Durango Expo 2008

Well I've been meaning to blog about this for a couple of weeks but time seems to have slipped away from me...funny how that happens. Anyway, I (along with my good friend and co-writer Andrea Jeitz) had an amazing weekend earlier this month. We went to something called the Durango Songwriters Expo, which originated in Durango CO, but now is held a couple of times per year in different cities around the US. For anyone who is serious about songwriting, this Expo is an extremely worthwhile event!!

At the Expo there were panel discussions, performances by hit songwriters and up and coming songwriters, one-on-one critiques with the industry pros, and open mic opportunities, just to name the highlights. But perhaps the greatest part of it all, was that the event was kept small enough (about 125 participants) to where we could really make some great networking connections. It's difficult to get your name and face repeatedly recognized when you're in a group of even a few hundred people, so Andrea an I were both very grateful for the intimate setting.

After our critiques and showcases, Andrea and I realized that some of our songs are really right on the mark as far as being "pitch-worthy," which gave us a great sense of affirmation and confidence in our writing abilities. However, we learned a few hard lessons too. The main one being that songwriting (as a business) is HUGELY competitive, and it takes a LOT of determination and persistence to get a song cut by a more established artist. We also learned that just because one of our songs might be great, and in our minds super marketable, that song may not be what a particular publisher is looking for to pitch at that point in time. Ballads, for instance are quite difficult to get cut, just because there are a gazillion of them out there. It's a tough game to play, that's all there is to it.

All in all, the Expo left me inspired and creatively charged. Although no one jumped at the chance to pitch one of my songs (which is what I really hoped would happen), I made a lot of great connections while I was there, and learned that if I want songwriting to be my career and my life (which I do) then I have to KEEP WRITING every day!! And most importantly, I must keep believing in my songs and in myself. Whether it takes 2 years or 20 years, I know eventually my songs will catch on! As my good friend and wonderful songwriting coach Jill Holly says, "it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when!"

So I'll keep singing, keep writing, keep livin' the dream on a day to day basis. And you can be sure I'll keep writing to you about the journey!

Blessings,

Diana Rose