Reported by Amy Lewis
Jody Whitesides took the prize at a recent Los Angeles-area LAMN Jam. Judges commented on his “powerful music” and exclaimed they couldn’t understand why he wasn’t famous yet. One judge even called him “eye candy”!
But every “overnight success” knows there’s no such thing. As a result of Jody’s LAMN Jam performance, he’s going into business with Maurice Starr, which has led to other opportunities, including interest from Interscope in some of his songs and co-writing with a number of producers and successful songwriters.
LAMN sat Jody down for a minute to catch up with his current plans and projects.
What is this new deal that everyone is buzzing about?
I think it’s my arrangement with Maurice Starr or the fact I was the first unsigned artist on iTunes thanks to CD Baby. But chances are it’s the Maurice thing. It’s a pretty big deal for a non-signed artist. It’s exciting actually to have that sort of clout behind me. Especially when someone like Maurice believes you’ll sell at least Platinum.
How did your participation in LAMN Jam result in this deal?
I thought LAMN Jam were just open mic with feedback from industry experts. I wasn’t aware that it was a competition. I performed some of my current material and the response was immense. Judges mentioned they couldn’t understand how I wasn’t famous yet. Mentions of powerful vocals and memorable music came up, even a mention of being “eye candy.”
My initial response about the fame thing was that I had a business plan and needed funding. A person in the audience – Marvin Spruill – came up to talk to me afterwards and said he could help me find funding. So I got a call the following morning (a Sunday). Marvin had me on the phone with Maurice Starr. Maurice agreed to work with me after he heard me sing.
It was Marvin’s pairing me with Maurice that lead to a simplification of my business plan and being put in touch with investors. It’s been a bit of a waiting game but it’s finally coming to fruition. I’m looking forward to next couple of months to see what pans out.
What do you have in the works right now?
There’s a lot on my plate. While I’ve been waiting on the investment money to come in I’ve been doing a lot of writing and co-writing. I’ve also done some producing and been asked to produce others. At the moment I’ve got about 50 new songs that will eventually get whittled down for the next album. I’m essentially in the fleshing-out stage on them, editing, listening, tweaking.
With the co-writes I’ve been doing several different things. I’m co-writing with Jan Linder-Koda and Heather Bradley. We started out doing children’s songs where we have to really catchy tunes so far and about to start a third. The first is Peanut Butter, the second is Goose Bumps, we have the title for the next one, but I don’t want to spoil it until it’s finished. I met Jan from the LAMN Jam, she was one of the judges and wanted to work with me. Through Jan I met Heather. It’s a fun little team to write with.
I’ve also been writing with Johnny Elkins. I met him through a group called the Oneness Organization which I attended through my PRO SESAC. I got paired up with him and Lindy Robbins in which we created a song called “Angel In Disguise,” which is a really cool alternative groove song. From there Johnny continued asking me to co-write with him for some other opportunities. We’ve got several really good songs with a new one in the works right now.
Another interesting co-writer I’ve started working with is Mark Luna. I saw him perform and was very impressed with his style. So I approached him to ask if he’d consider a co-write. Once he heard my material he said “we could do some serious musical damage” and that he wanted to write with me. Mark has a pretty cool track record, so I was thrilled. We’ve finished our first song “Jupiter Bowl” and are in process of finishing the final recording of it. One thing I love about writing with Mark is that we can really pick apart the idea without offending each other. We’ve gotten deeper into a song than I’ve ever done with any co-writer. It’s very much how I approach writing songs. Anyway, that first song is already being looked at for licensing in a major tourism town that a vast majority of entertainment people know about (hint: if you know where Jupiter Bowl is, then you know the town).
I’ve also started co-writing with a female artist out of Canada. The first track we’ve got is like a pop version of a cool Arabic type of beat. She’s got some great ideas and is a real go-getter. We’ve also started writing for another major venture – I’m excited to see what comes of it.
Interscope has recently expressed interest in some of the songs I’ve been writing. Additionally I look forward to being paired with some of their artists to do some writing. It’s all very thrilling.
What does the future hold for you?
Once I finally sign for the investment money I’ll be moving into high gear with Marvin and Maurice. We’ll position my current CD Practical Insanity and put together a tour. That’s been my biggest goal – to get my music out there. I love performing live and from the feedback I get about my ability, people love watching. It’s a win/win situation.
I will continue to write songs, release music and tour until I can no longer stand. I’d like to do produce other artists and eventually score a movie or two.
Can you make any recommendations for other artists in this difficult business?
My first recommendation is to write great songs. By that, I mean songs you can stand to listen to years later. I was guilty of the same thing many artists do, thinking everything I created was great and deciding to release it. It’s too easy to release things in this era, that’s not a bad thing but it’s not always a smart thing.
Additionally it’s a wise idea to get out there to socialize and network. The music industry isn’t only about great music it’s about who you know and who knows you. Joining organizations like LAMN (for artists and songwriters) or NARIP (for record industry professionals) or even Just Plain Folks (for songwriters) are all good things and great ways to meet other people working on their craft or employed in the business. You’ll also meet people in very unlikely places like where you eat or shop. Pay attention.
Another thing to think about it is to know exactly what it is that you want to achieve. Educate yourself. Know how to make a deal for your music without giving it away for free or your rights. Get a good attorney to do the legal stuff, as you want it to be beneficial for everyone involved. Treat yourself right, treat others right.
# # #
Submit your music to perform at an upcoming LAMN Jam now!
Sources for more info:
www.jodywhitesides.com
www.jpfolks.com
www.lamn.com
www.narip.com
