Ideas & suggestions wanted! [Archive]

janisian

05-25-2006, 06:19 PM

DaveM

05-25-2006, 10:20 PM

This is a total shot in the dark, but how about bumper stickers?

Unfortunately I have no TV contacts outside of Minnesota--and those aren't likely to be of much help during your current tour....

DAVE, BUMPER STICKERS ARE A NICE IDEA FOR FANS, BUT I'M NOT SURE THEY DO ANYTHING FOR SALES, FRANKLY... UNLESS THERE'S A REALLY CLEVER SAYING, THAT SOMEHOW INCORPORATES MY NAME AND THE NEW ALBUM TITLE IN IT!

Wildflower Fever

05-25-2006, 10:39 PM

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/

Janis, if you've ever got an extra minute (I know you must be horribly busy), check out this site. As you may know Mpls./St. Paul is a pretty strong musical market, and I'm quite certain your album with exposure in this area would do well. It's a community that celebrates diversity both musically and socially. The above link is to 89.3 The Current, an offshoot of Minnesota Public Radio, which is sort of like college radio gone commercial. It's intended to compete with the present juggernaut of corporate-giant playlist stations, and it's capturing a lot of the FM market. It's very eclectic, with varying themes in programming, and I've just emailed them about FITNB. I think they would be very perceptive to anyone representing you about at the very least, a brief interview and airplay. It's the type of station that could easily be heard playing, for example, a heavy metal song followed by "At Seventeen", which I know is not what wer'e looking to promote here, but I've heard your material on their rotation. Hope this helps.
WFF.

WILDFLOWER, AN EXCELLENT IDEA, AND THANKS FOR THE TIP ABOUT THE CURRENT. I'VE MADE OUR RADIO REP AWARE OF THIS.

Amy in Vermont

05-25-2006, 10:51 PM

My knee jerk reaction was ... is there a list somewhere of college radio stations.... but then I remembered that the reason I'm sitting in a hotel in San Francisco is that most schools are done for the year... but maybe, this would be an approach for the fall. I know that our station has at least one folk music show.... I would imagine others do as well.

I do know that WUMB is playing cuts and replaying interviews with you regularly.

Perhaps what is needed is a Dixie Chicks kind of controversy...Society's Child Strikes Back...... Jesse Comes Home.....or the Truth at 54... I dunno... just rambling.

WUMB HAVE BEEN/ARE BEING VERY GOOD TO ME, THANK GOODNESS! DON'T FORGET TO EMAIL AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
AS TO CONTROVERSY, SHOOT, ISN'T IT ENOUGH CONTROVERSY THAT I CAN'T GET PLAYED?
<GRIN>

Dee

05-26-2006, 03:20 AM

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DEE, THANKS - OUR RADIO REP WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH THEM.

Eva

05-26-2006, 03:33 AM

snakegrl

05-26-2006, 06:39 AM

The radio station is WFPK, plays AAA, local music, blues, jazz, ect.
They also do a thing show called Live Lunch Fridays which hosts a variety of genres, people ranging from Los Lonely Boys to Unknown Hinson to Celtic bands.
A TV station, the
Fox affiliate WDRB, hosts musicians on its morning show, Fox in the Morning.
Also, there is a big to do in town called Fourth Street Live. Lots of people go there.
When you came to Louisville, I knew about it only because I am on the venue's newsletter where you played. I saw no advertising except for a little blip in a local magazine. Other people said the same thing.
I hope this all helps in some way

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. GOOD IDEAS TOO.
AS TO ADVERTISING, THE UNFORTUNATE TRUTH IS THAT UNLESS THE VENUE IS WILLING TO SPEND MONEY, WE CAN'T AFFORD IT OURSELVES. AND MOST VENUES DEPEND ON THEIR BUILT-IN ADIENCE, AND ON ME DOING PRESS THROUGH RADIO. THANKS, THOUGH.

Rickster

05-26-2006, 11:33 AM

Janis, I my area WDST (Woodstock,NY) is one of the big stations. I suggest that you contact them. This is not far from the Rosendale gig that you will be playing on June 16th. (Of course I will be there) But Woodstock has a huge music community ( i.e Artie Traum, Robbie Dupree, Hoppin Bros(orleans) Dylan used to live there years ago. Please try Wdst.com. I see that they are also advertising the Clearwater festival that you will be playing at on June 18th with Pete Seeger. Woodstock also has several recording studios. They also play a lot of acoustic. Just an idea? You need to get into Rolling Stone Magazine!

RICKSTER, GOOD IDEA - AND IT WOULDN'T HURT FOR YOU TO CALL THEM, MENTION THE GIG, ASK IF THEY'RE DOING AN INTERVIEW. WE'LL CONTACT THEM TOO.
UNFORTUNATELY, ROLLING STONE COULD CARE LESS...

moshemae

05-26-2006, 12:32 PM

I second that! Rolling stone would be happy to have a living legendary singer such as yourself grace their magazine. It would be great promo! I highly reccomend it, aswell as TV(dave letterman etc.) and radio(popular ones) and other magzines that appeal to an adult audience. The good thing about all these is that they all appeal to an adult crown, which is mostly people who would remember you. It would spark a lot of interest.

MOSHEMAE, UNFORTUNATELY ROLLING STONE HAS TO SELL MAGAZINES - AND APPARENTLY I'M NO HELP INTHAT AREA... BELIEVE ME, WE'VE TRIED.

DaveM

05-26-2006, 12:41 PM

Minnesota Public Radio also operates American Public Radio, a nationwide network that competes with National Public Radio and carries "A Prairie Home Companion" (yeah, I know the ridiculous story about Garrison Keillor) and possibly "The Current" as well. I do know we get "The Current" through a college station not far from here, and I once heard a cut from "Billie's Bones" on the show.

Contact info SHOULD be on the web.

DAVE, I'VE DONE A COUPLE OF INTERVIEWS WITH THEM ALREADY - THE CURRENT IS A GOOD IDEA, THOUGH. WE'LL PITCH THEM!

AceOn6

05-26-2006, 01:25 PM

One thing that came to mind is to mine the station playlist info and target those who have the new Springsteen, Young, and the Dixie Chicks in heavy rotation. Most of the stations have their rotations on line now, so a deep dive into Google might produce some good targets.

The big college radio stations in our area use the summer for training the incoming staff. Some might appreciate an interview as artists are hard to get in the summer, especially for the incoming staff. Could the PR folks set up a conference call and invite trainees to interview you?

There's a show on WGBH called Folk on WGBH that should be playing you more.

With the success of Daniel Powter's Bad Day on Idol, I was thinking about shows that could use something from FINB. Home is the Heart might be ideal for Extreme Makeove Home Edition or for one of many shows on HGTV. They may not even be aware that it could be used for a reasonable price or donation to the Pearl Foundation.

