Becoming a successful singer-songwriter requires musical talent, a wide range of skills and practical experience. Academic qualifications in music-related subjects can provide a solid foundation to start building a career from, however the road to success can be heavily dependent on perseverance, seizing networking opportunities and having a reliable understanding of music business to be able to handle the difficulties that can be met in the music industry.  

Music qualifications can be advantageous, offering opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of music theory, songwriting techniques and composition. Elton John said he would have never written his songs without classical training (Roberts, 2023) highlighting the benefits of receiving a music education. Studying music at a higher level creates opportunities to network with other musicians which can be more challenging to find in the real world. These opportunities enable artists to develop a valuable skill set needed for breaking into the music industry. Some universities have courses tailored toward songwriting, teaching a variety of material such as using DAWs, writing for media, and improving performance techniques on instruments (Berklee, 2024). As a student on the LCON Songwriting course, this degree is preparing me for the music business adversities I could face, covering a range of topics including promotion, copyright laws and the process of signing record deals. I’ve also been able to take vocal lessons to improve my overall technique and stage presence. Although this experience can be gained outside of an educational environment, it’s beneficial to have a structured way of learning with the help of lecturers, as well as having access to spaces where I can develop as an artist. ‘Two thirds of musicians (65%) undertake four years or more of formal education and training with 40% holding a degree in music’ (Musicians’ Union, 2012). 

Artists who studied music-related courses: 

Experience plays a vital role in the success of an artist, both on stage and off stage. BBC (2022) discussed Lewis Capaldi’s rising success as a singer songwriter, ‘he learned to play the guitar when he was 9 and by 18 was a seasoned performer’, this shows that having extensive musical experience increases the chance of recognition.  Performing at open mics and venues helps build confidence, a solid reputation and stage presence. In a short video I watched by (iPlayMusicalThings, 2014) Ed Sheeran discusses the importance of resilience when performing and writing. The earnings from performances will be minimal at first but they’re a part of a performer’s journey and eventually you will progress onto better gigs if you persevere. The same concept applies with writing, as a songwriter it’s paramount to keep working on your craft, this includes writing consistently even if that means writing bad songs occasionally. The only way to improve is by experiencing the highs and lows of the profession. Experience can be gained by working within roles and internships in the industry, uncovering different areas and earning an income whilst still in the initial stages of your career.  

Forming bonds with a network of musicians and industry professionals provides opportunities for collaborative projects and allows singer/songwriters to engage with those who can bring more exposure to their work, eventually leading to prominent successes such as supporting established artists on tour and working with others who already have a strong foothold in the industry. In a Survey (Youth Music, 2022) uncovered that 66% of young people see networking as a barrier to pursue a career in the music industry, indicating the value of connections. As mentioned, it can be hard to find these connections if you are not in an open environment that encourages it (e.g., a conservatoire), therefore getting involved in the music scene and using social media can be great ways to find this network. Songwriting retreats and workshops can be great ways to learn more about the industry and connect with other musicians. Social media is commonly used to network, artists can share their work within a matter of minutes to a variety of people, opening doors for collaborations. (Petrusich, 2024) discussed Noah Kahan’s career and how social media had a major influence on his success. Although Noah had been working in the industry for many years, posting his videos online and slowly building a fanbase, his career progressed when he began attracting recognition through TikTok. However, Noah was under a major record label at the time, with a team of professionals helping him navigate this success, reinforcing the importance of collaboration. Since then, he hasn’t only secured a Grammy Nomination but has worked with artists such as Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Sam Fender, Brandi Carlie, Lizzy McAlpine, Gregory Alan Isakov and Zach Bryan. This isn’t only a prime example of how resilience pays off, but also how much power social media has and how it should be utilised as a marketing tool.

