Brent is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
After I posted “10 Reasons Songwriters Should Pitch Their Own Songs” (read it HERE), I got a few questions about how to pitch and how to know who’s looking for songs. Today, let’s dive into the 2nd part- how to know who’s looking and listening for songs.
1. Personal relationships.
If you personally know an artist, producer or label A&R, they can tell you if they’re actively listening for a project. And they MIGHT even know what they need and when they need it. But remember, any info is always subject to change at a moment’s notice.
2. Industry chatter.
If you can’t get the scoop directly from the horse’s mouth, publishers and other songwriters are always talking. Keep your ear to the ground, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Industry pitch sheets.
RowFax is a paid subscription service which lists projects, points of contact, etc. It might even say what they’re looking for (usually “hits” or “great songs” or “uptempo positive”). There are also a few inside-the-industry tip sheets, too. But you have to know somebody to get them. Now, these definitely carry some incorrect info- a buddy of mine is on there, and it lists the incorrect producer and music description. So take it all with a grain of salt. Oh, and tip sheets don’t provide contact information- you have to get that some other way.
To check out RowFax, click HERE.
4. Liner notes.
If an artist is doing well, you know they’re gonna make another album. And they’ll probably be looking real hard when they’re on the second or third single from their current album. Check the album’s liner notes for the name of their label and producer, then do some research for how to find them. Of course, the artist may be changing producers for the next album, so you never know for sure.
5. Sources I missed.
I’m sure there are some tip-list services I missed. If you know of any, please add them to the comments- along with any personal recommendations. Teamwork makes the dream work, ya know.
I hope that helps. I know there’s no magic bullet, but that’s just the way it is. That’s one reason why writers that have success can keep it going more easily- they have more accurate information because of their connections. Good luck out there.
God Bless,
Brent
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Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter
Brent Baxter Music: http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com
I WIS I DID KNOW WAS LOOKING FOR NEW COUNTRY SONGS I WOULD SEND THEM TO MY (REAL COUNTRY) songs i lived wrote&did sing befor accident in 91 that did end my plans of makeing it in the country buiz they are on (REVERBNATION) by me TERRY BALL (REAL COUNTRY)
Is the Songwriters Market book that is published annually, a reputable way to pitch songs?
Dan,
Honestly, I haven’t looked at one in so long that I can’t comment either way. If anyone else reading this has an experience with The Songwriters Market, I’d love to hear what you have to say!
The annual Songwriter’s Market book from Writer’s Digest is not as good as it was, say, 10-15 years ago. The listing of publishers, record companies, and management firms looking for songs has dwindled considerably, and those listed are indies for the most part. You won’t find many big names in there, as they are probably overwhelmed as it is, and don’t need another source for contacting them. I haven’t purchased a new copy in about 5 years. I can usually snag the previous year’s edition cheap through hamiltonbooks.com . My best resource as of late, since I am doing more genre-specific (bluegrass) songwriting, has been music associations, like the IBMA. The networking there has been more fruitful, but you still have to work at it.
Mitch,
Thank you so much for adding your thoughts about the Songwriters Market! And welcome to the conversation!
God bless,
Brent
There’s a service called TAXI that might help. It’s a paid service that might be worth checking out.
Thanks for the tip, and thanks for joining the conversation!
Gord Bamford did a great job with your song, Brent. My question: I’m not living in Nashville — if I query a publisher/artist/manager is it acceptable/unacceptable to include a SoundCloud/Youtube link of my song with the query, or wait to be asked to send the submission? Thx for sharing all the info you share in your blog — David.
Hi, David. Yep, I think a link or two should be ok. Just keep your first email short, direct and to the point. Publishers don’t care about your story behind the song or your songwriting journey.
Thank you for your reply.