radio promotions

Artist News

Wanna get paid your Songwriting and Airplay Royalties?

musikandfilm

June 4, 2015

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Stephen Wrench, President, Musik and Film Records, recently answered the prevailing question, ‘How does a DIY artist get paid for songwriting and airplay royalties?

I deal with a lot of artists who have spin reports and reports of airplay. I am often asked, “Where are my airplay royalties?” The song was named “My Friend”. Now, there are probably 50,000 songs worldwide named “My Friend”; how is ANY collection society going to collect royalties on this?!? I then ask them if they sent in a properly coded MP3 with their registration. In most cases, they didn’t seem to understand what I meant by asking this.

There are 3 major songwriter collection associations in the U.S.; as well as a few other companies advertised on other sites. They all tout, “we collect world royalties”. One would think it would be easy to track airplay with ISRC numbers, bar codes, and digital tracking.

If you want to get paid for airplay royalties, then you need to code it properly. Here’s how if you’re in QuickTime: right click on the mp3, then click Properties, and click on Details. From here you type in the correct registered title, album artist, album, year, and genre. When you get to publisher and composer, type in the registered writers names / publishers names and affiliation. Then, and only then, will they be able to track the release and collect your royalties.

I have numerous artists, including myself, who belong to US songwriters associations. Many of us have complained that we are not getting paid airplay royalties from the US societies that “claim” to collect airplay royalties worldwide. Proper coding may be one of the issues, here’s another possibility.

About 3 years ago I charted a top 40 hit in the UK and Europe. I waited and waited and waited for my airplay royalties. I eventually contacted my songwriter’s collection society, which I have been a member of for decades, and I was asked for the airplay information. So I provided them with spin and airplay reports; not once, not twice, but several times. Still anxiously awaiting my royalty check, I worked my way up the corporate ladder for answers as to why I was not getting paid.

I was finally verbally informed, by my collection society, that they only monitor 5% of Billboard reporting stations. I was also informed that they only monitor major releases, worldwide. I pressed on for more answers, “You mean I have provided you with spin and airplay reports and you will not collect my royalties”? I was told they would not actively seek to collect my royalties; but if they were to receive a check, it would be forwarded to me.

What kind of songwriter’s representation does the US have? How is it possible, in this digital age, to ONLY monitor a 5% sampling of Billboard reporting stations and NOTHING overseas? Extremely perplexed, I sought answers about world publishing collection societies and what societies ACTUALLY collected royalties for the average songwriter.

What I found, was that songwriters can collect their airplay royalties even if minuscule, but not with the US societies. With a US society, you will only get your royalties if you are with a major label and spun on billboard reporting stations. I recommend joining PRS, in the UK, they are serious about a writers royalties and not in bed with major labels.

Contact promotions@musikandfilm.com for more information.

By: Stephen Wrench

Musik and Film Records, President

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Artist News

Gospel artist, Rose Boyd, No 1 National Gospel Charts

Rhonda

May 6, 2015

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For the 2nd consecutive week, Rose’s song, “He’s So Amazing” is No. 1 on the National Gospel Charts. Watch for a featured post on Rose coming soon!

Artist News

Ron Louis Smith Carries on the Tradition of KC and the Sunshine Band Releases Spank with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

March 2, 2015

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Ron Louis Smith 2nd, son of Ron Sr. original member of KC and the Sunshine Band, has released Spank to worldwide radio promotion. Ron Louis Smith 2nd is the son of ‘Sunshine Royalty. Ronald Louis Sr. (one of the original members of ‘KC and the Sunshine Band’) was the heart and soul of the band’s legendary horn section and an acclaimed songwriter in his own right, writing and co-producing (with Finch and Casey) the International disco hit sensation, ‘ SPANK.’ The song has now been released to worlwide radio with Musik Radio Promotions.

