How can I get my lyrics into the hands of recording artists?

Question

I have written over 200 lyrics and poems. I just need some serious help. I have sent my writings to different artists, and never a response. If they are not good enough just being told so would help.

Answer 1

As the first person suggested, you have to make sure your songs are copyrighted, but as soon as you make a tangible copy of something (write your lyrics on a napkin, sing the melody of a song into a tape recorder) - your work is copyrighted. However, what the copyright office does is *register* your copyright, which will help you if ever you face litigation over a song.

No artist is going to do a song sent to them in the mail - in fact, most if they realized what it was would probably throw it away without looking to much at it, because they don't want to be facing a lawsuit in the future if they were to write a song that had similar lyrics.

If you want to get songs to artists, look up some music publishers. The big publishers - Universal Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell, EMI - won't take much unsolicited material, if any. However, smaller ones often do, and part of a publisher's job is to help pair writers and artists. If you can find a copy of Music Connection, they provide an annual listing of music publishers, and I think it may also indicate whether they are accepting submissions.

You did not mention where you are from, but if many areas have songwriter's associations. I know that there is one in Northern California, Memphis, Dallas, Nashville, and so on and so forth. You can look online and see if there is one in your area.

An additional resource is ASCAP and BMI. These are Performing Rights Organizations and are slightly different than publishers, but they do have many workshops and ASCAP recently had a big expo in southern California for aspiring and current songwriters.

I also suggest that you read one of the many good books out there on publishing and/or the music industry - a couple good ones are "All You Need To Know About The Music Business" by Donald Passman (entertainment lawyer); "Music Money and Success" by Todd and Jeff Brabec (lawyers for ASCAP); "This Business of Music" - I can't recall the author. They will help you gain an understanding of how the music business actually works, and in the case of the Brabec book, it is an invaluable tool with regards to understanding publishing (which is why I purchased it, as I would like to work for a music publisher).

I hope this helps, and good luck to you!

Answer 2

If there's no music to go with them, the first step would be to find someone who can write catchy melodies. To have any chance at all at this you need a lead sheet with words and the basic melody and a demo recording. The recording can be just a single instrument and vocals. There's an annual book called "Songwriter's Market" that gives the names, addresses and contacts for music publishers as well as the type of music they're interested in. Lots of them will tell you right up front that they don't accept unsolicited material, but some will listen to the songs and respond. Some of the smaller ones I've contacted have even taken the time to write a couple comments and constructive ideas on my cover letter. Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Answer 3

Established musical artists aren't looking for lyrics; they write their own or they hire established hitmakers. If you can't write music for your stuff, find someone who can – someone young and hungry and talented. If you can't perform your own stuff, find someone who can – same profile. You don't become a lyricist by being chosen. You become a lyricist by getting your work out there – in the form of SONGS.

Answer 4

I wanted to sign up for this but decided it wasn't the right time. I think they would be worthy of your time, talent, and money, however, no matter how many songs you have already written. Another possibility would be to start with singers in your local area and see what they think. Good luck.

Answer 5

Have you tried making a tape with music behind it? You make a tape and send it to David Letterman to his DJ, you could also try Oprah and Channel 7 their web site to get Call Bill for help, and Channel 4 Ruth Spencer. They will try to help you follow your dreams. Also, one person who should be able to help you is the Music Teacher.

Answer 6

Recording artists do not respond to unsolicited material.

Answer 7

U better make sure u copyright them and then give them developing artists who might like them and when they blow they'll refer other artists to u.

Answer 8

Taxi.com

Answer 9

your best bet would to be find a muiscian to work with and write them into songs. you join TAXI and try to shop your material.

Answer 10

get an intership to a major record label or know someone who knows someone.that's how it get started make sure your music is copywrite also.good luck to you