FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
While playing an instrument is not a
requirement, it is an asset. Most songwriters
can play guitar or piano. "Having an ear for
harmonies and the basic knowledge of
chords," adds Jennifer Kimball. "Having an ear
for the cadence of words."
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Many publishers provide a writing room for
their staff songwriters. This is partic-
ularly true in Nashville, where most writers
keep regimented schedules, booking co-
writing appointments at 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Other writers,
particularly those
with home recording studios or music rooms,
will begin work on an idea and con-
tinue until they have completed the song, or
reached total exhaustion. Often, they will
lay down tracks or record work in
process.
AFTER THE SONG IS WRITTEN
If a writer is signed to a publishing company,
he turns in work tapes and lyric
sheets for his publisher to approve a demo
recording session. Very successful writers
may skip the approval process and schedule a
session whenever they feel they have
enough songs to record. Writers who own their
own studios may complete the demo
before playing it for their publisher.
Typically, once the demo is complete, it becomes
the publisher's job to get the song recorded.
Many writers have their own connections
and will also pitch the song. The ultimate
goals of songwriters are to have their songs
recorded and have them become hits or
standards.
Keep a notebook with hook lines and ideas for
songs jotted inside. This
may be the same book used to record lyrics and
music notes as you write.
It is a good idea to carry pen and paper or a
portable cassette player with
you at all times so you can write down or
record ideas as they come.
Always carry a portable cassette recorder to
writing sessions so you have
a record of the work in progress and to ensure
ideas are not forgotten. At
the end of the session, record a rough copy of
the completed work.
"Songwriting is mind discipline. Always be
working on something."--WJ
"The best songwriters have good people skills.
Other people want to
write with them and they can present themselves
well when they're
pitching songs."--JK
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