Publishers in the music business and why the songwriter may need to become one

As a songwriter there are many aspects of the music industry that we need to understand to truly be successful. The first skill we need to have is a desire and ability to write songs. The next most important skill we need is the ability to market that song. That’s where at the publisher comes in.

Taylor Hicks and BeBe Winans at the RNC. Is it a good choice for their careers?

Over the years we have watched many performances from artists at the national conventions of the Democrat and Republican parties on election year. Last week America watched Mitt Romney accept the official nomination as the Republican Party candidate for President of the United States at the Republican National Convention. During that convention America also watched season 7 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Gospel/R&B singer, BeBe Winans take the stage as performers on Romney’s big night.

In this charged political season is it smart for artists to risk association with any political party. As a manager how would you advise your client? The question I’m asking is, “Is this a good choice for their careers, why, or why not?