ACE, EXCELLENT IDEAS - ESPECIALLY THE TELEVISION IDEAS. WE'LL GIVE IT A GO. WE'RE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A PUBLISHER RELATIONSHIP THAT ALREADY HAS CONTACTS IN THOSE AREAS; WE'LL FOLLOW UP ON IT.

RandyVa

05-26-2006, 02:34 PM

Here is my 3 cents worth. I know for a fact that Jeremy Hovies at Serius Satellite radio is dying to interview you again. And he plays any of your music that anyone calls in to request. His e-mail is jhovies@sirius-radio.com
Also, the Kennedys at Serius Disorder. Their e-mail is thekennedys@sirius-radio.com
And a big possibility is Derek and Romaine at Serius Out-Q. Their e-mail's are
dhartley@sirius-radio.com;rpatterson@sirius-radio.com
Good Luck!

RandyVa

RANDY, GOOD IDEAS - I'VE CONTACTED THEM BOTH. I KNOW WE TRIED JEREMY A WHILE AGO AND DIDN'T GET A RESPONSE, BUT WHO KNOWS? EMAILS GO ASTRAY... WE'LL TRY AGAIN.

gisli

05-26-2006, 04:51 PM

It is a good cd and it is geting a great review, might the problem be that it is not aired enough in radio or tv as you say??? If so, you have a certain status as an artist and should be able to get the stations to want to interview you.
But maybe a different approach is needed, another kind of promotion, something that will find it´s way into the news. I have no idea what it should be but it could be a press meeting held in a totally different place , some place like the house where the summit meeting was held where Gorbatchev and Reagan met and was the beginning of the end of the cold war between those two superpowers. There you could emphecise on the great divide that we are heading for in the world now and how danger danger is all around us if we dont take caution.

Ray Davies of Kinks had a similar problem with one of his record, it sold all in all in about 50000 copies when it was first released, it was his best record by far and is today considered a masterpiece. It took many years before it started to sell again, but it has a steady sale now.

Just a thought, I was slow in accepting this cd, but it got to me, it is a cd that seems to need more time for some to link into and maybe a bit more patients for you to wait for that.

GISLI, INTERESTING THAT IT TOOK YOU TIME TO ACCEPT IT, BECAUSE TO ME IT'S ONE OF MY MORE ACCESSIBLE. FOOD FOR THOUGHT... THANKS!

gisli

05-26-2006, 05:30 PM

.....then there is of course making a music video to one of the songs...

THE PROBLEM WITH MAKING A MUSIC VIDEO IS:
1. TO MAKE A "COMPETITIVE VIDEO", EG ONE THAT WILL COMPETE WITH ALL THE OTHER STUFF OUT THERE AND RISE ABOVE IT, YOU'RE LOOKING AT AROUND $50-$100,000 MINIMUM. WE DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF FINANCING.
2. AND THEN, WHO WOULD PLAY IT?
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS...

hoops

05-26-2006, 06:22 PM

well this is something i've tried and it seems to be drawing interest. I made a poster of Janis and the upcoming shows near or in NY. I put them where i work and at my gym and gave some to friends. People started talking about Janis and making plans to go to one or another show, i volunteered ( hee hee) to go with them and show them the ropes. I even loaned out some of my CD's so that they could listen WITH THE NOTE ATTACHED if you like this you can get your own at Janisian.com . yes it's small time , but hey people are talking.
GREAT IDEA - THANKS SO MUCH!
WE HAVE POSTERS AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE UNDER THE "PRESS" URL, FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HELP...

sister rose

05-26-2006, 06:39 PM

.....then there is of course making a music video to one of the songs...

oooh, yes! I like that idea! :D

I have a friend who is a DJ at UIC and does a weekly radio show called 'The Hidden Treasures of Rock and Roll' He plays mostly folk/rock type artists, such as Joni Mitchell, Dylan, Pete Seeger, and always throws in a Natalie tune or two for me. I'm going to send him a copy of FITNB...I know I can get him to play it. He also takes requests during his show via email or telephone.
You never know....;)

SISTER, THANKS. IF YOU HEAR THAT HE'S PLAYED ME, LET ME KNOW HIS EMAIL, AND I'LL THANK HIM.

Bat

05-26-2006, 09:07 PM

If some DJs are playing Dixie Chicks and Springsteen's new protest songs, they ain't heard nothin' yet if they haven't added "Danger,Danger" to their playlists!

IT SURE WOULD BE NICE...

dragonlady

05-26-2006, 09:24 PM

WTJU in Charlottesville has a folk show and used to have "The Eclectic Women's show" Haven't heard much from it though lately. I'm trying to locate the djs from the women's show to see what's up with it but the folk show still airs every week.

-di

DI, CAN YOU SEND US THE INFORMATION - STATION CALL LETTERS ETC? THANKS!

DaveM

05-26-2006, 09:25 PM

Bat

05-26-2006, 09:33 PM

Holy Smoke, Dave!!...first it's liberal politics, then liberal costuming for the kiddies... do you want to get her spirited away??...I mean, what if she broke a string?!!:eek:

DaveM

05-26-2006, 09:39 PM

"Danger, Danger"! Which would be a great song for a rather provocative video, I should think. I can imagine Janis walking out of a Michelanelo painting, on the set of a Tennessee Williams play, holding a copy of "Leaves Of Grass", etc., etc., etc.

Bat

05-26-2006, 09:43 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Danger, Danger"! Which would be a great song for a rather provocative video, I should think. I can imagine Janis walking out of a Michelanelo painting, on the set of a Tennessee Williams play, holding a copy of "Leaves Of Grass", etc., etc., etc.
__________________

BWAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!! I think that would do it quite nicely, Dave!
"Janis Ian mysteriously disappears after one-woman show...no clues as to her whereabouts have been discovered thus far. Liberal left in outraged uproar..."

I AM ACTUALLY THINKING SERIOUSLY OF DISAPPEARING...

Seth

05-26-2006, 11:50 PM

Here are some ideas, don't know if they are good, but we don;t limit our thinking, we may FINB may stumble its way into the ears and hearts of many.

1. Air America Radio. Randi Rhodes could use Danger Danger as bumper music
The Steave Earl show is a music based show.
WE DID THE STEVE EARLE SHOW.

2. Can you get a guest gig on Bill Mahr.. Of course you wouldnt sing, that is not the shows format, but it gets you out there.
OH, WOULDN'T THAT BE GREAT... HE TURNED ME DOWN.

3 KFPK public radio in Los Angeles. I dont listen much because i mainly listen to air america, but they have given airtime to artists like Lousie Goffin, who you never hear anywhere else.
YOU KNOW, I THOUGHT THIS ALBUM WOULD HAVE GREAT SUPPORT AT PUBLIC RADIO. BUT THERE'S BEEN NONE. IN FACT, IT'S BEEN THE OPPOSITE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY, FRANKLY. THEY'RE JUST NOT INTERESTED. WE HAVEN'T HAD A SINGLE NATIONAL NRP SHOW - EVERY ONE OF THEM HAS PASSED. GO FIGURE. IT'S VERY DEPRESSING, FROM MY POINT OF VIEW.
4. Maybe its time fo Saturday NIght Live to honor its first musical guest!

