Today is my birthday and today I have a great deal to be thankful for. To have a long career in the music business is something I’m very proud of. These past 12 months have been an incredible journey and I want to acknowledge a few people that have made it a year to remember.

And I want to remind us all about something Derek says, It all starts with who you know and it’s our connections to each other in the world that make us.

Derek Sivers

Most of you know (and worship) Derek. The reason why is because you have probably met him, and because he has probably given you great advice on how to make your music career better (or better yet, he has written you a check for your music). Even though he’s not in charge at CD Baby anymore, what he created so lovingly and well lives on with his spirit intact.  But there’s a part of him you may not know.  He’s an impeccable friend.  When the phone rings it’s never “how are you?”  It’s always….  “Have you ever thought about what you would do if one day (fill in the impossible, and most thought-provoking question you can think of…)  Derek is always helping me push my limits as a creative entrepreneur  and my the re-invention of my business has a lot to do with him. Derek remains my sounding board in this business. On days when I get discouraged and think it all won’t fly couldn’t fly, he is my biggest cheerleader and thought provoker and idea generator.  Thanks D…

Millie Millgate

If I had to nominate the hardest working woman in the music business,  Millie gets my vote.  As the head of Sounds Australia , her job is to make sure all Australian artists who attend international music conferences (SXSW, CMJ, Liverpool Sound City, Great Escape etc.) have a platinum experience, and because of her they do.  Its so easy to go to a conference and get swallowed up by the overwhelming experience but Millie ensures that this won’t happen by  getting her charges connected to all of the right people to not only play in front but also meet and network with. She never stops thinking about how to make each conference better and more effective for artists, label owners and managers. Her book on how to tour Australia, where she covers every possibly angle and answers every possible question you may have is like everything she does detailed , meticulous, and impressive.  She inspires me when I watch her in action…. She graciously invited me to Australia last September, and introduced me to APRA who hosted a series of master classes, and I’m here now at Song Summit celebrating my birthday in gorgeous Sydney.