Sayings like this have been swirling around the world for centuries. Do we pay attention to them? Do they apply to someone trying to make their mark in the music business? Are we ready at all times to leave a lasting impression? Good or bad, the way we carry and present ourselves will leave a mark.

As you consider the big picture, don’t overlook the importance of the details. Here is a quick list of pointers to consider before presenting yourself in a music business situation:

Always have a business card. This may seem stiff or official, but how else is someone going to contact you after they hear you play live or witness your musical magic? You have to be ready. Business cards that are unique are more memorable. Consider putting a picture of yourself on the card—people are 90% visual, this helps. Also, try setting the type on the card in a portrait layout as opposed to the typical landscape layout that most others use. Be sure to consider what title you are going to use on the card, don’t sell yourself short!

Clothing. Not a case of whether or not to wear it, but what to wear. Are you a songwriter trying to be a writing artist; what’s your style? Even if you are a songwriter trying to fade into the background and collect the money after the artists go on tour and sell the records, it is still important to know who you are, what you stand for, and to wear it on your sleeve (no pun intended). No need to jump out and hire a stylist on day one (or two for that matter). Just begin to be a student of your idols, the great artists and entertainers that managed to know their brand and market it to the world. A few names that come to mind are Dolly Parton, Elvis, and Lady Gaga; hit up your favorite online search engine and start researching.

Have multiple demo CDs on hand. The magic number for how many tunes to include is still up for debate. Somewhere between 1-3 songs is a safe bet. When making the CDs, put the killer song on first (if including multiple songs). You may only have their attention for thirty seconds; don’t lead with the ballad. When making the CDs, put your name and contact information on the CD, the case, and the envelope. This may seem like overkill, but it will help if the items get separated. Remember that really unique business card you designed in step one? If you slip a blank CD with the card in an unidentified envelope and it gets lost in the shuffle, how will that really excited publisher or producer contact you??

Social Media Expert? Even if your Twitter account doesn’t rival that of Kim Kardashian, or if your Facebook fan page doesn’t have over a million “likes” you should still have one and must have a presence in the social media world. Sites like ReverbNation help songwriters and artists integrate all their sites to “pull in and talk to each other” so this D.I.Y. generation can continue to march forward and make music! While we are on the topic of technology, have an e-mail account. In this day and age, this should go without saying, but still some people are afraid of technology. That’s fine if you are, but you have to realize there are plenty of people who aren’t and they are the ones with the drive, embracing technology and using it to advance their presence in the music industry.

Be open to learning. This last point touches on your attitude and readiness to soak in the knowledge around you. When you walk in for a meeting with a publisher, present yourself as a listener, someone ready to “learn-of-them.” A teachable spirit, one with grace, is always easier for people to respect and do business with. At a music networking event, don’t stroll around the room with an over-confident chip on your shoulder while name-dropping who you have worked with and who you know; people may begin to avoid you. Just be yourself—be confident yet humble. That is a gentle balancing act that is hard to learn.

The list of tips could go on. These five are a springboard, hopefully making you think about your presentation. Whether you like it or not, whether you are a songwriter or an artist—you have an image. Only you know what that image is, what it stands for, and how you want it to look. At NSAI, it all begins with a song; in your career, it all begins with how you present yourself.

Barrett Strong is a Motown songwriting legend with BMI certified hits like:

• “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”
• “War”
• “Smiling Faces”
• “Cloud Nine”
• “I Can’t Get Next to You”
• “Psychedelic Shack”
• “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today)”
• “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”
• “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)”

The night was packed with killer performances by Markey, John Ford Coley, Sarah Buxton, Eliza Neals, and the McCrary Sisters just to name a few. One of the most memorable performances of the evening was when Barrett’s son Chelson Strong took the stage to perform his father’s hit “Ball of Confusion.”  Chelson is a hip-hop artist in CA and he captivated the crowd.  After his performance, he opened up about how his father encouraged him into a life of music.  Chelson told the crowd his father encouraged him to always be relevant as a songwriter and that his father is as amazing a role model as he is songwriter – it was certainly one of the most touching points of the evening.

