How Hog Whitman got heard by 15 million people
2009-09-02
I love collecting and sharing success stories from independent musicians, telling how they achieved some success, with details that other musicians can use.
Here's a success story from musician Hog Whitman. In his own words...
How I got instant airplay on 100 radio stations and MSNBC with one phone call and some frequent flyer miles.
“Imus In The Morning” is a nationally syndicated radio talk and entertainment show broadcast on about a hundred stations around the country, to about 15 million listeners.
Imus decided to do a live show from The St. James Theater. It seems that he is friends with the Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zachs. His play, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” was enjoying a good run there. Since the radio show plays in the morning and it wouldn't get in the way of the play, Mr. Zachs was happy to provide the venue.
The basic idea was to get some listeners who had always wanted to be on Broadway to call in to the Imus Show. They'd audition to be at the studio that Friday for the pre-audition to the 'real' audition. This was to be held at the St. James Theater the following week with Jerry Zachs playing “The Director”.
My friend Mike called me and said I should try-out for this. “But I don't even have a phone on my boat,” I replied. “I'd have to get up at three in the morning, drive down to the phone booth at the marina, and stand in the cold and rain. I'd probably freeze to death just trying to get through. Even if I did, I can't afford to fly to New York right now, anyway!”
“Gee,” Mike kept at it. “Its too bad you can't stay with somebody in town.”
“Well, now that you mention it, my brother is in Portland this week. I could stay with him, but I still can't afford a tick...hmmm. You know, he flies a lot. I wonder if he has any frequent flier miles saved up?”
“Why don't you call him and find out? I really think you should try out for this.” Mike had a gentle but relentless way about him.
“OK, I'll give him a call.” I knew he had me. Shamed me into it. If I didn't at least try it would disappoint him.
I called my brother Jesse. He had a ticket! Now all I had to do was win the phone-line lottery. If only one out of a thousand people listening to the show tried to call in, it would mean that I would be one of about 10-15 thousand vying for a slot.
Even if I did get through I would have to be good enough to make the cut. In the three days of calls so far, only one caller had made it.
I woke up at 2:00AM, drank a pot of coffee, went to pee three or four times, and started dialing the show at 2:45, standing on the balcony chain-smoking menthols.
I made another pot of coffee, drank it, ran back and forth to the bathroom a dozen more times, hitting re-dial hundreds of times.
I developed a massive case of double phone-ear, chain-smoked more menthols for another three and a half hours in the chill night air, hitting re-dial again and again.
Long story short: I got through, did a quick Joe Cocker impression over the phone, and made the cut!
Fifteen minutes later I was on my way to the airport. Made it with two minutes to spare. I had the only copy of my just-recorded CD with me.
First thing I did at the WFAN studio was find the engineer, and have him make a “radio cart” of my song, Leather Whips and Rubber Underwear.
I then took the cart, tackled the show's producer during a break and practically begged him to PLEASE give it a listen. He did.
Imus played it, and everybody fell down laughing. I was in!
A week later I was onstage in front of a packed Broadway theater.
This is what it sounded like...
Have a question for Hog Whitman? Please leave a reply in the comments, below.
Have a success story of your own to share? Please write a short version and post it at sivers.org/ss.
awesome job, hog! Keep us all posted if this gets you more success.
Derek,
Who cares about the success when it's on this racist, sexist, and bigot's show. Remember Rutgers?
what does he say at 3:16?
The only long-shot guaranteed not to succeed is the one not attempted.
When Don Imus was on AM radio in New York he reportedly enjoyed a series of radio ads I was in that aired during his show. One day I'm hoping that will come in handy!
Does it matter that Imus is a foul-mouthed racist? People who have worked with him know this, and did long before the women's basketball incident. I would not want to be associated with him in any way.
I would not be all that excited about being on a show with Mr. Imus, who has proved himself to be a callus and race-baiting voice on radio. Really, 'success' isn't just about millions and numbers and celebrity and dollars.
That is priceless, I can't stop laughing. I'll probably never forget that song, unfortunetly,ha,ha ,oh it hurts.
Island Frank
There used to be a saying to the effect that all press is good press, but there's a reason people don't say it anymore, and Imus is a pretty good example.
But, I would be curious to know what happened *after* the show. What was the follow up? Change in sales numbers, fan base...?
When I hear a gimmicky song like this it brings to mind the comparison between professional wrestling and the entertainment/music business.
