. Let's assume you own a piece of property and wish to earn income, by renting it. You might decide that before you attempted to rent it out, it needed some work. You might hire a painter to apply a fresh coat of paint; or a roofer to put on a new roof. You would be having these done to make the unit more attractive to potential renters. You would not expect the painter or the roofing company to work on your property without being paid. If your song is not ready to be pitched, you might hire a demo recording company to make it more attractive. The company you selected would book studio time, hire musicians and a vocalist. They would record your song to make it more attractive to people and companies who use songs, in a commercial fashion. Just as you would not expect to have your rental unit prettied up free, you should not expect a demo company to provide their services free.

After the work has been completed and the workmen paid, you are ready to let potential uses know what you have to offer. With rental units, this is called advertising. With songs, it is called pitching. In both cases, you are trying to accomplish the same thing. You are attempting to draw attention, to what you have to offer. You are doing so with the goal of being paid money, for the use of your personal property. If you are trying to find a renter, you can do all the work yourself. You can advertise in newspapers, put signs on the lawn. call your friends to see if they know somebody who might want to rent your property, or take any of a great number of similar approaches. On the other hand, you may decide to hire a rental agent. Rental agents are in the business of renting property. They have the knowledge and connections to do a much better job, in a shorter period of time. Of course; they expect to be paid for their time and services

The same thing applies to pitching your song. You can do all the work yourself. You can subscribe to songwriters' tip sheets. You can make copies of your demo and mail them to every address, you can find. You can come to Nashville and knock on record companies doors. You can fly to Hollywood, New York, and Toronto to talk to movie producers and television program producers. While you're in New York, you can spend days visiting advertising agencies trying to get your song used in the new Ford, Chevy, toothpaste, or soft drink commercial. You can spend as much time and money pitching your song, as you can afford to spend. On the other hand, you may decide to hire a song plugger. They are in the business of pitching songs. They have the knowledge and connections to do a much better job, in a shorter period of time. Of course; they expect to be paid for their time and services.

One closing thought. In most cases, you would not pay somebody to use your rental property. However; there are exceptions. Several years ago, the United Artists Tower in Nashville had suffered several years of neglect. It was in very poor repair and was not considered a good place to locate an office. The tower was sold, and the new owner did extensive renovations. But, years of neglect had left it, with an undesirable reputation. The Nashville music community was largely unaware of the improvements made by the new owner. The situation demanded a creative solution. The owner had no idea what to do. In desperation, he hired a rental management company. They had the experience and connections required to solve the problem. They knew Foxfire Records was a well known company. They knew the company's President (Jason Hawkins) was a trend setter with a reputation for being somewhat of a maverick. They approached him with an offer of six months free rent, if he would move his offices to the newly renovated United Artists Tower. He inspected the office space they offered and like it. However; he couldn't justify the move because he had just signed a one year lease, at the Young Executive Building. The management company countered with an offer of 1 year's free rent. Foxfire Records relocated to the United Artists Tower. In less than a year, other companies followed and the building was full. It has stayed over 90 percent occupied, ever since.

In most cases, you would not pay somebody to use your song. However; there are exceptions. Many years ago, Jimmy Crane was an unknown songwriter living in Providence, RI. He owned a jewelry business that made him a living, but his heart was in songwriting. He had great songs with killer demo recordings. He pitched them everywhere and to everybody he could find. He had no luck. He was just one of thousands of unknown songwritwers trying to get a break. Jimmy decided it was time for a creative solution. There was a well known pop singer named Eddie Fisher. Eddie had busted the charts several times, but had never had a number one record. Jimmy found out Eddie was recording a new album, in New York City. He caught a train to New York and a cab to the recording studio He reached the studio just before noon and waited; until they broke for lunch. He approached Eddie's producer and offered to buy his lunch, at the nearby cafe. Over lunch, he pulled an envelope from his pocket and pushed it across the table to the producer. Jimmy told the producer there was two things inside the envelope. A hit song, for Eddie Fisher and a thousand dollar bill, for the producer. The producer kept the money and Eddie Fisher recorded the song.

The song was, "If I Ever Needed You, I Need you Now." It was the first time a Jimmy Crane song was used, in a commercial fashion. It was the first number one hit, in Eddie Fisher's career. Jimmy Crane went on to a highly successful career, as a songwriter. He wrote more hit songs than I can name here. He even wrote the sound track for the Elvis movie, "Kissing Cousins." Jimmy died a few years ago. He was a good friend and a great songwriter. His songs still earn tens of thousands of dollars, each year.

Two conclusions can be drawn, from this story. (1) Creative people find creative solutions, to everyday problems. (2) There is an exception to almost every rule.

