[DMBandit]

Hi everyone,
Having a bit of a chicken and egg scenario and wondering if anyone has any advice. I've had a piece of music accepted into a music library in the states with lots of Film and TV credentials. To be able to submit my piece to this library I need to be a member of a PRO, with an IPI/CAE number which I guess is pretty standard.
However my local performing rights organisation (IMRO) won't let me join without first meeting certain criteria (the piece having been performed live a number of times, it having been broadcast on tv or radio in the last year, or it being available for purchase commercially).

I don't meet any of these criteria and it certainly won't have the chance to be picked up and broadcast unless it's part of a music library first as far as I can see! Chicken & Egg...

Has anyone been in a similar situation, any advice?

[seriousfun]

You have a few options available to you.

1. Not all PROs are the same. Some have no set criteria for joining so you could look for other PROs that service your country that will allow you entry.

2. There are many small local radio stations in the modern world all with their own niche markets. You may be able to find a small local station that would be willing to give your track a spin, and then you're in, as you would now meet the PROs criteria.

3. There are a huge number of libraries doing this job and not all require you to be a member of a PRO so shop around.


Hope one of those options can open a door for you.

Allan.

[Boydie]

Or secret option number 4....

LIE   

I remember playing your stuff with my band in that pub in London 

And your songs have been broadcast on the SongwriterForum radio station

If it helps I am sure we could stick a bit in the SongwriterSelect podcast

I doubt they will ask for proof and those criteria are only there to stop the "wannabes" joining

Do not let this get in the way of a placement

I would suggest giving them a call - do not email - to explain the situation and that they could be preventing you from getting work and becoming a member

PROs are actually there to help so I am sure talking to a human and putting your side across will result in a positive outcome...

...but if that fails - then lie

[tone]

Some good advice from the chaps so far.

My tuppence worth: don't let go of this publishing deal! Especially if the music library has a good track record. You should either find another PRO, or better still, call your PRO and explain to them that you have publishing in place for the track. Provide proof if necessary. I'm fairly certain this will be enough.

Let us know how you get on

[DMBandit]

Guys,

Thanks so much for your replies, really helpful as always on here.

Just as an update I managed to convince a local radio station to give me some airplay. My PRO does indeed need proof from the broadcaster, very strict rules to join it seems but I guess it keeps the time wasters away. i was in contact with them about my situation but their response was that being a member of a music library does not guarantee any sort of usage, which is certainly correct, but it doesn't make things easy for a newbie and you have to start somewhere! Just in case anyone is interested here are the criteria for joining IMRO (with documented proof needed):

Writer Membership – Songwriters, lyricists, composers and arrangers of public domain music.
 
·         Have you had a work broadcast on radio or TV in the past two years?
·         Have you had at least 12 live performances of your music in the past two years?
·         Have you had a piece of music used on a commercially available recording in the past two years?

Is the criteria as strict for the UK organizations?

The contact from the music library doesn't mind waiting for the track thankfully so I should be ok. Had a stressful day yesterday trying to sort it all! And at the end of all of this will probably just end up on the pile and never have it picked up  still you gotta be in to win right?

Here's the track if anyone is interested:
https://soundcloud.com/malcolmlally/flashbacktostrangerdayspianostrings

Thanks again for all the replies, really appreciate it.

Mal

[tone]

Oooh that's some tasty piano playing there Mal - very enjoyable listen. Thanks for sharing What string library are you using? Sounds familiar, is it Hollywood Strings?

[DMBandit]

Thanks Tone!
I actually had this re-engineered quite recently with a guy in australia based off my midi files, so not sure exactly what strings he used but he said it was an east west collection so you are probably right, good ear 
Even though it's obviously a pro collection it still sounds a little 'synthy' to me at times though depending on what I'm listening on.

[tone]

Yes I agree. I'm having trouble getting my strings to sound real enough, even though I know it can be done (I use the EW too). Need more practice I guess...

[seriousfun]

I havnt tried it myself yet, but I remember reading somewhere that you can improve your
 string realism by using  two libraries. Apparently it gives a lot more depth. Must try it out sometime.

[tone]

Yes that does help Allan, but I think that's only half the trick. The other part still eludes me. Maybe I'm just not writing idiomatic enough string parts, or using the right reverb… If anyone figures it out, please give me a shout!

[Boydie]

It is all in the "articulations" and making sure each part is slightly different (ie timing and length of notes)

I also then automate the volume swells differently on each part so they sound slightly different

I use this approach on brass (which I am happy I have got my head around - as featured on the next track I intend to post) so I think it would also work for strings

I saw a great video on this that I will dig out and post soon