Karen Magill Writing Services

Please visit

2010-07-06T16:21:00.001-07:00

Although I will not be taking this blog down, I will no longer be making entries. Instead I invite you to visit and follow my new blog - Vancouver Vagabond.

The Wyrd Sisters

2010-06-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it is necessary to listen to music that makes me feel like I am connected with things, that I belong. For some reason I get that feeling from folk music like that which is being played on the Myspace page of The Wyrd Sisters.

Hearing the harmony of the vocals in the cut ‘Warrior’ created a lump in my throat and the words have an abiding passion. These artists feel the need to sing about events that are wrong in our society; their music has a deep meaning. But it is also written so that it can just be enjoyed too, it doesn’t preach at the listener.

Visit their page and learn more about this Manitoba group for yourself. Take a listen to the tunes and maybe buy a limited edition CD. It is good to know that this sort of music still exists.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
The Wyrd Sisters,KMWS,folk music,Manitoba, MySpace,

Updating

2010-05-14T20:38:00.001-07:00

Just to let everyone know that I will not be updating this blog regularly (not that I do now. LOL) since I have a new blog that I am working on creating. Once it is finished I will announce it.

Thanks.

Karen

Wet Gremlins

2010-04-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

I like the idea of gremlins but Wet Gremlins? hmm. If they are the Canadian rock, alternative, experimental musical group then I like them.

This unsigned act has two tunes on their page, ‘Mr. Bitch’ and ‘Ain’t My Time’. The former is a rock tune with tongue in cheek lyrics that contain profanity but is amusing. The latter is a ballad, soul touching and heart felt. Ken Ermter’s vocals bring the lyrics alive while fellow musicians Richard Knott, Chris Zamba, and Mike Kemp bring forth music that wraps itself around the listener. A good start and it will be interesting to see how the Wet Gremlins progress.
TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Wet Gremlins,KMWS,alternative,experimental, MySpace,

Your Enemy Closer

2010-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Let’s listen to a little progressive hardcore metal. At the entire end of the musical genres we find the Toronto group Your Enemy Closer.

Hardcore is an apt description of the sounds I hear. The raspy voice, the resounding lyrics, and the pounding music – all are indicative of the metal classification. But if you take the time to listen for just a moment you will hear that these unsigned artists aren’t the typical musicians that only want to make noise. They appear to possess talent and aren’t afraid to commit themselves and their art to something that isn’t run of the mill. There are nuances of something different, something waiting to break through. It’ll be interesting to see where Your Enemy Closer goes in the music industry.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Sylvain St-Amour,KMWS,metal,Toronto, MySpace,

Sylvain St-Amour

2010-02-03T15:11:00.001-08:00

Let me take you away. Take you to a place where the music throbs gently and lulls you into a sensation of peace. Where Latin, Jazz and Roots music combine to create a sound that enthrals the listener, where lyrics aren’t needed – the notes alone are more than enough.

I am speaking of the Myspace page for Sylvain St-Amour, a musical artist from Montreal who has released his first CD. If it is like the samplings I heard on this page, it should do quite well. This is music that reminds the listener of romantic days gone by and renews hope of love in the future. It was a relief to hear, a pleasant change from the noisy, chaotic life I live in.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Sylvain St-Amour,KMWS,latin,jazz, MySpace,

Todd Spielmacher

2010-01-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

If you got to Hanover Ontario you might have the pleasure of meeting up with Todd Spielmacher, a musical artist who classifies himself as rock/alternative/Indie. Music is music in my opinion and as long as it evokes some sort of reaction then it is doing what it should. And what sort of reaction does Spielmacher’s tunes evoke? With me, extremely positive.