In between the celebration of songs, an auction was conducted to raise money to help Barrett with medical costs related to his recent stroke.  Autographed guitars were hot items, but not as coveted as the hand-written lyrics “War” autographed by Barrett himself.  A bidding war ensued starting at $500.00 and ending at just over $2100.00.  The proud owner of the lyrics took the stage and taunted the crowd to come over to visit because that is the only place you will be able to see these lyrics now!

Sarah Buxton ended the official performance portion of the night with her colorful rendition of Barrett’s hit “Smiling Faces.” After this, Barrett was escorted to the stage by his son Chelson and he proceeded to share personal stories about his journey as a songwriter in legendary Motown. The crowd offered up questions and Barrett shared how proud he was of his ability to come up with unique grooves and always keep his music relevant.

The evening ended with a 10 minute rendition of “Heard It Through The Grapevine” with all the artists taking the stage to join in song and honor Barrett’s legendary career as a hit songwriter. The songs of Barrett Strong are most definitely an integral part of not only Motown but of music history as a whole.  His songs will be the soundtrack for generations to come.

Money – Barrett Strong

Marvin Gaye – Heard It Through The Grapevine

The Temptations – Papa Was A Rolling Stone

NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT FIVE

NASHVILLE, TN August 22, 2011 (As written and released by the NaSHOF) — The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) today announced this year’s inductees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame: from the Songwriter category, hit writers John Bettis, Thom Schuyler and Allen Shamblin; from the Songwriter/Artist category, Country superstars Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson.

The five new inductees will be welcomed into the elite songwriting community by their peers at the 41st Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, presented by AT&T, on Sunday, October 16th at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

“These five very talented individuals are among an era of powerhouse writers and artists who propelled country music to unparalleled heights beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and also made substantial contributions to popular and rock music,” said John Van Mol, chairman of NaSHOF. “We look forward to a fantastic evening of recognition for our inductees, and great entertainment for all who attend.”

Van Mol said the NaSHOF board of directors decided to increase the number of inductees this year to five from the traditional three, as has been done in some years in the past. “Songwriters and songwriter/artists with ties to Nashville have made our city the songwriting capital of the world,” Van Mol said. “This year’s inductees have greatly enhanced that reputation and are richly deserving of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame honors.”

Bettis’ songwriter credits include Pop/Country crossover hits such as “Top Of The World” (The Carpenters, Lynn Anderson) and “Slow Hand” (The Pointer Sisters, Conway Twitty). Schuyler’s resume is known for hits such as “Love Will Turn You Around” (Kenny Rogers) and “A Long Line Of Love” (Michael Martin Murphey). Shamblin is the tunesmith behind “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (Bonnie Raitt) and “The House That Built Me” (Miranda Lambert). Brooks popularized many of his own compositions such as “The Thunder Rolls” and “The River.” Jackson created hits from many of his self-penned songs such as “Chattahoochee” and “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).”

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony is one of the music industry’s foremost events of the year. The evening features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. NaSHOF’s sister organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), also presents its annual awards for the year’s best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by the professional songwriters division.

About the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame:
Established in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame boasts 179 members, including songwriting luminaries such as Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell, Bob Dylan, Don & Phil Everly, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Harlan Howard, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Bill Monroe, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Carl Perkins, Dottie Rambo, Jimmie Rodgers, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb, Hank Williams, Sr. and Hank Williams, Jr. It was announced in September 2007 that the future home of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will be the historic building at 34 Music Square East, former home of the Quonset Hut, Columbia Studio A, Columbia and Epic Records and Sony Music Nashville. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will become the first organization honoring songwriters to emerge from a virtual entity to one with a physical location. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit foundation dedicated to honoring and preserving the songwriting legacy of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The NaSHOF’s principal purposes are to educate, archive and celebrate songwriting that is uniquely associated with the Nashville music community. More information is available at http://nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/.

Inductee Biographical Information:
A 2011 inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, John Bettis is the only songwriter of his generation who has repeatedly topped the Pop, Country, R&B and Adult Contemporary charts. His biggest Country hits include “Heartland” (George Strait), “Only One Love In My Life” (Ronnie Milsap) and “One Of A Kind Pair Of Fools” (Barbara Mandrell). His successes on the Pop hit parade include “One Moment In Time” (Whitney Houston), “Human Nature” (Michael Jackson) and “Crazy For You” (Madonna). “Top Of The World” topped both charts (Lynn Anderson, The Carpenters), as did his Nashville-written “Slow Hand” (The Pointer Sisters, Conway Twitty), while The Carpenters’ “I Need To Be In Love” and “Yesterday Once More” topped the AC charts. The California native has been co-writing in Nashville since 1971 and has been a full-time resident since 1996.

