How To Become A Songwriter and Make A Career

Music is more accessible than ever before. With streaming services and video platforms available on our favorite devices, we can listen to tunes anytime and anywhere.

The revenue for global streaming services has hit 19.3 billion USD per year. And the recorded music industry is worth around 28.8 billion US dollars annually. 

If you want to work as a songwriter, tapping into this market can make your dreams come true. It can be a competitive field, but if you are prepared to work hard and make the right connections, it’s possible to make it in the songwriting industry. 

In the following article, you’ll discover a step-by-step guide to becoming a songwriter. We’ll explain how you can master your craft and how to share your songs. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to make money.

What is a songwriter?

There are two types of songwriters. You can be a singer-songwriter and write songs for yourself. Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran‌, and John Lennon are a few singers who write what they sing. 

Alternatively, you can create songs for other musicians. For example, Bernie Taupin has helped Elton John create magical lyrics for over fifty years. Frank Sinatra had songwriters who helped him write songs that are still considered classics today. 

You don't need specific qualifications to be a songwriter, but studying in the Arts or Music field will help you understand the fundamentals. Most people in this industry have a background in music and usually play an instrument such as the piano or guitar. It'll be advantageous if you have an ear for a catchy melody and experience writing stories or poetry.

To get started, you'll need to put your ideas on paper. Some songwriters keep a journal with them in case inspiration strikes. Songwriters usually live and breathe music, and writing is a big part of their lifestyle.

How much money does a songwriter make per song?

The amount you can make per song varies. Fiverr is home to songwriters, and the cost per job ranges from as little as $5 to $300 or more. 

In the US, the average annual wage for a songwriter is $73,343. But, this can scale from $2,636 to $28,655 per month.

Then, if we look at industry averages, the salary of a music director or composer is around $62,590 per year or $30.09 per hour. And, for a musician in the US, the average is $39.14 per hour.

There are multiple ways to make money as a songwriter. For example, you can list your songwriting services on Fiverr or earn advertising on YouTube. You can also make money from placements in movies, television shows, podcasts, voiceovers, and promotions. 

Plus, there are structured royalties and licensing fees available. These include:

Mechanical royalties

When a song is sold, downloaded ‌ or streamed legally, the songwriters can receive a mechanical royalty. The standard rate is set by a panel of judges on the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). Currently, the rate is 12.4 cents for songs that are less than five minutes. Longer songs receive a rate of 2.39 cents per minute.

Performance royalties

If your music is played publicly, it can come with performance royalties. This applies to everything from radio broadcasts to live shows, plus streaming services like Spotify.

Songwriters don’t have to collect the money themselves. Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI manage performance royalties and pay songwriters their fair share.

Label advance fees

Sometimes, your royalties will be paid ahead of time. When a publisher pays the songwriter up front, it’s called an advance fee. If you receive this payment, royalties won’t kick in until the advance fee has been repaid.

Sync licensing

Music isn’t just for your ears — it can be visual, too. So, when a song is used in a movie, TV show, advertisement‌, or YouTube video, the songwriter can get a one-time payment.

This sync license fee is negotiable and can include royalties. Multiple people may be involved in the music production process, including co-writers and artists, so this fee may be split.

Essential skills for songwriters

You don't need a master's degree in music to be successful, but you should know that a great song is more than words and notes on a page.

Even if you have a natural flair for writing music, you’ll still need these essential songwriting skills:

• Musical knowledge: You should understand different styles of music, instruments‌, and sounds. It’s about having a general love for music, with knowledge gained from studying other musicians.

• Lyric writing: Successful songwriters know how to create verses and choruses that fit with the song's rhythm. Lyrics and sentence structure need to make sense, with repetition in all the right places.

• Song structure: You'll think about the structure of songs and how things like tempo and chord progression can affect the entire sound. If you can read music, it’ll be an advantage.

• Basic music theory: When you understand music theory, you can structure your tunes correctly. For example, your verse and chorus should complement one another. You'll learn harmony, rhythm, melody, and how they all work together.

