Chris Sparks's Blog

How do I record a demo?
by Chris Sparks

One of the questions I get most often is how to go about recording a demo.

My answer is always the same, "Don't!"

If you are a recording artist or want to be one, you will often be told that you need a good demo to present to record labels. My opinion is the complete opposite.  I think demos are a complete waste of money.

There will be plenty of people who will disagree.  Some of you will even go waste your money recording some amateur demo in hope that some record executive will sign you off of it. That is totally your perogative.  I wish you the best.  There is no need to read anymore.

But, if you actually want to make quality music and have the best possible chance of actually making it, feel free to consider what I have to say.

Why do you think you need a record deal?
While I will deal with this topic in an entirely different article, I always have to mention that I think it is a mistake to make your main goal about getting a record deal. Your main goal as an artist should be to make the best music possible!  Plus, signing with a major label is not the best path for each artist. Again, it's too big of a topic to deal with that here.

Anything good enough to attract a record label is good enough to release!
Record executives are not always known for their ability to hear the diamond in the rough.  A lot of these guys have never picked up an instrument.  That is not an insult.  Their expertise is in business and marketing, not music. So, what they respect is a good quality product they know they can market.  This means that artists who have already proven they are marketable will have a better chance of getting signed.

If they sign you, they are going to spend at least $2 million launching your career. 
Now, do you really think they will base that on some $500 demo?  Would you?

Therefore, a demo done in somebody's basement is not very likely to get you signed.  Keep in mind that your "demo" is competing with the actual CD's of indie artists.  These artists took the time and spent the money to hire A-list musicians and engineers. The recording studios they use have a million dollars in equipment, highly advance microphones and state of the art software to make their voices sound their best.  They are already marketing their music in a professional manner and building a solid fanbase. So again, do you think your voice and songs are so amazing that you will actually beat out these artists?  If you do, that's pretty arrogant and unrealistic.

It is always bad business to spend money producing something you cannot sell!
I know major companies spend millions in R&D and Research Marketing.  If you're considering a cheap demo, I doubt you have that kind of money.  So if you do take the time to record a high quality demo, it should actually be good enough quality to release. While this is a good step to impressing a record label, it also gets you going as an artist and gives you the potential to recover the cost of recording.   There is no need to wait on a record deal.  Just release your CD, market yourself professionally and enjoy the ride.  If you do a good enough job, you might just attract a major label. Of course, you might also know by then that you no longer need a record label! 

For example, go back and listen to the songs like 'Born to Ride', from my first CD.  They are on the snocap player on my MySpace profile or the ReverbNation player. A lot of people really like these songs.  But, I had a lot of people in the business tell me to never play those songs for a record label because the production was not good enough. While I am very proud of that CD, I happen to agree with them. The production is not the best it could be.  It had electric drums for crying out loud! It was recorded in Nashville; but, not in a major studio.  That CD actually was a complete accident. To be fair to them, the players on the album are actually better than that.  I would gladly work with them again.  Actually, the guitar player, Dug Grieves, is one of my favorite guitar players and plays on all my stuff now.

But either way, if you think it sounds good, keep in mind that it is not good enough production for a major label to hear it. That CD cost me about $6,000 for 12 songs or $500 per song.  3 of the songs are not on the CD.

What is the cost of doing a CD?
While there are many variables, the best thing about Nashville is that the costs are standard.  It all depends on which AFM Union Scale Rate you use and how many players you have.  Studio and engineering costs are pretty standard.  But production costs will range from $2,000 to $4000 per song for the finished product.  The right producer can keep you on the bottom end of that range.

QUESTIONS

I only have $1000.  How can I record a demo with that?
Again, don't record a demo.  Save that $1,000 and apply it toward real recording. You can also invest that money in equipment that will let you practice and record at home.  While you will not be able to present this to labels or release it, it is great practice and can also be used to do copyright tapes.  I'll get into more on this in another article.

I don't feel I am ready to spend the money it takes to produce a high quality CD?
Then, get yourself ready.  If you are not good enough yet to record a high quality CD, why in the world would you waste money recording a cheap demo. Then you will have a bad sounding demo with sunstandard songs and vocals.

