How to become a professional songwriter
There is no easy way to become a professional songwriter, however, here is a guide to follow on the best way to become a professional songwriter.
Overview
Unlike other professions, whether creative or otherwise, aspirants usually have a set path to follow when looking to forge their own successful careers within that specific industry. One industry that does not have this trajectory, although it has been around for decades, is songwriting.
Therefore, in this regard, the article cannot provide a model for you to follow if you want to become a professional songwriter. But what he can share is a guide on how to eventually become a paid songwriter, if you put your mind to it.
Why is songwriting as a profession unclear?
When you think of other professions besides songwriting, there is kind of a trajectory that people in this industry are following. Whether in the creative industry like dance, music or art, or in formal industries.
However, when it comes to songwriters, their journeys to fame and success have been colored by their individual journeys, highlighting that becoming a professional songwriter has no blueprint. However, this requires that the aspirant have the knowledge and skills to perform when the opportunity arises.
How to become a professional songwriter
The key to being a professional songwriter is understanding what type of songwriter you want to be. Although there are people who compose and write lyrics, most songwriters decide on a discipline within the profession in general. Therefore, there are lyricists who write the lyrics of a song. There are also composers, who are responsible for writing the melodies, progression and rhythm of a song.
While it is important to understand both disciplines, it helps to play at least one instrument as a songwriter. Since songwriting is considered a collaborative effort, you will need to choose which of the two disciplines works best for you in order to work on honing the skill. So when the opportunity arises, you have a working gun that showcases your abilities.
Additionally, getting a publisher or publishing contract is seen as a shortcut to success. That being said, not having it doesn’t mean success isn’t possible, it will just take more hard work.
Create demos
If you want to become a professional songwriter, it’s important to always have a demo of the music you’re currently working on. Considering that this is your desired profession, you should continually work on new music.
Therefore, always create and share demos with new music. It first shows that you are continually honing your skills as a songwriter.
Additionally, while your efforts may not initially be recognized by artists, it could allow you to strike a deal with a publisher. Getting a deal with a publisher would take the added pressure off of having to work and try to sell your compositions yourself.
Partner with signed writers
In order to be recognized by industry insiders, it is important to affiliate with people who are already in the industry. The same is true when it comes to venturing into professional songwriting. If possible, work with already established or signed professional songwriters.
This first gives you an overview of the inner workings of the industry. Second, it gives you a history of working with other songwriters.
Most importantly, you should note that at this time, making money shouldn’t be your goal. Rather, it should be about growing your track record and proving that you can work with songwriters in the industry.
As a songwriter, you could get most of your income from session work. However, during quiet times it might be beneficial to consider working in other aspects of the music industry.
Whether as a musical or vocal producer, session artist, instrumentalist or sound engineer. This ensures that you are constantly working, building your network and base of contacts, and always keeping potential referrals in mind.
Plus, it highlights your versatility and in-depth knowledge of music, if there is more you can do in the discipline.
Conclusion
If you are considering becoming a professional songwriter, it is important to note that there is no set blueprint for success in this chosen career path. The road to success has been as varied as any successful professional songwriter you can think of.
Therefore, there is no blueprint for becoming a professional songwriter. There are, however, principles you can follow that would ensure that when the opportunity arises, you can stick to them. This includes continuously updating your music demo, honing your skills, collaborating with other (established) songwriters, and diversifying yourself and your skills within the music industry. music.