{"id":1888,"date":"2014-08-22T13:00:16","date_gmt":"2014-08-22T12:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/?p=1888"},"modified":"2020-10-04T19:10:41","modified_gmt":"2020-10-04T18:10:41","slug":"how-to-be-a-professional-songwriter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/how-to-be-a-professional-songwriter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be a professional songwriter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Robbie Williams and Guy Chamber to Max Martin and Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift among many others. While professional songwriters have been writing the hits for pop stars for decades, new talent, whilst proficient at writing songs, can find it especially difficult to break into the industry.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would be hit songwriters must learn to hone their craft, whilst taking baby steps within the music industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is extremely unlikely that a college graduate with a music degree is going to end up writing a hit for a big name pop star, therefore it is best to target smaller artists and attempt to make a good impression and build a rapport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New work is usually given to preexisting connections and as with almost everything in the music industry, it is important to network and make friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Songwriters will be given small amounts of work that may not pay the bills, but will allow for the building of reputation and improvement of craft.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tips to become a successful songwriter<\/h4>\n
    \n \t
  • Learn basic music theory<\/li>\n \t
  • Learn basic copyright law<\/li>\n \t
  • Create a press kit<\/li>\n \t
  • Network<\/li>\n \t
  • Write tons of songs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Understand what makes a great song <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As musicians, it is important to be able to not only recognise the different sections of a song but also what makes a song tick. Understanding how to construct an effective hook and chorus is vital when writing commercial pop music.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The hook: The part the listener always remembers, the part they sing in their head over and over again.<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Whether it is a catchy song lyric or a particularly well written guitar lick, the hook will draw in listeners and make for a successful song. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones is a great example of a song with a great hook. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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