Songwriting Tips
Welcome to some of my songwriting and shopping tips! Now I don't pretend to know everything there is to know about songwriting or can I tell anyone the "RIGHT" way to do it! My personal opinion is that music is just that! An opinion! Everyone in this business seems to have their own opinion on what works and what doesn't! I always say, "If you or someone else like's it, or it gets recorded, then it works!"
I have included some general tips that sometimes works for those of you who are just starting out, and for those of you who have been doing songwriting for a while, well, you know what it's all about anyway! Nuf said, here they are!
(NOTICE: The lines below are "AS IS" and without warranty or guarantee!)
The Do Not's . . .
Do not use "A", "AN", or "THE" to start a song title.
Do not mail more then 1 song on a tape at a time, and if known, only the number of songs
they request.
Do not pay anyone to have songs Published, Reviewed, Produced, Released, or Recorded,
(except for a good demo.)
Do not mail your submission Certified, Air Mail, Overnight, or Registered, - Mail it First
Class only!
Do not pay to be paired with a collaborator.
NEVER sell your songs outright to anybody!
The Do's . . .
Always copyright your songs at the Register of Copyrights in Washington,
D.C.
Always try to "Network" with others who have been there!
Use only a short intro to establish tempo and mood.
Get to the "Hook" or "Chorus" less than a minute.
Keep Song greater then 2:30 minutes and if possible, less then 3:00 minutes.
Make the melody repeatable and memorable and not too complex.
Make the chorus not like the verse, contrast it.
Always try to climax in the last verse.
Make the words fit the music naturally.
Always submit a clean demo of your best songs with your very best up front.
Demos should start off with a picker upper song, and next ballads, and last, a
philosophical song.
Use a professional looking package.
Include Lyric sheet(s) for each of the submitted songs.
Include a Bio/Promo, Resume or Press Release pack with your submission.
Make sure your Name, address and phone number is on everything you send!
Keep a record of the Date, Titles, and to who you mailed your demo to.
Keep a record of all your expenses.
Read all contracts carefully and always have them reviewed by a good music industry
attorney.
Research all companies in advance before signing anything in advance.
Ask any companies for supporting material of samples of successful work.
Always read song contest rules and procedures carefully.
Always ask questions if you don't understand!
