JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum A few pointers for songwriters

Hi - I've been away so missed this discussion. Just wanted to say, welcome BM Bland. I appreciate you taking the time to ask the publishers you deal with about their submission policies.

I've been on songwriting boards now for 2 or 3 years and the same questions are asked repeatedly by newbies (how do I get a publisher?), so the info you've provided is very useful and I for one am thankful you took the time to share what you've learned.

I will say though, I spoke to Ralph Murphy (ASCAP) at a Songposium here about the subject of demos for country music. He told us that a guitar/vocal or piano/vocal is fine for country song pitches (providing the playing & singing & production is top notch). Michael Laskow (TAXI) says this as well. So you can see why we get confused.

IMO there is absolutely no point in a unknown songwriter spending $400 - $700 for a polished demo of one or more songs. I agree with the poster who said it is much better to get your worktapes critiqued by the pros (NSIA, John Braheny, Jason Blume, Pete & Pat Luboff, TAXI, SongU), and then rewrite & rework & polish. At that point, pay for a good quality, well-produced vocal/guitar or vocal/piano demo to shop.

IMO, the chances of most writers getting a cut with an artist is the same as your chances of winning the lottery. If the ambition is to make money, there are much easier ways to do it than pitching songs. It takes grit & determination & patience to make it - just read Jason Blume's "Inside Songwriting" for a clear picture of how long & how hard he had to work to make it. Both he and Dianne Warren spent years (like, 10, 12) establishing themselves.

BM Bland was passing on the info that she got from specific publishers looking for what everyone in the industry wants - undeniable hit songs. I didn't see any evidence of self-promotion. I fail to see why we should shoot the messenger. Let's give newbies the benefit of the doubt, eh?

Just my two cents.

H