Carrying on in the tradition of his father (and his uncle, Jerome Smith – also a founding member of KC and the Sunshine Band), Ron Louis Smith 2nd has brought that legendary sound and ‘feel good Miami vibes’ to the 21st Century party scene.
As the ‘heir to the throne,’ Smith (the ‘Prince of Sunshine’) is releasing his first album. This project firmly ensconces Smith as a major player in the International club music scene, with groovalicious tracks like, ‘Party Music’ and ‘Can’t Let Go,’ to the heart pounding, soul stirring ‘Don’t Hold Back (All your loving) – and a homage to his father and uncle with the electrifying ‘Spank’ and ‘Come On, Let’s House.’
With tracks flavored with Finch’s signature groove as the backbone to Smith’s insight and genius, this album takes you on an eclectic, audible journey, giving the listener flavors of Caribbean, Junkanoo, Disco and Electric Funk – with Smith’s danceable infusions firmly present in every song.

Artist News

Australian artist, Rida, Top of the Charts Promotions with Musik Radio

Rhonda

March 2, 2015

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Rida’s hit, “Be With Me” has been topping the charts since the worldwide radio campaign began by Musik Radio Promotions weeks ago.

Rida does it all: R&B, Dance, Rock, College, Urban –his songs are loved by so many fans!

He writes all his own songs – lyrics and melodies, mixes them, and usually does most of his own music, and directs all his own video clips (sometimes collaborating with assistant producers).

There will be much more to come from Rida!

Artist News

Anjali Ray Releases So Long With Musik And Film Radio Promotions

musikandfilm

December 29, 2014

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After a full three years writing and recording this album, Anjali is now on a high-speed train with Musik and Film and worldwide radio promotions.

What would Sade, Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos sound like if they had been raised in India?

Anjali, raised in New Delhi till the age of 10, draws on her extensive training in classical piano, Indian Hindustani classical vocal training, and occasional moonlighting as a jazz pianist to create emotional and haunting melodies. Learning piano through the British school of music since the age of 4, Anjali’s early musical foundation was later strengthened by the contrast of her Indian vocal training, enabling her to begin writing her own songs and communicating in a way words alone never can.

After performing in venues throughout Chicago and Los Angeles, Anjali began a career as an engineer, which enabled her to embrace her greatest gift to date – motherhood. She recently seized the opportunity to create a full length album of songs inspired by her experiences as a wife and mother. Her songs are sonically captivating, blending rhythms and music from east and west. Her lyrics mirror the challenges, struggles and joys we all face in our lifetime, and combine with her powerful, angelic voice to yield a soulful and honest product.

Recently, Anjali took the next step in her music career by beginning a promotions campaign with Musik and Film. She was happy to share some of her personal thoughts with the team:

Tell us your experience with your first release?

After a full three years writing and recording this album, I am now on a high-speed train with Musik and Film. While I greatly admire artists who are able to manage both their music and their promotion, I have always known that I would need a strong partner to ensure that my music reached as wide an audience as possible. I cannot describe how amazing it was to hear myself on the radio for the first time through Musik radio promotions. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be?

The music industry right now is highly corporatized. Streaming services such as Spotify, on the one hand, make music more accessible, which is great for independent artists. But on the other hand it makes it virtually impossible for an independent artist to ever get properly compensated for the effort and work they put into their product. As a result, people are listening to only that which major conglomerates promote, which is low risk and seldom authentic and original. Every new song that comes out is designed to grab your attention within five seconds, and as a result the beauty that is a slow yet glorious build up of a song is no more. Even if we cannot change the corporate model of music, I suppose I would like for these powerful entities to take more chances on artists that have newer sounds, so that music can continue to break boundaries the way it did in the 20th century.

What do you want to always be remembered for?

Above all, as an honest and original songwriter. Secondarily, as a voice for working moms and parents who struggle with the demands of raising kids in a society where help is stigmatized as weakness. This record was created after I emerged from a dark period right after becoming a mom. It does get better.

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

Practice your craft! Keep playing, keep writing, keep singing. Even if you don’t think there is a reason on the horizon, like a performance or a recording. Because if and when the opportunity does strike, you better be ready.

How would you describe your music?

Hindustani vocal infused classical piano based jazz-influenced pop music with an R&B back line. You know, typical stuff. 😉

When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision?

