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How do I find people to help me with my songwriting ?
I’ve been writing songs for about 3 years and I honestly think they’re not that bad but I don’t know if they’re good either which sometimes leads me to getting rid of them. I would show it to my family members or friends but none of them are as passionate about music as I am so I want to find someone who shares the same passion as me. I just don’t know how to find them.
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9 answers
Updated
Lefty’s Answer
Finding collaborators for your songwriting can be an exciting and rewarding process. Here are some strategies you can use to connect with people who can help you with your songwriting:
1. **Local Music Community**: Attend open mic nights, songwriter circles, and music events in your local area to meet other musicians and songwriters. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and explore potential collaborations with like-minded individuals.
2. **Online Communities**: Join online forums, social media groups, and songwriter communities where musicians and songwriters gather to share ideas, collaborate, and provide feedback on each other's work. Websites like Reddit, Facebook groups, and specialized platforms like SoundBetter and Kompoz can be great places to connect with potential collaborators from around the world.
3. **Networking**: Use your existing network of friends, family, and acquaintances to spread the word about your interest in songwriting collaborations. Let people know what you're looking for and ask if they can introduce you to anyone who might be interested in working together on music projects.
4. **Collaborative Platforms**: Explore online platforms and apps designed specifically for collaborative songwriting and music production. These platforms allow musicians and songwriters to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects remotely. Examples include Splice, BandLab, and Soundtrap.
5. **Songwriting Workshops and Classes**: Enroll in songwriting workshops, classes, or courses offered by local music schools, community centers, or online platforms. These can provide opportunities to learn new skills, connect with other songwriters, and collaborate on songwriting exercises and projects.
6. **Songwriting Contests and Events**: Participate in songwriting contests, challenges, and events hosted by organizations, festivals, and music industry associations. These events can be great opportunities to showcase your songwriting skills, meet other songwriters, and potentially form collaborations with fellow participants.
7. **Music Production Studios**: If you're looking for collaborators with music production skills, consider reaching out to local recording studios or music production companies. Many producers and engineers are open to collaborating with songwriters and artists on projects, and they may be able to connect you with other musicians and songwriters in their network.
8. **Online Collaboration Tools**: Utilize online collaboration tools and platforms that allow you to share songwriting ideas, lyrics, melodies, and recordings with potential collaborators in real-time. Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote are popular options for sharing files and collaborating remotely.
9. **Attend Songwriting Retreats and Camps**: Consider attending songwriting retreats, camps, or workshops where you can immerse yourself in a creative environment and collaborate with other songwriters in person. These events often offer structured activities, co-writing sessions, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
10. **Be Proactive and Persistent**: Building connections and finding the right collaborators takes time and effort. Be proactive in reaching out to potential collaborators, follow up on leads, and stay persistent in your search for like-minded musicians and songwriters who share your creative vision and goals.
Remember to approach potential collaborators with respect, professionalism, and a genuine interest in their work. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative spirit can lead to meaningful and productive songwriting partnerships.
1. **Local Music Community**: Attend open mic nights, songwriter circles, and music events in your local area to meet other musicians and songwriters. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and explore potential collaborations with like-minded individuals.
2. **Online Communities**: Join online forums, social media groups, and songwriter communities where musicians and songwriters gather to share ideas, collaborate, and provide feedback on each other's work. Websites like Reddit, Facebook groups, and specialized platforms like SoundBetter and Kompoz can be great places to connect with potential collaborators from around the world.
3. **Networking**: Use your existing network of friends, family, and acquaintances to spread the word about your interest in songwriting collaborations. Let people know what you're looking for and ask if they can introduce you to anyone who might be interested in working together on music projects.
4. **Collaborative Platforms**: Explore online platforms and apps designed specifically for collaborative songwriting and music production. These platforms allow musicians and songwriters to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects remotely. Examples include Splice, BandLab, and Soundtrap.
5. **Songwriting Workshops and Classes**: Enroll in songwriting workshops, classes, or courses offered by local music schools, community centers, or online platforms. These can provide opportunities to learn new skills, connect with other songwriters, and collaborate on songwriting exercises and projects.
6. **Songwriting Contests and Events**: Participate in songwriting contests, challenges, and events hosted by organizations, festivals, and music industry associations. These events can be great opportunities to showcase your songwriting skills, meet other songwriters, and potentially form collaborations with fellow participants.
