Songwriter Advisor Blog

Song writing for yourself means learning and applying songwriting techniques, writing songs from your own perspective, style, and influences, and not compromising because of someone else’s lame expectations.

In professional circles, song writing for yourself as opposed to trying to write a song to please a certain market or genre is sometimes difficult to do. Once you’re signed to a publishing deal, you are subject to much scrutiny if your songs don’t start fitting in to that particular record company or music publisher’s expectations.

If you’re a songwriter in a new, unproven solo act or a band member you will likely have someone looking over your shoulder until you can prove your worth.

So, what can”song writing for yourself” mean for you in terms of success?

Here’s the answer: There are very few music industry executives in the music industry who are “true visionaries.” These same people are not capable of hearing, appreciating, or believing that your music will appeal if given the chance, only because it doesn’t fall into their comfort zone of expectations.

Truly visionary people tend to keep an open mind. They’ll hear good music, maybe something they’ve never heard before that catches their attention, and they’ll say, “There’s something in that music that people will love, I just don’t know what it is or how we can formulate a marketing plan for it yet.”

By contrast, non-visionaries will hear the same music and remark something like, “It’s cool, but it’ll never make it ’cause it’s not consistent with what’s out there and the public is not ready for it yet.  I’m going to have to pass on it.”

Your job as a songwriter, then, is to convince and silence skeptical, non-visionary people as you climb your way to success.

History has shown you can do this by, first, being honest with yourself regarding the quality of your music, and by figuring out through tremendous perseverance and conviction, how to achieve that success! It’s not an easy task, but look at the following list of a few visionary artists and executives who had the guts to do it their way, and tell me it wasn’t or isn’t worth believing in yourself and telling non-believers to get out of your way;

The group “Chicago” in the 70’s before they became formulaic (unbelievably original music), Quincy Jones, Prince, Kanye West, and Jack Johnson, just to name a few.  This short list is subjective but it can go on and on……….The bottom line is; the best music in history is by people who dared to be different and stayed true to themselves!

Today more than ever, with so much fierce competition, you need to stand out in a big way if you want to be successful in the music industry. As a pro or amateur songwriter, you can do this by sticking to your guns and song writing for yourself!

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!