With the possible exception of a symphony player, being great at your instrument means absolutely nothing in this business.
But write crap like "don't break my heart, my achy, breaky heart" and you are an instant billionaire; a billionaire with no talent.
Same thing in professional wrestling: The most outlandish, crazy gimmicks like having midgets go at it in mid-ring sells tickets.
Maybe the question, as it applies to music, should be: Is it necessary to be good to be successful?
NAH!
Derek,
I like your own sucess story better, since you are serving other musicians rather than just yourself. If it wasn't for your creation of cd baby, even less people would have heard of me!
Thanks!
Great moment and great story! There's a lot of fun happening on this take!
The lesson: If one doesn't try, the answer is always, "no".
Go get 'em cousin!
Whitman's always Win!
Rejyna Whitman
I like that Hog had a limited time/ window of opportunity and went for it all the way.
Great story! Miracles happen with intentions!!!!!!!!
That is so frickin cool. You gotta be innovative in this frickin world. Hog You are my God!
Derek ~
I think it's wonderful the way you continue to support musicians, post CDBaby. I know there are some that have a problem with Hog appearing on Imus' show; however, making an appearance somewhere doesn't necessarily mean that you agree with everything everybody says or believes...or most of us would have very few venues to perform in. Peace, Michele
and then what happened? did he get some money or some deal after it?
Hmm. "details that other musicians can use"? Other than the Carpe diem aspect, I don't think so. This kind of success story is akin to "Wanna be rich? Just pick 6 numbers...". Yes, seizing an opportunity is very important, but not a sound business plan that one can take to the bank. Or am I just being an old grouch? My question is: Should one let the lure of 15 million listeners override one's finer principals? Easy for me to say - I do not depend on music for a living.
Hey Derek
Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Here we have a performer, writer and musician with a dream that instead of waiting for success to come to him, had the drive and follow through to make something happen. Good for you Hog!
Most importantly, I challenge any of you who took the time to spew negativity on this forum to really check yourself and ask what are you really accomplishing by highlighting what you feel is so wrong with how he went about obtaining exposure or even the content of his song? I'm not saying you don't have the right; I'm just asking you to examine your intent.
I believe it was Derek's intent to share a story about what can be achieved when one puts their mind to achieving it and how so, plain and simple.
While I don't know Hog, it would seem to me a waste of his time to go through all he did, just to glorify the opinions of the show and it's host. In other words, lighten up! Hog, like any other person in business just took a chance and quite a few steps to gain more exposure so it could perhaps help him keep doing what he obviously loves to do.
As for saying he has no talent as some of you have. Well that's our opinion, but again, what good is it doing to write this here, when the spirit of Dereks post is so positive. We all have opinions about what's good or bad, but if you're not being constructive, in my opinion, you're just puffing up your own chest. These kinds of negative off target replies say way more about the poster then who they're directed at.
Have some compassion people! Be happy for a fellow musician who got out there and did something which I'm sure to him was quite exciting and wonderful!
Thanks again Derek!
Shine on!
a girl named jaen (wink);p
While searching iTunes for songs for his movie JUNO, the director, Jason Reitman, stumbled across my original song "All I Want is You" from my 1977 recording for kids.
He was looking for a song called "You Are the One I Want" but he mistyped !!!
The song appears over the animation credits and is also the first song on the soundtrack recording which won a Grammy Award and sold over a million copies.
Until CDbaby put my songs on iTunes, people could never find my music.
Life is funny, eh?
Thanks for the fun and inspiring post. Now let's all get out there and hit the phones. Coffee is for closers! ;)
I think the take-home message on this example is tat we have a musician who does what he does, found a venue/conduit to interact with an audience who can appreciate what he does, and took advantage of that opportunity. It would be great to know the answer to the question of the effectiveness/outcome of his effort. But that's not really as important to the discussion as the fact that he did what he did for the exposure. The key element in this whole thing is there are certain people/perspectives/genres that have more facilitated access to publicity through "mainstream channels". These will of course cater to the most common denominator which unfortunately for musicians means the average individual with no musical background or training. One can only assume/hope the example individual has the resources in place to capitalize on his 10 minutes of fame.
