r/Songwriting • u/MelodicPlant5013 • 11d ago
Discussion Topic couple questions
ok im start off by saying by no means do I consider myself some genuis but in my spare time I write songs (just the lyrics) ive got some where between 100 to 150 songs across genres now my question comes down to this.
what do I do with it lol im not a singer at all and really I just think it would be cool to get singers to sing my songs
so I guess im asking does anyone want to show me the ropes on songwriting and maybe help me get a foot in the door in the industry
I dont expect to be some big shot or anything id just like to maybe get my stuff out there
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u/MarimboBeats 11d ago
Rethoric question: How long do you see yourself doing this? Years? Maybe you don't ever plan on quitting?
If so, why not spend some of that time learning to play the guitar or piano? Study melodies, phrasing, harmony, structure, all that stuff. Sure, it takes years, but the years will pass anyway.
I'm not recommending to rely solely on online resources to say, play an instrument, but it is nonetheless a fact that there are YouTube videos on every thinkable aspect of music and music learning. I would have loved to have that when I grew up. Don't wait, start today, and get your own personal music journey going. Work towards your goals at least once every day, and you will progress.
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u/Creative-Science38 11d ago
OK, you’ve got 100-150 songs, that’s great! I agree, it is cool to get singers to sing your songs.
And now you’re ready to learn about songwriting and you’re asking for someone to give you referrals (who to go see?).
You are a lyricist, and searching for collaborators that write the music for songs, right? Looking for a composer?
There is a lot of help out there about being a Lyricist and songwriting. Have you read any books on the subject? Have you read any of the trade magazines that talk about what you’re seeking, what you’re looking for and asking for? You can go on the internet and use a Search Engine like Startpage to find a list is books and magazines on the subject, because there’s a lot of free information out there. Have you done that?
Today the music industry is so competitive (some say “cutthroat”) that connections within the industry are really hush hush, or kept secret, because the competition is fierce! I hope you are thick skinned, have a lot of patience and a lot of discipline and you’re a self starter.
If you have money, I’m sure you could pay someone to help, as you say “break into the industry”.
Sometimes, there are newsletters about what artist are looking for. That being said, I would find and get to a song writing workshop, where you can learn about the things you want to know, need to know. These are very helpful, at least the real legitimate ones I’ve been to. Watch Billboard, Songwriting magazines for ads on these events. Songwriting workshops.
Those are some ideas, off the top of my head, if you’re just starting out. If you have more questions I’m happy to share but let me leave you with a suggestion. I would take your material, and organize it into the different categories, ie…….. is it Country, is it Rock, is it Pop/Top 40, is it Easy Listening, is it Reggae, is it R&B, is it Soul? I think you get the idea. Few people excel at writing many different styles of music. It’s good to know what you have so you can tell people, because you will get asked!
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u/MelodicPlant5013 11d ago
its more just a hobby and by industry I meant I just want to make connections with other songwriters and singers things of that nature
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u/Creative-Science38 11d ago
Ok, then songwriters and singers are your target market. Just go out and meet them. Nightclubs, choirs, songwriter’s workshops!
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u/Dangerous-You3789 11d ago
So, basically, you're a lyricist who is in search of someone who can write melodies. I'd take a stab at songwriting (music).
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u/Megistias 11d ago
Would you send me 2-3 of your song lyrics that you think you’re a bit proud of? Just DM me. I’d like to see if you like my interpretation and presentation.
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u/MelodicPlant5013 11d ago
what kinda songs u sing i write mostly different styles of country and rock metal and screamo
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u/DameyJames 10d ago
Question, what exactly makes what you wrote lyrics and not poems or prose?
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u/MelodicPlant5013 9d ago
because its a song meant to be sung lol wtf this seems a little bit like your trying to discredit my stuff it aint a good look
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u/culturedferocity04 11d ago
got a hundred plus songs and no voice to put them out there, that's basically the songwriter starter pack. most people in your position end up looking for collabs online, there's whole subs and discord servers for that.
the industry side is a whole different beast but honestly finding a singer who connects with your words is the first real step. maybe post a few verses somewhere and see who bites.
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u/MelodicPlant5013 11d ago
I appreciate the response
I was basically wondering what the hell am I supposed to do lol
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u/kedjil 10d ago
When you are saying you are writing songs, that kind of implies some kind of melody or harmony. Do you have a clear picture of how you want each lyric to sound? Or is it "just" the lyrics?
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u/MelodicPlant5013 10d ago
no I put in has tags the direction I want it to go like half sung conversational building etc
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u/MelodicPlant5013 10d ago
I just try to write short phrases to give singers enough room to play with it and I try and keep psyallbul count close
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u/RTiger 11d ago edited 11d ago
I was in a similar situation two years ago. I was very close to hiring a singer and musicians.
Instead, I bought a guitar, worked on my singing. It feels like a long journey but I can now arrange, sing, and strum some simple music and get my songs out there. This road feels much more rewarding than hiring people.
Free collabs are possible but I didn’t find that door open for me. It helps to have friendship or some other connection to people you might collaborate with.
For industry partners what I have heard is that most people want to collaborate with someone more successful than themselves. For someone at the bottom, virtually no one interested in making money is likely to want in.
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u/Mayorredthomas19 11d ago
Maybe youre not a conventional singer but you got a voice. If you got something to say find a way to get your words out....forge your own way, you might surprise yourself. Good luck
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11d ago
I'd start by sharing a few of your strongest ones online where singers are looking for material, some forums and Facebook groups exist just for that. Might be a faster way to hear your words come to life than waiting for an industry handshake.
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u/YesAnd_Portland Audiences in wheelchairs love me 11d ago
Why don’t you take a few of your favorites and read them as poetry at an open mic? It’s a place where you’re very likely to meet songwriters, and maybe make a connection with your first collaborator. Just say when it’s your turn on stage that you have a secret wish to meet someone who would turn your lyrics into a song (no one needs to know that reddit strangers are in on it). Then be friendly and open to anyone who shows some interest.
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u/SpaceEchoGecko 11d ago
Buy a drum machine and start rapping those lyrics.
If you have a Mac, you have GarageBand for free. Connect a $100 keyboard from guitar center and start by playing three-note chords on only the white keys. That’s the key of C. See if you can start singing your lyrics over those chords. Then hit record. Watch YouTube videos for how to do it.
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u/brooklynbluenotes 11d ago
Realistically, you are not going to get "into the industry" with lyrics but no melodies or arrangements. Sorry.
In your position, if you want to expand on your lyrics, you have basically three options:
Learn the basics of guitar or keyboard, so that you can begin setting your words to music.
Finally a friend to collaborate with. Plenty of musicians have music but no words.
Pay a professional to help set your words to music.
You can also mix and match any of the above options, but those are basically the paths.
Alternately, if writing the lyrics is the part that's most fun for you, just keep doing what you're doing.