A Chat with Alan Roy Scott

On August 17, 1998 Alan Roy Scott was the special guest on our weekly songwriter web chat. Unfortunately, this was the same time that Bill Clinton chose to address the world concerning Monica Lewinski! Hopefully he'll have better timing next time around. Below is a complete logged transcript of the chat.
The topic is:  Guest Speaker: Alan Roy Scott (from neonralph's
- machine)

[neonralph] Alan: Hello everybody...thank you for inviting me to
- join in this chat room tonight. I'm very happy to have all of you
- supporting what I'm trying to do with UNISONG. It is my pleasure
- this evening to share 20 years of war stories from my songwriting
- career, international career, organizational career or any
- questions about anything that's on your mind about UNISONG or
- anything else that I can help you with.
[Shelby] Hi, it's me again, was logged in as Sneak, but was
- diconnected
[JodiMuse] Ok Shelby.  Here's how things are going.  If you hav e
- a question for our guest speaker, please type a "?" and either
- Jeff or myself will queu you to ask it, ok?
JeffM> Thank you for being with us, Alan
[JodiMuse] Would also like to tell people that we are logging
- now. :-)  And thank YOU, Alan.  I'm sure this evening is going to
- be a log of fun - and informative too!
>> Sneak has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Jodi - "log of fun" - pun or typo?
[JodiMuse] <laugh!>  Actually...  I meant to do that.  Yeah. 
- Really. ;-)
JeffM> You live in the LA area then, Alan?
[Bob] log of pun?
[DavidPiano] :-) Funny bob.
[DavidPiano] ?
[JodiMuse] <giggle>
[neonralph] Alan: Beautiful Woodland Hills, the place in the San
- Fernando Valley that they quote in weather reports on the evening
- news as the hottest point. Better yet, I live on the top of a
- hill with no shade to boot. Fried eggs anyone? Step outside....
[DavidPiano] :-)
[JodiMuse] Sounds beautiful, Alan!  You're very lucky!
[JodiMuse] So DP?  Go ahead with your question. :-)
[DavidPiano] OK, thank you, Jodi.
[DavidPiano] Mr Scott, what initially attracted you to
- songwriting and music as a whole?
[neonralph] First of all, I always feel strange when anyone calls
- me Mister, as I still feel about 10 inside, so call me Alan.
- (more)
[DavidPiano] OK. . .
[neonralph] I was one of those children who grew up in a musical
- environment, in my case, the south side of Chicago in the late
- 50s and early 60s. (more)
[neonralph] My father, who was like a God to me, sponsored gospel
- radio shows from the showroom of his Pontiac dealership, live
- every Sunday. This later turned into a live TV show every week.
- (more)
[neonralph] The point is, my earliest memories are always about
- amazing gospel singers, gospel choirs, early Motown acts, hanging
- around backstage with me and calling me "Carrot top." The music
- had a profound effect on me, and I started thinking something was
- wrong with me until I was about 8 and realized my father and I
- were not the only white people around. (more)
[neonralph] With this as a basis in my early childhood, music was
- always an intregral part of my life, from that moment 'til today.
- [stop]
[DavidPiano] From what I do understand of that period, it was a
- very prosperous environment musically.
[JodiMuse] You've definitely been lucky to have such a
- wonderfully musical background, Alan!
[DavidPiano] You are also very lucky to have been in the middle
- of such a soulful music.
[Shelby] ?
[JodiMuse] Ready for another one, Alan?
JeffM> I think Shelby has her hand raised...
[neonralph] Ready, willing and able, ma'am!
[JodiMuse] <nod>  That's who I was referring to, Jeff. :-)
[JodiMuse] Go for it, Shelby!
[Shelby] Alan, when you write a song, do you already have the
- performing artist in mind, or do you write it "generically?"
>> Bob has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Bob has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Welcome back Bob.
[JodiMuse] HI again, Bob!
[Bob] got booted
[neonralph] Alan: The answer to that has two parts: When I was a
- staff writer (for 11 years - 6 for EMI Music and 5 for Jobete
- Music/Motown '79-'90) I was basically a songwriting gun, have
- song, will travel. What I mean is that part of the pressure of
- that gig was being assigned specific artists that were looking
- for songs or film or TV projects that needed a song, and having
- to come up with it (almost overnight, or so it seemed). (more)
[neonralph] As terrible as that may sound, it really gives you
- the chops when you play that commercial game to be able to
- handle whatever is thrown at you. (more)
>> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Our GUEST SPEAKER got booted!
JeffM> Ralph needs a new computer :-)
[DavidPiano] Sheesh.
[JodiMuse] Don't panic, folks.  Ralph has to log back in every
- half hour.  Something to do with his IRC program.
[DavidPiano] LOL
JeffM> He's probably going to be invisible when he comes back ...
[neonralph] Alan/s back...
JeffM> Yup
[JodiMuse] Yup. :)
[DavidPiano] Jeff, you know everything don'tcha?
[neonralph] Alan: But the craft I gained from those years of
- writing for assignment aids me greatly even when I'm just
- writing from inspiration.
[neonralph] [stop]
[neonralph] Ralph: Did you guys get all of that??
[JodiMuse] We did.  No worries.
JeffM> yes
[DavidPiano] Yes. . .in sporadic bits, but all of it.
[neonralph] Ralph: next question?
[Bob] ?
[JodiMuse] Go ahead, Bob
JeffM> I'll ask one after Bob...
[JodiMuse] Sure.
[Bob] did your career start out as a wish / hard work / or
- spiritual
[DavidPiano] Jodi - may I ask another ? after Jeff?
[neonralph] Alan: To be truthful, although I always noodled with
- music more as a hobby (the freedom of which I think lead me to
- taking it seriously later), I actually trained to be an actor
- from High School to college. I got as far as living the life of
- a starving actor in New York, going to Alpo dog food commercial
- auditions, etc. The highlight of this period was appearing in a
- broadway revival of Hair. But I was starving to death. (more)
[JodiMuse] Sure, David. :-)
[neonralph] At that point where I felt my life was heading in
- the wrong direction, it dawned on me to try music professionaly,
- which had always been something fun in my life that I did
- naturally. (more)
[neonralph] Once I made the switch from acting to songwriting,
- within about a year and a half I had my first success. Some
- people try many years to get to that level and for me it just
- happened easily. but I paid some serious dues through my acting
- torture days. [stop]
JeffM> Here's a question your international travels...
