I feel it’s important to remind ourselves as songwriters that a song’s quality – like any art – is subjective. Ultimately, time and the long view will provide a clearer perspective on whether your work is solid. Even the most successful songwriters face a lot of rejection and an almost endless supply of others’ opinions.
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As a longtime songwriter and – often specifically a lyricist – I’ve had a chance to observe why and how lyrics work. While it’s obvious that the words can tell a story or create a mood, what’s less obvious is what happens when you take a step back and look at the role of the
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I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Professional demos aren’t cheap. Part of the business of songwriting has been – and always will be – presenting your songs in the best possible light for the music industry decision makers. These folks are used to hearing – and expect to hear – high quality recordings of the
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Writing songs is a solitary exercise and, early on, it’s hard to have a sense as to whether or not your songs are working. Song critiques by either your musical peers or industry professionals can be a great way to gain additional insight into how your songs are coming across. The blessing and the curse
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Sooner or later we all need help in our songwriting careers. Generally, the earlier you are in your journey, the more help you’ll need but I’m twenty-five years in and still need a hand from time to time. The key is not in avoiding help but, rather, in knowing how to ask for help and
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In almost all instances, we begin songwriting as a solitary pursuit fueled by some mystical combination of inspiration and necessity. And while important, the solitary nature of the work can also leave us hungry for a connection for both ourselves and our songs. It’s these relationships that help us grow and mature as writers and
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One of the seeming ironies of the music business is that we’re told music publishers are constantly looking for great songs but, at the same time, most major music publishers have a policy of NOT accepting unsolicited material. As an up and coming songwriter, this can seem at the very least confusing and worse yet,
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So let’s say you’re a lyricist who has lots of great song ideas but no melodies to hang them on. Or, let’s say, you’re an experienced musician and vocalist but can’t imagine putting words to any of your melodies. Songwriting collaboration in these – and many other – instances can be the ideal solution. The
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I’d like to introduce you to Julliard trained composer, conductor, string arranger and music publisher, Dan Coleman. Dan is the co-founder of Modern Works Music Publishing which he started in 1999. Dan has also spoken on music publishing and copyright matters for BMI, Harvard and MIT among others. His commentary below is well worth your
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Songwriting – like any art – requires at least a certain amount of inspiration. However, the more you write the more often inspiration isn’t as available as you’d like it to be. Occasionally, inspiration can appear to run completely dry. When you find yourself heading toward or already in that situation, there are multiple ways
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The former National Director of Events for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and an exceptional songwriter and artist in his own right, David Petrelli, has put down a few thoughts for songwriters headed to Nashville for a visit. _____ Nashville, TN is home to the most talented and successful songsmiths in the world. But
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I’m what you might call an extroverted introvert. The short version of what that means is that I enjoy being around people but it takes energy for me to do it. I recharge when I’m home and away from the hubbub of the music cities and industry events. I’m telling you this because for my
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