WHAT DO I DO NEXT

[jameswales]

Hi people.

I've been writing songs for a few years now, and have got together a bunch of tunes that I think are banging!! I don't know what to do next with them. I've got them all recorded as rough demos but have no ideas about copyright, publishing etc. I've performed many of them at gigs, but feel that that is as far as I can get them on my own. There isn't much market in the music industry for a fat guy from Yorkshire.

How do I go about copyrighting them and maybe getting some kind of publishing deal?

Are there any good websites anyone can direct me too?

Thanks

[john]

"fat guy from Yorkshire"

Could be a good hook to call your act that!

Have you looked at the articles in the business section? http://business.songstuff.com/articles.php

They'll give you a starter for 10.

To go down the direction of getting a deal, information is vital. Find out what you can about the various companies, and the kind of material they sign, and if you can specific artists/songs. This at least lets you know what happens to their signings, and whether it's worth pursuing them in any way.

Contact them, find out the format they accept submissions, get a contact name, and find out if they are accepting submissions at all right now, or if not when? Write down any names and responsibilities as you can. Try and talk to someone who handles song submissions, if for no other reason than to introduce yourself.

All this is just to maximise the chances that they'll listen to it!

There are some pretty reasonable books on the subject, but with a bit of prodding you should be able to get the info here.

I'll see what else I can dig out in terms of links.

Cheers

John

[jameswales]

"fat guy from Yorkshire"

Could be a good hook to call your act that!

Have you looked at the articles in the business section? http://business.songstuff.com/articles.php

They'll give you a starter for 10.

To go down the direction of getting a deal, information is vital. Find out what you can about the various companies, and the kind of material they sign, and if you can specific artists/songs. This at least lets you know what happens to their signings, and whether it's worth pursuing them in any way.

Contact them, find out the format they accept submissions, get a contact name, and find out if they are accepting submissions at all right now, or if not when? Write down any names and responsibilities as you can. Try and talk to someone who handles song submissions, if for no other reason than to introduce yourself.

All this is just to maximise the chances that they'll listen to it!

There are some pretty reasonable books on the subject, but with a bit of prodding you should be able to get the info here.

I'll see what else I can dig out in terms of links.

Cheers

John

Sounds like a good way to start!! Thanks alot for the help so far.

[Alistair]

Sounds like a good way to start!! Thanks alot for the help so far.

Hey, I'ma fat guy from Yorkshire too! Well, getting fat!

Welcome!

[jameswales]

Hey, I'ma fat guy from Yorkshire too! Well, getting fat!

Welcome!

I'M THE ONLY FAT GUY IN THE VILLAGE!!!!!

[john]

[Rudi]

Hey, I'ma fat guy from Yorkshire too! Well, getting fat!

Welcome!

A former incarnation of the band I play in was called 'Fat Bloke'. This was before I got on board (Thankfully!).