I've actually had a sit down meeting with Jason back in 09 where he listened to my music. I won't recount here what he told me..... It wasn't bad....

I didn't, however, score a publishing deal out of it.

I think I have at least one of his books somewhere around the studio. I have Pattison, Rogers, Blume, Marino, Frederick, Anderson and a few others on my shelves for reference and reading. You can learn something from everyone.

Who decides what that "WOW" factor is in the song? I believe it is the audience, the listeners. Not necessarily the guardians of the gates.

If you haven't watched the movie "I can only Imagine".... you should. It goes along nicely with what JB is saying in the article. Mercy Me was a good band with good songs but when they played a showcase for the guardians of the gates in Nashville, they were told.... You're not good enough. Not interested. The option was.... get better or get out of the business. They came back with the song which is the title of the movie.... the rest,as they say is history. It only takes ONE SONG to make a career.

AS NSAI is fond of saying.... It Begins With A Song. The question is.... can you write it?

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.