On his Myspace page, Todd has four cuts for visitors to listen to. From the rocking tunes such as ‘Best by Far’ to the ballad ‘Found’ that features a guitar solo by non other than Rik Emmett to the Dance Remix of ‘Best by Far’, Spielmacher shows that he has a range in style as well as vocals. He may be unsigned right now but that shouldn’t be for long.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Todd Spielmacher,KMWS,rock,alternative, MySpace,

Joel Lightman Band

2009-11-01T17:34:00.001-08:00

An acoustic, pop, indie musical group with a sense of humour and fine musicianship. This is my initial impression of the Joel Lightman Band. After all anyone who says that their influence was ‘a grand piano thrown out of a ten story building’ has something I have to pay more attention to.

The music I heard on the Myspace invigorated me and put aside the worries of everyday life. For just a little while I got lost in the easy sounds and the rhythmic voice. For a short time the music changed my world, made it an easier place. And isn’t that what music is supposed to do?

Others have obviously felt these artists’ appeal because theJoel Lightman Band has a CD available for sale through Boardroom Records. Oh, and if you happen to be in the Toronto area be sure to visit the Myspace page so that you can find out where they are playing next and go see them live. I bet that’s a show to remember!

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Joel Lightman Band,KMWS,rock,pop, MySpace,

ID Guiness

2009-09-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of the genre Melodramatic Popular Song? Combined with the labels rock and progressive these categories create the sounds of Vancouver based Id Guinness. And a lot of work goes into these sounds. For the recently released CD, ‘Cure for the Common Crush’, Id combined his talents with nine other musicians. But they created something wonderful.

Instead of the standard guitar, bass and drums mixed with the occasional keyboard and wailing voice, the listener is given the opportunity to hear a soprano sax, an erhu and of course guitars, bass and drums to list a few instruments. The voice is soothing and melodic yet filled with vibrancy.

‘Cure for the Common Crush’ is available now and can be purchased through either the Myspace page or by going to the website of Id Guinness. Take a moment to go listen then form your own opinion.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Id Guiness,KMWS,rock,pop, MySpace,

A Block of Yellow

2009-05-25T17:25:00.001-07:00

Let’s look at colour today, a colour that many us may welcome in the next few months – yellow. From London Ontario it is A Block of Yellow. These four musicians categorize themselves as rock/pop/indie and I have to say that their music is refreshing. It has the solid harmonies and good feeling sounds of pop music of years gone by. You know what I mean. The music that sticks in your mind and that you find yourself singing at odd times throughout the day.

Music doesn’t have to be as complex as some make it out to be. I don’t know if A Block of Yellow – or ABOY as they are also called – had that in mind when the artists started to create their product but that is what they are saying to me.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
A Block of Yellow,KMWS,rock,pop, MySpace,

Blake Havard

2009-05-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Indie/rock/country is how today’s featured musical artist describes himself. I eagerly waited for the Myspace page of Blake Havard to finish loading so I could hear. It was worth the wait, trust me.

Havard has blended his multitude of influences to create an appealing and raw sound that demands attention. This isn’t music the listener can just tune out. It has to be heard and felt then the listener can go away feeling much better about themselves.

And if you go to his Reverbnation page you can once again listen to music and sign up to be fan which will entitle you to hear more tunes. That feature seems to be free. Or you can just sign up for Havard’s mailing list to keep track of what he is up to.

Most assuredly keeping track of this artist will pay off in the end. It is always exciting to watch a talent climb to the top.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Blake Havard,KMWS,rock,country, MySpace,

Wolvengard

2009-05-15T10:57:00.001-07:00

Today I return to my old stomping grounds, Calgary Alberta where I got my start on writing on music with Rock Raff. Right now I am listening to the melodic metal musical artists Wolvengard and finding it quite interesting. The music has more of a metal edge than traditional melodic but that being said Dave Bain’s vocals aren’t the rasping, grating sounds of many bands of this genre. He’s not yelling at the listener but rather enticing them to listen to more.