JeffM> We all know about songwriting LA and Nashville.  I'm
- curious which other cities around the world are especially
- "known" for their songwriting.
JeffM> And which countries are the most supportive of
- songwriters?
[neonralph] Alan: the point is, none. Maybe London, a little
- bit. But in actual fact, the whole idea of songwriting on
- assignment, regular collaboration, etc., is an American thing.
- (more)
>> Shelby has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Bob] they're dropping one by one
[neonralph] That's why people are so excited when I bring that
- work ethic and craft to writing situations around the world.
- They're always amazed by the way I can work so fast and
- professionally. (more)
[DavidPiano] Hmmm. . .
JeffM> Too bad Jodi :-)
[neonralph] They have no experience with this. (more)
[JodiMuse] Too bad about what, Jeff? ;-)
[JodiMuse] That just means we get Alan all to ourself. :-)
[DavidPiano] :-)
[neonralph] The countries in my own personal writing career,
- where I have made numerous writing trips (and had some good
- success, so far) are the Benelux countries (Holland And
- Belgium), Germany, England, and Australia. I'm going to South
- Africa for the first time next year and I'm very excited about
- that. [stop]
JeffM> Go ahead David.
[DavidPiano] There's an old adage, "You learn something new
- everyday."
[DavidPiano] During your extensive career as a songwriter, do
- you still continue to find forks in the road that make your
- personal songwriting process different? And would you mind
- sharing some of the forks you have travelled down?
[neonralph] Alan: David, it's my understanding you are only
- around 13 years old...if that is true, I must commend you on
- your early maturity and obvious interest in songwriting as a
- profession at such an early age.
[Bob] you just want his pizza
[JodiMuse] <laugh!>
[DavidPiano] Why thank you, Alan.
[JodiMuse] DP's been with us for a while here, Alan.  We're
- quite happy that he drops by.  :-)
[DavidPiano] Thanks a lot Jodi. . .
[DavidPiano] And, Alan, that comment from you, coming from a
- person of your status in this field, that means more than
- anything. A sign of validity, I guess.
[JodiMuse] Keep at it, DP!  You're bound for glory. ;-)
[DavidPiano] Thanks. . .<sheepish grin>
[neonralph] Alan: I don't knwo if you would call them
- songwriting forks or personal growth forks. But one I can share
- with you from personal experience, as an example, would be when
- at Christmas, 1990, after 11 years as a staff writer, I couldn't
- get arrested, I was told by all the publishers in town that
- songwriters who just wrote songs for other people were basically
- dinosaurs and ready for the boneyard, and I faced that holiday
- with no money, a family, and no idea what the hel
[neonralph] Alan: That's when I discovered the international way
- of writing. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: It wasn't that my process changed, but my
- inner attitude about the process changed. And this breakthrough
- allowed me to move down this whole new road, which I had mostly
- to myself for many years.
[neonralph] {stop}
>> HEdges has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[HEdges] what?
[Bob] hi he
[DavidPiano] Hi Hedges.
[HEdges] hey, s'up?
[JodiMuse] Hi HEdges.  We have a guest speaker here tonight. 
- Say hello to Alan Roy Scott. :-)  We're taking questions.  If
- you're interested in asking a question, just type "?" and we'll
- call on you, ok?
[HEdges] please can you stop the noise i'm trying to get some
- rest, from all the unborn chicken voices in my head
[HEdges] who is he?
[JodiMuse] Read http://www.musesmuse.com/alaninterview.html and
- you'll know.
[JodiMuse] And stop eating all those eggs. ;-)
[Bob] ?
[JodiMuse] Go ahead, Bob. :-)
[HEdges] hmmm.   i'll just figure it out here....sorry that was
- a bit of radiohead
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Hello Lukah.
[Lukah] Hi!  This is my first visit to this Chat Room.
[JodiMuse] Hi Lukah.
[Bob] when you sit to a lyric does the music come 1st or the
- hook. what catches you creativity?
[JodiMuse] Well, you picked a good night.  We have a guest
- speaker tonight.  If you're interested in asking Alan Roy Scott
- a question, just type a "?" and we'll call on you, ok? 
- Meanwhile, if you want to read about him, you can go to
- http://www.musesmuse.com/alaninterview.html in a second browser
- window. :-)
[Bob] for writing a song?
[neonralph] Alan: I have written in all ways, collaboratively,
- in my day. 3 writers and a dog, one artist who can't write at
- all and gets 50% of the credit, etc. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: I usually tend to work from sitting at the
- keyboard and coming up with some basic chord progressions or a
- hook melody and maybe a title will pop out and we'll go from
- there. (more)
[Bob] so your inspired by music mostly?
[neonralph] alan: I have, on occasion, worked with a finished
- lyric in front of me, but sometime I find that a little bit more
- difficult. I also, in the last years (on many occasions), have
- been given a music track where I wrote the melody and lyrics to
- that. [stop]
>> JeffM has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Bob] so your inspired by music mostly?
[neonralph] alan: I have, on occasion, worked with a
- finished lyric in front of me, but sometime I find that a
- little bit more difficult. I also, in the last years (on many
- occasions), have been given a music track where I wrote
- the melody and lyrics to that. [stop]
[JodiMuse] I have a question, actually... I'm just curious
- about something related to this question.
[HEdges] ?
[neonralph] Alan: I find that music is more of a "feel"
- thing, whereas lyrics tend to come from thoughts in your
- mind. So I find the music is kind of like building the
- foundation of the house, which then allows the freedom
- of thought to build the upper floors, so to speak (i.e.; the
- lyrics). [stop]
[neonralph] OK Jodi...
[JodiMuse] Oops. I guess I'm moderating myself. <laugh>
- Ok I'm curious about which method of songwriting
- created your most successful songs, Alan? Music first?
