Our Music Business Journey

No matter how long we have been in the music business, it is never too late to learn more and experience more. I noticed this, as I was among approximately 30 other women who share a passion in music. The Women's Music Summit brought us together for 3-4 days to learn, practice, perform and connect. We were like little girls who had a gift in music and just needed some nurturing, encouragement and freedom to be creative. Most of us covered various genres of music, including Rock, Pop, R&B and Inspirational Music. We supported each other regardless. A good amount of the women already released their own CD. So even though some of us were advanced in experience, we all still learned something new and affirmed the value of our own journeys. 

Sheila on keys during workshop 

We were in the beautiful countryside at Full Moon Resort, with beautiful landscaping, sneak peeks of deer running free, healthy meals and a clear sky to witness the blue moon at night. The nurturers included the event producer Laura Whitmore and special guests Malina Moye, Marnie Stern, Meshell Ndegocello, MelissaAuf der Maur, Tobi Parks (Sony), Laura Taylor (Guitar Center), Kirby Desmarais (Everything Independent), Kate Pakorny (Indaba Music), Jessica Sternick (Red Entertainment) and Carise Yatter (Hired Gun Media). We were immersed in nature and music. It was a great escape for our mind and souls.

We discussed songwriting, collaborating, guitar techniques, live performance as an art and the business. The discussions were informative and an opportunity for us to be creative on the spot. I took a lot of notes, but to keep your attention I will only share some.

In the Songwriting Workshops, Malina Moye and Marnie Stern shared these great points:

• A song is about honesty, the connection, the delivery and the message
• We need to look at it as a kid every time
• Remain very open
• Be positive in brainstorming
• Be non-judgmental
• Write with people who are better than you and me

As a result, many of us created new songs that day and performed our new songs on stage our final night. It was a victory for most of us!

In the Bass Technique Workshop, Melissa Auf der Maur and Meshell Ndegocello captured our attention by sharing their life experiences, in addition to their mindset and skill that makes them celebrated female bass players. Some of the points that stood out were:

• Bass is all about feel
• We gotta love to learn
• Be adaptable
• Be a storyteller

In the two formal business discussions, the special guests were gracious in answering all of our questions. They hung around afterwards to dine and bond with us too. Some of the tips that they pointed out were:

• If you’re overwhelmed, you’re not organized
• Build the right team around you
• Have a person oversee your team to make sure everyone is working together
• Do everything you can to make your song work for you
• If anyone asks you to spend money to work with them or enter a contest, DO NOT ENTER
• Think outside the box with everything you do

As I said earlier, it is never too late to learn and experience more. I am so grateful some of our special guests confirmed, there is no rule. So I say cheers to that and enjoy your journey in this music business!