FAQ'S

Working With A Songplugger

The New Writer

My first suggestion is to get feedback on your material from industry publishers and not your friends and family. They are partial to your songs and not the best judge of your material.

It is also important for you to understand that our reputation is
the most important asset we have and we will not pitch any
material that isn't ready. We will only take on songs that
we believe in. Our standards are very high when it comes to
taking on new writers. Most of our writers live in Nashville and
have been around the row for years.

Why Do I Need To Pay Someone To Pitch My Songs?

Unless you are an established writer you are probably
not ready to hire a song-plugger.

Major publishers hire full-time songpluggers to pitch
songs in their catalog. They employee several full-time writers. These pluggers are paid salaries and % of
royalties.

If you are an un-establised writer without a publisher
it is essential to have someone who can give you
feedback and help you to craft your talent. I would
suggest that a new writer come to Nashville and
attend workshops at NSAI or a performing rights
organization.

Do I Need A Publishing Agreement With Your Company?

Yes ..... If we present a song to a label/artist and it is put on hold they will contact us with the pub. information and timeline. We will then contact you to help you with publishing rights. We charge a nominal fee to present the songs. We make our money on the back-end in the form of publishing. We retain 15% of the publishing.

Do I Need A Songplugging Agreement With Your Company?

Yes...for instance....we pitch a song for you to Tim McGraw and they put it on hold. He has cut his album for this year and isn't going to do another album for a year. Then they wait until the next album to cut your song. Three years down the road your song is the single. We retain 15% of the publishing. If you are new to the business 15% is very fair for our services.

How Much Do You Charge Per Month?

We offer a monthly rate for major writers and
publishers. Our rates depend on how many
writers/ songs you want us to pitch.

Should I Move to Nashville, New York or LA?

That depends on your situation. If you have pro representation in the market it is not necessary to
move. However, if you do decide to take the plunge
and move you will meet many potential co-writers
to craft your talent.

How Do You Pitch My Song?

Sit Down Meetings
We have established a relationship with industry
professionals. We go to the A & R Reps, managers
and artist. We go to them and they call us when
they are looking for material.

SongPlugger Meetings
We attend meeting where the label comes in looking
for specific material.

Drop-Off's
We know where the boxes are....we drop off material
to the managers and producers. There are certain
places to put songs for artists.

Internet
We work with companies in L.A, Europe and New York. We pitch songs to the television and film market thru email.

What Type of Demo Do I Need?

That depends on the song. I have seen great songs
get cut with a piano/vocal. It was a slow ballad. On
the other hand, if you are trying to get Boot Scoot
Boogie cut you will need a full demo to get your
point across.

Getting A Writing Deal

How Does Someone Get A Writing Deal?

Determined songwriters get writing deals.  It is
that simple. If you are serious about becoming
a songwriter then you have to write numerous
songs.  The writers who are successful are those
that get up every morning and write a song either
by themselves or with a co-writer. The more you
write the better you get at it.  There are many
resources for songwriters in  your local area
including songwriting organizations and books
at your local library.

How Many Songs Do I Need on a Demo CD?
The average song demo is 5 or 6 of your best songs. 
A publisher wants to know that you can write... have
5 more ready if they want to hear more. You need to
be prepared for this.

How Do I Get Paid on A Writing Deal?
A publisher will pay you a monthly drawn depending
on the potential success of your songs.  A writing
deal is negotiated by the potential of the new writer.
The publisher will pay for your demo's and will own
100% of your publishing royalties.  You will own
100% of the writers royalties.  A writers royalty of
a typical #1 country song  is usually over $300,000. 
A pop chart hit could net the writer anywhere from $300,000 to 2 Million .... depending on how long it
stays in the charts. Your monthly draw has to be paid back....it is an advance toward future earnings.

Should I Join a Performing Rights Organization?
Yes, if you are actively working on a songwriting
career you should join one of these organizations. 
This is how you get paid when your song is on the
radio or tv.  However, you will need a song published before you can join.  They do offer affiliate/student programs. The are three main organizations for
songwriters which are BMI, ASCAP and SESAC. 
BMI, also known as Broadcast Music Incorporated,
was formed by industry professionals.  ASCAP was
formed by songwriters. They pay differently for chart singles.  In order to join one of these performing
rights organizations please visit their web sites for
more information. 

Getting The Deal?
Keep writing songs, do your homework, find out what publishers are signing new writers and try to get appointments with the creative director of the publishing companies and present them with a great quality demo of about 5 to 6 songs.  Have a few more with you if they want to hear more.  Consider an independent songplugger group who can get your songs heard and in the right hands. 

 

If the song is great and it is heard by the right person....you can get a cut. The key is persistance...period!

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