Archive

Posts Tagged ‘band’

Attention Performing Artists: Songwriting Is The Key To Your Success

September 9th, 2008 orlando5 No comments

If you’re a performing artist, group, or band member with dreams of making it in the music industry, your success starts with songwriting!  Without great songs to showcase your talent you’ll be “dead in the water.”  This is a fact; all success in the music industry starts with a song.  Furthermore, industry execs prefer solo acts and bands who are self-contained songwriters because it translates into more money for their companies (they usually tie an artist into their own music publishing company).

These days the music industry is much more competitive than ever and one of the most effective ways to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack and get noticed is to write great, original songs.  Music industry reps are always looking for “the next big thing” and this could be you if you prepare yourself!  If you prefer to be a self-contained local or regional act and sell your own CD’s through your own independent record label you’ll find it much easier to develop a loyal following if your songs are strong enough.   

If you’re not yet a songwriter, or if you don’t have a songwriter in your band, your second choice would be to find a local songwriter willing to offer you exclusive rights to performing and/or recording their songs through a contract.  Don’t just settle for second best.  Really go out there and find yourself a great songwriter or songwriters who match your style of music.  It won’t be an easy task, but it can be done-there are many excellent undiscovered songwriters out there!

While we’re on the subject; for you undiscovered songwriters out there with big dreams-you’re time is now! Put the word out that you’re a songwriter with much to offer however you can. Take out ads in your local entertainment publication and be specific about your style of music and what your goals are! Launch a website and feature your songs on it! Visit local concerts and shows, whether at clubs or larger venues, and put the word out by networking. Go prepared and look professional by offering business cards. You get the idea!

Finally, songwriters can help non-songwriting musicians by being supportive and helping them achieve their goals by writing songs that eventually fit their style, even if it takes a few songs and much trial and error. By the same token, non-songwriting musicians usually end up influencing songwriters by exposing them to a new dimension in their compositions. Helping and supporting each other is a win- win situation!

Categories: Songwriting Help Articles Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Songwriting Tips to Help Singer-Songwriters – Be Ready to Play Your Songs

June 10th, 2008 orlando5 No comments

Singer-songwriters sometimes lose focus on filling or expanding their repertoire with well-written, well-arranged, completed songs. If you’re looking to get signed to any type of music deal or just gain exposure for yourself or your band, it’s important to be able to sing your best material from beginning to end at a moment’s notice upon request, either on stage, at a social gathering, or even at a big fiesta–you never know who’s out there listening!

Many singer-songwriters easily gain exposure for their music through impromptu performances in front of someone who knows a friend of a friend of a cousin of an industry insider or executive. Those who aren’t prepared to play their music on request lose out on a bigger chance than they think. Of course, being signed on the spot may not happen, but you can gain a lot of interest from someone connected in the music industry and use that networking to open doors for opportunities.

So make sure you take your acoustic guitar or keyboard setup the next time you attend your best friend’s sister’s barbecue, just in case someone says, “Hey dude, you play music, why don’t you go get your guitar?” Your reply should be, “Why not? I’ll be right back.”.Singer-Songwriter is more than ready to impress!

Then sing and play to your heart’s content, go easy on the wings and ribs, and wow them with these songwriting tips.

The following practice regimen is for singer-songwriters performing with a solo instrument but works just as well as with groups and bands:

1. Make a list of your absolute best songs. If you only have three songs that’s okay, as long as they’re killer songs and they showcase your talent.

2. Once you’ve made the list, take one song at a time, play them from beginning to end and figure out what you can improve in each song. To stay focused and organized, it’s a good idea to write down notes and/or record your performance with some type of portable recorder, or even your home studio setup.

3. When you’re satisfied with one song from start to finish (this could take an hour to several days), move on to the next one. The point is–arrange your songs well and practice each one until you’re satisfied that you’ve gotten the best out of each song.

Remember, as a singer-songwriter, your competition is fierce! Only the best of the best have a chance at making it big or simply developing a fan base in their hometown. Even if you’re super-talented make sure you’re ready to execute great performances at the drop of a hat–people will remember you long enough for you to capitalize on their interest.

Categories: Songwriting Help Articles Tags: , , , , , , ,