Sometimes it takes
something simple (like reading an article in a newspaper) that can
alter a life. That’s what happened to songwriting partners Karen
Soroca and Janet [Marie] Allocca of Danstar Productions after reading
a feature story on Rebecca Hulem (a.k.a. "The Menopause Expert") in
the March 11 Acorn.
The songwriting team known
as Soroca and Allocca believed that their most recent song, "Wise
Woman," which they co-wrote, was a perfect fit for the lessons
conveyed in Hulem’s book, "Feelin’ Hot." Hulem also teaches seminars
on the topic.
The songwriters sent a copy
of the song to Hulem and arranged for a meeting. Hulem listened to and
fell in love with the song.
"It gave me goose bumps,"
she said. Subsequently, the women signed a deal.
The song will now be
featured at Hulem’s seminars and in her lectures on compact discs.
"We're very excited about
this strategic alliance," said Allocca. "The song is a powerful anthem
for women that states, ‘You’re never too old to follow your heart.’"
The pair’s unique approach
to the music publishing business contains lessons about fusing
creativity with commerce.
The philosophy of Soroca
and Allocca is based upon three principles.
The first one is what
Soroca calls the "right livelihood." Individuals should ask
themselves, "What are you here for and what are you doing?" They
should follow their hearts and work where their talents and gifts are
needed. By doing this, the money will follow.
The second principle is
honing your craft or talent. Most people know that naturally gifted
artists are rare. Talent usually must be developed through training
and practice. Allocca said she spent years honing her craft––and it
eventually paid dividends.
The third and final
principle is thinking and looking "outside the box." Unlike many
songwriters whose sole goal is a billboard hit or major recording
contract, Soroca and Allocca thought outside the box by using niche
marketing.
"We look for interesting
projects and unique ways for our songs to be used," said Allocca.
While it would be thrilling if a popular artist performed one of their
songs, Soroca and Allocca remain open to all possibilities.
That philosophy has paid
off through the recent contract with Hulem but also in other business
deals. "Wise Woman" was featured as the underscore song in a
documentary film titled "Above and Beyond: One Hundred Years of Women
in Aviation" as part of the Air Force Centennial of Flight Exhibit
tour, which commenced last year at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington
National Cemetery.
The professional
backgrounds of Soroca and Allocca have certainly facilitated their
success. Allocca has been playing piano since she was 8. She
pursued her passion for music by earning a bachelor of arts degree [in
Theatre Arts] from prestigious Smith College and later earned a
master’s degree from Pace University.
Currently living in
Calabasas, Allocca moved to Los Angeles after graduating from college.
She embarked on a career in the entertainment industry.
She was a production
manager, organizing music videos for The Police (Sting’s former band),
Rod Stewart and Earth, Wind and Fire. Allocca went on to work as a
unit manager for ABC-TV. Her credits include "American Bandstand,"
"General Hospital," the Olympics and "Family Feud," among others.
While working on a radio
show for KIEV-AM in L.A., Allocca wrote the lyrics to the show’s theme
song ("Love Patrol".) This led to an epiphany––she realized that
writing lyrics was her passion. She began her new career in 1998 by
teaming up with Soroca.
Soroca, who lives in [San
Rafael], Calif., began singing and playing music when she was little.
She earned a degree in vocal music from Hofstra University and later a
master’s in choreography and dance from New York University.
Soroca sung professionally
on TV specials, in commercials, in films, and in studios and on
stages. She has also sung with choral groups (the San Francisco
Symphony Chorus, the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus and the Los Angles
Chamber Singers).
Her voice has been featured
in films such as "Scrooged," "The Addams Family," and most recently,
"Spy Kids."
In addition, she’s worked
as a singer on many TV shows (from soaps and morning shows to
Christmas specials).
Soroca and Allocca want to
share their success. They’re in the beginning stages of forming The
Wise Woman Foundation. It will, they said, provide scholarships for
older women wishing to return to school.
For more information, visit
www.danstarproductions.net.
The link to the Acorn
for this article is
http://www.theacorn.com/news/2004/0408/Community/035.html.