Songwriting is a beautiful and complex art form. It is the process of creating music and lyrics that can communicate emotions, ideas, and stories to an audience. It is a way to express oneself and connect with others. However, it is not an easy task to write a great song. It takes a lot of hard work, practice, and skill to master the craft of songwriting. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and techniques that can help you improve your songwriting skills.

• Start with a hook

A hook is a catchy and memorable phrase, melody, or rhythm that captures the attention of the listener. It is the foundation of a great song. According to Pat Pattison, in his book Writing Better Lyrics, “A good hook is a musical event that’s memorable, catchy, and emotionally engaging” (Pattison, 2009, p. 18). A great example of a hook is the opening riff of the song “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. It is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the rest of the song.

• Use concrete and specific language

When writing lyrics, it is important to use concrete and specific language that can evoke vivid images and emotions in the listener. As Pattison states in his book, “Specific language engages the senses, paints pictures, and connects emotionally” (Pattison, 2010, p. 47). A great example of using specific language can be found in the song “Waterfalls” by TLC. The lyrics describe a girl who “chases waterfalls” and ends up getting into trouble. The imagery of chasing waterfalls is both specific and memorable.

• Experiment with different rhyme schemes

Rhyme is an important aspect of songwriting. It creates a sense of unity and cohesion in the lyrics. However, it is also important to experiment with different rhyme schemes to keep the lyrics fresh and interesting. In his book Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure, Pattison explains that “A good rhyme scheme sets up a musical pattern that the listener expects and can follow, but then surprises them by breaking the pattern” (Pattison, 2008, p. 36). A great example of an unexpected rhyme scheme can be found in the song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. The chorus uses an ABAC rhyme scheme instead of the more traditional AABA or ABAB scheme.

• Understand the structure of hit songs

To write a hit song, it is important to understand the structure of successful songs. Derek Thompson explains in his book Hit Makers that “the vast majority of hits follow a specific structure that combines an ear-catching intro, a catchy chorus, and a relatable story or melody” (Thompson, 2017, p. 55). This structure can be seen in many popular songs, such as “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. The song has a catchy intro with a funky bass line, a memorable chorus with a catchy hook, and relatable lyrics about partying and having fun.

• Rewrite and edit your work

Rewriting and editing are crucial steps in the songwriting process. It allows you to refine your ideas and make your lyrics more impactful. As Pattison states in his book, “The first draft of anything is crap. But once you have it down on paper, you can fix it” (Pattison, 2009, p. 103). A great example of the power of rewriting and editing can be seen in the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Cohen wrote over 80 verses for the song before he settled on the final version that has become a classic.

• Use your personal experiences and emotions

One of the most powerful tools in songwriting is personal experience and emotion. Writing about your own experiences and feelings can make the lyrics more relatable and authentic. As Seabrook explains, “The best songs are written from personal experience. They come from a place of vulnerability and honesty” (Seabrook, 2015, p. 21). A great example of this can be found in the song “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. The song was written by Stevie Nicks about her personal struggles and reflects the emotions she was feeling at the time.

• Practice, practice, practice

Like any skill, songwriting takes practice. The more you write, the better you will become. As Pattison states, “Songwriting is a craft, not a talent. It can be learned, practiced, and honed” (Pattison, 2009, p. 2). A great example of the power of practice can be seen in the career of songwriter Max Martin. Martin has written over 20 number-one hits and attributes his success to “hard work, a lot of practicing, and listening to a lot of music” (Thompson, 2017, p. 103).

• Collaborate with other songwriters

Collaborating with other songwriters is a valuable tool in the songwriting process. By working with others, you can benefit from their unique perspectives and ideas, and together create something greater than what you could achieve alone.

John Seabrook, author of Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in songwriting, stating that it allows for the sharing of the creative burden and the introduction of new ideas and sounds (Seabrook, 2015, p. 5). In fact, many successful songs in the music industry are the result of collaborations between multiple songwriters.

When working with others, it’s important to approach the collaboration with an open mind and a willingness to compromise. Pat Pattison, author of Writing Better Lyrics, suggests that the best collaborations occur when each songwriter is willing to let go of their individual ideas and work together towards a common goal (Pattison, 2009, p. 111).

A great example of successful collaboration in songwriting can be found in the hit song “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. The song was the result of a collaboration between several songwriters, including Ronson, Mars, and Jeff Bhasker. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bhasker described the collaborative process as “like a tennis match, back and forth until you have something you all love” (Seabrook, 2015, p. 113). This willingness to bounce ideas off each other and work towards a common goal resulted in one of the biggest hits of the decade.

