Ricky,
Congrats on making the big move. Takes guts. Magic secret word in Nville has always been "collaborate" and I doubt that's changed. Strike up relationships with keyboard and guitar players by asking to write with them. Once you find some people you click with they'll play on your other stuff too. Then if you still need a paid demo everybody chips in. Sometimes you'll be surprised at the equipment some of these guys have in their homes. Or you can get a discount at a studio because so and so knows so and so. Plus if they have connections with publishers or producers you have an in through them.

Go to writer's nights, play at writer's nights and approach people, frequent whatever music store is hot right now, scan the ads in the local music paper and put one in there yourself - your phone will ring off the wall if it's worded right but you'll have to weed through all sorts of people. Ask the people in your apt complex, where you work etc., if they know somebody. Belmont used to have a student project studio that you can get in so it might be worth it to take a production class or make friends with a student there. Join NSAI and go to the workshops. Ask your ASCAP or BMI person to help you hook up.

It's all about who you know. Be nice to everybody - even if you don't click at writing together - you may meet them again in a position of power. And you don't know who they know. Keep writing the best songs you can, co-write and work at making connections and when you make the right ones and hit pay dirt the rest will take care of itself.

The one thing more powerful than a great high priced demo is having a friend of a hot or up and coming producer recommend your work to them. Or having a writer introduce you to his/her publisher because they like you and your songs.

You're welcome. grin.

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