how do you write songs that work to launcha career out of it?

Question

tell me the steps of what i need to do

Answer 1

I have found that it is easier to write lyrics first - although at some point, you will find that revision of ALL the elements (lyrics, melody, harmony, orchestrations, etc.) work off each other. Then write a melody that not only fits the natural rhythm of the words, but expresses them in the melodic contour. At this point, you might be hearing a harmonic background already in your head - or a rhythm track. You shlud be able to NOTATE all this, so that you have a decent copy, and and can play it back. Best starting software is FINALE NOTEPAD - www.makemusic.com.

People SAY they want something new. No, they don't - they want something that is going to SELL - which means it is the same formula since the 1920's, but with modifications that only SOUND new. How many pairs of jeans do you own? Same pants since 1849 Gold Rush - but each version is only SLIGHTLY different. People are happy with the familiar - they only want a variation that is a little different.

Making a career? There are several million people ahead of you! You either need to have as much natural talent as the Beatles in 1963, or have one HECK of a great education - and experience - and LUCK LUCK LUCK. Don't quit your day job - until the first several million dollars in royalties are in your bank account.

Answer 2

ROFL! Jessica, if it was as easy as that ( by simply asking ), the whole WORLD would all be rock stars (well, many country stars, too!). LOL. Sorry, gal, it isn't that easy. You have to have a knack for words, phrases, be spontaneous about it. Judging by your question and the technical phrasing you used composing those simple two sentences, you have a LONG way to go, so stay in school, learn to speak, read, and write, and make up poems of your life experiences for practice. Most great songs strike a cord with a multitude of people at some point in their lives, in other words life experiences, and then being able to share them emotionally thru music and song. You obviously don't have much life experience yet, so you'll need some patience first....

So, what ya need to do
is really stay in school
absorb some life experience,
and just don't play the fool.

It may come to pass
that your singing is kick-a ss
but you got a ways to go
'cause your English is so-so

You can keep the dream
don't give up and scream
but you gotta give it time
before you'll earn a dime.

Wish you all the luck
and some future million bucks
so for now I'll say bye-bye
hope you make it, now don't cry!

- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 3

Ok, so gremling whatever has no life is the bottom line. And he or she (I can't tell because they have a stupid *** picture of something out of Lord of the Rings) was pretty mean and full of crap I'm sure you hear enough as it is. But heshe was right that if it was that easy, we'd all be rock stars or, I guess, no one would. Just keep practicing.

Answer 4

Jessica, if you want to choose songwriting as a career, there are actually two general paths you can pursue. The first would be writing songs intended to be popularized by known recording artists; the second, writing for film or television.

The first requires writing songs which are complete in every sense (having lyrics, a melody, etc); then pitching them basically, to publishers after researching which ones (artists and publishers) are looking for the type of song you're peddling after recording a "demo" of your song, and packaging it on a CD with your typed lyric sheet.

The "making a living" at it part? That could come if:
#1. You're quite prolific, and can write consistently excellent, as well as memorable and above all marketable songs at a decent rate.

#2. You write 2 or 3 HUGE hit songs that are subsequently covered by other popular artists (ie: Lennon/McCartney (actually all Paul's song) "Yesterday" with over 3,000 cover versions, or George Gershwin's "Summertime" from the musical "Porgy and Bess" which has been covered 7,000 times!), assuming of course you were able to retain ownership of the song, and didn't sign your rights away.

#3. You get yourself signed to a publishing deal with a major music publisher as an "in house" songwriter (or with a record label), a la Carol King, and have songs successfully placed often enough to renew your deal or earn yourself a sufficient reputation to allow you to shop your songs to artists directly. She wrote a number of songs that went on to be big hits for others before trying (and failing a few times) the artist/songwriter route; but when she hit, she hit big.

The writing of songs or music for use in television or films still works pretty much the same way; but you don't necessarily have to write complete songs as I described earlier. (although sometimes they want complete songs as well).

If your talents lie more along the lines of writing instrumentals with melodic themes, or you're adept at conveying the intent of visual media by way of somewhat more fragmentary impressionistic sound track stuff that's more about creating a mood, describing an action, depicting an atmosphere or a character, etc. then (assuming you have networked your way to the ears of various producers, directors, etc) that avenue can be lucritive.

Either way, Step 1, I hope you're currently studying music, play at least one instrument (piano or guitar are 2 of the best instrument for composing) with the intention of continuing on to get at least a BA.

Step 2, If path 1 is what you want to shoot for, apply Step 1 to poetry, literature, etc.

Step 3, Write, write, WRITE! Work on your chops. Acheiving proficiency without first putting in lots of dedicated work and commitment of a level to where you could be competitive vs. the very best is fantasy.

When though, you really believe you've written a couple of truly high quality songs, record the demos, research the market inorder to find the proper publisher at the proper time to present them, and don't take it too hard if you're told they're not that good. Go home, and write a song about rejection...

I myself have been a performing and/or recording musician for a very long time; and have written maybe 80 songs or so. Through my years in the business, and eventually becoming acquainted with some well connected, and well known people, I was able to present a few small batches of my original material to Sony/CBS; and sold two songs out of the 18 I pitched- one of which was later recorded by Tracy Chapman... which brings me to my last Step: Get a GOOD entertainment lawyer to represent you in any negotiations.

Above all, if you have the ability to write songs (and you get enough encouraging feedback that they're songs that have appeal), enter contests, try to find others who write songs, investigate and learn the identities of those who are involved in the sector of the music publishing business that focuses on the style(s) of songs you write, and do what you can to meet any of them that you can. Learn all you can. Hone your craft. Never forget that ALL business is people business; so always treat everyone you meet with courtesy and respect.

There's more to know obviously; but I think I've covered the basics. Here's a link to list of books on songwriting as a career: http://www.stagepass.com/resource/songwriting.html