Certified by the RIAA as the #1 selling solo artist in US history, Garth Brooks has sold more than 128 million albums and is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have six albums top the 10 million mark. His most recent release The Ultimate Hits has been certified 5x platinum. His body of work includes groundbreaking albums No Fences, Ropin’ The Wind, The Hits and Double Live – all of which helped propel country music as a genre to the front pages of newspapers and magazines worldwide. Since breaking onto the charts in 1989, Brooks has covered a variety of styles, including working class blues, honky tonk, bluegrass and arena rock. As a songwriter his credits include “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and “We Shall Be Free,” to name a few. Brooks has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist, including two Grammys®, 17 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, five World Music Awards, 12 People’s Choice Awards, and 36 Billboard Music Awards. He was named Artist of the ‘90s at the 1997 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, received the Artist Achievement Award at the 1997 Billboard Music Awards, was named Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards in 2000 and the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1999. In 2001, in the midst of one of the most successful careers in music history, Brooks retired and moved back to Oklahoma to raise his children. In 2008, Brooks headlined President Obama’s Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. In 2009, Brooks emerged out of retirement and entered a five-year performing relationship with Las Vegas resort developer, Steve Wynn. He recently finished an astonishing nine concerts to raise $5 million for the flood relief efforts in Nashville, Tennessee.

Alan Jackson’s songs are distinguished by straightforward, honest and back-to-basics Country sincerity. He has written or co-written 24 #1 songs for himself, including “Remember When,” “Good Time,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” “Where I Come From” and the career highlights “Chattahoochee” and “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).” “Chattahoochee” won a CMA Song of the Year award. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” won Song of the Year honors from the CMA, the ACM and the Grammys. He was ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1993, 1994 and 1998; Jackson was ASCAP’s Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year in 2002, 2003, 2008 and 2009; and in 2010 he was honored with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award. Jackson was NSAI’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year in 1991, 1992, 2002, 2007 and 2008. In addition, he has penned or co-written hits for other artists, notably the #1 songs “A Better Class Of Losers” (Randy Travis) and “If I Could Make A Living” (Clay Walker). The Georgia native is a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and a member of the Grand Ole Opry – in fact, he’s one of the most-honored singer-songwriters of the last 20 years, with a total of two Grammys, 16 CMA Awards and 17 ACM Awards to his credit. Jackson’s songs span 13 studio albums, three hits collections, two holiday albums and a critically-acclaimed gospel album with combined global sales of nearly 60-million. He was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2001. One of country music’s most-prolific songwriters, Jackson’s latest hit is “Long Way to Go,” the first single from his forthcoming debut album on EMI Records Nashville and his own ACR (Alan’s Country Records) venture. Recent credits also include “You’d Be Lonesome, Too,” from the new Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams project, spearheaded by Bob Dylan. Jackson completed the song based on original unfinished lyrics by the legend.

During his Nashville career, Bethlehem, PA native Thom Schuyler has worn many hats — A&R executive at RCA; recording artist for Capitol Records (solo) and for MTM Records (as a member of the trios S-K-O [Schuyler, Knobloch & Overstreet] and S-K-B [Schuyler, Knobloch & Bickhardt]) and songwriting instructor at Belmont University. Additionally, he is often credited as a founder of Nashville’s popular “in the round” style of songwriter showcases. After moving to Music City in 1978, Thom was signed to Eddie Rabbitt’s publishing company. In 1982, Thom’s “Love Will Turn You Around” (Kenny Rogers) was named ASCAP Country Song of the Year. Other songwriting credits include “I Don’t Know Where To Start” (Eddie Rabbitt), “A Long Line Of Love” (Michael Martin Murphey), “My Old Yellow Car” (Dan Seals), “I Fell In Love Again Last Night” (The Forester Sisters), “Years After You” (John Conlee) and “Love Out Loud” (Earl Thomas Conley). His “Point of Light” (Randy Travis) was the theme song for President George H.W. Bush’s volunteerism campaign. “16th Avenue” (Lacy J. Dalton) is the unofficial anthem of Music Row’s songwriting community.

