days 9-12 music success in nine weeks with ariel

I've shortened my fifteen second pitch to read:

My name is Johnny Only. I write and perform children's music. I'm like your favorite Wiggle, but without the accent. Parents say I'm the Best Playdate Ever. Together with their kids, we celebrate the music of childhood together through fun and healthy lyrics.

I read through it and it is nearly exactly fifteen seconds.

Next: I've studied the blog scene a bit.
I will use the online free version of wordpress.

My only gripe is that you can't upload music clips, but I know Ariel is going to encourage signing up at a podcast site so, it will merely be a case of putting in a link instead of having the music upload directly to the blog.

Since I do children's music but the blog will be read by an adult, the blog will be titled: "Johnny Only Music for your Inner Child and your Children." -Or close to that.

I want to get that set up by Christmas.

Next, I will use YouTube to host my weekly Video Blog or Vlog. I'm going to give that the tag name of "The Grow Show".

I'm hoping to feature many of my fans, as well as feature my songs, children's crafts, children's stories, other children's performers.... you name it....

My video camera for that just arrived in the mail.

Today, I finished taking some new promo photos.

I'm still working on remixing my first album, submitting my newest album to CDBaby and to getting my first videotaped show in front of a live audience -happening December 16th - off the ground.
Still exciting!!!

Day 7-9 making music video for DVD

It has been getting tough to keep up as I set goals and raise my expectations. Most of my goals are things I've never accomplished before so I am not only trying to keep up with my regular schedule but I'm spending time fretting over how I will do the new things that Ariel is encouraging.

Here is an example:
One of my goals (which Ariel indirectly encouraged me to set) is to create a DVD of music videos to sell. I want some of the footage to be live performance. It is easy to say, but this is all the extra work I've been doing to try to keep up with this goal.

First: Find a place that has a nice environment for filming.

Second: Find a sizable audience which will sign media release forms so that I can sell their images legally.

Third: Compose a media release form that is half-way legal without spending money on an attorney.

Fourth: Buy a High Definition Camcorder. (I will need a two camera shoot at minimum.) <>

Fifth: Find two people to film the show for free. (Remember that I am doing this on a shoe-string.)

Sixth: I will need computer power and software to mix the video down.

Seventh: I want some nice still photos too. This has taken both favors from a professional photographer friend as well as updating my own camera. (Three weeks ago I knew next to nothing about photography.)

Eighth: Lighting? What kind of lighting will I need for the show?

So, I've been working my butt off! I've accomplished everything but number eight.

I have my two camera people. I have two camcorders. I have the local Jewish Community Center booked (for free - I give them a show and they give me my target age audience of 150 to 200 with signed media release forms).

I have a lighting technician that is out of this world! Did I mention that he installed the lighting at the place I am performing? There is a spotlight there and everything!

Overall, I'd say it has been a fantastic several weeks! Ariel is bringing out the best in me! I wish I could go faster, but so much of this stuff is brand new to me. Regarding the steps on through eight above, it is all brand new! So, I may miss a few days of bloggs here because I am simply trying to catch my breath!