CD Baby artist Zak Morgan shares story on how he was nominated for a Grammy

	posted by Zak Morgan on Monday December 29 2003 @ 01:15PM PST
	How on Earth Was I Nominated For A Grammy? by Zak Morgan On December 4th, 2003, I listened to an unbelievable phone message from my good friend and PR agent Betty Hofer in Nashville. "Congratulations Frogman, you're a Grammy nominee." I wish everyone could have the feeling that I had at that moment. I have a new understanding of some of the ridiculous NFL end zone dances you see every Sunday. Luckily there were no witnesses for mine. How can a person get so lucky, you ask? Betty Hofer says, "The harder you work, the luckier you get." And that pretty much sums it up. There is no easy or cut and dried way to get a Grammy nomination, but you don't have to have a big record deal or a giant marketing budget to get one, either. I'm going to tell you the steps I took to make it happen and I hope it will help and inspire you. Four years ago, at 29, I quit my "real job" and decided I was going to make my living as a children's musician. I received lots of unsolicited feedback and advice from my friends and loved ones, and most of it was bad. Here's an example: "What, are you nuts!?! You can't quit a good job to be an entertainer!" In hindsight, all of the bad advice I got had something in common: the word "can't." "Can't" is the worst advice in the world, and I forced myself to ignore it. I decided to seek advice from positive thinkers who had already become successful entertainers. I watched what they did. I asked them questions. And I listened. Sadly, many artists look on others who have succeeded with scorn rather than respect. Instead of learning, they complain and have elaborate discussions with other starving artists. I have performed an average of 200 shows a year for the past three years in schools, libraries, and theatres. Occasionally another artist will ask me, "How did you get so busy?" My response is always, "I sat on my rear end for eight hours a day and made phone calls." Most of them look at me like I gave them the wrong answer. But that's what it boils down to: you have to work very, very hard to achieve your goals, especially if they are lofty. You don't have to be born lucky or a prodigy or a genius. You just have to decide what you want to accomplish and then refuse to stop until you accomplish your goal. If you do this, you will amaze yourself. Just look around you. Every day ordinary people are doing extraordinary things and they all use the same recipe. While my booking process is very time consuming, it is also very simple. One of the first things I did was make an attractive, full color 8 1/2" by 11" flyer. I made sure that it was colorful and eye catching and included strong quotes from venues and review publications. I had the flyer designed and printed professionally. If you shop around, you can get 1,000 flyers printed on a press for around $200. That's 20 cents each. I'm amazed at how many artists ask an amateur friend to design their product to save money and then have it color copied at Kinko's. When a presenter receives something that looks amateur in the mail, they are likely to pitch it. A layman can spot amateur work a mile away. You need to create the perception that you are professional and this is how you make your living. One thing you can ask yourself, both with your recording and your artwork, is whether a big record company would put their name on it. I try to make my material look and sound even better than what I see in record stores. After I had the flyer, I came up with a basic phone script. Any professional telemarketer will tell you that you need to deliver a strong benefit statement in the first thirty seconds of the conversation. Here is mine: "Hi. My name is Zak Morgan and I am a children's performer from Cincinnati, Ohio. I offer a very interactive music and storytelling program designed to exercise the imagination and encourage reading. Can I please speak to the person in charge of programs?" Come up with a benefit statement that you feel completely confident and comfortable saying. Once you get the right person on the line, repeat your benefit statement. Then tell them when you will be in their area and ask permission to send information. I send a flyer, a brief cover letter reiterating my benefit statement, and three recent reference letters from other venues I have played. I do not send a CD unless they ask. Seven to ten days later I follow up with another phone call and try to close the deal. This is the most critical step in the process, because they will not call you back even if they are interested. If you don't follow up, odds are you won't get the gig. The other thing I do is showcase whenever possible. A showcase is essentially an opportunity to perform a ten-minute live commercial in front of a group of presenters. If they like you, they book you. It's a great way to get work. Call your state arts council and ask them about showcase opportunities in your region. You can also look on the internet. Try to get on every arts roster possible, as it will both lend you credibility and get you work. Some arts councils will even help the venue pay your fee. I have made two CD's in four years and both times I took the same approach: make the best CD possible, from the writing to the recording to the packaging. I spent $20,000 on my first recording and $30,000 on my second recording out of my own pocket. You're probably thinking, "Well, I don't have $20,000 or 30,000 to spend on a CD project. I just can't afford it." Well neither could I. That's why I decided to work hard. I set goals for myself. I wanted to do 200 shows a year and gross six figures. I wasn't satisfied until I achieved those goals. When I did achieve them, the satisfaction was enormous. I poured every dollar I earned into my CD's and my business. Each of my records took well over two years to make and required a lot of hard work and personal sacrifice. The hard work is paying off. My first CD has grossed more than $50,000 in four years and my second CD has grossed more than $15,000 in six months and is nominated for a Grammy. I have two