As a professional songwriter, one of the ways to get out there other than writing your own music is to write lyrics for other artists. Collaborating with other musicians can not only help you grow as a songwriter, but it can also lead to new opportunities and collaborations in the future. So, if you are looking to expand your pro songwriting career, here are some tips on how to successfully write lyrics for other artists.
Research the Artist
Before writing lyrics for an artist, it’s important to do your research. Listen to their music and get a good understanding of their style. What are their influences? What kind of themes do they explore in their music? Understanding the artist’s musical background and style will help you create lyrics that are a good fit for their sound.
Ask for Reference Artists
In addition to researching the artist, it can also be helpful to ask them for artists that they like. Knowing the artists that they admire can also help you create lyrics that will resonate with them and their audience. This is especially important if the artist is from another genre that you don’t often work with.
Get Agreements in Writing
Before you start writing for an artist, it’s important to have any agreements in writing. This includes things like royalties, credits, and deadlines. Having everything in writing will ensure that everyone is on the same page and prevent any misunderstandings or disputes later on. This is one of the most important aspects of pro songwriting, so be prepared to do this often.
Be Open to Extensive Editing
Writing lyrics for an artist is a collaborative process. Be prepared to bounce ideas and drafts back and forth between you and the artist throughout the entire process. Listen to their feedback and suggestions, and be open to making changes if necessary.
Come Prepared
When collaborating with other artists, it’s important to come prepared for each session. This means having any necessary equipment or tools ready to go, as well as any ideas or rough drafts you may have. Additionally, it’s essential to establish action items and a deadline before leaving each session. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and has a clear plan of what needs to be done before the next meeting. By being proactive and organized, you can maximize the effectiveness of each collaborating session and create high-quality music with ease.
Writing lyrics for other artists as a professional songwriter can be a fulfilling career when you put your mind to it. It requires a great deal of research, communication, and flexibility, but it is a mark of a pro songwriting career to have other artists seek out your lyrics. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful collaboration and create lyrics that resonate with both the artist and their audience.
