Camaron Ochs

How Do Songwriters Make Money?

2010-06-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

I had a Q & A with writer Sheryl Nance-Nash the other morning for an article she's writing about 'how songwriters make money'. After laughing out loud (so many jokes, so little time), we started discussing the topic seriously and I actually had quite a bit of knowledge to impart. Sure I fall closer to the left on the "Starving Artist------Lady Gaga" continuum, and sure my first cd isn't even 5 months old, but there I was, dishing out info on music licensing, social networking strategies and corporate partners.

It may come as a shock that roughly 75% of a career in music has absolutely nothing to do with music. Ok, I made that percentage up, but a seriously enormous amount of time is spent on finances, promotion, distribution, booking, networking... *ugh, the business side of music is so un-romantic. There have definitely been times I have naively hoped for a 360 deal with a major label that would handle all of that stuff.

The trouble is, with the current state of the music industry, nobody knows how to "handle all of that stuff" anymore. The old methods are no longer successful or profitable. The music industry has gone all topsy-turvy. For example: The NPR music website is now a "major player in the indie rock scene" (whaa?) while the world's fourth largest record company, EMI, couldn't afford it's own Grammy Party this year.

Already successful musicians like Thom Yorke of Radiohead call the whole industry a "Sinking Ship".

Typical creative type, to think we are the only ones suffering. The whole world is changing. It's the Digital Revolution yo (which means much more than the miniaturization of objects). Here is our opportunity for creativity. It's very much an artistic endeavor, to move forward where there is no set path. Like modern day explorers, we are.

So, how do songwriters make money? There are endless possibilities. The only generalizable advice is: 1) become amazing at what you do, and 2) get a business partner (:high five: Jason Shafton).

Writing retreat in the middle of nowhere

2010-04-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

I know, I know- it's only been a little over 2 months since my first record came out... But I'm one of those insatiable artists that's addicted to CD Release Parties (hah) so I've started working on a new album. You may have even heard a couple of the new songs if you've been at my most recent shows ;) Although the album is only in it's beginning stages, I can tell you the finished product will be a warm, dark, rhythmic EP (5 or 6 song album), that dives into sounds I didn't even know existed when we wrote "Heartforward".

It's both inspiring and daunting to be so new to the art of songwriting, but all in all the creative process is a fun head trip so I've decided to churn out these latest ideas whilst living in an 1866 hotel converted to lofts for artistic types, in the middle of nowhere, 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean, for a month. Not. fucking. bad. eh?

Most mornings, I wake up to the rooster, stumble down a spiral staircase, jump in the car for a soft, 7 mile wind along the ocean cliffs to the nearest town. I drink some coffee in the sun and eavesdrop on the old men grouped outside the store-fronts, talking loudly about the day's news. Hop back in the car and sing my most recent musical brainstorm to the waves as I travel back home, to soak up some more sun on the deck while trying to extend catchy chord progressions into full length songs.

I can't wait to share it all with you :) Send me some creative vibes, OK?

love,
cam

PS Here are some pics of the new digs:

You Are Giving

2010-02-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

Not to step on your sense of agency or anything, but I've decided to make you a do-gooder.

For a limited time, you can earn some brownie points with the cosmos when you purchase a physical copy of my "Heartforward" album here on my website.

Without spending any extra money, you can send 20% of your purchase price to charity! Feel a thrill of goodness rush down your spine as you choose which noble cause to support. The world will thank you AND you will receive a shiny new Camaron Ochs album in your mailbox.

Fonkoze
www.Fonkoze.org
Hands down the most sustainable way to help Haiti. Supplying Haiti's poorest with the tools needed to pull themselves out of poverty featured in Newsweek.

Contra Costa Children's Chorus
www.ChildrensChorus.org
A local non-profit devoted to children's music education, leadership skills and cultural awareness through music. The end result? Well-equipped human beings.

Amazing, right? So hurry up and get yourself a cd here on the website so you can finally one-up that guy at work that plants trees in his free time.

I put out...

2010-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

..an album!!!

Holy frijoles, I had the BEST time on Saturday. The club was packed past capacity! Some of our best friends couldn't even get in! I am SO sorry for those of you that were outside, there will definitely be more shows to come and I will do a much better job of warning people about possible sell-outs. The Red Devil Lounge staff said that our turn-out was "as good as it gets", which basically means I can out-sell washed-up 80's rockers. Ye-yah!

Michael Sherry and 7 Orange ABC did a spectacular job warming up the crowd. By the time my band and I took the stage, the whole venue felt like a good friend's house party. It was so much fun playing for you all. I wish I had taken a picture from the stage, cause it was quite a sight to see: so many good people clappin and singing along while sippin on their 'Heartforwards' or PBRs tucked in 'cam keeps it poppin' cozies :) DJ Jon Hrabko finished off the night for us as we danced and hit the bar one last time.

