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Dec with the Ali and Robin - UB40.... plus the Managing Director of 'Serious Writers Guild' - Vicci Esselle.

You may hate Dec or LOVE him but can he help you? DEC helps all those who ask! Now in 29 countries. Can he help you? you just have to ask, you know.

Quick Reference: check the numbers of the questions then scroll to the answer.....why not ask your own question? This is only a tiny indication of what you can get from:

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(1) "Any last minute advice on getting more energy? Particulary from the bass?"

(2) "I often repeated the same note phrasings again and again?"

(3) "Seems to lack a bit of warmth, particularly on the drums. Can you help?"

(4) "If the course was less expensive?"

(5)"I want the money and flexibility that songwriting can bring"

	(1) Hi Dec I'm mixing a track at the moment and it's one session from being finished. I've referenced it against some really great dance tracks and I'm just lacking a bit of in yer face energy. I've got 3 stereo sub groups with drums/bass, vox and two riffs. Alot of the stuff was compressed as it went down to Pro Tools and we have hit the sub groups quite lighlty. Any last minute advice on getting more energy? Particulary from the bass. Thanks > Nick
	Hi First my definition of a 'novice' is anyone who has not made a $fortune from music....so I am not being derogatory. Most 'novice' mixes are always too bass heavy. The great mixes have quite a transparent bass sound and leave it to the 30,000 Watts in the Disco to hit people in the chest. That gives far greater definition when heard at high level. It sounds like your problem is going back to the level [or maybe the sample itself] of the kik. It could also be the 'length' of the sample sounds. Long bass notes [even a few milliseconds too long] can 'muddy' a track. Similarly a longer kik can soften a mix. Start afresh and reference the track better....I am sure your problem is too much bottom end....it always is! Remember...it's a 'novice' problem...when you make a $fortune you get a lot of sense! regards Where do the Pro's go to check the Hit Potential of their material? Answer: The 'MAKEHITS' Demo Consultation Service. Check out www.makehits.co.uk/demo.htm .... now you can have the professional service for professionals. DEC dec@makehits.co.uk Serious Writers Guild "where the 'lil guy gets the same chance as the big guy"
	(2) I used to write vocal melodies on the fly so to speak, I'd pretty much just make them up as I went until I found something I liked. The problem with that approach was that it often wasn't very interesting, or I often repeated the same note phrasings again and again. Lately, I decided to try a different approach to vocal melodies and actually started writing them out on piano, like I would when building up a song for any other instrument. So far, I've avoided the two problems I was having before, my only new problem is keeping within my vocal range. Heh. So I was curious as to how other people create their vocal melodies. Improv, thought out, written and rehearsed, or a combination thereof? Dave Mackey
	Dave >>>>>.I often repeated the same note phrasings again and again.<<<<<<, That is the start of understanding what a commercial melody is all about. The fourth Whitney Houston Hit back [went to Number One in the UK] had only four melody lines in the whole song. John Lennon's ambition was to write a song with one note and one chord. Dave Stewart commented that 'the more proficient a writer, the fewer brushstrokes he needs'. So, it would seem that you had the theory of commercial melody writing correct all the time! However, it has to be said that the one line, which you would repeat ad infinitum, would have to be a classic line! [check out 'Coldplay', 'Sugababes']. In fact, if you want to go back 40 years, check out Bob Dylan 'Lay Lady Lay' or further than that, ask your Great Granny about 'Come into the Garden Maud'. I see guys in my studio [only the novice, unsuccessful ones] struggling to find the 'different' melody line and lyric to the preceeding line in the verse or chorus whereas the Pro's will struggle to hone one line until it is magical, both in melody content and lyrical content. But, it has to be understodd that the novice is doing it 'for fun' usually, whereas the Pro is doing it to have commercial success, earn the dosh to put the food on the table and make a $fortune. In my experience, writing melody on an instrument will be restricted by the competence with which you can play the instrument...and also the style of playing that is comfortable to you. Writing 'in your head' or on the back of the 54 bus to school is, in my opinion, and the opinion of most of the industry, much more inventive, ask Noel Gallagher. Your mind knows no boundaries...your hands do. I am writing a concerto at the moment [mixing tomorrow], using all the digital techniques available and it is amazing how an agile, inventive musical mind can combine with musical instrument competence and knowledge of digital recording techniques to get the best from each individual talent. It is really taking your idea of writing 'in your head' a giant leap forward. Just like Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Copeland, Williams and all the greats it is full of repetition. Regards DEC dec@makehits.co.uk Serious Writers Guild "where the 'lil guy gets the same chance as the big guy"
	(3) Hi Dec I've just mixed down a track and it's pretty cool but seems to lack a bit of warmth, particluarly on the drums. Can you help? Thanks Nick