Aside from musical talent, many skills and personal attributes are needed to attain success. Being a skilled musician is undoubtedly valuable, but understanding the songwriting craft is equally important. Creating engaging melodies and having knowledge of song structure are both key elements in songwriting. Lyrics are at the heart of songwriting so constructing ones that are relatable and thoughtful creates possibilities to resonate with an audience, enabling loyal fanbases to form. Those with music qualifications are more likely to have a deeper understanding of music theory, so may be more informed on how to create compelling melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Time management, digital production, social media knowledge, and flexibility are all important skills to have in the industry (BBC, 2022). To capitalize on these networking opportunities, communication skills are crucial. Following up conversations with musicians and industry professionals you meet increases the chance of collaboration. This applies not only to potential collaborators, but also with fans. Regularly engaging with your audience during gigs and on social media can reinforce connections with listeners. Establishing a career in the music industry is difficult initially, as success often comes down to a degree of luck, therefore being strong willed and preserving through these challenges is important. Given the ever-changing nature of the music industry, adaptability is essential, as is the ability to accept constructive criticism whilst staying an authentic artist. In a video by (Evan Carmichael, 2016) Ed Sheeran talks about the importance of being likeable in the industry. He argues that people are more inclined to buy records now because of the person you are.  

In a video by (Mary Spender, 2021) I found these to be the day-to-day duties of a singer/songwriter: 

This profession comes with many financial and legal issues, which is why understanding some aspects of music business is useful. Copyright law is one of the biggest issues a singer/songwriter faces. Copyright protects original works from unauthorised use (Musicians’ Union, 2023) despite sounding straightforward, there are many complications that follow it. In the pop industry, copyright law becomes problematic because a lot of songs rely on similar frameworks, chord progressions and melodies, so accidental copies are more common (Hall, 2022). Being aware of your rights as an artist can prevent potential earnings from your work being lost. Artists often enter contracts without understanding the terms involved, leading to future complications regarding earnings and creative freedom.  

Another financial issue is a lack of, or a fluctuation of income. Unlike traditional job roles which ensure a steady stream of income, singer/songwriters are not guaranteed to earn the same amount of money monthly, depending on performances and royalties earned from streaming and merch sales. Streaming is now more common, but it doesn’t pay songwriters fairly, this has had a massive effect on them as selling physical copies of records was another source of income. Record labels tend to gather a team of songwriters to write hits, ‘while the upside for songwriters is more work, the downside is sharing an already-small streaming royalties pot with a larger team of creators and co-writers.’ (Aswad, 2021).  

Promotional Methods	How and why?
Social media	Engage with audiences on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube cultivating connections with their fanbase by sharing original music, covers, updates about tours/gigs, and a general insight into their lives
Collaborations	Featuring on other artists music, co-writing and being a support act can help reach audiences outside of their own, leading to more exposure
Playlisting	Pitching directly to streaming services. It can boost the number of streams an artist receives, especially if your songs are put into popular playlists.
Website	Listing merch, adding tour dates and links to your music can significantly boost engagement.
Mailing list	Guaranteed to reach target audience and serves to update a fanbase on latest music and upcoming tour dates. Can act as a journal to share a personal insight into their own lives, which helps build stronger bonds with listeners.

Although the life of a singer/songwriter has been romanticized, it’s accompanied by personal and intellectual challenges that arise when achieving a substantial amount of success. Artists struggle with their mental health, conditions such as anxiety and depression are most common, and substance abuse. After reaching a significant amount of success, Lewis Capaldi began struggling with his mental health and was unable to complete performances due to panic attacks and anxiety which manifested in a shoulder twitch. He was later diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (Rutherford, 2023). In Capaldi’s documentary ‘How I’m Feeling Now’ it’s clear the rapid fame has taken a toll on his mental and physical health, even leading him to delay the writing and recording of his second album.  

It can be overwhelming to be in the public eye, constantly being under scrutiny by the media and fans, not being able to have a private life outside of work. Ultimately hindering personal and professional lives, since the promotion of work online is limited, and gigs are done less often. Despite being a useful tool, social media can be a treacherous space, and negative criticism can cause artists to isolate, take long breaks off social media and limit their appearances in the spotlight. (Miss Americana, 2020) delves into the negative side of the media and how it influenced Taylor Swift to take a year long hiatus from the spotlight and her music career.  