The best part was being able to give so many of you a copy of the album. I love sharing my music with you all. For those of you who couldn't make it, you can buy your copy right here on my website. (Soon it will be up on iTunes, Rhapsody, and possibly in a few stores in Canada... I'll keep you updated!)

This cd and the release party turned out better than I ever imagined only because I have an amazing family working side by side with me, supporting me and inspiring me. I can't thank these people enough for their creativity, hard-work, patience and love:

Jason Shafton, Jack Shafton, Helen Shafton, Lisa Shafton, Jeremy Shafton, Mark Aling, Michael Sherry, Gabriel Sherry, Jillian Ochs, Mark Ochs, Sharon Ochs, Hamilton Ulmer, Patrick Shipp, Cathy Shipp, Stu Shipp, Emily Bergen, Roger Bergen, Nancy Bergen, Julia Bergen, Andrea Poetzsch, Carolyn Poetzsch, Fred Poetzsch, Miranda Pace, Gigi Ouf, Danielle Weaver, Nick Corcorran, Dave Vanderploeg, Roberto Hernandez, Paradigm Speakers, Nathaniel Olvera, Odin Amador, Andrea Holland, Greer Shively, Josh Knox, Brian Rabben, and Zach Blackburn.

Thank you to everyone who came to the show!!
See you at the next one...

What happened in Vegas

2010-01-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

It all started around 645am with a trip to Bakesale Betty's on the way to the airport. Mmm scones beat the early morning blues everytime :)

After an impromptu rehearsal at the gate (much to the other passengers' enjoyment) and 90 minutes worth of baby screams on the flight (much to everyone's extreme un-enjoyment), we arrived in VEGAS!!

Quick recap: Paradigm Speakers asked us to play a private event they were hosting at CES (Consumer Electronics Show). It was a rough year for most businesses, only a few companies hosted live shows this year, but Paradigm values music so much that putting together an event like this was a very high priority for them. We were so fortunate to be in contact with them, having used their products to create the "Heartforward" record.

Back to the story: Paradigm had sent limos to pick us up from the Vegas airport (!!) so Em, Drea and I took one limo over to the Venetian to get our hair and make-up done in a Paradigm suite on the 30th floor.

After checking out the Paradigm Booth (They were blasting my new cd through their gorgeous speakers all weekend!) the boys met up with us for a little room service before mic check.

The sound system for this show was phenomenal. Which helped calm a few nerves before going on stage. Overall the set was the best we've ever sounded ;) I even played electric on You & My Electric Guitar (the same electric I wrote the song on and about).

There were colored light sets on either side of the stage, washing us over in alternating colors while we played each song. Can't wait to see the video of it.

So yeah it was just awe-some. Everyone said incredibly great things about the show afterward. Canadians especially seem to dig the folk/pop stuff :) I admire a lot of Canadian musicians, so I'll take that as a big compliment.

Of course, after a hard day at the office, we took the rest of the weekend to relax... and by relax I mean hit the clubs, gamble and smoke cigars. Thank you, Las Vegas!

Greer behind the curtain

2010-01-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

As we run head-first into 2010, the Rubber Room Records team (Jason + me) is so very fortunate to have a new addition: Greer Shively is gracing us with her amicable spirit and 'jack of all trades' know-how.

*HUGE sigh of relief*

While music may intuitively seem like purely creative career path, do not be fooled. I have more Google Docs relating to Heartforward than I care tell here in my fun-loving blog. But getting through the business-side of the business is infinitely easier when you have help. Greer is going to be working side by side with us over the next couple months, so when you see her at the merchandise table on Jan 23rd @ Red Devil Lounge, give her an extra big smile as she hands you your T-shirt.

To commemorate the beginning of the year (and the beginning of Greer) we've got a few words from the future music mogul herself. Happy 2010 everyone!

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The New Year!

The new year has begun, and many people think of it as a time to start over or make resolutions. For me, I see it as a new year of opportunities.

I’ve grown up in a family with no musical background whatsoever, but somehow I have latched onto music over the years. Whether it be through directing and singing in a cappella groups, taking up piano, attempting to write music, or simply playing Ingrid Michaelson on shuffle constantly, music has become a major part of my life.

And now, I’m so excited to get even more involved, but not in the performance side- rather, the “behind-the-scenes” side. And by this, I mean working with Camaron and her band to help promote her new album, “Heartforward” as well as other things such as using ProTools, booking gigs and helping run a fantastic live show. I even hope to master the hundreds of buttons and knobs on the sound equipment too!

