How Are Our Pitches Made?
Below is a more detailed look at our daily activities, and in particular, an overview of how a client's Schedule A Song(s) pitches are arranged for, scheduled and carried out.
We receive information and requests for new song material through a variety of means and sources. For example, we are constantly in touch with those involved in recording projects through phone calls and emails. But, the process of collecting and effectively using this information can be somewhat more complex.
To that end we:
-arrange and attend private pitch meetings with Artists, Managers and Record Label Executives.
-utilize paid subscription source information compiled by industry researchers.
-receive info concerning recording dates directly from Record Labels.
-attend "by-invitation-only" Artist showcases.
-receive "pre-press" notices of events such as Artist record deal signings, Record Producer assignments, and recording schedules from Labels and Artist Managers.
-And last, but certainly not least, we get tips and info from a substantial network of friends and business associates (for which we are eternally grateful!)
-Once we know the recording project managers' preferred pitching method, we schedule and make our pitches accordingly during the window of opportunity relative to each Artists' Project.
Sit Down Meetings... We are fortunate to have earned the (much sought after) privilege of sit down meetings with Record Label A&R Reps, Producers, Artist Managers, and sometimes the Artists themselves. Our time is limited in these meetings, but usually we get to pitch 5 to 10 songs. The songs pitched in these meetings must be the best possible pitches for the project. Otherwise, we will not be granted another appointment. It's also important to note that we're often asked to bring additional pitch comps to these meetings which creates the opportunity to pitch more Springbarrel songs. Since the Label Reps have heard the "cream of the crop" at the sit down meetings, they automatically associate our name with great songs and are far more likely to listen when pitch comps arrive bearing the Springbarrel or SSServices label. This opens up additional opportunities for songs written by our new and upcoming writers to be heard by the right people.
Requests To Hand Deliver Pitch Comps... When sit down meetings aren't immediately possible due to the time constraints of a Label Rep's current daily schedule, they will honor us with a request to hand deliver pitch comps directly to their offices. (Many listen to comps while commuting to and from work.) These pitches are followed with calls and emails so the Rep can be sure the pitch is pertinent and has been requested by them personally.
Requests to Mail Pitch Comps... On a given day it would be difficult (if not impossible) for any person to be the acquaintance of every Rep at every Label in every music market across the country. Along with the enormity of this is the fact that a few Labels insist they don't grant sit down meetings because their Artists write the vast majority of their own material. For these and other reasons, we sometimes request the privilege of mailing pitch comps to out-of-town Reps. But, we do so only after contacting the right person at the Label to obtain the info needed to properly make the pitch. Nonetheless, we're glad to report this method can be successful. We regularly receive emails and calls thanking us for pitch comps we've mailed to projects recorded outside Nashville.
In-Office Meetings... Producers, A&R Reps, and Artists make appointments to stop by our office to listen to new material and have pitch comps be prepared for them. We are happy to report that the frequency and duration of these meetings has increased from day one. Not only are we able to extend our hospitality to these decision makers, we provide them additional songs to consider at their convenience for current or upcoming projects.
Lunch Meetings... These meetings are a well-tested method of staying informed. We're able to casually discuss upcoming Artist Projects, get updates on the types songs already cut, the type of material still needed for the Artist, and other pertinent project information.
Songplugger Group Meetings... Our involvement with Professional Songplugger Groups allows us to further develop relationships with guest speakers chosen among the A&R Reps, Producers, Artists, and Managers we have mentioned so often in these paragraphs. The up-close-and-personal nature of these informative meetings means the shared experiences of the individual members will benefit all. In fact, membership in professional organizations is as important in the music industry as it is in any other business.
Summary... In closing, it's important to note that although certain aspects of our business may seem quite simple on the surface, the opportunity for success in music is usually earned over time - it is the culmination of much effort made through many relationships that are developed throughout the years. And, while ever-mindful that the writer's goal of composing a great song presents its own set of challenges, we heartily welcome the great challenge of finding that song a good home.