DaveM

05-27-2006, 12:16 AM

Another great visual....Botticelli's "Venus Rising" (?) only with Janis and guitar on the shell. Or a bust of Plato morphing into a singing Janis.

Of course the final verse could feature Janis in camouflage marching across a battlefield with guitar in hand (ad-libbing "Take No Prisoners" at some point). Cluster bomb explosions could supply the percussion for the final chorus (with all due respect to Mr. Brock).

And Janis....I do apologize for taking the thread off-topic. It's just my nature. Will try to be good henceforth.

Jan de Vries

05-27-2006, 03:56 AM

40 years as an artist... And the way it all started with Society' s Child?
Is that something for Oprah Winfrey to get Janis Ian in her show?
Then you'll have quite a huge audience.
Just an idea, I have no clue how to get in contact with Oprah to draw her attention. ...

Jan from Holland.

JAN, IF YOU'LL NOTICE, OPRAH REALLY ONLY FEATURES PEOPLE HAVING CURRENT HITS THESE DAYS. IT'S TOO BAD, BECAUSE GOOD WORK SHOULD RISE TO THE TOP, BUT THAT'S THE WAY IT IS. HOPEFULLY, WHEN I WRITE MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY IT'LL GET ME ON THERE.

Margay

05-27-2006, 04:53 AM

How about stressing the political and social messages in your work... Those songs as well as their messages need to be heard. Last time I checked, controversy travelled fast.
Pink got to be on Oprah for singing 'Stupid Girls'. That's a good thing but you've got songs that deal with issues even bigger and they sound even better too!

MARGAY, THANKS. BUT PINK IS COMING OFF A HUGE HIT, AND I'M JUST COMING OFF SOME GOOD SONGS...

AceOn6

05-27-2006, 06:25 AM

Pink got to be on Oprah for singing 'Stupid Girls'. That's a good thing but you've got songs that deal with issues even bigger and they sound even better too!

Ooooo! Ooooo! Waving hand in air. Pink got on because of the Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty. There are a number of artists who've signed on and Janis certainly has some material that might be appropriate.

Another tangent... Does the Liver Foundation have a televised fund raiser or high profile "Liver Foundation Honors" event?

I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE LIVER FOUNDATION... AND ALSO NOT SURE I WANT TO ALIGN WITH THAT. BUT THE PINK THING IS A REALLY GOOD IDEA, THE DOVE CAMPAIGN - WE'LL CHECK IT OUT.

Marcia Drummergal

05-27-2006, 07:23 AM

This is something I have been thinking about and have slept on. Maybe it is just too basic or simplistic. Or overlooked?

Use Between the Lines and At Seventeen as your previous formula for success. What happened back then that got "At Seventeen" from BTL and the music studio and transported it to "Top 40 Radio?" How was it marketed? Who got it where it needed to be?

I know the business has changed in 30 odd years but certain things don't change. Look at all 15 tracks on FINB. Which one(s) deserve a closer look? What might the top 40 stations play? I mean, how DO the songs we hear on top 40 radio stations GET THERE in the first place?

That is my humble and basic grass-roots suggestion. I hope it is helpful!

Regards, Marcia G. :)

MARCIA, GOOD THOUGHTS. UNFORTUNATELY OR FORTUNATELY, PART OF WHAT HAPPENED WITH "AT 17" WAS THE MASSIVE CBS MACHINERY. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MACHINERY AVAILABLE NOW. CBS ASSIGNED 8 RADIO FOLKS TO PROMOTE JUST ME; WE HAVE ONLY ONE. CBS COUDL AFFORD FULL PAGE ADS IN THE TRADE PAPERS, WE CAN'T. SOME OF THE LESSONS OF AT 17 APPLY, BUT ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH FUNDING DOESN'T. ALAS.

SFBill

05-27-2006, 08:38 AM

We're having a meeting in NYC June 2 with the record company, radio reps, and publicists. For 2-3 hours, we'll be kicking around ideas of how to promote the album - mostly focusing on somehow getting radio play, national coverage, and television.
I'm looking for ideas. If you have one, post it here, or shoot me an email at janis@janisian.com . If there are shows like Bob & Sheri that you know about, but I might not, send me that as well.
Because the problem is, we're getting great reviews, the distribution is excellent - but if people don't hear it or hear about it, they're not going to support it!
PLEASE DO NOT ADD NOTES TO THIS THREAD UNLESS THEY ARE IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS!!!
Thanks all! You know your areas better than I do, so I'm counting on you...
Janis

Hi Janis
KRCW radio out of Santa Monica is great!
It has a show called Morning Becomes Eclectic-(plus many other shows)
http://www.kcrw.com/show/mb
They also put out compilation CDs of artists who perform in their studios
http://www.kcrw.com/music/rare/raremain.html

You probably know all this but thought I would post it anyway.

Bill

BILL, I DO KNOW MORNING BCOMES ECLECTIC - ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS. AND UNFORTUNATELY, THEY'VE PASSED ON ME FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. ABSOLUTELY ZERO INTEREST. I KNOW, IT'S DISCOURAGING. SEEMS LIKE I'D BE A PERFECT MATCH, DOESN'T IT?

Lily

05-27-2006, 12:44 PM

Janis,
I've been talking to some people that are close to the industry and racking my own brains since you've posted the "US-sales-are-not-that-great-for-FINB" note.
Since I know nothing about marketing music, but some things about marketing high-tech sw. products, below is what I have been able to compile so far. Sorry, if any of this sounds stupid or has been tried many times already, or unaffordable... Given that the question "What is your marketing budget $$?" isn't appropriate for this forum, here it is:

Getting out the word
1.I would suggest that JI Web Site needs a video clip with sound , of course, on the main page of one of the Songs from the CD (may be even FINB itself with the chorus, for kicks). Easy access to visual info can do wonders...
WE HAVE THOSE, UNDER THE "PRESS" URL. GOOD IDEA TO PUT ON THE MAIN PAGE, THOUGH.

2. Webmaster can register the site with search engines so JI site comes up when users're looking for FOLK MUSIC, etc. or some such. Not only JI.
WE ARE REGISTERED UP TO THE HILT!

3. Small poster (PDF file) for your fans to download from your Web site and COLOR print (some can afford more, some less) and distribute locally.
POSTERS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE PRESS URL AS WELL. PER DAR'S IDEA, DISTRIBUTING THEM WOULD BE GREAT!
4. Car stickers call to people's attention too, I get into conversations about JI because of mine and know for a fact that some bought FINB after talking to me.
HMM. MAYBE I'LL RE-THINK INVESTING IN THOSE BUMPER STICKERS.
Selling to the RADIO/TV/press

1. Need a new spin on the CD or what ever can be connected to it. Sorry, to be so disgustingly direct, but excitement sells, as we all know. New piece of info released out there can get the interest of the same people that have already rejected you. I don't want to go too far in this area - I feel it is a bit of a shaky ground, but there're ideas...
AND NOT BAD AT ALL.

