The Art and Business of Songwriting

Abstract In The Art and Business of Songwriting, veteran songwriter, producer, arranger, vocalist, music director, and educator Larry D. Batiste shares years of experience in this valuable resource guide for both beginners and professionals who are interested in learning how to improve their songwriting skills. This book offers an opportunity for the reader to learn and apply the craft of professional songwriting including song structure, lyric and melody writing, and integration of essential elements found in hit songs. This book incorporates exercises that will help songwriters find ideas for song titles, concepts, stories, and effective word choices that will appeal to their audience. The book also discusses critical business aspects of songwriting, such as copyrighting, publishing, royalties, networking, and digital media income. In addition to the fundamentals of songwriting and business the reader will learn how to build a songwriting career, song placement techniques, building an online community, releasing music independently, the business of digital music, building a fanbase, and strategic planning. The book includes interviews from iconic songwriters and producers such as Peter Asher, Lamont Dozier, and Narada Michael Walden, among others; plus, independent recording artists, including multiple Grammy Award winner Fantastic Negrito and Meklit Hadero. Possessing knowledge in both artistic and business aspects of songwriting is essential for a successful career in the music industry. The information in this book applies to every genre of popular music and is written in a manner that encourages, motivates, and unlocks idiosyncrasies for music professionals as well as music enthusiasts.