Matt Dorman: Waiting For A Break - part 2
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Waiting For A Break - part 2 (by Matt Dorman) While there are millions of songwriters looking for that break, there are also countless artists who are looking for "that song", the one that takes them to the next level. Maybe they've released their first multi-platinum cd, and are looking for a followup cd with hits as good as the first. Maybe they are new to the industry, and looking for material to kick their career off. How do you get songs to them if you're an unknown songwriter? First, you have to have "that song". The one that you've worked hard, re-written, or wrote it in 5 minutes. You've played or performed it for friends, fellow writers, or had it critiqued at a reputable songwriter association. Some songs write themselves, and just need a little tuning up. Some songs are worked hard over days, months, or years. You may come to a point where you have a great idea, and alot of good lyrics, but just can't seem to finish that song. That's when you might consider co-writing (which will be the subject of a future edition). Don't be afraid of rewriting your song, but remember, when you get critiques from people, that is their opinion. There are counless stories about songs getting turned down, and then cut by somebody to become a number 1 hit. Songwriting is mostly about opinions.
Okay, you've got "that song". You're convinced. Now, how do you get it out there? Here's some suggestions: If you don't live in Nashville ( I don't), or Los Angeles, you have to use whatever means available. Join the local songwriter's association. I'm a member of Las Vegas Songwriter's association. A few times a year, we get reputable publishers, and industry people to come and listen to our songs. Open a myspace site that features your songs, and collect all the "friends" you can. Look what happened to an unknown singer/songwriter that had a song simply named "Bubbly". Open a website, with samples of your songs on it. Send out letters of request to publishers, asking permission to send songs. Join NSAI, or SongU, two great places to get songs heard, to get feedback, and meet writers. There's alot of great sites you can join. You have to do whatever it takes. Landing a helicoptor in Johnny Cash's front yard worked for Kris Kristofferson back then, but today it might not go over well. Don't wear out your welcome, or burn bridges. If somebody says "no", they mean it. Find somebody else that will say "yes". There's alot of publishers that have staff writers, and aren't taking outside material. Once you get into their graces, keep that relationship going, and on a positive level. Someday that staff writer might be you. The most important thing to remember is, as a songwriter, you'll hear "no" more often than you could imagine. Don't let that stop you. Overnight success stories are few and far in between. I've committed myself to a lifetime of songwriting, to become better with every song. I've been writing songs for 20 years, and still don't have a major label hit, but I'll never give up.
Why? Because I love songwriting. It's the only thing in my life that's never gotten old. I've quit jobs, lost girlfriends, sold cars, and have given up many things in my life I once loved,
but songwriting is deeper than anything I'll ever have. I've written over 200 songs. Is one of those a hit? Time will tell.
Matt Dorman |