Sure, “art for art’s sake” is great… but what if you pursue a career as
Song composer? This article is full of suggestions on how you can tailor your songs to
follows the requirements of music business professionals.
Many of us lament the current state of commercial music, but what are you doing to
make things better in your own microcosmic corner of the universe? are you working for
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 make a powerful
contribution… and earn a living while doing it?
The first step is to take a good look inside and explore what makes you unique.
individual has to say, lyrically and musically. What do you think, do you believe,
represent? What makes you tick? These precious truths that spring from the soul
provide the driving force behind the great composition. These sparks of inspiration,
these “aha moments!” they are what listeners crave when they play a song. they are too
what People Behind Desks is desperate to find. Do you have the courage to put
bare your personal truth in public? I firmly believe that this is what it takes to achieve
success with your songs.
The cynics among us will say, “no, you just need the right equipment, a catchy
hook and a lot of money behind you.” Sure, those things help, but if you’re
trying to break into business, his song has to catch people at the same time
the guts, tickle their ears and hit them on the head like a 2 for 4. strive to write
songs that take risks, harness the universal through the personal, and motivate people to
laugh, cry, feel, dance or act. Strive to innovate, not to imitate what is out there
already over there In other words, write your passion. Songs translate miraculously
tell listeners the exact emotion you felt while you were writing to them. Do your best to
work that magic!
Another quality that professionals look for in a song is a strong dynamic flow. Skilled
Using the many songwriting conventions can manipulate listeners in the most
nice way. Don’t be afraid to push those emotional buttons! here are some
ways to do it:
o Draw listeners in with lyrical, melodic and chordal tension.
o Create a question in their minds: how will this turn out in the end?
o Unbalance their bodies with unexpected chords or melodies or
peculiar.
o Take a strong point of view that is boldly provocative, unique, or intensely
He felt.
o Paint a vivid picture in the mind’s eye.
o Set a tangible mood.
o Build a whole sound and/or lyrical environment.
Once you’ve piqued people’s interest, increase their engagement by using all the
techniques in your lyrical toolbox, i.e. rhyme, meter, imagery, metaphor,
alliteration… whatever. Avoid clichés like the plague, or turn them on their head
somehow. Experiment until you find the melody lines that best showcase your lyrics,
and vice versa. Salt your song with enough repeats to make it memorable, but don’t
so much so that it becomes predictable. Use chord progressions that are fresh,
stimulate the ear instead of lulling it into complacency.
When it’s time for the ultimate reward, your Hook, don’t settle! This is your
Money Shot, and most music business professionals will hit the “eject” button if they don’t hear a
strong hook on a listen. One listens! Here are some ways to improve your hook:
o Build your song so that all roads, lyrically and melodically, lead to your
hook.
o Remember the famous music business adage: “Don’t bore us, go to the
chorus.”
o More hooks is better! Instrumental riffs, backups, rhythmic chord movement,
and verse melodies can provide secondary hooks.
o Don’t be afraid of repetition (up to a point, of course).
o Add memorable “wrench” words that stand out.
o Make sure the world can sing.
o Play with the language: use slang, turns of phrase, even make up a new word!
Finally, People Behind Desks really appreciates if you know your market. Whose
send a country ballad when your artist is a heavy metal guitar shredder. And yes
you are the performer, have at least 3 crowd-pleasing, radio-ready songs on hand
before buying an offer. Make a detailed study of the hits in the chosen genres, and
incorporate those lessons into your work. The Internet has made it incredibly easy.
to find out what’s selling these days, so there’s no excuse for
postponement.
Take a look at the world for a moment from the perspective of a music industry professional:
respond positively if you think your song will save your job. when bringing them
dynamic, unique, and heartfelt material, you’ll be well on your way to making solo
that, and create a career for yourself too.
Happy composition!
© 2006 by Alex Forbes