2. Those magazines (publications) that already published anything about you in other areas (Sexual orientation, Ethnic identity) can to be reproached again. For example , I found the mentioning of your performance for Atlanta Pride in Curves , why not to ask for an article with them?! I would suggest to approach lesbian and Jewish publication as well .
WE'VE HIT THEM ALL. WE HAD AN ARTICLE IN CURVES, HAVE APPROACHED THE LESBIAN AND JEWISH PUBLICATIONS WE KNOW ABOUT. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHERS TO SUGGEST, BY ALL MEANS SHOOT ME AN EMAIL!
3. I would suggest to identify the publications that are read by Folk Music connoisseurs. Try to see if you can get an article there AS PAID ADvertisement.
YEP. DOING THAT. MAJOR ARTICLE COMING IN SING OUT! THIS FALL.
With the best of intentions,
Lily

moshemae

05-27-2006, 03:30 PM

i totally agree with marica, find the formula that worked in the past. Not everything is different and you have still got that spark about you that people love. Which songs deserve a closer looks? Maybe being released? And then promoted on MANY big radio shows and gigs on letterman and big tv shows etc.

FOLKS, IT'S NOT LIKE IF LETTERMAN CALLED I WOULDN'T GO! TRUST ME, IF ANY, ANY, ANY NATIONAL TELEVISION WOULD HAVE ME, I'D BE THERE IN A SHOT, NO MATTER THE COST. THEY JUST AREN'T INTERESTED.

Marcia Drummergal

05-27-2006, 06:41 PM

i totally agree with marica, find the formula that worked in the past. Not everything is different and you have still got that spark about you that people love. Which songs deserve a closer looks? Maybe being released? And then promoted on MANY big radio shows and gigs on letterman and big tv shows etc.

That's just it. I mean, I know it is "Folk Is The New Black" but there's at least 1 (if not several) songs on the cd that could be "cross-overs." And if Janis' people could manage somehow to get a Janis song on mainstream radio, folks WOULD remember her. And the dj's would say, "Remember Janis Ian from 'At Seventeen'?" Legitimately, I could see it happen......

Marcia :)

Dee

05-28-2006, 01:38 AM

I agree with both of you.

Radio play will bring back memories, and fans (old and new) too.

That's why I posted about the RadioDirectx radio promoting service on this (http://www.janisian.com/forum/showthread.php?t=757) page.

"From XM and DMX Satellite Radio USA, commercial radio (all formats), mix shows, 100s of college stations (the bleeding edge in shaping tastes in music), 1300+ club DJs, record pools, national radio networks and others in need of the newest best – we deliver the quality that music movers want. We cover the full spectrum: pop, dance, Reggae, country, folk, hip-hop, metal, easy listening, punk, soundtracks, world and more - we have the markets and the outlets for your releases."

GodSistah

05-28-2006, 06:56 AM

From the myspace thread:

Janis wrote: Yep, that's ours all right.

WOW! Ok well then this is my suggestion and idea, update it! MySpace is the hottest thing there is right now and yours has 3487 views and 315 friends/fans [and only a handful that I recognize from this board]. This board only has 268 members [191 Active]. Yet there is no mention on your myspace of this message board or the new album or direct links as to where to buy it, no mention of the Pearl Foundation or the annual sale...also no mention that it is your official myspace [there are at least two others out there]...no mention of tour dates. Also I would take "Waterclors" off of there and put some of your new songs up. To me this is an untapped source of publicity for you...and you can do so much with it...and since I now know this is official, I'll move you to my top 8, so that everytime someone pulls up my myspace, they will see your picture and have a direct link to your space. Each one of your 325 friends has a link back to you on their page as well.

THERE ARE A BUNCH OF MYSPACE SITES THAT SAY THEY'RE MINE. I'VE TURNED THE "OFFICIAL" ONE OVER TO JOHN SO HE CAN SWEEP IT UP AND MAKE IT OBVIOUS THAT IT'S THE RIGHT ONE.

The other thing I'm wondering is why half this country is being left out of the tour. Obviously, I want to see you and have my own personal reasons for wanting you here, but as concerts push the cd and vice versa, I wonder why you would leave all these other states out. I know you know all this better than me, so I'm confused as to why there are no tour dates on the west coast, but I know there must be a logical reason.
IT'S BEING LEFT OUT IN PART BECAUSE THERE'S SO LITTLE INTEREST THERE. FOR INSTANCE, WE TRIED AND TRIED TO GET GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL IN SF TO BOOK ME, BUT THEY HAVE A NEW YOUNG BOOKER WHO'S NEVER HEARD OF ME. I CAN'T AFFORD TO GO TO THE WEST COAST AND PLAY ONE OR TWO GIGS; I'LL LOSE MY SHIRT. WE'RE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO WORK FROM VANCOUVER ON DOWN, BUT IT'S HARD.

The other suggestion is giving away some concert tickets on radio stations. I just got some Melissa Etheridge tickets that I won over the radio. I admire her for her breast cancer fight and that she is an acomplished artist, but I would never go out and buy one of her records let alone a ticket to her concert...but my guess is that after I see her concert for free, if she is half as good as people keep telling me she is, she will have made a fan of me and if she does, I will cop a cd.

WE DO THAT, BUT IT'S REALLY UP TO THE PROMOTER OF THE INDIVIDUAL GIG. SOMETIMES PROMOTERS DON'T WANT TO DO THAT.
MELISSA'S A GREAT PERFORMER, BY THE WAY!

~Andrea~

ponytail

05-28-2006, 12:37 PM

I also suggested this on the "Promoting Janis" thread, but I'll do it again: "Fresh Air," the NPR lead-in show to "All Things Considered," regularly has musicians who apeal to a boomer audience as guests. The Executive Producer-Host is Terry Gross, and it comes out of WHYY in Philly. I sent them a note suggesting having you as a guest. (I've been on the show twice myself in my poet and journalist identities, but it was so long ago I doubt my name means anything to them anymore).

Their contact info is:

Fresh Air
WHYY-FM
150 N. 6th St.
Phila., PA 19106
freshair@whyy.org
1-877-21-FRESH

I DON'T KNOW WHY WE'RE GETTING NO JOY AT NPR, BUT WE'RE NOT... WE'VE PITCHED AND PITCHED AND PITCHED, "FRESH AIR" AND ALL THAT OTHER STUFF. THEY PASSED. SORRY...

MadMusician

05-28-2006, 01:56 PM

Some ideas...