	Hi 'Warmth'? We're usually trying to get rid of 'warmth'! Hits are all about 'hardness'. It sounds like you are mixing in a computer. This is always a problem. You probably feel that the drums are not 'large' enough sonically. This will always be a problem, unless the piece is mixed on an analogue desk [the bigger the better]. This is why the whole industry has mostly reverted to dumping Pro Tools, Logic, Cakewak generated stuff down onto Radar and separating out all the tracks to a proper mixer. Miraculously, the 'size' appears from nowhere. And none of us can understand why. It is something to do with all the sound coming out of two small left/right jacks on the comuter. Also, Nick, it must be understood that quality in a mix only comes from years of experience....a producer's 'sound' just gets better and better through the years. My stuff improves even now. Regards....call me! DEC dec@makehits.co.uk Where do the Pro's go to check the Hit Potential of their material? Answer: The 'MAKEHITS' Demo Consultation Service. Check out www.makehits.com/demo.htm .... now you can have the professional service for professionals.
	(4) Hi Dec, hope you are well. You've asked me a few questions in your e-mails. The correspondence I had by e-mail with various composers DOES contain a (disguised) reference to your course which on the whole is favourable BUT, it seems the author of the pertinent e-mail is still not making much money ..... if any, from his writing so do you see the course as having failed him? I should also ask another question of you. If someone is writing songs that nobody wants to sign, your course isn't going to help them is it? If the course was less expensive, I might be tempted but since "All You Need To Know About The Music Business" is endorsed by Quincy Jones, Tom Waits, Rolling Stone magazine, Ed Bicknell (manager of Dire Straits) and plenty of respected journals and it runs to 510 pages (including the index) and retails at £16.99, I wonder what the people who have done your course get for their money that's worth so much more than this book? I subscribed to the Band It newsletter and was offered 6 publishing contracts, one for each song on the CD I sent to a publisher in the US. I tried contacting companies a mere three months after the Band It newsletter's web site quoted the companies as being happy with the response they got from Band It subscribers and they'd all disappeared. I'd be more likely to buy your course if the were verifiable testimonials from people saying something like ..... "Dec! Your course has helped me MAKE AN INCOME from songs that I'd previously been unable to place". Yours sincerely, Jonathan Sumpton working as Jon Asher, pianoentertainer
	Hi Jonathan >>>>>.. it seems the author of the pertinent e-mail is still not making much money <<<<< Question: Does he have the persistence, ambition, killer attitude to take the material from the course and make $Million? Did he action everything he was told to action 100%? Does his music now sit comfortably between the Number One and the Number Three this week - as I showed him? Could he sit comfortably between Richard Branson and Muff Winwood at the top table of TRIC ball? I would suggest..."NOT A CHANCE" If he spent £25,000 on an accountancy degree and then sat on his b*m and axpected the world to come to him...would he make $Million? I think not! It is impossible to follow my method to the letter and not make a $Fortune....IMPOSSIBLE! "You can bring a horse to water - but you cannot make him drink" I show the proven, caste iron method which must be carried out 100%, and not selectively, to suit the laziness of the purchaser. Check out a selection of the thousands of unbelievable testimonials at: www.makehits.co.uk/applause.htm www.makehits.com/testimonials.htm Also check at the start of EVERY 'One Minute With Dec' available at 'One Minute With Dec' FOR INSTANCE - from the top of last week's: "Personally I think these books are like GOLD DUST! I've only read like 3 releases and already I feel like it's changed my attitude, my perceptions and my ways of thinking. Not just with my music, but with every day life! It's like magic!" [Graeme Smith - 'Serious Writers Guild' member] "I feel like I've been running to keep up for the last 2 years at least. We are going public soon for tax reasons and maybe even a 2nd company. My first letter to you seems a long while ago now and I still believe your LESSON NO 1 IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON ANYONE CAN EVER LEARN. THANKS....I COME BACK TO IT EVERY DAY" [Ian Warrener 'Serious Writers Guild' member] "I have been contacted by a newly formed 5 piece boy band and have been selected to write the first album. Had I not done your course I don't think I would have been as prepared as I am. Thanks. [A Raybould - 'Serious Writers Guild member] " "Hey Dec, watch Top of The Pops this week...the video I did with 'Busted' will be on...looks like they are Number One this week! [John Dartnell - Serious Writers Guild Member]" We started with a few per month, then a few per week, then a few per day....now we have to be selective, as there is a torrent daily. >>>>>>.. If someone is writing songs that nobody wants to sign, your course isn't going to help them is it?<<<<<< Absoluterly correct. I show them how to change and show them EXACTLY what is required by the Industry. That is usually a bitter pill to swallow. As I said above: "must be carried out 100% and not selectively to suit the laziness of the purchaser." This business is about giving the public what they WANT and not what tired and lazy writers wish that the public NEED. And what the record buying public want [12-18 years old, by the way!] is on every National radio 4-7pm each Sunday. Success in the music industry is little to do with music! It is based on 95% attitude and 5% apptitude. >>>>>>..If the course was less expensive,<<<<<< Anything is expensive if you cannot afford it...a fact of life. You spend $279 and make $Million? Not a lot wrong with that equation. Less than the price of a decent cup of coffee per day? That is not a sales pitch...IT IS FACT! >>>>>>..runs to 510 pages (including the index) and retails at £16.99, I wonder what the people who have done your course get for their money that's worth so much more than this book?