In conclusion, songwriting is a complex and rewarding art form. By following these tips and techniques from experts such as Pat Pattison, John Seabrook, and Derek Thompson, you can improve your songwriting skills and create music that connects with others on a deeper level. Remember to start with a catchy hook, use specific language, experiment with different rhyme schemes, collaborate with others, understand the structure of hit songs, rewrite and edit your work, and use your personal experiences and emotions. And most importantly, keep practicing and honing your craft.

Man produce hip hop music in project home studio. Black and white monochrome image

In the world of music production, there are few people who are more important to the success of an artist than the music producer. These professionals are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from helping to craft the overall sound of a recording to providing guidance and support to the artists they work with. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a music producer is, why they are so important, what they do, and how much they are typically paid.

What is a Music Producer?

At its most basic level, a music producer is someone who oversees the creation and recording of music. They work with artists to help them realize their vision for a particular piece of music, whether that means helping to shape the song’s overall structure or simply providing guidance on instrumentation and arrangement.

In addition to working directly with artists, music producers often work closely with recording engineers and other studio personnel to ensure that every aspect of a recording is captured accurately and in the best possible quality. This can involve everything from adjusting microphone placement to helping to choose the right recording equipment for a particular project.

Why are Music Producers Important?

While many people assume that the primary role of a music producer is simply to oversee the recording process, their importance to the success of an artist goes far beyond that. A good music producer can be a critical collaborator, helping to shape the sound and direction of an artist’s work. They are often instrumental in creating the sonic identity of an artist, helping to establish their unique sound and style.

In addition, music producers bring a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to the recording process. They can provide guidance on everything from vocal performance to instrumentation, helping to ensure that each recording sounds its best. With their help, artists can achieve a level of polish and professionalism that might otherwise be difficult to attain.

What Do Music Producers Do?

The role of a music producer can vary significantly depending on the project they are working on and the preferences of the artists they are collaborating with. However, some common tasks and responsibilities of music producers include:

1. Pre-production: Music producers often work with artists to help them prepare for a recording session. This can involve everything from refining song arrangements to selecting the right instruments and gear for the session.
2. Arrangement: Music producers can provide guidance on how to structure a song and how to arrange different parts to create a cohesive and engaging final product.
3. Recording: During the recording process, music producers are responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the session. This can involve adjusting microphone placement, ensuring that levels are correct, and providing feedback to the artists as needed.
4. Editing: After the recording process, the music producer proceeds to the post-production phase where they fine-tune the raw tracks. This involves a meticulous editing process, which includes perfecting performances, adding effects, and balancing the levels to achieve a refined and professional-sounding final product.
5. Mixing: One of the most important roles of a music producer is to mix the final tracks. This involves balancing the levels of different instruments and vocals, adding effects and dynamics processing, and creating a stereo image that enhances the overall sound.
6. Mastering: After the mixing process is complete, music producers often oversee the mastering process. This involves preparing the final mixes for distribution by creating a final stereo file that is optimized for various playback formats.

How Much are Music Producers Paid?

Music producer salaries can vary widely depending on the level of experience, reputation, and success of the producer. A producer working on a smaller independent project might charge a few thousand dollars for their services, while a producer with a long track record of success might command fees in the six or seven-figure range.

In addition to fees for their services, music producers may also earn royalties or a percentage of album sales. This can provide additional income over the long term, especially for successful recordings.

When Are Music Producers Paid?

Payment schedules for music producers can vary depending on the project and the individual producer. In some cases, producers may be paid a flat fee upfront for their services, while in others they may receive a portion of their fee at various stages of the recording process (e.g. upon completion of recording, mixing, and mastering).

In some cases, music producers may also receive a portion of royalties or album sales. These payments may be distributed over time as the music is sold or streamed, providing a steady source of income for producers over the long term.

In conclusion, music producers play a critical role in the creation and success of a recording. They bring a wealth of technical expertise and creative vision to the recording process, helping to shape the sound and direction of an artist’s work. While fees for music producers can vary widely, their importance to the success of an artist cannot be overstated.

