Originally Posted By: olemon
Dear Herb,


If I may, re: Nashville.

Years ago, after a weekend workshop with Steve Seskin (Daddy's Money, Don't Laugh At Me) and Beth Nielsen Chapman (Five Minutes, This Kiss) I went home energized to write a hit. After a few weeks of frustration trying to write a chart topper like them, I wrote 'Lawn Chair'. I liked it, others seemed to, well heck, that was the whole point. I vowed then to write for me, the best that I could, and move on. If someone else likes my song, I'm happy.

I hope it makes you happy that I/we like your song.


I make no claim to being a heavy, unless being pounds over my ideal weight counts:) I did have a part in this discussion though.

Like I said, I attended a couple of writing workshops with heavy hitters, hit makers. A song-writing friend convinced me to go. There were a hundred people looking for the 'formula'. The thing is, there isn't one. Those songwriters each told unique stories. 'Five Minutes' sat with a publisher for a long time, if I remember the story correctly, and was finally pitched to Lorrie Morgan, who was an unknown at that time. The rest is history, but the stars had to align for that to even happen.

For what they're worth, here are the nuggets I got from those workshops.

1. You're either transmitting(writing) or receiving(not-writing, listening). Both are equally valuable.

2. Write about what you know.


I recently asked in another thread if anyone was making money from their music. By that I meant from their songs, either with publishing deals or on-line sales or whatever, but not from playing gigs. At the time I was thinking about joining Taxi or Broadjam, still am, but as far as I know, the answer to the question is 'No.'

I've never pitched a song, never tried to. I plan to, one of these days, but I have no expectations. The odds against are too great. On the other hand, people do win lotteries so I won't stop dreaming altogether:)

My songs are here:
https://soundcloud.com/scott-h-olson