Allen Shamblin was born in Tennessee but raised near Houston, Texas. He moved to Music City in 1987. He is noted for heartfelt sentimentality in such hit titles as “He Walked On Water” (Randy Travis), “In This Life” (Collin Raye) and “Life’s A Dance” (John Michael Montgomery), as well as hits such as “Thinkin’ Problem” (David Ball), “Walk On Faith” (Mike Reid) and “We Were In Love” (Toby Keith). His co-written “Don’t Laugh At Me” (Mark Wills) won NSAI’s 1998 Song of the Year. Among his Contemporary Christian cuts is the Dove-Award winner “It’s In God’s Hands Now” (Anointed). His biggest successes have come with Bonnie Raitt’s Grammy-nominated Pop rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “The House That Built Me” (Miranda Lambert), which was named 2010 Song of the Year by NSAI, the ACM and the CMA.

Guest Blogger: Olivia Mitchell

Hello! My name is Olivia Mitchell and I’m a country/pop singer-songwriter from North Carolina. As an independent artist in the midst of this new technological era of music, I’ve resorted to promoting my songs via numerous online social networking sites. Though Facebook and Twitter have definitely helped me solidify my fan base, YouTube is where it all started.

YouTube is the site where I have attracted the majority of my fans, and YouTube is the site where I will continue to do so. I’ve been a steady “YouTuber” for about three years now and have garnered over 26,000 subscribers along the way without any source of outside promotion or help. So, I thought I would share some tips with you, in case you ever decide to start your own channel:

• Use your actual name as your username! (Ex. If your name is Sam Smith, choose the username “SamSmith” if it is available. If that name is taken, choose “SamSmithMusic.” Making your YouTube username your actual name makes your channel easier to find than a channel with the username of “Swifty4everXO12” or something else long and hard to remember.
• Pay attention to filming details and quality. If at all possible, film your videos with an HD camera in a well-lit room! Also, be sure that both you and the room you’re filming in look presentable when filming! (The nicer the video looks, the longer you will hold the viewer’s attention.)
• FREE downloads. Post free MP3 downloads of all your videos in the video description. Sendspace is a good site to use for this.
• Post a mix of cover songs and original songs. Though you are trying to promote your own music, the chance of people randomly stumbling upon an original song they’ve never heard before is rare. To draw people into your channel, you have to post videos with tags people will be searching for (“Eminem Cover – Love The Way You Lie,” “Me Singing Baby by Justin Bieber,” etc.) Once someone searches for Eminem or Justin Bieber and watches your cover video, they will click on your channel and listen to an original song if they like your voice/style.
• It is crucial to add at least one linked annotation to every video you post. I usually put one in the top corner of my videos for about 15 seconds that says “Click to subscribe!” or something like that. This way, the little pop-up box will give the viewer a quick reminder and easy way to subscribe to your channel. Another good way to use annotations is on cover songs; about a third to midway through the cover, put an annotation saying “Click here to check out my new original song” and the link the annotation to your newest original song video. This way, you can use covers/popular tags to lure in viewers, and the annotations will then lead them to your own original music.
• Post on a consistent basis. If you post a new video every Tuesday, your followers will develop a routine of checking your channel that day; they will know when they can expect a new video. Posting on a consistent regular basis makes it easier for fans to keep up with your newest material.
• Send messages to other YouTubers! Tell them what you like about their channel, and at the end of the message, request that they check out yours. By developing relationships with YouTubers with large fan bases, these popular YouTube personalities may eventually put you in their box, or the list of suggested channels on their own channel. Though most of the time, people with lots of views and fans will not respond, it doesn’t hurt to send your stuff to as many people as you can.
• Collaboration is key. If you have the means, get together with other YouTubers and film duets. By collaborating with other YouTube singers and posting the duets, you “trade fans,” or expose your voice/music to each other’s subscriber base.
• Post your videos as video responses to other videos with a lot of views. This way, when people finish watching that much-viewed video, they can scroll down, see your video response, and click on it.
• Always give the details to connect your sites. In the description box of all your videos, as well as in your channel description, post links to your other websites (Facebook fan page, Twitter, domain, etc.).

