ABOUT

Welcome to the Music, Money & ‘How to’ website. I’ve spent a lot of time in the music biz and often get asked by up and coming musicians, songwriters and performers about music, the music biz, the usual “How to Make Money in Music”‘ type questions. . . .

1) YOU WANT A CAREER IN MUSIC (Ok you wanna be famous!) or you’re planning on making you and your music a serious business in the future . . . . the articles, resources and related content here will help you . . . .

2)  YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY FROM MUSIC or have “How to”  type questions . . . . use the search facility on the site  or check TAGS – there is probably info here on the subject plus why not have your own say!   Use the LEAVE A COMMENT beneath a post and let me know about your own experiences or thoughts for the benefit of others who use the site . . . .

Here’s my take on the future for music makers . . . CREATIVE PEOPLE will always find ways to be rewarded financially for their creativity.  There are some great ‘tips’ and ‘How to’ suggestions on this site.  This will help you find the opportunities and keep an eye on the money!

 

MAKING MUSIC:

Here’s a few tracks I co-wrote, produced or even played keyboards on!  These are from some dance music projects under various names ie:  aka’s “Route 33” released in the UK via Universal/Island Records and licensed to various other territories around the world.  Just hit that play button in the video box on the right . . . .this is the radio mix of  ”Looking Back” and the wonderful ‘Blue Screen’ via Youtube due to the usual music industry online issues!  The music video below is a remake of Asford & Simpsons “California Soul” originally recorded and performed by Marlena Shaw in 69′  This was initially released by Ministry of Sound in the UK and rest of world via Virgin/EMI.  Also licensed internationally under aka “RiotAct”  and thats not me in the video!

 

If you’re a “Clubber” you’ve probably done this one on a Saturday night – I try not to these days!  Anyway another writing production project as aka “SW14″ Released via Gusto/Gut Records in the UK and Europe.

As with most things in life it’s often a combination of talents that makes something a success and MAKES MONEY – sometimes!  These music projects always involved a group of such talents and everyone’s contribution counted.  Most of them are based in the UK and especially include: The Carsten Kroyer, Glenn Scott, James Earp, Tim Cartwright, Graeme Pleeth, Anjulie, K-Jay, Danny Kirsch and more. . . .

 

MUSIC BIZ:

My POP music biz experience extends into a number of creative fields including, Executive Producer, A&R, Songwriter & Producer Management.  Here’s the results of a few of those gigs in recent years . . .

Couple of favorite songs from my Charisma Records A&R days . . . .

Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill – We heard it and were blown away . . . .

A LITTLE MUSIC BIZ BACKGROUND:

First entered the record industry back in the mid 70′s with B&C Records, the usual ‘mail room’ start which lead to moving into artist promotions and then A&R with The Famous Charisma Label with Artists like Genesis, Lindisfarne, Alan Parsons Project, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Audience, Clifford T Ward and various other 70′s rock / pop acts. Since those colourful days of the 70’s I have worked on music projects as diverse as GENESIS to LIBERTY X and that’s definitely Progressive Rock to Manufactured Pop! and a whole lot in between. Got the “DONE THAT” t-shirt or as they say ‘hands on’ experience and expertise in the following areas of the music world: Songwriter, Session Musician, Record Plugger, Head of Artiste & Repertoire, Producer, Production Company, Music Label, Music Licensing, Music Publishing, Artist Management, Product Marketing, Music Investment Funding and Financial Management- it’s what I know!

 

ANOTHER LIFE:

My interest in music started early receiving classical training in piano, composition

and music theory as a junior. As a teenage songwriter I used to work with engineer producer Peter Bown at the famous EMI/Abbey Road Studios in London. Peter, who was some years my senior, started out as an Abbey Road staff engineer and worked with bands like The Hollies, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and legendary record producers like George Martin and Phil Spector. Pete was instrumental in developing new projects with writers who could be directly associated with the studios parent company and publishing division EMI. Working in the studio, writing, developing and recording material enabled me to gain valuable studio experience. I learned a massive amount in those early years from people like Pete and many other people who were prepared to give a young kid like me the time. Over a lot of years I’ve met my share of wonderfully talented ‘music’ people and have never stopped learning, every day there is something new to learn . . . . . . . if you want to.

WHAT I LOVE TO DO:

Being a mentor and personally helping young, talented, creative people to reach their ‘life goals’, musically, creatively, professionally and in business is tremendously rewarding and something I love to do.

SO if you’re a young up and coming musician, Artist, Performer, Singer/Songwriter, Music producer or Band member I hope the content on this site help’s you to succeed and most importantly help’s you Make Money in Music so you can support your creativity.’

DEDICATION:

That’s what it takes to be successful in music and the recent death of Amy Winehouse a true talent and creative inspiration is a huge loss.  I had heard about Amy way back and as soon as I heard her voice you just knew this was a “one in a million” talent.  I saw her perform for the British Music showcase at the Midem Music Conference back in Cannes 2007  What can I say?  Amazing and Magical! . . . . Enjoy here the real Amy Winehouse and be inspired  . . . .