Songwriting jobs in the music industry are not impossible to come by. In fact, many songwriters are happily employed writing for major publishers, record labels, agencies, and more.
Do you love to write songs? Are you looking for a career in the music industry? If so, you’re in luck!
There are many songwriting jobs available, and some of them can pay very well. It’s also possible to turn your skills into a freelance business.
Alternatively, you can strike out on your own by licensing your own music to TV and film. You might also want to be on stage and perform your music for audiences as an artist.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to get paid to write songs. So what are you waiting for? Start reading!
1. Songwriter
One of the most direct ways to make money as a songwriter is to work for someone else. There are many companies and organizations that are looking for talented songwriters to create songs for them.
These include advertising agencies, production music libraries, record labels, and more.
Songwriters often have to record their compositions in addition to writing the song. Multi-instrumentalists do well as songwriters because they can fill many roles. The pay can be very good, and you can sometimes negotiate your own rate.
To find songwriting jobs, you can check out job boards, classified ads, and online directories. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about open positions.
The best way to find a job as a songwriter is to have friends in the industry. They can tell you about job openings and refer you. Go to songwriting circles and events to meet people and make friends in the industry.
Some sites songwriters can find paying work are:
- Songwriting Jobs on Indeed.com
- Songwriting Jobs on Upwork.com
- Songwriting Jobs on SoundBetter.com
- Songwriting Jobs on Fiverr.com
2. Lyricist
If you’re more interested in writing lyrics than melodies, you can become a lyricist. Lyricists write the words that go with the music.
They often work with songwriters and composers to create songs. Lyricists can also write poems, jingles, and other types of vocal pieces.
Like songwriters, lyricists can also work for hire. They can find work through job boards, classified ads, online directories, and by contacting companies directly.
It’s also possible to freelance as a lyricist. You can offer your services to songwriters, composers, and other clients.
To succeed as a lyricist, it’s important to be able to write lyrics that are catchy and memorable. You should also have a good understanding of rhyme, meter, and other poetic devices.
3. Music Producer
A music producer is someone who oversees the recording of songs. They often work with engineers to get the best sound possible.
Many artists produce their own music, to astounding effect. Music producer-artists such as Kanye, Grimes, and Trent Reznor of NIN come to mind.
Many music producers are also talented engineers. They use their technical skills combined with their creative and people skills to get the best recordings possible.
There are many styles of music producers since it is a creative pursuit. Some prefer to document the artists they record, changing little about the song or composition.
Other producers have grandiose visions of how to present the songs they record. The results are often innovative, interesting, and a unique result of collaboration between the producer and the artist.
In addition to producing records, music producers also often write songs. They may collaborate with songwriters and lyricists to create new material.
Many music producers make a name for themselves and own rights to the songs they record with artists.
In recent years, music producers have been getting more credit and recognition for their collaborations with artists.
RELATED: Songwriting vs Producing: What’s the Difference?
4. Sound Engineer
Can sound engineers really be songwriters, too? Sure!
A sound engineer is someone who works with audio equipment to record, mix, and edit music. They often work in studios and help artists produce the best recordings possible. They might contribute creative ideas that lead to better songs and recordings.
Sound engineers need to have a good understanding of acoustics and sound waves. They should also be familiar with different types of audio equipment.
Some sound engineers can also be music producers. This is because they often work together in the studio.
Sound engineers can find work in recording studios, radio stations, TV stations, and more.
To become a sound engineer, you need to have formal training. There are many schools that offer programs in audio engineering.
However, it should be said that there are many high-quality courses available online. Many engineers are “self-trained” although it is ideal to get some formal training.
You can also get training through internships and apprenticeships. Many sound engineers start out as assistants and work their way up.
As you can see, there are many types of jobs in the music industry for songwriters. Each one has its own set of requirements and skills.
How to Get Your First Songwriting Job
If you’re interested in becoming a songwriter, the best way to get started is to simply write tons of songs! The more you write, the better you’ll become.
You can also take classes, join songwriting groups, and attend songwriting events. These will help you meet other songwriters and learn more about the craft.
These connections will be helpful because they can refer you to people who hire songwriters. The music industry is a small world. It seems like everybody knows everybody else.
Your songwriting connections made at events can lead to your first songwriting job.
Remember, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed as a songwriter. But if you’re passionate about music, it can be a very rewarding career.