Country music singer songwriter. Traditional country music by CJ Hughes.

CJ's SONGWRITER REALITY CHECK.

These are things I've realized since moving to
TwangTown. Keep them in mind when you move
to Nashville to become a big star.

1. I don't care what you mother says, you ARE NOT the greatest singer and songwriter in the world.

2. Once you get here, people WILL NOT beat down your door to offer you a deal of any kind, unless it's for cable or pizza.

3. Your exposure as a songwriter and artist is directly related to how often you get off your ass and do something to promote yourself.

4. Country music is a business.

5. Songwriting is a business.

6. Playing for one person, even if its a waitress, is better than playing for no one at all.

7. People have lives, and they don't revolve around paying attention to you.

8. Not every song you write is good.

9. Sincerity will make you friends.

10. Making friends is one of the most important aspects of this business. The no-names you meet, and your one of them, at an open mic where no one is paying attention are the hit songwriters and stars of tomorrow.

11. Just like everywhere else, there are people here just waiting to take advantage of you. Don't let them. Whether you're just getting your feet wet, wading in waist deep or diving right in to the music business, BEWARE OF SHARKS.

12. Second guess anyone that asks YOU to front money for anything relating to your career as an artist or writer.

13. Build a strong support group with other writers that you admire with goals similar to your own, yet diverse in style. The best way to become a better songwriter is to interact with other songwriters on your level, because instead of just one person taking lumps from the business you have several. Compare your lumps and your triumphs and you wil learn and succeed faster. Including people within your group that don't sing the same or write the same as you do will constantly keep you aware of the fact that there is more than one type of music, namely the kind you sing and write.

14. Know your weaknesses as well as your strengths.

15. Be honest with yourself about your talent as a songwriter. Rarely do people walk in to this town with all the knowledge they need to be a productive, professional songwriter. Not everyone that wants to be a songwriter has the drive or talent to be really good at it.

16. Get off your ass. Similar to #3 with a stronger point. It's easy once you have been here a while to go into "cruise control mode." You will get caught up in your job or family and songwriting will hit the backburner.

17. Get out and continuously meet new writers, new people. Don't be content with the small group of friends you made your first 2 months in town, don't allow yourself to get too comfortable, that's the equivalent of falling into a rut and not trying to get out.

18. Remove yourself from any negative person or situation as soon as possible. (It took two years for someone to tell me this one, and they HAD to tell me, I didn't figure it out on my own. Pick your battles carefully, every argument doesn't have to turn into war.)