Once we put out a call for songs. We were looking for an uptempo pop country song, and gave VERY SPECIFIC examples, as well as the EXACT Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler songs that the songs should sound like.Of course, only about half of the 50 or more songs were even close to what we were looking for. People sent us ballads, they sent us backwoods country, they sent folks, they sent country gospel!
Attention songwriters: Yes, I know you love your babies, your songs that God gave you. But if a publisher or artist or producer puts out a call for a fast song, DO NOT send a slow song because it’s great and would be perfect for them.
If they ask for a ballad, that sounds like Celine Dion, don’t send a rock tune that you just wrote and tell them they can slow it down.
Give them what they ask for.
Like any relationship, first impressions are crucial.
If a songwriter send three songs, and the first one is not even close and it seems like the songwriter ignored what I wanted, do you think I am excited to hear the other two?
Also, when you respond to a song call, send an MP3 and paste the words into the email response. Or you can attach the Word Doc (DOC, RTF, or PDF files only, NO Publisher or other files). Anything other than an MP3 requires a special player. Anything other than DOC, RTF, or PDF risk the publisher or producer not having that format. That’s why it’s just better to paste your lyrics into an email.
I tell this from recent experience. So take my word for it, there are some submissions I just don’t listen to if the song starts slow, and I requested a fast song. Or of the lyrics are racy and I requested something a young Christian artist would sing.
So next time you submit a song to a song call or pitch list, remember these things and you’ll have a much better chance at success.
EC
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Eric Copeland is a music producer, and president of Creative Soul, a music ministry support company focusing on consulting, production, and marketing for Christian artists and songwriters. Find out more at http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com
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