- Lyrics first? Ready made music track that you had to
- compose lyrics and a melody for? Which has worked best
- for you? That's different from asking which was *easiest*.
- ;-)
>> Jeff has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] Welcome back, Jeff!
[DavidPiano] Welcome back, Jeff.
[Bob] hi again jeff
JeffM> My turn to get disconnected
[HEdges] sure
[Bob] dp's next
[DavidPiano] Hey. . .
[neonralph] Alan: Most of my most successful songs (and probably a good deal of the ones
- I'm most proud of) started from the music-noodling way I've described. although a few of
- my successes of late have been of the writing lyrics/melody to a track as mentioned.
- (more)
[neonralph] Alan: I think this is a great way to keep current with musical trends as
- after 20 years of writing I don't also have the time to keep up with all the latest
- production and studio techniques. [stop]
[neonralph] Alan: I'm sorry, but I tend to answer questions in long form. Please be
- patient if I can give very short answers sometimes. :-)
[JodiMuse] Collaboration is a great way to create something entirely new that neither of
- you separately would have created though. :-)
[DavidPiano] Exactly, Jodi.
[DavidPiano] Especially when the two writers come from extremely different backgrounds
- and are able to find a middle ground.
JeffM> or find the other writer's ground...
[Bob] ?
[JodiMuse] No problem, Alan. Answer however you like.  HEdges?  You had a question?
[JodiMuse] Bob, you're up after HEdges, ok?
[HEdges] yeah.
[neonralph] Ralph: Hold on a minute...we have to resign on....
>> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] Ok.  I'll start the musak playing... <giggle>
[DavidPiano] Mmm-hmmm. :-)
JeffM> We'll have to resign ourselves to their resigning
[neonralph] Ralph: We're back!
[DavidPiano] In tribute to Alan, play some gospel, and Billy Joel and Elton John.
[DavidPiano] Welcome back, Ralph and Alan.
[JodiMuse] Or let HIM play them, DP. ;-)  Feel free to ask your question, HEdges.
[DavidPiano] :-) Jodi.
[HEdges] do you find yourself being inspired by music you listen to, and/or do you
- listen to music to inspire new ideas?
[HEdges] or do you prefer to be free from other influences when writing for fear of
- sounding like it?
[neonralph] Alan: Certainly, as my career has become so full with many things requiring
- my attention, I don't have as much time to just *listen* to music as I used to. so I use
- what time I do have wisely. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: To keep up with the commercial trends, I listen to the weekend Top 40
- countdowns, plus the stations I listen to daily just driving around. I also always ask
- my friends who have teenagers or kids what they like musically and I try to listen to
- those suggestions. (more)
[neonralph] alan: I also don't get to go out as much to hear music as much as I used to,
- since I have a family, but at least once a month I try to go and see something that
- everyone's saying is really cool.
[neonralph] [stop]
[HEdges] can i ask who's you're favorite new thing?
[neonralph] alan: But when it comes to writing, I try to let all those influences just
- free-flow in my head and when I sit down to write I just try to be "in the moment" as
- much as possible and really feel what vibes I'm getting from the universe, musically, at
- that moment. [stop]
[neonralph] Alan: Myself! (just joking....) Actually, I've just discovered some of the
- Lilith Fair babes in more detail than just knowing a single or two. I'm really into
- Sarah McLauchlan at the moment. (more)
[HEdges] your sorry.
[neonralph] Alan: This music, interestingly enough, is in direct juxtaposition to what's
- happening in Europe and other places. Musically things have really become individual to
- each country now, whereas before the whole world was really listening to a lot of the
- same things. [stop]
[JodiMuse] Ooo.  I really love Sarah McLauchlan.  Good choise. :-)
[JodiMuse] Ugh.  CHOICE.  Can't type tonight.
[HEdges] it's ok, that's how they spell it in the uk...jk
[JodiMuse] Bob?  You had a question, right?
[Bob] what time of the day do you find the most creative for you, and do you write
- better so to speak when your tired?
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Welcome back, Lukah.
>> Solomon has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Lukah] Thanks - I got disconnected that time!!
[Bob] it's gonna get ya dp
[neonralph] Alan: That has changed throughout my life. But at this point, with so much
- going on, I realize how important it is to have a quiet, peaceful environment for
- writing. Therefore, I tend to write first thing in the morning (before the phone starts
- ringing) or late at night after the kids are asleep. [stop]
[DavidPiano] Incidentally, about Sarah McLachlan, she just gives me chills.
[DavidPiano] Hello Solomon. . .And Bob, would you stop saying that?!
[Bob] and a breeze
[JodiMuse] Hello again Lukah!  Hello Solomon.  If you have a question, just type "?" and
- we'll get to you. :-)  Solomon, Alan Roy Scott is our guest speaker tonight.  Feel free
- to join in on the discussion. :-)
>> Solomon has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Solomon has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: That has changed throughout my life. But at this point, with so much
- going on, I realize how important it is to have a quiet, peaceful environment for
- writing. Therefore, I tend to write first thing in the morning (before the phone starts
- ringing) or late at night after the kids are asleep. [stop]
[DavidPiano] Incidentally, about Sarah McLachlan, she just gives me chills.
[DavidPiano] Hello Solomon. . .And Bob, would you stop saying that?!
[Bob] and a breeze
[JodiMuse] Hello again Lukah!  Hello Solomon.  If you have a question, just type "?" and
- we'll get to you. :-)  Solomon, Alan Roy Scott is our guest speaker tonight.  Feel free
- to join in on the discussion. :-)
>> Solomon has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Solomon has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Solomon] hello everyone
[DavidPiano] Hello, Solomon./
JeffM> Hi Solomon
JeffM> Who's next?
[JodiMuse] Hi Solomon.  :)
[DavidPiano] We'll find out easily enough, won't we Jeff?
[Bob] you jeff
[HEdges] well, it's been a blast, but i gotta go.....btw, the pres just admitted to his
- affair with miss lewwhatever
JeffM> Okay, I have a question
[JodiMuse] Whooooo boy.  Thanks for dropping by, HEdges!
