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So do you want to collaborate? The key to success for songwriters

Collaborating is one of the most rewarding and productive activities a composer can participate in. It is also one of the most challenging. Co-writing will stretch you in ways you can’t even imagine from the start.

Take a look at the Billboard Singles charts and you will notice that the vast majority of hit songs were written by 2 or more writers. Why? Because many composers have discovered that the collaborative ensemble is much greater than the sum of the parts that they write alone. We are all human, with strengths that we can take advantage of, as well as weaknesses that we can complement with the strengths of others.

Many artists find that writing only year after year is limiting. Focusing on all sorts of things can produce flashes of brilliance, but solo writers often find themselves stuck in a rut.

If you feel the need to merge with other talents, first look at yourself as a composer from an objective point of view. Imagine your next co-writing date as a potluck – what will you bring to the party?

o Are you passionate, enthusiastic, hard-working, and fun?

o Are you willing to dedicate time, energy, money and your heart to the worthy cause of making good music?

o Do you have unique talents and powerful things to say in your songs?

o Are you willing to give and listen to constructive feedback?

o Are you familiar with the ground rules and terminology of the field you have chosen?

and more important:

o Have you generated a body of work that shows your strengths as a writer?

BE LIKE A MAGNET

How can you attract quality co-writers? First of all, let’s face it, most talented and successful writers aren’t looking to get you going. However, many will want to collaborate if it appears that they will gain something of value from the partnership. Therefore, your job is to create material that other writers believe will contribute to your success.

And keep in mind that most people want to work with partners who have reached a comparable level of development. I can’t wait for Serena Williams to invite me to play some tennis, or for Tiger Woods to challenge me to a round of golf, until I improve my game a little bit more. Why should songwriting be different?

Make it your goal to become a collaborator magnet. This means putting your contributions in the best possible shape before you walk through the door.

Inevitably, you will be judged by the real assets you put on the table. And if you are honest, you will admit that you are weighing your potential collaborators in the same way. This is how it should be. Look with an objective eye on your work so far.

Have:

o Carefully typed lyrics, presented in the form of an identifiable song?

o The best versions of instrumental tracks, melodies, hooks and / or riffs?

o Lists of possible titles?

o Any possible “started songs”?

o Any finished song professionally demonstrated?

These are the “business cards” that you will present to other songwriters and artists. You want to hone them rigorously so that you can display them proudly, confident of their worth, without apologizing, embarrassing, or making excuses for their shortcomings. Isn’t that the quality standard you would expect in return?

You “pay off your debts” by polishing your talents, your diamonds, to a blazing brilliance. Over time, if you take your own gifts seriously, word will spread that you have something valuable to offer. This process is sometimes called “working your way up the music food chain.” It doesn’t happen overnight. There are no “quick fixes”, as in any serious field of activity.

“YA GOTTA KISSA LOTTA FROGS”

Participation is the key. Join, play, take risks … basically, you have to risk your talent, your heart and your soul! No one comes knocking on your door out of nowhere, begging you to co-write. You have to make a concerted and consistent effort to create writing relationships from scratch.

In fact, I’ve noticed that collaborating is a lot like … dating!

o Some collaborations are adventures: good for some tunes, but not long term.

o Some are nightmares: you want to run screaming in the opposite direction.

o Some are not reciprocated: you feel the need, but your partner does not.

o And luckily, some are magical: you stay with them for a long time, maybe even forever.

And yes, it can be heartbreaking. But I guarantee that you will feel completely alive! There is never a dull moment in this quest, because you and your co-writer aspire to the high calling of creating great art together.

You just have to keep writing, rewriting and publishing it, trusting that you will eventually attract like-minded souls. So where exactly are these like-minded souls hiding?

A few days of research can provide you with a wealth of opportunities. Here are some paths that have worked for me, and I’ve collaborated with at least a hundred other writers since 1983:

o Take a composition class.

o Find a teacher, or better yet, a mentor.

o Start a local songwriting support group.

o Hire or create a band, even if it’s only for a limited number of concerts.

o Join a performance rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the US)

o Check out programs offered by music business organizations such as the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Recording Academy, Women in Music, the Nashville Songwriters Association, etc.)

o Join the various online composer communities, just google! Myspace.com offers a new realm of possibilities.

o Check local publications and listings for showcases, classifieds, and open mics.

o Search the Internet for artists of your musical type.

o Go to local music stores and check their bulletin boards, or put up your own sign.

o Post a free ad on Craigslist.com.

o Read or subscribe to music business publications.

You are only limited by your imagination and your level of commitment.

In short, there is no such thing as a free lunch, but there is a delicious feast available if you are willing to tap into the pool of your own talents. How about that for a mixed metaphor?

Lastly, I suggest that people fearlessly delve into their deepest selves when writing songs. Listeners can always know when you are being honest and real.

In one word:

o Write your truth and write A LOT.

o Dare to write horrible songs in search of brilliant ones.

o Create a support team that will hold you to higher standards.

o Develop your strengths and complement your weaknesses as a writer, performer, singer, and engineer.

o Read the books, do the exercises, subscribe to the publications … know your field!

o Get involved to the fullest, building relationships with a variety of potential partners.

Together, let’s raise the bar for songs in the world, so that they become the old days of music again!

Copyright 2006 Alex Forbes

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