records that I am extremely proud of, both artistically and from a work-ethic perspective. The way I look at it, I can't afford not to make high quality products. My first step in making a CD was to find a producer with a great track record and a similar vision. His name is Ric Hordinski (Phil Keaggy, David Wilcox) and he is not only a great producer but also an exceptional guitarist and songwriter. We both agreed that children are smart and they are not to be patronized. I told him that I wanted to approach my records with the same seriousness that one would approach a record for adults. I wanted to write sophisticated and fun lyrics in the vein of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss and I wanted the record to be as interesting for adults as it is for kids. I wanted to achieve this both musically and lyrically. I hired the best musicians I could find. Bringing amateur friends into the recording studio is a terrible mistake. It's the same as asking an amateur friend to design your flyer or CD artwork. I give this advice to many people and usually they don't listen. Most of them are still struggling to put out their first good product. Next, I decided I would ask C.F. Payne to illustrate the CD cover. His illustrations grace the cover of TIME magazine several times each year. He has also illustrated numerous children's books, including John Lithgow's The Remarkable Farkle McBride. "You can't ask Payne to illustrate your CD. What are you nuts? You're a nobody!" I called him up (his number was in the phone book) and persuaded him to come to the studio to hear a couple of songs. Payne has illustrated both of my CD's, Bloom and When Bullfrogs Croak, and both CD's include a full color 32-page illustrated booklet. "You can't do a 32-page illustrated booklet, you dufas! It'll cost a fortune and it probably won't even fit in the jewel case!" Payne's involvement and the elaborate CD booklets gave me credibility and helped earn a completely unknown independent artist very good reviews in national publications like Publishers Weekly and KLIATT. C.F. Payne and I plan to write a children's book together next year. With my new CD, When Bullfrogs Croak, I decided to ask some of my favorite musicians to participate. First on my list was a brilliant, ornery songwriter and performer named Robbie Fulks. "Give me a break. He's recorded with Lucinda Williams and played The Grand 'Ole Opry. Don't waste your time." I sent him a copy of Bloom and asked if he was game. "Sure I'll sing on your CD. I'm flattered that you asked, in fact." Those were his exact words. I'm still amazed at how generous many successful artists are. We recorded his tracks in a Hampton Inn in Chicago on an M-Box. It was a great experience that I'll never forget and it came about because I ignored bad advice and was proactive. Then I asked Victoria Williams and David Wilcox. They both contributed incredible performances as well. Then Ric, my producer and guitarist, arranged for Richard Dodd (George Harrison, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty) to master the CD in Nashville. Ric and I have the same opinion of the word "can't," needless to say. The involvement of Richard Dodd, C.F. Payne, Robbie Fulks, Victoria Williams, and David Wilcox helped separate my CD from other children's recordings and helped create a buzz about my record. And it all came about from simply believing it could be done and then figuring out how to make it happen. When my new CD was released I rented a popular 350-seat theatre in Cincinnati on a Sunday afternoon. I think the owner, who is a very nice guy, felt sorry for me. "You can't expect a big turnout on a Sunday afternoon. I'll be amazed if you sell 100 seats." He rented me the theatre for $500. We convinced the local press to write articles about the CD and the people involved. The show sold out at $5 a head. It was a good omen. I did all of these things in an effort to make the best album possible. I wanted to make a record that deserved Grammy consideration. The final step in the process was pretty simple. I sent my CD to a voting member of the Recording Academy and asked him to consider submitting it for inclusion on the Grammy ballot if he deemed it worthy. He submitted the CD and it passed the initial screening process and made it onto the ballot. I then joined a chapter of the Recording Academy and played in their annual golf outing (I stink, but apparently that doesn't matter). I met some voting members and gave anyone who seemed interested a copy of my CD. I gave extra copies to the small handful of the Grammy voters I know and asked them to share them with other voters. Friends told friends and word got around. When I sent CD's though the mail, I tried to do it in a creative, memorable way. My packages included a suction pop-up toy frog. Entering the Grammy process is a waste of time if your record isn't truly worthy. But if you've put in the work, the time, and the money, you can be seriously considered for a Grammy, even if you are an independent artist. If an ordinary person sets goals and is willing to work hard and maintain a positive attitude, that person can achieve extraordinary things. I am living proof. So go out and realize your dreams and don't be surprised if the harder you work, the luckier you get. If there is anything I can do to help you like so many have helped me, please don't hesitate to e-mail me via my website, www.zakmorgan.com. Good luck and God Bless. The final Grammy voting ballots have now been sent and voting ends on January 7th. If you are a Grammy voter and would like to hear "When Bullfrogs Croak," e-mail me at bloom@zakmorgan.com and I will rush you a complimentary copy. Check out Zak Morgan’s two titles on CD Baby: The 2004 Grammy-nominated “When Bullfrogs Croak” can be heard (and purchased) at http://www.cdbaby.com/zakmorgan2 You can also check out his debut album, “Bloom”, at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/zakmorgan1

	by Butch on Friday January 02 2004 @ 06:53AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	the harder I worked it didn't get me more. But I tried what I knew. Glad it worked out for you.