<<<<<< Books which retail, like the one above, are no more than regurgitated "put an A note with an A minor chord and sing the words 'Moon in June'...." sorry I've read most of theml....and they are 90% written by failed music guys who have never had an ounce of success in their lives! I have put the food on my table every day from my music...and we have eaten well...in the world's most exotic places..... Sorry - I wouldn't have the glowing praise for my 'How To Make A $Million From your Music' if I wrote a 'how to be a songwriter' book! You seem to totally forget that my Members have FULL access to me 24/7/365 to help with ANY musical question...advice on their contract negotiation, studio problems, music problems, hair problems, outfits, band problems, financial stuff....you name it! A BOOK DOESN'T ANSWER ANY PROBLEMS... IT JUST SITS ON THE BOOKSHELF AND LOOKS AT YOU! TOTALLY SILENT! Jonathan, you are grossly unfair knocking 'Bandit'...a newsletter written and compiled by John Waterman in good faith. He provides a worthwhile service to the many songwriters who enjoy sending their material to publishers and record companies. However....this is the cardinal mistake made by the 97% of music guys who never get an ounce of success in their lives and moan and carp about John and all other A&R lead providers. "Nobody can make success for you - you have to make it for yourself!" Start from my premise: "I have never sent one demo in my life!" and yet I have made £Millions and £Millions from music....does that tell you something? I CONDUCT MY MUSIC BUSINESS IN TIME HONOURED INDUSTRY STANDARD WAY WHICH IS KEPT A TOTAL SECRET FROM THE NOVICES. My Members get to know. In my course, and on the phone to Members, I explain the way this business really works....and they are shocked! Mainly because they are terrified that it is THEM that has to be presentable not the music! "The Music Is The Easiest Part! " [one of my most often quoted lines] John provides the leads in good faith....but do any of his subscribers follow up correctly, in the proper busness like manner that the successful ones in the industry do? Answer NO! I would suggest 97% do not. Jonathan...the fact of the matter is that novices [those who don't make a $Fortune] do not have the first idea what is required to make money from music! >>>>>."Dec! Your course has helped me MAKE AN INCOME from songs that I'd previously been unable to place". <<<<<<<< Again, check out the thousands of testimonials....check out the success and the MONEY! Regards ......and please, Jonathan, don't get into a long protracted discussion....there is no discussion....there is only fact. I answer perhaps 50-80 Emails per morning and the same in the evening...so I really do not have the time to debate the very obvious facts of this business [obvious to the successful music makers]. My Members need me much more. DEC dec@makehits.co.uk Serious Writers Guild "where the 'lil guy gets the same chance as the big guy"
	(4) Hi Dec, I just want to make money songwriting. I want the money and flexibility that songwriting can bring. Are you saying you'll introduce me to people you know and they will take me in on your recommendation? Are you going to give me the methods for me to make my own contacts? I'm getting my tax return back soon, so the money is not the issue anymore. I want to learn from someone who knows. I've agreed with everything you said. Thanks so much. Kristofer Gray Twain Harte, California
	Glad to hear from you... >>>>...Are you saying you'll introduce me to people you know and they will take me in on your recommendation?<<<<<< Absolutely not....this is a business where you do it YOURSELF....no one will ever do it for you. >>>>>Are you going to give me the methods for me to make my own contacts?<<<<< Absolutely...you've hit the nail on the head. This business is exactly like any other highly skilled, highly motivated business....you learn how to do it from someone who has done it and is successful then you put the methods into practice...and provided you do exactly what is required you cannot fail to have success. Regards DEC dec@makehits.co.uk Serious Writers Guild "where the 'lil guy gets the same chance as the big guy" dec@makehits.co.uk When you get involved with DEC you get ten months of two knowledge packed books a month, stunning advice, today's methods for writing music, making music and promoting it. 24/7 access to the man himself. And you get a 'LIFETIME' guarantee. If you ever pay DEC for anything, if you are not happy at anytime in your life with the product then return it for a complete, no-quibble, courteous refund! DEC means it! That's not only a guarantee it's a personal promise "There Is No Catch" "There Is No Risk" Become a Member of the 'The Serious Writers Guild' PROGRAM CLICK HERE INFO PACK? CREDIT CARD HOTLINE? +44 (0)1323.728005 [UK office hours] Every Sunday in your Email box FREE - Get the latest issue NOW! 'One Minute With Dec' - quality tips, tricks and professional, money making, know how in one minute..the widest read, weekly, delivered music Ezine on the Net (just CLICK HERE fill in the simple survey - that's all ) Dec's advice : Get in touch personally. Email dec@makehits.com to discuss what you want to achieve in music. http://www.makehits.co.uk/qanda10.htm -- Revised: 27 APRIL 2004 Copyright © 2003-2004 The Serious Writers Guild. All rights reserved. Maintained by: makehits.webmaster@makehits.com | Previous | Next