I can't possibly ever afford that?
I understand that some people are just strapped.  But other waste money every month that could be applied to their recording fund. My question to those people is, "How serious about a music career are you?"

But for those of you not wasting additional income every month, what about a second job?  Let's say you get your production cost of 3 songs figured at $6,000.  If you get a second job that gives you $300 to $500 extra per month, you can have the money in 12 to 20 months.  It will take you that long to get your songs, voice and marketing ready.  There are a lot of part time jobs that can make you that kind of money.

I don't have any original songs to record.  Can't I just do covers?
Cover song demos are for cover bands who want to play clubs.  They have to prove they can play covers in order to get booked. You should never record a CD of cover songs.  One cover song might be OK.  But, a bunch on a CD is a mark of an amateur.  You need to learn to write.  Refer to my article on writing.

We are a cover band?  Should we do a demo?
If you only ever plan to be a cover band.  Yes, you need a demo of covers.  But you still need to get permission to record, release those covers or put them on the web.  You need to research the legalities because most cover bands are in violation of copyright laws.

I am just a songwriter?  Should I do demos?
Yes, songwriters still do demos.  But, you should still keep in mind that higher quality song demos are more likely to get your songs heard and recorded by an artist.

What about your acoustic video demos?
I do those for fans to hear what I am writing.  And also, I have my own label and could care less about what another major label thinks of me. I feel you should feel the same way about your own career.

I hope that gives you something to think about and helps you avoid some pitfalls.  I will have a full series of articles on how you should actually record your CD.  Best of luck in your music career.

Sincerely,

Chris Sparks

© 2008 Christopher Lee Sparks, All Rights Reserved.
Do not copy, print or repost without written permission.

Music Video Updates

I'm currently filming my music videos.  So, I thought I would take the time to update you on how it is going.

The music video process is moving right along.  Like anything in the entertainment business, it can be quite frustrating in the beginning; but, I expect that. 

Here are the biggest hurdles:

Locations - There are a lot of laws surrounding commercial film shoots.  You can't just go somewhere and film.  There can also be a lot of charges to use government properties such as Universities.  You can easily spend $1,000+ per day.  A lot of commercial businesses can't interrupt their business to let you film.  That is understandable.  Even if they do, you may have a lot of time limits and limited ability to set-up properly, especially with lighting. 

Luckily for me, I don't care where I film.  Most videos now are done in old warehouses and sound stages for these reasons.  It's a music video, not a major motion picture.  Fortunately though, I have found plenty of locations where they are letting me film at little or no cost.  These businesses realize that it is good exposure for their business & property.  Plus, helping out a recording artist might be of great benefit in the future.

Models/Actors - Believe or not, it is hard to find people to be in music videos.  It's easy to find people who say they want to do it.  There are plenty of people who say they want a career in acting and modeling.  But, very few will actually do the work it takes to get there.  A lot of them expect a lot of money even though they have no experience.  Of course, I am paying each actor and offering a lot of other benefits on top of that such as extra exposure.  But, if I were going to pay a lot of money, it would be to an experienced person who brings a lot to the table, is somewhat recognized and might actually have a big career one day that will in turn enhance my career as well.

Again, I can film "Performance Videos" that require no other actors.  But again, I have been fortunate enough to find some really great people who are down to earth and really want a career in modeling & acting.  I've actually found more than I need right now. But, I value good people.  So, I will create other projects just to work with them. 

Lighting - This is the most important thing I have to learn.  There's a big learning curve here.  People spend decades perfecting this craft.  I have to do it in a few months for indoor and outdoor lighting.  Plus, I have to buy the right lighting kits for each situation.  That is what I am working on now. 

Make-up - This is also very important.  Being a guy, I have very little experience in this!  Luckily I have been through a few pro shoots.  But, I need to learn to do my own make-up b/c of the amount of filming I will be doing.  It will pretty well be constant.