	by Mike Williams on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 06:52AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Zak: I'm very proud of you to be able to take an art you love and be able to help children at the same time. I know you've probably heard this before,but if i didn't write this to you,i'd be remiss...Be VERY proud of your success,not many people make a success out of helping others.and be able to do it by doing what you love to do. Your story is very inspireing ! ! congradulations!

	by ari scott on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 06:58AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	what a great article. thank you. it's time for me to get off my butt at my day job and become a full time musician, and reading this helped inspire me. i hope zak wins that grammy.

	by Ralph on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 06:59AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Hey congrats, it disheartens me that you told your story and a negative person emailed back, you have given me hope to Visualize my Dream. Thanks

	by Gene on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 07:14AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Thats a great testimony, ZaK. I call that "Indie Power." Artists that are with major recording companys dont near as well - AND SOME OF THOSE SINGNED ARTIST HAVE A STAFF. congradulations.

	by Sean Michael Paddison on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 07:31AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Bravo Zak, You just proved something I've always believed and that is... 75% of the battle is having the gutts to try. I too went against the odds. A few years back I left Toronto and moved to North Carolina to check out the US music scene. My friends all said "what do you think your doing?", "you don't know anyone down there?" " Have you any idea of how hard it is to make it in music?" etc etc. Well I ignored them and went south anyways. Within a year I worked on 5 billboard charting hits and one song that eventually won a grammy award. I knew noone when i went down there, I simply knew I had the chops and the gutts. So I made the calls and took the chances and magic began to happen. Honestly most of it isn't magic as long as your chops are good and your vision is clear. I salute you, I'll be routing for you! PS: I'm now gonna try to do the same thing all over again this time as a solo new age artist.....wish me luck. Cheers Sean Michael Paddison/ MusAlchemy Radio

	by Chip Gilchrist on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 08:01AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Way to go, Zak! Word of mouth is definitely a wondrous thing... when I told my oldest sister about your great sit-in at my gig, I didn't even know she was a voting member of the Academy! Thanks again for your invaluable help on that HTML matter, BTW. Big congrats to you from a fan and grateful buddy! chip

	by Carolyn on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 08:10AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	I am also an independent musician whose has just finished a CD. Like you, it took me about 2 years to complete for the exact same reasons. I am now promoting it. But I don't think I would have achieved my goals if I hadn't visualized a clear path. I had to really decide what I wanted to accomplish and then write it down WITH a deadline. By writing it down and seeing my own expectations, it forced me to achieve my goal. Now, here I am again, writing down what I need to do to get to the next level. Little bit by little bit, things are starting to happen. I am gathering a support team together to help me achieve what I want to do. A musician that played on my CD performs often in my area, and when I told him exactly what my next goal was, he invited me to sing a couple of my songs with him at his next show. I also expressed to a woman that I would like other artists to record my songs. She asked for my CD and a few days later, her husband called me and offered to help me. He ended up being very well connected in the industry. All because I knew exactly what I wanted. Will anything happen? Who knows. But I do know that I am doing everything I can to accomplish my goals. Even when friends and family tell me that I'm setting myself up for disappointment. I BELIEVE IN ME! When I read this article, it validated all of my thoughts. The only disability humans posses is self doubt. Most of us give up on our dreams never knowing how close we might have been. Congratulations Zak! I will print and keep this article for future inspiration too! Carolyn

	by fire on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 09:07AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Hmmm, I like to hear success stories. Thankyou sincerely. But I apreciate them more when they recognize that many of us DO have more guts than your average Joe. And many of us have payed dearly for our decision to put music first. We are all in this together, methinks. I would have liked your story much more had you discussed a key element that seperated you from the pack. You decided upon a much more specific target audience/market etc. Therefore for the majority of us, tring to do what you did would only work if we re-invent ourselves and narrow our audience. Instead of writing Alternative, Folk, Rock, or Hip-Hop songs then for example, we could create 'Alternative for Seniors' , 'Folk for the Military', or 'Hip-Hop for Germans'. So, in that respect your article was extremely condescending. Your telephone speel CAN sound a lot different than mine because, duh, you ARE doing something different. Like most of us, I too have made thousands of calls, and challenge any one to work as hard as I have. Its a choice. I respect yours. Recognize the majority, even if its simply to recognize that the majority may need to reconsider the hazards of being such.

