John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A Question from Scott in Maine

Hi John, First off I'm a huge fan of X, and your solo albums/CD's.
'Forever Hasn't Happened Yet' is a favorite.
Now, I'm a drummer and have only been included in songwriting
percentages on 2 or 3 occasions by generous and realistic, non
egocentric individuals. The rest of the time I'm told to forget it,
you're just the drummer. I feel the drums add a vital and even
essential part to most songs you hear on the radio, and beyond. Why
has the system been set up to not include drum parts ?
Realistically, the drums are almost always 'Written' by the drummer
with his past experiences that led him to a particular session/gig or
whatever. I have been playing most of my life, gigging and recording
for 25+ years. Now, again, I'm in a dilemma. I was verbally told I
would be cut in on publishing/songwriting for a debut CD, then after
recording is over, I'm out. We mutually parted but no mention of
previous verbal agreement. (with two members). They want to pay me a
small fee for the recording, and that's it. Any suggestions?

Sincerely,

Scott 

What Would John Doe Do?

Hey Scott,

Hmmmm . . . this is somewhat of a moral dilemma.
First, I would suggest that you write words, music & melodies; that way you would be assured your writing & publishing percentage. That's sort of the legal bottom line.
Many bands, early on, split writing & publishing money to keep all the band members afloat. When they're more established, the non-writing members forego their cut because the gig money, recording fund, whatever, is paying their bills. IF, you were told your contribution was important enough that you deserved a credit, then they should keep their word & you have every right to speak up & demand your share.
I'm quite certain that, legally, even if an instrument has the "hook" to a song; they are not considered a writer and do not share that credit or publishing. Unless the writer gives them a share. We all play our instruments & develop the song the best we can. That's why people get paid for recording sessions and if they're great players, the pay reflects that ability or creativity. But if there was no structure (melody, words & music) then there would be no song to contribute your part to. For instance, would Greg Leisz be considered a writer for playing his amazing pedal steel parts on kd lang records? There were X songs that I wrote entirely but included Exene as writer because she either edited or inspired the song. On the other hand if it's a "jam" that turns into a song, I would say that everyone playing that jam deserves a writers' credit & therefore publishing.

Hope this helps. thanks for writing & as always,

best of luck,
JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde

Question from Chris in Austin, TX

Hello Mr. Doe,

My name is Chris, and I am a struggling hack in Austin, Tx. Recently I have been involved in extensive songwriting with my chums, and the notion of publishing has come up repeatedly.

Here are my questions:

Is it worth the effort to wrestle through the stacks of paperwork required to maintain complete control over your works, or is it viable to give a publishing house 50% of your money to have them do the legwork?

If you were in my shoes... with a really strong band, really strong material, financial wherewithal and a vehicle, with no exposure outside of Austin, how would you start your assault on the masses?

Thanks for any advice.

Sincerely,

Chris B. Ware, Owner
Branham Amplifiers
Austin, Tx

What Would John Doe Do?

Chris,

Yes it is worth it to control the publishing. If you read any material on the subject (something every musician should do but most don't), they will all say the same thing. You don't have to worry about it until you release something & the publishing royalty actually matters. Some record companies don't even pay "mechanical" royalties any more, but they all are supposed to. If you are completely inept at working through the paper work you can register your song through a publisher as an administrator who normally takes only 10%.

First I question your phrase "assault on the masses". How about trying to create a small buzz in your own town? Continue to build your fan base in Austin, using all the usual means to do that. Play as many shows as possible. Stay away from small town politics. Try to get opening slots on shows w/ touring/national acts. And above all, make friends w/ other bands/singers etc. As you may already know this biz is built on relationships w/ others. Having strong attendance is the only way you'll have a chance at getting a booking agent, which is the best way to get out of town. Obviously you can start by playing in cities nearby. If you have some sort of buzz in more than one area, so much the better.

good luck always. life is struggle.