Racist comments aside, there is a lesson here about persistence that reminds me of a quote by former American President, Calvin Coolidge: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
The recording via the radio via the internet was so poor I couldn't really hear the lyrics. So I can't really tell much about the story or punch lines. What I could hear though was that aside from the buried lead vocal the production was nice especially the backing vocals. The song is right up Imus's alley and that's exactly where it should have been debuted. Derek I think is not suggesting that Don Imus is a launch pad for songwriters, what I think he is saying is that when you put your mind to something, and follow through and advocate for yourself it's better than sitting around hoping that someone shows up for your coffee house gig or finds you on Myspace. And it helps when you have nothing to lose or at least the "nothing to lose" attitude. Congrats to Hog and his persistence and thanks to Derek for sharing his story. PS Is Imus still on the air?
This may be some sort of a success story, but to me, it has little to do with music or any kind of art. I admire the guy`s spunk and determination, but this so called "music" I categorize under something like "... appealing to the lowest common denominator...". Listening to it, I can`t tell if he`s a musician or not, but the tune reminds me of the New Yorker cartoon where the guy in the recording studio says to the band jamming, "...it sounds good guys, but let`s try it one more time, with more focus on originality, dynamics, etc...etc...". In other words, it sucked. But, I suppose Derek`s point is, never give up, promote to the fullest what you believe in, grab with gusto opportunities like this without letting your mind stop you, don`t take yourself too seriously, never underestimate the ignorance of the American public, and... people can make money in all sorts of surprising ways. It is not, in my opinion, encouraging to anyone interested in fine art or anyone embarking on serious studies of music as an art form. The story belongs in a business/marketing/promo course, such as KFC`s founders` tireless efforts in the beginning to sell his chix recipe, or the "success" of the pet rock!
What's up with all these "racist" accusations? Don Imus is the least racist person in the world. Except that some opportunistic activists convinced a large number of less-intelligent people to the contrary.
I, as did Imus, live in a very integrated neighborhood. And we don't have the superstitions and paranoias that some of you white suburban weenies have. We live the life here -- together.
Alan
Imus is not a racist and I guess we just ignore the Imus ranch for kids with cancer, he made a stupid comment for which he apolgized a million times over, come on what ever happened to sticks and stones????
What a person does, and how they do it, is as important as what they accomplish in the end. Ends do not justify means.
It's crappily noisy, crappily country. And yet, I'm not American, ain't I? Neither am I French!
So, I will need 2 understand this, 'racist' word all over is about, as country music does not enter my category of musicality.
But thanx 2 Derek anyway.
Cheers,
Henry.
www.iTunes.com/henrysoul
Hog's relationship with Imus is irrelevant, racist or not; this is about Derek Sivers, his unique creative ability to present the essential dynamic philosophy that thrives in the societal, political, economical, and psychological arena always faced by musicians extremely passionate about sharing enlightenment and perspective in the interpretation of a graceful powerful encounter at the highest possible level involved in the accomplishment of the artistic process, itself. Veni, Vidi, Vici.
Thank you, Derek. And, I do think that your success story is one of the greatest!
Peace,
David A. Boyington
Radio Producer
Oh! BTW, is Enos -Elvis's brother ..., or Imus?
Proof that the lucky ones try damn hard -- and they're good.
Jeff
sometimes the more outrageous works! Go for it... you have my vote.
Thanks for sending this to me...
Hugs, A
Reading the comments here just confirms to me what a bunch of jealous and snotty bunch musicians can be. What sour grapes that is claiming that Imus is racist so who would be on his show. ye bloody hypocrites, like you wouldn't have leaped at the same chance if given, yet it was not given, it was earned. The man had to drag his ass out of bed at an ungodly hour and dial and dial again, and yes, perhaps a little luck played into him getting through on the line, but only a small part as it was his action and determination that resulted in his apprearance on the Imus Show. How many of you jealous wanna be's have taken any action lately in furthering your careers other than lazily posting on myspace or replying to blogs like this, hoping that someone reads it and sais 'wow, this cat is awesome, I'm gonna check out his/her website and sign him/her to a gazillion dollar record deal.
I know first hand the jealousy and backstabbing snottiness that so called fellow artists are capable of dumping on you when you have a major success. I was on a network reality show a year ago, which featured my music, and to this day I am still getting shit from it. stupid ass comments like "why did ya do that?" and "would you do it again..? I wouldn't." "Thank's, but I didn't ask your opinion a____hole",I reply to them in my mind, and I am sure Hog could give a rat's ass about any of you who sit and judge this man who at least took some action and put it on the line as you slept. One thing I have learned ,and most likely Hog to, to satisfy those who posted 'but what was the follow up...cd sales etc etc" is that a one time appearance on television or radio does not really translate to album sales, especially in today's abysmal climate where cd sales are down 50% and most people, fellow musicians, and even so called friends and family would just assume wait to be handed their free copy or download it illegaly.
