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"A Satchel Full of Songs"
By Micki Fuhrman Milom
Creative writing comes in countless forms and that’s part of
what makes writing for a living so much fun. If you happen
to be a writer with musical talent as well, you may have a
secret stash of songs you’re not sure how to market.
When you write a song, whether just the lyrics or both melody
and lyrics, you create a copyright just as if you had written
a novel. However, a song right is treated as two “halves,”
the writer’s share and the publisher’s share. Often there
are multiple writers and publishers of one song.
As for getting your songs out there, it isn’t as clear cut
a task as submitting a manuscript to a publisher.
Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous agents and publishers
who prey on novice writers and will promise to pitch songs
to “major recording artists” in exchange for money and/or
ownership of copyrights. You have no way of knowing if your
“agent” has any connections whatsoever and the unsolicited
material they pitch (if indeed they do) is likely ending up
in the receptionist’s trash. You need to be wary and, most
of all, educated in order to navigate these waters.
If you are new to songwriting, consider joining NSAI (Nashville
Songwriters Association International), the world’s largest
not-for-profit songwriters’ trade organization. They are
dedicated to helping writers learn their craft and network with
publishers and other professional writers. NSAI is also a
powerful songwriters’ advocate organization and frequently
helps create federal legislation to protect copyrights.
NSAI’s $150 membership fee may seem stiff but, for the money,
you may submit 12 songs for evaluation (and an emailed
critique) by a professional songwriter member. Also, you
gain opportunities for local support and networking through
their 130 chapters across the U.S. NSAI offers webcasts
twice monthly on songwriting topics and extended workshops
throughout the year.
Debi Cochran, Legislative/National Workshops Director at
NSAI and songwriter mentor says, “Start now. Start where
you are. These meetings and videos will help you become a
better writer. Read books about songwriting. If your
strength is words, find someone whose strength is singing
or playing an instrument. Reach out to local bands or
singers at coffee shops or bars. They may be interested
in learning an original song. Our website is a secure
place to share your songs and find people to write with.”
NSAI also operates the “The Bluebird Cafe,” the prestigious
Nashville listening venue which features all original music
performed by the writers themselves. There are audition
opportunities and other links listed on their website at
www.nashvillesongwriters.com.
Professional songwriters belong to performing rights
organizations like ASCAP (American Society of Authors,
Publishers and Composers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) or
SESAC. All are in the business of protecting copyrights
and collecting royalties for recorded work and also offer
some support services for their writers.
There have been several books published on the music business
and specifically songwriting. “Songwriting for Dummies”
(Peterik, Austin, Austin, Lynn) does a fine job of explaining
the ins and outs of both the art and the business of writing
and pitching songs.
As with any literary pursuit, if you love songwriting then
you have to forge ahead in spite of the difficulties of ever
being published. Yes, it is a tough and complex industry but
there are always success stories as well as a multitude of
markets for good songs….for example, movie and tv soundtracks,
local tv and radio commercials, and electronic toys. Who
knows, your song might end up in the hands of your favorite
rock star. As a songwriter, I can tell you there is no more
surreal feeling than hearing your song playing on the radio!
BIO
Micki Fuhrman Milom is a performing songwriter and former
recording artist. Various artists have recorded her songs,
including a cut on the double-platinum-selling album "No
Ordinary Man" by Tracy Byrd. Originally from Louisiana,
she lives in Nashville with her husband Mike Milom, a
leading entertainment/copyright attorney.
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