JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum What is the reality behind selling lyrics in Nashville?

Sam
This is what I understand to be the situation.
Many of todays Country artists are listed as cowriters on the songs. Some are legit writers, some are only listed so they can get a cut of the royalties.
but in its simplest form it seems to be this

lyricist. writes lyrics
Composer. writes music
Songwriter. writes lyrics and music
singer songwriter. writes lyrics, music, and sings the song. Plays am instrument to accompany him/herself. Plays open mics. plays at Doaks. Goes to the Bluebird, Douglas corners, The Commodore, and any other venue they can find. Tries to make contacts with other writers and composers.

Artist. This is the performer who gets all the attention. May or may not be able to write a lyric or compose music. May or may not play an instrument. May or may not be able to sing well. But has the charisma to attract an audience. Also is willing to spend a few years singing to empty seats in bars, working a day job and singing nights and weekends in bars and cover bands trying to get a break. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

If you develop a relationship with this artist you will have the opportunity to pitch your song directly to him/her. If not you will need a publisher who does have the contact or a songplugger.

if you do get your song to the artist you might have a 1 in 500 chance the song will get cut. If it does get cut it has a chance of making it onto the album. That's when youmake money depending on if the album gets released. It also might become a single which is when it gets airplay. You get royalties from airplay.

None of the above is any guarantee you will ever hear your song on the radio.