Yrs,

JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A Question from Renee in New Orleans

Hi John,

My question is a little weird maybe but......who cares. My 7 year old son, who happens to be a HUGE fan of yours and got to meet you here in New Orleans a couple of years ago at an in-store, LOVES to sing. He sings everything & all the time and has a pretty good voice. He goes to an arts based school here and we have had teachers tell us what a great singing voice he has (he sang in a local rest. with some musician friends of ours recently). So, my question, when do you think it is too early or just the right time to start with voice lessons? Obviously I know it's different for each kid and I haven't really talked to him about it but just wanted to get your thoughts.
Thanks for answering all these questions on so many varied topics! You're the best and COME BACK TO NEW ORLEANS SOON! PLEASE!!! =)
Renée

Renée Borie Blanche
Covenant House New Orleans

www.covenanthouseno.org

 What Would John Doe Do?

Dear Renee,
   As a parent, I think you already know the answer to yr question.  You give the kid an opportunity to do something he/she might enjoy & make sure that in the earliest stages, it remains fun.  I wouldn't say "OK, 'Bobby' we're going to singing lessons today & every Thursday for the rest of your life, so get in the car!"
  You might talk to a teacher that someone at his school knows & recommends.  Then see what kind of a vibe you get from the teacher & go from there.  There should be a small commitment from the kid; maybe try it for three lessons & if there's no connection then let him wait.
  If he's going to sing, he'll do it regardless of lessons or no; but lessons can teach better mechanics & technique.
best of luck, I hope this helps, and as always, thanks for writing.
yrs,
Jd

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

Hello John,

I have been writing songs for some time now and it's been a dream of mine to record my own record. The local recording studio near my house gave me a handwritten price quote of $2000.00 to record, mix, master my recordings and cover the costs of a couple of session musicians. It seemed like a lot of money but the people there seemed to know what they are doing and I wanted a professional recording of my material. Now that the recording process is over a couple of things happened that have left me confused and upset. The person in charge at the studio helped me with melodies on two of my songs, now he says he wants 25% ownership of those songs! He never told me that his help would give him part ownership of MY songs. If I had known that I would have stuck with my original melodies. Additionally he is now asking that I sign a producer agreement that gives him 3% points on my sales. Shouldn't these "agreements" happen before I started recording, not after? I have already paid for the recording session in full but now he is won't give me the masters until I sign his agreements. Are artists always treated this way by people who offer "help" in the music industry? What would John Doe Do in this situation?

With much respect,

Amanda

WWJDD?

Hey Amanda,
   I'd love to kick this guy in the shins for you!
First of all, you have ALL my sympathy. This is totally unprofessional & YES these agreements should be negotiated before the session.  The first thing I thought of was how can you break-in or bring a couple of big, nasty goons & physically take back yr tapes.  Then of course I realized there are no tapes. I suppose you could do that to his computer but . . . doing 1 to 3 @ the State Pen for breaking & entering & robbery probably isn't that attractive. One way to avoid this is to use your own hard drive, possession is "9 tenths of the law".  BUT what's done is done.  You could get a lawyer but that means more money & too much time & effort.  You probably should make a complaint to the "Better Business Bureau" & tell anyone in yr town who cares, what a shitbag this guy is.
  Now, to solve yr dilemma. Even though what he's asking for should have be settled before recording, a producer's fee isn't uncommon.  Standard is 3% but that applies to established producers.  Offer him a 2%, producer's fee.  Regarding the melodies; go line by line & figure out what percentage yours to his melodies are used in the songs that he contributed to. That may be difficult but be generous & make yr best guess.  This way if he questions how you came up w/ the number, you will have a plan. Then offer him half of that percent of the writer’s credit, since I'm guessing he didn't write any of those words.  Also he would not be entitled to any publisher's royalty.  If none of this is acceptable to him, take him to small claims court, maybe you'll get Judge Judy.
  This is a lot of wrangling for, probably, not much reward ($$) but there is always a chance that the song could get licensed to some movie or TV show & that can be big dough.  Let me know if I should dust off my brass knuckles, be tough & best of luck.
I hope this helps and as always, thanks for writing.
yrs,
JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A Question from Ronquaise in Atlanta

Hi John,

I would like to say thank you so much for all of your help. You have really answered allot of my questions just reading and studying your site.  I do have a question, I am a solo artist pop/ R&B I want to know if I should try and put together a backing band or just get backing vocals and dancers? I know it would be easy to travel and allot cheaper, but would I be taken seriously in the music business using backing tracks even with dancers and backing vocals. I am new, and I hope to release my Self released album next spring. I don't want to start out wrong starting out. What happens when it’s not a band but just a solo artist? Please tell me what you think

Thanks,

Ron

What Would John Doe Do?

