Collaboration is one of most satisfying and productive tasks a composer can do. This is also the most demanding. Writing with coworkers will challenge you in ways that are beyond your imagination.
Look at the Billboard Singles charts and you will see that the majority of hits were created by 2 or more authors. Why? It’s because many songwriters realize that the collective whole is greater than just the individual writing parts. All of us are human with strengths and weaknesses that we can both capitalize on as well as those we can add to the strength of others.
Writing year after year alone can be frustrating for many artists. Although the “jack-of-all trades” approach might produce stunning flashes, solo writers can often get stuck in a rut.
You might feel the desire to join forces with another talent. First take a step back and look objectively at who you are as a songwriter. Think of your next co-writing session as a potluck. Who will be there?
Do you have passion, enthusiasm, drive, hard work, and a sense of humor?
Are you ready to give your time, effort, money and heart for the noble cause of creating great music?
Are you a singer with unique talent and powerful words to share?
Do you want to listen and give constructive feedback?
Do you know the terminology and ground rules of your field?
And most importantly,
Are you able to show off your writing strengths?
BE LIKE A MANNNET
What are the best ways to attract co-writers of quality? First, it’s not common for talented, successful writers to offer their help. If they see something in the partnership, however many people will consider collaborating. Your job is to produce material other writers believe will help them succeed.
Keep in mind, most people want to partner with others who have reached a similar level of development. I don’t think Serena Williams will invite me to play tennis or Tiger Woods would challenge me to a round. I need to work on my game. What makes songwriting any less important?
It is your goal to be a magnet for collaborators. It means that you must prepare your contribution for when you arrive at the office.
The actual items you place on the table will undoubtedly be the basis of your judgement. You’re likely to admit, if truth be told, that you weigh your potential partners in exactly the same way. This is normal. Take a look at your work so far with an objective mind.
Have you:
A set of neatly written lyrics that are clearly identified as a song.
The best versions of melodies, hooks, and/or chords for instrumental tracks.
You can also see a list of titles that might be possible.
o A few potential “song starts?”
Are your songs ready to be professionally performed?
These are the “calling cards”You will be presenting them to other artists and songwriters. These skills should be refined so they can be proud of them and confident in their worth. Aren’t you expecting the same quality in return?
Please “pay your dues”You can polish up your talent and give your diamonds a shining sheen. If you are serious about your gifts, people will notice that you are valuable. Sometimes this is called “The Authentication Process”. “eating your way up the musical food chain.”This doesn’t happen in a day. There is no such thing as a quick fix. “quick fixes,”Like in every serious area of endeavor.
“YA GOTTA KISSA LOTTA FROGS”
Participation is key. Participate, share, collaborate, risk take… in other words, put your talents, heart, and soul on the line. Nobody will knock on your door and ask you to collaborate. It takes a consistent, concerted effort to build writing relationships.
Actually, I have noticed that collaboration is very similar to… dating.
Collaborations can be flings. They are good for short-term entertainment, but they don’t last long.
O Some of them are nightmares. You’d rather run screaming in the opposing direction.
o There are some that you don’t feel: your partner feels the need, while you do not.
You can stick with some of them for quite a while.
Yes, it’s heartbreaking. However, you will feel full of life! You and your cowriter will never be bored because together you aim to create great art.
Keep writing. Re-writing. Putting it out there. You’ll eventually find like-minded souls. These like-minded people are hiding where?
You can find a lot of possibilities by doing a few hours of research. These are the paths I have taken that produced positive results, as well as collaborations with over 100 other writers since 1983.
Take a songwriting workshop.
o Look for a mentor or a teacher.
o Establish a songwriting support group in your area.
Even if you only have a few gigs, hire or form a band.
o Join a Performing Rights Organization, such as ASCAP, BMI or SESAC (U.S.).
Look out for programs by music businesses such as The Songwriters Hall of Fame or The Recording Academy, Women In Music and Nashville Songwriters Association.
Search for the songwriting community online. Myspace.com opens up a new world of possibilities.
o Check local publications and listings for showcases, classified ads & open mics.
Look online for musicians who play your type of music.
You can check the bulletin boards at your local music store or make your own sign.
Register a Craigslist.com ad for free
Subscribe to or read music business publications.
Your imagination is your only limit.
There is no free lunch. However, you can enjoy a tasty feast if your creativity allows. Isn’t that a mix metaphor?
When writing songs, it is important to be brave and tap into your innermost self. Your songs will be heard by your listeners.
This is it:
o Tell your truth and you will write lots.
In the search for brilliant songs, o Dare To Write Gawd-Awful Songs
o Establish a support group that holds you accountable to higher standards.
You can use your talents to enhance your skills as an engineer, writer, musician, or player.
Do the exercises and read the books. Subscribe to the magazines. Get to know your subject!
o Get involved and build relationships with many potential partners.
Let’s all work together to raise the quality of the songs around the globe, and make them sound like the old days.
Copyright 2006 Alex Forbes