by Matt on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 12:28PM PST [ reply | parent ] Fellow CDbaby musician here. More power to you Zak and don't let idiots like "fire" up above me on the list of responses encourage you to change the way you describe your process. He obviously is one of those who can't help but feel inferior and insecure when others succeed! You've done a great thing by succeeding and a greater thing to take the time out to try and help others succeed also. Matt

by Joe Pop-O-Pie on Sunday January 25 2004 @ 12:44AM PST [ reply | parent ] Hold it a minute Matt... I don't think Fire was trying to be mean to Zak when he said what he said. He was just augmenting the message. Both Zak & Fire, shoud be commended for their informational contributions. It's all relevant, & enlightening. But let's stop right there... I have read all the contributors to this blog and I think we all have it backwards... It is the Grammy Folks that should be grateful to Zak. It is his greatness that is making THEM look good. Let me explain: Understand that the Grammy Folks and the big bad Music Industry, that we all know and hate, are one in the same. It is them that need US for validation now, NOT the other way around. The big bad Music Industry has been in decline for the last 4+ years, and as Derek Sivers will be more than happy to tell you, CDBaby has been growing by leaps and bounds in the last 4+ years. NOW, who needs WHOSE validation here? Get the message. WE are the music industry that's on the RISE. The old big bad Music Industry is on the way OUT. This pandering to us, the DIY crowd, is an atempt by them, to curry favor with us. THEY are thinking ahead. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that Zak has managed to lasoo their attention, and get them knocking on his door, for his acceptance. But this should also be recognized as a symbolic victory for all of us CDBaby-ites. (Derek and his employees included.) And while I'm on the subject, we should all thank Derek and his gang for doing what we punk rockers could only dream about 20 years ago... a mechanism that would eliminate the unnecessary middlemen (Music Industry) put us artists directly in touch with the supporters of our art. For ALL projects great and small. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has had several Indie & Major Label Record Deals in the last 23 years... I've made more dough workin' it on CDBaby.com. We are very lucky to have it. Peace, Love, & Inspiration, to all my fellow CDBaby-ites! -Joe Pop-O-Pie (of The Pop-O-Pies) www.pop-o-pie.com

	by The Peot Drama on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 09:52AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	I wanna say man that is inspirational and I am taking your words to heart. Im an CD Baby Artist too and Im moving to New York to fulfill my dream of living off my craft in May, and everyone is saying don't go. They're saying what if it doesn't work---but Im saying what if it does. I cant risk not going---If I dont go I'll lose out on a chance of being the best damn Spoken word artist EVER. I commend you my brother and if you ever have words of advice or ever wanna holla at me(or anyone reading this) hit me atwww.cdbaby.com/poetdrama

	by on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 11:12AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	So YOU'RE the guy who beat me out in the Childrens category!! Congratulations to a fellow CDBaby artist with a similar path. I focus on original guitar-based instrumental lullabies and my grammy submission "Late Night Guitar" must have gone up against you over there at the Academy. Is it possible that I am worse at golf than you? Just kidding. Do you know how excited I am for you? Very. My goal as a fiercely independent composer followed nearly the same path to create and develop a "better than the record companies" product and promotion which, like you, seemed to outperform several of the majors. I went after the radio play charts...so even those labels with promo staffers could just stand around their water coolers and see a little independent blast right past them to #2 on the charts! All the best to you and I'm proud of your Independent Grammy nomination. I'll be pulling for you all the way! Tom Salvatori

	by Susan Gilmore on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 11:52AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	What an exciting and amazing story. I too am an aspiring singer/songwriter. My band and I just completed our first commercial independent album. I am very familiar with the can't(s) and the "you'll never succeed" lines that are constantly being heaved my way and like you they fall on a deaf ear. We didn't spend quite as much as you did on the first album, but I am well aware of the enormity of the costs associated with these projects. We have had very little to no success on CD sells outside of our immediate area. We are very popular at home, but outside of this area, we just haven't received much success. I feel strongly that we have something great and when I close my eyes I can really hear our stuff being played on radio. How can I convience everyone else that they would like us if they heard us? HEAR US ON http://www.cdbaby.com/fertileg Would love any feedback. Thanks. Susan

by Rod Hughey on Monday February 09 2004 @ 05:49PM PST [ reply | parent ] Susan, If you are not getting the good response in outside areas that you are receiving at home, perhaps I may offer some advice: Schmooze Schmooze Schmooze! Play for free at events that have the possibility of good exposure. Spend as much time with the audience/potential listeners as possible. Make every person you meet truly believe you find them interesting and make them like you. There is a lot to be said for diplomacy in this business. Talk to some public radio folks/smaller radio stations that may be willing to give you an interview and play a couple songs live or just play a cut from your CD. Make a few complimentary copies of the CD available for call in contests. Plug yourself to every person you meet. You have to give away a LOT (music, performances, time, empathy, public service, etc.), and eventually people will begin to recognize you. Dedicate a song to a fan you met just before the show. In other words, don't underestimate the potential of ANY PERSON that you EVER ENCOUNTER to be that local promoter, radio person, fan with a HUGE network of showgoing friends. Whatever. You should be picking this up easily enough. Make sure there is a little love in your heart every where you go and people will catch it. I can't begin to tell you how many other musicians out there I have hear that have a really great sound or exceptional songwriting abilities, but they are so introverted or self absorbed that meeting them in person (Several examples come to mind right now) leaves you feeling like you just personally met the main ingredient to novacaine. It's not their fault either, they JUST DON'T GET IT. When was the last time you saw a fan walk away from a show all ticked off because they were just treated special by the singer at a show that they just met in the mall earlier that day? See...no, realize...no, experience and BE the need for a warm heart. If you build it, they WILL come. I hope this offers anything at all for you. Cheers, Rodney Hughey