Well, those are the basics of the obstacles I have encountered and overcome.  I will be writing a whole series of articles once I have finished a few videos and have some hard experience to offer.  To follow this more closely, feel free to visit my film profile on myspace at http://www.MySpace.com/ChrisSparksFilms .

Until then, best of luck in your endeavors.

Chris

Recording Artist Bios are Hilarious!
by Chris Sparks

This is my somewhat humorous and somewhat true look at artist bios.  Those who are humor challenged, please do not proceed! :)

You may notice that you do not see a true "Artist Bio" on any of my profiles or sites.  I like to give the simple facts without the embellishments.  I'm an open person and will be glad to tell you my life story.  But, I'd rather you just listen to my music.  If I write the songs right, you'll get to know me.  Besides, I think you are smart enough to figure out BS when you hear it.

Some of you may know that I am also a publisher and editor for several online magazines.  So, I have seen hundreds of bios.  Notice, I said 'seen' and not 'read'.  This is b/c if you read about 5-10 bios, you have read them all because they are all written by the same PR people.  If you read enough of them, they become quite funny and annoying at the same time.  It kind of goes something like this:

"{INSERT NAME} started singing when he/she was 2 years old. His/Her mother often heard him/her kicking the beat to Workin' Man Blues and many other country hits when he/she was still in the womb." {INSERT NAME} went through many struggles as a child and aspiring artist. {INSERT VARIOUS STRUGGLES}.  Then one faithful day, a record executive overheard him/her singing at a local rodeo and signed him/her on the spot.  {INSERT MORE BS STORYLINE} And next thing you know, he/she was an overnight success...

Let me translate this for you...

A record executive was given an ultimatum to find new artists or not come back.  He, I do mean "He", went and got drunk at a Nashville bar where he heard the voice of an angel singing one of the best songs he had ever heard while he was drinking a fifth of tequila.   He told the artist that she had the whole package with the songs, voice & look.  He then proceeded to find the best songwriters in Nashville to write or songs, the best stylists to create her look, the best studio engineers and musicians to make her voice sound good and then spent two million dollars on promotions, marketing and industry payoffs.  And suddenly, she was an overnight sensation! :)

There are also terms that are used in a lot of bios.  I've seen these terms so many times, I officially move that they be banned from use by all artists! :)  So, that reading these self-absorbed mini-novels will now be just as annoying for you, I have started a list of these precious little gems:

Tour De Force - Didn't Lance Armstrong win this? 

Singing Sensation - If you mean, we get a sensation in the back of our throats every time we hear you sing.  Then yes, you are a singing sensation.

Taking the Industry By Storm - Chill big fella.  This is your first bio.  Your CD single has not even been released yet!

Feel Good Story Of The Year - Yes, it will feel good when you lose your deal in 6-8 months after your CD doesn't go gold and the label changes the name in your bio to their latest Singing Sensation who is a Tour De Force Taking the Industry By Storm! :) 

Triple Threat - Is this music or war?  Yes well, stick them in the UFC ring and we'll see how much of a "Triple Threat" they really are! :)

Critically Acclaimed - Who are these critics and why do I care what they are acclaiming?  Let the fans be the critics.

Hit Single - A phrase usually found on a brightly colored round sticker on the front of a CD.  "Includes the Hit Single: A Song Nobody's Ever Heard!"  What made that song a hit, especially when it is the first pressing of the album for a new artist with no singles?  Oh, I know, those critic fellers are at it again acclaiming things.  It's a hit! That guy said so.  Where did he hear that?  From the label.  Oh! :)

Top 10 Hit, Top 40 Hit, Number 1 Hits (Based on Airplay) - Oh, so these are the actual hits?  This is based on Radio Airplay?  You mean the 3,000 people left listening to terrestrial radio determined these to be hits?  These folks fall into a few categories: radio consultants, radio personnel, record executives and 723 hardcore listeners in BFE who refuse to give up their boom boxes and believe that them satelite thingies and that internet web dohicky are just a fad...and a governement conspiracy to cover up the existence of UFO's.  They are also pissed that albums are no longer released on cassette...and they are going to write letters about this too dang it! :) 

Also, didn't every major label get hit with major fines for Payola?  Yes, this is a truly amazing accomplishment.  Your label paid $300K for you to have a top 10 hit.  You're one of the greatest artists of all time!

If they base it on sales, fine by me.  But, basing it on terrestrial radio airplay is an absolute joke.  But hey, good for them.  People still believe it. 

Award Winning Artist - There are so many things wrong with this statement, I could write a book about it.  So, these awards are based on Radio Airplay?  I think we covered this already.  Oh, they are based on fans calling in?  Well, that could never be rigged! 

Here's a question.  What artists were eligible for these awards? Oh, just the ones on the major labels.  I see.  I won awards at the YMCA when I was 9 when I won the bumper pool and checkers tournament.  So, I guess I am an award winning artist!  Actually, I guess I was world champion too.  It's not my fault only 10 people in the world showed up.

Top Selling Artist - Read through all of the bios for artists in a certain genre.  See how many of them say that artist is the Top Selling Artist of the year.  Apparently, every major label artist was the Top Selling Artist last year!  Yes, and I was the Top Selling Country Artist on 2354 Sparks Street last year too!

Dropping A CD - The term is released.  My albums will always be released.  They will never be dropped. Dropped is what happens to cornball artists who use terms like dropped! They get dropped from their labels.  Their CD's get dropped into the cutout bin.

Dropping II - There is another kind of dropping, name dropping.  If they had a cousin who talked to a guy in a convenience store who had a cousin who dated a guy who once walked down music row and saw a record label building, it will be in their bio.  Ah yeah, just because your "manager" bought a ticket for a concert for a major artist, does not mean he helped finance the tour!  "Managers" & "Producers" will often list stuff they did for artists before the artist even became big whether this be booking them in some small club or working the board for a demo tape.   

Inked - This is their cool way to say they signed a deal.  The business channels use this one too.  I will never "ink" a deal.  I "sign" deals.  Sometimes, I "seal" deals.  And if I'm feeling especially saucy, I "cut" a deal.  But, I have never been so fortunate and cool enough to "ink" a deal! 

At Radio - This is their fancy way of saying that they sent copies of the CD to the radio stations; And, you can now call and annoy the station to play it....which they will not!  They don't know that the station playlist is determined centrally at the corporate headquarters for the network.  So, unless it has a major label on it and at least $100K behind it, it's going to be a coaster with a hole in it!

Surreal - This is by far the most overused word in entertainment.  I would question if any star who uses it actually knows what it means.  So let me define it for them.  Surreal means, "I don't have the brain capacity or concern to give you an intelligent and heartfelt answer as to what my sudden and unexplained success means to me.  So, I will use a word I heard 2,153 other reality stars say!"  And, I'm quite sure at least 40% of them think they are saying, "So Real".

Reality Stars Don't Go Platinum, The Shows Do - The "Artist" was on a show for over 2 months and was seen by over 20 million people that voted 80 million times.  Then her first album went platinum.  First of all, she didn't go platinum.  The show went platinum.  Second, if 20 million people watched and the album sold 2 million copies, doesn't this mean that 18 million people didn't buy the album? Third, if you want to make these contests fair, have them all release singles.   Whoever sells the most, wins. People who vote 20 times by hitting redial means nothing compared to someone actually buying the CD or download!

Recording Artist - If you do not write songs, play an instrument or make any production decisions and your involvement in the production of your music is standing where they want you to stand, singing how they want you to sing and wearing what they want you to wear, you my friend are not a recording artist.  You are a singer at best.

Music Industry vs Celebrity Industry - These are two seperate industries even though people often treat them the same.  Just because you are famous does not mean you are a musical artist.  It just means a bunch of people know who you are because you were on a reality show where you ate a pig's bladder.  Granted, recording artists have to become famous to an extent so that people hear their music.  But, they are more concerned about making good music.  So, while artists have to market, promote and advertise, the quality of their art comes first.  For the ones who just want to be famous, making music is just another line to their bio.

Major Television Appearances - Next time you see this for a new artist, check the parent company of the TV network and the record label.  It might be no surprise that they have the same parent company.  Hmmm, I wonder how that artist got booked on that major talk show?  Of course, they gladly trade off favors as well so their artists can be exposed on all TV networks.  Unfortunately, few indie artists own major television networks!

Major vs Indie - If you notice, there is a place on music profiles to signify whether you are on a major or indie label.  Those two terms mean absolutely nothing to me.  So, I put that my label is major.  It's major to me. I just wanted to participate in the BS! :)  The fact is major labels get a lot of unfair advantages in the industry b/c they are major.  However, because it is "cool" to be indie, major labels have spun off numerous labels and called them indies. (They used to call them imprints.)  They make it appear as if these labels are totally independent and often owned by artists.    Oh, but they are distributed by the major label.  Funny! :)  I think I'll say that my label is an indie major or a major indie.  Would you believe minor major?

OK, so go read some artist bios and have a little fun of your own.  It's pretty funny stuff if you can contain the nausea! :)

Of course, don't think that I am saying they are wrong for doing this.  They are simply businesses marketing their products.  It's exactly what they should be doing.  They have to answer to stockholders who want profits.   I answer to myself and the people who listen to my music.   

But whether artists and labels are spreading BS or not, all that really matters is whether or not you like the song and the artist.  So don't listen to the BS, just enjoy the music!

Chris

NOTE: I'm often asked how to start writing songs.  This is an article I wrote a few years ago to help people get started.  Since it has been a while, I will be updating this with references to my new songs. It will also be available in my online video series called 'Breaking The Record'.  Hope it helps.

How To Start Writing Songs!
by Chris Sparks
(Originally from Chris Sparks' VIP Club at ChrisSparksVIP.com)

If you want to be in the music business, I think the best place to start is songwriting.
So you want to know why. First, there is no better feeling of having someone like your recording of a song except when you wrote that song. Well, except hearing it on the radio. But, we'll get to that one later. Oh, except having the song receive a major award. But, I haven't gotten there yet either. OK, so you want to know how to suddenly transform yourself into a songwriter? Well, let me set down the rules.

Rule 1: I will not listen to anyone saying he/she cannot write or write well.
A lot of people think songs just fall on song writers. Well actually I feel like they do. But the difference is song writers have taught themselves to think a certain way and to be open to recognizing good song ideas. I know nature vs. nurture. For over thirteen years I have been writing songs. Now I can just be walking through the house and start singing a new song. I write it as fast as I can sing. But it takes a while to get to that point. You can learn to do anything with practice. I learned to sing. You can learn to write. All people have feelings. Put those feelings into words to which people can relate. So that would be my next tip. How do you learn to do this. OK, first I'm not suggesting that you actually start to write songs yet. You need to get a fresh notebook and notebook paper. Know where it is at all times. Every time something in life really touches you, write it down. Keep it to one idea every two pages so you have room to expand. Just simply write out your feelings about that particular situation.

Rule 2: Keep an organized notebook of song ideas (anything that really touches you).
Organization of your thoughts is a very key point here. Try to tell the story in chronological order. Then, you should begin to look at the idea from all different sides. How did other people feel? How would certain people feel in that situation? How did you feel or will you feel about this subject at different points in your life? You can see this in my song

"Born To Ride". It starts when he was a kid and goes to the current time. Notice how the song tells a lot in as few words as possible. It also includes the feelings of his father and mom. The chronological approach is also very evident in my song "Grandma's Song" aka "I'll Come See You Another Day". I'll add the lyrics to this one even though it will not be released until the second CD. Shhhh, don't tell anyone I told you:). The first verse tells about me not having time for my grandmother when I was a kid. I keep telling her, "I don't have time today. I'll come see you another day." The second verse tells about her passing on. I wanted to tell her I loved her. But, I guess I'll tell her another day. The third verse tells about her perspective. She tells me that god said to live life right so I can see my grandma another day. This says two things indirectly. One, I know my grandmother went to heaven. Two, it expresses a revelation I had in my life by writing the song. It is always nice to show or imply (not necessarily "tell") what you learned as a writer or what the main character learned. So remember these three tips about organizing your ideas.