An opportunity fell into my lap when I met my producer by chance. I knew then that I owed it to myself, my parents who had invested so much in my musical education, and all the friends who have supported me along the way to make the most of this opportunity and put out the best record that I could.

if you had the chance for the world to hear one song what would it be?

“The best is yet to come”. It is one of the most honest songs I have written, and I believe the theme is universal. It is a song about the enduring bonds of love, but also acknowledges that life isn’t a bed of roses, and that true love deepens through both adversity and joy. Plus, it is a tribute to my husband, and I want my listeners to know how much he has supported me through this entire journey…. Anjali Ray

Artist News

Tired of Articles About How To Make it In The Music Business?

Rhonda

November 14, 2014

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My email gets blasted everyday with 10 tips or 5 ways to get discovered or some other bs article. All to get you to subscribe to their site , to lure the uneducated musician into believing if they just follow these steps they will have a successful career in the music business, BS. They all say the same thing but in a different way.

Do you really want to know how to succeed in the music business? Then read on I will tell you how without any hype. Do you see the word business? Being a good musician is not enough, you have to be a good businessperson. If you are going into business the first thing you should do is fully educate yourself on the business you have chosen to go into. Then formulate a business plan and make sure you have money to carry out your business plan. If you’rE not prepared to be a business person or hire a manager who is — then get used to playing on your porch to the flies cause that’s all that will ever hear you besides the people at the corner bar.

The record labels are dead they aren’t selling records, music is free now . So why would a record label want to sign you and invest thousand’s of dollars with no way to get it back or make a profit. They don’t. The days of record labels are over. So get over it, forget the ole school way and educate yourself and move on.

Lets take a look a one successful indie artist, Mackelmore . He played all over the country for over a decade and built a huge following. The following drew investors and Mackelmore knew the business so he took the money and played the game very successfully.

OK you’ve read the above articles now read this –promotional dollars spent by Mackelmore were in excess of one million dollars.

The fact is you ain’t gonna hit billboard anytime soon no matter how good you are unless you have at least ½ million to drop into promotion in the US. The whole US and music industry is just as crooked as politics. Fact is you could be Donald Duck and sing out of tune but if you had enough money you could have a hit record. I have heard some awesome musicians and songwriters but unless they learn the business and execute a business plan you ever won’t hear them unless you wade thru the billions of releases on a free streaming site.

OK you don’t have a half a million dollars? Then there are alternatives. Lets begin by crushing some myths. Streaming, the streaming companies advertise free music ,then they try to tell the musicians this is great exposure for them. That BS – how is anyone ever gonna find you among billions of songs. They’re not. Harvard law calls streaming piracy plain and simple. You’ve been ripped off . They have taken the music that you have created and stolen it from you all so they could charge a minimal monthly fee. If Indie musicians would unite, they outnumber the big machine and could crush it. Refuse to give your music away for free. Sell it off your website.

Want a sure fire way to achieve success in the music business? Work your ass off. That’s right work your ass off. First polish your craft so you can hold your own with anyone in the world, develop your product, book gigs even if for free at first if your that good the listeners will know it to and they will tell others and they will all come to see you, get more gigs , work to get them calls , emails what ever it takes even playing acoustically in front of the venue drawing their crowd outside . If you’re good they will hire you. Yeah all this time you are spending several hours a day blogging on social media trying to get fans and if you work your ass off and you are good then you will get fans. That’s success – it’s like a building it’s built one brick at a time- so is your music career.

Then there is radio promotion, essential for all artists. Some produce measurable results some don’t. There’s cheap guaranteed spins, So what if your played on a few internet stations with 4 listener’s each at 4 am. That’s not gonna translate to anything for you. There are some good promotion companies,ones that deal in major charts –ones that deal with the world not just the us or any other geographical area. After all we are all connected now. I’d advise the world, massive affordable exposure. Musik Radio Promotions just happens to offer the largest network of 250,000 stations anywhere in the world.

I leave you with one last word, “The young kid said to his mother ‘when I grow up Mom I want to be a musician‘ Then his mother then said, “You can’t have both son.”

