How to be a Successful Songwriter

Songwriters play a major role in the album production process. Without a hit song, many singers and bands wouldn't have experienced the level of success they achieved. A song will make or break you. Though anyone with writing skills may think this career is for them, there is truly an art to writing a great song. Learn how to become a successful songwriter and get into the music production industry.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Writing skills
• Knowledge of music
• Determination
• Networking skills
• Internet access

1. Know how to write and read music. Though you may have writing skills, you should know how to write a song musically. The most successful songwriters not only provide the lyrics, they attach them to music.

2. Study music genres and style. A song produced for hip-hop artists is often very different than a song written for a country music star. Intern at a record label, large or small, to get a feel of their artists and style. Firsthand experience is critical in being a successful songwriter.

3. Work with a songwriter who has experience in the industry. Many prominent songwriters need help and often place classified ads for interns or assistants. There is no better way to learn than watching a professional songwriter at work.

4. Advertise yourself. Create social and business networking pages highlighting your experience and skills. Attach song lyrics and recordings of songs you've produced. You never know who may read or listen to your stuff.

5. Visit record labels. Hand out demos of songs you've worked on or pass out lyrics you've written. Though your chances of meeting an executive may be unlikely, you'll never know if you don't try.

6. Go to a music festival or major concert, such as Bonmaroo or Lollapalooza. There are dozens of music producers, artists, and songwriters strolling around. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask for advice, or talk about the industry with them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're enrolled in college, try to take some music courses. Get to know the industry as much as possible.
• Never doubt your songwriting skills. If you have a passion for what you're writing, you can probably find someone else who will be as well.

[patkuya33157]

on 6/29/2009 I agree, this advise was not helpfull to someone testing the waters, for example, I'm just supposed to run into a successful song writer like Baby Face and say "hey, how bout some tips?" or produce some demo CD's and hand them out, where? at an MTV award?

[patkuya33157]

on 6/29/2009 I agree, this advise was not helpfull to someone testing the waters, for example, I'm just supposed to run into a successful song writer like Baby Face and say "hey, how bout some tips?" or produce some demo CD's and hand them out at an MTV award?

[russmediagroup]

on 3/26/2009 good advice write on!joe

[isatoy]

on 2/5/2009 Good advice. 5* & R.

[kentmcneel]

on 12/9/2008 H there go to successfulsongwritingbook.com and misyouinmemphis.com good advice on songwriting also How to be a successful songwriter by kent mcneel and mark luther st. martin press is still selling on internet thanks keep writing kent mcneel