[DavidPiano] Nice meeting you Hedges.
[Bob] bye
>> HEdges has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Jodi - aren't you glad we live in Canada?
[DavidPiano] We don't have to put up with that?!
JeffM> I'd like to know more about what you meant by "international style" of writing. 
- Can you elaborate on that new internal perspective shift?
[DavidPiano] One of the upsides
[JodiMuse] Definitely one of the upsides. ;-)
[DavidPiano] I have a ? after Jeff gets a response.
[Bob] no or's in the water huh!
[neonralph] Alan: As I started to mention, every country now has its own market with its
- own artists, its own rules and ways of songwriting that fit that market. For instance,
- in Germany right now (where I recently was) everything is German hip-hop. German songs
- with an english rap. Also, remakes of old hits are huge there right now. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: At the same time, in Japan, it is a completely closed market, where
- 90% of their hits are by Japanese artists, written by Japanese producers and artists,
- with no outsiders allowed there. The music is of the "big ballad" style that sounds like
- Barry Manilow time to us. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: So every country is like this, and the trick to international success
- is learning how to integrate what you do into the musical tapestry of each country your
- working. [stop]
JeffM> Hmm, I used to hear of rock bands touring in Japan, like Scorpians putting out a
- live in Japan album...
[JodiMuse] Um... While we're on the subject, might I ask what tips you would give to
- others in order to achieve that, Alan? (Wanted to ask this while it was still relevant,
- DP!)
[DavidPiano] OK, Jodi.
[JodiMuse] :-)
[DavidPiano] Understand.
[neonralph] Alan: The interesting point is, big international acts will tour Japan, but
- that doesn't usually translate to hit singles or album sales...what they do see is
- mostly live concert ticket sales. The local market still consists mostly of their own
- artists with a smattering of the international artists to prove they don't live in an
- isolated cage musically (when in fact they really do, to some degree). [stop]
>> country has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> Hi country
[DavidPiano] Hello Country.
[Solomon] hi country
[neonralph] Alan: Although there is certainly no manual or quick formula on how to do
- what I've described, a good starting point always is going to the big international
- music conventions (i.e.; MIDEM in January in France, POPKOMM in August in Germany,
- etc.). These are great international networking opportunities. It's a good starting
- point to meeting artists, record companies, etc. [stop]
[JodiMuse] Hi country!
[country] Hi
>> DavidPiano has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Solomon] Gotta go, but thanks for letting me sit in.  Bye all!
>> Solomon has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Bob] I told him he was next
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] <laugh>  You did, Bob.  Yup.
JeffM> You were right, Bob
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> So, this recent hiphop craze in Germany is really new?
JeffM> for them, that is?
[Bob] sorry country but everyone getting the boot for some reason. you might be next.
- Hope not
[country] me too
JeffM> Bob = prophet of chat doom
[JodiMuse] :-)
[Bob] wierd , but it's going in order it seems
[neonralph] Alan: To us, it's like what was happening here 3 or 4 years ago, in some
- ways...but to them it' new. For instance, the more acoustic/alternative thing that's
- been happening here (i.e.; Lilith Fair artists, etc.) is nothing over there yet. That
- will probably come back around in Germany 3 or 4 years from now when we're on to
- something else. [stop]
[Bob] but dp not coming back
[Bob] lost in cyber space
[neonralph] Ralph: Sorry for the typos...he's talking FAST!
>> DavidPiano has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] I'm terribly sorry about that.
[JodiMuse] That's ok, Ralph!  You're doing great.  Welcome back DP!  Just in time to ask
- your question. :-)
JeffM> Jodi: now's your chance to move to Germany!
[Bob] welcome back dp
[DavidPiano] Thank you.
[DavidPiano] Alan, which songwriters would you like to collaborateb with if you haven't
- already done so? And which collaborations have been most rewarding personally?
[JodiMuse] <chuckle>  Yup.  I'm ON that plane... ;-)
[Bob] you getem girl
[DavidPiano] :-)
[neonralph] Alan: Some of my favorite collaborations with artists I really enjoyed
- working with were Cyndi Lauper (she's really like she seems), and Cher (she's
- *definitely* like she seems). I would love to work with some of the new artists that are
- cropping up. I love Ben Folds Five right now and I'm very pleased because Ben Folds is
- coming to my project in Cuba in November and I can't wait to meet him. [stop]
[DavidPiano] Hmmm. . .that should be a very interesting combination.
[DavidPiano] I've read in Keyboard Magazine that Ben "plays the piano like rugby."
[JodiMuse] Sounds great, Alan!
[neonralph] Ralph: Does everyone here have their UNISONG entries in? Who's going to Cuba
- with Alan and Ban??
[neonralph] Ben??
[JodiMuse] :-)  I have two entries in.  All I could afford. ;-)
[JodiMuse] <--- is a starving artist. ;-)
[DavidPiano] And Alan, I find it very interesting that you say that, because in reading
- your interview on this site, I see you're also a Billy Joel and Elton John fan. Folds
- evokes those two people in my ears.
JeffM> I'm letting Jodi win this year
[DavidPiano] LOL Jeff.
[JodiMuse] <laugh!>  Thanks so much, Jeff.  You're too kind. I'll wave at you from Cuba.
- ;-)
[DavidPiano] LOL.
[neonralph] alan: I try to like the best of all styles of music (from Gilbert and
- Sullivan to opera) but I'm truly a sucker for well crafted, piano-based songs. [stop]
[DavidPiano] Who doesn't?!
[DavidPiano] :-)
JeffM> Me too
[DavidPiano] I guess that's a pianist's bias, right?
JeffM> Why the contest?  When did you get that idea?
[neonralph] Alan: By the way, Monica Lewinsky is also a very good writer and.......
[JodiMuse] Yup.  I'm extremely jealous of those with the talent to create that sort of
- music.  Why do you say that, Alan?  Is she going to go with you to Cuba? ;)
[DavidPiano] Writer by way of Dictaphone.
>> lurch has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Hi Lurch.
[JodiMuse] Hi lurch!
