Often times I converse with other producers and artists. I Try to keep a sharp ear to what their saying, so that I don't miss an opportunity to collaborate. The topic of down time seems to be the forefront, of alot of conversations. People are confused or baffled about what to do next after they have completed a project.Or after they have submitted their work. Yes, the answer is very simple and we all know it, keep working. But how do you really apply that? How can you make sure that you stay busy even when you are not getting phone calls, or placements?

First off you should always have an idea of what the music industry is looking for. You can achieve this in a number of ways. Check the top 100 on billboard.com, reading BMI and ASCAP newletters, listen to the radio, or ordering your favorite magazines. These publications are there to help you follow the trends, use them. You can find out who's the next upcoming producer or artists and get a jump on them before the whole world want to do business with them.

Call the music publishers and record labels to see if they are taking submission at the moment. You can even email some of them and get permission that way. You can get a list from music connection or all music industry contacts. Do some research once you find some artists that you are interested in writing or producing a track for. This can be a really fun process if you embrace the challenges. Let's say you got a track for Monica at J Records.

Use google to find out information about her and her career thus far. Apply that knowledge when calling the record company to find out where they are in the production process with Monica.People love to know that you have done your homework before calling them. It shows that you respect what they do. Keep a pen and paper handy and write down all of the different things you are doing to get deals and placements.

The main things is to stay busy, and focus. Exercising these examples will keep you busy, you will also find yourself landing some of those projects you started. It is true life is what you make it. Don't stand around waiting for some magic wand to bring you more work. Make a choice to work for the right to work. Thanks for reading until next time.

Copyright (c) 2008 Carlton Richard