Billy Ray Cyrus Starts National Tour
Two days after taping the season's last segment of his hit television series "Doc," Billy Ray started the "Southern Rain Tour." The tour is in support of his new Monument Records album, "Southern Rain." Billy commented, "I had an incredible time playing Clint Cassady on "Doc" over the last seven or eight months, but I'm having fun being Billy Ray Cyrus again- getting back out there, playing some music and meeting the fans." The tour will continue through September 3. Billy will head back to Toronto to begin taping the new season of "Doc," after a few days in Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry Caribbean Cruise
The 5th. annual cruise will allow fans to spend seven nights and eight days cruising the Caribbean with Charlie Pride, Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, and Bill Anderson. In addition to country music, the entertainment will include first run movies, dancing, casino gambling, and four ports of call. For details, visit opry.com.

Correction and Apology
We made a mistake, when we announced our contest in the July issue. We failed to include the contest's mailing address. We have received several emails pointing out our mistake and requesting additional time. We apologize for the oversight and have extended the contest deadline to October 15, 2001. Please mail your entries to: International C. M. A. Song Contest , P. O. Box 271238, Nashville, TN 37227.

The entry and judging fee is $5 per entry. Please make checks or money orders payable to Song Contest. Entries must be postmarked on or before October 15, 2001. The contest will offer prizes in four categories.

The categories are:

Country Song: This category requires complete songs both words and music recorded on either cassette or CD.

First prize: Free web page and 2 years hosting, in the songwriters' section of radiocountry.org and a free release on the Songwriters' CD Demo. The Songwriters' CD Demo is sent to more than 800 record companies, movie production companies, television production companies, and recording artists. Every current member of the Grand Ole Opry receives a copy.

Second Prize: Free web page in the songwriters section of radiocountry.org and 2 years hosting.

Third Prize: Free web page in the songwriters' section radiocountry.org and 1 year of hosting.

Fourth Prize: Gold embossed Certificate of Achievement.

Country Lyric: This category requires only written or typed lyric sheets.

First Prize: Professional demo recording and web page in the songwriters' section of radiocountry.org with 2 year of hosting.

Second Prize: Professional demo recording and web page in the songwriters' section of radiocountry.org with 1 year of hosting.

Third Prize: Professional demo recording.

Fourth Prize: Gold embossed Certificate of Achievement.

Gospel Song: This category requires complete songs both words and music
recorded on either cassette or CD.

First prize: Free web page and 2 years hosting, in the songwriters' section of holylandmusic.org and a free release on the Songwriters' CD Demo. The Songwriters' CD Demo is sent to more than 800 record companies, movie production companies, television production companies, and recording artists. Every current member of the Grand Ole Opry receives a copy.

Second Prize: Free web page in the songwriters section of holylandmusic.org and 2 years hosting.

Third Prize: Free web page in the songwriters' section of holylandmusic.org and 1 year of hosting.

Fourth Prize: Gold embossed Certificate of Achievement.

Gospel Lyric: This category requires only written or typed lyric sheets.

First Prize: Professional demo recording and web page in the songwriter's section of holylandmusic.org with 2 year of hosting.

Second Prize: Professional demo recording and web page in the songwriters' section of holylandmusic.org with 1 year of hosting.

Third Prize: Professional demo recording.

Fourth Prize: Gold embossed Certificate of Achievement.

Answer To Music Quiz
Country music legend, George Jones will celebrate his 70th. birthday
September 12th. His new independent label album, "The Rock," will be released the day before his birthday. He will be appearing on Jay Leno's and late night television programs, in support of the new album.

On July 21st. , he entertained a standing room only crowd at the Pish-La-Ki village near McMinnville, TN. During his performance, he made comments on his life and music. At one point, he said, "I've got to get me a sip of spring water. I don't know how much spring it is in it, but it's water. I had the fear of God put in me for the first time, I guess." He was commenting on his near fatal accident, about two years ago. He lost control of his car and went off a Tennessee bridge. He was later found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol, because of the wreck.

The Pish-La-Ki village is currently owned by Burgess and Jani Luna. It is scheduled to be sold at auction, after a concert by Creedance Clearwater Revival. The owners say they want to slow down a bit and devote more time to their other businesses. For more information about the Creedance Clearwater Revival concert or the auction, you may call 931-668-2010.

Music Reviews
If you would like your music reviewed, please mail your CDs or cassettes to:
Rhett Ashley's Music Reviews, C/O International C,. M. A. , P. O. Box 271238, Nashville, TN 37227. Rhett is taking a well deserved vacation. No music reviews will be included, in this issue. However; he will be back and well rested, for our next issue. His reviews are among the most read sections, by our more than 75,000 readers.