AMERICAN SONGWRITER - RICHARD 'SANDY' HAMILTON / EIGHTY THREE (Yes, 83) and celebrating 66 years of songwriting. I wrote my first song when I was 17 and we used it in my first rock/R&B band, 'The Saharas' out of Tacoma, WA. I was a drummer and vocalist in many bands over the early years.
All songs are originals except 'Killing Me Softly' and the updated version of 'The new Jingle Bells'. I am basically a songwriter and demo producer. All songs in my list are demo's except for 'Another Lonely Christmas' and the children's Christmas album, 'A Sleigh Ride With Santa'.
I only existed well in this world when surrounded by music. Got into radio (D.J., Music Director, Program Director, Production Director) and made a career of it....mostly Seattle music stations. I consulted recorded music clubs in the Northwest U.S. and Canada. All those working years, I was known as the music advocate at every station and club. Often served as Music Director as well as full-time D.J. in major radio markets. But, in the background I wrote songs nearly my entire life. I tried my hand with a couple of Internet Businesses, mostly Christmas oriented....and kept writing songs. A few years ago after fulfilling a long-time goal of being a professional 'Santa', I decided to follow my real dream, my real purpose and focused on being a professional songwriter. I enjoyed several later years being a professional Santa. And because of demo recordings and performing my songs live, I sort of grew as a singer but still consider myself basically a songwriter.
Like so many of us on Reverb Nation, I built a home studio and learned how to do the whole thing myself...occasionally hiring professional musicians and singers to come in and help out. Because of writing through the years I have a very large catalog of Adult Contemporary, Country, Americana and children's Christmas songs. I like to think I can count nearly 50 'marketable' songs in my bag. Hundreds of additional songs-in-waiting...some finished...others started. I've studied the business...listened to everyone....checked out almost every genre. Learning everything I could learn about writing and producing meaningful and effective songs. Needless to say, I've had a great time....meeting lots of people. I'm still completely focused on getting my songs to the right artist, producer, label, publishing company.....trying to open that Industry door to get published before it's too late, if you know what I mean.
I'm very happy you stopped by. If you are a Reverb Nation member, let me know and I'd love to hear what you are up to...what you are creating. After all, you know as well as I do this is our biggest addiction!! Not necessarily our ONLY one...hahaha.
