Songwriter Advisor Blog

In Part 1 of this series it was revealed the majority of Major label record executives find it very difficult these days to give an individual performing artist under the age of 24 a chance at record deals.  Notice I said “individual” and that this does not encompass bands, music producers, or songwriters. 

So what can you do if you’re a performing artist over the age of 24 who wants a major label record deal so badly you can taste it?  I’m glad you asked.  The following also works wonders for artists of any age, and puts you in the most favorable position when it comes to record deals.  Be forewarned;  you have to be aggressive but not overbearing, and you have to have the ultimate confidence in your dreams!

Here are the steps you can take:

1.  First, know exactly what genre your music fits into, and make sure the record label has an interest in exploiting that market.  You can research this and find out who’s hot and who’s not through major label websites as well as many other websites, through various periodicals like Billboard Magazine, and by networking and asking people connected to that particular label.  Once you know you have a chance to fill a void through a particular genre or you believe you’re the next greatest thing to Beyonce, record your 3 best songs and package your demo professionally.

2.  Next, you have to develop a working relationship through networking with someone who’s connected to a major label.  This means you should approach managers, entertainment attorneys, A&R reps, or anyone connected to a major label through music industry events, workshops, parties, and other social situations.  This one is extremely important!  No matter how good you are, if you don’t make the personal connection, you have a better chance of winning the Powerball lottery! 

3.  Once you’ve developed a working relationship (you met at Starbucks for coffee, etc.) you start working your way in.  Show your demo to your contact only at this point and let them know what your goals are in an excited, confident manner.

4.  Be careful at this point, too many people in the music industry including your contacts don’t have the heart to tell you they can’t do anything for you for whatever reason (i.e., it’s not good enough, they think their record label won’t like it, etc.).  So trust your gut feeling.  Your sole focus at this point should be to get that one person to believe in you.  If that person does not believe in you, maintain the friendship, but look elsewhere and repeat steps 1 to 3.

5.  Once you have a music industry insider believing in you as a performing artist, it’s time to pitch your demo using the information on this link.  If you’re a songwriter, remind them that you are, and really stress that fact proudly.  For quite a few years now, major labels have preferred self-contained artists because they know they can usually tie in their music publishing deals together with their record deals-yes, meaning more profit for them!  

Major label record deals aren’t easy to achieve but I assure you, they’re well within reach if you take the appropriate steps.

Independent record deals from established companies are no piece of cake either, and if you’ve noticed especially lately, they’re on the rise once again and certainly a fantastic option to successfully get your music out there. 

Now, go out and get those record deals and make us all proud to be your fans!

The music industry is always overflowing with rags to riches stories and successful songwriters are always a part of this mix because without songs, there would be no hits!  But how does one chase a songwriting career, and are there any obvious, time-tested steps one can take to reach their dreams of being an in-demand, prolific songwriter?

Songwriting is one of the few positions in the music industry not limited by age–you can literally write a successful song at any age.  There are plenty of youngsters with gold records by the time they’re 17!  There  are many “over 40″ songwriters starting out and making a great living through their songwriting.  These are usually, but not always, musicians who never ventured into the songwriting aspect of music, musicians who’ve played an instrument and merely dabbled in writing a song or two without ever exposing their work, or simply people who finally decided to chase their dream of learning the craft of songwriting and “giving it a shot.”

Aspiring songwriters are always posing the question, “How do I get started in songwriting?” and “Can I make any money at it?”  Successful songwriters, along with successful music producers, are the real, consistent money-makers in the music industry.  Think about it.  Very few major label recording artists actually succeed, and many come and go, but proven songwriters and music producers are always called upon to provide their services!

Now, I’m certainly not trying to discourage you performing artists from trying to get a record deal, but if you do, make sure you hang on to as much of your music publishing as possible—that is—learn to write your own songs, and accept outside material only when you really believe in a song, not merely to fill up space.  There are just too many great songwriters out there to settle for mediocre songs.

To make a career out of songwriting, understand you have to wear many different hats.  First and foremost, you have to develop songwriting skills—and yes—I assure you, this can be learned.  Some songwriters are extremely naturally-talented, but even those select few learn the craft of songwriting somewhere along the way to maximize their talent.  With proper training, anyone can learn how to write songs as long as they put forth great effort.  Songwriters, also, at least initially, have to have a little business sense and learn how to market their songs by researching who needs what, and by getting out there and networking with people in the music industry.   

You can’t get into songwriting thinking, “Well I’m going to write this great song for artist X, be discovered, and become rich overnight!”  Although overnight success stories can happen, these are few and far between, and many have originated from somebody already being “connected.”  In other words, in the real world—chances are high that nobody’s going to find you.  On the contrary, you need to go out and find them, and show them how talented you are!  This is mainly how rags to riches stories develop–you’ve got to sell yourself and have the songs to prove it!

In an upcoming series titled “How To Build A Songwriting Career From Scratch” I’ll give you a step-by-step blueprint to give you the absolute best chance at becoming a successful songwriter.  Stay tuned.