[Michael] In the last three to five years I’ve filmmakers. Your Songwriting University allows [WM] As a professional I’m convinced that
felt like God is saying, “That’s great you have some of that synergy to be extended via online “soft” skills are not only a critical component
a two-lane highway (my work with Amy and relationships, and that’s a very good thing. towards a successful career or calling, but also
Michael and as a manager), but how about What say you? form a solid framework for representing Christ in
an eight-lane highway”? What could that look
the workplace. Common courtesy and kindness
like? Songwriting U is definitely one of those. [Michael] Absolutely. This has been in go a long way in building and maintaining
For me I’m also in the film lane. Whatever it was development for three years. There is a young relationships and are representations of our
like in the early 80’s with CCM we are on the woman songwriter from Knoxville who has character. I know that you could speak to this
brink of that with film, or maybe a little past. participated in songwriting and what we as a successful Christian and music executive.
Contemporary Christian films are going to have discovered is that she has an amazing voice. What are your thoughts on this?
an impact. I’m working with a guy named Terry We have her in doing demos, which has led into Benedict who did Hacksaw Ridge, and we’re artist development. No one can promise it can [Michael] Wow. I don’t think you can be
working on a slate of films. It’s the same creative turn into a career, but now the dominoes are in critical and be thankful at the same time. Get on
heart. Taking the same creative idea and bring place. The artist development lane is the heart one side or the other. A lot of people are being
it to fruition and impact. Think broader then and soul of what I like to do. trained to be bitter, divisive, antagonistic, if you
one lane! I had a family talk to me about their stay in that lane it causes you to be more caustic
son who is just a great guitar player. That’s not to everyone you meet. You have to decide if
broad enough. You’ve to think broader than there anything in your life you can be thankful
that. You’ve got to be thinking about music
publishing, sync, about social media, YouTube
videos to post, feature films. Open up your
“I don’t think you
eight lanes! can be critical and
[WM] Let’s talk about the songwriting contest be grateful at the
and collaborative song process that is currently
underway with Songwriting University. How are
the copyright registration and related publishing
and mechanical splits handled with the songs
submitted? Is the cash prize an advance
against future songwriter royalties?
[Michael] No and no. It’s a way to brand us.
We are not asking for anything. We are not
taking any publishing from the writer. If you post
three songs and you win, you get $10,000.
Simple, clean and straight ahead! If we were
to hear a song in that process that we would
want to work with, then we would come back
and work that out after the deal. The contest
is not based upon you signing that kind of
same time. Get
for. Is there anything you don’t deserve? You
got to get on one side or the other. It affects
every person and everything you do. It starts
with me. If you can’t be caring, kind, generous,
and serving, then that’s a miserable ending to
the years you are alive.
[WM] In closing, I’d like to ask you a serious
on one side or the (lighthearted) question. If you could import a
other... If you can’t one would it be, and would you stand in line
be caring and
real Texas barbeque joint to Nashville, which
every week for brisket?
[Michael] (laughs) There is a steak house in
kind, then that’s a Buffalo Gap, Texas, called Perini’s. I happen
miserable ending tenderloin about every other month. It’s the
to the years you stand in line tonight to go get it!
are alive.” [WM] Thank you Michael for this time. What
commitment.
to be in a men’s group, and we order the beef
best. It’s phenomenal, and yes, I would go
a pleasure it’s been to spend time with you. I
really appreciate it.
[WM] The music business and related
consumer behavior practices have changed
radically over the past two decades. Nashville,
America’s “Music City”, has also changed quite
a bit during this same timeframe, but it’s still a
wonderful place of opportunity and community
for musicians, songwriters, videographers and
Soft Skills
March 2020
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