Linda Stout

I didn't sell out, but sold out of CDs at Sounds Fine on The Commons in Ithaca, went by, restocked, got a check and banked it. Not big money, but every little bit... I saw a friend, not an artist, however an aspiring visual arts marketer, today who questioned why artists seem happy to break even. I'd been telling him about some gigs coming in Colorado (which pay fine). He advised only taking the gigs that pay, like not settling. It's not happy to break even. It's happy to play. Make the best CD you can, and it ain't stardom. I was e-mailing with another songwriter about touring, which is beyond being a rank amateur. She said, however, the most glamous thing about touring is saying you're touring. I told her a story about cops at 3 a.m. and seedy motels. That another time. My guitar teacher seemed blown away by the recording of Matt Robbins' very hip jazzy songs, the lyrics, the changes, which I'm learning. He has played with me, so I want it equal, to reciprocate. Even so, my teacher, Mr. Zen Melody (submit to the melody, he says about lead playing and licks) said to get some local gigs (which we've done lately), record live, get photos, to get better gigs. Do the groundwork; continue paying dues. He's on my CD, but a live one could help. Certainly photos, and create a buzz with the duo and band, not just solo. I do accept, grudgingly, that some gigs pay, and others are for other reasons like exposure or to benefit some good cause. I don't usually have to do freebies anymore. I had a musician boyfriend who used to gripe, "They don't ask the plumber to come work for free." I had some requests lately, and I was glad to say I was already booked. Not that I would never. I will be really happy to play at the school down the street as a gift to them. Re. photos, I have access to an amazing professional photographer. Some of you know who. I won't get into that. This is great luck for an ambitious songwriter.