122 thoughts on “Ask Richard”
-
Hi! Where can I hear your interviews with Lyle Mays & Pat Metheny?
-
You can read them in my Book, “The Pat Metheny Interviews”. The BBC radio shows are no longer available.
-
-
Very inspiring page and fascinating bio. Sowing the Seeds of Love is one of the greatest pop arrangements of the last 30 years.
-
Dr. Niles: Love your music and your site…was particularly pleased to see your tag: “Ideas make you better!”
The reason I say this is because they DO…and that’s why the large public healthcare system in Houston, Texas (which serves the uninsured and low-income residents of Harris County), where I work launched a program last year we call “Think !nnovation”. This program is designed to encourage our 8,000+ staff to bring forward their own IDEAS on how we can improve our processes and our practices in the delivery of high quality, cost-effective healthcare. And, in support of this initiative, I created a short video (which I am happy to send for your review/added information) to help our employees better understand innovation and to help motivate them.
Do you own the copyright to “Proud” (on The Biggest Loser soundtrack?) If so, I would very much your thoughtful consideration for authorizing the use of this song in a short video to support our Think !nnovation program. Your support of our efforts would, indeed, make us very “Proud.” If not, can you please tell me how to go about requesting authorization or how to go about licensing the music for this very specific purpose?
Proudly yours,
Kitty Allen
Manager, Internal Communication
Harris Health System
Houston, Texas-
I did not WRITE Proud, I arranged it, so I can’t help with that. But thanks for visiting my site and your positive comments.
Richard
-
-
Hi Richard,
I was one of the Acoustic/Folk finalists in this year’s UK Songwriting contest with my song ‘Lilly’ (https://soundcloud.com/phoebe-katis/lilly-9) ; many thanks for my placing and marks!
I was wondering whether I could ask you for some personal feedback on the song and perhaps on what you think about my music and song writing abilities? It’s my passion (as with so many entrants!) and I want to make sure I get all the help I can as I come to the end of my Music degree at Leeds University and take that step into the real world.
Many thanks, looking forward to hearing from you,
Phoebe Katis
-
I did not have a direct involvement in this year’s contest. But my best advice is to perform in public as much as possible.
Good luck, Richard
-
-
Hi
I’m a fan of Clive Griffin. I know you wrote some songs with him, such as I’ll be waiting. I would like to know more about him. Why did him disappear instantly? Do you know what about him now?
-
Sadly, Clive gave up the business after his 2nd album released by Phonogram flopped and his 3rd on Sony 555 Records did the same. He suffered from complete mismanagement from the record labels he was signed to. I am proud to have discovered him, produced him and co-written many wonderful songs with him. He was one of Britain’s greatest voices and his absence is a great loss to music.
-
Thanks for your answer. His absence makes me sad. Hope one day he can get back!
-
-
-
Thanks Richard.
I want this more then anything so I will defiantly take your advise on board. this new year I will focus more on the youtube side of business. I was just hoping that maybe at the stage I am now, and with the kudos of coming semi-final on the competition, I could attract management who could see potential in me and could help both fund the project, allow me to achieve the music videos and youtube success faster. Also it would be good If they had contacts and could help mentor me and keep me steered in the right direction. In your professional opinion what do you think would be the best management company to approach for our style of music.
-
Hi
My name is Louie James I entered the UK Songwriting Competition 2012 and obtained two Semi Final positions and a Commended Entry. One of my tracks was only a point away from the final. I am really keen for any help or advice you can give me to help with progressing to the next step of working with a Record Label or Publishing Company.
I have a huge back catalogue of music that I have produced over the years that would work on multiple platforms from adverts to commercial releases. I have the ability to create music in lots of different genera’s (Pop, House, Nero Funk, Drum and Bass, ect.) and I would be happy to email you more tracks if you like my E.P.http://www.reverbnation.com/louiejames.
The tracks on my E.P feature up and coming vocalists from the Brit School, Abigail Hardiman and Kit Rice who resonantly toured with Tom Jones as a backing singer. The tracks have also been tweaked and mastered by legendary sound engineer Kevin Paul who has worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, David Bowie, Nick Cave and Calvin Harris. He is also one of the chief engineers for the iTunes Festival. http://www.perfectmixingmastering.com/about.html.
Kind regards
Louie James
-
Louie, The only way you’ll be able to work with a record label or publisher is by producing a hit first. They don’t generally sign anyone without a track record of success. That’s because they no longer have experienced A&R who can recognise and sign talent. Kit Rice is one of my favorite current singers and I have written with him and hope to produce some hits for him. It’s up to you to get videos of your tracks on youtube and get enough hits (100,000 would be a start) to get the business to sit up and take notice. You should definitely read “So You’re A Musician – Now What?” by Janek Gwizdala – a book that tells you what all indie musicians need to know. I wish you luck.
-
-
Hello, Mr. Richard,
You may remember me, my name is Nathaniel (Nate), and recently the song I wrote, titled “Pretty Monster” and performed by my band Parias Day, won the UK Songwriting Competition.
I saw yours and Kipper Eldridge’s comments, and first I want to thank you for your vote and your encouraging message–it really inspired me as a writer and gave us as a band even more drive to keep being creative with our music.
It has also encouraged us, and me personally, to be more resourceful–I am currently in the process of gaining local media attention. Your comments have ensured an attentive ear, and while that may sound shrewd, I do not doubt that as a businessman, you know compliments from a well-known Producer carry significant weight. 🙂 And so I am grateful, and I appreciate your time and interest in me and my band.
I also saw you’ve taken an interest in our music, and I was wondering if you still were inclined to be our Producer? If you are still so inclined, feel free to contact us, either via our BandPage (www.facebook.com/pariasdayband) or my personal email, which I believe Alan from UKSC supplied you with. 🙂 If you are not as interested, that is understandable. I look forward to hearing from you regardless, and learning as much as I can from you!
–Nate
-
Thanks, Nate, I’ve replied to your FB. R.
-
-
By the way, I posted your very interesting bio on my FB page, “Writers on the Storm.”
-
Hi:
Well, after too many wasted years, I have decided to learn the keyboard. I have been writing since I was a kid and don’t have a problem with words; just putting melody to them. It is discouraging to write lyrics, when in all actuality it’s not a song, but a poem.I know at age 35, I will never become a Bruce Hornsby or Billy Joel, but do you suppose I could get good enough on the keyboard to be able to put melody to my lyrics? My fear is that I have waited too long and my songwriting dream is over. Really, I just want the skills to be able to get the point across, and maybe I can find someone great to help me make the song great.
I would appreciate your honesty (no matter how bitter) and any suggestions you might have 🙂
Respectfully,
Sabrina
-
Hi Sabrina, It’s NEVER too late. You know the saying, all any journey requires is to take the first step. Go to my website http://www.nilescreativeworkshops.com and study the songwriting videos. Just enroll for a few months and write write write! And another thing. I’m 61 years old, I’ve worked with the finest artists on the planet and I’m still LEARNING MORE EVERY DAY!!
Good luck, Richard
-
122 thoughts on “Ask Richard”
Hi! Where can I hear your interviews with Lyle Mays & Pat Metheny?
You can read them in my Book, “The Pat Metheny Interviews”. The BBC radio shows are no longer available.
Very inspiring page and fascinating bio. Sowing the Seeds of Love is one of the greatest pop arrangements of the last 30 years.
Dr. Niles: Love your music and your site…was particularly pleased to see your tag: “Ideas make you better!”
The reason I say this is because they DO…and that’s why the large public healthcare system in Houston, Texas (which serves the uninsured and low-income residents of Harris County), where I work launched a program last year we call “Think !nnovation”. This program is designed to encourage our 8,000+ staff to bring forward their own IDEAS on how we can improve our processes and our practices in the delivery of high quality, cost-effective healthcare. And, in support of this initiative, I created a short video (which I am happy to send for your review/added information) to help our employees better understand innovation and to help motivate them.
Do you own the copyright to “Proud” (on The Biggest Loser soundtrack?) If so, I would very much your thoughtful consideration for authorizing the use of this song in a short video to support our Think !nnovation program. Your support of our efforts would, indeed, make us very “Proud.” If not, can you please tell me how to go about requesting authorization or how to go about licensing the music for this very specific purpose?
Proudly yours,
Kitty Allen
Manager, Internal Communication
Harris Health System
Houston, Texas
I did not WRITE Proud, I arranged it, so I can’t help with that. But thanks for visiting my site and your positive comments.
Richard
Hi Richard,
I was one of the Acoustic/Folk finalists in this year’s UK Songwriting contest with my song ‘Lilly’ (https://soundcloud.com/phoebe-katis/lilly-9) ; many thanks for my placing and marks!
I was wondering whether I could ask you for some personal feedback on the song and perhaps on what you think about my music and song writing abilities? It’s my passion (as with so many entrants!) and I want to make sure I get all the help I can as I come to the end of my Music degree at Leeds University and take that step into the real world.
Many thanks, looking forward to hearing from you,
Phoebe Katis
I did not have a direct involvement in this year’s contest. But my best advice is to perform in public as much as possible.
Good luck, Richard
Hi
I’m a fan of Clive Griffin. I know you wrote some songs with him, such as I’ll be waiting. I would like to know more about him. Why did him disappear instantly? Do you know what about him now?