As a successful touring musician, I have found that utilizing technology and social media can greatly aid in building a fan base, selling merchandise, and planning tours. Here are 10 tools that I have found to be particularly useful for these purposes:

1. Music distribution platforms: Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp allow you to easily distribute your music to a global audience.
2. Social media management tools: Platforms like Hootsuite and Buffer make it easy to schedule and automate your social media posts, which can be a huge time-saver when you’re on the road.
3. Email marketing software: MailChimp, Constant Contact, and ConvertKit make it easy to send targeted, personalized emails to your fan base, keeping them informed about upcoming shows and new releases.
4. Online merchandising platforms: Websites like BandMerch and TopSpin make it easy to sell merchandise online, including t-shirts, CDs, and vinyl records.
5. Tour booking software: Platforms like Bandsintown and Songkick allow you to easily plan and book tours, and can be used to promote shows to your fan base.
6. Crowdfunding platforms: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to raise money for recording projects, tours, and other expenses.
7. Video hosting platforms: Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo are great for sharing music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and other content with your fans.
8. Live streaming tools: Platforms like Facebook Live make it easy to live stream shows and other events, allowing fans who can’t attend in person to still experience the performance.
9. Music notation software: Platforms like Sibelius and Finale allow you to easily create and share sheet music, which can be helpful for fans who want to learn your songs or for other musicians who want to cover them.
10. Music production software: Programs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools allow you to record, edit, and produce your music, giving you more control over the final product.

Overall, these tools are just a few examples of the many ways that technology and social media can be used to help musicians build and engage with their fan base, sell merchandise, and plan tours. By using these tools to their fullest potential, musicians can greatly enhance their ability to achieve success as a recording and touring artist.

Recording and mixing music properly is essential for ensuring that your songs sound their best when released on digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. In this article, we will explore the importance of proper recording and mixing techniques and how they can elevate your music to a professional level.

Recording music properly begins with capturing the highest-quality sound possible. This means using high-quality microphones, preamps, and converters to capture the sound of your instruments and vocals. It also means recording in a well-treated room to minimize unwanted reverberation and noise.

Once the recording process is complete, mixing begins. Mixing is the process of balancing and shaping the various elements of a song, such as vocals, drums, guitar, and bass, to create a cohesive and polished final product. The mixing process is crucial for creating the perfect balance between all the elements in a song, and for ensuring that the vocals are clear and easy to understand.

A key aspect of mixing is EQ, or equalization. EQ is the process of adjusting the balance of frequency in a sound. This can be used to bring out the best in a vocal, for example, by reducing the bass frequencies that may be causing a muddiness in the sound. EQ can also be used to shape the sound of an instrument to make it sit better in the mix.

Compression is another important aspect of mixing. Compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of a sound, which can help to even out the levels of different elements in a song. For example, if a guitar is too loud in the verse but too quiet in the chorus, compression can be used to even out the levels.

Reverb and delay are also important tools in the mixing process. Reverb is used to add the sense of space to a sound, while delay can be used to create a sense of depth and movement. These effects can help to add a sense of dimension to a song and can be used to create a sense of space and atmosphere.

Finally, mastering is the last step in the process of making a song sound its best. Mastering is the process of finalizing the mix of a song and preparing it for release. This includes adjusting the overall levels of the song, adding any final EQ or compression, and ensuring that the song is consistent in volume and sound quality.

In conclusion, recording and mixing music properly is essential for creating a polished, professional-sounding final product. By using high-quality equipment, treating your recording room, and mastering your music, you can ensure that your songs sound their best when released on digital streaming platforms. As a sound engineer, the most important thing is to take time to listen and make sure that every element of the mix is in balance and sounds great. Once you have a great sounding song you are now ready to utilize PlaylistStreams to reach a vast audience.

A Performance Right Organization (PRO) is a non-profit organization that represents the rights of songwriters, composers and music publishers by collecting and distributing royalties for the public performance of their copyrighted works. These organizations are responsible for monitoring public performances of music, including those on radio, television, live venues and streaming platforms, and then distributing the collected royalties to the appropriate copyright holders.

There are three main PROs in the United States: ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Each of these organizations has its own unique requirements and processes for becoming a member and registering your copyrighted works.

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, was founded in 1914 and is the oldest and largest of the PROs. Membership is open to any songwriter, composer or music publisher, and registration of works is done online through the ASCAP website. Once a work is registered, ASCAP will monitor and collect royalties for any public performances of that work.

BMI, the Broadcast Music Inc., was founded in 1939 and is the second largest PRO in the United States. Like ASCAP, membership is open to any songwriter, composer or music publisher, and registration of works can be done online through the BMI website. BMI also offers an affiliation program for independent musicians who are not yet ready to become full members.

SESAC, the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, was founded in 1930 and is the smallest of the three PROs. Unlike ASCAP and BMI, SESAC operates on an invitation-only basis and only represents a select group of songwriters, composers and music publishers.