Tip 1: Organize your thoughts in chronological order.
Very rarely do people like to hear a story from end to beginning. Although, flashback can be effective in song writing also.

Tip 2: View the moment from several different perspectives.
Decide who's telling the story and who the story is about. It is important to weave other opinions or feelings into the story.

Tip 3: Try to include the lesson of the story.
It could be what you learned or what the character(s) learned. You don't really have to come out and say it. Just imply it. More on this next.

I would also like to give another little tip here on the subjects of your songs. Write what you know. This may be things you experience, known other people to experience or would like to experience. Obviously, writing about your own experiences is easier to do at first. Take a look at my song, "I Can't Write A Love Song". This is a perfect example. I needed a love song for the CD. I'm not in love. So, I can't write a love song. Hey that's it. So I wrote the song in about fifteen minutes.

Rule 3: Write what you know.
OK, so you've got some good song ideas. Well, what do you do with them now? First, you should be learning an instrument or two while you are learning to write. I recommend piano or guitar. The piano is the best tool since you can play so many different parts. Although, I doubt you can carry it with you to demo songs. So, I would learn guitar also. Guitar is also a great tool for writing because it can be very basic. But, it can also allow you to play several parts. Oh yeah, go take some voice lessons. Even your cat hates you:). Seriously, you can't always have a guitar either. So, you should be able to sing your songs without an instrument. Bottom line, you should be able to sing them with an instrument too. A good singer can make a song.

Rule 4: Learn about music and how to play at least one instrument.
OK, so you can sing and play piano, guitar, ukelele and kazoo. Let's talk about putting your thoughts into a song. You've learned that a picture paints a thousand words. OK, I'll buy that. Let's go ahead an apply quote number one.

Quote1 (The Golden Rule of Song Writing): Words paint a thousand pictures.


The Steps of Writing the Song.

By this time, you have some really great notes on some true, heartfelt feelings. Let's talk about how to arrange those into a song.

First, decide what the song is about.
Write this at the top of the page and keep it in mind throughout the whole song. This theme should be evident to the listener all the way through even if it is building to a surprise or revealing ending.

Second, layout the structure of the song.
We will get into specific song structures later. For now, know the normal song structure of the music you like. Stay with this structure. Let's not get artistic yet. We'll start basic with verse, chorus, verse chorus, instrumental, chorus, tag. This short structure will make you write more concisely.

Third, decide what each verse and chorus is about. I've already given you some ideas on writing verses in chronological order or from other people's perspectives. Start by writing down what each verse will say. We just want general ideas here. Make sure verse one sets up what the song is about. The chorus should solidify verse 1 and exhibit your hook which may be your title. In the second verse, tell the second part of the story (if chronological). Or, tell it from another character's perspective. The second chorus can be the same as the first or slightly different. The same goes for the third chorus. The tag usually repeats the last line of the chorus. It is great if this is the main theme of the song.

Fourth, go back and decide what each line is about.
Let's just keep it to four line per section for now. Again, pack it in and keep it simple. Make sure it stays with the idea of that section and the whole song.

Fifth, put your thoughts into song.
This is the hard part. Remember to say as much as you can in as few words possible. One of the best tips I can give you here is to just say what you mean. More than likely, you already have the exact words to your song written in each section. Many times, I can take my exact thoughts and put them to music. These are often the best because they are in simple plain english.

Sixth, continue to revisit the song and improve it.
You may go through several versions or ideas. You might change it to a fast song or a funny song. Feel free to write several songs with the same name. You may also want to go back and add another verse or even a bridge. But most important, keep going back to make improvements.

Seventh, always be a student of song writing and music.
Listen to your favorite writers words and determine why they are good. Determine what makes the song so popular. I listen to music constantly. I try to wrap all of my influences into whatever genre in which I am writing. I love country, blues and rock. I love to mix them.

Well, I hope I have helped you here. Keep writing and learning. I have one last tip for you. Remember the term "Music Business" includes the word "business". Read my sections on the business side of music. They talk about copyrights, trademarks, marketing, manufacturing, etc.