I’ve always wanted to jump into the management or production side of music, but never really had the opportunities to start. And after meeting Camaron at my a cappella group’s VH1 Benefit Concert, working with her and Jason seemed like a perfect place to begin.

Don’t get me wrong, hard work does pay off...but opportunities do present themselves in mysterious, unexpected ways. I have a feeling that this will be a good year. :)

-Greer
(Rubber Room Records Intern)

LAS VEGAS!!!!

2009-12-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

Guess where our next gig is?

LAS VEGAS!!! [insert victory dance]

We recorded and mixed my album "Heartforward" exclusively on Paradigm equipment (check them out on Facebook), and they've invited us to perform at a Paradigm Event at the Consumer Electronics Show on Jan 8th! Mark Aling, Marketing Manager at Paradigm Electronics, hooked us up with this amAzing opportunity to play in front of 300 people at the Sands/Venetian. Normally it would cost us a little cash to get ourselves and our instruments out there, but Paradigm is sponsoring our trip!! AND John Legend is playing after us (on a different stage, but for the same event). So yeah, I'm gonna tell everyone we are opening for him. Maybe I'll even write a song with him afterward back at the hotel... who knows.

Besides the obvious excitement about trashing our first hotel room as a band, I am also looking forward to croonin in front a whole slew of fresh faces. Part of me wishes we would have the cd copies in time for this, but it'll definitely be worth it to release the cd to our own SF community first :) Partay in SF on Jan 23rd!!*

*Speaking of which, 2 Reasons you should buy tickets ONLINE for the CD Release party
a) to get my record for free, beezies!
b) to make sure you get in (it's gonna be crowded, but SO SO much fun)

Number 9

2009-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, my name is Jason and I play bass in Camaron's band (see brown shirt in picture below). I also help out with the website and am producing the record with her.

Before I tell you a little bit about what we've been up to with the record, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Davis in the sweltering heat to see us perform at the EC Garden Art Walk. I may have been hallucinating from heat stroke, but I think it was actually a really great show. Thanks to Katy Karns and everyone at the EC Garden for organizing the event.

Photo credit: Natalie Smith

Now, let's talk about this record.

Camaron's debut, entitled "heartforward", is almost done and we've come a long way to get here. We've recorded dozens of hours of guitars, bass, drums, vocals, cajón – even a little banjo and accordion – consumed far too much of Jack in the Box value meals, Throat Coat Tea, and Coors Light, and went a little crazy in small rooms for countless hours...

Here's a little background on the recording process: when Camaron and I started working on this record, we had no idea that it would eventually include drums (thanks Patrick!). We started out by just recording Camaron's acoustic guitar parts and vocals. I added some bass lines and Camaron added some harmonies. The versions of the songs on this website were originally just rough mixes for us to listen to and work from, somehow (Camaron) they ended up all over the place, which turned out to be a good thing.

Those original versions resulted in invitations to play a couple shows and Camaron begged some close friends to join our efforts on stage. By late June, we heard the songs in full-band format for the first time. Inspirations went flying, so back to the studio we went. (And by studio I mean my apartment, the Ochs household and a sewer drain beneath Market Street)

The drums were recorded over the course of a few sessions in September and then it was time to re-track acoustic guitar, bass and finally, vocals. We're almost done recording and then it's on to mixing, mastering and CD duplication.

Then you get to hear it!

But, if you want a super-secret-special sneak preview of one of the first tracks off of the record, sign up for the mailing list.

It's hardly been a linear process, but this crazy journey has lead us to a sound we never could have even imagined when we first hatched this whole 'record' idea. So stay tuned for more details about the upcoming CD release party and keep being the best-looking friends, family and fans that anybody could ask for.

PS If you're wondering why this blog post is called Number 9, watch this.

Still confused? Count the number of blog posts... :)

The Starry Plough has a Green Room…

2009-09-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

And by "green room" I mean a 7ft tall concrete cube with wooden chairs and a complimentary ice-chest of PBR. Still, feels cool to have a designated 'band space'. Entrance is loosely restricted to the following:

a) musicians-in-waiting

b) instruments-in-waiting

c) anyone holding a pitcher of Wild Turkey

The room is about 15 degrees hotter than the rest of the bar too. All in all, not the perfect place to center yourself before going onstage, but at least there's a place to sit. Can't say the same for the upstairs...

