It’s hard to put into words how incredible and inspiring the last few days were. I’m going to do my best to recap everything that happened, but I know it won’t do it justice!
I had the incredible opportunity to pitch my music to 30 music supervisors that place music in TV Shows, Promos, Movies, AD’s and more during 6 listening sessions at Durango Songwriters Expo Tv & film!
I’m so glad I got there a day early to relax and get ready for everything that was ahead, because it was NON STOP. Since I was there early as well, I asked Jim the organizer if he needed any help with anything! I got to assist the moderators with the packets for the Attendees and music Sups and got to know people ahead of time! We had a riot stuffing the folders laughing and making a boring job fun.
The great thing was the very first night I got to showcase and perform 2 songs! I think it was helpful going the first night because people immediately knew who I was and remembered me!
I sang to my tracks for the first time ever and it was nerve wrecking & my voice felt shaky, but it was super fun! I played The Monster and Flame in the Night and got to share what they were about and gear it specifically towards the musicians that were there. I wanted to encourage them to keep sharing their music and being a beacon of hope in this world!
Someone told me that one of the music Sups wrote down The Monster to remember it which was neat!
Other musicians came up to me and encouraged me after. I think it was a great way to start the weekend because people knew who I was and approached me, so it helped break the ice a bit! I’m not gonna lie, before the showcase, me and my Friend Sherilyn tried to go up to people in the bar but chickened out! 😅 Sherilyn also performed that night and killed it so after the showcase we had something to talk to people about!
Before and after the showcase we did hang outs on the patio that was right on the beach with a gorgeous view! We got to mingle with fellow artists and producers and music supervisors in a natural way. It felt like a family by the end and the support and care for one another was tangible!
One of the nights me and some fellow songwriters Sherilyn, Jen and Greg wrote a catchy little chorus on the patio! It was magical. Then the next night a whole group of female artists and producers circled up and belted out oldies and 90’s pop songs! 😅😂 We laughed, and sang at the top of our lungs and the onlookers moved in to be closer to what was happening. It honestly felt like a movie!
For the Listening sessions during the day, I quickly realized the relational approach was much better than just playing your music. It was INTENSE and really intimidating to present to such key people in the industry and I felt like I was doing a class presentation! 😂 My hands were sweaty and my voice felt shaky the first few times. After that, I gained some confidence and knew what I wanted to say better! I told them a bit about myself and my songwriting and sync journey and engaged with them throughout the songs I played. I came ready and prepared with lyric sheets for them to follow along with the reel of 13 pieces of my best songs with a QR Code on the sheet that connected directly to my music catalog where they could download it right then and there! As I checked throughout the conference, a bunch of people downloaded my full catalog or downloaded individual songs! 😱
We’ll also get emails to follow up with the music supervisors as well which many said they preferred getting music that way.
I got to connect with the music supervisor that placed my song on MTV’s Laguna Beach and he remembered me and said “hey Heather!!” When I walked in! That’s pretty cool! A few people that worked on MTV shows recognized me from the Featured placement I got on Teen Mom 2 and said they loved “Flame in the Night”!! There were a few people that complimented on my production quality and songwriting. They scribbled notes on my lyric sheets and hopefully that means they were taking notes of parts they liked or wanted to remember! A few people asked if I do custom songwriting and I of course said YES! I pointed out certain songs that were placed in other shows and we joked that I’m the teen mom show go to! 😅 Someone asked me to put my instrumentals in the disco link so they could access them right away. I immediately jumped on my laptop 👩🏻💻 and got to work!
I think the thing I had to overcome the first night there was imposter syndrome. I felt so in Over my head and not good enough, but my doubt disappeared as I shared my heart and music over the weekend. Yeah, I may not do the same kind of music as some other folks but that’s ok! We all have something unique to offer and there is so much need and space for a vast array of music! I had to silence my inner critic every time I stepped up in the listening sessions to present my music. I am grateful they received me well and dug my music. I feel so compelled to get back to work and keep creating and it lights a fire underneath me to keep going! 🙌
I got a few follow backs on social media from Music Supervisors and some cool musicians from the weekend and I’m telling you... there is VALUE in showing up to these things!! Yes it was a lot of money, but what you get back is invaluable. I can’t wait to go back next year, and build upon the relationships I made this time! 🙌🤩
