Speed Of Sound

Sure, "art for art's sake" is cool... but what if you're pursuing a career as a
songwriter? This article is full of suggestions for how you can tailor your songs to
suit the requirements of music business professionals.

Many of us bemoan the state of commercial music today, but what are you doing to
improve things in your own microcosmic corner of the universe? Are you working to
create the next wave of great material songs that have a lifespan of more than a
few weeks or months? How can you use your talents to actually make a powerful
contribution... and make a living while you're at it?

The first step is to take a good look inside and explore what you as a unique
individual have to say, lyrically and musically. What do you think about, believe in,
stand for? What makes you tick? These precious truths that bubble up from the soul
provide the driving force behind great songwriting. These sparks of inspiration,
these "aha! moments," are what listeners crave when they play a song. They're also
what People Behind Desks are desparate to find. Do you have the courage to lay
bare your personal truth in public? I firmly believe that's what it takes to achieve
success with your songs.

The cynical among us will say, "no, you just need the right equipment, a catchy
hook and a whole lot of money behind you." Sure, those things help, but if you're
trying to break into the business, your song has to simultaneously grab people by
the guts, tickle their ears, and slam them over the head like a 2-by-4. Strive to write
songs that take risks, tap into the universal via the personal, and motivate people to
laugh, cry, feel, dance or take action. Make an effort to innovate, not imitate what's
already out there. In other words, write your passion. Songs miraculously translate
to listeners the exact emotion you felt while you were writing them. Do your best to
work that magic!

Another quality that professionals look for in a song is strong dynamic flow. Skillful
use of the many conventions of songwriting can manipulate listeners in the most
enjoyable way. Don't be afraid to push those emotional buttons! Here are some
ways to go about it:

Suck listeners in with lyrical, melodic and chordal tension.

Create a question in their minds: how will this turn out in the end?

Throw their bodies off balance with chords or melodies that are unexpected or
quirky.

Take a strong point of view that's boldly provocative, unique or intensely
felt.

Paint a vivid picture in the mind's eye.

Set a palpable mood.

Construct an entire sonic and/or lyrical environment.

Once you have piqued people's interest, crank up their involvement using all the
techniques in your lyrical toolbox, i.e. rhyme, meter, imagery, metaphor,
alliteration... you name it. Avoid clichs like the plague, or turn them on their heads
somehow. Experiment until you find the melody lines that best show off your lyrics,
and vice versa. Salt your song with enough repetition to make it memorable, but not
so much that it becomes predictable. Use chord progressions that are fresh,
stimulating the ear rather than lulling it into complacency.

When it comes time for the ultimate payoff, your Hook, don't settle! This is your
Money Shot, and most music biz pros will hit the "eject" button if they don't hear a
strong hook in one listen. One listen! Here are a few ways to enhance your hook:

Construct your song so that all roads, lyrically and melodically, lead to your
hook.

Remember that famous music business adage: "Don't bore us, get to the
chorus."

More hooks is merrier! Instrumental riffs, backups, rhythmical chord movement,
and verse melodies can provide secondary hooks.

Fear not repetition (up to a point, of course).

Throw in memorable "monkey wrench" words that stand out.

Make sure the world can sing along.

Play with the language: use slang, twists of phrase, even invent a new word!

Finally, People Behind Desks really appreciate it if you know your marketplace. Don't
submit a country ballad when their artist is a heavy metal guitar-shredder. And if
you're the performer, have at least 3 crowd-pleasing, radio-ready songs in hand
before you shop a deal. Make a detailed study of the hits in your chosen genres, and
incorporate those lessons into your work. The Internet has made it incredibly easy
to educate yourself about what's selling these days, so there's no excuse for
ignorance.

Look at the world for a moment from the perspective of a music industry pro: They'll
respond positively if they think your song will save their job. By bringing them
dynamic, single-worthy, heartfelt material you'll be well on your way to doing just
that, and creating a career for yourself as well.

Happy songwriting!

2006 by Alex Forbes

Award-winning hit songwriter Alex Forbes has seen over 65 of her songs released, many of them landing on the Billboard charts, on TV and in feature films. Her hits in the U.S. include Dont Rush Me, (Taylor Dayne), Too Turned On, (Alisha) and Nothin My Love Cant Fix. Her song, You Are Water is featured on the hit Classical/Pop album by Hayley Westenra. Alex has taught songwriting since 1990 and has appeared on many music industry panels. She offers one-on-one coaching, song critiques and interactive teleclasses for up-and-coming songwriters on her site, http://www.CreativeSongwriter.com.

latin music artist