7. **Music Production Studios**: If you're looking for collaborators with music production skills, consider reaching out to local recording studios or music production companies. Many producers and engineers are open to collaborating with songwriters and artists on projects, and they may be able to connect you with other musicians and songwriters in their network.
8. **Online Collaboration Tools**: Utilize online collaboration tools and platforms that allow you to share songwriting ideas, lyrics, melodies, and recordings with potential collaborators in real-time. Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote are popular options for sharing files and collaborating remotely.
9. **Attend Songwriting Retreats and Camps**: Consider attending songwriting retreats, camps, or workshops where you can immerse yourself in a creative environment and collaborate with other songwriters in person. These events often offer structured activities, co-writing sessions, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
10. **Be Proactive and Persistent**: Building connections and finding the right collaborators takes time and effort. Be proactive in reaching out to potential collaborators, follow up on leads, and stay persistent in your search for like-minded musicians and songwriters who share your creative vision and goals.
Remember to approach potential collaborators with respect, professionalism, and a genuine interest in their work. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative spirit can lead to meaningful and productive songwriting partnerships.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
There are some good answers here, but I want to give my two cents. How do you get good at anything? The answer is practice practice practice practice. I guess you could go to workshops and find other ways to really focus on your craft but that isn't a need at all. I saw a video that stuck with me all through college- it was Ed Sheeran answering a question about how to get good at songwriting. He talks about the 10,000 hour theory which is really just proof that practicing works. The 10,000 hour theory states that is takes 10,000 hours to become an absolute master at something. That doesn't mean you can't be successful before you hit 10,000 hours, and it certainly isn't something to discourage you. This should be a motivator. I have little reminders around my workspace and habits in my workflow to remind me to shoot for that goal- 10,000 hours.
Write a song a day- it doesn't matter what it's about. It doesn't matter if it's good. Once you write it, it's out there. It should be something that will help you or something that you feel drawn to. This is why people (including me) say that songwriting is like therapy. It is. At the beginning, you will write bad songs (everybody does) that's probably why you came here with your question! Everybody starts somewhere. Remember that if you ever feel down or have writer's block. I've found it's also nice to have a friend or two who's also into music to bounce ideas off of. I send my ideas to my friends all the time and they give me advice and send me songs they're working on too. The most important thing is that your music is heartfelt, tells a story, or is somehow meaningful to YOU. Music is art- art is emotion- emotion comes from the self. No matter where you are in your songwriting journey, there are songs worse than where you are now that have a decent number of people connecting with it. So just keep going!
Write a song a day- it doesn't matter what it's about. It doesn't matter if it's good. Once you write it, it's out there. It should be something that will help you or something that you feel drawn to. This is why people (including me) say that songwriting is like therapy. It is. At the beginning, you will write bad songs (everybody does) that's probably why you came here with your question! Everybody starts somewhere. Remember that if you ever feel down or have writer's block. I've found it's also nice to have a friend or two who's also into music to bounce ideas off of. I send my ideas to my friends all the time and they give me advice and send me songs they're working on too. The most important thing is that your music is heartfelt, tells a story, or is somehow meaningful to YOU. Music is art- art is emotion- emotion comes from the self. No matter where you are in your songwriting journey, there are songs worse than where you are now that have a decent number of people connecting with it. So just keep going!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Joshua,
Finding People to Help with Songwriting
To find people who can help you with your songwriting and share your passion for music, consider the following steps:
1. Join Music Communities: Look for local or online music communities where you can connect with other songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts. Platforms like Meetup, Facebook groups, or Reddit threads dedicated to songwriting are great places to start.
2. Attend Open Mic Nights: Participating in open mic nights at local venues can help you meet fellow musicians and songwriters. It’s a good way to network and potentially find collaborators who share your passion for music.
3. Take Music Classes or Workshops: Enrolling in songwriting classes or workshops can not only improve your skills but also introduce you to like-minded individuals who are serious about music.
4. Collaborate Online: Websites like SoundBetter, Kompoz, or even social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter can be used to find potential collaborators from around the world.
5. Reach Out to Local Music Schools or Colleges: Contacting music schools or colleges in your area could lead you to students or faculty members who are interested in collaborating on songwriting projects.