I was on a national radio show a couple weeks ago and sold two albums, and that was not because it wasn't good. If it sucked then WGN Radio in Chicago would not have had me on. The disgusting reality is that hardly anyone is buying the damn things anymore, as economics and a paradim shift of the industry is playing a major part, but I also feel strongly that the overpopulated glut of musicians who's only hope of ever being heard or seen remanins in the internet, and the avalanche of cds being released, 5,000 a week, have cheapened music and crashed the value. My hope is that those of you who can only piss and moan at Hog Whitman because "he was on a racist show" or because it's a "silly novelty song" or because "bla bla bla " would go back to flipping burgers and leave the trenches and bloody ring of the music business to those like Hog, who instead of sitting around sucking air make something happen.
It's the American way.
Success is persitence,talent,oppurtunity,the stars aligning ..and a lot of emails.Thanks for another great read Derek!
The recording didn't come through
plain enough for me to understand the lyrics. I knew it must be funny because there was so much laughter. It was a nice melody and
I liked the way he kinda half talked and half sang the words. I believe from what I heard he has an interesting voice, wrote a special melody and the lyrics had
to be funny there was so much laughter.
I'm glad this was fun, but did it really help this guy's career? This happened in 1996, and I've still never heard mention of this guy. As an indie musician on the road for the last 18 years, I've seen tons of bands get a little flash in the pan for something like this, or a radio contest of some kind to win a big opening spot at a festival(usually a 3pm opener on a side stage playing for no one)or a record deal, but it doesn't ever really seem to help the band that much in the long run. Maybe I'm wrong in this case (and I hope Hog is famous and I just haven't heard), but I'm almost sure the money and time spent to do this show could have been better spent developing the home town crowd. Wes
great 4 u hog! Your story hopefully will inspire many artist!Screw the haters there will always be.15 million listeners is simply a feat that 99.9% of musicians/artist will never achieve,including myself.Those who knock determination only posses the determination to knock determination..Therefore most of their lives are spent chasing their own tales.Rock on!
disgusting song, disgusting imus
i liked it.
not as wonderful as howard stern's
show but who is.
kudos to hog for his determination,
perhaps he can duet with the naked cowboy.
bright ways & musical brights
ian
I like the whole boat to stage transition
Also, the recording quality was so poor, who would run out abuy this album based on that recording. Once again, not trying to be negative, but so many people (record companies, radio stations, etc) are always talking bands into doing this kind of thing that gives them content for their radio shows or whatever, and the band doesn't get paid or see any real benefit. Question: was the bands website listed on Imus' website?, was it mentioned on the show?, etc. Without making sure you really are going to see some benefit, why are you jumping through hoops for someone else's paycheck? Just a thought...Wes
to quote a famous author "most people don't know the difference between success and excellence".
that being said, this a comedy song. the sole purpuose being to make people laugh. it worked for me. excellent, hog. thank you.
I liked Barry's comment, #21.
Not living in America I'm not familiar with this show but I always like hearing stories of independent artists getting a break of any kind.
Opportunities is always knocking. Thanks Derek for sharing this great story.
real ratings? and imus off of tv
Imus Audience Slips in New York. But He Still Packs a Punch ...Apr 27, 2005 ... The recent Arbitron ratings, if you find them reliable (and many don't) show Imus ... Imus's show, while politically charged, skews neither right nor left, ... in Washington who doesn't listen to Imus or watch him on TV,” says CBS ... Imus In The Morning, reaches about 3.25 million radio listeners a ...
www.businessweek.com/the_thread/.../imus_audience_s.html - Cached - Similar
Radio host Don Imus to end weekday simulcast on cable's RFD-TV ...Aug 26, 2009 ... Radio host Don Imus to end simulcast on RFD-TVNEW YORK — Don Imus and the RFD ... they've mutually agreed to end the TV simulcast of Imus' weekday radio talk show. ... And on top of all that, his ratings are slipping. ...
beautiful story! when an artist really in his art, his pre-financial status is really like that...
sometimes i nearly forget about outside, while very closed to the exit door - a beautiful place to making music..
you got into the inner heaven first.., he touched..
