I will write the next big hit, maybe 2, just some guidence xx?!
Question: I have been writing for years, I can sing too and look good but fame does not interest me so I want to continue as a songwriter/lyricist. I turn poetry in to music and have won awards for my writing, so I know I can write good lyrics. I can write most styles but wanted to know the best way of going about it, should I join a guild or union or should I approach recording artists direct (I have access to this as I have been singing for a couple of years) and how do you go about charging for the song content itself, is it a matter of signing over the material for a set fee or "lending" the songs, and if so, do you need to join a copyright company (I have asked a few and it quite reasonable) also, does having a demo of songs to pass to people in the right clubs help too? I do not play a musical instrument but I am having guitar lessons from next week and learning to read and write music too, I do have the meoldy to the songs when I dream them or write them so this is very useful. Thanks x
Answers: I have been writing for years, I can sing too and look good but fame does not interest me so I want to continue as a songwriter/lyricist. I turn poetry in to music and have won awards for my writing, so I know I can write good lyrics. I can write most styles but wanted to know the best way of going about it, should I join a guild or union or should I approach recording artists direct (I have access to this as I have been singing for a couple of years) and how do you go about charging for the song content itself, is it a matter of signing over the material for a set fee or "lending" the songs, and if so, do you need to join a copyright company (I have asked a few and it quite reasonable) also, does having a demo of songs to pass to people in the right clubs help too? I do not play a musical instrument but I am having guitar lessons from next week and learning to read and write music too, I do have the meoldy to the songs when I dream them or write them so this is very useful. Thanks x
You need to be able to "fix" the song into a tangible format; i.e. a CD or written music. It definitely helps to have a professional quality demo. That is how songs are passed along today 99.9% of the time.
If you make money as a songwriter, most of it will come from royalties. Eventually, you will need to join one of the performing rights societies such as ASCAP, BMI or SESAC
(in the US) .
Your best bet is to make good demos of a handful of songs, maybe 6... Have more ready to record because they will always ask, "What else do you have?" Then use any connections you have to get them heard by artists, producers and the like. Do not sign any sort of publishing contract without good legal advice.
It would behoove you to learn all you can about copyrights, publishing, royalties etc. in your country and abroad, while you are honing your writing skills.
Best of luck, and please let me know if any of your songs get recorded.
peace
.