	by Liz Larin on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 12:39PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Yes, it's true! It's been working for me! Success seems to flow when we take the initiative, when we develop positive thoughts, when we use our dynamic will and when we practice self control. Thanks for being open and sharing your success story. Love and peace to you - LIZ LARIN

	by Stsetnoc on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 01:12PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	The truth is that Zak's message is a great wake up call to everyone who isn't putting in the trench work (ie - phone calls, meetings, and e-mails EVERY DAY). His message was neither condescending, nor was it presumptuous in any way. The other truth is that (coming from someone who has four separate degrees in marketing and works with a substantial budget) Zak gets to work in a niche market. I respect all of the work he put it. His market does, however, make it substantially easier to secure live performances, showcases that take on an educational flare, and even studio time in some cases. And do you know what? THAT'S SMART! There was a market for this type of music and Zak has "sneaky-ninja'd" his way into it (as the lingo goes). Congrats. To everyone else who is playing Alternative Rock. You all have your work cut out for you. Do you know someone at the decision-making level in the music industry on a first name basis? No? Well then,... it will most likely take you 2-3 times as long as Zak to do what he did, and most definitely 2-3 times the amount of phone calls, e-mails, meetings, and discouraging encounters (and they will come; you can count on it!)... ...and after all is said and done, you MIGHT be noticed by someone, or (if you never give up and keep on playing) you might be playing local bars for the rest of your life and never go anywhere. These are the cold hard facts. These are the truths that motivate us in the beautiful, dangerous world of music. One thing Zak said was incorrect,... hard work does not necessarily gaurantee anything! All it does is increase your chances of being noticed. Luck counts. If you truly don't love playing; if you only want to play so you can be a big star someday; if you find yourself whining more than practicing or calling venues; if think that the music industry owes you something... please, PLEASE!!! ... ...give up your quasi-musician dream and go back to your day jobs so that the rest of us who burn to get ahead can do so, without you cluttering the market. Cheers.

	by Jon MacKinder on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 01:48PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Very Friggin' Well Done!! I am impressed and inspired. I hope you win! My best, Jon

	by Michelle Gold on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 02:06PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	AWESOME, Zak! I am soooooooooooo excited for you. What is sooooooo exciting to me is that I have not even put HALF of the amount of booking efforts as you have invested and yet I am still watching all my dreams come true. I am a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, NY and promised myself 8 years ago that I would continue to share my music and the hope that I have whether I got signed by a label or not. I got involved with National Academy of Pop Music (thesongwritershalloffame.org) and took workshop after workshop with the most encouraging performance and songwriting coach anyone will ever know, Lorraine Ferro. I took every opportunity given to me to sing at churches and even funerals, whether it paid or not. I brought a 4 song demo with me because that was all I could afford to make & sell! Anywho- it turns out that my unstoppable attitude my willingness, and my prayers of surrender have lead to being signed recently by Tovah Music Records and WORD Distribution in Nashville, TN!!! My album will be released this Fall 2004. This is just the beginning and I have not arrived, but it certainly shows me that us Indie artists can do anything we dream of with the help of our loving God. I was an indie artist for 8 years before getting signed.I cant wait to see what God is going to do. A tip for Christian Artists: For the easiest "script" plus 2 CD learning set in the world on booking, check out www.dawnjones.net and click on the booking workshop. VERY USER FRIENDLY! PS- Dont be discouraged, the apostle Paul was a tent maker part time and accomplished more than words can say regarding his desire to preach the Gospel and make a difference.