PBS as a general outlet... PBS stations features many different artists. In the Chicago area, we see 3 different stations (WTTW, WYCC, WYIN) and other than the variety music shows (Soundstage, Austin City Limits, Legends of Jazz, etc...), there are many specials on artists or era's (Motown, Disco, 60's rock). I know that many of these shows are produced by other PBS stations and then are distributed around the country. Contribute musically to fund-raising.

ABSOLUTELY. AND WE'VE TRIED.

Perform or Tour with others. You get exposure to their fans. Even in a limited way.YES, I'VE NEVER BEEN SHY OF WORKING WITH OTHER ACTS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE MUSIC BUSINESS CLIMATE TODAY IS THAT PROMOTERS ARE LEERY OF CO-BILLS. WE'RE TRYING.

Produce/perform on a multi-artist album. Same logic as above. YEP,GREAT IDEA. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY HAVE TO WANT YOU ON THE ALBUM/

Large /small festival performances. TRYING. THIS YEAR, FOR SOME BIZARRE REASON, ONLY TWO FESTIVALS WANTED ME - APPEL FARMS AND CLEARWATER. ALL THE REST - PLACES I'VE DONE GREAT IN THE PAST - HAVE PASSED. I THINK PART OF IT IS THAT I'VE PERFORMED AT THEM A LOT IN THE PAST, AND THEY'RE MAKING ROOM FOR OTHER ACTS (FAIR ENOUGH). PART OF IT IS THAT I'M OVEREXPOSED IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY, LIKE THE NORTHEAST.
I BET NEXT YEAR, WHEN I'M BOUND AND DETERMINED NOT TO WORK ON THE ROAD, THE FESTIVALS WILL ALL BE SUBMITTING...

Musically champion a cause (news exposure) - how rapacious does that sound?
AH, BUT WHAT CAUSE...

Acoustic Guitar / other magazine exposure. Offer transcriptions of your music.
INTERESTING IDEA. THANKS FOR THAT.

Movie / TV soundtrack exposure (Dawson's Creek :) ). YEAH, I'D LOVE THAT. IF YOU NOTICE, MOST OF THOSE ARE ALIGNED WITH MAJOR LABELS. I'M NO LONGER WITH ONE. BUT I'M WORKING ON GETTING WITH A PUBLISHER. WE'LL SEE.

I thought of how I discovered artists new to me. And it really hasn't been radio. Occasionally, word of mouth. Usually, I am the one introducing others to artists.

I'm sure you have thought of all of these before, but I wanted to offer my 2 cents.
AND I'M GLAD YOU DID - SOME GOOD STUFF THERE!

AceOn6

05-28-2006, 02:17 PM

I thought of how I discovered artists new to me. And it really hasn't been radio. Occasionally, word of mouth. Usually, I am the one introducing others to artists.

Not radio for me, either. I've found some new artists I like through the iTMS free song. You might not get the top spot but you might get the "Discovery Download" that appears on the lower left of the music store home page.

Cardiffgal

05-28-2006, 04:41 PM

http://www.dixiechicks.com/06_request.asp

Great way to get your fans info on where to call in to request playtime for FITNB.

WE'RE THINKING ABOUT PUTTING TOGETHER A PAGE LIKE THAT. MOST OF THE CHICK'S SUGGESTIONS ARE REALLY COUNTRY STATIONS, THOUGH.

Eva

05-28-2006, 06:15 PM

Janis,

I am wondering: won't sales pick up after the festivalseason? A lot of people who come to the festivals to hear other artists will maybe hear you there for the first time. And maybe they'll like what they will hear (can't even imagine anyone not liking your music...)

And another suggestion... I don't know how you feel about it: but how about playing at the women's festivals or the lesbian festivals? I think just about everybody there knows your name. But they might not know your latest work. Maybe it's time to let them hear it! :)

Eva

EVA, I HAVE NO PROBLEM PLAYING THOSE FESTIVALS UNLESS THEY EXCLUDE MEN. I'M SORRY; I'VE TURNED DOWN "WOMEN'S FESTIVALS" FOR YEARS IF THEY EXCLUDE MALES. I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR WOMEN-ONLY SPACE, BUT I CAN'T PERFORM IN IT. TO ME, IT'S NO DIFFERENT THAN IF I'D PLAYED SOUTH AFRICA AND WORKED IN WHITE-ONLY SPACE - IT'S EXCLUSIONARY.

Marcia Drummergal

05-28-2006, 06:24 PM

Janis,

I am wondering: won't sales pick up after the festivalseason? A lot of people who come to the festivals to hear other artists will maybe hear you there for the first time. And maybe they'll like what they will hear (can't even imagine anyone not liking your music...)

And another suggestion... I don't know how you feel about it: but how about playing at the women's festivals or the lesbian festivals? I think just about everybody there knows your name. But they might not know your latest work. Maybe it's time to let them hear it! :)

Eva

Not Janis here but just a quick thought. The women's music festivals are great. I've played drums at many of them. But I can only think of ONE that will allow men there. So that would mean no Philip and no Greg. Janis has been that route before. As far as festivals in general, I haven't studied the tour schedule but I am not sure that she is doing all that many.

Keep making suggestions!! I hope you don't mind my 2 cents Eva. Just "speaking" about a subject I am familiar with.

Marcia :)

Eva

05-28-2006, 06:31 PM

I hope you don't mind my 2 cents Eva. Just "speaking" about a subject I am familiar with.

Not at all, Marcia! A lot of 2 cents might make an interesting sum...

Eva

----------------

Janis, about the women's and lesbian festivals. I remember you said that you are an artist / musician in the first place. Only after that a woman and after a lesbian. Do I remember that well? So you might not relate all that much to the purpose of these festivals.
NO, THAT'S NOT IT AT ALL.

But I am very sure that for a lot of women and lesbians it is important that you are a woman and a lesbian. For a lot of (lesbian)women you are not only an artist but also a rollmodel. You are to me, in any case.
THANK YOU.

You have built up your carreer by yourself, you write your own lyrics and music, you can sing, you can play guitar, you can play piano, and there are probably more instruments you can play. You have set up Rude Girl records and you run the Pearl Foundation.

All that you have reached in your carreer (and probably the rest of your life) you have done yourself. Women seek rollmodels like that. Lesbians seek rollmodels like that.
I AGREE. BUT AGAIN, I CAN'T IN GOOD CONSCIENCE PLAY ANYTHING THAT EXCLUDES ANYONE. JUST A PERSONAL DECISION, BUT IMPORTANT TO ME. AGAIN, I UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT WOMEN-ONLY SPACES ARE, BUT I CAN'T PLAY THEM IN GOOD CONSCIENCE.
Eva

saxman

05-28-2006, 11:06 PM

Sitting on a stool just outside the nbc news AM Playing Your Guitar while they are on the air , i see lots of people That wave and just look in the window while they tell the news , Some one would have to come out and Ask what the heck you are doing , and might invite you in. it worked for me once

MIKE, INTERESTING IDEA... UNFROTUNATELY, I THINK IT WOULD LOOK LIKE A SETUP.