Girl named Jaen, you say we should 'examine our intent,' those of us here who took issue with the idea that doing anything for five minutes of fake fame is not so great. My intent: in a culture where those who make millions are worshiped only because they make money - NOT because they help people or make the world a more beautiful place - in a culture where people claim that it is okay to be on some nasty racist's radio show in order to get exposure and that that does not 'mean anything,' in a culture where 'not meaning anything' is considered reasonable - yes in that culture which we are steeped in, surrounded by, I need to be vocal and remind myself and others that there are other reasons to live and make music - like staying alive spiritually, like saying something that means something, like being positive and just towards other people. Yes, these things need to be said because the other point of view is EVERYWHERE ALL the time and I don't want to die inside. That is my intent.
When was this? How's Hog's career going?
I see, '96.
How's Hog's career going?
He swiped the melody from 'The Rose' by the way. But how original can you get ascending and descending the major scale one note at a time, over a I/IV/V progression, anyway? Hog's lyrics were original, I'll give him that.
Nappy-headed ho's comment aside (which I agree was a terrible thing for some rich white guy to say about a bunch of young black women), I always thought Imus was funny. Growing up in NYC, I listened to him every morning for years. He used to do this white radio preacher The Rt. Rev Billy Saul Hargis. . He was hilarious. This was years before Pat Robertson.
These "shock jocks" are paid to be shocking. Imus screwed up and crossed the line, but his job is to be as offensive as possible all the time. We pay these people to make us laugh at inappropriate things but then get all pitchfork-and-torches when they go too far. Imagine if you were paid to write funny songs about copulation but couldn't use the f word. Oops, one day you slip and use it. Rush Limbaugh says far worse things on his show every day and yet no one can dislodge Porky from his pigpen (to coin a phrase).
Anyway, it's a great story about the power of persistence and Hog's chutzpah. Thanks Derek for sharing it and thanks Hog lol funny tune.
Can anyone spot the winner of the "I am a self rightous artsy fartsy artist" award? Clue: Just a few comments above this one. Only confirms my previous post earlier about jealous & self centered musicians.
There are several things about some of these posts that astound me, but one in particular...how quickly some of these people are to judge and write this guy off based on ONE of his works. And the questions about cd sales, follow up, "did he get a deal", etc. Would he have improved his chances to get any of these things if he hadn't tried at all?
In addition, who in the heck would want to share their success story given the self righteous tone of some of these posts from the "serious musicians" among us?
Tutti cercano il successo,tutti lo desiderano,tutti lo vogliono prendere, afferrare,ma il successo non vuole tutti,e va solo da chi deve andare e per questo nulla possiamo fare.
Well, I don't know Derek's mind on this but I thought the guy went from "I can't" to "I did it" with a lot of drama in between.
Doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. I guess we could all wear ties and go sit in a cubicle somewhere instead.
As for his song and his principles, I don't know them. He doesn't discuss them. I know Imus apologized and frankly, I couldn't care less if a DJ offered me a shot to play on his show and I was pretty sure he wasn't going to take a bite out of me while doing it, I'd be there.
Musicians can't be heard if we don't get to places where that will happen. Hog is an example of someone who was prepared (he had a brand new cd available), he was willing to take a chance, he persisted and he won the day. The end. What happened since then is a mystery. If he's part of the Whitman clan (including Slim), he's gonna be around for a while. Might not be a shining star but then, no one here who's complaining about his politics or ethics is one either.
Be a professional. Hush up. Listen. Learn a little. It won't hurt.
Thanks for this (again), Derek. Also for the advice earlier in the week. Sent an email, no response so we'll see where it goes.
Thanks also for CDBaby and for your continued strong advocacy for indie musicians. You're a mighty influence.