To become a member of a PRO, you will need to provide proof of your identity and proof of your copyright ownership. This can include copies of your songs, album liner notes, or any other documentation that shows you are the creator of the work.

Once you are a member, you will need to register your copyrighted works with the PRO. This can be done online through the PRO’s website, or by mail. The PRO will then monitor public performances of your music and collect royalties on your behalf. You will receive regular payments from the PRO, which will include the royalties collected from public performances of your music.

It’s important to note that you can only be a member of one PRO at a time, and you can only register your copyrighted works with one PRO. Therefore, it’s important to carefully research and compare the different PROs to determine which one is the best fit for you and your music.

In summary, a Performance Right Organization (PRO) is a non-profit organization that represents the rights of songwriters, composers and music publishers by collecting and distributing royalties for the public performance of their copyrighted works. There are three main PROs in the United States: ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Each of these organizations has its own unique requirements and processes for becoming a member and registering your copyrighted works. To become a member you will need to provide proof of your identity and proof of your copyright ownership and then you can register your copyrighted works with the PRO. Remember that you can only be a member of one PRO at a time, and you can only register your copyrighted works with one PRO, so it’s important to carefully research and compare the different PROs to determine which one is the best fit for you and your music.

Any song or produced track that you may hear on the radio or on a music streaming app is the product of hours of work. Not everyone understands the level of difficulty of producing a high-quality track, as this is a niche skill only individuals in the music production industry possess. Typically, the artist works with some combination of audio engineers, DJ’s, and producers to create a track. The producer must record each element, typically consisting of some combination of instrumentals and singing/rapping, in the song separately, then combine all these sounds seamlessly into one unified track. This complex process thus culminates in a perfectly-crafted song that can be streamed and listened to by many. To delve deeper into this process, I will elaborate on two methods of music production, mixing and mastering, before reflecting on their general importance to the piece. 

Mixing 

In sound recording, mixing is the process of combining all the different recordings of the elements into a single product. Talented audio engineers  must understand the nuances of each recording when combining them together, choosing which sounds to emphasize at which times. This aspect of mixing is called panning. 

Mixing also includes panning, EQ, Effects, and Automation. Without getting too bogged down in the technicalities, EQ and Effects are ways to make layered sounds more distinct and clear to make a recording more lively and lush. These engineers and master mixers must have a well-trained ear in order to EQ all sounds so that they take up the same audio frequency, while also adding and tweaking effects to enhance the song. Because volume levels, panning, and a slew of multiple effects occur many times throughout the song, they must also be automated by the audio engineer. It is no understatement that mixing is a difficult task best left to industry professionals; Mixing involves a delicate balance of many pieces, and a badly mixed song can often sound chaotic and messy. 

Mastering 

Music mastering, on the other hand, ensures that a song will maintain the same quality across all listening platforms. After the song is mixed properly, mastering is the next, and final step. It is done using tools such as equalization, compression, limiting, and stereo enhancement, which are all final touches to the mixed audio. Music mastering is important because it optimizes the experience of listening to music for the consumer, whether they are listening on vinyls, phone speakers, or through streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. In sum, mastering allows for small mistakes in sound to be removed, improving uniformity and overall quality of the audio. 

The Importance of Both

It should go without saying that both mixing and mastering are extremely vital to producing a high quality audio in an artists’ song or album. As mentioned before, music mixing is important for most music styles because it brings all different components of a song together cohesively. Because audio mixing techniques and approaches vary from person to person, it also allows artists to insert their own unique touches into their music. Mastering can be thought of as the final polish on the entire production process, and is important especially because music nowadays is consumed on dozens of different platforms. 

Quality mixing and mastering lends to quality audio that is capable of reaching more people. This is because a properly mixed and mastered song has a quality that is on par with major label songs, a listener is less likely to skip the song. Consequently, it is harder to correctly market and position songs that are poorly mixed and mastered. At PlaylistStreams, we understand the nuances in the music industry and want to help promote these songs that are well-made, professional, but might not be gaining the exposure they deserve. A lot of hard work goes into creating a song or album, and with our campaigns, we can help bring real listeners to artists of a variety of genres. 

Prince oned said, “If you don’t own your masters, the master owns you.” In the music industry, the term master recording refers to the official recording of a musical performance, song, or sound that can be played back or reproduced. As the term “masters” entails, this is the version from which all copies are made. Why is the master recording so important? It is the key through which you profit off of your work, retain ownership of your music, and push your message as an artist out to the world. The manner in which master recordings are dealt with varies greatly, especially between major record labels and independent labels. A tremendous part of how successful an artist will be in this business is through their relationship with the masters recording; thus, it’s significance should not be underestimated.