Dougster

05-29-2006, 11:14 AM

Hi Janis,

I think you have got a killer song with "All Those Promises". I believe it should be promoted as a single while the album is being talked about and receiving so much press. It is a beautiful song, and in my humble opinion could carry the entire CD to BIGGER sales. Push this tune now at every opportunity.

I LOVE MY JANIS ! :)

Dougster

P.S. Dar and Kathleen and a few others really need to hear that you are coming to California!

DOUGSTER, GOOD IDEA.
AND WE'RE WORKING ON THE CALIFORNIA THING.

hoops

05-29-2006, 06:16 PM

the nbc morning news idea is a good one! getting Janis On Bob and Sheri's radio show is another good one. the Saturday night live idea is a third good one. I bet if we could hound the heck out of these three ideas Ellen and Oprah and regis and kelly and all those other names would be ounding on Janis' door... having worked with marketing people while i owned my business a few years back they told us over and over and over again that hte best adverstising is word of mouth and that is free. That make me believe that it is up to US to make sure Janis and Folk is the new black Get heard of. put up signs, play the cd at work, parties etc ( and other Janis albums) tell friends, leave notes with firends who might be interested and emai; abc, NBC, CBS talk shows radio shows and all the shows we can think of. SNL, REgis and Kelly, Bob and Sheri want to hear from us and what about buying 5 FINB cd's and hand delivering them to your local radio stations?? if you don;'t have 5 then buy what you need.

BOY HOOPS, GREAT STUFF. I WISH...

janisian

05-29-2006, 06:23 PM

If anyone wants to buy 5 for this purpose, we will gladly sell them at cost. Just shoot Kimbe an email.
Otherwise, I'll be responding to your suggestions in the next few days, one by one, probably by editing them and then putting the response in caps. Lots of good stuff here, folks - thank you!

Kathleen Brogan

05-29-2006, 08:49 PM

A video, or DVD sample of one or two of the songs is a good idea, but of course those are expensive to produce. Getting it aired is another hurdle. As of today, there are 18 Amazon reviews of FITNB, all positive. If each one of us reviewed the album favorably, that could help. Millions of people surf Amazon.

THAT WOULD BE LOVELY, KATHERINE - IF EVERYONE WHO READS THE MB WOULD POST A REVIEW. AND IF EVERYONE WHO READS THE MB WENT TO AMAZON AND PURCHASED 5 CD'S, WELL...

Eva

05-30-2006, 02:30 AM

If anyone wants to buy 5 for this purpose, we will gladly sell them at cost. Just shoot Kimbe an email.

Janis, do you think that would help for the Netherlands too? Or are sales here not the problem? I would gladly buy some for the big national radio / tv networks here if you think that would help you. I think it will be a good preparation for your tour in September & October.

I must say that I don't really have an idea what I can do from here to help in the US (other than tell Oprah that people in the Netherlands watch her show too) I don't know the networks and radiostations in the US and sending in a request doesn't seem that usefull either because I won't be able to watch / listen anyway. In the Netherlands however, I can maybe help in some way.

Eva

EVA, I DON'T THINK THERE'S MUCH YOU CAN DO TO HELP IN THE US - AND FORTUNATELY, THANKS TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU, OUR NETHERLANDS SALES ARE VERY ENCOURAGING! SO DON'T WORRY...

Dee

05-30-2006, 04:09 AM

As of today, there are 18 Amazon reviews of FITNB, all positive. If each one of us reviewed the album favorably, that could help. Millions of people surf Amazon.

Well I don't know how I did it, but I did it. (And it took me a good hour to write and get in on Amazon. Mucho problemos.) ;)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BYVJRI/qid=1137633005/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-1757009-8410555?s=music&v=glance&n=5174

Kath of the Guitar

05-30-2006, 09:08 PM

We just got back from Mount Dora, again. We love it there, and as I posted before, the people just loved Janis, so our first stop was the 5th ave cafe. Janis, you have to stop in next time you're in town....I gave them the new cd and realized I should've done this last time I was there. Then I checked out a couple other stores that had FINB and they were sold out, so I turned to the owner and said you need to replenish the stock, hook up with Janis and get some more.....especially now since the 5th ave cafe is playing the cd, people are gonna want to buy it. He said he has BTL... I said great, but the new one is what they'll be looking for.
I think sending 5 FINB to local radio stations is about one of the best things we can do, so I will get with Kimbe about this. If anyone lives near a nice little cafe, you might want to do the same.
Kath ;)

WELL DONE, KATH!
AND IF ANYONE LIVES NEAR A NICE LITTLE CAFE THAT MIGHT WANT TO CARRY THE CD, LET THEM KNOW THAT IF THEY CONTACT US, WE'RE ABLE TO SELL THEM CD'S AT DEALER'S PRICES...

Cardiffgal

05-30-2006, 10:17 PM

I will put up a poster in my Cardiff by the Sea Postal Annex for a drawing to win a FREE copy of the CD FITNB. Now just send me 3 questions you want on the drawing card besides:

1. Name
2. Email address
3. ??
4. ??
5. ??

I will state email address is required to win but no solicitation will be sent other than an invitation to join the artist's website.

They know me at this location, I do business with them, they will place this up for a week or so if I ask.

What other grass roots promotions can we do?

GREAT IDEAS, LORI!

Dar

05-31-2006, 10:47 AM

What a great idea!!

Cardiffgal

05-31-2006, 07:20 PM

Someone get this woman a Mac and an ipod!

Barenaked Ladies have done a podcast, available free from itunes.com/podcast - on recording a new album. Actually there are quite a few music podcasts listed.

This allows more PUSH marketing and can bring folks to your site.

You could also do a BLOG, more of Janis's time would be required but again
it gives new content to the site and brings folks to you. Janis you such a good writer. Check Rosie O'Donnells site rosie.com and her blog and ask ro sections. She is a bit extreme in how much she blogs but you get the idea.

Both are FREE

Skalv

05-31-2006, 09:11 PM

For what it's worth, in a market like this one that is saturated with mass market formats, your best bets would be independent radio stations. They have the connections and listener ship that would be most receptive to good music, as opposed to background noise. They (the listeners) would also likely be most inclined to both promote and generate grassroots interest in our market sector. The overriding thought being, get enough segmental buzz happening in multiple markets and national will naturally follow. The two best stations here would be WUOT & WDVX, if you wanted to get an idea of the type of audiences I am referring to.

ponytail

05-31-2006, 09:36 PM

It also struck me that "All Those Promises" is a hit. And it's a natural song for other artists to cover (I could hear Reba MacIntyre doing it, for one). It's such a striking song melodically, actually, that it deserves to become a standard.