Check out Olivia’s most recent YouTube release

Exhibits with brand new musical products will also be displayed, along with lots of live music and the 10th Anniversary World’s Fastest Drummer Competition! Artists hunting for endorsement deals will be playing the rooms and looking to raise excitement.  This conference is important to everyone in an artist’s camp, stop in and see why!

Wanna see the schedule of events? Click here

Tickets for NAMM are $20 at the door.

The representatives from NAMM believe you can grow your business this week with…

* Increased time. Maximize your business goals with new show days/hours-Thursday through Saturday-designed to help facilitate business on the show floor.

* Innovative products. Be there for launches, as well as introductions of the newest brands. Get a head start by revitalizing and invigorating your inventory just in time for the fall and holiday selling seasons.

* Influential retailers. You and your peers can attend the Top 100 Dealer Awards, a new event recognizing the best of the best. By attracting these top-notch businesses, you can network, share and grow with like-minded professionals.

* Intimate environment. Summer NAMM promotes more face-to-face time to meet with manufacturers, talk about product details and make purchasing plans for the busy third and fourth quarters.

* Instant excitement by consumers. On Saturday, the public will be able preview the latest products during Wanna Play Music Day–hopefully followed by a visit to their local music retail store.

* Insights from thought leaders. The NAMM U Breakfast Sessions feature a variety of industry insiders who can help you to identify business trends and plan for the future.

* Inspiring ideas from industry experts. Shorter, focused professional development sessions are presented every half hour at the Idea Center, Booth #837, where you can gain tools and tips on everything from retail design to technology.

After you go, stop back by the N.M.B. and tell us what you thought.

“The last 10 years have shown a shift in the music industry in many aspects. How we consume our music, the formats that we acquire, the way money is earned, and so much more. Another aspect I’ve noticed is the general age of artists and the way they are marketed. Justin Beiber, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and so many more that pop up here and there. Some to stay, others to fade into the musical folds of time.” (Josh Walker)

TLC’s Toddler’s & Tiaras takes its audience through the hectic day in the life of rising child beauty queens. Contestants on America’s Got Talent that are under 5 feet tall as well as the age of 12 seem to steal the hearts of the audience.  Are young singer-songwriters captivating the music industry as well?

Youth are consuming more music via their iPods, smart phones, and YouTube than ever before.  Even most schools allow students to roam the halls with music in their ear buds.  This deluge of music is making younger and younger songwriters that are actually on to something good.

Local singer-songwriter, Bonner Black,  is a 15 year artist-in-the-making taking on Nashville, TN.  Bonner is in the 11th grade, and she lives in Southern TN with her Mom, Dad, and little sister on their family farm. She is in Nashville regularly performing and writing.  We threw a few questions Bonner’s way to see what could share about the music world from her perspective.

Where are you from? Are you there now? Why haven’t you moved to Nashville?

I am originally from Huntsville AL, but I now live in Hot Rock TN. Hot Rock is a very small community, it can’t really even be called a town. My neighbors are about a half a mile over the hill. Haha! I live about an hour and fifteen minutes from Nashville, so it’s not too bad. I haven’t moved to Nashville just because it isn’t best for my family. Daddy’s business is here, my little sister’s gymnastics center and all of her friends are here, Mom is happy here, and we all love our farm. I can be in Nashville anytime I want to be or need to be pretty quickly from where we live.

How has your perspective changed in the last year and a half since making the regular effort to be a part of the Nashville music industry scene?

My perspective has changed a lot being the music industry. I think my whole outlook on life now is just that… you have to work hard. Things aren’t just going to be handed to you. Sometimes people look at me and say “oh she just has everything handed to her. Her parents buy her clothes, drive her to Nashville, and she just writes songs”. What they don’t see is that I always give my mom and dad most of my tip money to pay for clothes and gas to Nashville. And songwriting is hard work. I just really have to work hard and prove myself to everyone.

What are the challenges you face as a 15 year old?