Sadly, Clive gave up the business after his 2nd album released by Phonogram flopped and his 3rd on Sony 555 Records did the same. He suffered from complete mismanagement from the record labels he was signed to. I am proud to have discovered him, produced him and co-written many wonderful songs with him. He was one of Britain’s greatest voices and his absence is a great loss to music.
Thanks for your answer. His absence makes me sad. Hope one day he can get back!
Thanks Richard.
I want this more then anything so I will defiantly take your advise on board. this new year I will focus more on the youtube side of business. I was just hoping that maybe at the stage I am now, and with the kudos of coming semi-final on the competition, I could attract management who could see potential in me and could help both fund the project, allow me to achieve the music videos and youtube success faster. Also it would be good If they had contacts and could help mentor me and keep me steered in the right direction. In your professional opinion what do you think would be the best management company to approach for our style of music.
Hi
My name is Louie James I entered the UK Songwriting Competition 2012 and obtained two Semi Final positions and a Commended Entry. One of my tracks was only a point away from the final. I am really keen for any help or advice you can give me to help with progressing to the next step of working with a Record Label or Publishing Company.
I have a huge back catalogue of music that I have produced over the years that would work on multiple platforms from adverts to commercial releases. I have the ability to create music in lots of different genera’s (Pop, House, Nero Funk, Drum and Bass, ect.) and I would be happy to email you more tracks if you like my E.P.
http://www.reverbnation.com/louiejames.
The tracks on my E.P feature up and coming vocalists from the Brit School, Abigail Hardiman and Kit Rice who resonantly toured with Tom Jones as a backing singer. The tracks have also been tweaked and mastered by legendary sound engineer Kevin Paul who has worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, David Bowie, Nick Cave and Calvin Harris. He is also one of the chief engineers for the iTunes Festival. http://www.perfectmixingmastering.com/about.html.
Kind regards
Louie James
Louie, The only way you’ll be able to work with a record label or publisher is by producing a hit first. They don’t generally sign anyone without a track record of success. That’s because they no longer have experienced A&R who can recognise and sign talent. Kit Rice is one of my favorite current singers and I have written with him and hope to produce some hits for him. It’s up to you to get videos of your tracks on youtube and get enough hits (100,000 would be a start) to get the business to sit up and take notice. You should definitely read “So You’re A Musician – Now What?” by Janek Gwizdala – a book that tells you what all indie musicians need to know. I wish you luck.
Hello, Mr. Richard,
You may remember me, my name is Nathaniel (Nate), and recently the song I wrote, titled “Pretty Monster” and performed by my band Parias Day, won the UK Songwriting Competition.
I saw yours and Kipper Eldridge’s comments, and first I want to thank you for your vote and your encouraging message–it really inspired me as a writer and gave us as a band even more drive to keep being creative with our music.
It has also encouraged us, and me personally, to be more resourceful–I am currently in the process of gaining local media attention. Your comments have ensured an attentive ear, and while that may sound shrewd, I do not doubt that as a businessman, you know compliments from a well-known Producer carry significant weight. 🙂 And so I am grateful, and I appreciate your time and interest in me and my band.
I also saw you’ve taken an interest in our music, and I was wondering if you still were inclined to be our Producer? If you are still so inclined, feel free to contact us, either via our BandPage (www.facebook.com/pariasdayband) or my personal email, which I believe Alan from UKSC supplied you with. 🙂 If you are not as interested, that is understandable. I look forward to hearing from you regardless, and learning as much as I can from you!
–Nate
Thanks, Nate, I’ve replied to your FB. R.
By the way, I posted your very interesting bio on my FB page, “Writers on the Storm.”
Hi:
Well, after too many wasted years, I have decided to learn the keyboard. I have been writing since I was a kid and don’t have a problem with words; just putting melody to them. It is discouraging to write lyrics, when in all actuality it’s not a song, but a poem.
I know at age 35, I will never become a Bruce Hornsby or Billy Joel, but do you suppose I could get good enough on the keyboard to be able to put melody to my lyrics? My fear is that I have waited too long and my songwriting dream is over. Really, I just want the skills to be able to get the point across, and maybe I can find someone great to help me make the song great.
I would appreciate your honesty (no matter how bitter) and any suggestions you might have 🙂
Respectfully,
Sabrina
Hi Sabrina, It’s NEVER too late. You know the saying, all any journey requires is to take the first step. Go to my website http://www.nilescreativeworkshops.com and study the songwriting videos. Just enroll for a few months and write write write! And another thing. I’m 61 years old, I’ve worked with the finest artists on the planet and I’m still LEARNING MORE EVERY DAY!!
Good luck, Richard