6. Attend Music Events and Festivals: Networking at music events, festivals, or conferences can provide opportunities to meet people in the industry who may be willing to collaborate on songwriting projects.
7. Utilize Online Songwriting Forums: Platforms like Songwriter’s Forum, Songstuff, or Songwriter Universe offer spaces for sharing your work, getting feedback, and connecting with other songwriters.
8. Host Songwriting Sessions: Consider hosting your own songwriting sessions where you invite fellow musicians to collaborate on songs together. This can be a fun and productive way to find potential collaborators.
By actively engaging with these strategies, you increase your chances of finding individuals who share your passion for music and can provide valuable feedback and collaboration on your songwriting journey.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.): BMI is one of the largest performing rights organizations globally and offers resources for songwriters looking to connect with others in the industry.
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers): ASCAP provides networking opportunities for songwriters and composers through workshops, events, and online forums.
Songwriter’s Association of Canada (SAC): SAC offers a supportive community for Canadian songwriters through workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events.
God Bless You,
JC.
Finding People to Help with Songwriting
To find people who can help you with your songwriting and share your passion for music, consider the following steps:
1. Join Music Communities: Look for local or online music communities where you can connect with other songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts. Platforms like Meetup, Facebook groups, or Reddit threads dedicated to songwriting are great places to start.
2. Attend Open Mic Nights: Participating in open mic nights at local venues can help you meet fellow musicians and songwriters. It’s a good way to network and potentially find collaborators who share your passion for music.
3. Take Music Classes or Workshops: Enrolling in songwriting classes or workshops can not only improve your skills but also introduce you to like-minded individuals who are serious about music.
4. Collaborate Online: Websites like SoundBetter, Kompoz, or even social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter can be used to find potential collaborators from around the world.
5. Reach Out to Local Music Schools or Colleges: Contacting music schools or colleges in your area could lead you to students or faculty members who are interested in collaborating on songwriting projects.
6. Attend Music Events and Festivals: Networking at music events, festivals, or conferences can provide opportunities to meet people in the industry who may be willing to collaborate on songwriting projects.
7. Utilize Online Songwriting Forums: Platforms like Songwriter’s Forum, Songstuff, or Songwriter Universe offer spaces for sharing your work, getting feedback, and connecting with other songwriters.
8. Host Songwriting Sessions: Consider hosting your own songwriting sessions where you invite fellow musicians to collaborate on songs together. This can be a fun and productive way to find potential collaborators.
By actively engaging with these strategies, you increase your chances of finding individuals who share your passion for music and can provide valuable feedback and collaboration on your songwriting journey.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.): BMI is one of the largest performing rights organizations globally and offers resources for songwriters looking to connect with others in the industry.
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers): ASCAP provides networking opportunities for songwriters and composers through workshops, events, and online forums.
Songwriter’s Association of Canada (SAC): SAC offers a supportive community for Canadian songwriters through workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Hello Joshua! While the previous responses have been spot on, I'd like to add one more perspective. From your description, it seems like you often share your songs with your family. If they don't express any reaction to your music, it might be a cue for you to reflect on your work. In my view, a good song naturally makes people tap their feet or sway their bodies, it's an instinctive response. Even if your family members aren't music enthusiasts or deeply involved in the music scene, their reactions can still provide valuable feedback. They represent the common listeners, a significant portion of your potential audience. So, observe their reactions closely as they can offer various insights. Keep this in mind, and continue on your creative journey.
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hello Joshua
In response to your question of finding help with songwriting, may I suggest you look into BMI workshops.
There are three music royalty companies that distribute monies owed to songwriters and music publishers. ASCAP and BMI are two of them. I know that BMI has songwriting workshops where you partner with a songwriter or a lyricist. You become a team. It’s in NYC.
I’d call them up in the phone and ask about the songwriting workshops.
Also, it’s important to have other people listen to your music objectively. You can write for the public or you can write for yourself. I think the better music is of a personal nature.
Remember this: The “they” told Billy Joel his music was so bad that he should drive a truck. He is laughing all the way to the bank !!
Best of luck to you !
Mary Ann Ivan
In response to your question of finding help with songwriting, may I suggest you look into BMI workshops.
