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Hop On Pop
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3/25/2018 9:40:15 PM
I think I have achieved my goal as a musician.
I received a note on Facebook the other day from somebody that I had never met. With whom I have no mutual friends—virtual or otherwise. And from a different part of the country.
In this note they related to me that they found a copy of Chicken On a Bicycle on CD at a local record fair. The cover art attracted their attention, so they picked it up. And that, when they put it on, they were hooked.
They told me that it became "the soundtrack to their college and early adult years." That they listened to it constantly. And that they were "a huge fan."
A total stranger.
I connected.
My music—a piece of me, became a part of their life—a piece of them.
Now, while I have no intention of giving up music because of this, I can at least die happy, knowing that I made a connection like that. It's all I ever wanted.
And yeah, I would like to make that connection with more people, but at least I know that I did with one. Total. Stranger.
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Desperado Revue
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3/25/2018 10:09:23 PM
Great story, thanks for sharing.
Norm
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Steve April
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3/26/2018 12:07:25 AM
Good on ya, hop on pop. (added many a song to m'stations over the years.)
Cheers.
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Steve Ison
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3/26/2018 4:54:19 AM
Great story Todd...Gotta say that'd be one of my ambitions too -tho it hasn't happened yet
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Hop On Pop
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3/26/2018 7:13:54 AM
I'm sure that it has, Steve.
You just haven't gotten the note yet.
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Richard Scotti
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3/26/2018 8:01:19 AM
Congrats, Todd. There's nothing more gratifying than connecting with other people through your art in that way. I've had similar experiences from being here at IMP and it has changed my life in a profound way. Keep up the good work. More notes like that one will come your way for sure.
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Shoe City Sound
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3/26/2018 12:28:58 PM
So cool that happened! This is definitely my goal as a musician.
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Lars Mars
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3/26/2018 4:41:06 PM
Todd, congratulations.
I felt the same way when we got emails requesting permission to play our tunes on radio stations in Okinawa and Australia.
Glenn
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Steve April
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3/26/2018 10:25:17 PM
---- Updated 3/27/2018 9:59:12 PM
Glenn, congrats.
April Lane, April Place, two new streets 1/4 mile or so from where I lived. (also about 1/4 mile from where I live now, having moved)
What an experience. Hard to believe it at first. This was 2011, the year Neil W. Young was president here, if I recall. (correct me if wrong)...Kudos to Neil and Scott
A bit of a back story...the neighborhood received a complaint or two about my music. For example, I was told there was a complaint about the song image for my song "The Cat, The Moon, and The Songbird..." (still visible on my artist page)
A real estate agent who was among those who I dealt with, when selling my mother's house (who I helped take care of at the time), told me "they named a street after your music." "Are you joking," I replied. A new development was being built, expanding the neighborhood, with a new street, April Lane,and also April Place, w a little garden. I walked out to view the street signs, and almost cried.
I owe a debt of gratitude for IAC, for having such an engaging platform. With indie music, and freedom of expression. Thank you
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Richard Scotti
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3/28/2018 8:38:19 AM
A street was named after me too: "Dead End" ;-)
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Desperado Revue
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3/28/2018 8:50:45 AM
---- Updated 3/28/2018 8:52:26 AM
Through my 64 year life , more often then not, I've found that foot path beyond the " Dead End "
sign that leads to " Main Street ".
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Larree
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3/28/2018 11:31:12 AM
I have a street named after me, too.
Stoner Ave., Los Angeles, CA
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3/28/2018 11:58:06 AM
In the last year or so I've stopped regarding myself as an artist and having dreams like this, it's nice to see others finding gratification though.
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Richard Scotti
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3/28/2018 12:31:16 PM
---- Updated 3/28/2018 12:32:06 PM
@Scott - You'll always be an artist. It's in your DNA. The fact that you facilitate the dreams of other artists is an art in itself. You have a very varied body of work that you should be proud of and is there for all to appreciate. You've added to the betterment of art, not subtracted from it. Most artists do not get the recognition they deserve but that does not diminish their contribution to their art. There is a saying that "Trying is is equal to succeeding". By that standard you are certainly a success.
I myself will never get rich or famous or win a grammy, but frankly, I really don't care. Knowing I do the best I can with what I have is enough. I'm satisfied. There are many steps I could take to raise my profile and perhaps "make it" in the commercial realm as a producer and songwriter for hire but my heart's just not in it. After I put out one last CD that I'm working on, I intend to spend more time with my family and friends. But rest assured I will go out with a bang, not a wimper. Artists are born, not made. It's a label you can never erase.
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Steve April
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3/28/2018 10:03:00 PM
---- Updated 3/28/2018 10:54:12 PM
Well said, Richard.
I feel an emotional kinship with all of you, kinda goes without sayin', but I do. We're a mutually supportive music circle, and this is built up over the years, and continues. Our work after all is our true Soul. Music is a reflection of immortal moods or archetypal emotions. Also, a path that conducts from darkness to light...
'While still I may write out true
The love I lived, the dream I knew.
From our birthday until we die
Is but the winking of an eye.
And we, our singing and our love
The mariners of night above.
Yeats
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Stoneman
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3/28/2018 11:37:29 PM
Great story man. I felt that! Much Respect, Stoneman
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Bob Elliott
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3/29/2018 6:59:00 PM
That’s beautiful, Todd. It’s quality work.
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Hop On Pop
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2/23/2019 3:30:44 PM
---- Updated 2/23/2019 3:31:32 PM
They guy that sent me that note that I mentioned in my original post is making a movie.
Just signed and sent in the agreement for them to use a Hop On Pop song in their film. ("For My Friends")
Super excited!
This is my first placement like this.
And it means even more, knowing how much my music means to him, personally.