Multi-purposeful Usage

An artist can profit off their master recordings through a variety of means. For one, with the ownership the masters provides them of their work, artists can reproduce and sell copies of their music directly to their fans. This includes, but is not limited to, making CDs that can be sold to an artist’s audience at their concerts. An artist can also make money from their masters by using a digital music distribution service like Ditto that can distribute the copies of the master recordings to streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. Lastly, one can profit off the master recordings by signing with a record label who will aid you in the production of copies of your work and also take care of the aspect of distribution to your audience.

Clearly, owning your own master recording opens a gateway of possibilities on how to profit off your work as the legal rights to your work would be yours in this scenario. The majority of the revenue from your work will be yours to keep. Additionally, this type of unilateral ownership of your work would allow you to license other institutions to use your music for advertisements, TV shows, and much more. The issue is that more often than not, this sole ownership of music does not exist in the industry.

Who Owns the Master Recording?

Is it the artist, the producer, the record label, the recording studio, the sound engineer, or someone else? The answer is a complicated one and before we uncover this information, it is important to understand why the simple misconception of an artist maintaining all their recording’s rights is rarely the case. The individuals who work on an artist’s work such as a producer and sound engineer may also have some ownership of the master recordings and this split ultimately comes down to the contract between these parties and the artist. Besides sharing ownership, artists may also have to give up their rights to their master recordings altogether depending on the record label they have signed with to complete and distribute their music. As seen in these two cases, unilateral ownership is difficult to sustain in this day and age where additional parties are involved to enhance the quality and distribution of an artist’s work.

Instances where artists completely relinquish the rights to their master recording are most prevalent for new artists who need the financial assistance, service promotions, and distribution bandwidth of a record label company. At the beginning of the careers of artists with such needs, deals are made with the condition that the artist will sign over their masters to the record label until a certain amount of revenue is achieved or a specific amount of years have passed. During the time until either of these two conditionalities is met, there is a mutual understanding that the record label can use the newly obtained master recording for whatever purpose they deem fit and the label does not need to obtain permission from the artist for said usage. Thus, these master recordings can now be licensed out for TV shows, movies, commercials, sports events, and much more. The money that the record label makes from the usage of the master recording then is shared between the label and artist in the manner that was agreed upon in their original contractual agreement.

The way this revenue is shared depends upon if an artist is signed with a major record label company versus an independent record label. In the case of larger record label companies, artists typically lose all rights to their master recordings for a set period of time because of the sheer amount of financial and distribution-related resources the label provides in return. In contrast, independent record label companies typically allow artists to sustain their master recording rights and take other forms of payment as compensation such as a portion of the revenue from streaming. Though this may seem better, one should also keep in mind that these indie record labels may not have the ability to deliver your music to the audience to the extent that a major record label would be capable of doing.

Retaining Your Master Rights

There is no doubt that there is a myriad of benefits from owning your master recording rights. But what are the ways in which an artist can do so in the current climate of the music industry? For one, they can pay recording studios to record their music as opposed to labels and even try to record at a home studio. Nowadays, recording a premier quality album can reach expenses as high as six figures. Due to these growing expenses, artists sometimes see no alternative but to give up their rights to a record label with expansive resources. However, turning to studios with lower rates and home studios may result in just as great of a final musical product at a much lower aggregate cost. In addition to the lower cost, you are also able to sustain ownership.

Yet another way artists can maintain the rights to their master recordings is through sharing the revenue of the music rather than the rights of the master recordings. In this scenario, the artist still signs with the record label company but he or she signs a master license deal which provides a certain percentage of all licensing earnings over to the music record label. This is a small price to pay for all that the label provides the artist with and also allows them to worry less about who has control over their master recordings.

Regardless of which route you take, all artists should always have written agreements from the onset which make it clear who owns how much of the master recordings. This will help artists prove that they retained ownership of their work no matter which parties come into the picture, even if they are newer ones that bought out the rights of the original party. Master recordings are a crucial part of an artist’s journey and alternatives such as sharing revenue from streaming could be the difference between you maintaining your masters and a record label holding onto them. At Playlist Streams, we use organic methods to boost your streams and ultimately your revenue from your music on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and many more. This additional streaming revenue that we can provide you can help you negotiate with other parties about sharing this income rather than master recording rights. It may seem hard to believe, but the master recordings can very well dictate the course of even the most popular recording artists.