WITCI Research Portfolio Assignment – Student Number: 24102675 

by

Isabella Howard 24102675

WITCI Research Portfolio Assignment – Student Number: 24102675 

by Isabella Howard


 
Songwriting is a fundamental part of the music industry. In an ever-evolving digital age, a songwriter’s role has had to develop with these changes. The rise of streaming platforms has changed how music is consumed and marketed. This technological development has also opened many new opportunities for collaboration, remote collaboration has enabled the global growth of music and also giving access to a significantly larger variety of audiences for artists and songwriters than ever before. 
 
Whilst many may argue academic qualifications are not essential to enter the music industry as a songwriter, I think there are some potential opportunities academic qualifications can present that are worth mentioning. A BA or MA degree in music, music production, or songwriting can be very beneficial, providing a scholarly understanding of the industry and musical practicalities needed as a songwriter. It also presents networking and collaboration opportunities, being immersed in a setting rich with creatives, and time to practice a craft before trying to enter the industry full time can be a great foundation for the beginning of a songwriters musical career. To aid these collaborations, it may also be argued that a certain level of training an practice of theoretical knowledge and compositional experience with a tutor can aid the level of theory needed to fully understand songwriting and help the individual reach their full potential in their compositional role as a songwriter.  
 
Whilst this level of academic experience can be important, industry experience can be equally valuable, in some cases even more so. This could come from the internships with music publishers or record labels, starting as a session musician, or through collaborative work with established artists. All of these are other examples of networking in different circles. In the music industry, these personal connections can often be more important than formal qualifications. Songwriters may start out by networking in live music venues, writing for independent artists, or attending songwriting workshops. They can then build on this, being another strategy to create and open up new opportunities to develop their career.  
 
Whether it is academic or personal experience, I believe there has to be an initial passion for the creative outlet of sharing thoughts to create connections, in this case through the form of songs. A book released by Paul Zollo in 2003, “Songwriters on Songwriting”, gave access to direct interview with a handful of songwriters. In an  interview with Yoko Ono she was asked how she began to write songs. She replied: I was sort of a closet writer. I was writing in the style of atonal songs but with poetry on top of it”. This is a great example of the initial passion that led to many successful songs, with no heavy need for academic qualifications, but more building on the creative experience. 
 
A successful songwriter should be knowledgeable about music theory, different genres, and keeping relevant with industry trends. These may include understanding song structures, and knowing how to tailor writing to specific briefs and target audiences. Many songwriters will be writing for artists that will have certain demands that are relevant to their music at the time, as well as a songwriter that is sent briefs, which may require use of broader musical knowledge and understanding to complete successfully.   
 
The ability to write strong lyrics, compose melodies, and arrange songs is essential. These skills are what can help a songwriter create their own “sound” and be a big influencing factor when artists and collaborators are choosing a writer for their next project. Being able to adapt these abilities to fit another “sound” desired through briefs or an artist is also a key skill when looking at their role as a songwriter from a business perspective. Familiarity with DAW’s and music production software (e.g. Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools) is also highly valuable. This can be a key skill when wanting to communicate ideas for a song with clients and collaborators, helping the vision be achieved more efficiently, and also have the ability to make creative changes as the project develops.  
 
Creativity is an essential personal attribute, but a strong work ethic, adaptability, and emotional intelligence can also play a major role in success. Songwriters often collaborate with others, to and must be good communicators and listeners. This is also important as reputation in the industry is everything, and if people have a good experience working with you, they are likely to bring repeat business and recommend you on new projects detached from the original one. A book by Pat Pattison, released in 2009 titled “Writing better lyrics”  talks about the importance of emotional accessibility for a songwriter. “Your most important job as a writer is to master the art of diving to those deep places, for there and only there will you find your own unique writing voice.” This highlights the true importance of being vulnerable with your creativity. Linking back to attribute of emotional intelligence, when a songwriter is trying to convey a certain emotional  message an artist or brief is wanting to communicate to the listener, an ability to deeply understand these emotions is required to do so effectively. 
 
A songwriter’s duties can vary, but typically include creating original compositions, revising work, attending writing sessions, and potentially performing their music. They may also work with producers, other artists, and lyricists to refine their songs. Working as a professional in the industry means time management is particularly crucial. Deadlines for song submissions, particularly when commercial, can be tight. To make it possible for these projects to be effectively be completed, songwriters will often need to work on multiple projects simultaneously. In some cases, songwriters might have additional duties like marketing their work or engaging with fans. This is where time management and focus both come into work together, as a number distractions can be tempting, but never the less the focus must remain on the work demanded.  
 
