I remember the first time I pitched my songs to a Publisher in a face-to-face situation and how that felt for me, so I thought I would write a few words of encouragement and some of my thoughts on the process.
One of the things I've learned about Publishers, and I see it all the time at the Australian Songwriters Conference, is one Publisher saying they don't like a song, and the next Publisher saying they love it! Yes! Personal taste does play a role in the choices a Publisher makes, and in the comments you receive from them, but more importantly - Publishers are looking for songs that fit their agenda. They have album, TV, film and advertising projects coming up all the time with very specific music and song requirements and part of the Publisher's job is to fill those requirements with their writer's work. They may hear songs they like, but pass on them, simply because the song doesn't fit the immediate requirement, or they may like to hold onto a song they hear for future possible use - especially if they can hear quality in the songwriter's other work too.
Most (but not all) Publishing experts have a musical background so they understand the basic structure of a song. Most however, do not know the first thing about songwriting. They know what they like, they know what the audience wants to hear - that's their job. They also know when a song doesn't sound 'right' or 'ready', but they are rarely able to tell you why - or how to 'fix' it. They can tell when a song needs more work and whether it is the melody, lyric, chorus or hook that needs refinement - and the comments they make are always valuable and worthy of your further consideration. If you need help in processing the comments that are made to you, or you're not sure how to make the changes that are suggested, or you just need clarification or a more in-depth critique of your song, I can help you with that.
As a songwriter, one of the tasks you will find an absolute necessity is rewriting. I know - we all hate the word! After all, our babies are perfect just the way they are, right?
No one is going to force you to rewrite your song/s. If you are writing for your own pleasure and you have no big career aspirations, keep enjoying your craft and your songwriting just the way it is. If you do have career aspirations, then rewriting must become a regular part of what you do. It really isn't a dirty word.
Look at it this way. A song is like a baby. A baby has to be nurtured and loved, yes. It also needs to be disciplined, educated, and taught good manners - so that it will grow into a wonderful well-adjusted and happy adult. A song is the same. It also needs to have love, education and discipline poured into it, by way of reworking, rewriting, going over every single line and making it the very best it can be so the song can really shine.
When we pour out our hearts and imagination to create a song - that's art.
When we rewrite using the tools of good songwriting - that's craft.
A great song is the result of both.
So, don't be afraid to rewrite your songs. Again, if you're not sure where to start, I can help. Go to my personal website at http://www.lisabutler.masonia.net/ for more information about my services. Oh - and don't forget that the Australian Songwriters Conference is coming up in June and our main seminar facilitator is Jason Blume who I believe is the most inspirational and brilliant songwriting teacher you could ever learn from. To be a professional songwriter, Jason Blume says that as well as a good working knowledge of the craft of songwriting, you need two things -persistence and a tough skin. He's so right!
Well, I'll leave it here with some final thoughts: - Keep loving what you do; when given advice from experts in the industry, take what you need and leave the rest (but be honest with yourself about what you need); don't take the rejection of your work personally; and surround yourselves with a supportive network of friends and peers.
Regards,
Lisa Butler