A good independent station to try would be WXPN out of Philly. I don't know if you and Jimmy Buffet know each other, but his "Radio Margaritaville" station on Sirius satellite radio is giving artists he likes lots of exposure. The gay journalist Michelangelo Signorile (I apologize for probably mispelling every other name in this post) also has a show on Sirius. And isn't Howard Stern a friend of yours? Maybe paying him an on-air visit wouldn't be a bad idea. He'd probably love "Danger Danger."

ponytail

05-31-2006, 09:58 PM

Just tracked down some contact info for WXPN, which is a public station that originates out of the University Of Pennsylvania but is available in several different markets (even way out here in the boonies of Harrisburg). They also sell featured albums online, among them Springsteen's "Pete Seeger Sessions" and the new Roseanne Cash and Paul Simon.

Email: http://wxpndesk@xpn.org

Phone: 215-898-6677
Request line: 215-573-WXPN
Fax: 215-898-0707

The street address is WXPN at Wayne Hall, 3905 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA.
Office hours are M-F 9-6.

ANYTHING ANYONE CAN DO AT WXPN TO HELP ME WOULD BE GREAT!

MadMusician

06-01-2006, 04:25 AM

Tavis Smiley interview - NPR or PBS.
Is there a press release sheet that we could use that gives a brief list of accomplishments? Available on this site?

YEP. JUST LURK AROUND THE PRESS SECTION.

ponytail

06-01-2006, 11:10 AM

...and here's Radio Margartiaville contact info:

e-mail: http://www.radiomargaritaville.com/

online song request form: http://www.radiomargaritaville.com/request.htm

contact names --

Steve Huntington, Program Director
Carson Cooper, Miles Hampton, Kristen, deejays

There's a contact page where business cards appear for the above listed staff, and you can click on their cards to contact them. That address is:

http://radiomargaritaville.com/staff.htm

NICE IDEA. BUT GIVEN HOW THEY OPERATE, IT WILL PROBABLY MEAN MORE IF THE REQUESTS COME FROM THE FANS...

Dee

06-01-2006, 12:05 PM

Tavis Smiley interview - NPR or PBS.
Is there a press release sheet that we could use that gives a brief list of accomplishments? Available on this site?

Check out the Press section on the home page, MM.

There you will find Awards Film Credits and Career Highlights, among other stuff.

Eva

06-01-2006, 04:55 PM

Maybe this is too expensive but it's just a thought... How about commercials on television and / or radio, with fragments of some songs in them?

Eva
EVA, IMPOSSIBLE. YOU'RE LOOKING AT AN INVESTMENT OF SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. NOT TO MENTION, ALL THE STATIONS ARE TERRIFIED OF PAYOLA THESE DAYS, AND BEING INVESTIGATED, SO THEY'RE STAYING FAR AWAY FROM ANYTHING WITH FRAGMENTS OF SONGS IN THEM THAT MIGHT LOOK LIKE IT. I KNOW, IT'S CRAZY, BUT THERE IT IS...

Marcia Drummergal

06-01-2006, 05:47 PM

Maybe this is too expensive but it's just a thought... How about commercials on television and / or radio, with fragments of some songs in them?

Eva

I saw a commercial yesterday for the Dixie Chicks new cd. They played some of the music and showed some of their music video. Told which stores had the cd, etc. However, I know that they have megabucks and they are being promoted with megabucks. With enough money, you can do JUST about anything.

Marcia :rolleyes:

YEAH, IF ANYONE HAS A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS, I COULD PROBABLY GET THE RECORD PLAYED...

Seth

06-01-2006, 11:20 PM

All Those Promises and Standing In the Shadow of Love are the two songs that have the widest appeal and could have a radio life.

I am going to purchase some copies. Gping to send one to each radio persona on the Stephanie Miller Show. I could see them hearing the first two songs and thinking, they gotta talk to you.

I am also going to try to get a copy to Bonnie Raitt.
Bonnie should sing All Those Promises and Play Like A Girl.
-Seth

SETH, I COULDN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE!

ponytail

06-02-2006, 12:23 PM

I'm probably too late with this idea, but getting on "Nashville Star" as a judge would also be exposure. They don't limit the judges to country artists.

HM. INTERESTING IDEA. WE'LL INVESTIGATE.

SFBill

06-02-2006, 09:47 PM

I have a GREAT idea!
How about Janis appearing on Bill Maher's weekly computer show on AMAZON.com??
Just think about what they could talk about!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/homepage.html/103-3190454-0062239

but maybe someone already suggested this....

NICE ONE, BILL!

mixtymotions

06-05-2006, 05:03 PM

Ozzy Osborne had a television show....

Chris Isaac had a television show.....

Tanya Tucker has a television show.....

Reba has a television show....

It's time we saw FOLK on tv!!

However, if a music artist must make a contract with the devil to get a television show, then forget it...

I'D SERIOUSLY CONSIDER A CONTRACT WITH THE DEVIL IF IT WOULD GET ME NATIONAL EXPOSURE...
<GRIN>

Chris Sawyer

06-06-2006, 08:36 AM

I'll post my idea again on this thread with some extensions:

Live clips (audio & image) on popular websites (don't forget MSN hotmail) and folkwebsites. Also on sites where people can order the album directly: amazon, etc. (I don't know all the US ones) And however awful this might sound: try the lesbian websites. Like the websites of popular magazines.

I hope you'll find some good ideas, Janis!

Eva
Hi,Janis, you know that I have the software you can buy, to do this with, if wanted.
It takes 10 minutes,once you buy, & then its on your computer.
I can make a example, which your I.T. people, or the guy that made the sitting room concert DVD can do a better job.

Let me know.
Regards
Chris Sawyer
p.s.Have an example someone did for Westlife management.
Pops up in Windows Media Player.
Contact the maker Boris, who knows me, & let me know if you want to buy the software. Ill private message my retail web site, if requested.

http://message.myvideowebstream.com/view/?id=KCXNS71JDE5ODX21VY5L

moshemae

06-06-2006, 09:04 AM

what happened in the meeting? How did it go? What did u guys decide?

THE MEETING WAS BOTH ENCOURAGING AND DISCOURAGING.
DISCOURAGING BECAUSE WE'VE GOT NO JOY AT RADIO; LOTS OF STATIONS HAVE GONE CLEAR CHANNEL, LOTS OF THE FOLK STATIONS HAVE GONE TO "ADULT ALTERNATIVE", WHATEVER THAT MEANS.
DISCOURAGING BECAUSE WE'VE GOT NO JOY AT NPR, WHO AREN'T INTERESTED. AND WE'RE SUPPOSEDLY GETTING A REVIEW IN USA TODAY, THEY KEEP TELLING US, BUT WHO KNOWS WHEN IT WILL APPEAR.
HOWEVER, ENCOURAGING BECAUSE THE RECORD COMPANY AREN'T GIVING UP. THE PUBLICICISTS AREN'T GIVING UP. WE'RE NOT GIVING UP. IT'S GREAT TO BE WITH A COMPANY THAT GIVES A CD MORE THAN A FOUR WEEK WINDOW...