People not taking me seriously. When you come to Nashville young, you have to prove yourself. You have to prove that your not just some little teenybopper skipping into Nashville wanting to be a famous super star tomorrow. You have to prove that you’re a hard working young adult and you have roots too. I’ve always just tried to be my best in performances, co-writes, and even just in conversation. I try not to say “like” too much when I’m talking to adults, I always try to bring as many ideas as I can into a co-write, and always look polished when I’m performing. I just want people to take me seriously.

How long have you been writing seriously?

I’ve been writing little snippets of songs forever, but I’ve only been writing seriously since I was 13. I was a classical ballerina for 11 years before I ever even thought of becoming a singer/songwriter. I think the more I started writing and playing in my bedroom a few minutes a day, the more I started thinking “wow… I want to do music instead of ballet!”. I came to Nashville for the first time right before my 14th birthday.

How many hours a week do you write?

It’s hard to really say how many hours a week I write… On a week that I have some co-writes, that obviously adds 6 or 9 hours to it. I write a lot at home though. If I had to make a guess, I would say I write about 2 or 3 hours a day in all. But I write anywhere – in the parking lot at Target, on the road to Nashville, and even during school (SORRY MOM AND DAD!). I spend a lot of time practicing vocals and performance skills too.

What is the equation to your music business strategy?

Networking+Good songs+networking+networking= dream. You just have get to know people and be nice. I don’t think it’s a secret that the music business is all about knowing people. You just gradually climb up the ladder.

Have you set goals? How do you go about achieving them?

My personal goal is to be a successful recording artist. To me that means fame like Shania Twain+Celine Dion… I know that’s a pretty high goal, but sometimes you’ve got to dream that big. My plan is just to work hard. Write as much as I can, perform, and do as much as I can. Pretty much just to do my best, because I know that’s all I can do. I’m a girl of faith and I believe God has a plan for me. His plan could be to give me the fame I want, or to have me become a zoo keeper in a Botswana Africa!! lol. I just ask that His will be done because I know that only that will make me truly happy.

Do you have mentors? Who? Why is that important? What is one piece of advice they have given to you?

I don’t have a real “mentor”. I look up to everyone and learn all that I can. I look up to people like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Celine Dion, and more. You can learn a lot from just listening to their interviews, but you can also learn so much from the people at NSAI. Ms. Sheree and Ms. Debbie have helped me so much by encouraging and helping me set my goals. Bart Herbison has been such a blessing to me too. I try to just listen to the world around me and learn from everything. If there was one piece of advice I cherish most, it would have to be something my old ballet teacher, Clinton Rothwell, used to tell me all the time. I’d be struggling with a move that seemed so complicated, and he would break it down and I would realize that the move was just a bunch of little moves I already knew… just put together. Then he would always say, “Just do what you know. Always go back to technique”. That has always stuck with me.

What is YOUR best piece of advice?

My biggest advice? Hmmmm… I guess my advice is just to love what you do and to try to take some time out to write by yourself. A few weeks ago I realized I was just getting stressed out, I had a million co-writes going on, and I hadn’t written a song by myself in forever. I had just forgotten why I loved music. So about a week ago, I went outside while it was raining and wrote a song by myself. I didn’t send any business emails, and I didn’t even think about the music “industry”. I just focused on the music. Sometimes it’s good to just step away, and remember the “music” part. Love what you do.

For more on Bonner Black, find her on facebook

This invite-only event was made possible courtesy of AT&T.  Starting with Valet parking, guests were then ushered into the arena where people were buzzing about what songs would be sung.  The band was warmed up from their performance on the 2011 CMT Music Awards that took place the night before.

The show started out with a mix of Van Morison and The Beatles as Keith and the band took their place to open up the afternoon with “Put You In A Song.”  He went on to play favorites like:

• “Only You Can Love Me This Way”
• “You Gonna Fly”
• “Long Hot Summer”
• “Making Memories of Us”
• Plus more!

This performance was a chance to run lighting, song order, and video effects.  The set design included a huge screen that helped to set the stage for the songs at hand.  For more intimate portions of the show, it would display images of Keith and the band – allowing the viewer to “Get Closer.”

Keith took himself very humbly and noted multiple times that this was a rehearsal, that the real show would be so much more.  It was clear between the cameras going off, the crowd singing along, and the screams that filled in the gaps, no one was let down. You could tell Keith loves what he does.  He was at home on stage with the guitar and his smiles brought the crowd in even more.

