Archive for June, 2011

New Songwriting Submissions

June 28, 2011

Hi All,
Following are new opportunities for you to submit your music to various artists for recording.
As always, feel free to call us or email with questions, comments or just to say hey!

Showcase Announcement:
If you haven’t already submitted and you want to, please let us know ASAP. Submissions will be closed as of Thursday and the line up will be announced shortly thereafter. Our NYC showcase will take place July 15th. All members are eligible. To submit just send us an email with your band/artist name. All performers will perform for and receive feedback from an A&R rep from Island/Def Jam.

Submission Instructions: In order to submit for these projects, please email alexia@musicgorilla.com the title of the submission, the name of the song(s) you are submitting, Band/Artist name and attach the mp3(s) to the email. Please make sure that the music you are submitting is appropriate for the submission and that the song(s) are on MusicGorilla.com. If the song is not what the supervisor is asking for, it will not be submitted.
 
Due to the high profile nature of some of these submissions, it has become necessary for our music editor to screen certain submissions in order for the Music Supervisors to continue accepting material from Music Gorilla. Also, in certain instances there is a limit to the amount of material we can send, these submissions will also be screened. All screened submissions will be noted.

1) CHER (Warner Bros.) *Co-writers*.
65-year-old superstar is in the early stages of pre-production and looking for finished material as well as co-writers. 
STYLE: All tempos of dance, pop and rock, with international appeal, roughly in the same vein as her smash hit, “Do You Believe In Life After Love”.
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2) CHARICE (Warner Bros.) *Co-writers*
19-year-old artist came to fame via YouTube is already in the studio, however, still looking for a few more songs as well as co-writers. 
STYLE: All tempos of alternative, rock, R&B, soul, and pop cuts, similar to her current material.  All tracks should have a youthful vibe that will showcase her vocal  abilities.
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3) IYAZ (Warner Bros)
24-year-old urban pop artist has already cut a few tracks for his newest album. 
STYLE: Pop/R&B uptempos only with the flavor of his hit  “Replay”.  All songs submitted should have a bright, island vibe. 
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4) JASON DERULO (Warner Bros)
Established, 21-year-old, artist is currently in the studio with his new album, but is still open to more sides for this project. 
STYLE: Pop, and R&B, music of all tempos; similar in style to his song “Don’t Wanna  Go Home”.
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5) NEON HITCH (Warner Bros.) *Co-writers*
New female artist, in her early 20’s, has already been in the studio cutting her debut  album but is listening for more songs and possibly co-writers, to complete this  project. 
STYLE: Electro-pop, dance, and pop tunes, up-tempos only.
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6) NEVER SHOUT NEVER (Warner Bros.) *Co-writers*
Aka 20-year-old Christofer Ingle,  in the early stages of pre-production on his current project and is looking for both finished cuts as well as co-writers. 
STYLE: Pop/rock/punk material, up-tempos only.
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7) SABI (Warner Bros.) *Co-writers*
New female artist, in her early 20’s, has already been in and out of the studio with her upcoming album, however, she’s still seeking both finished sides as well as potential co-writers. 
STYLE: Pop. up-tempos only.
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8) THE READY SET (Warner Bros.) *Co-writers*
Fronted by 21-year-old Jordan Witzigreuter who is still busy cutting on his latest project.  He’s interested in hearing more tunes as well as looking for potential co-writers to finish up this album.
STYLE: Pop, rock, and electronic indie-pop of all tempos.
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8) JLS (Jive Records)
Established UK 4-boy band is in pre-production on its latest album which will be used to break them in the U.S.  All of the guys are in their early 20’s.
STYLE: Pop, R&B, and dance/pop singles in the same style as their current hits; mid- and up-tempos only.
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9) JORDIN SPARKS (Jive Records)
American Idol 2007 winner, now aged 21, is just starting pre-production on her next album
STYLE: Mid- and up-tempo, pop with rock or R&B overtones.  All submissions must really be something new and fresh.
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10) TRAVIS PORTER (Jive Records)
Established male hip-hop trio, is just starting pre-production on its upcoming album. 
STYLE: Open to hip-hop, pop-rap, and R&B songs, up-tempos only.  All cuts must have strong urban beats and good hooks, similar in flavor to their current hits.
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11) USHER (Jive Records)
32-year-old R&B superstar is listening for tracks for his next album. 
STYLE:Mid- and up-tempo pop, R&B, and soul material; like his current album.
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12) HOT CHELLE RAE (Jive Records)
Established male pop/rock quartet is already in the studio with its forthcoming album. 
STYLE: All tempos of rock, alternative, dance, and pop from a rock perspective in the vein of their current hit “Tonight, Tonight”.

