How to Write Songs for Artists

• 1). Develop a portfolio of songs that you will market toward musical artists. Have a specific genre or target artist in mind when you write songs, and make sure your approach is sufficiently commercial to be accepted by artists who do not write their own music. Most popular songwriters use verse-chorus formats; this is a tried-and-true formula that has generated success across music genres. These formats often include an introduction, bridge (break from the verse and chorus melodies), and an outro, although these elements are not necessary. You should work on developing catchy melodies that have a "hook" and simple, memorable lyrics that will stick in the mind of the artist and his or her fans.
  
  
• 2). Create a CD that showcases the songs you have written. Record your song demos on a basic computer recording studio. The recording quality and complexity of the songs does not have to be high, just good enough to accurately represent your songwriting talent. If you want to write songs for a particular artist, your CD should contain songs that present a consistent style. If you are writing songs for a publishing agency, you can experiment more with your CD, demonstrating more versatility in your songwriting talent. It's not necessary to transcribe your songs to sheet music, although presenting sheet music along with a CD makes for an impressive package.
  
  
• 3). Join a professional songwriting organization such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC or a national songwriters association such as the Songwriters Guild of America to learn about employment opportunities in the field of songwriting. These organizations not only can help you find work, but can also put you in contact with fellow songwriters. Enter songwriting contests, which often have great prizes and give songwriters a great deal of exposure to local artists, publishers, and music industry executives.
  
  
• 4). Pursue a working arrangement with a publishing agency or an individual artist. A contractual arrangement is necessary to get properly compensated for your songwriting services and to avoid any legal conflict. Contracts come in many forms, so it is helpful to have a music industry lawyer present to help you understand exactly what you are signing.
  
  
• 5). Work with the artists you are writing for to tailor your songs to their specific tastes, preferences, and target audience. As you write more songs for artists, you will gain recognition and work your way up to writing for more popular acts.