Your friend,
Nita
success is different things to different people. I felt pretty successful the first time I put a song together and it sounded pretty good, but it just fell together from my never ending binging(jamming solo) around on my guitar.I have always followed music as an artist(blues, r&b,)and I moved to Calif,New York then to Macon Ga to play and be around the greats like Otis R and James B, always starving and hangin by a thread, sometimes because I made poor choices.But I kept playing and binging around on my guitar making up songs.Years later in Florida I got a call from friend Willie Royal(violin Willie and Lobo)and he had signed a record deal for his first record and needed some songs. I got with Willie and played him some of my songs and he liked them and when they started recording in Atlanta they invited me to come and play. I had to pay my way. I started playing in the session and after awhile the producer pulled me aside and said he liked my songs and thought I had a style and asked had I ever thought about making a record.He told me to make a demo.I went back to florida and with a few thousand dollars I had saved up made a demo with a friend. The company offered me a record deal.My first record got on most of the jazz stations and made it to about #12 on the radio charts around the country. Then I got signed to a bigger label out of Japan and made it to #4 on Japans billboard. I eventually recorded for 3 different labels signing 4 different record deals. I'm indie now and having trouble getting airplay on the same stations I use to do station ID's for.But nothing has changed I'm still binging around on the guitar following music as an art, trying my best always and hoping that I can pay rent next month and feed my kids. Keep playing keep trying and never give up.Tap into your heart and soul, get a good additude,appreciate every moment. Binging around on the guitar developed my creativity for making up songs which led to a record deal. When the door opened I took advantage of the opportunity even though I had to spend my own money, I went for it and it payed off. Sometimes it doesn't, but you have to go out on a limb sometimes and try, other wise you spend your life wondering what if. If you fail you fail trying and in away that makes you successful.
Hi Derek,
First of all Hog should be very proud of himself because despite the obvious obstacles he knew he’d encountered, he came out on top and got airplay for his work. On top of that, who doesn’t want something funny to laugh at? The only thing that stood out to me was that he didn’t seem to want to try at first and his friend had to motivate him. I believe despite what we think may happen, its’ always better to try then later regret not trying and wondering what could have happened.
Furthermore, this incident with his friend just goes to show how opportunities come from the unlikely of sources, and demonstrates one’s own personal “network” and who or where it could lead to.
In addition, this was a creative and unique opportunity. Many artists are coming up with numerous ways of getting their music played or getting their name out there. For example, house concerts or artists who let their fans put a price on their music when downloading. This shows how one needs to think outside the box in order to stand out. Kudos to him…again.
Last, persistence is what Hog needs to work on. I know at times, it seems like the world is literally on our shoulders but despite this feeling, torment, etc., we can’t stop. There’s a saying and I’m sure you’ve heard of it: “what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Now I’ve gone through my fair share of pain and heartache (just like the rest of us have) and till this day I still sit and wonder “how in the world did I make it this far?” If you knew my life story, you would ask too.
Overall, Hog was very fortunate to have a friend to encourage him and grant him this opportunity but he still needs to be open to opportunities and continue to try. Trying never hurt anyone.
LOVELY STORY, THANKS DEREK. BUT THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS COMMENTS ABOVE FROM ALL THE JEALOUS PEOPLE (WHO WOULD, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, HAVE JUMPED AT THE CHANCE OF BEING ON THE SHOW), MAKE ME ASHAMED TO CALL MYSELF A MUSICIAN.
the things we do for fame...?
I'm a Brit and have never heard of any of these people or this radio station.
I think that calling people that have made negative comments, jealous or snotty is a little small minded.
I did find it a shame that after a great story the payoff was a run of the mill novelty song.
Yes, I am self righteous, bite me!
Derek,
I loved Hog's story.He was driven with tenacity and--that song "Leather whip" it's got a ring to it.Goodluck to you Hog.
Pete
Mike and Kevin above nailed it. Mike, yes,I too would be ashamed to call myself a musician reading the little girlish bitch tirades here. That is why I don't, but prefer the title singer songwriter or entertainer. This blog only confirms to me what an imature and backstabbing lot musicians can be. Not unlike the chicks at the beauty queen shows who sabatoge their rivals backstage. And Kevin, yes, agreed. Who the hell would want their own success story published here just to be gang banged by these self rightous and jealous nobodies who can only pick at the sour grapes and cry "boo hoo hoo, since it didn't happen to me I'm going to nit pick his song and the way he got it on the air through that bad old meanie racist Imus."
Give me a break. I don't know why people like Derek even want to help musicians because so many of them are just backstabbing a___holes. I encourage all you pathetic musicians, the ones here who posted your hissy fit rants judging Hog and his intentions, as if someone annointed you God, to post your own success stories. Then go back to flipping burgers and get the hell out of the way so those of us in the tenches taking chances and putting it on the line can do so without being judged and stoned.
