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Possibly, maybe...

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JolieThePassenger

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« on: July 18, 2016, 07:35:08 PM »
Hi guys,

This is only my second post, but I want to jump in with both feet really, so here I am, hoping for some advice.  This may not be the right bit of the forum actually, in which case, apologies to the mods.

I've written lyrics since I could hold a pencil, give or take a few years, but lacked the vision, skills, whatever, to do anything with them. 

Out of the blue, a friend's partner recorded some tunes a while back and I went along to a bash to celebrate the recording, launching their CD etc. and found myself chatting with a nice guy.  We were talking about stuff, but somewhere along the line it transpired that he is a bit of a name in the music business.

He owns a studio, makes the music and promotes new bands etc. as well as sorting out new material for them.  He had been working with a lyricist on a long-term basis, but they'd parted ways at Christmas (amicably) and he'd been half heartedly casting around for some new lyrics.  The upshot is that we're going to see if we make a good fit.

I'm excited, but suddenly worried that these words i've been making all this time aren't any good.  That's natural, right?  :-\

I'll post a few lyrics to get your feedback, but has anyone gone into a collaboration like this?  Is it a good way 'in'?  Any thoughts?

Anything you've got will help, so thanks in advance. 

 

I don't roll on Shabbos

Boydie

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« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2016, 08:13:45 PM »
Quote
Is it a good way 'in'?

It is an excellent way to get in to the music business so grab the opportunity with both hands!

There are obviously sensible precautions that you should make (getting agreements in writing, agree % splits etc. etc.) but don't let any of these dampen your enthusiasm

There are lots of things you can do to "sharpen" your lyric writing skills for commercial markets to maximize your chances of success

If you have time I would strongly recommend that you get hold of Jason Blume's "6 Steps To Songwriting Success":

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Six-Steps-Songwriting-Success-Comprehensive/dp/0823084779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468869054&sr=8-1&keywords=jason+blume

Read the lyric sections of this book before submitting your first set of lyrics to this opportunity - and then read the rest of the book so that you are both "talking the same language"

Writing for commercial success is VERY different from trying to write a "good song"

These types of opportunities do not come along every day so I would use the definition of "luck" that is attributed to Denzel Washington: "I say luck is when an opportunity comes along, and you're prepared for it."

You now have the opportunity - make sure you prepare for it!!!!!

Good luck and let us know how it goes...
To check out my music please visit:

http://soundcloud.com/boydiemusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoydieMusic

JolieThePassenger

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« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2016, 09:46:18 PM »
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and helpful reply!  The perfect combination of common sense and enthusiastic support! 

I've gone straight ahead and ordered the book - great recommendation - and I just hope I have time to read at least some of it. 

I've never been stumped for (written) words in my life, but I suddenly feel as though I've never written anything that's any good, and the whole thing has been a tremendous fluke!  I'll get my confidence back, I'm sure, but I never expected to bring those lyrics out from their hiding place, blinking and squinting into the light of day!

I think I need to get a grip! 

Thanks again, really it's much appreciated. 
I don't roll on Shabbos

Boydie

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« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2016, 09:54:23 PM »
My single "pointer" for commercial lyric writing is to keep it simple and just try to communicate ONE emotion in the lyric

This will help the "casual listener" engage with your lyric

There are lots of other tips and tricks you will pick up from the book but if you stick by this principle you won't go too far wrong
To check out my music please visit:

http://soundcloud.com/boydiemusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoydieMusic

JolieThePassenger

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« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2016, 10:32:19 PM »
That sounds like stellar advice. 

I'll locate my grip, and hopefully have chance to read the book before things start happening. 

Thanks again. 
I don't roll on Shabbos