JeffM> She probably wishes she was in Cuba bout now
JeffM> Hi lurch
[Bob] lwo blow dp
[lurch] hello all
>> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Bob. . .I can take that comment wildly out of context.
[DavidPiano] And I'm not afraid to.
[neonralph] (more)
[Bob] gotta run folks, It's been fun. got to get back to the adats
[DavidPiano] WB You two.
[JodiMuse] Take care, Bob!  hope to see you next week!
[DavidPiano] OK, Bob. . .Bye.
[Bob] nice meeting you Alan
>> Bob has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] UNISONG sprang from the fact that I had entered in and won many song
- contests myself in the past and realized that they are usually organized by business
- people fishing for songwriter bucks (i.e.; John Lennon Contest, organized by David
- Sonnenberg, a big-time manager). (more)
[DavidPiano] Sonnenberg runs JLSC?
[DavidPiano] Hmmm. .
[neonralph] Alan: I wanted to be David to their Goliath, showing that songwriters could
- organize a contest too, for less money, putting something back into the community, and
- giving good opportunities to the winners. I think I've proven that to be possible.
- (more)
[JodiMuse] That's not necessarily a bad thing, David.  It really just depends on what
- your goals are.
[DavidPiano] True. . .but I think that explains the high reading fee.
[JodiMuse] Probably, yes.
[DavidPiano] And Alan's motive explains his lower reading fee.
[DavidPiano] If I ever submit a song to any songwriting contest, it will be to UNISONG.
[neonralph] Alan: In fact, one of my greatest personal joys, was that I entered the JLSC
- last year and won 3 prizes of the top 120. It gave me great joy to tell Brian (the head
- guy) that besides being a songwriter I organized UNISONG! [stop]
>> country has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] <chuckle>  What did he say, Alan?
[DavidPiano] :-)
>> country has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Welcome back Country.
>> lurch has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: He stumbled a little bit, but unfortunatly, the truth is, I don't
- think they gave a s--- about me or UNISONG or anything else. they had over 30,000
- entries at $30 a pop. You figure out where they're coming from from there. [stop]
[country] Thank You
[JodiMuse] <sigh>  Yup.  I can see what you mean, Alan.
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Now this is why I didn't enter JLSC. . .30 bucks a head US, plus this
- sinking dollar. . .not good at all.
[DavidPiano] WB Lukah.
[Lukah] Thanks!!
[neonralph] Alan: Does anyone have any specific questions about their attempts at making
- it in the music business where I could shed some light on anything?
[DavidPiano] I have a question that sort of touches on that.
[JodiMuse] Go ahead, DP.
[neonralph] Alan: Go ahead DP.
[DavidPiano] Er. . .I don't really know how to put this without going into a rant!
[neonralph] Alan: Rant on, baby!
[DavidPiano] Basically, I'm asking if it truly is harder now to get into the music biz
- if you don't have a strong visual image.
[neonralph] Alan: The unfortunate reality, it has NEVER been tougher than now to be a
- songwriter and try to write for other artists or projects. (more)
>> JeffM has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Because all of my heroes (Billy, Elton, Neil
- Diamond,Eric Clapton) are "old codgers" in the eyes of
- most record buyers. . .but people like Hanson, who can't
- write or sing for s--- are selling tons of records cuz they're
- cute.
[neonralph] Alan: That is why I've had to do so many new
- things to keep one step ahead of the curve. 10 years ago
- Barry Mann, one of the legendary songwriters of all time,
- told me that he were starting out today he would have
- never made it. (more)
[DavidPiano] I don't doubt that statement.
[DavidPiano] I'm sure if Elton or Billy were starting out
- now, they wouldn't have a hope of breaking in.
[neonralph] In his day, he could get a hundred songs
- recorded in a year. By the time he told me this, in the
- late 80s, you were luck to get 5 songs recorded in a year.
- Now if you get one song recorded in a year, consider
- yourself lucky. but as the royalty rates keep going up, that
- one song today pays as much as five songs 10 years ago.
- So there is an upside to this downward spiral, finacially
- and creatively. [stop]
[neonralph] Alan: (more)
>> JeffM has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[DavidPiano] Welcome back Jeff.
[JodiMuse] Hi again, Jeff!
JeffM> rehi
[neonralph] Alan: To answer your question better, in some countries like England, it's
- definitely ALL about image. I'd like to think that here and in Canada, although image is
- important, talent does count to some degree. Celine Dion or Jewel are not exactly
- "stunning babes" by music business image standards. [stop]
[DavidPiano] True, Alan.
[DavidPiano] And on that note, I must leave.
[DavidPiano] It was a pleasure meeting you Alan.
[JodiMuse] Thanks for coming by, DP. :)
JeffM> bye dp
[neonralph] Alan: Pleasure meeting you David (more)
[DavidPiano] I now leave with fresh insight, and an intriguing new look inside the art
- and craft of songwriting.
[country] See Ya DP
[neonralph] Alan: And if you see Monica Lewinsky hising out in a Canadian music club,
- say hello for me! ;-)
[neonralph] hiding!
[DavidPiano] LOL
[JodiMuse] <laugh>
[neonralph] Ralph: Bye DP!
[DavidPiano] Will do, Alan, but keep in mind I'm still underage!
[DavidPiano] Bye Ralph
[JodiMuse] LOL
[DavidPiano] Bye Jeff and Jodi, and Lukah and Country
[DavidPiano] Once again, Alan, thanks a lot.
[DavidPiano] Bye all, and keep writing!
>> DavidPiano has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: How can a 13-year-old kid be that smart??
JeffM> I don't think Alan should be obligated to stay here all night...  do we have any
- sort of time goal?
[neonralph] Alan: I'm here until at least 2 or 3am next Friday...so no problem! ;-)
[JodiMuse] Yup.  He's been amazing us for a while, Alan. :-)  It's really up to Alan,
- actually.  Let us know when you want to depart and we'll accomodate.  You've been a
- wonderful guest!
[neonralph] Ralph: Lotsa UNISONG/Music Bridges biz to get done...
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] Is there anything Alan would like to talk about himself?