Can you believe there were over 100 people? At least, that's how many people the door man successfully collected a cover charge from, hah. Whatever the number, it was is a substantial crowd to be playing in front of when you haven't even released a cd (we are workin hard on that, I promise!). Definitely helps to be local. And to have a sister that lived in Europe. I like hearing: “Belgium loves you!” yelled out from the crowd between songs. Mad love to my int’l fans! xx

Still, no matter where they are from, it is a little nerve-wracking to play for people you know. Maybe because it’s somewhat distracting for your brain to recognize faces while strumming a guitar and singing at the same time? But let me tell you: it’s worth any trouble when those familiar faces start smiling and singing along with you.

Thanks so much to everyone who could be there. The show is gettin better and better as we play more as a band, and it's so much fun to share the whole experience with you all. Keep letting us know what you liked best and what you'd like to hear more of. It is pretty unbelievable how many opportunities we've been given because of the community that has emerged around this little music project- The least I can do is play your favorite song at the next show :)

*Side Note: Evan Clayburn's band Ansel played on the bill with us too Saturday night. aMAzing. Buy this cd. Phonetically pleasing lyrics and catchy melodies swimming around in some sweet-ass production. BUT be very careful if you are purchasing the album directly from Evan. Do not show him how much money you have until you've agreed on a price. (I'm pretty sure he works at the Khan al Khalili Bazaar in Cairo when he’s not makin music.)

See you all at the next one!

love,

cam

Patrick's School of Music Appreciation; saving the world, one singer/songwriter at a time.

2009-08-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Over beer and pizza the other night, my percussionist Patrick Shipp and I discussed the idea that knowing too much about music might keep you from enjoying it. I'm secretly afraid of reaching that kind of enlightenment, but Patrick has already been there and back. (His explanation on how he got through? Dirty Projectors.) That night I received my first installment of Patrick's iTunes library- Amadou & Miriam, Joni Mitchell, Lykki Li, Junior Boys, Nick Drake, Janet and Michael Jackson, Radiohead, and of course, Dirty Projectors. F*ck yeah.

So out of pure admiration and respect for his musical prowess, I asked Patrick to blog for me this week while I'm busy recording. Sneaky, huh? Thanks, Patrick.

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Playing music in a band is a learning experience.

I've played in various bands since I was 16. I've been in a straight-ahead rock band, a ska band, a punk (ish) band, a jam band, a metal band, an indie/folk rock band, a glitchy electronic indie band, and a pop band. And every single one of them was a wholly singular experience. Some were just playful, fun hobbies; an excuse to play music with buddies. Others have been varying degrees of seriousness; gigging, practicing a lot, really getting out there.

And what I've learned from nearly 10 years of doing this is that no matter how much you learn, there is always something new to be learned. I'm reminded of that old adage about how the truly knowledgeable man knows that he knows nothing. Being in a band is a lot like that.

Two weeks ago, we played a show at the Stork Club. (maybe you were there?) It went really well, overall, even though the mix wasn't the best and what we heard in our monitors was completely different from what the audience was hearing. Our second-to-last song was "You & My Electric Guitar," which Cam did as a spare, solo voice/guitar thing. (It was really beautiful and the audience seemed to love it, in case you're wondering.) The rest of us left the stage, at which point the sound guy came rushing up to me.

He told me that we had to cut it off, and that it was really rude of us to play longer than a half hour. I told him that we'd been asked to play a 40 minute set, which is what we had prepared, and were doing. He said that whenever you're the opening band, you should always check after the 30 minute mark how you're doing on time, to make sure that you're not encroaching on the other bands' slots. You know...the "do we have time for one more?" kind of thing. I don't even know if I said anything back. I was sort of shocked -- once he'd said it, it seemed obvious, but it hadn't occurred to me. Hadn't occurred to any of us. We simply did not know that little bit of band etiquette. We shuffled back onstage, played our last song, and headed off, thanking the crowd and apologizing to the other bands for playing too long.

I think the key with any of it is to do what you do with honesty. I'm sure I speak for the whole band when I say we were truly sorry if we cut into anyone else's time. Honest mistake. Learning experience.

My high school band was called Eight Track Mind. We once opened for the Phenomenauts at the Gilman. The Phenomenauts used to drive this huge van with all this crazy shit glued to it, and the back was covered in stickers. At some point during the show, I went up to their van and was about to put an Eight Track Mind sticker on there, when I was caught in the act by one of the members of the band, who, quite understandably, asked me what the fuck I was doing. He was right; What the fuck was I doing? I don't know what was going through my head. I was 18 years old and stupid.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that what I love about playing music live is the unpredictability of it. You never know what you're gonna get (no Forrest Gump). Sometimes the sound is horrible, sometimes it's amazing. Sometimes your guitar cable fucks up and you have to improvise with some area mics. Sometimes you have a wonderful show, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you get caught in the act of defacing another band's van. But it's all worth the effort because no matter what, it's always fun, and if it's not, you're in the wrong business.