Not only can you hear The music of Wolvengard on their Myspace page but anyone interested can also download three tunes from the band’s website. A new CD in the works so keep tuned to Wolvengard.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
metal,
KMWS,
Calgary, Wolvengard
MySpace,

Perfect Ground

2009-05-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

I am returning to BC now to cover Perfect Ground. These four men are creating a rock sound that is heavily blues influenced. Now I realize most rock is blues influenced but with these sounds the listener can identify the blues more readily than with some rock groups.

The vocals don’t disappear into the background – Nevill Bornmann’s voice is strong and passionate. The guitar work by Brooke Winstanley, the bass by Brandon Chicoyne and the drums by Sean Bornmann compliment and highlight the vocals. Combined it creates a sound that touches the soul of the listener.

Keep an eye out for Perfect Ground. In 2005 the group released their debut EP and are currently working on their first full-length release. You should be hearing more about them.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
blues,
KMWS,
Nevill Bornmann, Perfect Ground
MySpace,

Crimson Shadows

2009-05-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here’s another metal band, this time from Ontario. Crimson Shadows is blending the influences of power and death metal to create an ‘in your face’ sound. There is nothing mild or soothing about the tunes I heard. This is for the die-hard metal fan that wants to connect with a group of musical artists that are expressing what the fan wants to hear.

The music is intense and passion resonates through every note and lyric. The artists that comprise Crimson Shadows are creating a sound that is familiar but with the band’s own stamp of individuality. Crimson Shadows seems to be doing what they love and presenting their creations to the fans. Nothing more you can ask for.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing,
Death Metal,
KMWS,
Crimson Shadows, passion
MySpace,

St. Eves

2009-02-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

Steve Major and Steve Joseph comprise St. Eves, a pop/reggae/rock group out of Barrie Ontario. Their debut album, all that I need, is in stores and online now. I found that these two young men have an interesting sound that is pleasing and easy on the ears as well as the nerves.

The tunes I listened to on the band’s Myspace page reminded me of an easier time, a time of good, clean music. The voices and music seem to be honest and real – Major and Joseph give the impression of not trying to be something they aren’t. It’s a case of artists doing what they love and not trying to fit someone else’s mold. Give St. Eves a listen and see what you think.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, St. Eves,Steve Major,Steve Joseph,reggae,rock music

Cherry Suede

2009-01-27T14:30:00.001-08:00

Staying in Ontario, today I ‘travel’ to Ottawa where I discover Cherry Suede, a self described rock/powerpop/classic rock band. The artists have a CD released on the Indie label Prodigy which a fan can buy at Cherry Suede’s Myspace page. From the samples I heard this wouldn’t be a waste of money.

Every decade of music influences the musicians to come and a person can hear the influences of the great power songs of artists like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi mixed not only with the distinct flavour of Bryan Adams but also tinted with the personalities of the members of Cherry Suede. These are sounds that have to be heard to fully appreciated.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Cherry Suede,power songs,Bon Jovi,Def Leppard,rock music

Fraze Gang

2009-01-26T11:25:00.000-08:00

From Niagara Falls, Ontario comes a band that I am somewhat familiar with. Or at least a couple of its members. Fraze Gang is comprised of former Brighton Rock members Greg Fraser and Stevie Skreebs with the addition of Phil Epp. But don’t go thinking this is a remake of Brighton Rock because this is different.

The music has a harder edge, a rawness that blends nicely with the influences that each of these musical artists brings to the group. I find it difficult to label the sound, something I don’t like doing anyway, and will stick with the group’s assignment of rock. Fraze Gang not only have their own website but also a CD released on the Indie label, Bongo Beat Records “Hard Rock Series”.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Fraze Gang,Greg Fraser,Bongo Beat Records,Niagra Falls,rock music

Desert Heat

2009-01-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

I’m back to expose you to more Canadian musical artists and today I found a group out of Montreal, Quebec. Desert Heat lists themselves as country/folk rock/southern rock and what I want to know is how does such good foot stomping, soul shaking, uplifting good ole’ boy sounds come out of the concrete jungle of Montreal? This is music I expect to find on the ranches of Alberta or at a hoe down in the Prairie Provinces or even at a logging camp in BC.