[neonralph] Alan: OK...
[JodiMuse] :-)
[neonralph] Alan: Just that I know sometimes how hard it is to hang in there in a
- business where there are no rules or manuals. I've always believed the best hope is that
- songwriters hang together and support each other. The industry really tries to keep that
- from happening sometimes, as I think they're really afraid of what would happen if the
- employees in the back took over the store. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: In my travels and my time on the board of NAS and other organizations,
- I have really seen there is so much apathy and isolation out there among songwriters. It
- has become even more apparent now that I am always reaching out to songwriters through
- my UNISONG and Music Bridges activities. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: I can only hope that songwriting chats like this continue and prosper.
- The day will come where we will not just be some little name buried in the credits of an
- album while the caterer's boyfriend and the engineer's pet iguana get mentioned over the
- songwriters. [stop]
JeffM> Amen
[country] How do you ever get noticed?
[JodiMuse] That's what sites like these are all about, Alan.  As a matter of fact, I
- think Jeff has one of the best assembled lists of songwriters on the net that I've ever
- seen.  Networking is a great thing for all of us.  I hope to continue it for a long time
- to come.
JeffM> Thanx Jodi
[JodiMuse] :-)
[neonralph] Alan: I think the point is, instead of trying to be "noticed" by the big bad
- music machine, you become someone like Ani DiFranco, recording and distributing your own
- albums, organizing your own concerts, get to the point where you sell a million of those
- over some years that you become so famous on your own (and call all your own shots) that
- the big bad music machine comes begging on bended knee to sign you up.  (more)
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: And you say, "No, I don't need you!" Now that's the songwriting
- justice I dream of for everyone. Get noticed by your own efforts...not waiting for
- validation from some unfeeling machine. [stop]
[JodiMuse] Loreena McKennit is like that too.
JeffM> That helps for the individual artist... would be nice if we all took over the big
- bad music machine though ...and planted flowers
[country] How do you get to that point?
[neonralph] Alan: What a guy....what a dream!
[JodiMuse] <chuckle>  Flowers in a jungle...
[neonralph] Alan: You start by taking the little steps that are possible where you are.
- I'm told you're in New Mexico. I'm assuming Santa Fe or Albuquerque. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: Start by trying to be the biggest thing where you are. You could make
- enough money and earn a good living just by being the biggest thing there, for starts.
- (more)
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: Try to make your own albums. Sell them at shows. Put up signs at local
- music clubs and colleges. Do ANYTHING you can think of. Think Global...ACT Local! [stop]
[JodiMuse] Alan, could I ask a question?  I'm curious about something and I've asked
- this question on the songwriting newsgroup, as a matter of fact.
[neonralph] Alan: Shoot...
[JodiMuse] Have you heard about Web Radio?  What I mean is the type of radio that
- accepts CDs and puts them into a radio format and plays them for an audience that is
- somewhere out there in the ether?  Do you think it'll catch on?
[JodiMuse] It seems to me like a really great opportunity for the indies to get heard -
- but I think whether or not it works depends on a lot of things.
[neonralph] Alan: Although we both know it's probably not very big right now, it's a
- start and it's bound to grow. (more)
>> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> he left to listen to some web radio instead?
[JodiMuse] :-)
[neonralph] back...
[JodiMuse] That half hour thing, hmm?
JeffM> web radio...
[neonralph] Alan: Sorry for the interruptions, but Ralph and Rebecca run a Monica
- Lewinsky fanclub on the side in their apartment and it's been SO busy tonight! ;-)
[neonralph] Alan: OK...Web Radio
[JodiMuse] LAUGH
[neonralph] Alan: Any new technology is a good thing...the ones who get in the ground
- floor always reap the benefits if you can hang in through the pioneering days with it
- when no one makes any money. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: Personal story: When I first started my international stuff, all my
- friends and colleagues thought I was crazy and using it as an excuse to run away from
- the fact that my career was no longer happening (in ther eyes). (more)
[neonralph] Alan: Now those very same people call me all the time for advice, like I'm
- some kind of guru on the subject. Rather than be bitter about it I have to laugh at the
- irony of it. [stop]
[JodiMuse] So who believed in you along the way, Alan?  (I mean, besides yourself?) ;-)
JeffM> Monica?
[neonralph] Alan: I had a network of friends in strange countries I had met, like
- Finland, Lithuania, etc., who believed in me and my humanity. Their support made me feel
- like I was part of a big international music family that was much more important than
- the small-mindedness of my friends in the USA. That support saw me through some very
- lean and humiliating times. [stop]
>> country has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> Cool
>> country has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> Going back to something you said earlier...  In what ways are the industry
- discouranging songwriters from coming together and supporting each other?
[neonralph] Alan: By constantly trying to take away what little money we make already.
- There's a bill in congress now where restaurant owners would be exempt from paying
- ANYTHING for music played in small bars and restaurants. Can you imagine? (more)
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: Also, anytime I am trying to pitch songs for anything, I always get
- the feeling that I am like a mouse begging for crumbs when the song is supposed to be
- the thing. (more)
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] Yup.  Both Jeff and I have notices on our sites, I believe.  I think it was
- Seth Jackson that first drew my attention to it.
[neonralph] Alan: Here's another personal shocker: Everytime I've had a song on a gold
- or platinum album (i.e.; Top Gun, Celine Dion, etc.) I have to pay for the plaque
- myself. Can you imagne??? Again, the caterer, the girlfriend of the chauffer, everyone
- gets their's for free and the songwriter has to pay. [stop]
[JodiMuse] That's rediculous!
[Lukah] That's unbelievable!
[neonralph] Alan: Sad....but VERY true.
JeffM> I'd pay :-)
[neonralph] Alan: You can pay for next one too?
[JodiMuse] <laugh>  I guess I would too, come to think of it.  But it still sucks.
JeffM> Uh, can I hang it on my wall too?
[JodiMuse] LOL
[neonralph] Alan: Those kind of things used to infuriate me and make me feel small...now
- I just fight back where I can, in little ways, like this chat this evening, and know
- eventually the cockaroaches will take over the kitchen. :-)
[neonralph] Alan: I beg you to e-mail the JLSC site and see if their interested in
- anything you have to say.