Grow up and go after your dream as a businessperson and make your dream come true.

Stephen Wrench

President, Musik and Film

Artist News

North Carolinas Country Artist, Canaan Cox, on to next level with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

November 12, 2014

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Canaan Cox is a new and exciting country artist from Hendersonville, North Carolina. He not only writes g his own music, but is a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist. Canaan released a new single, Summer, in the beginning of 2014 and has recently began a worldwide radio campaign with Musik Radio Promotions. The response has been phenomenal, being called “brilliant” by some! Canaan is now being played on BBC networks along with thousands of other stations.

Canaan spoke of his experience with the radio promotions service, “Musik and Film Records has taken my dreams to the next level with their radio promotion services. When looking into launching a radio campaign, I had several companies in mind. But from one phone call with Musik and Film, it was a no-brainer. They are 75% cheaper and 100% more honest than any other company I spoke with. The turn out has been beyond what I could have asked for and will continue to use their services with my next single. I can’t wait to launch another tune to see where they can take me. promoting our music.”.

Musik and Film is thrilled to be working with Canaan and asked him to share with our readers about himself:

What made you want to pursue a career in music?

I grew up all around music. My entire family plays one instrument or the other so I’ve always been around it. However, it wasn’t until college I considered pursuing it and that had to do with writing. I wrote a poem for a girl in high school and in my first year of college thought I would put it to music. So a friend of mine got together in the sic building with a cheap little microphone and garage band and demoed my first song…I was hooked. Writing is such a wonderful and creative outlet for me, so I began to write more and more. It’s not by surprise seeing as though my parents are also writers themselves.

Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?

I absolutely love going to the movies. I’m a huge movie nerd and will always have an excuse to catch a flick. I love anything that has to do with water, swimming, hiking, waterfalls, canoeing, anything outdoors. And I love love love me some chocolate milk. There’s has been too many times in my life where I’ll go out at 2am to the nearest gas station just to get a bottle of chocolate milk.

Do you play any instruments?

I grew up in the mountains of NC so bluegrass and country music was the thing to play. I picked up the mandolin when I was 9, learning by ear, playing to Nickel Creeks first album. It wasn’t until middle school I picked up the fiddle and guitar. I also play piano, but just enough to write a song with.

How would you describe your music?

Vocally, I always get compared to Rascal Flatts, which to me, is a huge compliment because they were a huge part of my CD collection growing up. However, having 7 sisters, I had my share of the 90s boy bands, mom cranked Lynyrd Skynyrd, and my dads favorite artist was Conway Twitty, so when it comes to music and lyrics, I have a lot of influences to pull from that incorporate into my music.

What are your goals where do you want to take your music?

I could say that I want to go wherever the music takes me, or I just want to be happy, but the thing is… I love performing my music. And until my face is on the side of a tour bus, Madison square garden sales out in under 2 minutes, and I get to play in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, I won’t be happy. However, it’s not for the money and the fame, but to be remembered. And being remembered for bringing great music to the world and sharing my God given talents, that’ll be fine by me.

Artist News

South African Symphonic Rock Band, Crimson Chrysalis, Sends Shock Waves with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

November 6, 2014

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South African Symphonic Rock Band, Crimson Chrysalis, Sends Shock Waves with Musik Radio Promotions campaign on a global scale.

Crimson Chrysalis has been cited as being “one of the most brilliant surprises of the year” by Terry Thompson of Sonic Cathedral. “The release sent shock waves through the Femme Metal community, music to please, thoughts that go beyond the pale. There’s so much to learn from Africa.”

Rene Van Den Berg of Crimson Chrysalis, set aside some time to share a little about the band and give some great advice:

Personally I think an entertainer’s main focus/forte is pleasing the crowd, while a true artist wants to do what is good for his/her soul, regardless of whether it is the commercial or popular route, or the road less travelled. Some artists are both (without trying to be), and in my opinion that is when they break through the boundaries of time, genre, & trends and touches people’s hearts – because it is true, honest & authentic.