One Country music surprise was the video/audio collaboration of a Little Big Town song, “Boondocks.”  After the outro for “You Gonna Fly” Keith and the band went into the bluegrass ending of the LBT hit.  The members of LBT sang along on the video screen while Keith and the band accompanied.  The crowd was pleasantly surprised.

Between rocking out on stage and playing acoustic guitar out in the crowd, Keith knows how to keep the fans’ attention – not to mention the high caliber of musicians in the band.  This sneak preview peaked interest and added to the buzz that is already starting.  Check out the tour schedule and be sure not to miss Keith Urban’s Get Closer 2011 World Tour.

Collaborative Video of the Year WINNERS Justin Beiber & Rascall Flatts

Last night, Bridgestone Arena was alive with energized country music fans and the artists they love and admire.  The 2011 CMT Music Awards kicked off the busy week here in Music City with belt buckle awards landing in the laps of deserving Country artists.

Hosting the show, Kid Rock was able to keep things rolling even a fan threw a pair of intimate apparel up on stage to “honor” him.   Although that display of affection took us by surprise, nothing shocked viewers more than Shania’s slip an fall as she entered the scene to make her presentation.  Everyone knows that the courageous person get’s back up after a fall and moves on graciously and she did just that!

Live performances stole the show.  From Big and Rich to Zac Brown floating away in sea scape set to Sugarland’s Joplin, MO tribute, the crowd was certainly entertained.  Closing out the night was Jason Aldean’s dirt road performance with Ludacris.  Country music has come a long way, that’s for sure!

Justin Beiber’s appearance made the fans scream but not as much as recent American Idol winner Scotty McCreery when he made an appearance to take the mic as a presenter.  Country music has taken center stage between the award shows, reality TV talent contests and in town this week with the CMA Music Festival (June 9-12).  Get out there and catch some Country fever!

Click to view slideshow.

Here is a list of the night’s winners:

Video of the Year – Taylor Swift, “Mine”

Male Video of the Year – Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”

Female Video of the Year – Miranda Lambert, “The House That Built Me”

Group Video of the Year – Lady Antebellum, “Hello World”

Duo Video of the Year – Sugarland, “Stuck Like Glue”

USA Breakthrough Video of the Year – The Band Perry, “If I Die Young”

Collaborative Video of the Year – Justin Beiber, featuring Rascall Flatts, “That Should Be Me”

CMT Performance of the Year – Zac Brown Band & Jimmy Buffett, “Margaritaville” from CMT Crossroads: Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band

Best Web Video of the Year – Blake Shelton, “Kiss My Country Ass”

Video Director of the Year – Trey Fanjoy, “The House That Built Me”

Nationwide Insurance On Your Side Award – The Band Perry

Back in 1967 a group of Nashville songwriters thought it would be a good idea to band together and form a songwriter’s association.  This organization of like-minded writers would come together to protect the rights, interests and dreams of songwriters.  They took Denis Waitley’s comments to heart and formed Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Today, NSAI is in it’s 44th year, and it is stronger than ever!  Acting as the unofficial “Chamber of Commerce” for Music Row, it is a buzzing hive of activity. 

If you have ever said, “I am a songwriter, now what?” then NSAI is for you.  The music business professionals at NSAI are passionate about taking you and your songs to the next level.  Through workshops, networking and educational events, one-on-one mentoring, and song evaluations you are challenged with methods to enhance the craft of songwriting as well as concepts about the business of music that will give you a whole new perspective about the journey ahead.

If you were a lawyer or a teacher you would join a professional association dedicated to the craft of what you do – songwriting is no different.  NSAI’s invaluable tools and commitment to it’s members attracts people that are serious about the business of songwriting.  Whether your destiny is to have thirty number one hits or it is to be a weekend poet that sings at your local music venue, becoming a member of NSAI will help to enhance the kernels of ability that you have so that you bloom where you are planted.

One thing that sets NSAI apart from other organizations is the legislative work that Executive Director, Bart Herbison, is so magnetically focused on.  He is determined to promote the rights of songwriters on Capitol Hill.  His work has put more money back in the pockets of songwriters and that will always be welcomed. Illegal downloading sights might not like him, but the songwriting community sure does!

