Persistence and the art of debt maintenance
I just joined forces with one of the world’s largest companies!
It does seem like it’s been forever.
I’ve been alluding to some mysterious business happenings - a Big New Deal - for the better part of three years now.
Had a bit of a distracting detour this past year, brought on by my penchant for dreaming up a rosier scenario than exists in reality and believing in what people promise but ultimately don’t deliver, but no matter… because…
Today I am very happy to announce that The Burst Collective’s production music catalog, Burst Labs, has joined forces with Sony/ATV - the worldwide music publishing company jointly-owned by Sony and ATV Music (Michael Jackson’s publishing company, home to the Beatles catalog of songs) - through an exciting new publishing and promotional venture with Extreme Music.
You may have heard Extreme Music’s name in the news lately, as they’ve recently launched a collection of music produced by Quincy Jones (the Q Series), and just announced today that they’re releasing a set of hip hop CDs produced by the one and only Snoop Dogg. Pretty great company, in both senses of the word, if you ask me.
For the past few years I’ve been buoyed by stories of independent filmmakers living off their credit cards, by songwriters selling their homes to finance their musical dreams. I was never quite sure of how far I was willing to go down the sinkhole of debt in order to launch our catalog, but there were many, many times I contemplated throwing in the towel and looking for a day job somewhere - as a music supervisor for an agency, as a full-time songwriter with a publishing deal, or as a student starting a career in design or architecture as I’ve often pondered.
I also wasn’t sure how realistic any of those options actually were, so I pressed on in the only business I’ve known for the past 14 years… and I’m mighty happy I did!
There’s so much I want to announce about our Big Plan - the Revolutionary Concept!, the Inspired Packaging! - but those details will have to wait for just a bit while we prepare for this new phase and public announcement (next week?). There will definitely be updates at BurstLabs.com as soon as they are available.
The absolute most exciting personal part of this new joint venture is twofold : one, it means I get to focus on producing music again; and two, it should mean more weekends and evenings with family and friends. Gone are the afternoons spent entering customer info in a database, gone are the weekends pondering where to borrow money from next, gone are the nights losing sleep over keeping promises made and providing for family and employees and employee’s families.
There are a few of you in my life - personal mentors, patient friends, ever-supportive family - who I will never be able to thank enough… for the words of support uttered just when I needed them, for the Very Tangible belief in me (and the resulting cash infusion when the horizons were financially bleak), and for the challenges issued when I was ready to cash in my chips and walk away. So yes, very positively, a big Thank You for now and a promise to say more in person soon.
Onward, upward. Lots of music to create, and I’m feeling inspired, powerful, and driven - a dangerous cocktail where Burst’s competition is concerned. Heh.
“Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Erik Steigen
April 23 2008Hey Daniel,
I am super-happy for you! Congratulations on your new deal with Extreme!! Sounds like this is exactly what you wanted and needed. I look forward to hanging out next time you’re in town and hearing all the confidential details (!) over a pint!
Great news, Buddy!
-Erik
Kate
April 23 2008There are no words descriptive enough in this universe to tell you how proud of you I am.
I’ve never seen anyone work so hard and go after something they wanted with such determination and above all; passion.
You deserve this sweetheart. Soak it up, enjoy it, and smile because you know now that when you go to work; you get to go back to what you love; making music. And you kick ass at it; as proven.
I love you.
Dad
April 23 2008You the best man!
Daniel, I am very happy for you. You’ve worked so hard at making this happen. I pray that whatever roads this leads you on, you will continue to trust and dream your dreams. As sure as life is, there will be ups and downs and the ups make facing the downs much easier.
We look forward to celebrating this wonderful development.
Love you,
Dad
andy stenz
April 23 2008wow! that’s amazing. congrats daniel!
Jan Holter
April 23 2008Daniel,
Congratulations to you on a well deserved business deal with Sony. Yes, this has been in the works for a long time and many prayers have gone forth on your behalf. I give thanks to God for the numerous talents He has given you, along with the common sense and drive to use and expand them. Looking forward to hearing more great things in the future.
In the meantime, we anticipate our times together with you, Kate, Elias, Sammie and Grayson and appreciate the gift that we have in each other in our family.
Much Love’n'Hugs,
Mom
Dana
April 24 2008You deserve every bit of your happiness. This is one of those moments where you can say, “before this……and, after this…” Thanks for all that you’ve done for us. There isn’t another person I would’ve wanted to have working on our recording. You obviously found a path that leads you to where your dreams lay.
Congrats!
and cheers,
Dana
robby
April 24 2008you totally inspire me & i’m super grateful that we’re good pals. i’m very excited that, at long last, this has all come to be for you. i certainly look fwd to celebrating more in person. congratulations!
Sara
April 24 2008I AM SO, SO, SO, PROUD OF YOU!!!
I know how much you’ve wanted this, and I’m ridiculously excited that it finally happened. I can’t wait to hear all the details, and we will definitely have to get together soon to celebrate!
Love you,
Sara
Matt Smith
April 24 2008Happy metaphors! Vague references to your better qualities! Qualifications and justifications!
Now where’s my money, bitch?
Oh, and congratulations, we’re gonna tear ‘em a new one.
Owen
April 24 2008I don’t have the words, Daniel. With all I’ve watched you suffer through over the past several years (and vice versa), it’s the best news I could have heard. High fives all around.
Say, don’t we have a record to release? Oh yeah… THAT.
See you next weekend.
john ferraro
April 24 2008hI DAN
this is really cool !!!
I wish you much success with the new venture
Look forward to doing some fun music with you
soon
cant wait to hear what your working on
john ferraro
PS . 150
Joe Kelly
April 24 2008dan, you’re never going to amount to shit, you know that?
just yesterday i did blow with stevie nicks and rick rubin from my new Joe Kelly Worldwide studios Mesa, AZ location and they agreed with me.
but if you ever need voiceover work please keep me in mind.
joe kelly
creme machine / avdeli
p.s. indie producers, rock radio gods and production mavens: the entire crememachine / av deli / chateau brazil catalog has been repackaged again! buy MortalFlaws v1.0 - a 439 CD set containing stingers, fx, explosions, workparts and 5000 mediocre casio-core metal scores for just $199 USD. unlimited buyout! i’ll give you my working kidney!
Daniel Holter
April 24 2008@Joe Kelly
Judson - er, ah, Joe - you are my favorite ex-Marty Jupp co-worker, by far.
Scott Starr
April 24 2008Nice going buddy! I owe you lunch and a high five. Now I might be able to borrow money from you soon…
Scott
Danny
April 25 2008Daniel,
This is excellent news! We (TFC) are very happy for you and Burst as a whole. I would encourage you, as many already have, to revel in this moment!
Much Love,
Danny, Geoff, Evan, DJ
Kristan ~ Snapdragon Records
April 25 2008Congrats brotha dont know of a better man who deserves it!
Keith Alban
April 26 2008Congratulations my man! It sounds as if your just beggining to reap the harvest of hard effort well sown. Godspeedand good luck.
Cheers from the flightdeck,
Keith Alban
BrainStorm Operations