WHAT KIND OF SONGWRITER ARE YOU?

Why do you write songs? 

What do you want to achieve or get from writing your own music? 

The answers to these questions will determine what kind of songwriter you are and your place in the music industry.

  

I have written some general and common characteristics and mindset of each kind. Each type has its upsides and downsides. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll have an understanding of where you are as a songwriter now and where you want to be in the future.

Let me make it clear that I am not saying that one category is better than the other. You as a songwriter have the freedom to choose which path you would take. As long as you are happy with what you’re doing, then it’s fine! And for all we know, you can be a combination of two or more kinds.

So, read on!

THE HOBBYIST

Just like any hobbyist, you belong to this type if you love writing songs simply because you feel good while and after doing it. This kind of songwriter doesn’t care so much if he will get any financial reward or payment for his works. Just the thought of having your songs heard and appreciated by people is enough to keep you writing more.

Although you dream of making it big as a songwriter, you are somehow stuck with dreaming because you are more focused on something “more important”, like a job, studies, girlfriend/boyfriend (just kidding), etc. Your music can wait. You can relate so much with these words: enjoy, relax, therapeutic, share or sharing, free time.

Most songwriters begin this way. And a lot also remain in this category. The advantages of being a hobbyist-songwriter are:

1. No pressure when you write songs – hey it’s just a hobby,    

    right?

2. You get to express yourself in any musical form or style that you want (bahala na si Batman!)

Here are the downsides:

1.  Your audience is limited to people you know

2.  You get no financial rewards for your songs – but you don’t care about this anyway!

THE PURE ARTIST

You belong here if you put too much emphasis on “creating your own” sound. You are also your own artist. Meaning, you sing your own songs. Songwriters who belong in this category do not really care about the money. They don’t like to compromise on what is “in” or what is the latest music. Mainstream doesn’t appeal to you.

For the pure artist-songwriter, what is most important is to remain “artistic” and express this artistry. Your goal is to “enrich” the listening habits of the majority. You like to change the world through your music.

This type of songwriter also enjoys the technical aspects of writing songs: the instrumentation, the riffs, the chordal shifts and progression. These words make sense to you: freedom, expression, artistry, deep, experimental, progressive, and more.  

There are so many independent songwriters who belong in this category, and I respect their vision and commitment to their music.

Advantages:

1. You are your own boss – nobody is telling you what to do when you write songs

2.  You get to experience deep appreciation of music as an art

Disadvantages:

1. You have a relatively small audience – although you can upload your songs on the internet, only a few people will “dig” your style. This is also called “niche” music.

2.  Earning money from your music is an option, not a motive

3. The production of your music depends on how deep your pocket, resources, patience, and support are.

THE COMMERCIAL SONGWRITER

This kind is easy to identify. If you are contracted to write a song, and you are getting paid for it, then you belong here. You understand that music is used in businesses. In fact, it is clear in your mind that music IS business.

The commercial songwriter is always conscious on what is hot, trendy, and in-demand. He or she takes into consideration the capabilities of the artist who will record his or her song. You have more leverage if you are a SINGER-SONGWRITER because you sell yourself and you have better understanding of the appeal your song has to have.

The commercial songwriter doesn’t really care whether his or her song will be “intellectual” or “deep” for as long as it will “move” the audience to feel whatever emotion he/she would want them to feel.

Songwriters in this category are the jingle writers, mainstream composers, TV/movie scorer. The words that make sense to commercial songwriters are: appeal, royalty, production cost, hook, airplay, etc.

Advantages:

1. You receive remuneration (MONEY) for your songs

2. You appeal to a broader audience (that’s why it’s called MAINSTREAM)

Disadvantages:

1. There is pressure from restrictions like length of song, topic, range, artist, genre and budget from someone else, THE CLIENT. Your challenge is to satisfy the needs of the client in the most creative way possible, considering the limitations.

2. You tend to be accused of feeding “trash”, “formulaic” music to the general masses

Again, I am not saying that one is better than the other. It is up to YOU to choose which path you would take. After all, each of us is unique and we have our own preferences and goals in life.

So, what kind of songwriter are you?

May you be successful in your musical venture,

Robster Evangelista

P.S.

Get my Ebook THE SECRETS OF RADIO HIT SONGS AND 10 TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN USE THEM WHEN WRITING YOUR OWN SONGS for FREE!!! Just sign up on the upper left corner of this blog or below and you will receive an email with instructions on how you can download my FREE EBOOK.