Website update

[janisian]

Until John gets around to posting it:

News and Updates
April 6, 2009

There is no website update this month because I am very busy.
I am busy re-negotiating every big contract I have.
All my contracts ended March 31st, after five-year terms. Some were even after two five year terms. My manager set it up so they would all end on March 31st.
It seemed like a good idea in 2003. Now, perhaps not. There are a lot of contracts.
I am re-negotiating my masters catalogue (old recordings) and publishing catalogue (old and new songs) rights.
I am trying to cover six continents and somewhere between 5-50 countries.
I am busy.
Also, I cannot discuss the negotiations because they are in process.
In many ways, this is like being a therapist who cannot discuss his clients’ problems until the client gives permission. Or like being an attorney who cannot discuss her client’s problems until they are acquitted or dead. Or maybe not even then. Probably not even then, now that I think of it.
At any rate, I am busy.
I really wouldn’t care that much, except that when my new (currently being negotiated) contracts are up in 5 years, I will be 63. Which is almost 65. Which means I will probably want to slow down at the least. So these next 5 years are very important. .
That is my manager speaking. These next 5 years are very important, you know. Choose carefully. My manager wakes up at 3 am several times a week, worrying about my future. Don’t go for the money. Go for the future. That is what she says. Sometimes I even listen.
It is a good thing I manage myself. I don’t know how anyone else could take these 3 am calls.
As soon as the negotiations are done, I will write an update describing them in detail. If legally feasible.
In the meantime, thank you for your understanding!

[Elliott]

that you can't fire your manager? She sounds good and tough. I was wondering, in your free time, if you could help me address envelopes to the Grand Opening party at my new salon. And if you wanted to, you could even sing a song or twenty. Happy birthday... but don't let your manager catch you taking the day off. That could be bad. Best, Elliot

[Greener]

Thanks for the update, Janis, and on your birthday, no less. Is it your manager's birthday too? I will admit that even though I have what I consider a life, I've been anxiously awaiting the monthly update. Now I can move on to other less important things like paying my bills and calling my mother.

[coffeegyrl]

Thanks for the update even if it is confidential! I hope you get everything sorted out and can sleep through the night soon.

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

We understand :o

Best

R & B

[DaveM]

Janis, I really don't think you need to justify yourself in such detail, especially when it comes to potentially sensitive business matters. You know where your priorities are and those should be sacrosanct.

As for us, we'll be here. I expect you know that as well.

By the way, I'm sure there is a spare seat on this year's bus. And we are "pet friendly".

[Wes]

fine your manager for this & use the money for a holiday. Paxos is nice:)

Wes

[Marcia Drummergal]

What RandyPA said....we understand. Thank your manager for the update too.....

Marcia :)

[Jim in Chattanooga, TN]

Great to hear from you, Janis. We wish you the best and hope everything turns out well.

[Bat]

It's ok...your manager gives good advice, but she's got to stop waking you in the middle of the night...we're not going anywhere...hope you and manager and partner had time for cake and singlemalt yesterday!
Ever think of making 7 year contracts...that would take you to 65, and you could seriously think of becoming Singer/Songwriter Emeritus, Ret.
We miss you. Hugs,
Bat

[Eva]

I wish you and your manager a lots of succes in the negotiations. I am glad your manager takes such good care of you. Is she expensive? Does she wear nice shoes?

Eva

[Reva]

Until John gets around to posting it:

News and Updates
April 6, 2009

There is no website update this month because I am very busy.
I am busy re-negotiating every big contract I have.
All my contracts ended March 31st, after five-year terms. Some were even after two five year terms. My manager set it up so they would all end on March 31st.
It seemed like a good idea in 2003. Now, perhaps not. There are a lot of contracts.
I am re-negotiating my masters catalogue (old recordings) and publishing catalogue (old and new songs) rights.
I am trying to cover six continents and somewhere between 5-50 countries.
I am busy.
Also, I cannot discuss the negotiations because they are in process.
In many ways, this is like being a therapist who cannot discuss his clients’ problems until the client gives permission. Or like being an attorney who cannot discuss her client’s problems until they are acquitted or dead. Or maybe not even then. Probably not even then, now that I think of it.
At any rate, I am busy.
I really wouldn’t care that much, except that when my new (currently being negotiated) contracts are up in 5 years, I will be 63. Which is almost 65. Which means I will probably want to slow down at the least. So these next 5 years are very important. .
That is my manager speaking. These next 5 years are very important, you know. Choose carefully. My manager wakes up at 3 am several times a week, worrying about my future. Don’t go for the money. Go for the future. That is what she says. Sometimes I even listen.
It is a good thing I manage myself. I don’t know how anyone else could take these 3 am calls.
As soon as the negotiations are done, I will write an update describing them in detail. If legally feasible.
In the meantime, thank you for your understanding!

You actually seem far too busy to be doing all of the above simultaneously. Tell your Manager to pencil in some "down time" ok? This advice comes from a 66 year old.

And thanks for the update that isn't really an update.:D

Actually, thank you even more for posting it - a lot of artists don't give their fanbase the time of day, and you are a gem in sharing with us :)

[hoops]

Janis, no need to explain. at the same time, thank you for taking the time for us. dang you are good! no wonder i call you my idol
peace
little hoopie

[Dee]

Thank you Janis. Sorry you're swamped with work.

[aabram]

Thanks for posting, Janis. I'm getting swamped too!!!!

Annabel x

[Rickster]

Janis, No problem at all! We all knew you were busy! Keep your head.

[Allison]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY... DEAR JANIS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
I had to type in caps because I always sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERY LOUDLY!
Rudy wishes you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY too!
Sending lots of NC love your way.
We will also make a wish that all your contract dreams come true. The good ones, that is. May everything go your way. May all that good that you do for others come back to you ten fold during these negotiations.

[sister rose]

Janis, I really don't think you need to justify yourself in such detail, especially when it comes to potentially sensitive business matters. You know where your priorities are and those should be sacrosanct.

As for us, we'll be here. I expect you know that as well.

By the way, I'm sure there is a spare seat on this year's bus. And we are "pet friendly".


I have a 'special' seat saved just for you, Janis. :D

[Mary6906]

I have a 'special' seat saved just for you, Janis. :D

This bus ride is NOT for the faint at heart. But if you're up for it, Janis, climb aboard :eek:

[sister rose]

I have a feeling Janis can handle it quite well, Mary. ;)

[Bryan]

Go for the money! The future is here.