Hey Ron,

   Regardless of how you present yr songs or what style the performance takes; getting music to the people is most important thing. If you can't afford something, don't go into debt at the start of a project.  Though my field isn't R&B, I'm sure that now-a-days many artists w/ complex backing tracks use pre-record. Are you sure that you need dancers? If the audience in the clubs where yr performing expect that, then bring them. 

  Have faith in the material & make every effort to get to the audience that will understand yr style of music. Stripped down versions of good songs can be very compelling but you don't want to waste time at singer songwriter clubs if yr record is very slick & produced. Try to find yr gut feelings & trust them.

I hope this helps, best of luck & as always, thanks for writing.

yrs, 

JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A Question from Chris in Chicago

Mr. Doe,

My bandmates and I are struggling to decide if we should replace our bass player and would like to get your opinion on our situation. I was recently approached by a well known and very talented bass player in our area who expressed interest in playing with us "if we ever had an opening". Our existing bass player is a capable player and good guy but clearly doesn't have the chops, experience or contacts of the other interested player.

It seems like it would be a good business move to bring the more experienced player in but it seems pretty cold hearted to throw the existing guy out. So...what's your take on improving the band's overall chances of quitting our day jobs vs. destroying a personal relationship with an existing band member and friend? This is tough. We would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,
Chris

What Would John Doe Do?

Hey Chris,
  Yr right, this is the toughest of decisions but it doesn't have to be "cold-hearted".  First you must be as sure as possible that yr current bass player, even though he's not the greatest player, isn't key to yr sound.  The most common mistake producers make is to replace the drummer during recording.  Then they wonder why the "spark" or uniqueness  has gone out of the band's sound.  Next, be sure that you like to hang w/ yr perspective replacement, since "hangability" is probably much more important than contacts (likely won't mean very much) & "chops".  Then, ask yrself how enthusiastic are either of the bassists?  Especially in the beginning, drive & a positive outlook can make a huge difference in the life or soul of a band. Finally, if you do decide to replace the old w/ the new, do it in a kind, diplomatic way. no reason to be a jerk & create hard feelings.
hope this helps & as always, thanks for writing.
yrs,
JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com.

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A Question from Lauren

John,
I have a question. One time I read that Lennon and McCartney really fought on who should sing McCartney's "Helter Skelter". Lennon thought he would sound better singing the song (I agree totally), but because it was McCartney's song he won the battle and sang the song.

Hearing this story made me think of you guys. I always wondered how Exene and you shared the singing duties. When you both wrote a song did you ever argue about who should sing it? Did you ever sing her songs? Did she ever sing your songs? What about deciding on harmonies, it seems like such a delicate decision, but you guys nail it.

Anyways, I would appreciate the inside info.
Lauren Melton.

What Would John Doe Do?

Lauren,
  Good story about Helter Skelter.  There was never any disagreement btwn Exene & I.  I wrote "Come Back To Me" for her & she wrote "The Have Nots" for me.  We have so much respect for each other & our unique talents, it's usually obvious who will sing what.  Most of the time whoever wrote the lyrics, will be closer to the feelings & ideas expressed & will deliver it best.  Also we always apply harmonies in unconventional ways that still serve the song.
hope that helps
and as always thanks for writing,
JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com.

A Question from Bill in South Carolina

Howdy John,

I'm an independent roots/Americana artist and writer based in the Carolinas.

I've been involved in promotion and marketing efforts for a number of recording projects over the years, and am currently releasing and promoting a new solo record.

I am familiar with the role that performance rights organizations play in tracking, collecting, and paying for "usage" of music in radio and broadcast media, but could you comment on the role that a performance rights organization might play in an artist's overall career development, or in supporting the artist's efforts when releasing a new recording or batch of material?

What does that relationship look like, and what kinds of things can the artist do to establish that relationship, engage with the PRO, and take advantage of potential services or assistance the PRO might provide?

Thanks and Best Regards,

Bill Noonan

http://billnoonanband.com

http://myspace.com/billnoonanband

What Would John Doe Do?

