Blog 3
What today’s Songwriters have forgotten
What today’s Songwriters have forgotten
An interesting theory, from discussions with my listeners and Uber riders over the last years, is that most songwriters around the world today have forgotten that they should be telling a story — something for their listeners to ‘get’ or ‘relate to’ and connect with.
Many depend on the beat to popularise their songs, and would never be in contention for Song Lyrics of the Year. Rappers and some Pop singers have bad accents but speak a different language of the streets and only street people would understand. With all due respect to my fellow artists, sometimes I can't even hear their voices or understand what they're singing about — and I'm sure they'd say the same about me! But honestly, our listeners must be able to hear and understand our message. Have we been reduced to simply the beat or the tune? It doesn't feel whole to me. What do you think?
For me, I simply write from my heart and from my many experiences in life, and I try to express that in easy mode or words for listeners to understand, why? Because I believe that's the way to connect with listeners. I guess I can call them “fans,” but I still haven't got used to saying that yet.
Many of today's hits had a load of backing and record-company support behind their “success.” That's a Catch-22, because to get a record company to back you, you need at least 200,000 followers or likes to even be considered.
Over the years/decades, songs became no 1 because they got some push by the records companies they signed up with. The record companies would pressure radio stations and Dj’s or even pay or bribe them in an industry way to get more air time and gain that spot when a better song would lose out and come in 3rd or 2nd on the charts. I’ve heard of many stories that I believe is true and cannot name any or else I’d be sued. But listen to this. There are so many classic legendary songs that never hit no 1 yet have lasted the test of time. Think of a song and google it to see and you’d be surprise of their highest ranking
I understand their reasoning, but there are many artists with really good songs that because they don't know how to promote and market themselves, never stand a chance of being discovered. Especially in todays tech world & Social Media.
Of course, once in a while one song goes viral and an instant star is born, with agents and record companies chasing them — but I've yet to meet one. Have you? So what are the odds of success?
These days it isn't enough to have a good song; you must be good at promoting it on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify and other social media. (For more on this, see Blog 5 — I Need Help.) Did you know there are over 100,000 songs uploaded to YouTube and Spotify every day? Yes, every day. You have to do a lot of really good promotion and marketing to get anywhere.
Let me know your thoughts, and tell me your top three songwriters and the song of theirs that became your favourite.
Footnote: this topic could become its own blog for any fellow artist putting their music out there, not making money, and struggling. Why? Because 99% of musicians face the same path before that one break opens the door to fame and fortune. So if you're another struggling songwriter or musician, you can tell your story and open a new blog. Thanks.