Attention Performing Artists: Songwriting Is The Key To Your Success
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!
by Sheila Davis, and by encouraging you to consider playing either a guitar or piano (the two most widely used instruments used in creating songs)..
by Jai Josefs as soon as you can! It is by far the greatest “how to write music” book ever published for contemporary music, and it contains excellent, real-world examples of actual hits and techniques songwriters used to achieve their success! For this book, you do need to have a guitar or piano/keyboard handy in order to follow the examples. 
