Many people believe that songwriting is nothing more than simply writing song lyrics. it’s much more than that. It’s about creating melodies, producing unique beats, and sharing your musical ideas with the world. Songwriting is a fulfilling way to express your emotions, tell stories, and connect with others through music.
However, like any craft, it requires time, dedication, and a solid understanding of the songwriting process. Starting might feel overwhelming, but not to worry—in this guide, you’ll discover secret tried-and-true steps to kickstart your songwriting career and learn how to earn money from your music.
What is a Songwriter’s role?
A songwriter is a musician who writes lyrics, composes music, or does both. The role involves coming up with an idea for a song and turning it into a musical piece that commercial artists can record and perform. To succeed as a songwriter, you must have a natural talent for writing lyrics, creating beautiful melodies, and a keen eye for recognizing what makes a song great.
How to Get Started With Songwriting?
As previously mentioned, becoming a great songwriter requires dedication, ongoing learning, and the willpower to try new ideas, just like any other craft, songwriting benefits from practice and exploration. I’ve outlined simple steps you can follow to become the best songwriter you can be, so keep these in mind as you continue reading.
- Find Your Inspiration
The first step to becoming a songwriter is to discover what inspires you. Inspiration can come from all sorts of places—personal experiences, stories, or even songs. Pay close attention to your environment and the thoughts that bring music flow to your subconscious self. This source of inspiration will serve as the starting point for your songs.
- Learn the Basics of Music Theory
Learning music theory is important for any aspiring songwriter. It helps you understand how chords, scales, and progressions fit together to create harmonious music. Having a significant understanding of other skills like composing, beat-making, and top-lining will also improve your ability to write great songs as well.
- Start Writing Lyrics
Lyrics are the core of any song. Start by writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Fiddle with rhymes, wordplay, and metaphors. The more you write, the more you’ll discover your unique style and voice.
Additionally, keep a smartphone or audio recorder handy to capture song ideas. Melodic Inspiration may pop up suddenly and it’s important to record it before it slips away.
- Practice Writing Melodies
Melodies are the tunes that bring harmony to lyrics. You can practice creating melodies by humming or playing different notes on a musical instrument. The goal is to create a tune that’s soothing and harmoniously flows with your lyrics.
- Record A Demo:
Learning to record demo songs will give you an edge as you begin your songwriting career. Being able to record your lyrics and song ideas is as important as ever, so keep an audio recorder handy and familiarize yourself with recording software to capture your melodies.
Sending just the written lyrics isn’t enough to get paid; the best way to demonstrate your songwriting talent is by providing recorded sample tracks along with your lyrics.
- Collaborate with Other Musicians
Working with other musicians often leads to exciting new creative opportunities. Collaborating with instrumentalists, vocalists, or producers, will bring fresh perspectives and ideas. It’s also a chance to improve your skills and learn from the experiences of others.
How To Make Money from Songwriting?
Songwriting isn’t only about making music; it’s about your connection with your audience and leaving a lasting impact. Keep in mind that the Nigerian music industry is full of opportunities. Check out these different ways to turn burning passion into a profitable career.
- Licensing Your Music
This is the most popular way to earn money from songwriting is through music licensing. This means permitting your songs to be used in movies, TV shows, commercials, or video games. Platforms like MCSN Music License can help you get started with getting your music licensed. You can earn a license fee when your song is synced and whenever any corporation utilizes your music in their products.
Ready to share your music with the world? Our Music Promotion Services can help you get your songs heard on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay.
- Selling Your Songs
If you’re a songwriter but don’t want to be a prefers not to be a music artist, you can still earn money by selling your songs to other musicians.
You can achieve this through songwriting contests, pitch sessions, or by meeting up with music publishers who match songs with artists looking for new material.
- Streaming and Royalties
Digital Streaming Platforms (DSPs) such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay are other alternatives to earn royalties from your songs. By releasing your music on these platforms, you get paid every time your song is steamed or downloaded.
However, ensure you register with a performance rights organization (PRO) to ensure you collect all your royalties.
Tips On Becoming A Good Songwriter
Becoming a successful songwriter takes more than just talent, it needs hard work and passion. Having these tips at hand can help you navigate the path to becoming a proficient songwriter.
- Write Every Day
Just as with any skill, songwriting gets better with continuous practice. Form a habit of writing something every day, even if it’s just a few lines or a simple tune. The more you write, the better you’ll get at creating interesting songs.
- Listen to a Wide Range of Music
Exploring different genres and styles can broaden your musical horizon and bring out creative ideas. Never restrict yourself to just one genre of music—explore everything from Afrobeats to R&B, Highlife, and even local music. This variety will inspire and develop your skillset in songwriting.
- Analyze Popular Songs
Study the songs that are at the top of the charts. Look closely at their structure, lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions. Discover what made those songs so popular, apart from its promotion. When you understand the key elements of a hit song, you can adopt similar techniques in your songwriting.
- Accept Criticism and Feedback
Don’t hesitate to share your work with others and ask for feedback. Constructive criticism will help in discovering weaknesses, and areas that need improvement and fine-tuning your skills. Keep in mind that every successful songwriter has dealt with criticism at some point—it’s an important part of growth for an artist.
- Be Consistent
Songwriting is a journey with its highs and lows. It is normal to experience writer’s block or feel uninspired at times, but the key is to stay persistent and keep improving your skillset. Every great songwriter has faced challenges, and with determination, you will overcome yours too.
Final Thought:
The world of songwriting is wide and full of opportunities. Keep learning, keep writing, and most importantly, keep believing in your unique voice. You never know—your next song could be the next big hit in the Nigerian music industry!