Songwriting Software Express, Issue # 73 - Transport Your Songs To The World

Transport Your Songs To The World

There are many avenues to get your songs into the hands of movers - who can do everything from giving feedback on your developing songs to getting your finished songs into the hands of major project decision makers.

And or you may be or might consider the idea of going directly to the market yourself.

Either way or both ways are actions that put your songs out of your hands and into the ears and hearts of others to connect with your love and passion and your creative sharing.

So here are a handful of ways to get there...

By Taxi

TAXI is a for every songwriter, from the novice to the accomplished, because they have services from critiquing your songs in progress all the way to forwarding polished songs to appropriate song projects for further consideration.

TAXI states they're the leading Independent Artist & Repertoire Company, around since 1992, specializing in giving artists, bands, and songwriters access to the music people who have the power to sign deals.

Their reputation has been built on passing along only quality material and that has put them in the position of getting record companies, publishers, and music supervisors to call on them to find hit songs, instrumentals and tracks for TV and film projects.

All songs are reviewed by appropriate music veterans i.e. Pop experts for Pop listings, Alternative Rock experts for those listings, etc. - and if your song(s) are a good fit for the project in the reviewer's assessment your songs are forwarded to that project and you are notified accordingly - if your song is turned down you are told as well.

You also always have the option of having your songs critiqued via TAXI's standardized critique process to help you improve your craft.

Click here to find out more about TAXI.

By Bike To The Music Broker

The Music Broker is somewhat similar to TAXI in the service they provide but they differ in that after your songs are screened and approved you're free to pitch them to any project you deem appropriate for the duration of your membership.

This service is best geared for the proficient songwriter who's material is in the commercial pocket of their genre but may not have connections in the industry to present their songs to.

Your songs are reviewed for inclusion so if your writing is not at a quality level sufficient for presenting to industry projects you will be turned down. However you have the option of having your material critiqued by industry veteran Richard Jay, The Music Broker's proprietor, that can help you understand what's working in your songs and what needs to be worked on so you can work up to getting approved.

Membership runs about $100 US per year. If you're not approved your money is refunded.

By Parasail To Song Catalog

Song Catalog is akin to The Music Broker in that they first screen your material and upon approval they allow you to submit your material to the opportunities that they offer that you feel are a good fit for your songs. Your songs are also available via search for project directors looking for your type of songs.

The SongCatalog's Music Licensing Network provides opportunities for professional songwriters and artists to generate licensing revenues for their songs. With their system you're able to digitally store, manage, market, and deliver your music.

Song Catalog is somewhat different from other companies in that they offer a host of opportunities in the advertising world for commercials and similar projects that typically aren't found on the standard pitch list for example. They do provide more typical opportunities as well for writers seeking publishing contracts and artist deals too.

Summing Up All These Rides To Market So Far

In summation if you're just getting your feet wet with songwriting TAXI is a good starting point followed by The Music Broker and Song Catalog for writing that's commercially in the pocket for today's styles. And while I'm at it here's a couple of other services to check out along the those lines - GoodnightKiss.com, SongLink.com, PumpAudio.com, TuneCore.com, and if you like to submit material to contests try SongOfTheYear.com.

To Track Down Opportunities Yourself -
Snowboard To The Songwriter's Market

Songwriter's Market is published annually and list various publishers, record labels, etc. that in a lot of cases are open to song submissions provided you follow the suggested approach noted with the listing. Some listings are fairly particular but at least you learn who is most approachable - what they want and what they don't want.

There 's no guarantee that your songs will get through the door to these opportunities but the book gives you a good lead and ups your chances of having an opportunity to have your songs heard by decision makers.

Also there a timely articles on important aspects of the craft and business of songwriting that can inform your writing and marketing.

Check out more about the Songwriters Market 2010 (yes the 2010 issue is out) by clicking here.

By Your Own Two Feet - Put Yourself And Songs Out There Directly

If you are - or are deciding to be - the artist for your songs then you can also put them out to the world directly with your own website or via social portals like MySpace or Facebook for free or via subscription at sites like Broadjam.

Sites like MySpace and Facebook allow you ready ways to expose yourself and your songs and methods for selling your songs and are a great tool for promoting your efforts like shows you might be doing etc.. Click here for a quick video on how to put your songs up for sale on facebook using the nimbit application and click here for the same on myspace.

Subscription sites like Broadjam typically allow you to upload as many songs as you want (more songs - higher subscription rate) - also Broadjam offers song contests and real world pitch opportunities to various film, tv and artist projects.

Cheers to getting your songs out there and Happy Holidays!

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