Further reading reminded me not to trust first impressions. Desert Heat got its start in a barn in rural Quebec and gained popularity originally as a rock ‘n roll cover band before taking some time off to emerge with their current sound. And what a great sound. These tunes make me want to party. Grab a good friend and some refreshments and just have some fun. I can see myself singing along to these songs even when the music is just playing in my head. And isn’t that what good music is all about?

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Desert Heat,Montreal,Southern Rock,Canadian,friends

Fear Zero

2009-01-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here is another local band I found on Myspace but Fear Zero is a little different. This group lists themselves as rock/alternative/pop and are produced on Satch Records, their own label. These young men have gone out and produced two releases with the third coming out this fall. The first two albums, Concentrated and a self titled product, are available for sale on the Myspace page. I admire the dedication and resolve that this venture must take. Especially when I read the blog posting on the expense of getting together your own album.

The tunes I listened to tend to lean a bit more to the alternative and rock side then the pop although there is still enough of a pop feel to appeal to most people. But Fear Zero sounds like they are being true to themselves with the songs on the page.

Go to the site, sign up for the mailing list, maybe buy the reasonably priced releases and keep an eye on these guys. I will be.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, TGIF,Fear Zero,pop,alternative,TGIF

Cory Woodward

2009-01-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Last year I had a blog on a site that I won't mention. I posted spotlights on different musicians. Due to a disagreement with those who control that blogsite I have deleted my account yet I didn't feel it was fair to the artists I had written on for the mentions to disappear. So I am going repost them here. Enjoy.

Myspace is a great place to find people like talented musicians on the rise. One such fellow is Cory Woodward.

Originally from Edmonton this electro/folk rock artist has just released his debut album, Princess of the Skies. From the sampling I hear on Myspace this young man should be rocketing to the top in no time. This is good stuff!

The voice is strong yet smooth. It doesn’t rasp on the ears of the listener and instead entices us to follow along the path of the song. ‘Remedy Girl’ sets my feet to tapping and puts a smile on my face. The musicianship I hear is fantastic.

Connect with Woodward and learn more at myspace and form your own opinion.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, club,live music,Cory Woodward,electro,folk

What Am I doing now?

2008-11-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today I mailed out approximately twenty envelopes to different clubs that feature live music. The majority of them I have already spoken to and obtained the names of the managers. The envelopes contained a cover letter, a business card and a purple piece of paper that reads: “Don’t Toot Your Own Horn, Let me do it for you. For bios and other promo writing contact Karen at karenmagill@karenmagill.com” . Now the managers will hopefully place the notice where the musicians can see it and then I will may get some more business or at least start getting my name out in the industry. In the next couple of weeks twenty more will be mailed out until I run out of places to contact. An inexpensive form of promotion.

I also use my blog at bcgrown-contentwriter.today.com to showcase different musicians I find on MySpace. A few answer me, thanking me for writing on them and some inquire more about what I do. Most I hear nothing from but that is okay. One day the industry will know who I am. I have also placed an ad in one of the local papers and I intend on doing that again in the New Year. I have approached many Canadian agents to let them know what I am doing and how to contact me. One day it will all come together.

Recently I was told I should write an article on promotion and start billing myself as an expert in that field. While I really appreciate the suggestion – just as I appreciate any help – I will not be going that route. First I am not an expert in promotion and secondly I just write material that can be used to promote an artist. I don’t get into the complex field of taking a talented artist from an unknown to a household name. I do one little thing that will help.

In addition have you ever noticed how many individuals, especially on the Internet, bill themselves as experts? How many of these really are I wonder? And I am not alone with that speculation. People are getting to the point where the word expert doesn’t mean that much any longer. It has been overused to the point that it doesn’t have the effect it used to.

