I own some of the most popular songwriting books. Are there any that have a "different" approach?
, Six Steps to Songwriting Success
and The Craft and Business of Songwriting
have a very similar approach. They are amazingly useful but if you've read one or two of them, you'll feel that the next one repeats most of what you read earlier. But it's worth reading as many of these essential books (and many more) as you can because there are always some little tricks, ideas, etc. in each of them that are new, unique and vital to know.
However, if you're interested in a "different approach", I recommend Futurehit.DNA
by Jay Frank. It's the most ground-breaking songwriting book out there now.
by Jay Frank. It's the most ground-breaking songwriting book out there now.
How can I find a songwriting partner / collaborator / co-writer?
It's quite easy to find a co-writer locally or from foreign countries these days. You just need to know where to look. On the "How to find a songwriting partner" page I've listed the best and most common methods and resources.
Do you have any tips on how to submit songs to music industry professionals or record companies? What's the next step after writing and recording your demo?
There are several ways of submitting your song to music industry professionals, music libraries and/or record labels.
1. The easiest method I know is an independent A&R company called TAXI. On the 1st and 15th of every month they release some (industry listings) that you can submit your demos to. TAXI screeners then listen to your song, review it and decide if it fits the requirements of the listing. If it does, they forward it to the record company/manager/music library... The service costs $299 the first year and later $199 if you renew your subscription (plus $5 for each song submitted). TAXI also organizes the Road Rally each year, which is a great songwriting lecture/seminar series (free for members). If you can attend (it's in Los Angeles), you will meet several fellow songwriters and industry professionals there, which can be very helpful for your career.
2. I'm also familiar with the Song Submit service of ModernBeats. It's cheaper than TAXI but has similar services.
3. You could also network with other musicians who have some connections in the industry. And it's a great idea to co-write as much as you can. It not only makes you a better songwriter but you can get your songs to places you might not have without a collaborator.
4. There are songwriting competitions all year. Some are scams but the ones I write about have a good reputation: Songwriting Contests
5. Be proactive and spread the word about your music. You might want to have your own website, Facebook and/or MySpace, Twitter page. You can also create a YouTube channel, upload your songs then promote them. If you're not an established singer-songwriter, it's best to give away a couple of songs for free and once you have a fan base, you can start asking for money.
Other resources:
• There is a site that compares song pitching services. It's definitely worth checking out.
• There is also a great page on LifeHacker about releasing your music online.
If you don't know where to begin, I suggest that you start with a website, a Facebook page (so your fans can "Like" your music) and a YouTube channel then promote these.
I hope that this list of Songwriting FAQ answered your questions, if not, feel free to ask for Songwriting Help. I will add more and more questions and answers to this Songwriting FAQ page so make sure you check back every now and then!
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