There are misconceptions about NSAI that need to be disbanded and put to rest.  It is not “AA” for songwriters.  It is not a place where songwriters come to cry and “woe is me” their way through the day.  The over 6,000 member organization has every one from the just starting, 14 year old new member to hitmakers like Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood who are proud to be lifetime members.  The members come together to discuss their perspective, journey, questions, and their music.  This synergy helps the songwriters to learn from one another as well as the industry professionals that help to facilitate the events.

Do yourself a favor and make the best investment you will ever make in your career as a songwriter.  Take ten minutes and comb their site for yourself and then join the club!  NSAI’s slogan, “It all starts with a song,” is true – but right now, for you it all starts with a CLICK.  Check out their site, call the offices, and even stop in and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

The event was filled with music arranged specifically for the night played flawlessly by the orchestra.  This sold-out performance honored Bill and Gloria while simultaneously contributing to The Gospel Music Trust Fund and the non-profit activities of TNC.

It is wild to think that one year ago today the May flooding changed the history of the Schermerhorn. News Channel 5 points out, “It’s hard to forget more than 20 feet of water covered the lower level of that building, destroying pianos and other musical equipment. The Schermerhorn re-opened eight months later on New Year’s Eve (2010).”  The musical community of Nashville is relieved to know that the legacy and music of the symphony will live on!

Joining the voices of the Nashville Choir was a heavenly mix of Christian recording artists.  The list of vocalists included The Isaacs, Mark Lowry, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Michael W. Smith, The Gaither Vocal Band, Buddy Greene, Sheila Walsh, David Phelps, and Steve Green.  Gordon Mote spent most of the night blessing the crowd with his talents at the piano.

The guest artists join the choir in the green room prior to the event to pray for the evening.

This once-in-a-lifetime tribute to the Grammy and Dove Award Winning songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither featured the following list of their beloved songs:

• “There’s Something About That Name”
• “Something Beautiful”
• “This Is The Time I Must Sing”
• “Because He Lives”
• “I Don’t Belong”
• “He Touched Me”
• “Anthem For Christmas”
• “I’ve Just Seen Jesus”
• “Gentle Shepherd”
• “I Then Shall Live”
• PLUS MORE!!!!

In reference to the Gaither Tribute, the director of the Nashville Choir, John Coates, says, “We are overjoyed to share this evening with Bill and Gloria, celebrating 50 years of the impact of their music.  The fruit of their life’s work is a body of songs recognized and loved by people all over the world.”

John goes on to mention, “A highlight of this grand event has been the opportunity to work once more with the life-long friend and mentor Ronn Huff.  His level of musical excellence and dedication to his craft and to his Creator cannot be fully comprehended, only deeply appreciated.”  Pictured to the left, Ronn goes over details of the night’s event with John as the choir and all involved participants do one last run through of the concert.

The Nashville Choir certainly delivered a treat to the attendees of last night’s memorable evening.  After the garden of lyrics mixed with the mind-blowing vocal ability married the talent of the orchestra, Bill and Gloria were met with thunderous applause when they took the stage to reflect on the lifetime of memories the music had brought to mind.

As Bill shared stories from their journey, Mark Lowry managed to throw a few jokes in to get people smiling from ear to ear.  Bill joined The Gaither Vocal Band, the Nashville Choir, and the crowd in song and inspired the room with a few of his favorites.  Gloria wrapped up the evening before the final song as she poignantly gave the back story to “I Then Shall Live.” She explained how it was in response to the Francis Schaeffer book, “How Should We Then Live?”

Shelia Walsh, the host of the evening, said it best when she noted that Bill and Gloria write songs with fruit on all the branches.  Some songs are like the fruit on the lowest branch so that a child can reach (understand) them.  Other songs meet the listener at eye level helping us to see life exactly where we are.  Then there are songs that are on the highest branches of the tree – these songs help us to look up and long for heaven.

The words of “I Then Shall Live” mirror that tree analogy.  It not only points to how we are to live while we are here on earth, but verse three notes the coming of a kingdom and gives the listener hope for a better day. Bill and Gloria – thank you for sharing your love of music, lyrical ability, and most of all your heart with the world.  This evening was a delight!

Click to view slideshow.I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.

I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.