13) JACOB LATIMORE (Jive Records)
15-year-old artist has already been in the studio with his first album, and seeks more submissions to finish this project.  For sound samples, and more  info. go to his website  
STYLE: All tempos of R&B/pop crossover singles.
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14) FAITH HILL (Warner Bros. Nashville) 
43-year-old country supersat is currently in the studio with her newest album,  but is still listing for more songs for this project.  Byron Gallimore is expected to  be producing. 
STYLE: Contemporary country, country-pop, and country-A/C monster hits of all tempos..
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15) GLORIANA (Warner Bros. Nashville) 
Established quartet is in the studio now cutting its current album, with Matt Serletic producing.  The group is made up of two brothers who play and sing leads as well as two female lead vocalists.  All of the members are in their  early-20’s. 
STYLE: All tempos of country-pop and contemporary country singles, but all songs must be centered around strong harmonies.
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16) JAMES DUPRE (Warner Bros. Nashville) 
Established, 29-year-old, artist is set to start in the studio soon, with Kyle Lenning producing. 
STYLE: Very traditional country hits of all tempos.
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17) THE INVITE (Warner Bros. Nashville) 
New, all male, trio is due to be start cutting its new album soon, however, they still want more tracks for this project, which slated to be co-produced by Nathan Chapman, and Dann Huff.  All of the guys are in their early-20’s..
STYLE: Radio friendly pop/country hits, of all tempos.

18) JASON ALDEAN (Broken Bow Records)
34-year-old country superstar working on his latest album, still needs just a few more songs to complete.   
STYLE: All tempos of radio friendly, country and country/rock, with that classic Aldean flavor.
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19) TOBY KEITH (Show Dog-Universal)
39-year-old country star looking to start in the studio with his new project in mid-July. 
Style: All tempos of contemporary country, and neo-traditionalist country hits.

Great article on Crowdfunding

June 27, 2011

This post was written by guest contributor Brian Meece, CEO of RocketHub – one of the world’s top crowdfunding websites.

Crowdfunding- a new way to gather support for musical projects.

With the advent of modern social networking (and sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), and a habit of building a mailing list, musicians are more connected to an extended network of friends and supporters than ever before.

As a Co-Founder of RocketHub, one of the world’s largest crowdfunding platforms, I have seen thousands of projects raise funds and awareness via this new form of micro-patronage. Crowdfunding platforms can offer the credibility and infrastructure necessary to successfully harness the financial power of the crowd, but because crowdfunding is a new trend, many artists misunderstand how to effectively leverage the tools available to them.

When undertaking a crowdfunding project of your own, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Setting unrealistic fundraising goals: “Internet Angels” (wealthy strangers trolling the internet looking to give away large sums of money) are the exception, not the rule.

• Underestimating the importance of marketing your project: The assumption that “If You Build It, They Will Come” (simply posting to a crowdfunding platform and expecting contributions) is a conviction best left to Kevin Costner movies.

Crowdfunding is WORK, but it is smart work.

Here are 6 Tips for Crowdfunding Success:

1. Identify Your Allies
Crowdfunding is a team sport. Success will require help from your friends, family and wider network. Make a list of your teammates, including direct collaborators, high impact financial contributors, and broadcasters (press contacts and social leaders) who can spread your project to wider circles.

2. Create a Great Project
Make sure that your project is worthy of your time and other people’s attention. Why is your project important to you? If your answer is powerful enough it will resonate with you and others.

3. Be Creative With Rewards
The rewards serve as the foundation for the exchange – so be creative when putting the rewards together. Having the various price points is key to effectively monetizing your network. The different levels of rewards let all those who wish to be involved participate in your crowdfunding campaign – based on their financial means. $20 is the most popular price-point, $50 is the average, and the $100 level is the 3rd most popular. Every reward should be fun to read and must contribute to your brand as a musician. Think of what you can offer beyond the obvious – i.e. if you are a musician that can bake cookies you can tap into your culinary skills to develop original rewards.

4. Prime the Pump
No one wants to be first on the dance floor – it’s equally true in Jr. High School and in crowdfunding. Your first wave of contributions will demonstrate that your project has the momentum necessary to reach your fundraising goal. Before your project goes live, ask your closest friends and supporters to contribute early.

5. Spiral Outward
After securing your first wave of contributions, reach out to wider circles of friends. Thank supporters publicly, via social media, and celebrate the milestones you pass. Keep your connections talking about your progress and encourage them to spread the news through their respective networks.

6. Meet the Press
Once your project has momentum, follow up with the broadcasters mentioned above. With the social proof of your network’s support, your project is ready to meet a larger audience.