So I am not an expert of any sort. I am a gifted writer who wants to use my talents to create text to help other artists to become known. That’s it.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, club,live music,expert,promotion,gifted household name

This Business of the Arts

2008-11-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

I spoke about supporting the arts in your local community and I would like to point out that you don’t have to give or make money to do so. In fact you can build your career and fortune around helping the local artists. Take Calgarian Zak Pashak.

For five years this man has owned the club Broken City in Calgary which hosts musical artists on the rise. Broken City was even named best live music venue for four of those years. Last year Pashak took over the Biltmore Cabaret here in Vancouver in the hopes of invigorating our music scene. All this and the guy isn’t even thirty yet!

Do you think that Pashak is doing all this for free? Of course not. He is running a business and it has to make money in order to stay open. Yet he is also helping the Canadian music scene immensely.

Take Sam Feldman and Bruce Allen - legendary talent agents that have done a lot to help the Canadian artistic community. But they didn’t do it for free. No reason either man should have. Instead both of them have formed companies that promote our country’s talent and in doing so have made a living for themselves.

Too many times I find that people forget that the arts are a business and those involved have to treat it as such. Just because someone dances or paints or plays an instrument does not mean that he or she can get a free ride. Supplies, instrument and lessons are all a necessary expense. And so is promotion of any type. The more successful of artists aren’t just the ones with talent but also those who either possess a sense of business or are connected with someone who does.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Zak Pashak,Broken City,Bruce Allen,Sam Feldman,Calgary Biltmore Cabaret

That Homegrown Feeling

2008-11-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Recently I found an article by Nick Patch of The Canadian Press. In this piece Patch was discussing the band Women with one its members, Pat Flegel, as well as the music scene in Calgary Alberta. For those of you who aren’t aware, Calgary is known for The Calgary Stampede and nicknamed ‘Nashville of the North’ since there is a thriving country music scene there. But Women are not a country music group and they are talented. In fact Women released their self-titled debut album in October and it is being favorably received. (I’ll review them a later date for www.bcgrown-contentwriter.today.com)

Apparently there is a notion that Calgary can’t produce quality rock musicians. And Patch is stating how untrue that is. I already know that, I have known it for years ever since I ran Rock Raff. I haunted the rock clubs in Calgary in those days and would speak with anyone as long as the musician(s) were performing original music. I saw that there was talent in that city that didn’t have anything to do with country music.

All it takes is opening your eyes and sometimes a little searching to find the homegrown music scene for whatever genre you want. Those musical artists are out there and they need our support. Sure it is nice when someone from a town you live in makes it big in the entertainment field and then some people take bragging rights. But what about supporting the actor in a local production or the hometown musician that is playing at the local club trying to get his, her or their name known? Don’t you think that those artists need to get as much attention as possible? And who knows what can happen when you are among an artists original fan base, someone who admired them before the rest of the world found out. The better artists are the ones that remember those who supported them in the early days. Being around creativity is always rewarding. At least I think so.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Women,Pat Flegel,talent,Calgary,Calgary Stampede

Purpose and Plans

2008-10-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

When I first came up with the idea of writing promo material for entertainers I thought long and hard about what the focus would be. And I came up with the plan to promote Canadian entertainers, primarily musicians but I will write for anyone who needs and or wants me to.

The reason Karen Magill Writing Services is geared towards Canadians is because I am Canadian and I am so proud of the talent that is in this country. Most of those reading this probably know about Bryan Adams but he was well loved here before he sang that song for the Robin Hood movie that brought him so much attention. Same goes for Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Paul Gross (I know that most of you are aware of Gross through his acting, especially on Due South but he is also a very talented musician.),Paul Anka - the list goes on. And on and on.

Some of our talent goes south of our border to find fame and fortune and I don’t have a problem with that. The arts in Canada don’t pay as well nor do the stars seem to get as much fame. So many of our actors, writers and musicians go to a more lucrative market. And a market that has more opportunities.

