My last couple of posts have been about email. Why biz pros aren’t emailing you back and the email that helped me get a Joe Nichols cut. Today, I want to break it down even more simply into some “do” and “don’t” guidelines.
This is mainly for when a songwriter wants to get a meeting with a publisher, a PRO, or some other pro in the business. These are only guidelines, so certain situations may call for different tactics.
DON’T: Whine about the music biz. We all know it’s hard.
DON’T: Tell your life story in the first email. Or probably ever. We just want great music. If it’s not great, the story behind it doesn’t matter. If it IS great, the story behind it doesn’t matter.
DON’T: Beg. It just makes you look unprofessional.
DON’T: Flood them. Don’t send an email every day or two. Relax. Be patient.
DON’T: Talk trash about others in the biz- or their songs. They might be our friends.
DON’T: Ask for a cowrite or pub deal right off the bat. You’re not trying to get to third base here- you’re just asking for a dance.
DON’T: Ask for too much. Not “come to my show” “listen to my album and tell me your favorite.” Don’t make yourself look like needy work. Just attach ONE song. Or ask if you can send them a song.
DO: Warm up the email if possible. Meet us out somewhere at a show or industry event. Have a mutual contact introduce us, etc. It’s not always possible, but it helps.
DO: Keep it short and to the point. Make it easy to read your email quickly. We don’t have all day.
DO: Provide contact information. Make yourself easy to find.
DO: Provide brief credentials (if you have some). Briefly list any pro cowrites, cuts, major contest wins, etc. Did a pro recommend you?
DO: Ask for a meeting or a listen. Be clear about what you want from this email.
DO: Follow up in about a week. Not the same afternoon. We’re busy. Don’t become a problem.
DO: Respect the professional’s time. If you ask for a meeting, only ask for 15 minutes. And mean it!
Here’s a sample of a solid email:
SUBJECT:
We met at Lance’s show
BODY:
Hi, Bill! We met at Lance Carpenter’s show at The Listening Room last night. I’m Emily’s friend (with the glasses).
I’m a songwriter, and I’ve had two songs featured at NSAI’s Pitch-To-Publisher Luncheon. I’ve also been writing with Sally Makeahit at Sony ATV.
I’ll be in Nashville the week of July 12, and I’d appreciate 15 minutes of your time. I’d just like to say “hi” and maybe play one song for you. I know you’re busy, and I promise to respect your time. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Johnny Songwriter
555-555-5555
johnnysongwriter@email.com
www.johnnysongwriter.com
What about you? Any additions to this list of do’s and don’ts?
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God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,
Brent
Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
Keep up the good work about song publishers.
They are always claiming that they are always looking for songwriters that write hit songs. But they make themselves so hard to contact and connect with.
Great summary of how to write a compelling, professional email if you’re trying to work within the business and advance your songwriting career. Songwriters being able to effectively market themselves is definitely an information gap! Thanks for filling it.
You’ve just scored a touchdown @ a hundred yard dash.
Thanks!
If anyone needed this, it’s me.
Hey man,
As you know, I had a very positive results using a cold email constructed in a very similar manner to what you have given as an example here. This is truth, and it’s the one thing I think most people are lacking if they truly writing great songs and getting no response.
People in general like to deal with people who are courteous, respectful, and professional. Learning to communicate, whether in person or through written or electronic communications, is paramount to ever having any doors open up for someone pursuing a career in the music business, just as in every other field.
I just wanted to lend another voice to your point here, because I know that without a doubt, the opportunity I now have is a reality because my first impression led to me being able to make a second one.
Thanks for all you do brother. You’ve been a huge part of the best of my journey, and I am grateful for the heart you have for your fellow dreamers…
Peace,
Todd
Thanks, Todd! I’m glad to be of service. Getting to know you has blessed me!