Songwriting Pro is a community for songwriters who are ready to WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to pros. Hundreds of songwriters from all over the world use Songwriting Pro to get their songs in front of music industry professionals, find collaborators and gain real-world, real-time knowlege about the music business. We'd love to have you join us... so what are you waiting for? Join today!
Tips & Resources by Brent Baxter, Pro Songwriter on January 31, 2018
I believe there are four cornerstones to professional songwriting success. You can remember them by the acronym, “W.R.A.P.” They are:
1. Write
This one’s pretty obvious. We’re songwriters, aren’t we? If you’re a writer... write. If you don’t write, there’s nothing to get recorded. And it’s not enough to just write every once in a while. Write hard, write consistently. Write your very best.
2. Record
It’s not enough to have scratchy worktapes if you want someone else to cut and release your song. You have to get a good recording of your song- one that presents it in a good light. This could be a guitar/vocal, a full demo, or something in between.
3. Access
A great demo does you no good if you can’t get it into the hands of someone who can do something with it. Accessing is building relationships and otherwise gaining access to singers, publishers, labels, producers, etc. This is the relationship part of the music business.
4. Pitch
You have to ask for the cut, as simple as that. You have to give publishers, artists, etc. the opportunity to say “yes” to your song.
Note that each of these are cornerstones - you won’t have a stable, well-functioning career if you neglect one or more of them for too long. I’m not saying you should spend equal hours on each of these areas, but you should give them the proper amount of time based on your particular situation. For example, early in your songwriting journey, you need to spend most of your time just writing and becoming a better songwriter. Pitching songs that aren’t ready (at this stage) is a waste of time at best and a horrible 1st impression at worst.
WRAP is also good for helping you focus on what’s important. If an opportunity comes up, compare it to WRAP. If that activity doesn’t fall into one of those categories, it might not be a wise use of your time.
If you want to get professional advice to help you with "Write" and make a connection that will help you with "Access," I have a great opportunity for you.
Each quarter, Frettie's "Know The Row" series brings in a music industry professional to reveal what YOU need to know about breaking into the music business. Ask YOUR questions- and get answers. It's online, so you can join this live video-conference from anywhere in the world. If you miss it, Frettie members will have unlimited access to the video replay in Frettie's Member Area.
Our next guest is hit songwriter, Byron Hill!
Since moving to Nashville and signing his first publishing deal in 1978, Byron Hill’s songs have generated more than 700 recordings, and have been released on ninety-one industry certified Gold and Platinum albums and singles. They have earned ten ASCAP awards, thirty-four U.S. and Canadian top-ten chart hits, and have become hits in many other worldwide markets.
So, yes, YOU want to hang out with Byron Hill and get his advice on the music business!
This exclusive event is February 8, 2018 from 7pm-8pm Central time.
Again, this event is FREE for subscribers of Frettie.com! However, if you don't feel like taking advantage of all of Frettie's membership benefits, you can still get all the details and purchase a ticket with a CLICK HERE.
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.