I can’t say that this situation will ever change in Canada and it doesn’t have to. But I want to see more of our homegrown talent gain recognition. Ergo I started to write promo for entertainers. Together we’ll both rise to the top of the pile.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Bryan Adams,Jann Arden,Bachman Turner Overdrive,Paul Gross,US

What about Failure?

2008-09-17T12:01:00.001-07:00

“How is Karen Magill Writing Services progressing?” This is a question I pose to myself quite often. Slowly is the answer. I am still getting the name out there and letting my prospective clients know that I am in business.

I have had some positive feedback from a big name in the Canadian music industry – something I was very happy and excited about. I have also started a new promotional venture. At http://bcgrown-contentwriter.today.com I write a short blurb on a Canadian musician – usually ones I have found on Myspace – then I send the link and a letter explaining what I do to the artist. A few have gotten back to me promising me work at a later date and/or passing the word along about what I do. I can’t ask for anything more. Well I can but I may not get it.

On Tuesday September 16, 2008 there was an interesting article in our local 24 hours paper. It was on how children need to experience failure as part of their growing up and I agree with that so much. We all know that in life you don’t always succeed. Not everything works out the way it should or the way we want– as John Steinbeck paraphrased in his novel Of Mice and Men , ‘The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.’ (the original was quoted by Robert Burns in 1785.)

Personally I have started many things and not succeeded at them. Rock Raff, the newsletter on music I ran in the early 1990s, never went anywhere. I did my best, poured a lot of energy into it, had fun but didn’t possess the experience, financing or knowledge to keep it moving forward. I wanted to model but I am shorter than five foot two and have a round figure. That’s all right though. I learned from each failure and it made me stronger. Not to say it doesn’t hurt at the time because it does. But getting hurt is part of life and it is necessary for character development. Just don’t let the hurt turn you bitter.

This venture I am working on now, the promotional writing for entertainers, is something that I know I am good at. It is also something I enjoy. I don’t have to rush to get this business going, I don’t have to be in a hurry to get it started. I am getting my name known and my foot in the door. It will happen in time and I am certain of success.

Do you have a non-successful story to share and how it helped you in the long run? Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, 24 hours,failure,success,John Steinbeck,Robert Burns,Of Mice and Men,Modelling

What the Past Can Teach

2008-07-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

I will admit that I can be an emotional person at times and recently I watched a television documentary that caused me to get all choked up. It was called Let It Rock at the Crossroads Roads of Rock ‘n Roll. This documentary was a show that would bring emotion to most everyone who loves music.

This documentary was filmed at a 1995 concert that featured such greats as The Band, Carl Perkins, Ronnie Hawkins, Jeff Healey and the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis. Could you imagine being in Toronto’s Massey Hall for that concert? That would have been one to tell your grandchildren about.

It was interesting to hear these down to earth men speak of the beginnings of a music genre that changed so much and to see the artists who have influenced so many. It was funny when Stan Perkins was relating how much he liked the Beatles and had read that one of their biggest influences was Carl Perkins. He thought there was two Carl Perkins because he couldn’t figure out how his dad influenced this band. It was heartrending when Stan told how George Harrison, undergoing treatment for throat cancer, had attended Carl Perkins’ funeral and sang a song to him.

How can anyone who loves music not at least recognize what people like Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis and Johnny Cash, among so many others, gave to the industry? Out of the Million Dollar Quartet just mentioned, Lewis is the only one left alive.

In any sort of artistic pursuit – whether it is writing, acting, music or art – the person pursuing the avenue should at least know what foundation the present art is based on. Would we have the music we have today if there had been no Carl Perkins, Elvis or Sun Records? If Carl Perkins hadn’t have been a sharecropper’s son who was influenced by the African Americans singing in the cotton field would rockabilly music have formed? If these men and so many more had bowed to the pressure of those who disapproved I wonder where we would be today.

It isn’t only the music that I think we have to thank people like this for. Many of these artists came from abject poverty to rise to the top of their chosen field. They faced ridicule, censorship and hardships we can only imagine to get there. If they can do that then why can’t someone like me succeed? I have more advantages than they did.

