Write Songs the Music Industry Wants to Hear!
Sure, “art for art’s sake” is cool… but what if you’re
pursuing a career as a songwriter? This article is full of
suggestions for how you can tailor your songs to suit the
requirements of music business professionals.
Many of us bemoan the state of commercial music today, but what
are you doing to improve things in your own microcosmic corner
of the universe? Are you working to create the next wave of
great material — songs that have a lifespan of more than a few
weeks or months? How can you use your talents to actually make a
powerful contribution… and make a living while you’re at it?
The first step is to take a good look inside and explore what
you as a unique individual have to say, lyrically and musically.
What do you think about, believe in, stand for? What makes you
tick? These precious truths that bubble up from the soul provide
the driving force behind great songwriting. These sparks of
inspiration, these “aha! moments,” are what listeners crave when
they play a song. They’re also what People Behind Desks are
desparate to find. Do you have the courage to lay bare your
personal truth in public? I firmly believe that’s what it takes
to achieve success with your songs.
The cynical among us will say, “no, you just need the right
equipment, a catchy hook and a whole lot of money behind you.”
Sure, those things help, but if you’re trying to break into the
business, your song has to simultaneously grab people by the
guts, tickle their ears, and slam them over the head like a
2-by-4. Strive to write songs that take risks, tap into the
universal via the personal, and motivate people to laugh, cry,
feel, dance or take action. Make an effort to innovate, not
imitate what’s already out there. In other words, write your
passion. Songs miraculously translate to listeners the exact
emotion you felt while you were writing them. Do your best to
work that magic!
Another quality that professionals look for in a song is strong
dynamic flow. Skillful use of the many conventions of
songwriting can manipulate listeners in the most enjoyable way.
Don’t be afraid to push those emotional buttons! Here are some
ways to go about it:
* Suck listeners in with lyrical, melodic and chordal
tension.
* Create a question in their minds: how will this turn out in
the end?
* Throw their bodies off balance with chords or melodies that
are unexpected or quirky.
* Take a strong point of view that’s boldly provocative, unique
or intensely felt.
* Paint a vivid picture in the mind’s eye.
* Set a palpable mood.
* Construct an entire sonic and/or lyrical environment.
Once you have piqued people’s interest, crank up their
involvement using all the techniques in your lyrical toolbox,
i.e. rhyme, meter, imagery, metaphor, alliteration… you name
it. Avoid clichés like the plague, or turn them on their heads
somehow. Experiment until you find the melody lines that best
show off your lyrics, and vice versa. Salt your song with enough
repetition to make it memorable, but not so much that it becomes
predictable. Use chord progressions that are fresh, stimulating
the ear rather than lulling it into complacency.
When it comes time for the ultimate payoff, your Hook, don’t
settle! This is your Money Shot, and most music biz pros will
hit the “eject” button if they don’t hear a strong hook in one
listen. One listen! Here are a few ways to enhance your hook:
* Construct your song so that all roads, lyrically and
melodically, lead to your hook.
* Remember that famous music business adage: “Don’t bore us, get
to the chorus.”
* More hooks is merrier! Instrumental riffs, backups, rhythmical
chord movement, and verse melodies can provide secondary hooks.
* Fear not repetition (up to a point, of course).
* Throw in memorable “monkey wrench” words that stand out.
* Make sure the world can sing along.
* Play with the language: use slang, twists of phrase, even
invent a new word!
Finally, People Behind Desks really appreciate it if you know
your marketplace. Don’t submit a country ballad when their
artist is a heavy metal guitar-shredder. And if you’re the
performer, have at least 3 crowd-pleasing, radio-ready songs in
hand before you shop a deal. Make a detailed study of the hits
in your chosen genres, and incorporate those lessons into your
work. The Internet has made it incredibly easy to educate
yourself about what’s selling these days, so there’s no excuse
for ignorance.
Look at the world for a moment from the perspective of a music
industry pro: They’ll respond positively if they think your song
will save their job. By bringing them dynamic, single-worthy,
heartfelt material you’ll be well on your way to doing just
that, and creating a career for yourself as well.
Happy songwriting!
© 2006 by Alex Forbes
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