-P

This is what an idea track sounds like...

2009-07-28T21:57:00.001-07:00

So it all starts when you are alone in your room.

No wait, it all starts with an accident. Then, you expand on that accident: making 2 chords into a phrase, humming a melody over the phrase, humming harmonies to the melody, singing nonsense words to the hums, making sense out of nonsense words... All the while, you are alone in your room. Or, if you're lucky, with a trusted friend and a six pack.

The result: idea track. Something that satisfies your imagination but leaves the naked ear a little confused.

This track may not sound anything like the song it will become (it might even inspire multiple songs) which is why there is so much magic in it. More potentials than can ever be realized. Because with every step forward all the old possibilities are lost and then replaced two-fold, in sparkling detail. The burden of choosing a destiny can feel like too much responsibility. And then you remember you can't give yourself that much credit. You can't possibly know where you're going. Which is why there's so much magic in it.

Eventually it will twist and turn to fit the instruments and the message. To accommodate the players and the critics. But at one point, the music sounds like

this

and even like

this

:) Don't get attached. They don't really exist yet.

love,
cam

Live @ the Stork Club

2009-07-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Show Numero 2 with a band :)

Things I learned from the Stork Club:
a) Make sure the electronics on your guitar are good to go.
b) Ben Lewis lives in Oakland.
c) There is a 'Bat Girl' Barbie. and I want it.
d) When people ask if they can be your #1 fan, take note of who is standing nearby before you answer (there was a 'gun show' flex-off between Jessica and a guy 3x her size).
e) Playing folk/pop in a dive bar that normally houses rock/metal really gets to the soft side of both big tattooed guys AND wiry hipsters:"You're like a breath of fresh air in this place." (!!)
f) My parents have more friends than I do.

Things I have yet to learn from the Stork Club:
a) Why is "Blood Cult" sharpie-d across the toilet seat in the ladies restroom?

***Thank you to my band-mates: Andrea Poetzsch, Emily Bergen, Hamilton Ulmer & Patrick Shipp!!***

love,
Camaron Marvel Ochs
(sounds like the tree: Oaks)

P.S. We'll be posting some songs from Live @ the Stork Club (Recording) exclusively for our Mailing List members (oh snap! That's how special you are! Or could be... better join before I send that link out). Click here for a sneak preview song I posted on my Tumblr blog.

Rehearsal

2009-07-19T19:03:00.001-07:00

Heartforward

2009-07-18T00:32:00.000-07:00

"And I know, I could hold you the right way,
lean my head into your chest and peer inside,
and you should know, your heart exposed,
is the most beautiful thing I've ever known"

(artwork by Juhee Jang)

About Writing Music

2009-07-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

As music and I get better acquainted, I'm starting to come across a few things I'd like to remember. They probably apply to your art too, right?

1. Don't judge. Like thoughts, songs come in all flavors. And sometimes you don't like a certain flavor. Maybe it's the day, maybe it's the flavor, but the minute you start name-calling is the minute you get stuck.

2. Music doesn't come from me. I've found that sitting alone all day does not produce music. It happens after full days or on your way to something. Which is why that recording app on the iphone is f*ing brilliant. Or it would be if I had an iphone. I’m actually holding out for a big, red record button I can attach to my car stereo.

3. You can never lose your creativity. New songs will always come. So take time to finish what you start.

4. Music is like meditation is like exercise is like laundry is like showering. You know it's for the best, but you still make excuses and put it off till tomorrow. Don’t kid yourself; you definitely need it. Plus, you'll feel better afterward.

Doing laundry in Nepal (way cooler than doing laundry in Oakland)

Love => Musician

2009-07-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Before this record, I hadn't really written much apart from messing around with my first mic and Garageband (for an example, pause the music player at the top of the page, then click: My Baby). But, about a year ago, there was this musician I wanted to impress. And the heart can make you do some pretty ballsy things when it has found something it wants. So I decided, upon meeting Jason's cousin for the first time, that I was going to a) learn the guitar and b) write a song for us and about us. To sing together. Yep, that's right.

Now I have to say: as awkward as it sounds, it is extremely fun to write a duet for yourself and the object of your affection. You hand them the words you've been dying to hear, and then they sing them right to your face! If you can pull it off, I highly recommended it. Here's the original recording from that session. Sweet, huh?

Long story short, here I am a year later, no cousin to speak of but I can now play the guitar and I have an album of 12 original songs almost polished and done. Not too shabby.

Camaron Marvel Ochs
(sounds like the tree: Oaks)