Yes. I have been a cowriter in Nashville and the people that I write with are very knowledgable and have shared many things about their careers with me. For many of these writers, writing lyrics comes much easier than writing music. Indeed, some of them have written #1 country songs. Obviously if you write lyrics only, you need to find someone who writes music that you can collaborate with. It may take time to find people whose music you think compliments your lyrics and someone who thinks your lyrics compliment their music. Be patient! If you truly commit to the process of finding these collaborators, you'll find them. They are out there, believe me!
Also, I trust you know the difference between poems and songs -- and there is a big difference. A good lyricist must still understand the phrasing, meter, mood, etc., of music, even if they can't write it. The more they understand of what the melody writer has to contend with, the better a lyricist they will be. Also, consider this...it really is not that hard to learn to play the guitar or piano! At least not hard to learn enough to write songs. I have personally sat and listened to some of the most successful songwriters in Nashville play their hits -- and they only know a few chords! Anyway, you'd be surprised how much the world of melody would open up to you with just 4 or 5 chords. Maybe you should give it a try! You might surprise yourself!
Next is publishing. it's best to concentrate on one genre of music, rise to the top of your profession in that style, and then maybe branch out and try other styles. Don't get me wrong! Being versatile is a wonderful thing, but those who can write many different styles and truly do each one excellently are few and far between. Plus, when most publishers are looking to sign a writer they look for people to fill predesignated slots within their company -- that is to say, if they have a need within their catalog for really traditional country songs, and you've worked really hard and focused on being a great, really traditional country writer, well then that focus will pay off.
Once you've realistically compared your songs with the top songs in whatever genre of music you're interested in focusing on, and you truly believe that your songs are as good or better than those songs, then it's time to consider the following factors. Location! If you don't live in or near a city where people can make a living writing songs (a 'music centre') then you'll probably have to move or find a person who is connected to the business. While there are some exceptions, most successful songwriters who are currently on the charts live in a music centre. Miami, New york, Nashville, California, UK... But take heart. Todays music markets are web focused. Meaning that everything today that's hot is happening online. Stars don't just listen to demo tapes anymore. In fact, they surf the web for songwriters with new songs to share and that includes Music execs, A&R people and Publicists. So getting listed online is a career must!
Repeat after me -- "It's a WHO-YOU-KNOW business." (Say this over and over to yourself, because it's a fundamental truth.) Meet people, meet people, meet people. Always be polite, courteous, charming and friendly. Be assertive but never abrasive. Good people skills and conversational skills are extremely beneficial. When you meet a 'professional' (someone whose already 'made it' in the music business), be cautious not to be a pest-- nothing can damage your career more. Be to-the-point in conversation and respect their time, and they'll respect you for it. Understand upfront that these people are often bombarded with a thousand questions and have had their share of encounters with tape-wielding, overbearing lunatics, so forgive them if they seem distant, or cold to you at first.
Every time you meet someone in the business, no matter who they are or what their specific job is, you are building your network of people (and hopefully, friends), that you know in the business. Remember, people like to work and spend time with nice people -- people who make them feel good about themselves. That's really simple, but it's true! You never, ever, know where any of those connections are going to lead you. Repeat after me-- it a WHO-YOU-KNOW business.
Once you're out there meeting all the people you can, and you have a 3 to 5 song demo of your best, knock-'em-dead tunes (full-band or simple guitar/vocal or piano/vocal), that you feel best represents what you do! Then, keep writing every day, as much as you can. Keep making demos and keep putting yourself out there as you build your contacts and fan pages. You never know what the next big song will be and IT COULD BE YOUR TURN-- YOU WILL WANT TO BE READY!
(For more information on creating a promotional plan to market your career on the internet, contact the American Vocal Academy and join the Artist Development Program. We have services that help you to create and release your Artist Development packages.)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment