The Music Business: Songwriting

The Music Business: 

As someone who is extremely passionate about music and someone who cares a lot about businesses and entrepreneurship, my interest in the music business is only natural.

Now I’m no expert on the business, but I’m moderately well-read, and I have observed the rise and fall of several artists throughout the years. I’ve also been witness to bands making it, some almost making it, and some not making it at all. So what’s the difference? Well, I can’t tell you which bands are going to make it and which ones aren’t, but I can tell you what all bands who made it have in common – and it’s really just one thing.

Songwriting. Yep, that’s it. Just songwriting. That doesn’t mean great songs automatically make you a star. There are many more factors, but without this one thing, artists don’t make it anywhere.

“Now wait!” you may argue, “There are dozens of musicians who make it big that don’t write any of their own songs!” You are absolutely correct, but someone writes them great songs. They buy songs, they cover songs, or they co-write with great songwriters. But they release good music. Maybe it’s catchy and singable or maybe it’s a song created to take you back to another time in your life. Truth is, if you want to make it in the music business you have to offer a great product, and that product is your songs. If you offer crappy products, you will go out of business. So if you’re a band or want to start as a solo artist, spend your time on your songs. Great songs are a must for you to be great. If you’re not a great songwriter, find someone who is and partner with them. Take a songwriting course, and spend hours practicing writing music. 

Without good emotional or singable sings, you won’t make it. So spend your effort there first. Your songs will make all the difference.