Congratulations Hog
Onwards & upwards.....
i read every response-even though so many were annoying and small minded. if you people judging only knew the twisted, long, surprising and unusual road it took me and others to find some success in this business--oh thats right-most of you armchair quarterbacks know nothing about success and persistence as an artist. and all the morons claiming some fairly tame shock jock is some hideous monster-how small of you. as a matter of fact-if YOU were to write a silly novelty song-isnt Imus' show the "perfect" place for it to be heard. its like a bunch of people here debating the fruit growing on a tree when we should just applaud the person who planted it in the first place. hog is not the perfect example of persistence paying off-but he is a reminder that if you dont try-absolutely nothing will happen. take away the notion that persistence pays off from this story-and then act on it and you will have gotten what derek was after.....and pete berwick-we should know each other!
You know what?!?!?!? Nothing beats a failure but a try!!! I am an artist of color and could care less about Imus and/or his personal convictions. if I had an opportunity to reach 15 million listeners on his show, I would be a fool not to jump at it! Kudo's Hog! Opportunity does not always knock . . . I am glad you answered it when it did!!
lololol. ok then what happened...
i thought of something else!
"musician" gigs are UNDER the stage in the orchestra pit. any gig that is ON the stage, i'm an entertainer.
Roger Adler, I love ya buddy, there's nothing I can add to your brilliant spanking of so many of these self rightous snobs who posted their little jealous tirades.
Derek, thanks as always for rousing the troops. Hog did good and Don Imus has always dealt in " Inspired profanities and creative ethnic slurs". Hog took his chance just as you did with cdbaby. Good on both of you, and keep the posts coming.
Great story
this story is not about someone that reached THE destination, but a fun attraction along the journey.
"Every moment is the opportunity of a lifetime!"
Blessings,
Rich Baumann
I don't care who Imus is! What I'm hearing is, to be ready to lose sleep, make coffee, leave the marina make some maybe awkward calls/requests and then tackle the producer (or equivalent set of difficult tasks), to get what you want. Oh, and it would help to have an act to deliver. And it doesn't hurt to be friendly and get to know people because everyone can help someone at some point(maybe). I like it.
For everyone who wondered, you can see what Hog is up to at his site (amazing what typing a name and .com after will find sometimes.)
http://hogwhitman.com
Sorry I didn't make that more obvious. I made his name clickable in the top line of the story, but forgot to include a separate “CLICK HERE” kind of thing. So thanks for including that! -- Derek
One parting shot from me to all the "artists". Writing and effectively performing a good novelty song IS an art. Every line must count, not be too "inside" and the comedic timing has to be on. Hog delivered on all counts.
Hog's story points out how you have to "bring the whole package" when seeking the opportunity. If he would have gotten through on the phone and just sounded like a desperate musician wanting to get air play, he would have simple been passed over. Hog utilized humor and impersonation to disarm producers of his true intent. We should learn to throw the off speed curve ball, think quick on our feet and when the time is right don't be afraid to beg with dignity. Build a relationship then ask a favor. Other than the music, what else do we bring to the table. Hog embodies charm, wit, determination and always being prepared with your demo close at hand.
awesome! i appreciate your doggedness! I think of all the indie success stories I've read, the common denominators, are persistence, staying in the game, and showing up. there's no set formula. you can't just go and do what Amber Rubarth did, or the guy who did the United Breaks Guitars song, or anyone else, that's their schtick. I can learn from, and be inspired by therse stories, and if I stay in the game, and pay attention, watching for opportunity, I might end up in the spotlight like Hog!
I would not have done it! I am not to crazy about things like this! I say just go out and play the clubs! Rock em! If your good enought people will hear about you! If not don't wast your time on shows like this!
Most battle of the bands are riged in my opinion so I don't enter those either! Its just a good way for the people putting these things on to get some free entertainment! lol
Hi there, Hog Whitman here. I'd like to thank Derek for posting this and for all the [ahem...] nice comments. You know who you are.
I'd like to point out that this is just a small part of the story. The benefits of this experience would take quite a while to go into, but to anyone who wants to know how much money I made, I would urge you to buy the CD or download so I can add that purchase to the total income, including the five CD's my mom bought (don't worry... I gave her a discount).
Anyway, this was a one-off thing and is unlikely to ever happen to anyone ever again, but fortune favors the prepared. If nothing else, I hope that's the message that some of you take away from this and use it to your advantage.
See you in the cheap seats!
Hog Whitman
I gave one internet
radio my permission to use and it took on life of its own; I sold lot
of CDs.
So yes I can see this being very useful tool.
That's exactly the same kind of insane determination and persistance that we all need to have about our own music. Success does not come easy in this business and Hog has demonstrated that here.
---Mac Jeff
Damn it. Do I really need to start smoking again?
