Pitch #2530
Randy Houser. Veteran music publisher with multiple cuts on major artists is listening to songs for critically acclaimed and previous CMA Song of the Year nominee artist Randy Houser, currently on Magnolia Records label.
PLEASE NOTE SPECIFIC AI GUIDELINES FOR THIS PITCH ONLY: Randy does not want AI productions. He is fine to listen to work tapes. If you can't afford a demo, send a high-quality work tape featuring a human vocalist with clear lyrics. Great songs should be apparent with a clear, clean worktape or a simple demo. He is not opposed to hearing full demos as long as they do not have AI production or vocals, only studio demos with genuine emotion from the singer and the band. Randy has a studio in his house and can record any songs he likes. He feels he has his best band ever now, and actually added a harmonica player recently. (Apologies for having to state this bluntly, but please do not "trick" us with an AI demo. Thanks.)
SEEKING: Seriously Country, think outlaw, rock, old school roadhouse country; something Cody Johnson or Blake Shelton might do too, but has to work for Randy. NO silly type songs, no young type lyrics, no drinking lyrics. It should be something with a very different kind of idea. Focus on real lyrics that do not talk about cheating, coming home late, or sitting at a bar. Randy is married and has three kids, so he's out of the young guy chasing girls phase. He really likes the great songs of the past written by Harlan Howard, Willie, and Merle Haggard, which had true meaning. Conversation lyrics are always good.
MELODY TIPS: He likes great melodies. He can excel vocally. It's all about phrasing for Randy—something that suits his vocal style and vibe. No train beats. (What's a train beat? https://shorturl.at/gWGvV) Listen to him for his style and sound: "Still That Cowboy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ3Vptv06wE and "Cancel" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI-lzys-Dd8
Keep in mind, this is a tough pitch, as Randy writes a lot, too, and is very particular about outside songs.
In general, here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Really listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, understand the writing of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, Lori McKenna.
Pitch Follow-up: If this guest expresses interest in your song, they will pitch it with the understanding that you will be asked to sign a single song agreement with the publishing company if there is interest in the song.