Getting started in the Poetry/Music gathering field.

[Richard R "Dick" Hall]

Someone recently asked me how to get started in the Poetry/music Gathering business and if one asked, perhaps there are others. So, tell me, how did you get started and what kinds of hurdles did you have to overcome on the road. And, in your opinion, when have to 'arrived' at the professional level? Always a good question. To some, it comes easy--but to others they work their tails off all of their adult life and never seem to get where they wanted to be. What's the difference? And how can a person 'enhance' their chances of success. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this--it's important to many who are just starting out.

[Flatlander McCroy]

I would be very interested as well in learning how to become a Poetry/music Gathering performer even on the local and amateur level; who can I associate with, were can a gather with other like-minded people? What do I need to do? Who do I need to talk to?

[Richard R. 'Dick' Hall]

Reb: You've raised a valid point. Without a CD its VERY difficult to convince many that you are a 'professional' and worthy of considation for a paid gig. That seems to be at least one of the major dividing lines between stagnation and moving up in the biz. Plus the CD is a very good (or at least it should be) method of looking for work. I wonder if a DVD would be even better? Perhaps someone knows...

[Quickdraw]

I started writing songs so I'd have some original material to put onto a CD when I can find the money to make one.  I've got enough material to make one now, along with a few covers for which I would obtain mechanical licenses... just don't have the money to get the project rolling.  While I wait... practice, practice, practice.

[Stoney Greywolf Bowers]

I think most will agree - easy to say, sometimes hard to do.
Having said that -- You have to believe in yourself, don't give up,
and have a plan, then work your plan.

Research the nuiances of cowboy poetry, and write what you know,
don't make it up, it will show --as example I've been a working cowboy
for 36 years now, written 6 books now and one is Published, others soon.
I don't know spit about hot air balloons, , so why write about it -- So I don't.

Keep writing, let your emotions flow with open creativity, and real important,
don't change your style of writing, if you lived it, you won't have too.

There are many factors pard -- you will be fine if you keep writing or singing,
you will get better as you go, and you will know this yourself.

Others will try to hold you back -- you just pay them no mind -- and when it is all said and done,
they'll ask for your autgraph -- Hope that helps some?

[Richard R. 'Dick' Hall]

In regard to the CD, there are manufacturers who will do as few as 300 for somewhere in the neighborhood of a buck and a half to two bucks each.  You don't have to do a 1000 or so at a time.  Yes, if you do less, it's cost you a tad more per copy, but still....

 

It might also be profitable to record your material at a live performance, and let your prospective listeners/employers see how popular you are with a live audience. Not sure about that--could be that the first CD should be VERY professional--but then the cost goes up.  And that performaznce could be in front of friends aznd relatives and done in your front room.