So I thank Carl Perkins, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Band, Jeff Healey, the Beatles, Ronnie Hawkins and so many others for facing the hardships I didn’t have to so that I could listen to the music I love. And for showing me that I can succeed too.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Let It Rock at the Crossroads of Rock 'n Roll,Carl Perkins,Stan Perkins,Jerry Lee Lewis,Elvis,Johnny Cash,The Band,Ronnie Hawkins

GLORIOUS GOSSIP

2008-06-11T11:09:00.001-07:00

Gossip. What an insidious, infectious poison! And have you ever noticed that when one person starts to gossip and/or talk trash about someone else it spreads? Someone else will feel compelled to defend the object of the gossip and later, against perhaps his or her better judgment, may repeat what was said. He or she will be angry because how dare the first person say that about the innocent or not so innocent party. Of course the story will spread and when it finally gets back to the original offender, which it will, it has been mangled and changed.

Ever been around this situation? I am in the middle of it with some people and have decided that the best thing to do instead of defending anyone or trying to inject logic and reason into the situation is to remove myself totally. I will do my best to have a friendly yet distant relationship with the people in question. That way I won’t be tempted to say something I shouldn’t or do something I will regret. It should also make my life a little easier and less stressful. For my gossip fix I’ll just have to stay with TMZ.com I guess. LOL

But what does that have to do with business? In this case the gossip is harmful but sometimes it can be to a person or business’ advantage. Have you seen the ads for the television show Gossip Girl? One of the tag lines is You aren’t somebody until you are talked about and that is so true. Look at the power of word of mouth and how many businesses try to create a buzz that will get them talked about. Once a person or business can get the public talking favorably about what is going on curiosity is aroused and hopefully success will follow.

That is one of the things I am trying to do. Not only for Karen Magill Writing Services and myself but also for my clients. I want to make sure that what I write garners interest and even if there is nothing done immediately, the name of my client will stick in the reader’s memory. The next time it is heard or read the person will say ‘okay, I want to find out more’. This isn’t something that usually happens immediately and can take awhile. But I will work at it – for my clients and me.

On an endnote I read a really great blog yesterday. Over at Aspiring Author Cheryl is writing on the fear of success. This should be an interesting series to watch.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Gossip Girl,Aspiring Author,stress,clients

The Nectar of Noise

2008-05-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

This week I found an article in the May 26, 2008 edition of the Vancouver 24 hours newspaper with a headline that read ‘Tunes boost creativity’. According to Dr. Russ Riendeau, author of The CEO’s Guide to Talent Acquisition music helps the creative process.

I knew that! And I am so glad that someone who is in the know has validated my assertions. Whenever I write I like to have music on. I have attached headphones to my computer speakers so that I can listen to my favorite CD while writing or do almost anything on the computer. If I have writer’s block I turn on the music and soon the ideas flow. I go for long walks with my iPod and not only to get my thoughts in order but also to come up with new ideas. So the next time you see a person bebopping to his or her iPod don’t dismiss them. He or she may be in the midst of creating something great. What do you do to enhance your creativity?

This is another reason the public needs to know as much as possible about the music that is out there. Not just the established artists but also the up and coming ones. The ones that need more promotion, more exposure and more fans. The musical artists that have the drive, the commitment and the determination to follow the dream deserve to get noticed yet so many don’t. I want to help change that.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Dr. Russ Riendeau,Vancouver 24 Hours,The CEO’s Guide to Talent Acquisition,Musicians,Creativity,Productivity

I'm Still Here

2008-05-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Many times when someone starts a project or a new venture he or she becomes less enthusiastic about the idea as time goes on. He or she starts to realize the amount of work necessary and/or the difficulty in accomplishing the intended goal. Since it has been a couple of weeks since I made an entry or have appeared to do anything, some people may think that is what has happened to me. Not so.