Musicians who haven’t gained success may feel pressure to attain recognition, resulting in a feeling of inadequacy. The music industry can be a demanding place to work in, there is a certain element of wanting to “fit in” which can be conflicting for artists who want to stay true to themselves but also want to be successful. Balancing everything becomes a challenge when excessive touring and gigging comes into the picture, managing these schedules can lead to depleting mental and physical health, and even burnout. There is constant pressure to succeed in the music industry, often leading to comparison and placing unrealistic expectations on oneself. Overcoming burnout involves resting but also taking listening breaks from music and focusing on other aspects of life (The Songwriter Diaries, 2023). 

Navigating the business aspects of the industry can be overwhelming, especially for those who are beginning to embark on their career. The industry is always evolving so it can be difficult to keep up with these changes. The only way to combat this is by staying informed and learning information gradually. The fluctuating nature of income leads artists to feel financially insecure, increasing stress levels. To manage these difficulties, it’s crucial for singer/songwriters to seek support, this may involve going to therapy and confiding in trusted individuals. It’s beneficial to have a balanced lifestyle by investing in routines and having time away from work activities.

Performances allow artists to progress in their careers, initially starting in small venues, doing open mics and gigs, and then eventually touring at larger venues and getting involved at festivals. Engaging in collaborations will facilitate career progression, working with artists or producers who help refine an artists’ sound. If a project is with someone more widely known, this boosts visibility.  

Bibliography

BBC (2022) Lewis Capaldi: How to become a singer-songwriter, BBC Bitesize. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zvmcmfr (Accessed: 30 November 2024). 

iPlayMusicalThings (2014) Ed Sheeran on 10,000 hour rule and advice for musicians starting out, YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDyg_41QF1w (Accessed: 30 November 2024). 

Musicians’ Union (2012) The Working Musician. Available at: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/MusiciansUnion/media/resource/Guides%20and%20reports/Education/The-Working-Musician-report.pdf?ext=.pdf (Accessed: 30 November 2024). 

Phillips, A. (2023) The importance of networks and communities for emerging creatives, Youth Music. Available at: https://youthmusic.org.uk/importance-networks-and-communities-emerging-creatives (Accessed: 30 December 2024). 

College of Music, B. (2024) Bachelor of music in songwriting, Berklee College of Music. Available at: https://college.berklee.edu/songwriting/bachelor-of-music-in-songwriting#:~:text=Through%20a%20combination%20of%20coursework,and%20the%20business%20of%20songwriting. (Accessed: 30 November 2024). 

Roberts, M.S. (2023) Sir Elton John: ‘I never would’ve written these songs without my classical training’, Classic FM. Available at: https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/elton-john-music-education-royal-academy/ (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Petrusich, A. (2024) How Noah Kahan went from Vermont to TikTok to the Grammys, The New Yorker. Available at: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/02/26/stick-season-forever-noah-kahan-music-review (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Carmichael, E. (2016) What All Musicians NEED But CANNOT Be Taught, YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyUPCPrkv74 (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Spender, M. (2021) A Day in the Life of a Singer/Songwriter, YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR68Jk3OoM4 (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Musicians’ Union (2023) Copyright for songwriters, Composers & Lyricists: Musicians’ union, The Musicians’ Union. Available at: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/working-performing/composing-and-songwriting/copyright-for-songwriters-and-composers (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Hall, R. (2022) ‘music is so different now’: Copyright laws need to change, says legal expert, The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/mar/13/music-is-so-different-now-copyright-laws-need-to-change-says-legal-expert (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Milano, B. (2024) How Taylor Swift changed the Copyright Game by remaking her own music, Harvard Law School. Available at: https://hls.harvard.edu/today/how-taylor-swift-changed-the-copyright-game-by-remaking-her-own-music/ (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Aswad, J. (2021) Songwriters are getting drastically short-changed in the music-streaming economy, study shows, Variety. Available at: https://variety.com/2021/music/news/songwriters-short-changed-music-streaming-economy-midia-1234954984/ (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

Rutherford, N. (2023) Lewis Capaldi: How success affected his mental health, BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65063693 (Accessed: 01 December 2024). 

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The Songwriter Diaries (2023) ”Season 10 Finale: Creative Burnout” [Podcast]. Available at: Spotify (Accessed: 01 December 2024).

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