Hey Everybody,

My new song, "Dreamin' 'Bout' Love", has been added to all of the Clear Channel Radio Web Sites including WTQR.com.

Here is my profile on WTQR:

http://wtqr.com/cc-common/artist_submission/player.
html?art=52238

From what I am told, this also gives them the ability to add it to their on-air playlist.  So, feel free to call in and request it.

Either way, we really appreciate Angie Ward at WTQR for telling us about it and Clear Channel for showing us that support.

Chris

I love traveling both on the road and on the web.  Perhaps, I've been traveling virtually a little more lately.  Besides going to Nashville to record and do other music business, I tend to stay around the Triad where I grew up.  Afterall, my family and friends are here, the people that I know have my best interest in mind at all times.  Even though my kinfolk said, "Hey Chris, Nashville, Tennessee is the place you oughta be.",  I loaded up my truck and moved even closer to my family...right here in the Triad! :) 

But, my virtual travels have been quite different.  I'm blogging, surfing, searching and posting outside the state, let alone the Triad.  As an ecommerce business owner for the last 10 years and a strong supporter of the local economy, it's been difficult to see the slow progression of the internet in the Triad.  

So, I was really glad to see a local place, that I didn't develop, for people from the Triad to talk.  You see, I've really loved every place I've visited. But, I was born and raised in Greensboro.  There is an affinity you share with people who grew in your hometown. 

So, after years of traveling the globe on the web, it's nice to virtually come back home to the Triad! :)

So, Hello Fox 8 Bloggers! :)

Chris Sparks Moves into Film & Video

Chris already has two major film credits as a Songwriter and Composer with his songs 'Let'em Ride' and 'Barstool Cowboy'.  The new division will continue to market and license his music and services for film.

The move into film is another move by Chris to stay independent of major record labels.   He already writes all songs, produces the music and even designs the CD covers and marketing materials.  The only mountain left to climb is music video & film production. 

"With major videos costing as much as $350K, I wouldn't pay that if I had it.  I love the creative process and want to be a true artist.  So even though I know absolutely nothing about producing and directing videos, I'm going to do what it takes to learn it."

All of Chris' efforts for the next year will be focused on recording the rest of the new CD, releasing the new CD and creating as much video content as possible.  "The web is going to video very quickly.  It is by far the most important way for me to get more personal with as many fans as possible.  So, we are delaying the Meet & Greet Tour.  I really love meeting fans personally and look forward to the point when I have the honor to do that.  But, with me having to work every day to earn every dime that finances my career, I need to be very careful in how spend my time and money.  Travel can be very costly in both time and money.  So, I'm going to video first in order to build up to the tour."

Chris has already started creating video content by recording stripped down versions of songs he plans to record.  "It's just me and my acoustic on my couch.   It's just like I do when I'm on a date.  I love taking a girl out to dinner or a movie and then singing for her.  Of course, I'm still single; so is it my voice or me that's not quite working!? :)"

In the same simplistic manner, Chris will then begin to tape personal interviews where he answers questions, some of which will be sent in by fans. "I can blog all day.  But, that doesn't really let people get to know me.  It's not personal enough.  So, hopefully these video interviews can change that."

In the meantime, Chris is working with studios from Wilmington, NC to Greensboro, NC to Nashville, TN to plan and produce his music videos and maybe a short film or two.  "It might take me a year to learn how to do all this.  But, we're going to have a lot of fun doing it.  You can bet I'll be putting mom and dad to work with me producing and directing! :)"

"Our ultimate goal is to build up to a live concert DVD that will show everybody what kind of show I like to do before they lay their hard earned money down to see me on tour.  I grew up admiring performers like Elvis, David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, Kiss, Judas Priest and Ozzy.  I love a big show where we actually get to perform."

Chris Sparks Joins ASCAP

Chris Sparks has joined performance rights organization, ASCAP, as a Songwriting Member.  His music company, Barstool Cowboy Entertainment, has joined as a Publishing Company Member.  You can find out more about ASCAP at ASCAP.com.