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Tips & Resources by Brent Baxter, Pro Songwriter on May 16, 2018
You might be writing great songs, but you won’t get them recorded if you don’t know who’s actually looking for songs to record. It’s hard enough just to write great, commercial songs. Finding out who’s looking for song like yours is a whole ‘nother ballgame.
Here’s how pro songwriters know who’s looking for songs.
1. Personal relationships.
If you personally know an artist, producer or label A&R, they can tell you if they’re actively listening for a project. And they MIGHT even know what they need and when they need it. But remember, any info is always subject to change at a moment’s notice.
2. Industry chatter.
If you can’t get the scoop directly from the horse’s mouth, publishers and other songwriters are always talking. Keep your ear to the ground, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Industry pitch sheets.
RowFax is a paid subscription service which lists projects, points of contact, etc. It might even say what they’re looking for (usually “hits” or “great songs” or “uptempo positive”. There are also a few inside-the-industry tip sheets, too. But you have to know somebody to get them. Now, these definitely carry some incorrect info- a buddy of mine was on there, and for a long time it listed the incorrect producer and music description. So take it all with a grain of salt. Oh, and tip sheets don’t provide contact information- you have to get that some other way.
4. Liner notes.
If an artist is doing well, you know they’re gonna make another album. And they’ll probably be looking real hard when they’re on the second or third single from their current album. Check the album’s liner notes for the name of their label and producer, then do some research for how to find them. Of course, the artist may be changing producers for the next album, so you never know for sure.
5. Music publishers.
If you’re signed to a publishing deal or are friends with a music publisher, they’ll know who’d looking for songs and how to get songs to them. Correction. If they’re a LEGIT music publisher, they’ll know who’s looking and how to get songs to them. If you have the right song, they’ll get it to the right ears.
I hope that helps. I know there’s no magic bullet, but that’s just the way it is. That’s one reason why writers that have success can keep it going more easily- they have more accurate information because of their connections. Good luck out there.
Oh, and I can help you meet a legit music publisher.
On June 19, I'm hosting Songwriting Pro's quarterly "Play For A Publisher" event with hit music publisher, Tim Hunze of Parallel Music in Nashville, TN. Tim has worked with several #1 hit songwriters, and he's landed many, many songs with major artists. This is YOUR opportunity to connect face-to-face with a hit music publisher and have him hear YOUR song! And since it's an online event, it doesn't matter where in the world you live.
CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS AND ENTER YOUR SONG TODAY!
God bless,
Brent
PS- Thanks for stopping by Frettie! I appreciate it. As a matter of fact, I want to give you a special little something just for your visit. It's my FREE ebook "Think Like A Pro Songwriter," and it reveals valuable I-learned-it-the-hard-way-so-you-don't-have-to tips to help you succeed at the art, craft and business of songwriting. You can download it at www.GiftFromBrent.com.