Right time, right place, right state of mind, when opportunity knocks, HELL YEAH, open the door!
Yes, Yes, YES! I think the perfect point of brilliance shone through in merely one, out of all of these posts. It came from Gen Berthhault, who may have just a sneak-peek into the very answer to the way the Universe can work sometimes. She simply said; "And it doesn't hurt to be friendly and to get to know people because... *Everyone Can Help Someone At Some Point!!!*"
No maybes about it, this is the simplest, most basic thing that I think we are all missing here. If we help, not hurt, not backstab, not allow jealousy to enter the creative process here (no matter what kind of creativity that may be... there are many, many forms of "art" out there!), but simply do NICE, positive things for each other in the belief that it can only help us in return, (it will!) we can learn a whole lot by simply doing something good for someone else.
Doing this good thing for someone else, anyone else, everyone else that we can in the music business here, will have an effect on us all. Even one small example could prove my theory, I'll bet, but imagine if this does indeed work, well, just imagine it. People all over the musical workd might start prospering, instead of suffering. I do not think that we need to suffer or starve to be good artists, or to proove ourselves, and I think that that is a misconception that needs to be changed. By US. I think we need to change the way we think about success, and to let go of all of the fears attached to it, and the money that can be attached to it, as well. We seem to connectively think that money is a BAD thing in the world of true music! That it is "selling out" to be great, and financially well-off, from it. I believe, if you do a LOT of nice things for others in the music business, then you just may have a lot of that returned to you, in the form of positive musical energy.
Just a thought.
I'm going to try it! I challenge you to, as well, and let me know (and let Derek know, too, he can reach a lot more people than I can alone, though I'll try my best) how this works for you! Blessings to all, and good luck on your musical path. Beltana Spellsinger
P.S... I forgot to thank both Derek AND Hog, for starting this necessary discussion! Thank you!
I love this story for lots of reasons:
1. It inspired lots of thought-provoking posts!
2. It points out that there is more to "success" than getting on a radio show with ... er ... Imus? (who, by the way, perhaps wasn't so famously a racist thug back in 1996)
3. We got to catch up with Hog, who sounds down-to-earth and real and has a nice Mum who bought FIVE of his CDs -- proving that being heard by a million listeners brings real results! Hooray!
P.S. Yes, let me add my thanks to the chorus of grateful people who got on to itunes before having a label. BECAUSE OF CDBABY. Plus, this is one of the most interesting forums on music around!
The majority of people here seem to have missed the point of Derek's post. Remember - it's called "How Hog Whitman got heard by 15 million people".
It's not a post about what music is good, whether "poorly-written" music deserves a chance to be heard (I admit I think the song was pretty stupid - I didn't find any of it to be humorous or cleverly written or deserving of an audience, but to each his own), or whether or not a chance for exposure should be taken even if it means compromising some moral stand. This show is from 1996, long before Imus got in trouble because of the Rutgers comment. Chances are that Hog had no idea what Imus' beliefs were at the time. I didn't even know who Imus was until the racism news broke a few years ago.
While I may agree with some of the points made on these fronts, the post itself is not about those issues.
Wow, amazing story...cute song...I wonder how many mainstream country stations might pick up the song
...
The back up singers are priceless!!
Quite an amusing and interesting story and enjoyable at the same time.....laughter is important!
another example of how persistence will get you somewhere.
TerribleTim got on America's got talent and they broadcasted this 3 second piece from the audition room on the show in front of 17.2 million people.
I got buzzed off of the stage at the ACTUAL audition because I got on David Hasselhoff and Sharon osbourne's nerves. They never even gave me a chance to fire off one note of my song. No love. see youtube clip though,i edited it slightly for my public acces tv show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEZ1q5Y3qm4
No comment; other than to say it was sheer genius of him to hang on to first name-really!
Hi Derek:Maybe you've heard this;There was a man shipwrecked on a small island. He prayed every day for a ship to come, and save him. One day a boat was passing, but he thought God's gonna send me a ship, so he didn't take the boat,and he died on the island! We should make the best of opportunity,or create opportunity the best we can. Always!
I "met" Hog Whitman online six years ago and continue to visit his website every now and then. He's a little crude with his humor, but he's also very intelligent and thoughtful about what he does. I'm happy for him that he got this opportunity in 1996 and hope he finds (and makes) more such inroads.
I've still never met him in person, but I'm glad I crossed web paths with him years ago and continue to do so now.
--Dom