	by Kay Seamayer on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 02:08PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Congratulations Zak!! I love the fact that you are not only talented, obviously, but you are determined...and you have set forth goals for yourself...given yourself time frames..and have surrounded yourself with excellent people who can help you achieve those goals! How old did you say you were? ha... You sound like an old soul...or a very savvvvvvy young person with a dream and willingness to do what it takes to see it through! I am a CD Baby artist... A GRANDMOTHER..who did not start my music career until after 50... unfortunately, it cost me a divorce, because no one would give credence to the fact that I just might be able to make a wonderful living playing and writing music.. - a lot of people though I had "cracked up"....Well, maybe I did, but I followed my passion and my dream.....I have been working steady with wonderful musical experiences in the Dallas area.. - produced a great CD...of my own songs KC Singin' & Swingin" (her own songs) (www.cdbaby.kc) www.kayseamayer.com - and on that album is a song I wrote just after 9/11... Let Freedom Ring. Through hard work of marketing and an unstopable amount of belief in myself and in my project....and with a lot of luck, I SANG LET FREEDOM RING July 4, 2003, in Philadelphia, Independence Square, at the Let Freedom Ring National Bell Ringing Ceremony of the LIBERTY BELL....I have been booked for a return engagement to perform Let Freedom Ring July 4, 2004 - this year, I will be performing with the Philadelphia Boys Choir! I have sung it on National TV. in a Tribute to 9/11 - have sung it in front of Supreme Court Judges...Governors of States...more.. My birthday is today, I just turned 64 (YOUNG!!!!) - I share my song and CD with anyone who might be blessed by it... hear Let Freedom Ring: www.kayseamayer.com/letfreedomsplash.htm I am producing that "professional" packet as we speak... to send out to cities and towns across America.... to committees planning July 4th celebrations in their town.... I've included American Sign Language interpretation so that the deaf community can join in performing this song Across America!! It can be done....AND YOU'RE RIGHT, "CAN'T" is just not in OUR dictionary... We've become the VICTOR....not the VICTIM!!! AND IT'S BECAUSE WE BELIVE IN OURSELVES... and surround ourselves with the right people. You and I are successful in different ways, but nevertheless, and whatever the level, I'm very proud of yours, mine and OTHER MUSICIANS who have the passion and determination to stick with it...until they make something happen!! .and as a 64 year old SAUCY TEXAS LADY....I've only just begun!! I'll be ready for the next level of success when Patti Labelle or Celine or some other great recording artist records my beautiful song about FREEDOM... Let Freedom Ring! I know it will happen... I too am trying to reach our America youth with a strong and important message.. about love of country...and FREEDOM! SURE WISH I WERE A VOTING MEMBER...YOU'D SURELY HAVE GOTTEN MY VOTE... GREAT WORK... GREAT SOUND!! Kay Seamayer Dallas Texas kayseamayer@MSN.com

	by Sarah Cheevers on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 03:05PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Hi Zak, Thanks for re-inspiring me. I do believe we create our own opportunities but sometimes I forget...so thanks for taking the time to write about your musical journey and successes. Sarah Cheevers

	by Igor on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 03:39PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Zak, thank you for sharing your story. I'm quite impressed. The lesson, clearly, is - it's not enough to do things professionally, you need to bring in Big Names. Great job! As for those who read some guarantees of success out of this... Zak clearly makes a point about hard work bringing better Luck. There are no guarantees. Check out our song on the topic at http://www.cdbaby.com/bengunns :)

	by Thea Wray on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 04:02PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Congrats. You are an inspiraion to the rest of us indies...

	by Geri Rizzo on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 04:31PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	What a wonderful story! Yes, talent is not enough, you must have "guts" and a burning fire within and focus-focus-focus! Thank you for the inspiration, WIN that Grammy, and if not, forge on! Hey, if you ever need a really good flute player, I'm available! :)) Geri

	by Gary Knight on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 06:34PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Bravo for you Zak! Sounds like you did it all the hard way, and you did more than just your homework. I love your work ethic. It really took balls and conviction. Every piece of advice you have is perfect. Only great things can come to an artist who doesn't believe in the word "can't". I wish you all of the best luck I can for that Grammy. There are so many undeserving musicians out there, and this is a giant case for the deserving one. If you are ever looking for 3 part harmonies or an opening act in the Cincy area that basically has a Crosby Stills and Nash sound, check out my acoustic band from Dayton, Ohio...THE FRIES. We're always willing to lay down some harmony tracks for worthy causes, and Dayton is just a short step away from Cincy. Again, I'll be watching and rooting for your CD to win that Grammy! Sincerely, Gary Knight

	by simone white on Wednesday January 14 2004 @ 09:09PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	yes!

	by John Paul Jones on Thursday January 15 2004 @ 12:37PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Great stories...

	by Dan Reich on Thursday January 15 2004 @ 01:43PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Zak - great story! Thanks for taking us on your journey and inspiring us to follow. There are some other great examples of musicians rising above the obstacles here. I'd like to share mine. A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given six months to live. I'd been involved in music for more than 35 years (really dating myself now) and had had some success, being on a major label act in the '70s and playing in a number of bands, taking off a decade or two to raise a family, but always keeping the musical flame burning somehow. My songwriting had taken a new direction some months earlier, and after the diagnosis, I kept writing until I had about a dozen songs. Some dear musician friends offered to help me record a CD while I still could. The result was a wonderfully arranged and played collection of my songs, framing my chemo-affected vocals in the best possible light. Through alternative treatments and a huge leap of faith in my ability to heal myself, I am now in full, robust health without the benefit of any traditional medical treatment, and am now trying to pay some dues with open mics to perfect my performance chops. I'm aware that I'm doing things in an unconventional order, but I'm just grateful that I'm here to give my work a shot at wider recognition. Thank you, Zak, for your inspiring story and best of luck!