[neonralph] they're!
[neonralph] Ralph: Fingers getting tired...Alan talks too much! ;-)
[JodiMuse] <giggle>
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Ralph: We have time to take a couple more questions...
JeffM> Lukah, got a question?
[JodiMuse] :-)  You read my mind, Jeff.
[Lukah] Sure
JeffM> Even when you don't know it, Jodi
[JodiMuse] Get OUTA there.  It's dusty. ;-)
JeffM> I knew you were going to say that :-)
[JodiMuse] LOL
JeffM> Go ahead Lukah
[Lukah] I got disconnected some, so hopefully you didn't cover this already.
[JodiMuse] You saw most of it, Lukah.  Don't worry.
[Lukah] It seems the media (radio stations) are just looking for "fresh" blood, like the
- Hanson groups, etc.
[Lukah] (more)
[Lukah] How can we get ourselves "heard" and stay in the running, instead of having a
- single hit and then be never heard from again. (make sense??)
[neonralph] Alan: The problem with radio stations is that they can only play a few
- things at any given time, and they usually play the things they are paid the most money
- to play. This leaves all the regular people like you and me out of the loop. (more)
>> country has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> country has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[neonralph] Alan: That is why, again, it is so important to do what you can yourself.
- Think of it this way: if you sell 10,000 album in a year yourself (at concerts, online,
- etc.) and you make $10 each, that's $100,000. Add in gig monies, as your career builds,
- and that's not a bad living, right? (more)
[Lukah] More than what I have now!! <grin>
[JodiMuse] More than MOST people have now, I suspect!
>> jim22 has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> Hi jim22
>> jim22 has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> jim22 has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Lukah] HI jim!!
[jim22] hey
[jim22] how's everyone tonight
[neonralph] Alan: Even if you're one of the lucky few (like Hansen) that gets the big
- record company push and radio airplay payoffs, etc., they usually get advanced so much
- money that by the time they pay it back, hardly any of them have that much more to show
- for it than the regular guy who does it himself. AGAIN, power to the individual who
- beats the system. [stop]
[JodiMuse] Hi there.  We have a guest speaker here tonight.  Alan Roy Scott (you can
- read up about him at http://www.musesmuse.com/alaninterview.html)  If you have a
- question, just type in a "/" and we'll call on you, ok?  It's pretty casual right now
- though. :)
[Lukah] So, is there any way to get the "big" stations to play your "indie" type stuff?
JeffM> 10,000 is still a high count if you have no money for promotion...
[JodiMuse] True...
[JodiMuse] Oops!  That "/" was supposed to be a "?". <chuckle>
[neonralph] Alan: Usually, you try to target ONE station in your local market. Hit it
- hard, as a local boy/girl makes good until, somehow, you get them to play your record.
- If it then becomes popular, locally, it might spread to other smaller stations. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: Once a buzz is established among enough small stations, a big station
- might take notice and play it, or a major label might take notice of the momentum you've
- created yourself, put in some money, and make it happen in a bigger way off of your
- sweat. Sounds like a bank, huh? Making loans only to people who don't need them! The
- parallel is undeniable. [stop]
[Lukah] Thanks for the input!  You're right - it does sound like a bank!!  ;-)
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[country] I just want to hear one of my songs on the radio
[JodiMuse] I have to log off and back in, folks. :-)  I'll be right back.
>> JodiMuse has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
>> JodiMuse has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> I'd like to hear your songs on the radio too, country
[Lukah] Ditto!!
[jim22] country: I hear you :-)
[country] Thanks
[neonralph] Alan: Country: Ditto, baby!
[JodiMuse] :-)  It's possible... It's a lot of hard work, but it's possible.
[jim22] It happens all the time country
[country] Thats what I keep thinking jim
[Lukah] Don't give up, country!!
[country] Even if it never happens I've had the time of my life
[JodiMuse] That's the point.  It's a tough business.  You have to love the creative end
- of it or you'd never do it at all, right?
JeffM> That's right, no sane person goes into songwriting for the money :-)
[jim22] country: step back and look at your music from "aanothers eyes", shall we say,
- then ask your self if you would request your song<stop>
[Lukah] That's for sure!!  ;-)
JeffM> Oh, unless they're coming from acting... sorry, Alan
JeffM> :-)
>> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[country] Everyone around here loves my music But the publishers dont
JeffM> Would you request your song?
[country] I would
JeffM> Good.  I think we all have to believe in ourselves.
[JodiMuse] Definitely.
JeffM> And like what we're producing
[neonralph] We're back!
[country] My problem is I still write country music and not the country rock everyone
- listens to
[JodiMuse] I'm a sucker for a good ballad, country.  Country or otherwise.
[country] Me too
[neonralph] Alan: Country - I've been around a long time to tell you that EVERYTHING
- comes around again. In country music the pop phase they're going through will eventually
- return to more traditional country, which would be better for you. (more)
[jim22] tell my about it.... I write ya'llternitive , and cant get crud on the air
[neonralph] Alan: The same thing happened in the early 80s, when I spent a lot of time
- in Nashville. Everything was pop, like it is now, because of Urban Cowboy, etc., and
- then Randy Travis came along and he was the voice of a new wave of traditional country
- artists. The same thing is sure to happen again if you hang on. (more)
[neonralph] Alan: A traditional country music backlash to the pop thing that's happening
- now.
[neonralph] [stop]
[country] I hope so
[jim22] but listen to pop radio, what is on country is what pop used to be, but not what
- it is
[neonralph] Alan: The main thing is you just be true to the way you write...make it the
- BEST it can be, whatever the style, and if you stick with it, eventually, music comes
- back around to your way of writing from time to time. It's all about cycles. [stop]
[country] I cant see myself changing my style just for the sake of money
[JodiMuse] I can't see myself writing anything GOOD by changing my style. ;-)
[country] Well said Jodi
[neonralph] Alan: An example from my own writing career: I'm proud to tell you I'm 42,
- and been around long enough that the R&B songs I was writing in the late 70s became
- outdated and passe in the 80s, and now sound *exactly* like what's back on the radio.