There are three music royalty companies that distribute monies owed to songwriters and music publishers. ASCAP and BMI are two of them. I know that BMI has songwriting workshops where you partner with a songwriter or a lyricist. You become a team. It’s in NYC.
I’d call them up in the phone and ask about the songwriting workshops.
Also, it’s important to have other people listen to your music objectively. You can write for the public or you can write for yourself. I think the better music is of a personal nature.
Remember this: The “they” told Billy Joel his music was so bad that he should drive a truck. He is laughing all the way to the bank !!
Best of luck to you !
Mary Ann Ivan
Updated
Shonteal’s Answer
ReverbNation.com is a fantastic website where you can connect with other talented artists and bands. It's a great place to collaborate, learn, and grow together in your artistic journey.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I wanted to unpack your questions with a different perspective than the previous two answers.
The first thing I take away from your question is that you think your songs aren't that bad. But you don't know if they're good, so you sometimes get rid of them. Writing music and songs is an art form, and as such, I think you're looking through the wrong lens. The question you should be asking about the songs you write is, "Am I happy with them?" That's all that matters.
When I write music, the first thing I look to do is create music that satisfies me. If I don't succeed, that's when I keep on trying, or bring in other musicians that I know to collaborate with. I also play in bands, which means I'm constantly in a collaborative musical mindset. But at the end of the day, "Am I happy with this song that just got finished?" is the question we all ask ourselves once we've created a song. You'll know the answer is yes if you can't stop listening to your own music!
Which also means, if your answer is yes - then it doesn't matter what your friends, family, or anyone else thinks about the music you created, because you love it first. If you find someone else, or many others who love your music as much as you - that's a bonus. And it's an honest bonus! Because you didn't try to write music a certain way to win that approval and validation.
No matter how bad or good you think your music is, someone out there is going to love it as much as you. It's just a matter of finding those people by putting it out there on social media, YouTube, Spotify, and the like for it to be found. If you change the way you write music to appease someone, the person who loved what you were doing originally might stop listening. So just be happy with your creation first.
The number one rule to remember: You can't please everyone. So start with yourself.
So that brings me to finding people to listen to your music who share the same passion as you. At the end of the day, you just have to finish a song, and put it out there to be heard. CD Baby and other companies like them get your music out on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. You can control your own destiny so to speak by engaging with Soundcloud and Bandcamp for example. These are platforms where you can upload your music, take it down, make it free to download, etc.
But when it comes down to it, finding people who want to listen means putting it out there.
And if you want to get collaborative, just look for people online that share your same influences and musical interests. Reach out and ask, "Do you wanna collab on a song?" Maybe you get a yes, maybe a no. But the answer is always "NO" when you don't ask at all.
The other answers I read are a lot more mechanical in nature, and none of the other advice you were given is wrong in any way. It's just more mechanical, and less about the creative aspects. If you don't know how to play guitar, but want to be a guitar player - a few lessons probably isn't gonna hurt, you know?
Also - give yourself time. Your music will naturally progress, improve, and take on a life of its own the longer you do it. I listen back to my first album that I made every now and then. When I made that album, I was blown away by what I created. I couldn't believe I was capable of creating something so amazing. And now when I listen to it, and compare it to what I'm doing today, I'm like, "WOW - that was garbage!!" LOL
But my point still stands because at the time, in the moment, I was stoked with my creation. And to this day, with the music I write now, I'm stoked. So just keep being stoked!!!
The first thing I take away from your question is that you think your songs aren't that bad. But you don't know if they're good, so you sometimes get rid of them. Writing music and songs is an art form, and as such, I think you're looking through the wrong lens. The question you should be asking about the songs you write is, "Am I happy with them?" That's all that matters.
When I write music, the first thing I look to do is create music that satisfies me. If I don't succeed, that's when I keep on trying, or bring in other musicians that I know to collaborate with. I also play in bands, which means I'm constantly in a collaborative musical mindset. But at the end of the day, "Am I happy with this song that just got finished?" is the question we all ask ourselves once we've created a song. You'll know the answer is yes if you can't stop listening to your own music!
Which also means, if your answer is yes - then it doesn't matter what your friends, family, or anyone else thinks about the music you created, because you love it first. If you find someone else, or many others who love your music as much as you - that's a bonus. And it's an honest bonus! Because you didn't try to write music a certain way to win that approval and validation.