Besides music I love gymming/exercising (I am a total exercise junkie), spending time with good friends, and enjoying some good food – my favourites are lamb or chicken curry, salmon & sushi. Oh and shopping. . .I love shopping! (What woman don’t?)

If I have to describe our music it would probably be Neo-classical rock/Neo-symphonic rock. I think what makes us unique, also makes us difficult to categorise or label. There are so many influences, and we never tried to fit into a specific genre. We just write and create what feels, and sounds good to us.

I play both guitar and piano. I have formal training in both, but stopped paying the piano when I was still in primary school. So I am very rusted, and wont play on stage. I compose on both instruments though, piano and guitar. The song normally decides for itself – Es (my co-creator/lyricist) of CC always says, a good song writes itself. Some songs are by nature more guitar based, and some piano based. When I look at the lyric and feel it, I’ll decide where I hear this going and then compose on the one, or the other. Sometimes I would initially start on the one, but for some reason it just doesn’t ring true. The moment I change the instrument I’m composing on, the problem normally solves itself.

If I had a chance for the world to hear one song, I would probably say “Crimson passion cry” on the first album, and “Sacred vow” on the upcoming one. I always wanted to make music that touches people’s hearts, and I think those 2 have the best chance of doing exactly that.

What made me wanna pursue a career in music? Insanity?! Ha-ha! I think any true artist will tell you that it is in their blood – the thing that makes them tic and come alive. It is a long and difficult road, but somehow I cannot imagine my life without it. Having the opportunity to take my passion globally is just bloody awesome!

What I would tell any young artist or musician? I don’t wanna say to them Don’t give up or hang in there, cause if it is truly in your blood, and what you were born to do, you won’t! What I will say is this: do your home work well. Know the audience and genre you are targeting, and know what and who you’re up against. Find your forte, the thing that separates you from the rest, and makes you unique. Otherwise you’ll just be an imitation, or second hand version of somebody else. You must have a clear cut idea of where you’re going, otherwise you will just confuse an audience. You cannot go somewhere purposefully if you don’t have a map and didn’t plan. If you don’t have a destination, you are just drifting, no matter how talented you are. Lastly, surround yourself with skill, success and experience – you cannot do this alone – not if you are serious about it!

Crimson Chrysalis is currently one of a few artists under the Musik and Film Management Team. The first single currently out to Musik and Film radio promotions campaign has set a few records with plays around the world. The Musik and Film team recently picked up a publishing deal for Crimson Chrysalis and look forward to many years of working with this unique band , blazing new trails in symphonic band.

Artist News

Jazz Band, Da Ja,Building Bridges To The World Partnering with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

November 5, 2014

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Da’Ja has partnered with Musik Radio Promotions to carry their message to all parts of the globe. The song, Da’Jay, has been well received through the radio promotions campaign and has even been picked up by BBC stations.

At an early age performing with such artist as Anita Baker, Force MD’s, Chapter 8, and The Time, as well as legends Martha Reeves and LJ Reynolds, John Smith came up with the concept of combining the forms of Jazz, Funk, R&B, and Latin. Which birth the form know now as “Latin Funk”. His vision of the genre came to be after the tragic death of the artist Selina. From that moment John internalized his vision and proceeded to go forth and create the sound that dwelled within him.

John is the writer/composer of all music and the Founder/CEO of Da`ja Entertainment, the band Da`ja plays the music. John is the lead drummer. Our mission is all about building bridges between musical genres, generations, races, and cultures, past and present. What people will discover when they listen to their music? “It is Love, says John, as having such a mindset enables our production environment to be more conductive for innovative things to happen.

John graciously got up close and personal with Musik and Film:

What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?

John: The opportunity to glorify God through the art of Jazz music.

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

John: Craftsmanship and the learning of the artist’s trade.

If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be?

John: Fair pay to the artist for their hard work and treatment with integrity and respect. Not when they are famous, but for the very start.

What do you want to always be remembered for?

John: The Love in the music.

Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?

John: Ports, traveling, and working with my hands. I’m a builder by trade.

What made you want to pursue a career in music?

