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 problem for many songwriters – especially those who don’t live in major music cities – is how and where to find your complementary songwriting match – or matches. For those of you ready to start co-writing and/or broaden your collaborator rolodex, I’ve put together some options below.
No matter where you live, there’s a high likelihood that there are at least a few cafes, restaurants or bars that host a regular songwriter night. Attending writer’s nights is a great way to not only get your existing songs out there but also to connect with other songwriters. It’s perfectly acceptable within the unwritten code of behavior to ask one of your songwriting peers whom you’ve just heard if they’d ever be up for collaborating. I’ve met some of my favorite co-writers that way. Be brave and your reward will come in the form of new collaborators and great songs.
These days, it’s an online world. Although I’ve always believed there’s nothing like a real-time collaboration in the same place, sometimes that’s just not a possibility. One of my favorite websites for pairing potential collaborators is SongwriterLink.com. Log in and start looking for your ideal co-writer.
Taking the time to attend a music conference is generally a good idea. That being said, one of the great resources that tends to get overlooked is your fellow conference attendees. While it’s always great to meet the music industry execs and attend workshops, some of the most lasting and productive relationships you’ll make at a conference are with the other songwriters and musicians. You’ll get an opportunity to hear their songs whether at a pitch to publisher panel or more spontaneously in a late night, hallway performance at the hotel. Either way, don’t forget to keep your eyes and ears open for potential songwriting collaborators.
It’s good to remember that just because you don’t live in a major music city doesn’t mean you can’t visit. As a matter of fact, planning visits to one (or more) of the music cities is well worth your while. Whether you’ll be attending a music conference as mentioned above or just taking a few days to familiarize yourself with the songwriting community and music industry in one of the big three cities, you’ll almost certainly run into other songwriters in a similar situation. Again, it takes just a little courage to reach out but the upside is almost always worth it.
In a related fashion, when you’re in a music city and if you’ve done a bit of homework/scheduling in advance, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with publishers, label execs or a writer/publisher relations representative at one of the performing rights organizations such as BMI, ASCAP or SESAC. Showing your songs to these folks might not result in a publishing deal or cut but, if you ask, they might have some collaborator recommendations for you. You never know.
Finding collaborators is not as difficult as you might imagine assuming you’re willing to put yourself out there a little bit. Hopefully the above options will make the path to co-writing a little more clear.
Good Luck!
Looking for songwriting collaborators. Country, rock, gospel. I have quite a few songs finished, some unfinished and some with just 1 or 2 lines but great hooks..
Where are you Peter?
I’m in Central CA.
209-981-6505
I’m looking for cowriters genres Pop, R&B, Country, Gospel, etc. I have a dozen songs unfinished that could possibly use a different tone.
Hey fellow songwriters. There is a great resource to find co writes in your area. Its the most helpful in Nashville right now with a few hundred songwriters using it but try downloading the app and building songwriter networks in your area. The App is free and its called “We Should Write Sometime” you can find it here https://www.weshouldwritesometime.com
I am a lyricist seeking serious musicians who can compose and perform songs.
Joe Buonfiglio
Hi Joe. Take a look at http://www.SongwriterLink.com or http://www.WeShouldWriteSometime.com. Hope that helps!
Hi Friends, I love writing songs. How I wish to have a friend who has the passion in collaborating to write a song.
Is it best to have an entertainment attorney deliver your music demo to a large music publishing company like Sony ATV?
Hi Karl. Your best bet is to slowly, steadily get to know people in the industry yourself. Music Attorneys definitely do this kind of thing but if you can develop your own relationships with music publishers, you’ll be better off.
Best,
Cliff
I’m a guy looking for a collaborative partner to work with. I like pop, country, and rock music. I have finished several songs and have a few unfinished. I live in Nashville and feel time slipping away. Lets do this now.
Hi Thomas,
I love songwriting collaboration . How I wish I will be given such opportunities. My email address is rockygibb1963@gmail.com
Experienced writer looking for someone to put music to my lyrics. Blistering rhyme patterns and styles; tight, poignant and meaningful. Indie rock, Celtic, folk, country. Only interested in writing and seeing/hearing my lyrics put to good use. Will work lyrically with serious musicians if requested. Compensation is not a driving factor. Inquiry/samples: dmurray19@comcast.net
Hey fellow songwriters. I’ve been looking to find collaborators for years. You could try a new platform I’ve just come across called Verse Chorus: https://www.verse-chorus.com/
It’s free to use. You just post an advert and other musicians/lyricists can reply to it.
First, I wish all respondents a beautiful and successful music creation experience. The comet I write with died in 2018 I was acoustic rock, folk, pop, jazz, blues and she was pop/punk. She ignites my writing and sound, such that others take notice. That’s a nice compliment. I ran the open mic stage at Tumbleweed festival this year, probably next. Jesus said it best… if you want to lead, you must have a servant’s heart. You’ll find community there.
Hi,
I’m English and a lyric writer which I initially started doing two years ago.
I have over seventy lyrics copywritten on songbay.co.uk.
I am looking for someone who can add the music as I am non musician.
Look me up under songbay.co.uk under artist “Tutoni” where they are all shown in full.
Please e-mail me if you wish to add your music to these.
Thanks in anticipation,
Ian Tuton
Hi There,
I am basically a lyric writer although over the years I have had my own songs demoed and had publishing contracts due to the fact I have the tune in my head and could sing them…badly.
However the increasing cost of demos have made me rethink and now I would like to try collaboration.
I am based in England but have some great country lyrics waiting for the right melody writer.
Do you think it’s a good idea to approach people in the USA in this genre as I have found the UK fairly lacking when it comes to country.
Many thanks,
Ernie
Hi Ernie,
Yes. I think reaching out to collaborators in the US for this quintessentially American genre is a good idea.
Take a peek at http://www.SongwriterConnection.com or consider joining the Nashville Songwriter’s Association (they have a UK chapter).
Hope that helps!
-Cliff
That’s a nice spin on the situation Cliff! Thanks for sharing thoughts on the matter.
Have a nice day!
Tyler
Lyricist – Strong rhyme schemes, tight, poignant topics. Serious, business-minded, lyrical “story” writer and I don’t wanna be in your band. I write… and I hope you’ll think that I do it well. (Genres: Indie rock, country, Celtic, folk; L. Cohen, Lennon/McCartney, B. Taupin.) I’m a freak about lyrical rhyme cadence. Compensation not a driving factor. Member BMI. Easy to work with, rapid response and fun. It costs nothing to chat!
Hi… would like to work with someone on my lyrics…I’m an amateur musician;and can find my way around guitar-piano-mandolin..actually I would like a female singer;we could work together on lyric and progression of melodies.
David A. Young
I’m always looking for lyricists in the genre of pop/adult contemporary. I can’t seem to write music without their stories, and with it, the emotions that spark a melody, followed by harmonies, and ending with a finished recording. Send me lyrics! Hear my music at https://zanekuchera.com
I have a song that I’ve just composed for my masters degree in the UK, but I cant find a decent singer and lyricist to complete it? Is there anyone on here willing to have a go? Please send me a message and ill send the rough backing track sketch. equivalence@live.co.uk
Antoni
Thanks for pointing out that music conferences are also important to consider when looking for a songwriter to hire. I’d like to find a good romantic country music songwriter soon because I’m thinking about adding an original music track for a short film that I’m working on. I could also probably use the song for credits roll.