	by k.m.polian on Thursday January 15 2004 @ 04:24PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	thank you for your informative article. I'm gonna take your advice and set my self some goals. I am hoping that this is the year I figure out how to get myself the grammy I've promised myself. Congratulations on your success. I hope you win. I too am a cdbaby member. k.m.p.

	by BILL BAILEY on Thursday January 15 2004 @ 05:41PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	ZAK YOU'VE MADE ME VERY PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIS YOUR STORY WAS INSPIRING IT MADE ME WANT TO REFOCUS AND WORK HARDER LIKE YOU DID. MY CD WAS TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING ALSO, WHERE YOURS FOCUSED ON CHILDERN MIND IS GEARED TOWARDS THE BABYBOOMERS YOU SEE I SING THE OLDIES AND DOO-WOP, CHECK IT OUT ON WWW.CDBABY.COM/BILLBAILEY ONCE AGAIN ZAK CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK I'LL BE PULLING FOR YOU AT THE GRAMMYS....BILL BAILEY

	by Ja Franco on Friday January 16 2004 @ 10:03AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Contrats, and thanks for the reminder of goal-setting with a time table. Very inspirational and well written article. I look forward to hearing your CD. Good luck at the Grammy's. Ja www.brotherangel.com

	by STREET PRINCE-O-PALtm on Friday January 16 2004 @ 02:09PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	need a rapper?

	by Smurf! on Friday January 16 2004 @ 03:41PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Congratulations! I'm also a producer and songwriter and you hit the nail on the head. Hard work and determination equal success in whatever endeavor you do. Keep up the good work and keep in touch!!

	by matt on Friday January 16 2004 @ 11:04PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Great stuff! Derek and his crew have done a great job in promoting you and I have a great respect for them. I also am a CD baby artist, and even though I have chosen to enter a vastly different musical field, I am inspired by your "grammy nod". In my mind it is an honor to even be considered no matter the outcome. You should be proud and pat yourself on the back a few times. Best of luck...even though you have arrived Matt - http://www.mic-stands.com

	by David Boswell on Saturday January 17 2004 @ 09:30AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Thank you for sharing your story. Really inspiring! My best wishes to you always. Thanks Derek for posting the story too. Hats are off to you for all you do for independent artists!! David Boswell

	by Mr.Carmen Jon on Saturday January 17 2004 @ 11:36AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Being in the right place at the right time. This is my 37th year in the business, I know. Unless you know what harbor to sail into, the brightest light from any light house will be too dim. Good job..and good luck at the Grammy CARMENJON.COM

by Steve McCormick on Sunday January 18 2004 @ 08:17AM PST [ reply | parent ] Zak, congratulations to you!!! What an inspiring story, thanks for telling it to us. I'm a brand new artist on cdbaby and I'm turning over each and every stone to sell and promote my new album...and your story only makes me want to push harder. I wish you all the best and I sure hope you win that Grammy!! www.cdbaby.com/smccormick

	by Leigh Harrison on Sunday January 18 2004 @ 11:51AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Hi! As an independent musician and songwriter, I applaud your success! On the other hand, I do know that having a very highly-specialized niche market is part of what can set you apart. In that sense, it makes sense for each of us to try to differentiate ourselves from the crowd in terms of presentation and marketing. Furthermore, I also spent quite a bit of money (for me) producing my CD, but I was fortunate in that I didn't have to pay expensive fees for artists and designers to work on my cover art and computer graphics, because in addition to being a musician and songwriter, I am a lifelong, trained artist, and my lead guitarist is a computer expert, so we saved literally thousands of dollars doing our cover art and inserts ourselves (luckily) and the end result has had reviewers cheering the fact that our CD "is the most professionally packaged independent release we've ever seen" according to many of them. So -- one doesn't necessarily need to spend thousands for graphics, either -- just be an artist or have friends who will offer services for free can help! Also -- if this helps anyone else -- I made sure to buy my dot.com as soon as possible -- I have a website, www.leighharrison.com which will be up shortly, and in the meantime, my info can be accessed via members.aol.com/chanteusebabe and that will hopefully get me started. I urge you to check carefully into the web, though -- I have been singing and performing since 1971 (!) when I was quite young, but only recently discovered that there is another performer with the same name in New Zealand, and I am struggling even harder than most of you, both trying to differentiate myself as a performer AND as an internet entity...believe me, THAT is hard! Also, to my dismay, I recently discovered that there is a band with the name that I used as a title for my first CD, ("Eclectic Chanteuse") and while I also wish them well (and while I am aware that one cannot copyright song titles or album names) I'm naturally concerned to make sure that my next CD doesn't cause confusion by the title resembling anyone else...then again, perhaps my concerns are baseless -- after all, no one really confuses Nancy Wilson, the great jazz singer, with Nancy Wilson from the band, Heart, do they? In any case, thanks for your tips, and I hope mine are useful, too. Leigh

by Sandra Kaye on Sunday January 18 2004 @ 05:14PM PST [ reply | parent ] The Name Game Thing! Hi, I'm Sandra Kaye from Pensacola, Florida! Seems there is a "Sandra Kaye" in Texas, who also sells her music through CDBaby. What's the odds? As of 1992, our band has been "The LEGEND Band". A couple of years ago a got an email from the LEGEND band in Canada. Now when I find another Sandra Kaye working with another Legend band, well I just won't know what to do?!?!