John: Growing up in church and hearing the music from the choir. Those sounds always uplifted me.

Do you play any instruments?

John: Drums, percussions, trumpet, and guitar. Drums are my dominate skill.

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

John: Learn the business and practice your craft.

How would you describe your music?

John: Latin-Jazz-funk

What are your goals where do you want to take your music

John: Combining the Genres of Latin, Jazz and Funk into one sound.

Where do you see your artistry going in the next 5 years

John: Having a worldwide influence! Going straight to the top!

What has been your best and your worst moment during your career so far?

John: Band members! LOL

If you had the chance for the world to hear one song what would it be?

John: A unreleased song i wrote to my mother, “Thank You”.

Anything else you really want to say?

John: “Musik and Film, Get us on the path to greatness!”

Da’Ja is on the path to greatness with their unique approach to Jazz. Stephen Wrench, producer of platinum albums says” Da’Ja is one of the best Jazz bands I have heard.” There will be much more heard from Da’Ja!

Artist News

Inspirational singer, Noreen Crayton, releases Make Me Over with Musik Radio Promotions

Rhonda

October 29, 2014

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Noreen Crayton’s, Make Me Over, was released to worldwide radio promotion just a few days ago and the response has been enormous. Noreen spoke of the response, “It’s only been a few days, but wow”!

Noreen provided some thoughtful answers about her life and music:

How would you describe your music?

Melodic, soulful, spiritual and filled with lots and lots harmonies lol

What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of opportunities throughout my career
but I think I am most proud of the fact that Ronnie Milsap recorded a song
I co-wrote (with Greg Tornquist) and that it was the lead single on his
gospel cd and then right after that I was fortunate to win the Independent
Music Award for best gospel song for the song (I wrote all by myself),
“Walking In The Faith.” Those two opportunities provided me with exposure
and showcased me as a writer. It really helped me personally in that it
allowed me to realize that what I was doing wasn’t crazy lol.

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

That’s a good question, the differences are far more subtle then one
realizes.

True artistry is organic and comes from a very real and honest place. It
exists whether there is an audience watching or not. Some of my best work
is done at 1 AM in the morning while I’m composing a song or laying a
vocal attempting to keep my heart bared (open) so that the person who will
be listening can feel the message I’m trying to convey. Ultimately, it’s
not about entertaining but about relating and identifying with the
audience and vice versa.

Also, an entertainer has the capacity to turn what they do onstage during
a performance into an art form. Think about Michael Jackson and what he
did and how his work touched millions of people, it was amazing.

So there are no differences really, it depends on the person and how
deeply they’d like to delve into the gift they’ve been given.

What do you want to always be remembered for?
I’d like to be remembered as an artist that stayed to true to the vision
given to her and that her music reached the very heart of someone and
helped them heal even a little bit.

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

Just keep writing and working in public. If you hear a word or phrase
that strikes you in a very unique way, you’ll know it has meaning because
it impact you….write it down. Carry a notebook or record the phrase on
your phone. If you hear a melody in your head that just won’t leave you
alone, do the same thing……you’ll eventually have to deal with it and
hammer it out. If you are given the opportunity to execute in front of
people, try not to turn it down. Just do it even if you suffer from stage
fright like me (smile). The thing is don’t stop the flow inside you, give
in to it even if you have to do it late at night when the kids are sleep
or when you come in from work exhausted, rest a little bit then hammer it
out even for an hour. You’ll be really happy you did.

Where do you see your artistry going in the next 5 years?
I’d like the music I do reach more people, my prayer is to write or
co-write something that will help transform a generation. Some of the
things I see and read about in the news is just heartbreaking. I’m
beginning to feel that human beings don’t even like one another let alone
feel for each other and themselves. I’d like to be part of something far
bigger than me. Write or co-write or work on something artistic that will
change people’s hearts and minds so that we all realize we are here for
one another and that we all work for the greater good and from the heart.

Anything else you really want to say?

Thanks for listening to what I’ve
released so far, there’s more to come, I hope you enjoy it and I hope it’s
something helps you get through the day.

Thanks for sharing, Noreen!

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