MadMusician

06-06-2006, 10:12 AM

Check out the Press section on the home page, MM.

There you will find Awards Film Credits and Career Highlights, among other stuff.

I forgot to say thank you for the information and I'm making my way through the site. :)

ponytail

06-06-2006, 12:24 PM

I'm wondering what happened at the meeting too. I hope you didn't have to cancel it because of not feeling well.

And I hope you're feeling much better!

THANKS FOR ASKING! YES, APPARENTLY I HAD PNEUMONIA, BUT I'M SOOOOO MUCH BETTER NOW.
THE MEETING WENT VERY WELL, I THOUGHT. EVERYONE WAS PLEASED TO FINALLY BE IN THE SAME ROOM TOGETHER, KICKING IDEAS AROUND. HOPEFULLY SOME WILL COME OF ALL OF IT.

DaveM

06-06-2006, 01:59 PM

I think "At Home With Janis And Pat" would be a great TV show. John L could handle the camera, and Phillip could handle the sound. True, neither Janis nor Pat is a burned-out heavy metalhead who uses "f**k" as a comma, but think of the audience! All the Rudies would tune in to see Janis, as would the resurging folk music community. "Law and Order" fans would tune in to see Pat at work. Dog lovers would love the menagerie. And bozos would tune in to see REAL LIVE LESBIANS on TV.

It could work!

GOD, DAVE. THAT'S A HORRIBLY INTERESTING IDEA. LET ME RUN IT PAST PAT.
<OUCH!>
OK. PAT JUST BEAT ME TO A PULP...
<GRIN>

Eva

06-06-2006, 03:04 PM

REAL LIVE LESBIANS on TV.
Too controversial, Dave. I don't think the US is ready for that... :rolleyes:

But seriously... I am also very curious what the outcome of the meeting was. I'll wait patiently untill you get around to telling us, Janis. I guess you are all working very hard now. And you are still recovering from your flu.

Eva

DaveM

06-06-2006, 10:46 PM

So sorry, Janis--my fault entirely.

I'd ask why she'd hit a sick woman who wears glasses, but that might get ME beat up.

And I fear you're right, Eva. As it is, American TV only tends to advertise lesbian characters during "sweeps months" when TV ratings are being compiled. Then they put on something sensationalistic and inane, and when the show is over and everyone who tuned in hoping to "see something" hasn't, they get angry.

Mind, this applies to most themes featured in advertisements during "sweeps months".

mixtymotions

06-07-2006, 02:15 AM

Okay - last resort....
This nation feeds on gossip....can you fake a drug addiction and get yourself admitted to rehab? Yeah, I know it's been done to death, but the press just loves "outing" music industry people in this manner...

Faking your own death might be more difficult to pull off, but hey, ya gotta admit that dead performers sell a LOT of recordings in the immediate days following their death...

Just about any sort of scandal would probably work - oh, except for shoplifting...Wynona didn't enhance her image with that stunt...

Then...there's always good, old blackmail...c'mon...threaten to tell the truth about people in your autobiography if they don't get you interviews and national exposure.

Seriously though, you deserve so much more attention from the powers that be, and I hope you get it, girl!

Aw geez, my keyboard is running out of ink...

Dee

06-07-2006, 02:55 AM

I forgot to say thank you for the information and I'm making my way through the site. :)

You're welcome MM.

Thank you Janis for all the replies. Glad you're over the pneumonia! Yoikes!

AceOn6

06-07-2006, 06:48 AM

With the success of Daniel Powter's Bad Day on Idol, I was thinking about shows that could use something from FINB. Home is the Heart might be ideal for Extreme Makeove Home Edition or for one of many shows on HGTV. They may not even be aware that it could be used for a reasonable price or donation to the Pearl Foundation.

JI response...ACE, EXCELLENT IDEAS - ESPECIALLY THE TELEVISION IDEAS. WE'LL GIVE IT A GO. WE'RE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A PUBLISHER RELATIONSHIP THAT ALREADY HAS CONTACTS IN THOSE AREAS; WE'LL FOLLOW UP ON IT.

If you do get that publisher relationship, you might consider pre-clearing all of the Rude Girls catalog for use on Idol, Nashville Star, and any other talent based show that you deem appropriate.

Chris Sawyer

06-07-2006, 08:48 AM

I do hope Janis will consider doing a suitably tacky video for public consumption. Something full of ridiculously suggestive imagery and camera angles a la Madonna et all. The potential for subtle self-parody would be virtually limitless and if, getting back to seriousness, the clip ended with Janis kissing Pat, headlines would be virtually guaranteed.

I know you draw the line at wardrobe malfunctions, Janis, but surely some sort of creative outfit would be of great publicity value. Having demonstrated already how well you can wear a guitar, the sky ought to be the limit!

DAVE, ALAS, WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY...
Just a thought, if you were to follow DaveM suggestion, then, my idea of the ideal song, of which to make a video, is......
Ride Me Like A Wave-he Unrealesed version! Suggestive, digestive.

Look what that Jane bergin got away with, in the sixties!
Regards
Chris Sawyer
Regards
Chris Sawyer

Chris Sawyer

06-07-2006, 09:19 AM

Aunt Becky

06-07-2006, 11:25 AM

Hi -I know the meeting is over, but have been thinking for a long time about one showcase in particular for FITNB - I always watch the CBS Saturday Early Show, the segment "Second Cup Cafe". They have so much acoustic music, eclectic, etc. I'm desperately opinionated and happen to think most of what I see on there, as well as other mainstream shows (Tonight Show, etc.) are, shall we say "crappola". I think of you often, and wish the country could see and hear the quality, rich, A+, cream-of-the-crop artistry that you present. Have you ever been on the "Second Cup Cafe" or submitted for that? .....just wondering. Love you madly, Aunt Becky

ponytail

06-07-2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the responses, Janis! It's the frist time you've spoken to me here, and I'm thrilled! (I'm a silly fanboy, I know...blushing...)

This is an idea I had late last night while listening to your music that may not be very practical -- how to get it to happen, I have no idea. But what if some prestigious insitution were to honor you for your lifetime achievement as a songwriter? Like, say, if Lincoln Center had an evening with different performers singing your songs and presented you with an award? Or if a bunch of performers recorded a tribute album? It'd be great if it could be currently popular young performers -- but on the other hand, some older classy performers like Audra MacDonald and Barbara Cook have done your songs: maybe if it were folks like that, it would have prestige appeal to PBS to air such an evening, and for NPR to promote it on their shows. Or if even ONE of these folks, like Barbara Cook, were to do a tribute album and shows to promote it? Just an idea.

There have also been Broadway and off-Broadway shows that are essentially reviews of one writer or team's songs, like Billy Joel's "Moving Out," or Leiber and Stoller's "Smokey Joe's Cafe." Maybe trying to find interest in a project like that would be easier to set in motion than the other ideas I've mentioned.

Who knows? "Mainstream America" might be more comfortable embracing you as a writer.