• Emotional expression: Technical skills are important, but music comes from the heart. By learning to put your experiences into your songs, you can take your music to the next level.

What do those in the industry think? Lucas Valeti is a singer and songwriter from Toronto, Canada. The artist has worked with more than 2,000 people on Fiverr. 

We asked Lucas how to become a great songwriter, and he said:

“There are plenty of foundational requirements to get started as a songwriter, such as musical talent, the ear for the right melodies, lyrics‌, and emotions. 

All of these skills need to be in place at some level. However, the most important, in my experience with all types of clients, ranging from major labels to beginners, is the skill of turning a story into pure emotion in the shape of music.

To some extent, you need to possess the ability to act and put yourself in your client's shoes, whether it’s a song about heartbreak, a deeply personal story that you need to transform into song form, or a song about a major accomplishment or a happy patch in one’s life.

Regardless of how you feel, you have to find a way to convey the required message. This is also the primary reason why AI will never be able to replace true art. AI will never have the soul,  emotions, and experiences we go through in life. 

Everything you endure in every phase of your life is important, as it can be used when you write a song. A songwriter's number one skill is taking a story and turning it into a beautiful art piece that speaks to people on every level.”

How to become a professional songwriter​

Writing songs for fun is one thing. You may even share your lyrics with your friends and family to sing around the campfire. But how do you take it to the next level?

Becoming a professional songwriter takes time and practice. You'll need to master your craft before giving up your day job.

Here is what you need to make it in this industry:

1. Get the basic tools and equipment

To write songs, you’ll need a quiet workspace with a comfortable chair and a few key accessories:

• A computer

• Songwriting software

• A digital audio workstation (DAW)

• An audio interface with headphones

• A microphone with a stand

• Musical instruments

• Metronome

• Dictionary, thesaurus, rhyming dictionary

Even if you don’t have a dedicated home studio to work in, you can still create a cozy corner. It should be a place that inspires you, so don’t be afraid to surround yourself with musical elements.

2. Create a songwriting practice

Like an author brainstorms, writes, and edits their work, successful songwriters continue to create until they're happy with the final result.

Most famous songwriters can put together a new song within a few hours. But if it does take you longer to get it right, you shouldn't feel discouraged. Over time, you'll get quicker and become a more efficient songwriter.

Try to write regularly and finish every song you start. Even if it's not your best work, you'll get valuable experience every time you wrap up your lyrics.

You can experiment with different styles until you find what works for you. For example, is your genre of choice pop, rock, indie, or rap? Do your lyrics rhyme? Are your words fun, or do they have a deeper meaning?

3. Understand the business

The music industry is unique, and it’s important to understand your legal rights and obligations. Here are a few areas to focus on:

• Copyright: As a creator, your work is automatically protected by copyright laws. However, you can sell or give away your ownership rights. If you are in the US, visit the Copyright Office to access valuable resources.  

• Publishing rights: Songwriters can license others to publish and distribute their music. This can be a short-term or indefinite agreement.

• Royalties: When music is sold or played, songwriters receive a fee. There are both mechanical and performance royalties, and these are a percentage of every sale made from your collaboration. 

• Contracts: A music publisher is an agent and may ask you to sign a contract. There will be conditions to any deal, such as who owns the rights and for how long. 

Before signing a contract or selling your rights, we recommend you seek legal advice. You can find legal consulting services on Fiverr to help advise you.

4. Build your online presence 

Target a worldwide audience online and easily get your name out by listing your services on Fiverr.

Spread the word through social media, using various platforms to interact with followers, promote events, and share your music.

For example, singer-songwriter Conrad Sewell maintains an active presence on Instagram and Facebook, using these platforms to connect with fans and promote his tours and appearances. With over 90,000 followers on Instagram alone, his engagement strategy effectively builds his audience and keeps them informed.

Instagram

When collaborating with other artists, tagging them in your posts shows appreciation and expands your reach by engaging their audience, too. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are invaluable for building connections and amplifying your visibility—making them well worth your time investment.