- I'm getting interest again on AINCIENT songs I'd long given up on. [stop]
[JodiMuse] And no one's going to pay money for crap.  Well... Pardon me.  They do it
- every day.  Ignore me. ;-)
[neonralph] ancient!
[JodiMuse] We know you can spell, Ralph.  Honest. ;-)
JeffM> He can write too!
[JodiMuse] Incidentally, on an aside, just saw a short interview with Arsenio Hall - who
- had Diane Warren by his side.  They were being asked about Clinton. ;-)
[country] I remember my dad told me when I first started writing "You got good material
- kid but it's too country
[jim22] country music has been changing since the 40's. what eddy and porter were doing
- wasn't the norm, then what waylon and willie was different. it has to change to stay
- freash.
[neonralph] Alan: I've known Diane Warren for 15 years....she NEVER leaves her office,
- has no personal likfe by choice, keeps pumping out those hits, can't imagine what she
- would possibly have to say about Clinton....but it will probably in her next song
- titled, "The Night I Fell In Love With An Intern"...........
[jim22] clinton lied to us all......
[JodiMuse] Everything has to change to stay fresh.  Incidentally, Alan - she was
- apparently out with Aresnio at some local L.A. establishment - a posh bar or something. 
- They were being interviewed outside of it.  And she never said a word.  Wise lady. ;)
>> Lukah has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
JeffM> The nights you wish you weren't famous...
[neonralph] Alan: I was at a NARAS awards dinner recently where they gave Diane a
- Lifetime Achievement Award and Quincy Jones made this 5 minute introductory speech
- praising her to the winds...and then she gets up and says, literally, two or three words
- after all that.
[JodiMuse] Heh.  Arsenio said enough for the both of them. ;-)
[JodiMuse] She says what she wants to say in her music.  Why would she need to make
- speeches?  There's someone I admire.
>> Lukah has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[Lukah] I'm back ...
[neonralph] Alan: I agree. The beautiful thing about her is that she doesn't give a s---
- about what anyone says or thinks. she's not even aware of it.
[JodiMuse] That's the best kind of songwriter, Alan.  The kind that knows what she knows
- and puts it to music - and touches you more deeply because of it.
>> JodiMuse has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[country] Don't everyone talk at the same time
>> JodiMuse has joined channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[jim22] i smell a song in there somewhere jodi
[neonralph] Ralph: I think it's time to wrap it up...Alan has a hot date with Monica's
- sister, Melanie....and he might get lucky!
[JodiMuse] <laugh>  Not a problem.  Thank you very much for coming, Alan.  :-)
JeffM> Thanks very much Alan!
[neonralph] Ralph: Seriously....this has been a great time for us on this end. Did
- everyone have a good time?
[country] Thank you
[Lukah] Thanks, Alan.  It was a pleasure "chatting" with you!!
[jim22] thanks yall
JeffM> Certainly
[JodiMuse] Most definitely, Ralph.  If you ever feel like doing this again, Alan, just
- let us know.
[neonralph] Alan: I've enjoyed it immensely. I hope something I said made some little
- impact on the listener's self-esteem as a songwriter. That's really what it's all about
- now for me.
[country] I appreciate the help
[JodiMuse] I do too.  It's tough to keep our spirits up sometimes.
[neonralph] This is Alan and Ralph....signing off. Be sure to join us next week for our
- regular open chat.
[Lukah] I agree!
JeffM> Bye
[JodiMuse] Bye guys!  Thanks again!
[country] Bye
>> neonralph has left channel #Songwriting_Lounge
[JodiMuse] Well folks, I'm off too.  It's pretty late where I am.  But it's been a
- pleasure and thank you all for coming!
JeffM> I'm off too
[country] Thank you and bye
[Lukah] Thanks, everyone!
TO JodiMuse> Thank you for all you've done!
[jim22] jodi, no set time for chats on the swc yet... soon though
JeffM> swc?
[jim22] "the songwriters connection"
JeffM> oh
[JodiMuse] Just let me know when you have one and I'll be sure to post it, Jim. :-)
[jim22] thanks :-)
[JodiMuse] No problem!  My goal is to have as many songwriting/musician oriented chats
- listed as I can find!  Enough for someone to chat every night if they want to. :-)
[Lukah] That would be great!
[country] Cool
JeffM> Ack!
[JodiMuse] I'm working on it.  If any of you guys hear of another chat going on around
- the web, by all means let me know.
[Lukah] So far, I've only found a couple of chats that are actually "active" when they
- state they will be
[country] OK
[JodiMuse] I didn't say *I* would go to one every night of the week. <laugh>  Just that
- I'd like to list them.
JeffM> Yes, you probably have a life :-)
[JodiMuse] This one has quite the crowd on Mondays, actually.  I suspect we were
- competing with a rather large media event in the States. <smirk>
[JodiMuse] I try to, Jeff.  Sometimes I succeed.  Sometimes I don't. ;-)
[Lukah] I think this was much more interesting ...
JeffM> Not my fault, I assue you
JeffM> assure
[jim22] whohas a life outside writing? not me!!!
[country] Me neither
[Lukah] ditto
[JodiMuse] I'm afraid I'm not as prolific a songwriter as I should be.
[jim22] well, When it's the only thing keeping you going you have to be
[JodiMuse] I'll be putting up a log of this chat... though I'm not sure how *exactly* I
- should leave it...
JeffM> I've also been keeping a log of the chat to put up, though I missed a couple of
- quick spots where I got disconnected
[JodiMuse] <nod>  One of the advantages of this thing is that I *think* it was still
- logging while I was disconnected... I guess I'll see. ;-)
JeffM> Okay, I'm REALLY going now...
[country] Thanks for the time everyone I'll see ya
[JodiMuse] Bye!
[jim22] bye jeff
<--- BACK TO SONGWRITER SITE

You can reach me at: jeffm@lyricist.com
This page has been accessed 10242 times since September 2, 1998. It was last modified September 2, 1998.