This Business Of Songwriting

To make money, song-writers need a firm, realistic grasp of how songs generate income. This volume demystifies the process of doing business as a songwriter. It walks the reader step-by-step through the process of starting and operating a publishing company, teaches how to pitch songs to publishers, and more.

Music is a universal language, and John Braheny speaks it eloquently as he helps prepare us for our big musical break--by teaching us the craft of songwriting and revealing secrets of the music business. Includes anecdotes, exercises, and examples from dozens of songwriters, such as Harry Chapin, Paul McCartney, and many others.

A guide to the music business and its legal issues provides real-world coverage of a wide range of topics, including teams of advisors, record deals, songwriting and music publishing, touring, and merchandising.

What’s the secret to writing a hit song? It’s as simple as 1-2-3-4-5-6! Innovative, practical, and inspiring, Six Steps to Songwriting Success presents a surefire step-by-step approach to mastering the elements consistently found in hit songs. Author Jason Blume, a songwriter with the rare distinction of having had songs on the Country, Pop, and R&B charts simultaneously, has packed this book with such key aids as the three-step lyric writing technique used by the pros; lyric, melody, and demo checklists; and tools for self-evaluation–plus many other exercises that work. Blume’s warm, humorous style features motivational anecdotes and entertaining stories of how hit songs came to be written and recorded. Get Six Steps to Songwriting Success, and get on the charts!

How do you turn songwriting talent into a professional career? This essential guide tackles that question, alongside many others, taking songwriters through all the developmental phases and commercial experiences along the way in order to inspire and encourage the reader to find their own voice and write successfully within their chosen genre. Collating the best-available expertise with fresh ideas about the industry, Andrew West equips the reader with what every productive songwriter needs to know: how to write communicative songs that express meaning and convey individuality; how to develop songs into records; how the writer can function as a marketer and seller of original work; how domestic and international markets operate; and how to act and interact meaningfully within the culture of those market. Armed with this knowledge, the songwriter is able to engage creatively and financially to make the most of their potential.

Proven techniques for songwriting success This friendly, hands-on guide tackles the new face of the recording industry, guiding you through the shift from traditional sales to downloads and mobile music, as well as how you can harness social media networks to get your music "out there." You get basic songwriting concepts, insider tips and advice, and inspiration for writing — and selling — meaningful, timeless songs. Songwriting 101 — get a grip on everything you need to know to write a song, from learning to listen to your "inner voice" to creating a "mood" and everything in between Jaunt around the genres — discover the variety of musical genres and find your fit, whether it's rock, pop, R&B, gospel, country, or more Let the lyrics out — master the art of writing lyrics, from finding your own voice to penning the actual words to using hooks, verses, choruses, and bridges Make beautiful music — find your rhythm, make melodies, and use chords to put the finishing touches on your song Work the Web — harness online marketing and social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and others to get your music heard by a whole new audience Open the book and find: What you need to know before you write a single note Tips on finding inspiration Ways to use poetic devices in lyrics Computer and Web-based shortcuts and technologies to streamline songwriting A look at famous songwriting collaborators Writing for stage, screen, and television How to make a demo to get your song heard Advice on how to make money from your music Learn to: Develop your songwriting skills with tips and techniques from the pros Use social networking sites to get your music out to the public Break into the industry with helpful, how-to instructions

Writing great songs is not enough. To make money, songwriters need a firm, realistic grasp of how songs generate income, and how the songwriting business works. This Business of Songwriting is the first book to demystify the process of doing business as a songwriter. Author Jason Blume is a songwriter, music publisher, and educator whose songs are on albums that have sold more than 50 million copies, topped international charts, and are in top television shows and movies. He starts by defining terms and explaining the mechanics of how songwriters generate and collect royalties. The functions of music publishers, record labels, performing rights organizations, and the Harry Fox Agency are clarified, as are mechanical, performance, and print licensing; statutory mechanical royalty rates; estimates of the amounts earned for synchronization and master use licenses; and performance royalties for radio, television, and Internet broadcasts. He also includes a section on digital licensing and royalties. Samples of virtually every contract a songwriter might likely encounter are included, and with top music industry attorneys as consultants, Blume translates these contracts from legaleze to plain English--one paragraph at a time. Included contracts are: Single Song Publishing Agreement; Staff-Writing Agreement; Administration Deal; Collaborators' Agreement; Work-for-Hire Agreement; Mechanical License; Synchronization License; Lyric Reprint Licensing Agreement; Subpublishing Contract; and Copyright Form PA. The book walks readers step-by-step through the process of effectively pitching songs to publishers, artists, managers, A&R representatives, and producers. A chapter about writing and marketing music for television and films explains the process of "clearing" music, and the functions of music supervisors and production music libraries, as well as offering resources for reaching these decision-makers. Additional chapters explain self-publishing, and address the business considerations unique to performing songwriters, as well as those who are targeting special markets, such as Christian music, children's music, video games, and musical theater. This comprehensive text also includes sample lyric sheets and cover letters, as well as advice about how many songs to include--and how to attract attention--when approaching music industry professionals. It also includes a detailed explanation of how the singles and album charts work, and throughout, provides valuable information about how to make money writing songs. This Business of Songwriting is a one-volume resource that teaches the skills and knowledge every songwriter and music publisher needs to succeed. Here's what music professionals are saying about This Business of Songwriting: "If you are serious about being a professional writer, Jason has compiled the most comprehensive how-to guide I have ever read. All the way from getting a writing deal to understanding it once you get one. This is a must read! -- Tom Luteran, V.P./Creative, Sony Music Publishing Jason Blume's latest book is a must read for anyone serious about songwriting, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned professional. The writing is clear, concise and comprehensive, covering everything from how to dress for a pitch meeting to how to decipher sub clauses in a sync license. Highly recommended. -- Bob Regan, Grammy Nominated Songwriter/Adjunct Songwriting Professor, Belmont University/President, Nashville Songwriters Association International "Jason Blume has created songwriting's Rosetta Stone. Encyclopedic in scope, This Business of Songwriting unravels industry enigmas and firmly imparts a sense of direction to tomorrow's hit makers." -- Paul Corbin, VP Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI "If you're serious about your songwriting, this book will give you the information you need to be serious about your business." -- Timothy Fink, V.P., Writer / Publisher Relations, SESAC

Aimed at songwriters, recording artists, and music entrepreneurs, this text explains the basics of digital music law. Entertainment attorney Gordon offers practical tips for online endeavors such as selling song downloads or creating an Internet radio station. Other topics include (for example) web site building, promoting through peer-to-peer networks, etc.

CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL SONGWRITER