If you need help distributing your content, you can find social media management services on Fiverr to post on your behalf.

5. Create a demo

How can you get your hard work into the right hands? Consider creating a demo—a sample recording that showcases your music and gives listeners a preview of your style and talent. In the past, people used cassette tapes or CDs to record demos of their songs. These days, demos are typically created in a digital audio format.

As a singer-songwriter, you can create a demo without much help. You can record a sample of your music in a quiet room. While some songwriters visit a recording studio, you can easily do it at home if you’re on a budget.

And, if you're confident, you can mix the tracks and experiment with different background beats.

Those who don't want to sing will need to call in some assistance from other musicians. 

Fortunately, you can find a singer to help you on Fiverr. A vocalist like Marion S can sing in multiple languages and turn your words into a hit song. Each demo recording should have between three and four tracks. You want to show the recipient your style and what you can do without revealing your whole catalog. 

Who do you share your demo with? You can send your demo to other musicians, record labels, and music producers.

6. Find your first clients

If you aim to make it as a successful songwriter, skills and talent are your foundation—but in this industry, it’s often about who you know. Building strong connections can be the key to opening doors and launching your career.

To get noticed, you'll need to pitch to the right people. Pharrell is an excellent example of a successful songwriter who has pitched his heart out and had it pay off in a big way. He's collaborated with many artists, including Gwen Stefani and Justin Timberlake. He also sings some of his own lyrics, which has given him credibility as an artist.

If you aren't already known in the music industry, it can take time to build relationships. However, you can discover new clients on Fiverr and grow your network. Simply create a profile, list your services, and promote your page. 

7. Consider a co-writer

If you want to create music, you don't have to go it alone. Co-writing songs can be a good way to start your professional songwriting journey. A co-writer who has more experience and industry contacts can support you and give you music and audio advice while you build your confidence.

If you’re looking to collaborate with another songwriter, choose someone who shares your vision. Find a partner with similar goals and a compatible musical style. Do your creative processes align? What unique perspectives or skills can you learn from them? A great collaboration starts with being on the same wavelength.

8. Record a song

Recording and releasing a single is the obvious next step if you've got your demos ready but haven't elicited any feedback. You don't need a record deal to start sharing your music because a third-party distributor is an option for independent artists.

Some streaming services welcome singles from up-and-coming musicians, giving you a chance to share your work with the world. While CDs are fading into history, artwork is still a must-have for your release—it’s your virtual album cover, and it’s the first thing listeners see. Not a designer? No problem. You can find graphic design services on Fiverr.

YouTube is still a good platform for those hoping to launch a music career. Don't forget Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube and offered a publishing deal. If you want to share your songs via video, you'll need a camera and clear audio. Check your background and edit your videos if you need to.

9. Schedule live gigs

Another way to get your music out there is with live gigs. If you have a band or are a solo singer-songwriter, check if local clubs or pubs will schedule a show. 

Once you have grown your brand, you can start playing in bigger venues. Local tours can turn into national tours, and if you do well, you may even end up performing overseas.

If you're a songwriter and don't want to be center stage, you can find someone to sing your songs publicly.

You can charge for tickets, and some establishments will even give you a percentage of the night's takings. Over time, you can increase your prices and move to bigger venues. And, when you play live, you can sell merchandise. T-shirts, wristbands, and posters are just a few options, and a Fiverr creator can design merchandise for you. 

Sell your songwriting services on Fiverr

The music business is competitive. But with the right skill set, a passion for music, and the ability to write in different genres, you can be successful.

Start your songwriting career on Fiverr and share your songs with others. Your customers may be industry professionals looking for a lyricist or someone who wants a personalized tune for a special occasion.

While you are there, consider hiring other professionals from Fiverr Music to enhance your business. There are various creative services to choose from, including composers to add an arrangement to your song or experts who can create an audio logo or DJ drop.

Visit Fiverr to create a free account today.