Songwriting is hard. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. Sometimes it seems like everyone is trying to do it. It's hard to believe how some songs ever make it to radio.
There are good songs out there, and some lousy ones too. But you can't let the lousy ones discourage you from trying. But you can't let them make you think that lousy work will be easily rewarded either.
If you are ever going to see any success with your writing, here are some cold hard facts that every songwriter should learn.
1. Life isn't fair, so don't expect the music business to be either.
2. No one in the business owes you a chance to be heard. Most of the people you are wanting to give you a chance are struggling to survive in the music business themselves, and are not always looking for new talent. If someone does give you a chance, be thankful for it. Don't expect them to orchestrate the rest of your career just because they listened to a song and liked it. That may be the only song they ever use.
3. "Don't take NO for an answer", seldom applies to music business. As a matter of fact, NO is what you will hear most of the time. No amount of pressure you put on an artist or producer will turn that NO into a YES. If they don't like your song, then they just don't like it. You are never going to talk them into liking it. What you need to learn as a songwriter is not to give up when the answer is NO. They may say NO to this song, but YES to another song on another day.
4. Expect to be under paid or not paid at all. Gospel Music is not the place to make a fortune. Gospel Music sells a few thousand units per project whereas secular music will average a few hundred thousand or millions of units. A precious few people ever got rich from writing Gospel songs. If you are not in it for ministry, you really have no business being in it at all. The Ministry verses Entertainment argument applies only to performers, not Gospel songwriters. Your song better have a purpose and a clear ministry message. Even the most ENTERTAINING gospel groups out there still sing songs with a message.
Now, if this article has not discouraged you from writing, you may have what it takes. Start writing everyday. If these few simple rules of music business have discouraged you from trying, then you should give up right now and find some way to express yourself other than in songwriting. There is a lot of rejection that comes with this business. But if you have the talent, spiritual fortitude and tenacity to stick to it, you can do very well.
Until next time, keep on writing!
Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net
Author: Daryl Williams
| Author's Website: http://darylwilliamstrio.net
Written: 01/01/2008
| 
Category: The Songwriter
Comments: 3
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I was 16 years old before I realized my name was not "Earl, No". I started writing songs and now I think it is "NO, Earl."
Daryl, you are so right. Patience for a songwriter is a virtue. Persistence and a great attitude are also valuable. Great insights from a tremendous songwriter. Thanks for these monthly columns, Daryl.
This is the best article I've ever read on this site.
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