	by Yve on Sunday January 18 2004 @ 02:10PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	yes ,,......good luck to you!

	by Maria Woodford on Monday January 19 2004 @ 12:58PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	I've been a full time musician for 4.5 years. Sometimes things get a little tight and I get discouraged. But most of the time I just keep plugging away at it. Hard work is the only way to get it done. On the phone all day every day is the only way to get it done. I am so happy for you that all your hard work has paid off. Good on ya! You deserve it. This time of year is always a little tough for us (Duende) so your story has been a great pick me up. We will not give up for anything. Thanks for the inspiration... it is good to know that we have peers. It is even better to see them succeeding. Peace.

	by Nomi Yah on Wednesday January 21 2004 @ 11:04AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Zak, Congratulations and thanks for writing about it for the rest of us. Good luck. Nomi

	by Tim Champlin on Wednesday January 21 2004 @ 04:49PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Congrats Zack, your story is what makes living in America so wonderful! It's people like you who make the rest of us realize that in America anything is possible!! Also,I totally agree with your philosophy;The best musicians out there will play on your CD so why not use them? Who wants to buy a CD that has great lyrics but sucks musically or vice versa? I have a great band, great players, but if another bass player can nail a certain song better, that's the one I hire. Once the Cd is released, that's it, it's in stone. Good Luck!! T Champlin

	by Anthony on Thursday January 22 2004 @ 08:04AM PST [ reply | parent ]
	What a great read! Thanks for sharing Zak, and congrats on your hard-earned success.

	by Eva Tortora on Sunday January 25 2004 @ 09:14PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	I like what you said about amateur friend's artwork and long invloved dicussions with starving artists...because of people like you, I'm not going to waste my youth any longer and I'm going to go out and obtain exactly what I want. ~eva

	by Beth on Monday January 26 2004 @ 01:10PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	I'm very inspired by your story and all the feedback regarding it. Our story is a little different. My husband is the singer/songwriter and listed with CDBaby. I'm the business person whose career afforded Ray to persue the music. He released his first CD, Memory Years, in Nov '02. My job had me traveling 80% of the time which meant Ray had to be mom and dad to our two children who just turned 9 and 11, so needless to say promoting virtually didn't happen - thankfully, the writing and demoing continued. Now the opportunity - because I was unwilling to relocate my family (so I could continue to travel)I was told goodbye Dec 31st after 13 years with a great severance package - now we are going to put all our waking efforts to making our living from his music. Your story drives home my optimistic approach on life and I know we CAN make it! Bless us all!

	by street princeopal on Monday February 09 2004 @ 02:25PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	yo z sounds like the real streets to me! give Z the grammy zaks got my vote!

	by friend on Tuesday March 30 2004 @ 08:56PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Great job Zak. You'll get your grammy next time because you simply have already done the work and the rewards will soon be reaped.

	by Ron on Monday May 03 2004 @ 05:03PM PDT [ reply | parent ]
	Great Story! The part that speaks to me is the williness to invest in your own future and make high quality music. I can help anyone who is serious take it to the next level! You want sales, you need total quality! I am the CEO of White Rabbit Records in Dallas, Texas. If you want to see one of our artist (a housewife who is seriously making some noise!) check her out at http://www.broadjam.com/artists/artistindex.asp?artistID=12167 If you want this type of writing, and music production for $$ instead of $$$$$...then contact me at musicoffering@aol.com and find out how my company can get you where you want to be. Thanks Z, you are an example of what makes me love this industry.

	by Greg Patton on Wednesday June 09 2004 @ 04:10PM PDT [ reply | parent ]
	Hey Zak, Im impressed! I know you will go a lot farther than you have already! Cheers to you,my musical friend! Greg.

	by benito dominguez on Wednesday December 08 2004 @ 09:14PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	we just finish our 3 cd Ritmo Latino band

	by Sandra Kaye (From Texas) on Wednesday February 22 2006 @ 12:07PM PST [ reply | parent ]
	Dearest Zak, I am so happy for you and all that you have accomplished. It is well that you have laid out your recipe online. I appreciate that so much, and I am sure that many others will also. Thank you. Best Wishes, Sandra Kaye

	by april garton on Friday April 13 2007 @ 11:22PM PDT [ reply | parent ]
	wowwwzzzyyyyy!!!! you are one hell of a go-getter.. i am so impressed, and really needed to hear that story..Zak it gives me hope! you are relentless, and i love your Yes attitude. that is truly what i live by too--as long as my core negative doesnt get in the way. thankyou for sharing your incredible story, and i look so forward to getting more positive vibes from you. :) i would say you are pretty darn nifty.

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