Quote to Inspire:
"The great thing about being a musician is you don't stop. Until the day you die, you can improve. So, it's a wonderful thing to do."
-- Marcus Miller, Jazz musician, composer, and producer.
- Missed the Big Reveal?
Catch up with a 20-minute recap of the exciting Rising Star Contenders Countdown leading to the winning song of the Special Event pitch. Along the way, get insider tips on writing standout songs from Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Michael Jay. Tune in to Episode One of the brand-new SongU Podcast!
And the winner is...Melyssa Corrigan!
Melyssa's song "The Way You'd Want Me" caught the attention of hit songwriter/producer Michael Jay during our recent Special Event, earning her the coveted "Golden Ticket" co-write. Congratulations, Melyssa! A huge round of applause also goes to the talented songwriters of the TOP 29 SONGS Michael selected as "Rising Star" contenders!
You can listen to the Winning and Rising Star songs here (in alphabetical order by title).
Welcome November!
Songwriters, you show us daily that you know what it takes to reach your goals. Thanks for bringing a great attitude to our community. We are impressed by how many of you have embraced the idea that there is always something to learn, regardless of your experience and previous successes. You've been taking full advantage of pro mentorship by attending live song Feedback (FDBK) sessions, booking Private Consultations, and sending your songs to coaches for written evaluations before demoing and/or pitching them. Welcome to those of you who are brand new to SongU. Check out the FAQ Quick Start Guide for an overview of how to begin.
General Registration Reminders:
You may have two Active Live songwriting feedback courses (FDBK) at one time but can add a third if there is still an open spot 24 hours before the class starts. Check your Activity page live songwriting course schedule in case someone cancels during the week and a seat opens up. New to SongU? Welcome! Check out the FAQ Quick Start Guide for an overview of how to begin.
Welcome International Members!
When selecting live courses, please consider those that are GMT-friendly, scheduled at 1 pm ET during the week and between Noon and 3pm ET on Saturdays. Sign up on the Live Courses page.
Pitch #2392
Spencer Hatcher. Quick Deadline. Veteran music publisher with multiple current cuts on major artists is seeking songs for a new artist on Quartz Hill Records, Spencer Hatcher. Before pitching, please read the entire description and pitch appropriately.
About: Spencer is based in Virginia, playing 150+ shows a year. He's 27 and is being produced by Jason Sellers. They will be back in the studio in Nashville in 3 weeks (early December).
Genres: Traditional Country ala George Strait and Keith Whitley.
Feel: Think "tempo with a smile on it." The producer leans more toward George Strait, which is anything fun, uptempo, and positive. A STAND-OUT CHORUS that will get the crowd into a sing-a-long mood. Nothing too cute and silly. Think of great hook-type songs. Nothing negative or serious.
Tempo: No ballads. Just mid to uptempo.
References: Need something fun like George Strait's "The Fireman (song)," "Love Bug," and "Unwound."
In general, Here is what this pitch guest is seeking in every song that is pitched to them:
-- Fresh ideas and interesting titles; lead directly to the title in a strong way to make the title stand out.
-- Get your first verse set up much quicker to grab the listener within the first 30 seconds from when it starts. Most of the time, I don't even get to the second verse if the first verse does not draw me in. Your song may not need a pre-chorus. Try to get to the point and make it pay off quickly.
-- Before pitching, please do your research. Listen to the artist and see what kind of songs they like to cut. Figure out what they like, how they sing, and what songs they lean toward.
-- Please read the description/brief and submit only what we request. For example, if we're looking for uptempo, only send uptempo. If we mention "no drinking songs", then please don't send a drinking song.
-- Read a lot for new ideas and stories. For Country songs, study the lyrics of great writers like Shane McAnally, Michael Hardy, Don Schlitz, Bobby Braddock, and Lori McKenna.
Pitch Follow-up: If this guest expresses interest in your song, they will pitch it with the understanding that you will be asked to sign a single song agreement with the publishing company if there is interest in the song.