Hello,

If you don't already know I write songs as well as blog posts. I have been enjoying my creativity a lot recently. I wanted to share some of my music with you.


http://soundcloud.com/caramelsarajo/sets/your-chanteuse/

I hope you enjoy. If you need a writer let me know.  Please, share some of your music with me.

Love ya,


Follow me https://twitter.com/caramelsarajo
Sara Jo

Copyright That: Intro Into Copyrighting

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I remember when I first starting thinking I might want to be a songwriter beyond what I wrote for myself I started researching publishing. I had some knowledge about publishing because I grew up fascinated by the music industry. I used to read all “Thank Yous” in the CD jackets. I kept seeing ASCAP and wondered what it was. I learned if I want my money I have to have my publishing in order. So that is what I’m working on right now.

If you spend a lot of time crafting the perfect lyrics and recording your music professionally you most definitely do not want some random guy to take claim of your projects. Many try to prevent this using the poor man’s method. What that does not take into account is how you will get paid for your music. Even if no one else takes credit you are not getting credit for your music. This means no royalties.  Are you trying to work for free? I didn’t think so.

If you pay for studio time do not cut corners after the song is done. Get your publishing together. You will need to register as a songwriter with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, collectively known as The PROs.  It is the job of The PROs to monitor your royalties and make sure you are paid. These royalties come from radio play, public performances, digital downloads, record sales, streaming, and movie and television licensing.

Another added benefit of joining one of The PROs is they have events which are great networking opportunities. If you are publishing your own music this is a great time to introduce others to your music.

But what if I’m not playing on the radio or television? You will still need to get your music copyrighted. Check out www.copyright.gov/eco for more information on which forms you need.

If you wish to publish your music you will need to decide whether or not you want to publish under another publishing agency or if you will create your own publishing company. There are pros and cons to each one. Consider if you want the responsibility of find the artists yourself or if you want someone else to plug your songs for you. How does the thought of sharing your royalties sit with you?

Okay, so you have decided you want to start your own publishing company. You will need to come up with some wonderful names for your business, file some paperwork, and start plugging. For more information on all that is required see www.songwriter101.com and Music Publisher Association www.mpa.org. Make sure you file with your local government as a business. Keep copies of all your paperwork in a safe place.  You will need them come tax time.

Make sure when creating your band’s business plan you factor in the funds you will need for fees.  Each agency has different rates and payment plans.  The amount of money you will spend on publishing is nothing compared to the loss you might feel if you don’t copyright the right way. 

If you are signed up with a PRO, which one is it and what made you decide on that one? What are your experiences?

Much love,

@caramelsarajo           

Interview with Memphis Music Producer Parker Strafer

Tuesday June 26, 2012 12:58 AM

Parker Strafer

Producer

What are the responsibilities of a producer?

I Specialize in beat-making & pre-production. I meet with an artist and develop a concept, learn their vocal range, and write lyrics around their concept so they have a plan instead of coming in with a nice beat and good sounding song and hoping it works.

What training did you have to become a producer?

I was in an R&B group for a while after high-school & we started making our own beats because we could not afford to pay the others who were good at making beats. We started working with MAGIX software and grew from there. About eighty percent of my training was self-taught.

What are some of the characteristics an artist should look for in a producer?

You should find a sound you like. You should be able to hear yourself on their tracks or sing their lyrics. If you don’t feel it you won’t deliver the proper performance with it. You also need a producer who is patient. You need someone who will take time to develop a track to your liking. You also need someone who likes your sound. If they don’t believe in your sound it is a waste of time to pursue them. If you have that everything else will fall into place.

What is your particular style?

I can make anything for anybody. I’ve made tracks for every style that is popular. Third place would be R&B tracks. Second place would be the Club tracks. I am my best when I do Hip-Hop.

Do you have any interesting things do you do with an artist to get them ready for recording?

I like to have a good five to ten minute session to joke and talk so we can build up a comfort zone with people.

How do you critique an artist during the recording session?

I have something to go on before we record so I can help keep them in the correct direction. I don’t stop every time they make a mistake.

What are other challenges of being a producer?

As a beat maker broke people have the biggest dreams. They want a great session, extra arrangements, and the special treatment and do not want to pay money. Also, everyone thinks they are amazing songwriters.

What are the rewards of being a producer?

When you hear your song and the person has a talent, the chemistry is right, the song is great. When other people can see that the song is great. You get more confidence, you make better music, you get a high that pours back into your music. The validation that comes from those that owe you nothing and your words are warranted, that is the best thing ever.

What happens after you finish recording the song?

Either I mix or I send it out to get mixed and mastered. I complete additional paperwork.

How do you know when you have a hit record?

I know I have a hit record when people cuss me out, as in “DAMN!!! That's that ish!!!”

How do you get paid?

It depends on who the person is. If the person is in town I get cash. If they are out of town I get Paypal. Few people do not pay up front. I get producer points. I own 50% publishing rights.

How would a new comer go about finding artists to work with?

The easiest way I know of for an up and coming producer to approach artists and offer to work with them 50/50. Choose artists you think are good and you can work together.

Can you relate an interesting story of working with someone?

Pretty much every single time I go to someone's studio or a performance, I get ignored, because producers strive to be in the BG & apparently, I'm so good at it, that I almost miss business opportunities because of it. So, an interesting story would be EVERY time I've met someone, then they find out I'm the guy who made the tracks or wrote the song & their mood changes.

Songwriter           

What style of music do you write?

I can do it all. My writing's not limited.

Do you write alone or collaborate with others?

Both.

What is your song writing process?

I have a concept in my head and I get to jamming. I start a beat and get the melody going with a few lines. Then I will export a loop of a melody. Then I make a beat around it.

How do you find artists to write for?

Mainly through word of mouth or I shop some music & it goes from there.

Does having an artist in mind before you write a song change your process?

This does not change it. Only if I’m making a song customized for an artist does things change. Other than that, if it feels right I do it.

What are the common topics found in your music?

Love and the situations that love brings about.

How do you get paid as a writer?

If it is a writing session where I write all the lyrics I get all the songwriting credit points.

What challenges do you face as a songwriter?

Having to break to people that  they can’t write songs. Everybody wants a song like someone else’s song. And I ask why? And when you force writer’s block on yourself.  The biggest challenge of all is demanding respect and money. They do not understand it is a skill, a gift from God, and that you should be paid what is due.

How does it feel to hear someone sing your songs?

Validation is great. It reassures you you are not wasting your time.

What do you do when the artist’s interpretation of the song does not match your vision?

You are not getting out the studio without the delivery matching my vision. My name is on it. Not going to crap all over my work. If it doesn’t match, shame on me.

What PRO are you with and why did you choose them over the others?

BMI, I would rather leave my royalties to those who are focused on getting royalties. Most of the people I associate are with BMI.

What is the hardest part of dealing with publishing?

When people ask for a percentage of money you don’t feel they’ve earned. Often you deal with people who don’t know much about publishing. Then you have to explain why you get paid for certain things and then you have to print things out to them.

A lot of the so-called “publishing companies” think money is supposed to show up magically. They don’t want to work for their percentage.

How do you shop your music around?

I used to be dumb enough that making the song and somebody would tell someone and then everyone would love my music. Now I talk to people who have connections in the industry. It can be word of mouth, just as long as it's the right mouth speaking the words.

What is your publishing name?

I use my real name.

Do you keep your lyrics in a special notebook?

No. My lyrics are just as scattered as the thoughts in my mind.

You can contact Parker at  @straferishere. 

 Have a great day,

@caramelsarajo