No matter how bad or good you think your music is, someone out there is going to love it as much as you. It's just a matter of finding those people by putting it out there on social media, YouTube, Spotify, and the like for it to be found. If you change the way you write music to appease someone, the person who loved what you were doing originally might stop listening. So just be happy with your creation first.
The number one rule to remember: You can't please everyone. So start with yourself.
So that brings me to finding people to listen to your music who share the same passion as you. At the end of the day, you just have to finish a song, and put it out there to be heard. CD Baby and other companies like them get your music out on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. You can control your own destiny so to speak by engaging with Soundcloud and Bandcamp for example. These are platforms where you can upload your music, take it down, make it free to download, etc.
But when it comes down to it, finding people who want to listen means putting it out there.
And if you want to get collaborative, just look for people online that share your same influences and musical interests. Reach out and ask, "Do you wanna collab on a song?" Maybe you get a yes, maybe a no. But the answer is always "NO" when you don't ask at all.
The other answers I read are a lot more mechanical in nature, and none of the other advice you were given is wrong in any way. It's just more mechanical, and less about the creative aspects. If you don't know how to play guitar, but want to be a guitar player - a few lessons probably isn't gonna hurt, you know?
Also - give yourself time. Your music will naturally progress, improve, and take on a life of its own the longer you do it. I listen back to my first album that I made every now and then. When I made that album, I was blown away by what I created. I couldn't believe I was capable of creating something so amazing. And now when I listen to it, and compare it to what I'm doing today, I'm like, "WOW - that was garbage!!" LOL
But my point still stands because at the time, in the moment, I was stoked with my creation. And to this day, with the music I write now, I'm stoked. So just keep being stoked!!!
Updated
Johnny’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
You definitely seem to have the right drive to achieve greatness in music. I would like to offer a few tips, as well.
First off, if you keep that drive and enthusiasm, you'll make your goals! Keep and protect that. You must encounter failure in the journey. In other words, you have to write bad songs to write better ones. There is no shame in that, whatsoever. Here are a couple things I have found as an independent artist.
*Collaboration can be a very useful resource. You should always remain open to working with other artists if you are able to. You will likely learn a new way to look at song or be creative. But, how do you connect with them? Social media is key to most everything we do today, of course. But, I had trouble finding other writers with whom to collaborate, even remotely. The answer for me was thinning the crowd. Instead of searching for someone such an overwhelming crowd of people, so to speak, try looking at joining writers' associations, clubs in schools, or go to conventions, if that is an option.
**Free coaching / course resources are the next thing and can really help you put a shine on your music. Perhaps the most useful tools and resources out there are music and entertainment colleges. Pick one or two (or five), get on their social media page and post what you are looking for. Among those students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other followers, you are bound to find what you need, whether it's collaboration, tutoring, coaching, or a critical ear.
I hope this helps you get better and more confident every single day!
You definitely seem to have the right drive to achieve greatness in music. I would like to offer a few tips, as well.
First off, if you keep that drive and enthusiasm, you'll make your goals! Keep and protect that. You must encounter failure in the journey. In other words, you have to write bad songs to write better ones. There is no shame in that, whatsoever. Here are a couple things I have found as an independent artist.
*Collaboration can be a very useful resource. You should always remain open to working with other artists if you are able to. You will likely learn a new way to look at song or be creative. But, how do you connect with them? Social media is key to most everything we do today, of course. But, I had trouble finding other writers with whom to collaborate, even remotely. The answer for me was thinning the crowd. Instead of searching for someone such an overwhelming crowd of people, so to speak, try looking at joining writers' associations, clubs in schools, or go to conventions, if that is an option.
**Free coaching / course resources are the next thing and can really help you put a shine on your music. Perhaps the most useful tools and resources out there are music and entertainment colleges. Pick one or two (or five), get on their social media page and post what you are looking for. Among those students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other followers, you are bound to find what you need, whether it's collaboration, tutoring, coaching, or a critical ear.
I hope this helps you get better and more confident every single day!
Updated
Nancy-Jean’s Answer
Look on social media for open mic nights near you and go check them out. Introduce yourself to the musicians there. Sign up to play a song or two to gauge reactions and so you can ask for feedback. This is but a small step in your fantastic journey. Wishing you all the best!