The Craft and Business of SongwritingThis updated edition of John Braheny's classic book is essential reading for anyone contemplating a career as a professional songwriter. He shares the insider secrets that help songwriters make their work competitive in an overcrowded marketplace. Readers will learn how to: Develop a songwriter's consciousness in picking out original ideas; Overcome barriers in the creative process; Discover what subjects work best for them, from novelty to message songs; Know what their audience wants; Focus on one idea when writing lyrics, ensuring the greatest impact; Handle the business of demos and contracts; Readers will also find anecdotes, exercises and examples from dozens of successful songwriters. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Creativity and Inspiration | 7 |
Subject Matter | 24 |
The Media and the Listeners | 37 |
Writing Lyrics | 57 |
Constructing a Song | 77 |
Collaboration | 123 |
Business Considerations 132 Preliminary Business Meeting | 134 |
Publishing | 177 |
SelfPublishing | 205 |
Successful Pitching Strategies 213 Negotiating | 215 |
Demos | 226 |
Marketing Yourself and Your Songs | 260 |
Additional Markets | 306 |
Getting a Record Deal | 329 |
Appendix | 349 |
The Business | 142 |
Where Your Money Comes From 160 | 162 |
Bibliography | 360 |
Copyright | |