[davebeckym]

Way to go Pappy!

My next door neighbor played baseball in the Dodgers organization. He finally gave it up at age 26, because he was still playing "A" ball. His chances to make the "show" were slim to none, as he was no longer considered a prospect. But yet he still wonders if he could have made it, did he give up too soon?

If you don't take this chance, you'll always wonder, too.

I would look at it as a great way to get your songs promoted. The record companies and the radio stations think anyone over 30 is too old, so your chances for a big recording career are slim. Your chances at a song writing career are much better, and like I said, this is a great way to promote your songs. So I'd go for it.

Just don't sell the rights to your songs. If they are willing to buy your songs, then they are most certainly worth much, much, more.
Most singer/songwriters write songs that others record, before having success as a recording artist. If you like singing and entertaining, it's a no-brainer, ya gotta go for it.

[terryandrene]

Pappy:

You can have it both ways; take your music on the road and tell the bus driver he's no longer needed 'cause you're the new driver.

Good Luck!

[b3player]

Hiya Pappy,
As you can see from my handle I'm a Hammond B3 player.
I've been in "The Business" on and
off for a long time. I'm 55 and now run a very high
end, extremely private studio.
Over the years I've seen many people's dreams
destroyed by Nashville hype artists. There
seem to be more of these types in Nashville than
anywhere else. Please be mindful of this fact
as you ponder big changes.
The "Mooks" in today's entertainment world set-up
tours to promote records. So unless the contract
offer includes CD promotion, I'd be wary.
If the "agent" does include CD promotion
watch for "recouping of costs" clauses related to
recording and distribution of your disk.
Agents do not traditionaly arrange tours.
They generally sell artists to tour promoters
who are packing talent. These promoters are
interested in filling seats...thus packing known draws.
Record companies on the other hand arrange tours
to market performers on whom the've invested
recording and promotional dollars.
Which catagory do you fall into? Of course you may have a strong reginal following and draw a couple thousand folks to your shows, or sold 20'000 CDs and come to the "Mooks" attention.
In which case offers may be legit.
Perhaps info helps see if the offered
contracts are the real deal. Just can't stand to
see another good person hurt by the foul
dream stealers. Never never ever pay to play.

George

[tom tinker]

Hay Pappy ever play in Sandstone Mn. at Midwest Country Music Theater watched it on R.F.D. TV tonight??? Good down home music.
Hurrier you go the be hinder you get! Tom Tinker