As far as the financial aspect of being a songwriter goes, it can be argued that a songwriters amount of income is decided by the contracts they initially sign to before any project is officially launched, putting a big importance on the understanding the songwriter needs to have about the contracts they are signing. This revenue can be earned through royalties, advances and licensing deals. Revenue can also be earned from streams, radio airplay, and live performances. Finances can be managed by the songwriter themselves, and depending on how successful their music is, this can be their only option. However, it is extremely common for financial help to be serviced as the songwriter’s career grows. In terms of any legal issues, the main aspects of songwriting include copyright (protecting intellectual property), music publishing rights, and performance royalties. This is where that previously mentioned understanding of contracts with record labels, music publishers, and PRO’s is essential. However, as the industry has developed with time, so has the songwriting process for many. An article from 2022 in the Guardian looks into how the development of songwriting teams and processes has brought new complexities to the legal part of songwriting. “Songwriting teams are also getting much bigger, making it difficult to track influences,” said Tom Gray, a songwriter and member of Gomez who is chair of the Ivors Academy, which represents music writers. This highlights the additional layer many songwriters may face when it comes to addressing legal issues within the profession.  
 
In the current landscape, marketing and promotion for songwriters often happens via social media, streaming platforms, and online branding. Songwriters often need to market themselves as much as their music. In the 2020 Global Music Report by IFPI, it showed that during the pandemic streaming had grown by a ‘significant 20%’ dominating the recorded music revenues. The majority of promotion for streaming comes from online interactions through links on social media. By using social media and growing an online platform through marketing, it can help an account reach further, giving access to new audiences as it gets shared. This can then spark up new collaborations between artists. As artists share snippets of works in progress, engaging with fans can increase visibility and help build a following, feeding into the cycle of self-promotion and career growth.  
 
Songwriters face a range of intellectual and personal challenges that can affect their creative process and professional success. Intellectually, the task of constantly innovating while avoiding repetitive patterns can be exhausting. A book released in 2002, by Steven Pressfield titled: ‘The War of Art’, looks at how procrastination can turn into a habit for any creative being. He warns the reader, “The most pernicious aspect of procrastination is that it can become a habit. We don’t just put off our lives today; we put them off till our deathbed”. This reflects the struggle songwriters often face, balancing the need for originality with the pressures to conform to commercial demands. The constant drive to create can lead to burnout or a loss of authenticity, as external expectations may overshadow artistic freedom. On a personal level, the precarious nature of freelance work adds another layer of difficulty. The emotional toll of rejection and the instability of income can make it hard to not undermine confidence and motivation. Songwriters may rely on coping strategies such as establishing personal boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding solace in supportive creative communities to help navigate around these sorts of challenges. These approaches help preserve both their creativity and their mental health amidst the pressures of their craft. 
 
Career progression for songwriters typically begins with smaller, independent projects, where they hone their craft and build a portfolio. As they gain recognition, opportunities to write for established artists or collaborate with film and television producers often arise. These advancements are frequently supported by relationships with major music publishing houses, which offer access to larger networks and resources. Over time, songwriters can expand their professional scope, gaining opportunities not only in traditional songwriting but also in related fields. Many choose to branch out into music production, where they can have a more hands-on role in shaping the sound of a song, or pursue teaching, passing on their expertise to aspiring songwriters. This diversification can offer stability and broaden a songwriter’s influence within the industry. It is important songwriters maintain a balance of commercial success and artistic integrity as their career progresses. Ultimately, the ability to evolve with the industry—by embracing various roles or exploring new collaborations—ensures long-term sustainability and growth within the competitive music business. 
 
In conclusion, a career as a songwriter is built up of both intellectual and personal challenges, requiring a continuous balance between creative innovation and navigating the demands of the music industry. While technical skills, such as music theory, lyric writing, and proficiency with production tools, are essential for songwriting success, personal attributes like emotional intelligence, work ethic, and adaptability also play crucial roles. Career development often starts with independent projects but evolves through networking, collaboration, and potentially branching into related fields like music production or teaching. In this continuously evolving industry, understanding the commercial side, particularly in terms of contracts, royalties, and marketing, is just as important as artistic skill. As we adapt to technological shifts and new forms of collaboration, the most successful songwriters are those who blend their creative abilities with strategic thinking. Ultimately, a well-rounded skill set encompassing both creativity and business acumen ensures a sustainable and impactful career in the highly competitive world of songwriting. 

Witci assignment Bibliography – Isabella Howard

  • Paul Zollo’s “Songwriters on Songwriting” (2003) Interview by Paul Zollo with Yoko Ono, she was asked “When did you first start writing songs?”  She replied: I was sort of a closet writer [laughs]. I was writing in the style of atonal songs but with poetry on top of it. I liked to write poetry and I liked to make it into music, into songs. It was something I liked very much to do anyway.
  • Pat Pattison’s “Writing better lyrics” (2009) – “Your most important job as a writer is to master the art of diving to those deep places, for there and only there will you find your own unique writing voice.” – the true skill is to be vulnerable with your creativity. Can be argued that this is not something that can be taught.