Hey Bill,
  As you may well know there's a million + ways to market & promote a record. But let's leave those other 999,999 ways alone for now & get to yr question. The PRO's that you ask about are the complete opposite of record companies. Because their non-profit status, they are required to respond to your questions. 
  I spoke to a friend who was a VP at ASCAP & here's the low down.  You can call or e-mail either organization, BMI or ASCAP, and ask who handles or specializes in whatever style of music that you write. You can also check their websites & see who their representatives are and who they work w/. If you call they should give you a name of a rep particularly favorable to yr style.
   At this point, if you are an affiliate, you can send them yr music & hope that it resonates w/ them. They sponsor various events that showcase writers and if all goes well, you could be included in those events. As in all business relationships, it requires attention, compatible personalities and a bit of luck.
hope this helps and as always thanks for writing.
yrs,
Jd

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A question from Nick in the UK

Hey John,

I was thinking about how people measure success in music today - it used to be simply sales, but I'm curious what the other metrics might be that a band/artist can use to demonstrate an improvement in performance from album to album.  Is it email subs?  Myspace Friends?  Venue size?

It would be great to get your perspective.

Cheers,

Nick Fitzsimmons

www.pennydistribution.com

What Would John Doe Do?

Hey Nick,
  Not to sound too Zen but; How do you measure success?  If X would've measured it by sales, we would've given up after the third record. No one has to tell you that the music biz is a cruel master at best. You have to measure success on yr own terms. When I finally understood that making a record (writing & recording) was the greatest reward I would ever receive from the whole process; the eventual outcome (sales & reviews) took it's proper place. And I learned to enjoy it ten times more. I believe they call it "being in the moment".
   I would say that now-a-days the same holds true. As long as yr audience is maintaining or growing, @ either live shows or on the web, and you still love playing & singing, then you are succeeding. If your goal is to make a lot of money or wield power & you're not doing that, choose a different line of work. If your gift is to create or perform & the music biz gives you that opportunity, then you are succeeding. Many people in music have more than one job & that allows them to be as artistic as hell when they write & play. GREAT REASON FOR BOTH ! !  don't forget most poets in the 19th & 20th centuries had "day jobs". You, as the artist or label rep, will know when you are successful or not because we are all making this shit up as we go.
I hope this is helpful and as always,
thanks for writing,
Jd

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .

John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo artist and actor. John answers questions from our community members in the WWJDD? blog. Photo by Autumn de Wilde.

A Question from Donna in Princeton, NJ

Hi John, 

I love your blog. I'm a writer and this morning I was thinking about how I strive to reach this ideal with my words...this fantasy vision inside my head...I'm wondering if that's what you have inside your head when you write a song and which of your songs come closest to that vision? I'm also wondering, what do musicians talk about when they get together? Different venues? Life on the road? Management? I've found that writers talk more about business than art, but maybe that is different with the people you know? 

Thanks for your time, 

Donna

WWJDD?

Hey Donna,
  To answer "what do musicians talk about" totally depends on what genre yr referring to.  From my experience it usually revolves around other tours, preposterous situations, war stories, diva demands, amazing venues, bragging about how many states-countries-gigs completed in the shortest number of days, etc. Only musicians who know each other well will ask advice on business matters but that does happen. There also is a fair amount of exchange regarding other bands, records or performances so that people are informed or turned on to something worthwhile; new or old.  Then I suppose there are others who just talk about drugs, food & sexual conquests or how much they spent on "bling".
  I've found that attempting to realize a "vision" is usually disappointing.  I tend to begin w/ a moment or thought & let it become what it's going to become as it takes shape & hopefully is complete. Here it's best to know when something is "done" & when it needs more attention to be the best song it can.  I'll take a certain piece of writing & elaborate on that or some music that has stayed w/ me for a while & complete that. That's specific to writing a song or piece of music.  Then there is a whole other layer of creative process that happens during recording. This involves the beauty or trials of working w/ other players, singers, engineers, producers & finally mixing; etc.  This is where the "vision" thing can get particularly contentious.  It seems more rewarding to allow room for the unexpected to make the piece better than what you might've envisioned.  Expectations are most often impossible to realize.
  I hope this helps.
and as always, thanks for writing,
yrs, JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.

For more information on John Doe check out theejohndoe.com or YepRoc.com .