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2/23/2019 3:38:52 PM
My dream of late is hearing of somebody taking a drive across the country and listening to some of my records on the trip.
I suppose I could say I've achieved my dream too because right now I truly believe my band Neg Tendencies is the best in the world.
The nicest thing that's ever happened in regards to a fan was hearing from Jim Carroll that he and Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith band) listened to mine and Jilly's CD driving in NYC.
Todd let us know when the movie comes out!
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Larree
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2/23/2019 4:18:38 PM
That is just fantastic, Todd!
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Bryon Tosoff
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2/23/2019 4:30:11 PM
That is awesome Todd exciting news congrats
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Richard Scotti
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2/23/2019 7:28:56 PM
Wonderful story, Todd. Here's a story of my mine you might appreciate.
An e-mail I will always treasure came from a friend and colleague named Glen Burtnik who wrote the #1 song: "Sometimes Love Just Aint Enough" with Patty Smyth and is a former member of STYX, Beatlemania, and ELO . He had just sung on my song: "Every Dog" and has sung on many other songs of mine over the years. He was leaving the session when I gave him a copy of my last CD on which he sings lead and harmony on half the songs. I had never given him the mastered CD before and it was made in 2013! I always thought I had given it to him but apparently I didn't. He had a pretty long drive home of about 45 minutes to an hour and his car has an amazing sound system. That night he sent me this note:
Hey Rich,
I've always enjoyed our sessions. It's fun creative collaboration and finding the right combination of vocal parts is like a puzzle which we always seem to solve fairly quickly. I walk out with a sense of accomplishment and pride everytime.
On my way home I popped the CD in my car. Your music was the soundtrack of my drive. Amazing array and wide range. And hearing songs with my vocal tracks which I'd not heard since really blew me away.
Thanks for such experiences and I look forward to more.
Glen
______________________________________________________________
Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by this e-mail.It was so validating and inspirational. I'm working very hard on my new CD which I'm trying to make the best work I've ever done and I'm terrified! But this e-mail from someone like Glen really gave me confidence and the creative energy to keep on pushin'. Working with a real pro like Glen has been one of the highlights of my musical journey. It's like working with a Beatle! What more could I ask for?
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Hop On Pop
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7/14/2019 11:05:48 AM
There is now an IMDB listing for the film that is going to feature my song.
Apparently it's in post-production now and should be coming out (hopefully) by the end of the summer.
Here's that listing:
To Us on IMDB
Check it out...
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Richard Scotti
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7/15/2019 9:35:21 AM
Very cool! Congrats on a great achievement.
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Hop On Pop
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10/15/2019 4:54:46 PM
Just got an email today that the post-production has been completed and the movie is DONE!
Unfortunately I cannot share any clips or anything until it has had its premiere. Hopefully that will happen soon.
Can't wait!
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Neil w Young
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10/15/2019 5:47:32 PM
---- Updated 10/17/2019 8:52:14 PM
Hearty congratulations, Todd. So nice to see this happen for you.
This should be seen as the premiere to yet more success for you still to come.
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Stoneman
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10/17/2019 1:59:56 AM
Man, that is great news! Big Congrats!
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Hop On Pop
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10/22/2019 9:04:51 PM
And... the trailer was just released:
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Hop On Pop
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10/22/2019 9:05:13 PM
And no, my song is not used in the trailer.
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10/24/2019 11:19:12 AM
Well I got one song that has been curated, that might lead to something. And there is a big voice possibly recording another one so who knows? 12 years into music retirement maybe wasn't a bad move..
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Hop On Pop
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10/24/2019 11:34:05 AM
Nice! Can you say who might be covering you? Or do you want to wait until it is a done deal?
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10/24/2019 12:04:36 PM
---- Updated 10/24/2019 12:05:23 PM
I know it's up for consideration, that's all I car really say. No one well known either but someone I admire greatly. If it happen fine, if not that's ok too.
The one that should make is the one I didn't write, "It's Too Quiet" by Serena Matthews. I met Venetia Everly about 4 years back and really pushed that song & Serena to her, not sure if it helped. She really loved Dwight's voice though. Yeah, he could have made it without any help from me.
Oh well.
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Hop On Pop
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10/24/2019 12:14:22 PM
And, did you watch the trailer?
Again... not my song, but.
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10/24/2019 12:35:06 PM
I just watched it, very cool. I had a song featured in some short film with Julian Lennon & his mother Cynthia about an Art Gallery showing of her paintings/drawings about 15 years back or so. It didn't make any real impression with me but the thought was nice, some entity from Toronto called Fashion TV made it happen. But a film soundtrack, that's a big deal. That could create some bigger opportunities. Congrats!
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Hop On Pop
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3/10/2020 11:42:41 AM
And... the movie just got accepted to its first festival!
Will be making its premiere this summer and, once it does, I should be able to share with you all the clip that features my song!
Looking forward to sharing (and to seeing the movie).
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Bryon Tosoff
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3/10/2020 1:16:14 PM
Great to Hear this Todd, kudos congrats and wishing you more success like this. an artists dream to have music placed in a TV show Movie or other media, excellent news.
bryon
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Hop On Pop
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6/24/2020 3:09:57 PM
Movie just had its premier at a film festival and took home an honorable mention from the judges.
Hopefully it portends good things for the film. I can't wait to see it!
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Bryon Tosoff
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6/24/2020 3:23:44 PM
congrats, happy for you Todd
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Tom O'Brien
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6/24/2020 8:46:24 PM
That's so cool, Todd! The music you make is evidence that there is a rich life going on inside your mind. It's so cool when your mind connects to another mind through the medium of music. If someone gets your music or your message, it's like they get you as a person. You are very genuine in your love of music and I think that that's infectious (Sorry to use that word right now).
Congratulations, man. You changed their world.
Tom
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