This venture is something that I am very excited about. When I ran the weekly newsletter, Rock Raff, I had a blast! It was exciting, tiring and at times, stressful but I felt so alive. So connected. This time things will be different and probably more difficult. I won’t be offering to review for free and I will have to sell myself. And my aim with the writing is slightly different than what seems to be out there. Yet a lifetime of musical influences and learning about the entertainment industry, a natural writing talent, numerous writing courses and life struggles have led me to this point. I’m eager to get things going.

I am in the process of deciding exactly what services to offer – that will change as time goes on. Through the poet Hal Manogue, I have connected with Yvonne Perry of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services. Ms. Perry has agreed to post a notice of the business in her newsletter.

I have also managed to create my website - Karen Magill Writing Services. It is a very simple site that will grow in time. I have received upgraded business cards and purchased colored paper (purple to match my business cards) for notices that I will distribute to clubs.

I am determined not to jump into this then sink or swim. I am taking my time so that I can get it right. I may have to convince many people that this writing is needed and will be beneficial. I can do that, just may take awhile. A good friend told me all I needed was to convince one and it would go from there so not to give up. If she reads this I am telling her that I don’t intend to give up.

Deciding which promotional outlets to use is also a major job. Do any of you have suggestions? I would love to hear them. Either email me or leave a comment, thanks.

Until the next time.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services,Yvonne Perry,Hal Monogue,Influences,Music

Ideas and Coffee

2008-05-01T16:24:00.001-07:00

What do coffee and ideas have in common? In order to be any good, both need time to brew. And brewing ideas is what I have been doing for the last week.

After my last entry, I received a few encouraging emails about the direction Karen Magill Writing Services is headed in. I've talked to people and been told it can't be done. Others have made suggestions. Before making the entry, I had emailed numerous entertainers on my MYSPACE friends list, asking for his or her advice on how to get started. I am still getting answers. I would like to thank EVERYONE for their opinions and assistance. Good or bad it is all appreciated.

Right now I am writing promo for me. And formulating a plan of action. I think that too many businesses don't get off the ground or fail once started due to a lack of proper planning. Of course I have to be flexible as well since we all know what happens to the best laid plans. And since I am dealing with people a lot will depend on the reaction I get from future clients. The webpage isn't quite perfect yet but I am projecting it will be soon.

However, I did buy a bunch of stamps to do a massive mail out and will buy more at the end of this month. I have searched on the Internet for people I will want to contact and have been reviewing the direct mail copywriting course I am taking. I am laying a firm foundation.

I will confess though that I am anxious to get started but I want to do it right. I want to leave a positive impression once I start. I will just keep 'brewing' and maybe there will come a time when I have too much promotional writing to do.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Best Laid Plans,MySpace,direct mail copywriting,foundation

The Start of Something Big. I hope.

2008-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

All my life I have been around musicians and entertainers. I don’t have any musical talent myself and have never had any interest in developing the skills to be a different sort of entertainer. But I can write.

In the 90s I edited, produced and primarily wrote a weekly newsletter entitled Rock Raff. The newsletter featured musicians mainly in the rock genre though I did venture out of those boundaries when the need arose. I would talk to anyone – whether the artist was still in the garage or a household name – as long as the product they produced was original. Rock Raff shut down and I did other things. Like survive.

I have two self-published books on the market and although I love writing novels, I am eager to do something different. Last year I started a direct mail copywriting course and recently I figured out a way to make use of those talents. I’m going to write promo for entertainers using my training there and a lifetime of experience. Not just for musicians but for dancers and whoever else can use my services.

The webpage isn’t set up yet but when it is, I will include a link on the side. I will also try to keep a record on this blog of my journey, which probably won’t be easy. However, more importantly, it should be a lot of fun.

If you are an entertainer that is interested in my services, feel free to email me at karenmagill@karenmagill.com for more information.

TAGS:entertainers, Karen Magill, Promo Writing, Rock Raff