Country has had pure songwriters, and these sites used to be loaded with nashville aspiring lyricists, and songwriters. I guess its still possible but then again, it was NEVER really easy, its just easier to find excuses today...

I toyed with idea of writing for other artists for a short time. It seems so easy. I had musician friends, who automatically assumed...hey im a good musician, i should have no problem writing songs...

and everybody likes the idea of writing something, and making money on it, sailing off into the sunset.

I didnt last long as a pure songwriter, cause I knew I wasnt good at it. Just making lyrics up because I THINK, somebody might think thats clever, or cute, or whatever. Thats not how you do it.

I also knew that I was good, at music, singing, writing music, but I wasnt great. Also knew id never be a real guitar hero.

I stuck with writing songs for myself, or myself to try and record. I found that collectively, melody, lyric, singing, playing, creating hooks, Id be pretty good.

I think technology has now made everybody think they are on equal footing with everybody else. EVen if that were true, it makes it that much more difficult.

But many songs have been cut since the Beatles, 70's 80 90, now I think everybody is trying to be the artist.